It has truly been spring weather. I believe everyone in the neighborhood is out raking, cleaning flower beds, and in short, enjoying the wonderful sunshine.

Mary Carney and Warren Cunningham enjoyed last weekend in Chicago, Illinois, with Mary's grandchildren, Katelyn and Brett, and other members of Mary's family, some from Remus and others from Indianapolis, Indiana. They boarded the train in Grand Rapids and arrived at Union Station in Chicago. The train trip in itself was a part of the adventure. No time was wasted, as they toured the Museum of Science and Industry, taking in exhibits such as the German U-Boat and walking through a model of the human heart. Katelyn especially liked the American Doll store and Brett's favorite was Virgin Records. They enjoyed deep-dish pizza at Giadono's and a trip to Ghirardelli's Chocolate Shoppe and the Hershey's Shop right across the street. The moms are caramel corn lovers and waited in line for more than an hour to buy some of the best Chicago has to offer. A trip to Chicago is not complete without a visit to the Sears Tower. It was a great view until the fog rolled in. Need I say more? A good time was had by all.

It's down to business as Mary gets the First Edition Bookstore ready to open Monday, May 1.

Ann Wright of Greenville was the guest of Jim and Ann Dyer of Cut River Road over the Easter weekend.

Bill Movalson of Gladstone stopped by Monday morning on his way to Columbus, Ohio. I reminded him that area was my old stomping grounds before I moved to Brevort. That was a long time ago. Dave and I will be going down that way the end of May to celebrate my 50th class reunion.

The Gustafson family gathered at Mildred Gustafson's home for Easter dinner Sunday. Those present were Ernie and Paula Gustafson of Escanaba, Ryan Gustafson of Lansing, Sharon and Ken Smith and Pega and John Kennedy of the village, and Charlie and Gayle Lamoreaux of Pte. Aux Chenes.

Sharon Smith and Pega Kennedy took part in the Easter vigil at Zion Lutheran Church Saturday, April 15.

Beatrice Zak continues to improve after surgery. She will have a six-week recuperation period ahead of her. Good wishes to you, Beatrice.

There will be a Lutheran Women's cluster meeting at Zion Lutheran Church in St. Ignace Saturday, April 22, at 9 a.m. Sharon Smith, Pega Kennedy, and Dot Glashaw will give a report on the trip to New Orleans to help with the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Folks around our table Easter Sunday were Jake, Mary, and Jake Jr. Weiss of Gorman Road, Rick and Gloria Weber of Brevort Lake, Pat Smith and Tracy Movalson and Chippie of Neenah, Wisconsin, Bob Flora of Wildwood Lane, and Dave, Dave Jr., and myself. It was a great family get-together. Chippie is a new member of our family. He's a miniature dachshund about nine weeks old and he was the star attraction the whole weekend. Sharie Baron grabbed him at the sunrise service and only gave him back to Pat because he was getting twitchy in her arms. In the front yard Sunday afternoon, there was a chipmunk scurrying about picking up sunflower seeds the birds had dropped. Chippie glanced over at him but wasn't a bit interested. He would rather chase dead leaves blowing about in the wind.

Susie and Russ Nesberg are adding videos to their stock at the store they're refurbishing at the White Tail Resort. Susie says they will have a few new releases as well as old favorites. They plan on handling books via the First Edition Bookstore, courtesy of Mary Carney.

Priscilla Revord joined Gary Revord and Jamica Diamond for Easter dinner.

Jackie and Denny Rippett met friends for dinner Saturday, April 15.

Jim and Jeri Rose are back home after a rush trip to Saginaw, as Jim's dad was in the hospital. It was determined he developed a blood infection and was on a ventilator. Mr. Rose recovered nicely and is now home.

Lee Foster is looking after the dog and cat while Jack and Thora Shepard are vacationing. Lee is doing the raking and general cleaning up of the yard, which actually is acres of yard.

I've called the neighbors and some of their phones are being

checked for trouble. This happens quite often. I know Sharon and Joe Chalmers are home and are well.

Happy birthday to John Kennedy and Debbie Garcia April 14, Sharon Chalmers April 17, and Linda Kitzman April 23.

The rhubarb is looking good and the yellow daffodils are nodding in the wind. It's a good thing.

Easter Sunday morning dawned bright and clear on the beach in Brevort. About 40 worshippers gathered around the bonfire prepared by Dave Movalson and Pat Smith. At 6:30 a.m. the moon was still visible as the eastern sky turned pink. The wind was light and the temperature a bit chilly, but we were all dressed for it. Pastor Tari Stage-Harvey jumped over the small creek that runs nearby, climbed on a rock and proceeded to sprinkle us all with creek water on a cedar branch, reaffirming our baptisms. We proceeded up Shore Road to Church Road, some on foot, others by car, to Trinity, where the men of the church had been preparing the long anticipated Easter breakfast. The preparation of the meal was led by John Kennedy, with the able help of the rest of the Trinity men. It was a wonderful meal of sausage, pancakes, sweet rolls, muffins, egg casseroles, juice, and coffee. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and reflection. Many of us lingered over coffee and conversation. We had guests from Rexton, St. Ignace, Greenville, and Wisconsin, and maybe places that I didn't catch. The men always do a good job and we women appreciate it, as do the other guests.

As always on Sunday mornings at Trinity Lutheran Church, Pastor Tari has a meaningful message. This Sunday was no exception.