Spring parties eternal

Easter Sunday 2019

Mercy. I am so very dilatory in telling you about our latest round(s) of pawtying.*

Before I can tell about Mother's Day -- which was a prodigious occasion in every way -- we've got to back up a few weeks, to Easter.

I thought I had told you about Easter, and shown you too. 

But I was wrong.

So here goes.

I remember making a spiral-cut ham that we bought at Costco. Also deviled eggs. Someone brought macaroni and cheese.

I'm having trouble recalling anything else about that day, except that as usual for a Sunday, we all went to church.

After morning services we pressganged a friend into taking family pictures with Brittany's phone.

My girls and I again wore black, as per usual. Erica spiced up her ensemble with white, and she and I both wore cobalt-blue suede shoes. We didn't plan it.

Easter Sunday 2019

Make of that what you will; just stay off of them. The shoes, that is.

Back at home, my table was decorated with an assortment of bunnies. 

Although I know that Easter celebrates the resurrection of our Lord, it's still fun to put bunnies all around.

Audrey had found Peter Rabbit napkins which thrilled Dagny, who loves having Beatrix Potter read to her.

Have you had Sanders Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels yet?

They're to be found at Costco.

Don't even finish this post. Go directly to your nearest Costco -- even if it's three counties (or three states) away -- and buy some of these.

If you don't have a Costco account, get one. Or use a friend's.

Then buy some of these.

Trust me; you need this candy in your life.

Shortly after Easter 2019 passed into history, TG and I went to Nashville. I know I've told you about that. Remember the sheep?

We came home and then, in two shakes of a lamb's tail, it was Mother's Day. Once again we all went to church together.

Easter Sunday 2019

But alas, no après-worship pictures were taken; we were anxious to get home and enjoy another glorious repast.

This time it was my homemade extra-rustic chicken salad served on Costco-sized croissants, deviled eggs, a fabulous fruit salad put together by the girls, Lay's lightly salted potato chips (TG's favorite), assorted soft drinks, and coffee.

To finish us off we had two desserts: homemade Lemon Blender Pie (I will give you that recipe within the week because trust me, you need it as much as you need that caramel candy) and strawberry-cream-cheese stuffed-croissant French toast.

You read that correctly. At Audrey's behest (she found the recipe) I made a filling of cream cheese, diced strawberries, confectioners sugar, and lemon zest. I stuffed those huge croissants with the filling, dipped them in a wash of eggs and heavy cream seasoned with cinnamon and a dash of salt, and grilled them in a skillet of sizzling butter.

Hallelujah. You'll be wanting to try that.

Then there were the gifts.

I'd already received presents on Friday from my own mother and sister, when Audrey and Dagny and I drove to the upstate to have lunch with them.

I was given several soap items -- foaming hand soaps as well as scented luxury bar soaps -- this year. I can't get enough scented soap; I am pretty much a soap freak.

On Saturday morning there was a box of gorgeous roses on my doorstep, sent by Chad and Erica.

On Sunday I received more roses from Andrew and Brittany. I also got a beautiful bracelet, a jar for making cold brew coffee, an antique-look hummingbird feeder, a Kate Spade pencil pouch, and a lovely coffee mug.

I made my first batch of cold brew coffee today. Mixed with heavy cream, it tastes like chocolate milk.

I'm in trouble. I'll probably never sleep again.

The antique-look hummingbird feeder is hanging outside the kitchen window, brimming with nectar. No takers yet.

Next scheduled pawty? Memorial Day, when we have our annual patriotic start-of-summer cookout/swimming bash, on which day we also celebrate our Erica's birthday.

After that? Let's see ...

Oh! Two weeks later it's Dagny's fifth birthday, Father's Day, and TG's and my fortieth wedding anniversary all in the same three-day time frame.

And yes; everyone will be on hand for the whole shooting match.

Fasten your seatbelts; it's going to be a bumpy night.

There will be cake crumbs. And more pictures. And more presents. And much merrymaking.

Meanwhile, we are having the sort of weather you dream of. A high today of seventy-five, with low humidity and balmy breezes.

If you stop by and I don't answer the bell, it's because Rizzo and I are gone for walkies.

Easter Sunday 2019

But we'll be back shortly, so have a seat on the front porch until we come into view.

And that is all for now.

*"pawty" is a term coined by my friend Cheryl to describe we Webers' penchant for near-constant elaborate celebrations of anything and anyone we can think of, haaaha.

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Happy Tuesday :: Happy New Week

Comments

[Barb]

Jenny, your family knows how to celebrate! I always look forward to your menus (and the presents...). I love seeing the glass photo table piled high with food, cards, and gifts. Those are great family photos - more to add to the photo table. I’m listening to the crashing surf as I write this - no snow in sight.

[Mari]

You Webers are certainly party animals - and good looking ones too! I love all your gatherings. You all look fabulous and are coordinating like you planned a family photo shoot.
Glad you had such fun celebrations on both of those days.
Unfortunately I have had the sea salt caramels. They are dangerous; it's hard to eat just one! But I went to Costco today and made it in and out without buying a container of them, so that's my show of willpower for the day. We were buying some food so the house is stocked as Andy and Nikki are due to arrive in a few hours. They will be staying with us, so that will be fun in the middle of some hard days.
I think you need to share a few of these recipes, although they sound as dangerous as the caramels!

[Jennifer]

@Barb ... aaaahhhhh I would give a glass photo table full of gifts to hear that surf right now. I'm so glad you're there, relaxing. There'll be plenty of snow back in Breckenridge, in a few months. Haaahaha xoxo

@Mari ... I admire your willpower; yes, the caramels are dangerous. What I do is, I allow myself ONE -- 70 calories, 10 carb grams -- and I make it last for at least fifteen minutes. And I don't (well I try not to) do that every day. It's a special treat. OK so, you know you're in my prayers and I'll be thinking of you in the coming days as Bob's mother is laid to rest. Speaking of rest, I hope you get your share of it in the midst of all the hubbub. Emotional times are even more tiring than regular times. xoxo

[sally]

Such a beautiful, happy family you have, Jenny.

I'm jealous you went to Nashville! I'd love to go again, but driving in that traffic would give me nightmares.

I can't believe Dagny is five years old already! I've truly enjoyed reading about her, and seeing her photos. :)

xoxo

[Jennifer]

@Sally ... Thank you for your kind words. We can't believe she's five already either. And so tall! Where will this all end? Haahaaha ... you know, I drove around the part of Nashville where the golf course is, and it wasn't bad at all. But on our last night there, TG and I drove downtown and THAT was a nightmare. I wouldn't have done it without someone to drive me. But he is unfazed by all traffic. Nerves of steel ... you know how it is. xoxo

[Cheryl]

What lovely photos of you and your family! Stunning. Just stunning. I have never before tasted those Sea Salt Caramels. Only this week did I taste Sea Salt Caramel Pretzels. The food sounded divine. I think I gained a pound or two just by reading about all the delicious food. I love all the bunnies two. So cute! I am happy that you got to keep your flowers! Hahahaha! Keep on Pawtying!