A Perfect Spring Weekend

I almost hate to say it out loud - so I will just whisper it.

Listen up - come close!

Here goes:

"Spring is finally here!  Warmer weather has arrived and the land is gloriously green."

Trees and shrubs are in full bloom and in a short time the leaves will follow.

We've been treated to several sunny, temperate days.  What a glorious thing, to be able to venture outside without a jacket. 

I'm not so sure the equines are on board with the change in weather, however... because, with the warmth comes fly season. 

 Flies are the bane of their existence.

For the next 6 months, everyone will be wearing fly masks to keep these insufferable pests out of their eyes.

It's also shedding season, and we've been spending a bit of time removing the extra fluff that's an integral part of winter coats.

You would not believe the amount of hair we remove while brushing.

Full shedding takes a couple weeks.  Eventually, everyone will end up sleek and smooth. 

On Saturday, Jack and I built our potato tower and planted three types of potatoes in that tower.

It is basically a five-foot tall tube filled with layers of compost, potato starts and straw.  When the potato eyes grow into roots and plants emerge, they will emerge from the sides of the tower, hopefully filling the entire tower with potatoes.

Another of Saturday's projects was to make a skirt for this open-shelf portion of our pantry.  Now snacks are hidden away behind this fabric curtain.  The print of the fabric is vintage farm equipment logos.  And yes, the pantry is a built with unique angles, but, so is our house!  It was an efficient use of space.

On Sunday, we had a family get-together - and Easter Brunch.  There is nothing that makes me happier than having my people around our dining room table.  The conversation, the laughter, the chatter of happy kids - all of it warms my heart.

A lot of work goes into a big meal such as this, but to me, it is a way to show love to souls who are so important to me.  I'm just so thankful that 16 years ago, when we built our farmhouse, we had the foresight to order a large dining room table!  It has four extra-wide planks that we can add when we feed a crowd.

And so, in preparation, I baked and cooked and prepped a variety of food... loaves of sourdough bread...

and carrot cake (triple layer)

a variety of salads and meats, grilled asparagus, quiche, and deviled eggs.  

Jack planned his yearly scavenger hunt (for chocolate bunnies) with clues that sent the kids running all over the farm to solve the puzzle.

It was truly a lovely day spent with family.  The glorious weather was just the icing on the cake!