Good Friday. Our day (at home) has included watching an Easter-themed show on the internet and sweeping off the back deck. I hauled our outdoor table, chairs and umbrella from the garage and we've taken turns sitting out in the loveliness. The sun shines and most of the remaining snow in the backyard is gone. Only places that rarely get sunlight (like one side of the back alley) still retain a fair amount of snow.

The day, let me add, reminded me of what I found so entrancing about Alberta when we first moved here. The powder blue sky is clear, clean, bright and luminous. Just a few wispy clouds float around.

As I sat there reading, meditating, etc., I realized how much I had missed the outdoors and pleasant temperatures. After an hour or so, I just felt good. Last night I'd been hatching a plan for a day trip, thinking that was the best way to take advantage of the weather. But after that hour I knew I'd not missed a thing. The most blessed elements of a day like today--sun, air, birds, and budding trees--are as close as our tiny back yard. How thankful I am we have one here.