March 31, was still winter. The sidewalks were very icy and we received two-inches of snow during the night.

My sister, Pat Sykala, picked up her daughter, Sondra Weingand, in Voorheesville and then me and we drove to Starkville to visit our sister-in-law, Linda Richardson.

We are really concerned about our nephew, Mike Richardson, who is going through a series of medical treatments.

We also visited our niece, Teri Barton, and her husband, Mark, and saw the beautiful remodeling job they did on their living room.

On Tuesday, I waited from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a delivery from Home Depot for my granddaughter, Danielle Ricketts. I expected them to call her with a time and they never did. At 1 p.m. I went and checked and they had delivered the flooring and left it in the driveway.

Then I went and picked up the new sunglasses I’d ordered. The optician convinced me that it’s very important to protect my eyes against a disease from the sun. Prescription sunglasses are very expensive but I do value my eyesight.

Wednesday was a gorgeous day. The temperature rose to 47 degrees. I went to Dr. Kolanchick for a check-up and I’m in good health.

Later, I went with miy grandson, Brandon Clark, on his dinner visit with his children, Samson and Nichole. We went to the Cobleskill Library and they did homework. Samson is in sixth grade and the math is different.

The math language is entirely changed from when my children went to school. The visit goes by fast; we went to the Red Apple Buffet and then back to their mother’s house. 

Then came Thursday, April 3, and it was my Zoey day. Danielle brought her walker in for me and Zoey likes that because she’s learning to walk. She can see better and try to open cupboards and drawers. She keeps me busy and I fall into bed at night.

Friday came, April 4, and I did my grocery shopping. I got a grill pan for Danielle with my Price Chopper points. I have very good cookware that my children bought for me from the Pleasant Valley gift shop.

Brandon picked up Samson and Nichole. Jenn Smith and Samson attended the hunter training class at the rod and game club on Flood Road. Roy Quick was their instructor.

On Saturday, April 5, my daughter, Marcia Pangburn, had breakfast with me and then we went to Dandy Tesch’s craft sale in New Salem. We have known Sandy for many years. She babysat Brandon, Kassi, Miles, Kyra, Samson, Nichole and now Zoey. She is a beautiful seamstress and makes delicious candy. I bought table decorations for Easter and Marcia bought a rabbit. 

Jenn and Samson spent the day finishing the hunter-training course and both passed with flying colors.

Sunday came with church and then a wonderful surprise from best friends, Barbara Bonneau, her daughter, Kim; and granddaughter, Tristan. Tristen is on a traveling soccer team and a sophomore at Guilderland High School.

My grandson, Miles Pangburn and his wife, Melissa, came to visit. Nichole was so proud of her brother, Samson, doing so well on the hunter-training course. Nichole had to show everyone Samson’s target from the class with two bullet holes in the bull’s eye. His grandmother, Marcia, was really impressed as he’s only 12.

The weekend ended with my having seen all of my family sometime along the way. Family is everything.

Lenten services

The community Lenten services continue here in the Hilltowns. This week’s service is Maundy Thursday, April 17, and will be at the Berne Reformed Church with Pastor Tim Van Heest preaching at 7 p.m. The topic is humility. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the service.

On April 18, Good Friday, the service will be at Thomson’s Lake Reformed Church with Pastor Wendy Cook preaching at 7 p.m. The topic will be to the end. There will not be refreshments served after the service.

Easter breakfast

The East Berne Volunteer Fire Company will hold their annual Easter breakfast on Saturday, April 12, from 8 a.m. to noon. The Easter Bunny will be in attendance. The cost is a donation.

The menu includes pancakes, eggs, real maple syrup, breakfast sausage, coffee, milk, and juice. Ther will also be an Easter egg hunt and face painting.