March 25

I've decided the energy of 7-year-olds is an exponential function, directly related to the total number in the group. Eleven of them constitute an overabundance.

I'm grateful that places like the Fun Park exist, where all we have to do is strap skates to the bottoms of their feet and push them out onto the floor. Then we just sit back and let the Fun People feed them pizza and birthday cake and ice cream. No mess, no fuss, no problem!

March 24

There is nothing in this world as sweet as fresh Hawaiian pineapple. Especially one that is hand-carried to you, straight from where it was picked. I'm grateful I was the lucky recipient of this particular juicy Maui Gold.

If ever someone asks, "What would you like me to bring you back from Hawaii?" Always answer, "A pineapple, please!"

March 23

My wrist is healing nicely and getting stronger daily, especially now that I'm back at the gym and actually working it. My piano playing is nearly back to normal, I have my stretch back and can play the fast picky stuff without any problems. But I've been having problems with octaves, so much so that I can only stand about 20 minutes of practice before I have to stop.

Needless to say, 20 minutes of practice isn't working very well as I try to prepare the accompaniment to the Handel's Hallelujah Chorus for our Easter Sunday service. I was starting to sweat whether I'd be able to play it or not.

I'm grateful that I checked my older edition of the Messiah. The orchestral reduction in that edition was much more manageable. I love piano-friendly editors. Buh-bye superfluous octaves!

March 22

She sat across the table from me, lei of fading plumeria around her neck, recounting the sights, sounds and smells of her recent vacation to Maui.

I pretended my BLT sandwich was actually roasted pig from a luau. It almost worked.

I'm grateful tonight for her stories and her company.

March 21

"Happiness is a warm puppy."

I'm grateful for the Lilu cuddletime I get most evenings.

March 20

I am grateful to finally be back in my home sweet home tonight. If I were a puppy, I'd have my nose mashed against the window, my tail wagging mightily and my back legs doing the jig as the car made its way down the final block. Mondays are just so LONG these days.

March 19

"Ruth Evans is a winner and has shown a winning attitude by: showing initiative to arrange our chairs in the morning and help with various duties throughout the school day. She likes to share stories of happenings from home and always has happy thoughts to give others. We salute this effort and achievement. Congratulations!"

I am grateful for Ruth and proud that she is growing into such a responsible young lady. You are so special to us, sweetheart!