A few peeks around the house this special morning...

Dad talking to one of his best friends
out on the veranda before breakfast ..
.thank goodness for long, long distance!











Nicole...do you see what we see?












The pearly died eggs
came out so pretty!

"Easter greetings from our house to yours"

Happy Easter family! We love you!

P.S. Nicole...do you see what I see? We are saving it just for you!

My Easter Swap surprise opened this morning...SO MUCH FUN!

We waited until this morning to open my Easter Swap box from my new friend Kyra. My husband..so cute...was as anxious as me...the rattle of the jelly beans had both of us wondering. It was so much fun...wow...Kyra, you are so creative. The personalized "P" travel tag, bookmark, cheery notebook, magnetic list pad, glass egg & items to decorate for Easter. Oh yes...the tea towel is so pretty...cheers me up just looking at it. Mocha 'our grand dog' and I played with the 'I love my dog freezbie'. The eggs filled with candy, the garden friend stickers, carmel chewies and even 'the doo bags' so neat. Mocha is going on a road trip next weekend and those will come in handy! I'm sure Mocha loved being included and I was just pondering yesterday...'we sure need to play with him more'. He's getting up in his years but he sure has a puppy playful heart. Thank you so much Kyra. I have some really cute photos to post soon. Your Easter kindness brighted up our day like sunshine. Have a happy one too! Off to Church we will go....

Christ is Risen! Indeed He haS Risen! Totally awesome! Alleluia!

Good Friday Tenebrae Service

It's Good Friday and it has been a blessed one at that! My hubby took time off work to attend Stations of the Cross at noon with me at my favorite Church. That made my day and too, it was a beautiful sun filled day in Kansas. We are planning to attend the Good Friday Tenebrae Service tonight. It's the first time we've ever attended a Tenebrae Service. The following is information I found online:


This is a centuries old tradition, probably dating from the 5th Century, that was originally, a combination of Matins and Lauds during the triduum. They are hours of darkness, as matins were prayed after midnight. As Christ was three days in the tomb, so too the candles are gradually extinguished each day. On Good Friday, midnight going into holy Saturday, all the candles had been gradually extinguished, except for one saved, which was kept as the only candle burning on Holy Saturday next to the pulpit. There will be Scripture, Psalms, and readings from the tradition of the Church that speak of the death of Christ Jesus. At this service there will be 7 candles, though varying traditions have 15, 24, and even 72 candles. After each reading/scripture a candle is extinguished. The last Candle symbolizes Christ, which seems to disappear from sight during the ceremony, accompanied by the torments of storms and earthquakes. The light of Christ returns dispelling the chaos and ushering in peace.

Happy Easter blogger friends! I can't wait to open my Easter Swap box...it arrived on Wednesday from my newest friend K.S. I'm eggscited and thank you. It makes me feel young again to have an Easter surprise waiting for me. BSOL (big smile out loud).

Easter Egg...decorated in Czech Republic

From the card attached to the egg - In Bohemia and Moravia, the art and techniques of Easter egg decoration had reached a standard not to be found anywhere else in the world. In ancient cults, the egg was a symbol of life. It was supposed to ensure a successful harvest of crops as well as fertility. The decorating of eggs was meant to fortify this symbolism. At first, only full eggs were decorated as Easter offerings and presents. Traditional decorative techniques included colouring with natural dyestuffs, wax batik, scratching, appliques (of rush, straw, etc.), etching, thin-wire filligreeing and relief wax decorating. Both the techniques and patterns still exhibit distinct regional and even local (village) characteristics.

"My dear Mother in law, our children's Baba (lady in Russian) remembers watching women decorate eggs with the relief wax technique as a child. She says that it is truly an art that takes skill, patience, time and a very steady hand. Our whole family appreciates eggsperts past and present."

Some little things to smile about...

~Dancing to the tune of Easter time ~

I've been keeping my eyes open for little things, like this figurine...it sure makes my heart smile. They could go into the finals of 'Dancing with the Hares...I mean Stars' don't you think? They have a special connection!

Easterlamb pastry....so sweet!

When I found Easterlamb pastries at the Aldi's store...I squealed with delight...I really did giggle out loud. My husband wondered off to another ilse. I had to look at all of them...why I do that I just don't know...embarrasing! I purchased 3...because I love sharing fun. They will certainly bring some smiles to the dessert table. When I unwrapped our Easterlamb pastry to photograph...the sweet vanilla aroma filled the kitchen! Lambs remind me of being young and carefree. The Easter eggs are wooden...hand painted (not by me though). Aldi's always has interesting finds for the holidays.

"Easter Greetings from Our home to yours"

I found this little set at my favorite 'Elite Store' for 99 cents. They are 2 too cute baby dolls from Holland. They stand only 3" tall and have movable arms and can open and close their eyes. My little grand daughters are sure to have fun playing with them. I can already hear this Grand ma ma say "Careful, careful." Maybe someday we'll have a chance to visit Holland. I have a collection of wooden shoes...I'm fascinated by them and I love tulips.