Living in the mountains, we are used to the occasional snow in April.  But I really didn’t think it would happen this year, let alone on Easter Sunday.  While the kids tromped around the garden searching for eggs, the threatening clouds opened up to turn our world into a little snow globe.  Again.  At one point, it was so thick I had to cover my camera under my sweater as it was getting quite wet.  Then I loudly shouted, “April Fool’s, kids!”.  All three turned on their heels to look at me, with mouths agape, and in utter trust that it was true…this was all an elaborate hoax and we were transformed back to January.  I sort of felt bad, but only for a second.  After three pairs of eye rolling, egg hunting resumed and Easter continued, even if it was under several inches of new snow.

Our tradition has always been that the Easter bunny brings garden treats….a packet of seeds, a plant to go in their own bed, a handmade decoration for the tree, and a sugar-free chocolate.  I realized the day before that I hadn’t yet made a decoration so I sewed up some very simple felt eggs on a car ride to a birthday party that we all went to in the next town over.  They aren’t quite how I wanted them to be, but the kids appreciate them.  Like Christmas decorations, I embroider the date on the back so we can look back on the treasures they’ve accumulated over the years.

This past week, before the snowfall, Spring was cheerfully on its way.  Crocuses and snowdrops were giving way to daffodils and tulips.  We did a little family yard work in short sleeves, basking in the spring sunshine.  I tended my rose bushes which have been neglected a few years, and made a new bed at the base of our Old Oak Tree.  (Truly, the oak tree is a mere 20 years old, but every time I say oak tree I can hear Frank Sinatra singing about that yellow ribbon.  So Old Oak Tree it is.)  I have wanted to do this for years and this spring was as good a time as any.  Josh went and got a truck load of composted manure for me, which is pretty much like other women getting roses or jewellery.  I can never have enough manure, even having a flock of sheep and a barn full of fresh poop…I needed some composted  ~   I dug up all the spring bulbs I could find and transplanted them into the new bed, in the falling snow.  While helping the Easter bunny choose a few fairy garden ornaments at the local greenhouse, I couldn’t resist buying the most gorgeous Lenten Rose.  Such a stunning, though poisonous, plant.  I love them!  Now, there is one flowering bed that looks so pretty and tidy…while the rest of the yard is mucky and messy from the wear and tear of three scruffy kids and three muddy dogs.

We made the best of our weekend, celebrating Easter morning on Sunday with a big brunch after the egg hunt.  Sunshine brought the bunnies up from their hutch for the whole day, and they were happily hopping about the house.  They usually make a weekly appearance for grooming, but it felt right to have them with us.  They are quite matted and I am not getting as much usable wool as we normally do, so we have to get back into our proper grooming routine.  I just spun some angora yarn to make into a headband for Summer, for Christmas.  I am trying to work on my gifts all year long instead of the last minute panic I usually do in the fall.  Thanks to Tonya for the motivation and inspiration.

The snow  is melting quickly and the steady drip drip drip from the roof is a telling sign that this won’t last long.  I spied some garlic shoots emerging a few days ago, and I’m anxious to plant some lettuce in the greenhouse.  But today is a day to jump back into the last term of homeschool.  I know we are going to get crazy busy with activities and gardening, so we have to make the most of the time when we are home.

Wishing you all a wonderful spring day, no matter the weather.

xo Jules