Easter Weekend
I think I'll do this in reverse order. Today was supposed to be lots of work...and I did get lots done - just not the work I had intended. Hopefully I'll be able to get things done this week as I've lightened my schedule for my upcoming vacation. This morning started early. Was awake so went to Easter sunrise service in Richmond with my dad. When we got home, this woodpecker was hanging out on the birdfeeder. Drove home after that - with lots of leftovers from yesterday in my bag - yummy!
Spent quite a bit of time in the studio today.
Most of these pieces had been started prior to today so it was fun to finish up so many of these to get mailed off.
Yesterday was our family Easter dinner in the evening. Dad and I got up early and took the pups out to play.
I love how happy she looks in this photo~
Sometimes, the photo just doesn't quite capture it - and Lindsay's actions here were hilarious. We had given both dogs brand new balls before going outside. They had each kept their own ball for 10 or 15 minutes while dad and I played fetch with each dog independently. Then, we started mixing it up a bit and on the first or second toss, Sammy came up with Lindsay's ball. In this shot, Lindsay is expressing her extreme disappointment in Sammy keeping her ball. This standoff lasted for about 2 minutes before I finally got Lindsay distracted to something else.
Grandpa is cow sitting at the moment for Sammy's breeder (their barn burned). The cows were kind of a funny adventure. As long as they didn't move they were fine, but if they moved all the pups took a bit of a step back.
Love hanging out with my dad and our dogs!
Mom and I spent the morning cooking and creating. We made two "fun" things - Peeps Nests and Candied Bacon. The bacon was NOT a hit with the family (most wouldn't try it - although those that did said it was good). Many of the Peeps Nests got eaten.
Peeps Nests were pretty easy to make. We melted chocolate, coated the pretzels, dropped pretzels into "nest" shapes onto waxed paper and then added Peeps and malted milk eggs - using extra chocolate if anything wouldn't stick.
The bacon was thick cut hickory smoked bacon that we cut in half. We then baked it in a 400 degree oven, turning once, for about 10 - 12 minutes. Take it out of the oven, drain off the grease into a bowl (dispose of or save for some other use) and add brown sugar and chopped pecans. Return to the oven and bake another 10 minutes or so (as soon as I smelled the sugar turned caramel we called them done).
Remove from pan and place on paper towels to absorb grease. Drizzle with or dip into chocolate and let set up on waxed paper. Store in an airtight container.
I also colored Easter Eggs - fun!
During the day I got my hair trimmed and took Lindsay over to my aunt and uncle's house to spend a little time. She is going to hang out with them while I am on vacation so wanted her to see them with me around for a few before she spends a while with them without me.
As always, we had too much food. But, also as always, time with family is a wonderful thing.
Ashley with big brother Andrew
Aaron with his girlfriend Connor. Aaron's computer was on the fritz so we spent some time getting it all happy again.
And finally, Friday night I got to mom and dad's around 7:30. We had a nice visit and dinner and my sister Susie stopped to visit as well. It has been a long week - a VERY long week. Was nice to step away for a couple of days. I am very excited that my team met their deadline and all of our classes go out on Monday - definitely a good thing. Anyway, I did take a couple of photos on Friday, but just have to keep recording how big Sammy is getting:
I hope you had a lovely Easter weekend!