Signs of Spring

Spring Break came a little late this year.  It's the second week of April, and we've been enjoying a little time off from homework and career obligations.  From the looks of things outside our cabin windows, you wouldn't think it looks much like spring, but there are signs...

  

 

Our celebrations included jubilant joyrides down the hillside, 

quick turns on the snowmobile, 

snow forts and tunnels, snowball fights, 

and all the requisite, accompanying diversions.  

We sat around the fire, toasted marshmallows for s'mores, drank hot chocolate, and ate our fill of Easter candy.  But the true indication that Spring was imminent was the appearance of this little guy.  

I don't purport to be a birdwatcher, and I'm no ornithologist, but as far as I'm concerned, this little guy is a pretty good indicator of Spring.  Every year, he shows up with his charming mate and they move into the birdhouse on the north side of the cabin. 

And for the record, Summer will have officially arrived when we hear the tiny peeps of their multiplying, little family.

Chocolate hearts to marshmallow Peeps.

Last year I was peeved when I stopped at Wal-Mart on Christmas Eve.  I was looking for small treats and last minute items for the Christmas Eve celebration and for Christmas Day.  To my chagrin, instead of discounted prices on Christmas goods, I was bombarded by an inordinate amount of Valentine's Day paraphernalia.  Inordinate Amount of Valentine's goods being defined as any Valentine's goods, as Christmas hadn't passed, and the Day of Love was still three holidays (Christmas, New Year's, and President's Day) away. 

The point being, I have found myself in that position once again.  Overwhelmed by holiday items, with the featured holiday still hovering far from the foreseeable future.  In case you haven't noticed, the hearts and flowers of Valentine's Day very quickly segued to chocolate bunnies and marshmallow Peeps.

Of course, in the spirit of chocolate love, this is my most beloved time of year.  It's the season of Dove Chocolate Truffle Eggs, candy-coated Cadbury Mini Eggs, and (although not chocolate) brightly colored jelly beans.  And, while I find extreme pleasure in being able to purchase my all-time favorite treats, it sure makes it difficult to remain faithful to my healthy goals.

And what of the official holiday of the month?  Why is it consistently overlooked by the merchandising department?  Why has someone not taken hold of this prime opportunity to celebrate in the traditional Irish way?  I am not satisfied by a single sheet of shamrock stickers.  I won't be content with a shiny, green, plastic bowler hat.  I am disappointed by the towering display of green Jell-o that mocks me from the grocery aisle end cap.

Please, for the love!  Can't someone come up with something (anything) to stave off the Easter displays?  If I can procure Dove Chocolate Truffle Eggs for three months out of the year, it's not gonna be pretty! 

Guilty Pleasures

I have a confession. This is my favorite time of the year. Why? Well it's not exactly because of the weather. And it's not the longer days--it's really hard to get everyone to bed on time when the sun is out later. It's not the threat of pollen in the air--even though I adore the resulting bursts of color. Let me tell you why this is my favorite time of the year... It's Easter time!

When I say it's Easter time, I'm not talking about Sunday services. I'm not giddy about floral embellished bonnets. Bunnies and duckies don't do it for me... No, for me, it's all about the Easter candy!

I was at the grocery store yesterday. Have you seen the Easter isle?! Some of my very favorite treats are only available at this time of the year.

I bought these...

And I bought some of these...

And these are the best!

Now here's a little advice. If you've never tried any of these, then I suggest that you don't! They're highly addictive. So, in an effort to save you from succumbing to this insidious addiction, I will charitably volunteer to take these items off your hands. This is what you do: buy them, repeat to yourself, "I will not eat these" while delivering them to my house. Drop them off, and walk away. Seriously! Walk Away! I will dispose of them and your skinny jeans will thank me (although mine might not!).