We are trying very hard to continue with "business as usual"...but I am personally distracted. Like everyone else, our hearts and prayers are going out to the people of Japan, hoping that there will be a somewhat safe resolution to the nuclear crisis and that the people living there find the fortitude and peace that they so desperately need.
Spring is upon us, and so we have been enjoying Spring breaks from college...the happy couple in the lower right hand corner of the mosaic appreciated their time off! Our little boy...the college student...the one with the cute girl friend...will be celebrating his 19th birthday on Friday. Every time I think about that, it just boggles my mind!! Where did the time go? In addition to birthdays and Spring breaks, there are holidays coming at us....Happy St Patricks day tomorrow! We already made our corned beef and cabbage last night...what a wonderfully delicious tradition that is. The stores are stocking all that is yummy for the upcoming Easter holiday...
and it is another tradition in our house to fill the jars with jelly beans! Another holiday fun treat in our house are the chocolate covered matza's that will be eaten well before Passover arrives, and the toasted coconut marshmallows. The marshmallows have been a favorite since I was a little girl...chocolate covered matza? That's a newer treat. If you see them in the market, pick up a box...or better still, melt some chocolate and dip the matza, break it up into pieces and share it with people you love!
The peas are being planted in the backyard garden this week, and sign up for the community garden is on Sunday. So all in all, for us, Spring is right on track...the hyacinth, crocus and daffodils are appearing once again, and it has warmed up here on the Jersey Shore. Things are moving along with the upstairs renovations too and I hope to show some completed pictures very soon. I think that status quo is the best we can ask for these days and I am very grateful just to have things be normal. I hope that the people in Japan have normal return to their lives very soon too.
Linking this post to Designs by Gollum for Foodie Friday.
♥, Susan
Hi Susan
The news and images from Japan are so heartbreaking. They are amazing people to have responded to this tragedy with dignity and help for each other.
Your spring traditions sound like they are in full gear! I love your jars full of jelly beans and I love chocolate matzo! :)
Happy birthday to your very handsome son!
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
♣ Pat ♣
Posted by: Pat | March 16, 2011 at 11:17 AM
My absolute favorite are the coconut marshmallows! But jelly beans work for me, too!
Nice that things are moving along and it's finally warming up, it's been a long winter!
My heart goes out to the people of Japan, what a horror.
Posted by: Carol @ There's Always Thyme to Cook | March 16, 2011 at 11:26 AM
It is such a helpless feeling...Japan's tragedy. I cannot even imagine what those dear people are going through. Sigh....
Your jelly beans are cheery though. I love the large glass containers!
Becky K.
Posted by: Becky K. | March 17, 2011 at 06:19 AM
Happy Birthday to that handsome son of your! :)
Silly, but I just like orange and maybe yellow jelly beans. That leaves a whole lot left over.
Posted by: ldh | March 17, 2011 at 05:30 PM
All those colors reminds me of the sack of Starburst candies I bought, and ate half the bag in one night!
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | March 17, 2011 at 07:12 PM
Planted my pansies and peas yesterday Susan! Should be 75 in Philly today, I'm sure you'll enjoy the same-Happy Friday:@)
Posted by: Lynn@HappierThanAPigInMud | March 18, 2011 at 03:30 AM
It is hard to imagine all the devastation in Japan. We are so insulated here in the U.S.
I planted my peas two days ago with the warm weather too. Hope it gets back to that temp. soon. Those chocolate-covered matzos are addictive aren't they? Must stay away from them AND jelly beans. Too many temptations.
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