April Faves

It's Friday and after today, my youngest daughter and I will be on SPRING BREAK until the day after Easter when we head back to school.  It is finally spring-like here too, in eastern NY.  I'm so thankful for that!!

Am linking up with Susanne and other friends to share 5 of our favorite happenings or things from the last week.  Why don't you consider joining in with us?  It is good to find the blessings in our everyday lives.

• SURPRISE!  When I arrived home late Saturday afternoon, I discovered that not only had my husband run an errand for me and refilled the bird feeder out back by the shed, but he had taken the deck umbrella out of the shed and put it in the table where it will stay now until November.  I was so happy that he did this for me!!  It was a nice surprise especially as I hadn't even thought to add it to the "honey, do" list :)  I love my husband and am so thankful he knows what is important to me. 

Indian Kill Nature Preserve
Capital Region, New York State
5 April

Indian Kill Dam before getting on the main trail

• HIKING!  On Saturday, my friend Cheryl (from Central NY) drove out to meet me at one of the local nature preserves about 25 minutes from my house.  I've driven past this trail many times in the last 23 years but had never hiked it. Cheryl and I had so much fun exploring this trail.  It was difficult due to a lot of icy snow left on the ground where the sun hasn't yet reached, and we had LOTS of mud to contend with. We even had to veer off the trail in spots as it was literally IN THE CREEK!  (the word "kill" is Dutch for creek and the Dutch were some of the first settlers in the Albany area so many of the streams and creeks are labeled "kill" here). Our destination was Third Falls and Second Falls (Third is actually the first falls you come to). We found Third Falls (see pics below) but couldn't cross the stream due to the rushing water and no bridge so we plan on doing this some summer Sunday afternoon when the water is lower as we would love to find Second Falls.  We aren't even sure if there IS a First Falls as the map didn't show one.  It was a fun day...and we had a mix of weather...grey skies, blue skies, clouds, sun, raindrops...and then sun...and then SLEET as soon as we got back to the cars.  But the mud, sliding on our butts down a ravine to get to the rest of the trail, and the wetness, was totally worth it.  The Falls was just gorgeous. I am so thankful I can hike and that my Achilles tendon is healed up!

a snowy, icy start to the trail

Some parts of the trail near the beginning needed steps
 as it was steep and/or rugged

Third Falls on the Indian Kill

• WORSHIP/COMMUNION:  On Sunday, our church had some excellent worship.  We usually do but for some reason, this past Sunday's was particularly good.  I just love worshipping at my church...there are typically about 500 people there at the 11 a.m. service and to hear the voices raised in praise and worship...everyone singing is just marvelous.  Sometimes I am overwhelmed with gratitude for this body of believers where everyone is so respectful and worshipful in the sanctuary.  And communion....what a blessed time of reflection and prayer as we prepare to celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior/Redeemer.  I am so thankful for my church!

 The Hyde House located at the Hyde Collection Art Museum
photo courtesy of the Glens Falls Region website

• PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT:  My younger sister Joy and I went to an Ansel Adams art exhibit of his early works (there were also a very disappointingly few pieces of his later works) at this museum.  I enjoyed learning more about this photographer/artist and learned that he almost became a concert pianist! I have always enjoyed Ansel Adams' work...especially his snow/winter photos. I was a bit disappointed in the early works though....there weren't many that I liked. I did enjoy his photos of Yosemite National Park, which is where he took most of his pictures. The museum received a small collection of his work so it didn't take long for us to view the art. I've toured the Hyde House several times in the past, so we decided to go get coffee at Cool Beans. I'm thankful for good art, good coffee and good conversation.

• SNAIL MAIL!  I was so surprised when I came home from work one day this week to discover I had "real" mail.  You know....the kind that is hand written by a far-away friend....I am friends on Facebook with a young mom from my small group who had to move to Florida after our first year doing the group.  She was a faithful member for the entire first year, and her oldest son is my youngest daughter's age.  She is very dear to my heart and we miss her and her family.  Well, she made me a card and included a very nice message along with a gift card to $tarbucks!!  I love getting surprises in the mail!  I'm thankful for friends and sisters-in-Christ who keep in touch.

Those were the highlights of the week that brought me joy......how about you?

Do you have something you can call a "fave"?

Enjoy the weekend and if you are heading into Spring Break, enjoy every minute!! I sure plan to!