This Is It

It is Spring here in the Northeast Kingdom and I have decided, beyond a doubt, that this is my favorite time of the year.  I guess everyone knows why this is such an amazing, hopeful season; the quality of the early morning and late afternoon light, the freshness of the air, the fecund smell of the earth as it thaws and the way she's just bursting on the edge of something; pushing with all her might to turn everything green.  Everything comes to life and it makes ME feel so alive.  I'm full of energy, in love with everyone and everything around me and in love with my self.   Somehow, everyone's intentions seem good, music sounds even better, food tastes even more delicious, and when I'm running and Stevie Wonder's "As" comes on my ipod I feel something akin to religious rapture.  Even my children's heads have the most amazing scent; a mix of fresh air, clean sweat and the pure essence of Harper and Patrick.

Neil's Response

For a couple of weeks Zoe had been saying she had a present for me and Harper (who was in on it) had been tee-heeing about it. If I had to have guessed what the present was I don't think I would have ever imagined that Ken would have flown 3000 miles to surprise me for my birthday. The sheer logistics of making this work would have stressed me out or having to have flown would have done me even worse.  That being the case I was incredibly appreciative of these two and what they did for me.I'm lucky to have two best friends like this. I always say I'm happy and at peace in my life and it's because of those I'm close to that it is so. Thanks for the present.

Neil Turns 40 And Gets a Surprise

For Neil's 40th birthday I surprised him by bringing his best friend, Ken, to spend a long weekend with us in Montreal. Ken lives in Seattle and they hadn't seen each other in 4-5 years. Neil was very surprised and pleased. The two friends went for lots of walks together having "man time" and I got to go out on a couple dates with two handsome fellas while Dad babysat. It was a great weekend. Now it's time to clean up and go home.

Here are a sampling of pics.

This is Ken on the sidewalk in front of the condo right before we went in and surprised Neil. The kids went to the airport with me and I was a nervous wreck. When we met Ken coming out of customs I told him I was nervous and that Neil didn't actually like surprises. He said, "But it's me" with so much confidence that I immediately relaxed and knew right then the surprise would be a success.

Here is Neil spotting his present as the present walked through the door. He was giggling and saying things like "what the fuck?" and "where did you come from?" for several minutes.Eventually, Neil got up and hugged his friend.
That first night (Thursday), the three of us went to a brew pub a short walk away. It was fun watching the guys smile so much.

Here's a freezer pick from our last night together, Neil's actual 40th. We had dinner at the Spanish Social Club and pie for dessert back at the apartment.

So keeping a secret from my husband for a couple months worked out in the end. I'm very proud that I thought of such a great birthday present for Neil. It was very special for him to spend his birthday with Ken and a delight to see the two of them so happy.

Clearvu Caledonia Serenade (Sara)

April 5, 1997-April 2, 2009