My posts seem to be arriving as sporadically as Spring. Business and busyness are wiggling their way into my life these days. I wonder about your life as well.
We had a quiet Easter Sunday here on the Cutoff. Following a moving church service and a time of fellowship with good friends, we wound our way home, taking the scenic route through towns with estates, down country-like roads. on to the vast acreage of the Cook County Forest Preserves. We do this as often as we can, appreciating the beauty that anchors our lives, feeling fortunate and blessed to live so close nature and thankful of those who came before us who preserved such large areas of forest and prairie, fens and marshes, trees and wildflowers.
We were also on a mission. Earlier in the week I noticed a flock of birds, unfamiliar to me, who had congregated along the shore of the nearby Saganashkee Slough. I will write more about them in another post, but, below is a photo of our migratory visitors.
Once home, our cameras loaded with nature shots,and a few of my feet or Tom’s nose, we each found a nest of our own to nestle in, relax, read, watch television, even take a little nap. It is good to relax and refresh sometimes.
A big meal really wasn’t practical for just the two of us, but, a nice dinner, by candlelight, filled with flowers and reflection rounded out our Easter. It was a simple supper; pork tenderloin (which I stuffed with apples and raisins), fresh, roasted asparagus spears, and baked sweet potatoes. Peter Rabbit joined us, munching on his carrot, and I, dear reader, felt once again the warmth of the season before us, the sacrifice so long ago behind made, and the hope of what lies ahead.
I hope you are enjoying your emerging season, whether here in the northern hemisphere where the grass is turning greener and trees are showing buds, or you are enjoying autumn and look toward the winter ahead in the southern hemisphere. I wish you peace as you begin your week, and soon a new month.
We had a quiet day and a simple yet nice dinner too Penny. Yours looks lovely and I wish you and your family the very best for what lies ahead 🙂
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Sometimes, simple is best. Just eating in the candlelight of our little, old dining room set the mood (though it really was a good meal). 🙂
I wish the same for you, Janet. This next year is bound for many changes in many ways. Thank you,
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Your quiet dinner looks wonderful and exactly festive enough!! We had early afternoon Easter Brunch with friends and some lovely visiting time — Holiday phone calls from Oregon in the morning and evening — Bill answered the first, which was from our great-grandsons. I heard Bill say ‘No, Chad, the Easter Bunny hasn’t made it to Florida yet this morning.” (I figured it was 6:30 in the morning their time! This is why you have kids when you are young!!!)
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Haha! Yes. It is why you have kids when you are young! Love it.
Your day and Easter Brunch sounds delightful, Sallie – and warm. We were a little cold yesterday, but, at least it didn’t snow. 🙂 I’ve been thinking of you as we have had a lot of interesting bird sightings this week. From a bluebird to an eagle, and several others, it has been a very migratory few days.
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I’m in the northern hemisphere here in Germany and it is cold , rainy and windy. We went for a walk and Easter egg hunt with my brother’s grandchildren. They are such a treasure and made this Easter so special . I helped my niece find a wedding dress for her June wedding. What fun but exhausting. I could have used some of your quiet time.
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Your day is similar to today (Monday) here, Gerlinde. Brrr.
Your walk and Easter egg hunt sounds quite special – and wedding dress shopping is grand, isn’t it. I’m sure your niece enjoyed having you help her. Having been on a few wedding dress ventures, I can attest, yes, it is exhausting. I hope you get some quiet time soon. I did need it yesterday, but, didn’t realize how much so. Rest up, Gerlinde – and I hope warm up. Thanks for commenting.
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Your photos and images are absolutely stunning, Penny. The cross centered in your gleaming spoon certainly captured my attention! How special it is to have created a beautiful day for you and Tom. Your meal looks so delicious and the setting inviting. I think I might have been inclined to “skimp” on the preparation if others weren’t coming to our home for a holiday meal, but I think you really did have the best idea to make a special occasion for the two of you.
Now about those Forest Preserves! I do want to hear about your mystery birds. Isn’t it just wonderful when we notice birds or animals we don’t recognize and then we can begin sleuthing the stories behind them. I love that you went back to see them. Such fun, Penny. I think your Easter was splendid. I know it held faith and meaning leading to peace and joy. I also hope that sense of contentment lasts well into the rest of spring. I keep thinking of the word “renewal” and all that comes with it. Thank you for sharing of your Easter, my friend. You really “did it” with style. 🙂
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Renewal. That would have been a more fitting title to this post, though I keep praying for peace. Thank you so very much for your kind words. I’m reading an interesting novel, “Jayber Crow”. It is early in the story. He is an orphaned boy, living in an institution, and he keeps a list of words that he deems important. Renewal would be a good word for such a list. Thank you, Debra.
We usually have at least a few guests, if not a crowd, but, from time-to-time in life, it has been just the two of us. I decided, early on, to make these times a celebration with candles and a nice table setting. I’m fortunate. Tom is an easy and appreciative audience. 🙂 Honestly, Debra, I just ran outside, clippers in hand, snipped a few daffodils, and if I tell you about the cross on the spoon, I may be excommunicated. 🙂 It is a reflection of the ceiling fan – I couldn’t resist when I looked down and saw it in the spoon.
I hope to talk about the birds very soon.
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Your Easter was one of serenity and appreciation for all the things that make us thankful for our blessings. The dinner made me crave sweet potatoes and looked yummy! When did you acquire the sweet bunny watering can? I was interested to read that you saw an eagle on your outing. The ones I am watching on the camera from DC are giving me quite a lesson! They are almost 2 weeks old now. What I appreciate most about them is the way the male and female share the care and feeding of the eaglets. It really is inspirational. Tell us about the birds you saw when you get a minute. Happy Spring!
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It was, Marilyn. Thank you.
The sweet potatoes were very good. All I did was microwave them in their skins. We love them that way.
The bunny was a gift from a very good friend of mine, who knows me well. I have had it for at least 8 years. He follows me from room to room, depending on the season. I love it!
The DC eagles have won our hearts, haven’t they? It really is inspirational watching them. I keep hoping that a nest appears for the eagle I saw. So far, haven’t seen anything. I hope to cobble together a decent birding post very soon.
I hope you had a nice Easter, Marilyn – and a Happy Spring to you as well.
The daffodils are slowly opening. 🙂
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Love that first photo with the cross reflected in the spoon. 🙂
Your Easter celebration sounds wonderful, Penny. After church I went to the home of some friends who hosted a big dinner. But I was almost too tired to enjoy it.
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Thank you, L. Marie.
It was a very good Easter celebration and I’m happy to hear you were part of a big dinner, though sorry you were so tired. Fatigue can certainly put us in a “different place”. I was feeling that way today – and even gave in a took a nap. 🙂
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Peace to you, too, Penny, and Happy Easter and Happy Spring. We had a crowd over for Easter (28 people – mostly my husband’s relatives.) It was great to get together with everyone – three people among the group are battling cancer. I appreciate the example you set that sometimes it’s OK to be “just the two of us”. We can still celebrate and make it special. I also agree with your statement, “It is good to relax and refresh sometimes” and that is what I did AFTER Easter. 🙂
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Thank you, Susan.
That is a crowd – and a good opportunity to celebrate life, especially those who are battling cancer. I hope all had a good time in your company – and good to hear that you had some time to relax and refresh afterwards. Lots of time and energy (and expense) goes into a big gathering.
I think we need to be mindful to take the time to celebrate in small batches as well as large.
I’m glad you stopped by. The daffodils are starting to open at the Morton Arboretum. Last week, they weren’t yet ready in the Daffodil Glade, but, there were many swathes of them opening on the West side.
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Your Easter sounds so beautiful Penny. I had a peaceful Easter too. It’s a good time to be quiet and reflective.
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It is so good to hear that you had a peaceful, quiet, and reflective Easter as well, Juliet. Spring is struggling, but, slowly winning hereabouts. Hope your fall is going well.
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Yes, our autumn/fall is mellow and lovely. It’s my favourite time.
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Mine as wel. 🙂
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What a lovely celebratory yet reflective Easter you had, Penny. Our weather was too wet to go out that day, except to church, though we made up for it with our trip out on Easter Monday. On the day itself we had a traditional Easter lunch of roast lamb in honour of the visit of our son and youngest grandson. 🙂
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As I read your comment, it is very early in the morning, long before sunup, and I know my mouth will be watering all day at the very thought of a roast lamb – one of my most favorite meals. It sounded like your visit was quite delightful.
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