Sings of spring and hope

As we begin a second year of life in a pandemic, there is at least some hope that the ongoing rollout of vaccines will reduce the risk before too long. Hugh and Dolores have received a two-shot course of vaccination through their Oak Crest Senior Living Community, and grandson Chris received his first shot through his employment with the Cecil County, Md., school system. Others of us are still waiting for availability.

Meanwhile, Spring approaches! These crocuses, on a church lawn, were the first to be spotted this year by Dan and Julie during one of their walks around their New Jersey neighborhood. "Our own little patch of crocuses was buried under a big pile of shoveled-up snow and hasn't emerged yet," says Dan. "We're looking forward to seeing them and all the other flowers that fill our neighborhood every Spring. Even more, we're looking forward to being able to travel and visit family again when it is finally safe to do so."