New Life

I took these photos a few days ago when it was 60 degrees. Last night, we got 6 inches of lake effect snow, so no more primroses, but they were lovely while they lasted.

Here are my chives that will be a couple of feet high by June.

Some daffodils pushing through the mulch.

Mushrooms are a sure sign of spring.

We've had a rough few weeks. My father-in-law passed away a week ago, after close to 20 years battling Parkinson's. It has been a steady decline for him since he suffered a stroke almost two years ago. A few weeks ago, he was no longer able to swallow, so hospice was called. After a week, he passed away peacefully at home. He lived a full life of 88 years. He was the son of an Italian immigrant who had come to America with nothing. After serving in the Korean War, my FIL earned a college degree, married and went on to have five children, 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He was buried at this beautiful veteran's cemetery. Note: Pictures below from their website.

This statue greets you at the entrance.

There are two of these shelters where the ceremony takes place. The walkway has military personnel standing at attention as the family follows the loved one's remains down to the shelter. The ceremony included shots fired from a rifle, Taps played on a trumpet, and a unfolding and folding of a flag that was given to my mother-in-law. It was a touching tribute.

I can't imagine a more lovely spot as a final resting place.

During all of this, my husband had a planned surgery that he's been waiting to have for months. We went back and forth about going through with it, and in the end, he had it done. So, there was that on top of everything else.

Here's to spring and new life and peaceful days ahead.
I will be around to visit all of you next week.