I'm back….not exactly the schedule I was anticipating, however, due to many requests for my Kombucha recipe; I was jarred back to my blog. Thank you Jo Ann and Joanne, for the gentle nudge!

So….without further adieu, here is the infamous, delicious, GG's Kombucha recipe (which actually was discovered accidentally in the Super Supplement Store via delightful conversation with a kind young man who shared HIS "The Recipe" with me!) And, yes…I do feel a bit like the Baldwin sisters on "The Waltons". I want to share with you that my very first introduction to Kombucha was from my dear God-Daughter, Amanda Soderman! She packed her babies (Cael, Aleah and scobys) and brought them to Apache Junction last Winter. Both her mother and I received babies and made our first attempt. We think maybe they were damaged in the travel…not sure…(wonder if Cael thought they were play dough??) Just remember, if you give this a try, don't give up if you your baby scobys succumb. They're touchy little imps, and sometimes the least bit of contamination or disturbance may cause their demise. 

First: a picture of this yummy brew all bottled and gathering a bit of bubbly on the counter:

And now for the recipe: 

GG's KOMBUCHA (via handsome young man at S.S.)

You will need: 1 glass gallon jar, preferably wide mouth

(no lid necessary)

coffee filter and rubber band

8 tea bags plain black tea (flavors and green don't work as well)

13-14 cups water

1 cup sugar (I use organic raw)

2 cups starter tea or vinegar 

(This is where my mystery man worked a miracle for me)

I use two bottles of (basic) Brew Dr. Kombucha brand kombucha for my starter

IMPORTANT: Do not use any metal other than heating your water/steeping tea. Once you have a baby (scoby), be careful that it never comes into contact with any kind of metal-jewelry, spoons, etc.

Wash and rinse jar and wash hands very well before handling any part of the kombucha.

Steps:

1. brew the tea (I do a pot at a time, pouring into my pyrex mixing bowl after it steeps)

2. After brewed, add sugar while hot and stir to dissolve

3. COOL and mix together with the starter (Brew Dr. Kombucha or scoby)

4. Pour into glass gallon container and cover with dish cloth or coffee filter with rubber band

5. Place on kitchen counter or somewhere out of sunlight and temperature around 70 degrees

6. Do not disturb for 2-4 weeks. 

You can sample a bit after 2 weeks-if you like it sweeter. The scoby eats the sugar during the fermenting process, thus leaving about 1% sugar content in the kombucha when finished brewing. When you are satisfied with the taste, (some of you may have to acquire a taste over time) it's time to bottle in sterile glass containers. If you want them to get a bit of sparkle to them, leave on counter for 2-6 days before refrigerating. If you want to add fruit juice or other flavoring, this is the time to do that-when bottling. That's it! Enjoy the Adventure!

A Cup a Day-Keeps the Doctor Away!

If you want more refined/professional/detailed directions-visit this website: 

http://www.culturesforhealth.com/make-kombucha

As time marches on so rapidly and leads me toward my 3 year anniversary date of being breast cancer free, I am humbled and filled with gratitude. It is also more apparent than ever to me, the importance of good nutrition and health to prevent invasion of infections and illness in our bodies. To attain this and increase longevity, I have come to realize the dire importance of care for our bodies, hearts, souls, minds. 

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength." Mark 12:30 

To achieve this, I continue to teach three Christ-Centered Yoga classes each week, and have set new walking/hiking goals: 2 miles/5 days/week and 6 miles/2 days/week. So far, so good! Thanks to my new friend, Sabrina Gonder. Sabrina has spearheaded the Spokane Longevity Community, a group of people interested in living a long, happy, and healthy life using 5 main principles learned from the 9 longevity hot spots: Nutrition, Movement, Purpose, Relaxation, and Connection. It's been a great way to meet people all working toward common goals. 

Fun Times since my last post:

My Kayaking partner-Daisy

Two of my favorite little people in the whole world!

Great day kayaking and beaching for a picnic with daughter, Jill, Jaxon and Tatum .

My other Kayaking buddy

Walking the Centennial Path along the Spokane River
(our goal is to walk the entire 37 mile trail-not all in one day, however!)

One crisp Fall evening walk around the lake behind our house.

Another picture while walking around the lake
One of my all-time best shots ever

Until next time, enjoy this beautiful Autumn weather; the golden leaves, the crisp morning air, the warm sunshine, and most importantly; those you love. Remember to hold them close and let them know how much you love them. We have today-this moment. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow may never be, we do have this moment. Cherish it. 

10 DAY MERRYTHON

Well…this is a record! Especially for this champion procrastinator-2nd post in one day! This will be less writing and more picture posting. (Sis, this will make your day!) I was privileged and blessed to be able to make three amazing trips this past week.

First Leg: Vancouver, BC via Susan and Arne Bergland's home in Puyallup, WA

I left Thursday, 8/21, after a meeting with our Faith Stretch Yoga Retreat Team, and drove to Puyallup, WA to spend the night with Susan Bergland. We had a wonderful, short visit, replaying her excitement of the day-running into a wasp nest while raking in her front yard, gathering 5 welting stings in her attempted escape running across the yard! I headed North for the Canadian border Friday morning, waited 30 minutes in line as I watched 6 cars pass through on either side of me. P.A.T.I.E.N.C.E.
I arrived in the beautiful city of Vancouver and after finding daughter, Jill and God-daughter, Amber, had a marvelous two days exploring the sites, cheering them on in the "SeaWheeze" 1/2 marathon, and photographing.

My sweet God-daughter, Amber. 

Yoga in the park = A.W.E.S.O.M.E.

L.O.V.E. these two!

My daughter, Jill, walking back to hotel after yoga in the park.

Drove home with Jill Sunday, got to bed around 10:30, couldn't sleep-last clock view was 2 a.m.-up at 4:30 to get to the airport.

Second Leg: Flew with Jack to Sacramento, CA, where we rented a car and drove to the coast for our annual Anniversary celebration (2 months early). We had a fantastic time combing the beach near Ft Bragg, and hiking the mountains to the waterfalls near Mendocino, CA.

amazing tide pools

Old Growth Redwood forest beauty

Great way to celebrate 38 years

One of the "Loves of My Life"

Stairway to Heaven (on Earth, that is!)

More tide pool spectacular beauty

The waterfall on top of the mountain-7 mile hike up and back!

After a "massage by the Sea", and a delicious meal we headed back to the Sacramento Valley to visit my sister, Amy, in Willows. I spent the night, and Jack drove to Davis for work and meetings the next day. After catching a ride with sis in the morning to Woodland, I drove to Arbuckle and surprised  the staff at AES were I taught for two years. It was so great to see Cundi, Veronica, and Steve! 

After driving back to Woodland and having a yummy lunch and good conversation with my sis, I drove to Davis to pick up Jack. Got to see a couple gals from his old office in Woodland-what a treat that was, Della and Kristi! Jumped on the plane and flew back to Spokane, arriving around 8:00 p.m.

Third Leg: Unpacked and repacked for a camping trip to Flathead with daughter Jill and her family. I headed out around 3 p.m., and arrived in time for Ryan to help set up my little tent and cot. B.L.I.S.S.

First view dropping over the mountains.

Our secret little "adventure island"

Youngest campers---L.O.V.E.

Good Morning, America!

We had a wonderful time sitting around the campfire, eating camp cooked breakfasts, and kayaking and swimming in crystal clear, pristine Flathead lake water.

We three 'girls' snuck away for a peaceful exploration--scoped out the property we want to buy! (hehe) 

That water is C.O.L.D. I was wading in, debating whether or not I wanted to jump in and join Jill and Ryan's sister, Angie. About two seconds after contemplating, I fell in! That was F.U.N!

The old saying: "There's no place like home", rang true to me Sunday afternoon, after stopping in Hot Springs for a 2 hour soak in the mineral waters. It felt heavenly to get everything unpacked from my car, and fall into the recliner. Daisy was happy, too. And now…..back to those piles-that waited patiently for my return! I'll have to ask Tatum and Jaxon why all those fairies and gnomes they always talk about, didn't stop by and clean for me.

Oh, that's right….they're living near the waterfall now!

F.A.I.T.H.    H.O.P.E.   C.H.A.R.I.T.Y.

PRAYER WARRIORS: Praying this week for the three little children of Shane and Amber McPherson in Glendive, MT. Their babies have spent this past few days fighting a rare illness, HUS, in three different hospitals; Bryce in Denver, CO, Brock, twin brother to Bryce, in Billings, MT, and Murphy in Glendive. God is Good….and is bringing healing to them, as Brock is home, and Bryce is out of ICU in Denver! Murphy is now in Billings, battling her way back to healthiness. Praise the Lord. Continued prayers are needed for the slow healing and complete recovery for these three little ones, and peace and rest for Shane and Amber. Their family and community is behind them all the way, and are hosting a Mcpherson Kids' Benefit (Live and Silent auction) Sunday, 9/14, from 12-4 at the Moose Lodge. For anyone so inclined; donations can be made by following this link: http://www.gofundme.com/dzu6nw

MAY-2014

I can't believe how quickly time zips by. I remember Grandma Rode 

Grandma Rode-lived to be 101

Mom-87-will be 88 10/3

talking about that, and then my Mother, and always thinking: "Are you kidding me?? It's taking FOREVER for Friday to get here!" And then day by day, minute by minute, time ticks away so quickly I lose track of it continually! Whenever I'm conversing with someone age 50 or older, and we share stories that pertain to "when did this happen--when did that happen", we automatically look at each other and say, "I have no idea, and it was probably a lot longer ago than we're thinking anyway!" 

It's been at least a month (2 months, now) since I began this post, so, I may be switching gears as far as topic is concerned. I came up with an interesting "topic" today while meeting with a good friend while sharing tea. Finding Balance in Balance. We both agreed this would be a good title for a book! It seems to be one of my biggest challenges-Finding Balance--in Balance. When one area of my life is in sync, so to speak, or in balance, it takes seconds to realize that something else is OUT of balance. When my house is immaculate, my sewing projects are behind. When I take time to sit down and sketch or paint, my laundry piles up. Just when I believe I'm eating a balanced amount of protein in my daily meals, I read an article about chicken and all the reasons we should NEVER consume it! 

As a person who tends to fall into the OCD category from time to time, I find myself being a bit paranoid about my food plan of eating. Just when I believe I'm getting all the nutrition I need, and the correct, healthy kind of nutrition, up pops a very believable article about this food or that food; this pesticide or that pesticide; this contaminant or that contaminant. Where does it all end? Where does one find Balance in Balance? 

There is one and only one place to find balance in our lives. First of all, it must come in three forms-Body, Mind, and Spirit. If we balance our body with healthy, organic "clean" nourishing food, we have 1/3 of the balancing act completed. The problem that arises with finding balance in the balance, is formulating the perfect proportions in each area. In my time of planning, preparing, and protecting my "food balance", it's easy for me to overlap that time portion into the time allotted for my Mind and Spirit portion! I have managed to tip the balance a bit more centered by combining a few things. For example, I now do daily "oil-pulling" which takes roughly 20 minutes. This has proven to be a perfect time to sit down for my morning devotions and meditation. Obviously I can't talk, and if I discipline myself to NOT turn on my iPad, I'm good to go! Now…one would think it should be easier to find time to spend in prayer and meditation, right? Well, most of you are familiar with the comment: "coulda/shoulda/woulda", and add that to my ADDWOM (remember that acronym? ADD WithOut Meds), and a person ends up spinning their wheels. 

So, as I sit at my laptop, hanging on by it's fingernails to my desktop because of piles and piles of papers, pictures, envelopes, books, etc., I am once again reminded of that infamous word: P.R.O.C.R.A.S.T.I.N.A.T.I.O.N. (Wow! Had to re-read that several times to check the spelling!) I have been working in this area of our house and the laundry room for three days now, and just when I feel that I'm going to hit it hard and dig in; something happens to pull my mind and heart away from accomplishing this overwhelming task. And, really….is it that important? Not at this moment, it isn't. (so….it's been another month, and I actually DID get the laundry room "detoxed"!)

What is important to me right at this moment is taking a bit of time and space here on my blog to pay respect as I honor and remember an amazing man who joined the band of angels in Heaven awhile ago. Jim Erdman was one of the most gentle, kind-hearted, selfless men I've met. I have so much gratitude for his and his lovely wife, Marilyn's, acquaintance. They, together, were the epitome of a faithful, giving, God-loving couple. That awesome duo has been broken for the time being, as Jim will now be playing that roll in spirit until Marilyn meets him in Heaven.  Jim was available to lend a hand to any and everyone he met; whether they were Christian/non-believer, drunk/sober, happy/sad, healthy/ill…He always had a warm smile, kind heart and loving hug ready to share. He impacted so many lives, it would be hard for me to encompass all of that on this short blog. (yeah, right…my blogs are short….NEVER!)

Even though, my heart is hurting for the loss of this wonderful man, I am very happy that I will see him again someday and get one of those great "Jim Hugs". I wanted to share a little bit about this great man. We've been away from his hometown of Colusa, CA for three years now, but through the course of that time, in the midst of my own personal battle with cancer, he remembered and shared his loving kindness and support. I got a nice note in the mail from him and Marilyn with this inside: 

I wore this every day throughout my treatment, and put it on today to honor and remember this great man.
RIP Jim Erdman

Many of you know of this writing about cancer, and I'll share it here again. It's powerful and oh so true.

WHAT CANCER CANNOT DO

It cannot cripple love. 

It cannot shatter hope.

It cannot kill friendship. 

It cannot shut out memories.

It cannot corrode faith. 

It cannot eat away peace.

It cannot silence courage. 

It cannot reduce eternal life.

It cannot destroy confidence. 

It cannot quench the spirit.

Now…as I tackle my daily mess and many additional piles that have accumulated in the past month,  I'm going to think of how precious life is-clean desk/messy desk…it really doesn't matter. And, as we move into another another Season-Fall, I want to invite any prayer warriors to lift up so many hurting, lonely, struggling people; especially three small children-our son, Kyle's, H.S. friend's babies, as they fight to overcome a rare illness. Please pray for the three little ones and their Mommy, Daddy, Grandma and all of their family, as they are in three different hospitals in Glendive and Billings, MT and Denver, CO. 
I will be lifting this family and many others up in prayer as I count my blessings: God and Eternal Life, Family, Friends, enough healthy food, a comfortable home (albeit messy!), and feel the love and com

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Right On Schedule!!

Well…here I am, a week later (well, at least I'm still within the week!) and managing to stick to my commitment. It's been a rainy season here for the past several days. The tiny bits of sunshine we are blessed with come sporadically and for few minutes at time. This weather makes walking my 2 miles a day tough to do--but, I'll take rain any day rather than snow and ice! 

It was a good dreary day to drive my sweetness to the hospital at 6:45 this morning for the routine exam we "mature" adults SO look forward to! NOT! After drinking his "special" gallon beverage and having smoothies for ALL meals yesterday, he came out of the procedure with a big smile on his face! 

No polyps-everything looks great! These are very sweet words to hear, following three previous procedures requiring removal of several polyps. We are once again full of gratitude. And, also, once again we were placed in one of those "small world" situations as one nurse was originally from the Bismarck, ND area. The surgery nurse was one of those amazing "Angel on Earth" kind of person.

She had a cute turban cap covering her head and wore a sparkly cross necklace, and somehow the conversation led to her sharing that she had had breast cancer. As her story unraveled, so did my heart and tears, (of course-thanks Grandma Rode). She had her final chemo treatment one month ago, had a double mastectomy, reconstructive surgery---the whole bit. AND….was diagnosed 2 months after her 30 year old daughter with two small children had been diagnosed with bc! She was one of the most upbeat, personable people I've met, and totally in love with her job of caring for others! It was a humbling time for both Jack and me. I felt as though my journey with cancer was a walk in the park compared to hers. I didn't realize I had actually said the words out loud, until she responded by saying, "I don't think any cancer of any kind or level is a walk in the park." She's right. Doesn't matter to what degree or what type. Just having to say the word: cancer….erases the beauty of the park! Thank God, those feelings don't overtake a persons mind and soul-or at least that was obviously the case with this dear lady. Cancer changes lives-forever-no doubt, but as she and I shared this morning; in our cases, it changed our lives for the better. I think that is often the case. A person's thinking drastically changes from even short spurts of negativism to everyday-sometimes every second gratitude. All the pain, the worry, and the heartache, through treatment dissipates over time…kind of like childbirth. I guess that's a pretty fair analogy, when one thinks of the new birth of a sweet baby after long, painful labor. Cancer survivors are gifted with new birth as well, after enduring the painful-both physical and emotional-time of diagnosis and treatment. With all of that said….I am once again humbled and so very full of gratitude for my life. 

You know, when I began this blog-actually my daughter, Jill, set it up for me to help me journal about the whole process, to help me through it-little did I know how right she was! Each time I write, I feel good and right with the world. Journaling is such a valuable tool for life. It helps in so many ways….whether we express our thoughts through words, pictures, voice, or other forms of art, it most always proves to be healing, cleansing, and empowering. I hope if you don't already do so, you will consider picking up a pen. It's simple. It's good. So….(pardon the warn out ad) - JUST DO IT!

Wow! Had no idea THAT was all going to transpire! I had actually just finished talking to the "GARDEN GURU", Ike Carpenter, about my seedlings. (As you can see-I'm a bit concerned with "Jack" living in our home and these beanstalks!!!) 

The advice I received was to get them in the ground asap. Spokane natives are adamant about not planting anything until the snow is gone off MT Spokane. 

…..sooooo….as you can see, I am in a quandary. I guess I'll take the second bit of advice, and simply plant them soon and if they make it, great-if not, replant. (hmmmm…wonder if Armtech insurance will cover??) 

Meanwhile, rather than watch my beanstalks grow to the giant's house, I'll get back to the retreat prep work. Here are the fruits of my labor thus far:

There are still a few spots open, so you're not too late to sign up! AND…the "early birds" get green smoothies!

PRAYER WARRIORS: Please pray for all of those struggling with cancer and other debilitating illnesses, young couples wishing to start a family, parents, so many first responders, police officers, firemen/women, and others who put themselves in harms way to help others, for all the military people; especially our Veterans, for all who are suffering heartache from loss of loved ones, devastating diagnosis, or hard times financially. 

Dad's birthday is in 4 days. Even though he died 16 months ago; I miss him every day. Even though I didn't see him often when he was here on Earth; I miss him every day. Even though we didn't talk often on the phone because we both were hard of hearing; I miss him every day. Even though he lived a long, full life for 92 days; I miss him every day. It doesn't matter the age, it doesn't matter how tragic a person's death is, it doesn't matter that one may have had time together at the end; we miss our loved ones every day. I've known since I was a young girl-the value of those we love-I think I was 8 years old when my Grandma Anna died. With each passing day, however, the meaning of treasuring those we love seems to grow stronger and more powerful. It is vital to our spiritual/mental well-being to tell those we care for how much we love them. Often. Always. Every Day. Phone calls are free for most now, with cellphones. And even if they're not, a $2.00 call can be worth more than $1,000,000 to the person on the receiving end. 

It's April, the month of Dad's birthday-the 28th, (also my big brother, Harlan's-yesterday) and every year around this time, Dad would bring Mom the first bouquet of crocuses. They are one of my favorite flowers to this day because of that simple, sweet, loving, gesture from my Dad. (He brought smaller bouquets for my sis and me, too) Last Fall I re-connected with an old 4th grade student, Megan Smelser  Pennington. Megan (a brand new mommy, I might add!) has small business:  Megan's Red Barn Gifts and Backyard Photography. I ordered a calendar from her, and this is the picture that appeared on the month of April. 

I had no idea what was in the calendar-actually thought it was old barns (which I love).

What an amazing bitter/sweet surprise this was! My brother, Harlan, read Paul Harvey's poem "And God Made A Farmer" at my Dad's service. 

Amazing little "God-Wink" here, for sure! 

Megan is an outstanding, gifted young woman-I am so proud of her and all she has accomplished. If you're in the Keene, ND area, make sure you look her up and check out all she has to offer!

Guess it's time to close-until next week. Happy Birthday, Daddy. Miss you.

"Love Each Other As I Have Loved You."  John 15:12

THE CREATIVE JUICES ARE FLOWING…..

WOW! I'm actually sticking to my word! Although I'm three MANY days past due, I am making this happen weekly-come hell or high water! Haven't seen signs of either one-thankfully- in fact, life is so peaceful and exciting right now; if I were a "worry wart", I'd be waiting for the other shoe to fall.

Since returning home two three weeks and three days ago, the weather here in Spokane Valley, WA has been absolutely perfect! Each day brings high 50 degree temperature, sunshine with a few amazing cloud formations, geese and ducks mating on the pond, green grass beginning to blanket the yard, and buds popping out everywhere! My tulip tree (which takes my breath away every time I see it in full bloom) is getting ready to dazzle me again.

I've been spending time with Tatum and Jaxon, as Ryan (and Kyle and Jack) went to Billings, MT this week (again…old news) for adjuster training. My heart melts into a puddle full of love every time I pick up Jaxon at daycare or come to visit at their house, when he runs to me full speed with arms outstretched and calling with big, blue bright eyes; Nana, Nana, Nana!!! I pray that will be a heart memory that will stay with me until I cross over to the other side. For now; it is one of so many of my little "bits of Heaven on Earth".

Here's another….

This little bookworm and I went for a walk….I did the walking…she spent most of the time reading her new chapter book. So proud of my little reader!

And another…

I adore this family! They are absolutely the light of my life, and I can't believe how blessed I am. 

As I journey through this life, many of you know I've struggled with a few bumps in the road. When my hearing got so poor that I had to retire early from teaching, I was a lost soul for several months. I was depressed, sad, missed teaching tremendously, and felt unworthy not being employed. After going through many hills and valleys for nearly a year, (with my main supporter giving me much positive encouragement along the way) I have now arrived at a peaceful place. God brought me to Christ-Centered Yoga 3 years ago, and since I have become certified as an instructor; He continues to lead me down an unbelievable path. I'm teaching two classes each week, and am in the end planning/prep stages of putting on a Yoga retreat on Saturday morning, April 26th. My interest in doing this was sparked after attending an amazing retreat in AZ this past Winter. That small flicker has fanned into a glowing flame these past weeks as I've been sewing bags, painting mini-chalkboards, making journals, and writing schedules. 

All of the things I so loved about teaching are happening again. God is so good! He gave me the spiritual gift of teaching, and I am so fortunate to be able to go forward, with attempted humility, and give service to others in the way that I believe He has planned for me. This scripture has come to my mind and heart so often in the past few years: 

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 

Such amazing truth!

If any of you are able and/or so desire, please come join us April 26! Here's the information:

I was a bit late getting my seeds planted, but, I was pleasantly surprised to see these little guys popping out this morning! 

The rule here is: "NO PLANTING until THE SNOW IS GONE off MT SPOKANE". Looks like I have plenty of time for these babies to be ready! 

Time to continue sewing…so far, so good…but have many to go!

Praying you are all enjoying SPRING and the unbelievable blessings that come with this favorite season of mine! For some of you back in the area I grew up, it's been an extra long Winter this year. For that reason, Spring must be an even bigger "breath of fresh air" for those of you living in ND, SD and MT. Enjoy the breath!

(I'm "borrowing" this):

You Say                                    God Says                               Bible Verses

I can't figure it out.                        I will direct your steps.                  Proverbs 3:5-6

I am too tired.                                I will give you rest.                       Matthew 11:28-30

It's impossible.                                All things are possible.                  Luke 18:27

Nobody loves me.                           I love you.                                    John 3:16

I can't forgive myself.                     I forgive you.                                Romans 8:1

It's not worth it.                             It will be worth it.                         Romans 8:28

I'm not smart enough.                     I will give you wisdom.                  I Corinthians 1:30

I'm not able.                                  I am able.                                     II Corinthians 9:8

I can't go on.                                 My grace is sufficient.                    II Corinthians 12:9

I can't do it.                                  You can do all things.                     Philippians 4:13

I can't manage.                              I will supply all your needs.            Philippians 4:19

I'm afraid.                                     I have not given you fear.               II Timothy 1:7

I feel all alone.                             I will never leave you.                    Hebrews 13:5

Prayer Warriors:

Please pray for the families, friends, and all service/medical people involved in the horrific bus accident this past weekend, (10 minutes North of my sister's home); so many friends, family, neighbors who are dealing with battles of all kinds-cancer, divorce, death, pain, patience in adoption, homelessness, financial problems, job frustrations, family issues, hunger, and so many other afflictions. As we walk through this Easter week, may we experience the deep meaning of the journey to the cross, and all that it is to us, as we await the celebration Easter morning-when we can shout to the treetops: