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I had forgotten how beautiful it is here in Maine in the early spring. The leaves on the tree are a pale green, “a hopeful green” as Marlene said as we drove from the airport. Lilacs, white and purple, punctuate the road from Casco to our house and delicate lilies of the valley march along the shoulders. The ferns are just beginning to unfurl themselves. It’s so quiet on the lake, just the sound of the waves and the wind. And as a special gift, it’s warm and sunny.

I’m fine here, thank goodness. I’ve been really anxious about returning to the house but I knew as soon as I walked in it would be all right. Habit just takes over. I unpacked all my bags, cleaned the mouse droppings out of my drawers, rearranged the kitchen shelves, even did a load of laundry.

Everyone comes tomorrow but I am grateful to have this time when it’s just me and Bob and Jane. We’ll eat dinner together here tonight, watch the basketball game, maybe even play some poker. And we will all be thinking of Steve and how much we miss and love him.