Easter

In a season full of psychological terrors, this episode used the ferocity of nature to induce fear into the show's characters. The newly possessed Sister Mary Eunice foreshadowed what was to come. “There's a storm coming Sister Jude…A big, fat storm.”    Luckily this episode aired after the arrival of superstorm Sandy so that viewers could watch the big, fat, fictional storm. American Horror Story fans also were treated to a drunken Sister Jude and Sister Mary Eunice's best impression of Shelley the nymphomaniac.

There is still wide variation among models predicting how Tropical Storm Sandy could affect the East Coast, but regardless of how the storm tracks, Maryland could be in for some wind and rain early next week -- potentially at heavy, damaging levels. If Sandy is swept out to sea as many models predict, another area of low pressure is likely to form over the northeast, according to the likes of AccuWeather's Henry Margusity and local meteorologist Eric the Red. Of course, it's still possible that Sandy strikes somewhere along the East Coast, too, they predict.

Weather watchers are atwitter over a chance for a brush with what could become Tropical Storm Sandy and could bring heavy winds and moisture ahead of Halloween along the East Coast. Some are even calling it a "perfect storm", with polar air potentially converging with Sandy. Of course, a major caveat is necessary: The forecast is more than a week out, meaning it could soon change dramatically. But meteorologists are still getting worked up by what models are showing. Tropical Depression 18 formed this morning and could become Tropical Storm Sandy by Tuesday.

The sun is out and skies are blue Tuesday, and that must mean the nor'easter that wetted the region this weekend has passed. The storm's precipitation was much-needed, though it didn't solve all of the state's drought problems in one fell swoop. The official count at BWI Marshall Airport was 1.4 inches from Saturday afternoon through Monday. That cut down the deficit from normal rain levels to about 4 inches, with 8.34 inches so far this year and 12.41 inches in a normal year.

Inside Baltimore's St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church early Saturday, the Rev. Michael Pastrikos stood on the dais and chanted prayers before an ornate altar adorned with icons of holy figures. The smell of spiced incense filled the dimly lit sanctuary as the faithful slipped into pews and counted down the hours until their Easter celebration would begin. They were among the many Orthodox Christians and others around the world and throughout the region celebrating the holiest of weekends using a Julian calendar different from that observed by other denominations.

The day's first light tinted the dark sky and chased away the full moon Sunday as worshipers picked their way across the hillside at Beachmont Christian Camp in Kingsville. Frost-covered grass crunched underfoot as families and couples bundled in ski jackets and blankets arrived, some clutching cups of coffee. Most held a copy of the Easter sunrise service program. "Over the years, it's snowed, it's rained and it's been a little colder than this, but they keep coming," said Paul Twining, the director of Beachmont Christian Ministries.

Easter baskets in hand, or whatever they had to hold their eggs, hundreds of children lined up in Tydings Park Saturday for the annual Easter Egg Hunt. Sponsored by Havre de Grace Parks and Recreation, the hunt kicks off promptly at noon. The small plastic colored eggs are "hidden" throughout the park, some easy to find, some a little more obscure. Some dressed in their Easter best, children of all ages from all over Harford County and beyond scramble about to collect as many eggs as the can. Then the "hunt" is over almost as soon as it starts.

Montrease Lamback of Gwynn Oak stood on the sidelines and snapped photos as her 2-year-old son, Tyler, slipped plastic Easter eggs into his green felt basket. The eggs secured, Tyler pulled them back out, tossed some on the ground, handed a few to other children and then stopped midhunt to admire what remained of his colorful collection. The adventure for Tyler and hundreds of other children Saturday was part of the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore 's annual Bunny Bonanzoo.

Families (and their four-legged friends) looking for Easter fun should check out the Baltimore Humane Society's Easter Eggstravaganza this Saturday, April 7, from noon until 3 p.m. Both kids and pets are invited to this Easter celebration. Parents can snap photos of their children and beloved pets with the Easter Bunny. Kids can hunt for eggs and play the I Spy Cat Detective game. There be a bake sale for humans, and your furry friends can enjoy ice cream from Tiki's Playhouse Doggie Ice-Cream Truck, Maryland's first ice cream truck for canines.

Principio UMC on Route 7 in Perryville will be hosting a Lunch and Card Party on Thursday, April 12 from 11:30 to 3:30. Cost is $10 per person. Reservations must be made by Monday, April 9. Call Barbara, 410-642-3197 Join The Perryville Lions Club on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Store 19 at the Perryville Outlet to get your photo taken with the Easter Bunny. Support the Perryville Lions Club by visiting and get a photo with the bunny for only $5. Happy Easter, Perryville!