A Toast To Spring Temps-Finally!

 It was another busy time the last four days but first I have to tell you that finally-today- it was HEAVENLY!!! The sun was shining, it wasn't windy, and we got to 72 degrees F late this afternoon!

 The real excitement began Friday afternoon though. We had tickets for, yes, another Celtic Thunder show in town! So of course Bill and I went to the Sands and walked around early afternoon to see if we'd spot any of the members before the evening show:):) And look who we found:

 Ryan Kelly!! Don't mind the weird look on my face-I wasn't expecting hubby to take a photo. Ryan even remembered us and that Bill was a runner too and they talked a bit about running through Bethlehem. Just the nicest most humble and kind person-and he is a huge animal lover :) We also met  the music director and the main guitar player. We hung around awhile then went home before returning for the concert. And it did not disappoint!!!! The Very Best of Celtic Thunder Show was that ....and more!!! We had 4th row center seats but even that didn't satisfy me at the end so I moved up to the 2nd row aisle to an empty seat so I could get up and dance to the last song with them (no, I didn't get thrown out ;).

 Saturday Bill and I drove into a neighboring town to find our way . You see, I got a summons in the mail for jury duty. When I read it my BP spiked -not good- and it took quite awhile to bring it back down. This is NOT something I ever wanted to do. Nothing like being told parking is scarce-esp. when you're by the prison AND in a questionable area! We mapped it out and I'll be prepared to go this Tuesday although I won't know if I have to show up until later tonight. Which is why I'm posting now. If I get called in I will get around to everyone later Tues. or Wed. Edited In- I have been excused from jury duty-YAY!

 For my T Stands For Tuesday gang I have this to share:

 Nothing like a good cup of coffee - in the Easter mug my Mom bought me some years ago- along with a treat- a cheesecake cupcake! It's actually supposed to have toasted coconut and 3 mini Cadbury chocolate eggs on it. However, no one would eat the coconut, and I sent the eggs home with my chocoholic son before realizing I didn't take a picture. I'll share the RECIPE AT THE END OF THE POST. It was the first time I made it. Easy. Delicious. It makes 18 cupcakes. They freeze well.

 A small art contribution:

 I recently found a printed page of four arch collages I had left from a swap through the Paper Whimsy art group. The original piece was copied and printed (all imagery and sentiments Paper Whimsy). Edges were sponged with Distress Vintage Photo ink. Bird stickers are Paper House Productions. Flowers-Prima Marketing. Class A Peels stickers-Stampendous. They are approx.
3 1/2" w by 4 5/8" h. I'll be sending them out as happy mail. Linking to the Simon Monday Challenge (theme is- "A is for".) And my A is for arches!

 Wishing you a great rest of the week! See you soon.

" They may have bad weather in Ireland but the sun shines in the hearts of the people and that keeps us warm."       Marianne Williamson

        
                                                Philadelphia Easter Mini Cheesecakes

 1 c. graham cracker crumbs       3/4 c. plus 2 Tbsp. sugar, divided             3 Tbsp. melted butter

 3 pkg. Philadelphia Cream Cheese (8 oz. each), softened      1 tsp. vanilla          3 eggs

 1 c. plus 2 Tbsp coconut      54 mini chocolate eggs

 Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Mix graham crumbs, 2 Tbsp sugar and butter; press into the bottoms of 18 paper lined muffin cups. Beat cream cheese, vanilla and remaining sugar with mixer until smooth. Add eggs one at a time on low speed until blended.  Spoon over crusts. Bake 25-30 min. or until centers are almost set. Cool completely. Refrigerate 2 hrs. Top each cheesecake with  1 Tbsp. toasted coconut and the 3 mini chocolate eggs.
 Notes- I used 1/3 less fat cream cheese. I think adding mini chocolate chips to the batter would be a great addition! For the summer months add a spoon of blueberry, strawberry or cherry compote on top:)