Long overdue!

Our lack of posts is not due a lack of excitement or adventure in our lives...quite the contrary. April had us working hard, Z started back at the farm while still moonlighting with her security job, and I was overwhelmed with my semi-annual review and lab meeting as well as finalizing my American Cancer Society postdoctoral fellowship award. April also had us traveling south to absorb the comfort of family and a spring bloom in Virginia. We got to coo and giggle with Z's baby nephew, sing happy birthday to Z's dad, grill out underneath a fragrant apple tree, drink good wine, hike on the Appalachian trail, visit with friends, see a vocal and string concert at her family's Episcopal Church, attend a baby shower and new job party for Z's nephew and sister that was hosted by the 'church ladies' (good family friends), and on and on. The drive from Beantown was long, but exquisite, as spring unfolded before us like a page turning every state line that we crossed (and we crossed seven of them: CT, NJ, NY, PA, MD, WV, and VA!), the grass got longer and longer, the red bud appeared and then got brighter and brighter, and leaves that started invisible in MA were completely unfolded by the time we reached VA. We couldn't have planned a more beautiful weekend to visit and recharge with family and friends!