A stack of celebrations...

The last few weeks have been filled with one delightful celebration after another.  It all started off with Rachel's birthday. We took the day off, climbed in her little car, and headed north, ending up in Ellsworth. There we visited a fabulous kitchen store, a very cute little art shop, and along the way to and from we stopped at every antique store that tickled our fancy. I brought a pile of cash and any time something made my daughter's eyes light up, I bought it.  It was lots of fun. We had a delicious lunch out, and speaking strictly for myself had an entirely blissful day. 

Five days later my birthday arrived, and once again we closed shop. Because we can. And this time we drove merrily south, landing in Brunswick. We visited a few favorite shops there, had a magnificent lunch, then poked around the enormous antique mall there.  To refresh ourselves we had cups of gelato, then headed home.  Rachel had baked me a wonderful Boston Cream Pie, from scratch. I took pictures, but they did not show it off satisfactorily, so you will have to trust that it was beautiful from the dense yellow cake to the creamy custard, all topped in glossy ganache. Yum. Chris came home from work and whisked the two of us out to a favorite spot for supper. 

Two days later he and I packed up and drove to North Conway, NH to celebrate our 37th wedding anniversary, (just a few days late.)  We both enjoy old, "funky" hotels, and he arranged for a lovely room at Stonehurst Manor. Our room had a sweet little balcony, antique furniture, and a jacuzzi tub, too. This is the view from the grounds. 

We took a trip on the Conway Scenic Railway. 

I know exactly two people in North Conway, and we had planned to visit with them on Sunday. While we were on the train, my friend called and, laughingly asked, "Are you having fun on the train?" Indeed I was, but how did she know? As it turns out, she and her husband were in their car, stopped and waiting for it to pass. Since it was Easter weekend, the train had some special attractions for children, and they dubbed it "the Easter Egg Express."  As we went past my friend said, "Oh look, it's the Easter Egg Express. And DARYL!" We had a good giggle at the timing. 

We passed over lovely rivers and saw more than one parent with a small child waving as the train chugged by. 

We also took a pleasant hike to Diana's Baths. A beautiful waterfall, musically splashing over piles of granite. 

The river along the way was pretty, too, with remnants of ice and snow still clinging tenaciously here and there. 

Several good meals under our belts, and some lovely restful time, we then had a fun visit at our friend's bright new home before heading back. 

My mother used to quip, "It's good to go away, but good to get home again." And it was. 

Happy days of celebration behind us, today Chris drove me to the eye specialist in Portland. I've had four eye surgeries to reduce pressure caused by glaucoma since last spring. They have helped, but not enough to reduce the pressure to the extent it could prevent vision loss. The last effort was in early March and today we were to find out if it was successful. I nearly broke out in a dance when I got the report that my pressure was well in the normal range. The specialist said, "I'm here if you need me, but you don't have to make any follow-up appointments here." I was so glad I had baked brownies for the staff today! 

Stacks of things to celebrate, and we honored each and every one.