We have a lot of meetings this week, and they are crucial, as the result will be a new manager. Both Brad Ryan, the current facilities director and interim manager, and Debra Schnabel, a former assembly member and current Chamber of Commerce head are the finalists. The good news is either way, they are both local, and both very much care about our town.  This morning from 9-12 at the library the staff will be asking the candidates questions, and this evening from 5:30-8:30 at the library as well, the community can hear what each have to say and ask questions.

“To be hopeful in bad times is not to be foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is not just a history of cruelty. It is also one of compassion, sacrifice, courage, and kindness. And if we do act, in whatever small way, we don’t have to wait for some grand utopian future. If we live now as we think humans should live, in defiance of what is around us, this in itself is a marvelous victory.”- Howard Zinn 

Look what came in the mail today. Two heart rocks in a cool box, with a delightful poem from my old friend Marie. How perfect is this?!

Look at this beautiful 

heart shaped rock

I found it this morning 

on my morning walk.

I've been looking for one

since I read your first book

I thought it wouldn't hurt 

to take a look.

I just love this place.

We had such a nice Easter, full of friends, family and good news -- my daughter JJ is the new principal of the Unalaska Dutch Harbor elementary school-- and our surfing son is heading home from Australia to fish this summer-- the four local grandchildren tumbled about in Easter dresses in church on Sunday, and our little Episcopal mission church was even crowded and I'm still singing alleluias.  

"Hail thee festival day! Blest day that art hallowed forever... " - Easter Hymn Salve festa dies

It is a very good Friday, actually. The sun is shining, the swans are gliding in the river (20!), and the goats are low on the ridge.

An April Afternoon 

 Mix a bowl of blue sky, lightly spun clouds, and a flowing tide with a happy dog's tail. Walk and Stir. Sift  twice.  Breathe, listen and look. Before you serve up gratitude, say a little Grace. Nothing fancy. Thank you is plenty.

"When peace like a river attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

'It is well, it is well, with my soul.' "   --  A nice old Hymn that we sang today at the Blessing of the Fleet.

(Note that the previous title wrongly declared this to be the First Friday of August. The error was due to an auto-correct  feature that isn't as smart as it ought to be. It is definitely only April. You haven't missed summer. Phew.)

First, I’m on the mend, thanks to antibiotics. I tried all my home remedies and finally admitted defeat, and I’m glad I did. I feel much better but still have a nasty cough. It’s been going around though. One friend has had it for a month, another two weeks, and both say (just like I do) “And I never get sick!” One theory is that Haines vacationers brought it back from Hawaii with them.