I wrote a nice intro about my lovely day that WordPress just ate on me. I’m afraid you’re going to have to trust me on that front and proceed on to the three beautiful things:

1. John and Susan were able to join us for Easter dinner. It was my first major holiday away from my family, so it was nice that people we’ve come to consider extended family were willing to celebrate with us. (Plus, we had a very tasty supper.)

2. As I was dodging raindrops on my way home from knitting last night, I noticed a light embedded in the front garden of a house just up the street. Their cherry red tulips were closed tight against the chill night air, resulting in what looked just like a Chihuly sculpture.

3. Monday, I helped teach kids about eggs at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll. I was still working out my spiel about why robins’ eggs are blue when I stumbled helplessly for words in front of a six-year-old girl. She listened to me, glanced over, and gave me a gentle pat on my shoulder. Later, a small boy of around two, went to grab mom’s hand and instead found mine. He just held on for several minutes until dad (who was holding his other hand) went to leave and realized his son’s mistake. The boy’s hand slid away as quietly as it had arrived in mine.

What’s been beautiful in your world lately?

It’s been a long day here at the Burrow, so I’m glad Thursday is coming to a close. I have tomorrow off, so will be celebrating a long weekend by adding to my sock collection. (Think I can finish the pair by Sunday night?) But before we bid adieu to Maundy Thursday*, let’s contemplate three beautiful things from the week past:

1. The odor of mulch pervades the air throughout the city. This means that pretty flowers will follow.

2. Monday night I walked home from work, which means crossing through several parks. I’m delighted to report that the city’s fountains are back on! (And, while not meriting its own item, the office roof deck is open again.)

3. Girl Scouts sporting both uniform and volunteer vests pick up litter at the Cherry Blossom Festival. I was very grumpy until I spotted them. Thank you, Scouts!

What’s been beautiful in your world this week?

Rudi and I had a discussion about what “maundy” might mean last week. I couldn’t remember, but suspected it had something to do with the Last Supper. It does, in fact, refer to Jesus’ washing of the Apostles’ feet prior to the Last Supper — and later the washing of the feet of the poor. Most recently, it came to refer to the annual handing out of alms to the poor by British royalty.

Three beautiful things from the past week:

1. A buttery quarter of a baguette hot from the toaster and a large mug of hot tea.

2. Making macarons (over a two-week period) reminds Rudi and me of Paris cafes. Our inaugural try at making them includes pink meringue cookies and vanilla flavoring.

3. Rebecca’s surgery went with flying colors and she’s now resting at home. Her husband, Rick, has been great at keeping those of us far away updated with phone calls and daily emails.

Sorry for the blog silence. We’re having connectivity woes at home and I was sick yesterday.

As I play catch-up on some other posts, I give you three beautiful things from my week to think about:

1. UConn handily advances to the Sweet Sixteen with a trouncing of Florida. Berkeley is our next opponent, but I don’t envision as easy a win.

2. Qualcomm has bought out every billboard at Metro Center. Every time I enter or leave the station, I’m reminded of Grey Kitten. I think it’s nice of his employer to do that for me.

3. On Sunday, Rudi went off for his first long ride of the year, so after I hit the farmers’ market, I headed to Georgetown to spend the day by myself. The sky was blue and the sun was warming, so first I laid by the canal, then later moved down to the bank of the Potomac for a nap. Although by the time I rose to head home I needed a shawl, for a while I had bare toes.

The powers of collective thought are strong, so I’m hoping you’ll all do me a favor. Tomorrow morning, my friend Rebecca is having surgery. If you could keep her in your thoughts and send healing vibes and prayers toward Washington state, I’d be grateful.

I made it to work early and then got to leave on time, too. I have knit the top of a sock cuff for Sock Madness and finished the toe of my spring socks in time to wear them tomorrow.

Three beautiful things from the past week:

1. As I drive home from the Homespun Yarn Party on the beltway, I pass an old-fashioned fire truck heading home to Hyattsville. There is no cab, so the poor firefighter is out in the damp weather, his rain coat pulled up over his head to keep away the elements.

2. Elspeth, Erik, and Julia all share good news. One has secured a coveted summer position in Russia and several acceptance letters for grad school next fall. Another has a new job. And the third has seen one of those we-missed-in-the-night notes for which he is the intended target.

3. Rudi and I headed to Virginia tonight to catch an early evening showing of The Tale of Despereaux at Arlington Cinema ‘n’ Drafthouse on their $1 ticket night. The food was tasty. The movie was sweet. The theater clapped at the end of the show. And the kids watching with us were awesome. Five minutes into the movie, the narrator is still setting the scene. “Where’s Despereaux?” asks one voice. Others also chatter to the screen through the show. And our way back to the parking lot, we pass a mom and her two little girls. “He saved the princess!” “He was a nice mouse!” It was great to see a kids’ movie with its intended audience.

Three beautiful things from the past week:

1. Last night as I walked from a chocolate shop to the grocery store, I passed by two couples, still dressed in their business attire. The men strode ahead, but the women lagged a bit behind. Suddenly their arms went around each other’s shoulders and they began skipping. Their giggles and the clickety-clacking of their heels against the sidewalk carried over the night’s blustery wind.

2. Macy’s window displays have changed to spring outfits. One mannequin wears a flouncy, floral skirt over piles of crinolines. I want a crinoline and wonder where I could wear it to justify the purchase. (I think this revelation may surprise everyone who knows me in real life.)

3. Two unexceptional-looking people, probably close to my mother’s age, stand against the wall outside Metro Center. The man leans in close to zip up the woman’s coat a bit more and give her a gentle kiss.