The cruellest month

APRIL is the cruellest month, breeding
Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing
Memory and desire, stirring
Dull roots with spring rain. T.S. Eliot, The Wasteland, 1922 April is the cruellest month because it can give you a beautiful, sun-warmed day and then the very next day offer a gray clad sky and a wind-chill that can rival the deepest of winter days. I think it is "cruel" because you are so ready for warmer weather, for bluer skies and lighter clothing, for open windows and outdoor walks. And you get tastes of these things. There are days so perfect in their Springness, that you think, "This is it. It's really here!" But then, a cold snap, a spring rain, a late snow. And it seems there may be one of those wonder days nestled into long stretches of rainy days, and not just rain, but downpour grade stuff. You've heard the poem . . . "April showers bring May flowers." It's true. Without all the rain, there would be less vibrant color, and less true appreciation when those endless sunny days begin to arrive. But those things make it no less cruel. Today, I was tired, and not feeling too well. This is the result of spending the entire day outside yesterday on one of those cruel April days. The boys are all sniffles and coughs too, as they generally are this time of year. Tomorrow is another day outdoors, and the forecast says sunny but cold. Today was uneventful, if living this wonderful life -- breathing, every moment a gift, each next moment holding every possibility, -- could be considered uneventful. Daniel tooled around school in his walker today, visiting classrooms. It is so funny to see him walking the halls, "talking" to the kids. Josiah drew a picture today of himself and Jesus. He was so happy about it, and showed it to everyone. Isaac made his own comic strip. It was really quite funny, and he is a great artist. He has been reading a book that we took out from the library on art. It's Thursday, so we had family dinner. We were joined by Doug and Denise, Christian and Edine. Good times. Good company. And great food. Grandpa, as always, put on a spread. And he made a gorgeous apple pie among other delectable desserts for the occasion. The man is the best chef/baker I know. Bless him a million times. Afterward, home and baths and sleep. And I will rest too, now. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. (Ps. 4:8)