Our second vaccine, plus 2 weeks and we’re “RENEWED!!!” We were lucky enough to get our vaccine in

Virginia, where they started 65 and older in January and we happened to be there, for our monthly 2 week stay at The Train House!! We came back in February for our second shot and just like that we were fully vaccinated…

We were able to go out to eat at a local winery to celebrate Victor’s birthday. Although we were at The Bluemont Winery in Bluemont, Virginia, it felt like we were transported to the vineyards of Italy!!

The fire table helped to keep us warm on a cool March day and there was plenty of room for our grandsons to explore and play!!

This was our first outing in several months, it was a magical day!!

The food and wine here are amazing, especially the Maryland style crab dip and bread, which you can see are gone!! We had celebrated Gina’s birthday here a few years back. See this post for a peek at this winery in the summer and a blog flashback!!

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There is nothing like visiting a litter of puppies to renew our spirits!! Our next door neighbor saw Aaden and Parker playing outside and asked them if they would like to see their new golden retriever puppies…

She explained that it would be good for the puppies, to get them used to people, for when they go to their new homes!! They have since all gone to their new homes…

And so we played…

and played…it renewed and lifted our spirits!!

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Another sign of renewal, planting seeds in spring with the hope that they will give us beautiful lush plants…

This is a great activity for kids to do in the early spring. These seed starter kits can be found at Lowes or Homedepot. They were perfect for Aaden and Parker to plant their peas and beans!!

Just keep the clear covers on until the plants get too tall to keep them on. In this case, it only took a week and a half for these plants to get this tall, hopefully they will hold on until we plant them in the ground. If not, we will just plant more!! And where do Aaden and Parker want to plant these vegetables?

Around their new clubhouse/treehouse, in which they are building with their Papa!! The three guys with their matching tool belts and one girl ready to be inspector general!!

Working on the floor!!

Floor all done, waiting for our next visit to Virginia to finish, the boys are so excited…I will keep you updated on the progress!!

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A delicious carrot recipe for Easter dinner and how to fold a bunny napkin…

Gina gave me the idea for this recipe, she’s making one like it for our Easter dinner, which by the way is the first family dinner for us, since the summer!!

WHISKEY GLAZED CARROTS

• INGREDIENTS        
• 1 1/2 pounds small spring carrots, tops trimmed and peeled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup whiskey
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped chives or parsley for garnish. (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 375°F. Toss carrots in olive oil, smoked paprika, and a generous sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Roast for 30 minutes or until carrots are tender when pierced with a fork.

While carrots are roasting, place whiskey in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer and cook until whiskey is reduced by half, about 4 minutes. Add sugar, stirring to dissolve. Cook 2-3 more minutes, allowing sauce to thicken. Lower heat and stir in butter and orange juice until well combined. Season to taste with a pinch of salt. Keep sauce warm until carrots are done. Toss carrots in warm glaze, sprinkle with chives or parsley and serve immediately.  

Carrots trimmed and ready for roasting…

While the carrots are in the oven, start making the whiskey sauce…

Finished and ready to serve…it is amazingly delicious!!

This bunny napkin is made by folding an ordinary cloth or paper napkin. Click on to this video to see how to make it. Such a nice Easter touch at each place setting!! Tip…you might need a paperclip, common pin or clothespin to hold it together in the back. Just make sure you collect them from all your guests when they unfold their napkin to use.

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In my last post I showed you this number 1 picture of the Monet, Poppy Field, paint-by-number painting that I was in the process of painting!! Number 2 photo is my painting completed!! Number 3 photo is Monet’s painting!! Although, it was challenging to paint, with very tiny strokes, but so worth it, because now I have a Monet to hang in The Train House!! I will show it framed and hanging on the wall, at some point!!

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On this day in March, there wasn’t a soul in sight on our beach on Cape Cod…in a few months it will be very different, with lots of people and colorful umbrellas dotting the landscape…while walking I was pondering my thoughts…

Spring Equinox is a time of renewal, fresh starts and rebirth, it also represents joy, hope and growth… After long and dark winter months, we can finally step out and enjoy beautiful scenery. In years past we have embraced all these spring changes, with running and leaping towards it all, like a brand new puppy! However, this spring might be a little different, because the darkness this winter started sooner with the pandemic, keeping us in and isolated for a whole year…it has been the darkest winter that I have ever been through. I think I am looking forward to this spring more than ever, but going towards this celebration, like a leaping puppy will not take place for me. It will take place slow and gentle, like the petals of a flower opening. It will happen…I will visit with friends and family, go shopping in actual stores and go into restaurants, but it will slowly happen, like the opening of a flower.

Happy Spring Equinox and Happy Easter to you all🌷