April Showers

 

 Hi everyone, how was your holiday weekend?  Ours was quiet and for the most part the weather was warm- enough that we could have breakfast outdoors finally:). The last two days we had intermittent bouts of sunshine and rain showers but it didn't deter us from getting yardwork done and walks/runs in. Hubby ran, I walked😉. My next door neighbor brought me this bunny planter with succulents in it. So nice of him. Fingers crossed I can keep those plants alive as I don't do well with indoor plants. As you can see I took the photo of it outside and it was just beginning to rain again... and heavy rain is expected through the night-sigh.

 Our Easter Sunday didn't go quite as planned - because it turns out my Mom got Covid-19 😖! What she thought was bronchitis was worse. She finally got tested this past Friday after I implored her because she had the symptoms and was pretty sick all week. Thankfully she's slowly getting better and has been able to rest and recuperate at home. We've stayed in touch by phone and have been dropping off (on the porch) whatever she needs food wise and such. Todd and Kyra came to our place and we had spinach lasagne for our dinner, along with warm rolls, salad, and chocolate chip cookie bars. Very non traditional but Kyra is eating very little meat especially now that she's expecting, and we are all doing more plant based eating. Speaking of...

 Two books I got from the library. Anyone read these? OMD by Suzy Cameron (she's the wife of James Cameron the famous filmmaker known for Titanic, Avatar and others). Very informative, but also scientific and technical with many statistics and references. I admit I skimmed over some of it but there are also many helpful ways to start incorporating more plant based foods in your life. There are recipes at the end of the book. I admire her passion for getting children involved too and eating this way at home and in schools.

 I copied a nice handful of recipes from Veganize It! and will share as I try them out. I'll link this part of my post to Food Wednesdays where Kathy hosts this blog for food related things- recipes, books, etc.

 And here is my share for T Stands For Tuesday with Bleubeard, Elizabeth and friends where we share anything drink related:

 One of the lovely, warm mornings outside with my Easter mug and coffee. Cheers!

Now for the art!

 I made this cute scalloped tag card for the new Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge (Whatever The Weather), along with the new Tag Tuesday Challenge (Animals, Tame or Wild).

Supplies: scalloped tag card (the Paper Cut); stencil- Basically Bricks/Wendy Vecchi (Simon Says Stamp); image and sentiment -Showers and Flowers clear stamp set (Simon Says Stamp); alcohol markers (Spectrum Noir); Versafine Onyx Black ink; white Posca pen; Moonshine Sequins (Simon Says Stamp).

 This journal page is for Art Journal Journey with the theme "Play It Again, Sam" . I chose another favorite movie of mine:

 Anyone know ???  I love, love both the movie, and this line from it!  It stars Bette Davis, Claude Rains, and Paul Henreid. The movie is 'Now Voyager'. Bette Davis is my favorite actress after Katharine Hepburn. Yes, I have seen this movie MANY times 😁.

Another journal page - this one I shared on Instagram but didn't post it on my blog:

  

 I think it's an appropriate way to end my post along with recognizing Earth Day this coming Friday. To celebrate the day we will be participating in a local park clean up on Saturday where our DIL Kyra is hosting the two year anniversary of the local volunteer group she founded :  Lehigh Valley Trash Pact.

 We are so proud of her for her dedication to keeping our earth clean, especially the parks! And she volunteers her time on a very regular basis every week driving to a different area and cleaning up the trash left behind on the grounds. She also keeps the site going, does all the admin and scheduling! That's our girl 💓.

 Wishing you a wonderful week!

   “You have power over your mind- not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength”.                           Marcus Aurelius