Monday, March 29, 2021

​We are grateful for the bright spots of spending time outside together as a family. A few highlights include:
Walks:
We’ve taken countless walks in our Boalsburg neighborhood. We often stop to talk to neighbors relaxing on their porches or working in their yards - and always smile to those we pass - wishing them well with glad hearts.
Maeve has been writing letters to her friends and invites us to walk to the post office with her to mail the notes. There is always anticipation to get a letter in return, reminding me of the days that I used to write letters to my friends to stay connected before email, texting and Facebook.
We’ve ventured beyond our Boalsburg borders, as well - enjoying our favorite local places to explore, including Millbrook Marsh, Rhoneymeade, Mt. Nittany, Spring Creek Park, Oak Hall, Rothrock State Park, Colyer Lake, Greenwood Furnace and Black Moshannon. During our walks we appreciate the fresh air, the vibrancy of the native plants, the sound of birds and babbling brooks - and most of all - the feeling of gratitude for being outside together, enjoying the beauty of nature and God’s creation.
 Father/Son Time
Declan and Jim have taken to the links for a different kind of golf - using discs (frisbees) instead of balls and clubs. They play the local courses on a regular basis - including Harvest Fields, Circleville and Bernal Road Park. They’ve even played on the Penn State Erie campus and South Hills Park in Lebanon, PA. They’ve bonded with each other, invited friends and neighbors to join them in the fun - and even have made some new friends along the way.
 Visits with Nana
Jim’s mom, Norma, is a resident of Juniper Village—and luckily enough, has a room on the first floor at The Inn with a big picture window overlooking the back of the property. Juniper closed its doors to visitors in mid-March and since then we have been able to stop by regularly for window visits. We are thankful she is healthy and safe and will be SO HAPPY when we can finally hug her. Her positive attitude and faith have certainly been a major bright spot.
 
“Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy.”                                                Psalm 96:11-12
 
The Flanagan Family