April

I am so happy that Spring is finally here!

March was a long month. Rainer got sick just after I was in California. That was the very end of February.

Then March started.

I had my own set of health problems that were not life threatening but they lasted all month and drained me of my energy. They are somewhat resolved and I am temporarily on blood pressure medication.

Mid-month, I reached my one-year anniversary in my new position at work as Director of Resident Services at the Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority. I have to say it has been one of the hardest but most rewarding experiences I have had. We were awarded all the HUD grants I applied for; I had people resign, quit and just walk-out (that was a really hard one) and I had people stay who supported me and our program and I couldn't be more grateful. I've hired great new staff and I survived the year with all their support. I love my staff. Here they are trying to get a bag out of a tree. I admit that I didn't think that it could be done, and it couldn't, but Deirdre said we should try, Chris was willing and Steve went out to provide support. I stood inside laughing, taking pictures and being grateful.

March brought an earlier Easter and Spring Break. Nathan went to Miami and got my camera wet so my pictures will come from my cell phone for awhile. (Including the one above. Not too bad really.) He was at home for a week after Miami and was really helpful while I was sick.

March ended with the Jayhawks getting into the final four.

And that brings April with good news for Rainer, a bit of warm weather

and one daffodil (in a yard that needs some attention!). And I won a drawing from Amy at Gift of Green. I'm very excited to get my book.

It has also brought a great visit with my cousin Nick from California. I hadn't seen him since I was 15. He, his mom and grandmother are spending a week in Wichita at my grandmother's. I drove down to see him and also saw two of my other cousins, Holly and Kelly. (As well as getting to hang out with my sister Audrey, due to have a baby yesterday!) I had so much fun. Nick, (who I call Nicky and he calls me Carrie Beth) may move back to Wichita. Maybe that will prompt me to take the 2 1/2 drive down more often. Our family has had its share of family drama so we don't get together all that often. Most of the drama belongs more to the parents than the cousins and our kids are all near grown, so maybe we will have more time to nurture those relationships. (I'll post some very amusing pictures as soon as I get them!)

And finally April brings VICTORY! We beat North Carolina, mostly Roy, very soundly. I am not one who was upset about him leaving KU. As a former Employment Specialist, I understood that sometimes you have to change jobs. But because it's the Tar Heels coached by Roy Williams, the victory was that much sweeter. Nathan just stopped by the house to trade his friend's Jeep in for my Toyota Yaris and they are off to San Antonio to see if KU can go all the way.

I hope there is much more April goodness to come.