Reflections on My 40 Years in Umbria

I had no doubt that my daffodils would open this morning. I have NEVER had a March 13 without my daffodils blooming in the garden. When Mar was here we had many more bulbs planted and I would bring in an arm load of flowers on her birthday. More recently, I have just one large pot planted and, to maintain the tradition, I bring them in the house ON her birthday.

Today is a gorgeous day - a picture-perfect spring day! Both of my children were born in the spring - Mar in March and Michael in April. Their birthday parties were always in the garden surrounded by buds, blooms and blossoms...and the wonderful music of birds.

Happy Birthday to Mar - in her office at Penn State

Michael - at Genius Loci

My two children - immense blessings!