Akiko's Openhouse

We attended the Marshes' open house for Akiko and Felipe Martin. It was lovely, and it appears Akiko has found a fine young man. Congratulations!

Are we there yet?

From George Will's column today:

In "Democracy in America," Alexis de Tocqueville anticipated people being governed by "an immense, tutelary power" determined to take "sole charge of assuring their enjoyment and of watching over their fate." It would be a power "absolute, attentive to detail, regular, provident and gentle," aiming for our happiness but wanting "to be the only agent and the sole arbiter of that happiness." It would, Tocqueville said, provide people security, anticipate their needs, direct their industries and divide their inheritances. It would envelop society in "a network of petty regulations -- complicated, minute and uniform." But softly: "It does not break wills; it softens them, bends them, and directs them" until people resemble "a herd of timid and industrious animals, of which the government is the shepherd."

Mom's in the news!

Check it out!

Guess where I went today!

Got talked into taking a little hike -- spent most of the day. Got plenty of sun, but it was lovely. Been a while since I've been up there. Homesick anyone? (The pix look better blown up.)

Tristan's Day

We joined Christian, Shandra, Tristan and the Clawson family for the weekend. Saturday at Kailua Beach was beautiful! It's been a long time since we'd been there. We enjoyed seeing all the family again -- and meeting some new additions. The Clawsons were wonderful hosts -- good food, good company. Sunday morning at church, Christian gave Tristan his name and blessing. Tristan behaved well, and Christian gave a lovely blessing.

The Clawsons

The Hastings

Happy Saturday before Easter

I'll apologize in advance to any who don't appreciate my sense of humor. Big storm yesterday, with much new snow on the mountain. This has been the longest, coldest, wettest winter in recent memory. Shouldn't complain after the lengthy drought we've had but still will be glad for a few days of sunshine. There's a glimmer of hope this morning. We've 30+ coming for lunch after church tomorrow, so pray for good weather. We need the kids to be able to go outdoors.

In case you missed it ...