Stillmeadow Friends

Dearest Susan...

Happy Easter!! Happy Spring!!

Just when you think Winter might go on endlessly, Robins appear and buds begin to pop up through the snow. And as for today, 'tis Easter Morn!!

I'm about to head outside and hide Easter eggs that the girls and Erik and their Aunt Mimi colored. For this reason, I can't stay and write a great long letter this morning. Instead, I'm planning to add little bits as the day goes on. As well as the real colored eggs, I have the little plastic ones that I've filled with candies and coins for the girls. The coins will go right into the little jars that they keep on the shelf in their room. Secretly, they're saving for a horse!! I say this with a smile because although it's a "secret", they've told everyone that I can think of.

It's grey and cloudy here this morning, and it's supposed to rain later. I'm crossing fingers and hoping that it stays away till all the eggs are in!!

I must go for now...but I'll be back to share the menu for today's meal with you.

Love, Shelley

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Dear Susan...

It's 1 pm as I add this. The girls had a grand time first going through their baskets and then rushing out of doors to a countdown of ONE, TWO, THREE...GO!! Even in my sleepy state I managed to hide them well as I had to direct the girls to the last few eggs!! Cassandra tried on her new purple skirt with the butter yellow top. What fun spring colors. Rebecca cozied up on the sofa and decided to watch the movie that was tucked into her basket. I think the day has caught up with her already. Her eyes are sleepy.

It's tradition that I name all of the turkeys on the menu...but with Easter we cook a ham. Tradition now dictates that Cassandra names the hams. So, without further delay I am here to tell you that this year's ham is...(drum roll please!!)...PERCITONE. Now, I have no clue how she came up with that, but Percitone it is.

Both girls are so easy to love Susan, and I think of what a void they've filled in my heart. As with any starting over relationship, their time is shared and as they head to their other home for the afternoon, I smile and give them hugs telling them that I'll miss them. Cassandra tells me that they'll be back on Tuesday and that's only two days away. She is a half full type of person today. I asked Erik to leave the Easter grass right where it was...all over the floor. 'Tis Easter afterall, and it's nice to know that two little girls laughed and giggled and counted eggs just this morning.

I am off to the kitchen to ready Percitone for his big moment.

The rest of the menu will come later!!

Love, Shelley

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Dear Susan...

It's nearly 5 pm and the Scalloped Potatoes are waiting in line to go in the oven. With the Smoked Ham along side bubbling and smelling like Heaven itself we'll be more than ready to sit and enjoy the meal. The ham is covered with cloves and it will simmer and cook in ginger ale. Mmmmm!!

For dessert, which is in the oven as I write we'll be having Gingerbread Pudding with a Cranberry Ginger Sauce. Miriam has brought yummy salad and Foccacia Bread (one of my favorites!!). We've already brought the water to a boil for tea!! I think a day that calls for more than one sitting of tea is a fine one indeed.

We're listening to music as we enjoy one another's company. I've sent greetings to some friends today, and I've heard back from them. It's amazing to me how our backyards are a little closer than they used to be thanks to this wonderful medium we call the Internet. I wonder how our Gladys would have liked this Susan?? She'd have fussed at first, but I think in the end she'd have joined in, don't you??

I'm going to go and sit cozy for a few minutes before something needs to come out of and go into the oven!!

Love, Shelley

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Dear Susan...

Dinner is past and dessert and tea are overwith too. It's time now for us to sit comfy and wind down. I wasn't feeling tired until I sat down to write you this last little bit for the day. Holidays are like that. We try to squeeze every last drop out of the day. Meanwhile we've had a good homey holiday with family and I think if you can say that at the end of the day you've done well. Isn't that how you feel too Susan??

'Tis time now to sit quiet.

Before I close for the night though...one more chance for me to say...

Happy Easter Susan.

Love, Shelley