Changed Plans

Today is Jake's 45th birthday. As often happened over the years, it falls on or near Easter. Next Friday, April 17th is Irene's 15th birthday. We had plans to celebrate everyone on Easter Sunday, in what we were calling Spring Fest. 

That's not happening. Because of social distancing, we will not be getting together. Jake will be celebrating his birthday alone at the Whidbey cabin. Since he is still working, being careful but still not isolated, we kept our six foot distance when we visited him Thursday evening to deliver his birthday pie. 

He told us about his current work project, surveying the upper Skykomish River. The company he works for contracts with King County, and his work usually involves bodies of water. He and his crew of two are mapping the river banks and the river bed, taking readings about every 1000 feet. They use poles to measure depth and take elevation readings using high tech surveying equipment. They work ten hour days, four days week. Jake said they work hard but the work is fun and the location is beautiful. He sent us some photos. 

They need to get the work done before the snow melts in the mountains and causes to rivers to rise. 

Jill really wanted to host a family Easter, but we decided we really shouldn't do that. We are making some compromises though. We are planning to go over to their place in the afternoon, where Tom will hide eggs and we will hang around outside for the egg hunt and some six foot visiting. Jill is cooking dinner for her kids and she will give us ours to take away. I am happy to at least get to share some time with them and do some Eastery things. 

Irene's birthday is still in the planning, but it will involve connecting via Zoom. That story is yet to be determined.

These are important family occasions, so we are doing our best to commemorate them in a responsible way. 

Happy Easter, everyone. May you all experience blessings of joy in some way.