Let The Sun Shine In!

Ah! I believe spring has finally sprung! We've had very warm temperatures over the past few days, in the mid to upper 70's. That's a heatwave here in northeast Pennsylvania. Of course the downside are the pollens being released, by mostly maple trees and grasses. Another downside is Amanda now has bronchitis. Her doctor stated it's been going around, and is caused not just by bacteria, but viruses floating around. She reacts differently to the meds, as codeine makes her wide awake. Most people are ready to pass out from taking narcotics. Strange :)

Another great sign of spring is the number of insects now finally appearing! Those who know us know we are actively involved in their collection. Now that we're in what's considered a "prime"4-H year in PA will mean even more active collecting. Generally, we go to certain areas where normal people tend to stay away from. It also means not wearing insect repellent, because that would defeat the purpose. If ever you see folks wallowing around in swamps, or dank areas, think of me, as I'm sure they're looking for critters to collect. I'm waiting for the day when I have to report I've contracted malaria because I was in some contaminated swamp *rolls eyes*.

The joys of being an insect-collecting mom! Let the fun begin :)

Lamb Cake

Happy Easter to all! A little late, but I suppose it's better late than never. I promised I would upload a picture of the lamb cake


Amanda did all the decorating. It came out wonderfully, although I had to alter the directions a bit. The directions call for a pound cake recipe, which I posted last time. It probably would have been a true pound cake, had I used real butter and milk, but since we have allergies to dairy, I made the substitutions of Earth Balance and Silk plain soy milk. It's a delicious cake! Surprisingly, we still have some left :)

Getting Ready for Easter

Today was the day I decided to get myself in gear, getting ready for Easter. I spent several hours today, searching the web for some good gfcf recipes. One I needed is for the 3D lamb cake mold. Last year I was able to make a regular cake. That was before Amanda was diagnosed with allergies. It's tough having a child who suffers from multiple food/drug allergies. When I go food shopping, I spend a great deal of time reading labels. Not fun!

Here is one gf pound cake recipe for the lamb cake mold:

http://www.landolakes.com/mealIdeas/ViewRecipe.cfm?RecipeID=13299B

I will substitute the butter with Earth Balance, and the milk with plain soy milk. Most people balk at those, but usually can't tell the difference when eating them in baked goods. Even my mom, who is the fussiest person I know, said she will try the cake if it comes out well. She's even willing to give me a hand in purchasing the ingredients. This from the woman who criticizes everything. Maybe my prayers for her reconversion are working :)

Now for Easter dinner: my mom is the one who decided to do all the cooking this year. With the exception of last year, I have done all the cooking for the past nine years. One year, when Amanda was still very small, I made a fresh ham. The first words out of her mouth when it came out of the oven were "look mommy, it's elephant"! From the mouths of babes.

I will post pictures (if I can figure it out) when the cake is done!

Spring Has Sprung

Oh what a beautiful day it was! The outside temperature climbed all the way to 65 degrees, which is a big thing this time of year in northeast PA. I had all the windows open, airing out the old "staleness" of winter. Ah, spring! Granted, I have had to deal with lots of tree pollen. My allergies are in full gear right now, LOL!

Another wonderful thing about spring is the emergence of all the insects! Amanda was in her glory today, going through the yard looking for signs of life emerging from the ground. She said she found some interesting critters. Of course, they are probably in my freezer right now. I used to get freaked out by her putting them in there, but that quickly subsided when the numbers and sizes grew immensely! Having a child interested in entomology will do that :)

Today was also the final day of our upper level CCD production of "The Passion Play". It is a wonderful and moving performance by the kids. Amanda had two parts: an apostle and a witness. The students worked very hard, and I commend them. It can also bring adults to tears, considering the way the crucifixion is portrayed. The kids make it appear as though the young man who portrays Jesus is really being nailed to the cross. Very realistic! I cry every time :(

I'm counting down the weeks when planting season starts. I know it will truly be spring when the farmers are busy in the fields.

Pollen Forecast

Today, I was checking the weather forecast for the upcoming week. A pretty mundane activity, until I went to the weather channel online, and they had the first high pollen forecast posted.

http://www.weather.com/weather/local/18353?sourceid=mozilla-search#

I thought, gee this is crazy, considering we have a little over a foot of snow on the ground, and are due for more tomorrow afternoon and evening. My husband noticed the trees, and said it does appear they are beginning to bloom. The lilac bushes already have tiny buds, and the maple is going to sap pretty late. Normally I don't pay attention to these things, but this year some things seem different.

Now if that pollen forecast is anything like it's predicted, those of us with allergies are in for one long suffering season :(

Feeling Groovy :)

It's been one of those weeks! I've been sick since last week with a severe cold. Over the weekend, it turned much worse. I went to the doctor on Monday, and was told I have bronchitis. Great, I have the diagnosis, but was given the wrong meds. Back to the doctor yesterday, diagnosed with severe bronchitis, and given the right meds! Hooray! Now, those meds are intended for someone with pneumonia. The cough syrup is so strong, it sent me off into la-la land for eight hours last night.

I'm grateful to have a wonderful daughter who has been willing to pick up the slack when it comes to housework. She has been very helpful, especially when it comes to helping with what I normally do every day. She even did her schoolwork without me having to help with the more difficult subjects. I usually spend time teaching her math and Latin. To my surprise, she checked her own work, and entered her grades in my book. I knew she was honest when she entered one score as 82%. It makes me proud she would never cheat :)

My First Blog Post

I decided to jump in, and create a blog, just like the rest of the DCF ladies. Of course, I don't think mine will be as interesting as the others. Then again, it might, considering what I deal with on a daily basis. Now I have to figure out how to post links and pictures. I know the other gals will give me a hand if I get stuck :)