The lilacs, that most fragrant of flowered bushes, are in full bloom. Paul’s Glory, a flowering plant given to use by niece, Jennie Zeitler, has come up on the north side of the house and is about 8 inches high. The seed pods on the big maple trees in the back yard are starting to move from a reddish-green color to tan. In another week, they will start helicoptering down. Several pair of Canadian geese frequent our nearby Butts Park, their little ducklings in tow. The City removed many diseased ash trees last winter, and brush along the bank has been removed, providing us and our neighbors with a stunning view of the blue waters.

We’ve been busy with the Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive, planning an early June trip to the Black Hills, and working the St. Patrick’s Queen of the Apostles Carnival. The Carnival was delayed due to COVID. Getting cover made for our next book, Country School Days: True Tales of a Wisconsin One-Room School.