Something Silly

Sometimes, we just need to laugh... at ourselves, at our culture, at some of the silly things that have somehow become "normal."  Here in New Hampshire, it's normal to have large, state-run liquor outlet stores interspersed along the highway.  It's normal to not legally have to wear a seat belt, and to not pay state sales tax.  In the "Live Free or Die" state, we've noticed that speeding is common; laws regulating behavior that are common in other states we have lived are not present here.  Some of this lack of regulation is nice; refreshing, even... and some of it still feels strange.  Here are two You Tube links that we've been laughing along with, lately:

and

So, if you needed a break from a bit of the cold spring weather we've been having lately, we hope this will give you a laugh - and, maybe, teach you something about this new state we have become a part of! 

Lenten Blessings,

The Daysa's

It's Beginning to Look More Like... SPRING!

Jen and I, standing in the bell tower

This week in New Hampshire - and today in particular - warmer weather has been blessing us with mild temps in the 50's, and lots of sunshine.  While Jen doesn't want to acknowledge that it's getting warmer out (until after the church ski retreat she is leading this weekend!), we have both noticed the receding piles of snow around our apartment building.  As excited as I was for a blizzard the day after Christmas, I must admit that I am thrilled by the prospect of our first New Hampshire spring.  In honor of St. Patrick's Day, today is the perfect day to celebrate the freshly-visible green outside!

Enjoying the sunshine at Rye Beach in NH

March has already brought us one house-guest: a good friend from Seminary who drove up for 5 days over part of her Reading Week break from classes.  It was a great excuse to do a little more exploring of the area; we went up in the church's bell tower (the tallest point in Exeter - see photo!) for a great view, and headed into Portsmouth for "Happy Hour" at a great restaurant called the Gas Light Co.  We also visited Rye Beach together (see photo!).  We're also looking forward to another seminary friend and her girlfriend coming up to stay with us next weekend.  It seems that as the weather thaws, people are already beginning to get out and about - we've even met one of our new neighbors!

One Saturday earlier this month, we had a family from church over for a make-your-own-pizza night; it's one of those things we've been wanting to do for awhile, and saying we would do, and finally decided that it needed to happen.  They were the first family to have us over for dinner when we first arrived in New Hampshire, and we were eager to have them over, too.  Jen and I both had a great time preparing pizza dough and toppings ahead of time, and enjoyed great conversation over dinner and baking cookies with some of our fellow New Hampshire-ites.

Jonah seems to be enjoying spring, too; he loves going for longer walks, and then leaving muddy paw prints all over our foyer and kitchen!  We took him to the shore for the first time last weekend, and had a ton of fun.  It was beautiful out, and mild enough to enjoy the salty breeze coming off of the water.

As we continue on the Lenten journey toward Easter, may each new discovery of spring and new life remind us of the promise of the Resurrection.

Sending you sunshine and warm thoughts,
The Daysa's