King Cake - A Little Late

I was told this little old pottery face is what was used in a King Cake.  The beholder of the slice with the face embedded, was bestowed luck or something.  Maybe they didn't have to give up anything for lent and hopefully, didn't crack a tooth.

Easter Past

Easter came and went and was a low key affair.  For the first time, I didn't make everything.  In the past, I have even made my own butter, shaped in an old chick chocolate mold, with homemade rolls and everything else.  Though I do draw the line at paper plates, this was an easier day as evidenced by this cake.

A Chantilly Cream Cake from Whole Foods.  I couldn't have made a better one - it was delicious.  I simply added more berries and voila.  

I made the grands hide the eggs outside as I've found too many old eggs under cushions in the past.  I did not think (until too late) that they'd be stomping on all the perennials and new growth, but what else can be expected of kids?  

I planted tulips across the bed at the edge of the patio.  I've watched them popping up for weeks.  Came back to the farm yesterday and thought I wasn't going to get to see them bloom.  

Alas, a couple of parrot tulips did open before I left.  I was so happy to at least get to see these.

Perhaps next year.

Easter Surprises

Back in the city and having a terrible time identifying plants and perennials from weeds.  The weenies started barking and I saw a little female mallard fly out of an azalea bush and the bad little weenies had their noses in the bush and tails wagging.  Uh oh.  She did not - she did.  After being gone a week, a little wild duck came up to the top tier of the yard and started laying.  I can only hope that they hatch while we are at the farm.  The grandkids are going to be very excited over this find this weekend.

The former owner has many different clematis vines around the house.  I can identify those, but I've never seen this one.  They open a lime green then turn white.  About the size of a tangerine, they are smaller than ones I've grown and the petals have rounded edges.  I just hope I don't pull up perennials  and annuals as the house was a jewel box of plants and flowers when I bought it.  

Have a wonderful time with your loved ones this weekend.