Happy Easter if Easter is a day you celebrate.

For me, I’m trying to concentrate today on the wonders of spring and the yearly renewal of the earth.

Here are some recent photos:

In late February, we have a snow storm, but fortunately, the power didn’t go out at my house.

In early April, I head to the capital grounds because I read in the newspaper that the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Not true.

Only a few of the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

However, the magnolia tree, in past days called the sine die tree meaning when the tree blooms the legislature should adjourn, is blooming.

An early azalea is beautiful. Mine are only thinking about blooming now.

The daffodils also look wonderful.

I like these unusual ones, too.

And the hyacinths smell so great.

A couple of weeks later, I try getting my annual cherry blossom photos, but it’s about 6 p.m. so that light isn’t that great.

Every year, I go to this spot to photograph the Legislative Building through the blossoms.

The flags at the capitol are at half-staff, probably for one of the mass shootings, but there have been so many recently, it’s difficult to know which one it’s for.

The daffodils look translucent in the fading light.

With Erin’s help, we get the patio cleaned up and some lettuce, kale, and spinach planted in the patio pots.

My granddaughter Cecilia and her cousin participate in Easter processions in Lorca, Spain.

My grandson Rafa, No. 14, plays one of his last volleyball games of the year for Elms College in Chicopee, Massachusetts.

My niece Debra has sent me a pot of bulbs that bloomed every month for a year, and fortunately, I was able to get the bulbs planted in the fall so they’d bloom again.

More bulbs from Debra

And yet more bulbs from Debra.

Along with marking the beginning of spring and rebirth on Easter Sunday, I’m remembering the friends I’ve lost recently:

June Hansen

Diane Robertson

Jim Knudson

Margaret Hellberg

In addition a man I admired died suddenly yesterday during a long illness, Bernard Bush. He was my daughter-in-law’s cousin.

My friends have enriched my life and I’m so glad to have known them.

Happy spring and happy Easter.