I feel as if I missed Easter this year. I was doing well until this past week when I came down with a respiratory ailment that has knocked the wind out of my sails. But the plus side is that it gives me "think" time too! I enjoy the "prep" work of Lent and especially enjoy attending services during Easter week. It's as if your homework pays off! I thought I would wake up dying for a Coffee Coolatta (medium, light, no whip) as that was what I gave up for Lent. But...I didn't. I'm sure the craving will hit once I am back at work and my co-worker is out on the road and willing to swing into Dunkin' Donuts for me.
One good thing about Easter being later in April this year is the Lilacs! I have been watching them all week and they have come out this weekend. They are beautiful and smell heavenly. I was worried that I had pruned them back too hard last fall, but if anything, they seem more vibrant and full this spring. You were right sister dear!!
Easter wouldn't be Easter without CANDY! That is probably why Easter is my favorite holiday! There is always such a pretty selection of candy starting February 15th! I like to just go and look at it...and every once in a while, when the devil is riding me hard, I'll buy something. I'm pretty proud of myself this year. I only succumbed to that temptation a few times and I had a little help from an office Easter bunny who left things on my desk! Bad Easter Bunny...you know who YOU are!
As a child, I loved waking up Easter morning to find my basket that Easter Bunny hid somewhere in our house. I loved the hunt as much as what was in it. My mother always put those nasty marshmallow peeps in my basket and they'd get gunked up with the plastic straw. Yuck. Every time I see those in the store I think of how they looked in my basket. I usually made a good haul and they never let me have a lick of it until after mass. Just like at Christmas, no presents until after mass. And no, it did NOT teach patience!
We used to have this very large old black walnut tree in the yard that was hollow at the base. Dad told me that was where Peter Rabbit (a.k.a. the Easter Bunny!) lived. Imagine my horror to wake up one winter morning to the sound of a chain saw cutting down Peter's house! When I got dressed and went outside, the neighbor was there hauling Peter's house away. I was beside myself. How could Dad cut down Peter's house? Dad said that Peter had gone to Florida because the winters were too cold any more. Peter knew his house was being condemned and that he had already made alternate living arrangements at the neighbors. He must have told it very convincingly because I did believe him...even though I did feel just a bit betrayed. Peter did find our house the next Easter so I guess it was okay after all. In later years, Dad and I often had a good laugh about ole Peter. Every time I see a picture of the farm with that tree still standing of think of Peter and wish him well.
What Easter would be complete without an Easter Lily? This year I was given one as a gift from a very special friend and it made me stop and think about this Easter tradition. I remember the church being filled with them at Easter...so many the smell would almost make you queasy. I also had a friend that gave me one when my dog Lucy died. I planted it over her burial place in the yard and every year since it has bloomed. So, I would have to say that these Lillie's are about remembrance, both fond and sad memories.
And I love knowing that I will see this pretty white face in my garden again next spring!
This year I tried to stay out of the candy as much as possible during Lent. And like most well thought out plans it had a few pitfalls! Like shopping for candy for my Godson and his sister. I don't know how that coconut nest got in with my purchases...but it did...so I had no choice but to eat it!!!!
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| ahhh! confectionery perfection! |
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| going... |
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| going.... |
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| Gone till next Easter! |
I feel as if I missed Easter this year. I was doing well until this past week when I came down with a respiratory ailment that has knocked the wind out of my sails. But the plus side is that it gives me "think" time too! I enjoy the "prep" work of Lent and especially enjoy attending services during Easter week. It's as if your homework pays off! I thought I would wake up dying for a Coffee Coolatta (medium, light, no whip) as that was what I gave up for Lent. But...I didn't. I'm sure the craving will hit once I am back at work and my co-worker is out on the road and willing to swing into Dunkin' Donuts for me. 
Easter wouldn't be Easter without CANDY! That is probably why Easter is my favorite holiday! There is always such a pretty selection of candy starting February 15th! I like to just go and look at it...and every once in a while, when the devil is riding me hard, I'll buy something. I'm pretty proud of myself this year. I only succumbed to that temptation a few times and I had a little help from an office Easter bunny who left things on my desk! Bad Easter Bunny...you know who YOU are! 
We used to have this very large old black walnut tree in the yard that was hollow at the base. Dad told me that was where Peter Rabbit (a.k.a. the Easter Bunny!) lived. Imagine my horror to wake up one winter morning to the sound of a chain saw cutting down Peter's house! When I got dressed and went outside, the neighbor was there hauling Peter's house away. I was beside myself. How could Dad cut down Peter's house? Dad said that Peter had gone to Florida because the winters were too cold any more. Peter knew his house was being condemned and that he had already made alternate living arrangements at the neighbors. He must have told it very convincingly because I did believe him...even though I did feel just a bit betrayed. Peter did find our house the next Easter so I guess it was okay after all. In later years, Dad and I often had a good laugh about ole Peter. Every time I see a picture of the farm with that tree still standing of think of Peter and wish him well.
What Easter would be complete without an Easter Lily? This year I was given one as a gift from a very special friend and it made me stop and think about this Easter tradition. I remember the church being filled with them at Easter...so many the smell would almost make you queasy. I also had a friend that gave me one when my dog Lucy died. I planted it over her burial place in the yard and every year since it has bloomed. So, I would have to say that these Lillie's are about remembrance, both fond and sad memories. And I love knowing that I will see this pretty white face in my garden again next spring!
Thanks for sharing a wonderful "growing" up story for Easter. You reminded me of the times when I dressed up with a shirt and tie, and went to church, patiently waiting for service to end, so we could run the "fields of dreams" searching for eggs! Thank you for reminding me how wonderful my life was and how wonderful my life is to be! Thanks! :) Gracias por todo!
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