Did you have Hot Cross Buns on Good Friday or anytime over the holidays?
We did! I don’t usually indulge in processed carbs, but I have a friend whose baking is next level! My guest ordered two dozen of her delightful buns, and I enjoyed one or two over the weekend.

Did you go on, or organise, an Easter Egg hunt?
It was wet in the morning, so I did not organise an Easter Egg hunt for the young children I look after on a Saturday morning. Instead, I made up a parcel of eggs for their mom to give them on Easter Sunday. However, by 11 am, the weather had cleared, and I took them to our favourite place – Earth – which is a restaurant, play park, and petting farm. The kids went off to play and returned with an Easter Egg each – The Earth staff had hidden eggs for the kids to find! What a lovely thing to do!
But let’s call back the past! Easter Egg Hunts were a big thing when we were helping raise our two grandsons, and it continued into their adult years! Now, sadly, both are on different continents and no longer spend the Easter Weekend with Granny and Grandpa.

How many Easter Eggs did you have this year?
One or two. I bought two boxes of marshmallow eggs, most of which I still have. I bought for others rather than for self-indulgence. For the sponsor kids – A bunny and a small box of small eggs each – also for their lovely mom. For my daughter who was spending the weekend, – 1 dozen real’ egg Easter eggs which she shared with the Dad, Andrew (our guest) and me.

Do you believe the chocolate used in Easter Eggs is better than other times of the year?
I can’t say that I’ve noticed. Lindt Easter Eggs are the best, as is any Lindt chocolate.

Gratitude:
Today’s gratitude is a little different. My life is filled with delightful cats and kids. They all bring me great joy. Sometimes there’s a bit of mischief which makes me laugh. Below is a story of how I was almost ‘haunted’ by two boy ghosts!

A Ghost At My Door
Last Monday, as I was putting out the dirt, I saw my neighbour on his bike, returning from a fishing trip at the harbour.  Not far behind came his son at a trot with another young boy still a few paces behind.    I called out a cheery hello and asked how their recent camping weekend had been.  They stopped to tell me that it was ‘awesome’.  “And I’ve brought my friend back with me,” said my young neighbour, introducing me.  He was a lovely young boy who greeted me politely. I wished them all a lovely day, and they replied with the same to you and then went on their way.

Later that afternoon, the doorbell rang.   I rushed to answer – nobody.  But on the mat, I spied a bowl with a note weighted down by a small shiny stone.  I picked up the bowl and retrieved the note.  “The ghosts are back – and we are hungry!  Fill this bowl with sweets, or we will haunt you, but feel free to keep the stone!” 

Now this has happened before!  The last time, I replied with Beware – I am a vampire and not afraid of spooks!  The reply came with a whole garlic in the bowl!

Not wanting to be haunted, I filled the bowl with sweets.  These were quickly retrieved, and then the bell rang again.  This time a note – “It’s Easter, so where are the eggs? Fill this bowl before 12 tomorrow, as we won’t be around on Sunday!”

So, I duly went off to shop for eggs, placed them in the bowl and together with a note took them next door.  I placed the bowl of eggs on the mat, rapped loudly on the door and ran away!

Dear Ghost so spooky, silent and sly,
Your note was impressive — I won’t deny.
But ghosts don’t scare me, that much is true,
And little boys? I’ve taught quite a few!

The eggs are here, the threat is done,
Now off you float — and Happy Easter fun!

Mum answered the door – and saw nobody there!  But she messaged me shortly after, thanking me with a giggle in her voice.  “The boys are out at the beach. I’ll show them the bowl and note the minute they return,” she promised. (I don’t think she knew what they were up to until the Eggs arrived on the doormat!)

Half an hour later, my doorbell rang – On the mat – a note – “We are forever in your debt.  Thank you for the eggs.  You are now free from haunting!    Till next time – watch out for the signs!”

Whatever they’re up to next – I am prepared!