We drove back to Harmony in the pouring rain, to a 40-degree house that took some time to become habitable. Then I discovered that mice had been stockpiling sunflower seeds in my bed. Welcome home. Sigh.

But I removed the seeds, Tom cranked the woodstove, the boys shared their candy, and we sat on the couch under blankets and watched Airplane. So in fact we had a pleasant evening after all.

What we'll have for Easter dinner is anyone's guess. Unless the grocery store is magically open for the holiday, our vegetable side dish will be pickles and carrot sticks. For the first time in years, I did not make hot cross buns, and the boys received no Easter baskets. But outside the fog is lifting, and a glimmer of sun is limning the remnants of snow. It is even possible that a daffodil might bloom today.