Hello friends. It's the last Thursday of the month if you can believe it, which means it's time for our Monthly Musings hosted by Patty (Good Better Best blog). This month we're talking all things spring, which overlaps a bit with this week's Hodgepodge questions, but I'm playing along anyway.
I'm with my daughter2 this week and I had her answer the questions too. Who remembers when my girls used to blog? It was a fun season and I loved reading their thoughts on so many things. They're busy with little ones and more these days and of course that's fun too, but I miss reading their words.
I wrote my answers first, then asked my daughter the questions...here's our answers-
1. Does it feel like spring where you are?
Me: yes and I'm loving the warmer temps, all the blooming things, grass turning green, and the sun setting at 8 PM.
D2-some days, mostly yes, with some cool temperatures and some warmer which I guess is spring
2. What spring holidays do you celebrate?
Me-I guess we're going by what the calendar calls spring and not what feels like spring to me. June 21st is when the calendar turns, but in my mind Memorial Day is the first day of summer.
If we're going by the calendar then my springtime celebrations will be Easter, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Daughter1's birthday, and sweet baby J's birthday (grandson #3). Plus, using this timeline our anniversary technically lands in the spring, but just barely. I've always said we had a 'summer wedding' as the day was a scorcher, and schools weren't in session, plus June brides are summer brides, right?
D2-based on when spring actually ends I celebrate Easter, Mother's Day, Father's day and my son's birthday...oh and Memorial Day which I think of as the start of summer.
3. Any spring trips planned?
Me-No spring travel planned, but I'm hoping we can manage an overnight somewhere to mark our anniversary. I'm working on it.
D2-a trip to the beach
4. Favorite foods to eat and share for spring holidays?
Me- pineapple stuffing is always on the Easter menu here, plus I love deviled eggs and they're another dish on the menu. I like to make Nigella's pea, mint, and avocado salad in the spring because it's so green and fresh. I go easy on the mint though as I think a little goes a long way. Nigella loves her some mint. I also like to make my sister's carrot soup recipe in the spring.
D2-deviled eggs 100%, M & M cookies made with pastel M & M's, pineapple stuffing which I pretty much only make at Easter
5. Are there any spring festivals in your area?
Me-Not really, at least not right in tiny town. The weekly live music in the heart of downtown starts back up in April and that's a lot of fun. They close the streets and there's a band, food, and friends gathered.
D2-I discovered we have a pickle festival on May 17th and we'll be checking that out for sure. There's a tulip festival happening now, and a strawberry festival in May we like to go to every year.
6. Best spring allergy relief tip?
Me-I take allergy meds this time of year and I won't spend a lot of time outdoors when pollen is peak.
D2-I don't have horrible spring allergies. My husband says I sneeze more than the average person year round so... flonase for the sneezing and eat local honey
7. What makes you think, 'ok, now it's finally spring'?
Me-the daffodils popping up as you come down the drive
D2-no more snowflakes on the weather app
8. Spring rain...love or dislike?
Me-I won't say I love it, but regular spring rain helps bring the pollen down and I do love that. We need some rain right now as we're experiencing drought conditions in our area.
D2-I dislike it. I don't like to be stuck inside.
9. Special spring holiday dessert or treat?
Me-I don't have any special spring treats, but I do like to find something delicious to make for Easter. I'm not always in charge of dessert but I like something light, citrus-y or made with berries for spring. Strawberry shortcake is a favorite of mine and strawberry season in my state is April-June so I'll for sure make a shortcake or two every spring.
D2-I like to bake and I like to find a new recipe every season. When I hear this I think what will I make for Easter dessert. This year I found a recipe for carrot cake whoopie pies and think I might try that.
10. Favorite spring cocktail or mocktail?
Me- cheating a little with my answer, but when I think spring beverage I think sweet tea. I don't make iced tea in the winter but come spring it's a staple here. I'll have a pitcher in the frig from now until November. Homemade with plenty of lemon.
D2-I'm going to say a French 75...I think the lemon twist makes it look and feel springy.
Fun dual answers! You will have to share the recipe for pineapple stuffing. I've not heard of it. Maybe it's a southern thing? I know that sweet tea is a southern thing. I like Snapple's Diet Peach tea a lot. (I doubt that qualifies as sweet tea!!). Agree about Memorial Day. It's officially in spring but it seems like the kick off to summer. Enjoy the rest of your stay in TN and safe travels back!
ReplyDeleteI put the link in my reply to Holly's comment. I will try to remember to email it to you.
DeleteA pickle festival?! I love pickles! That would be so fun!
ReplyDeleteOk I had never heard of pineapple stuffing so I looked up recipes and I am adding it to our menu this year! Thank you for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteI use this recipe more or less...some call for savory add ins like broth, but ours is strictly a sweet side. Drain the pineapple really well but save the juice. If I have leftover dressing I put some of the juice on before reheating to keep it from being dry. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/18391/pineapple-stuffing/
DeleteI am hosting friends this Saturday and one of them is bringing a pineapple side dish. I've never thought of pineapple as a side or as stuffing. Something new!! I enjoyed both of your answers, Joyce, and know you are enjoying your visit!! xo
ReplyDeleteFun reading both of your answers. Yes, we have special Holidays coming up in the next few months and some birthdays too. Your anniversary should be fun and also D2's trip to the beach. Your Easter things sound yummy along with D2. I have never heard of a pickle festival. It is never fun having allergies. Your flowers are so pretty. Having some rain is a good thing. Shortcake sounds yummy. Hope D2's baking goes well. Sounds yummy. Enjoy your drinks.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have a lot to celebrate over the spring. We've already had our Mother's Day here but we still have Easter to look forward to.
ReplyDeleteI really need to try deviled eggs and those M&M cookies sound so good!
Good answers, I have never had a problem with allergies and we do nothing special during spring.
ReplyDeleteI love the duo-answers. We got married Memorial day weekend so I was a spring bride and we had near constant gray skies and downpours so it really felt like spring too.
ReplyDeleteGlad you and D2 got to sit down and do this together. I'm guessing it was after the children had gone to bed ;)
ReplyDeleteThat was a fun activity for the two of you. The carrot cake whoopie pies sound fun! Hope the pollen isn't too hard on you!!
ReplyDeleteHow fun to write a blog post with D2! Hope you're having a wonderful visit.
ReplyDeleteI am truly honored that your daughter joined up for a dual post this month. How fun!
ReplyDeleteI haven't known you long enough to have enjoyed your daughters' blogs. My youngest blogged for a short time and I thought it was such fun. She's busy with littles and work and all the things, too, now, so no extra time for blogging.
ReplyDeleteThat Easter/spring tablescape is beautiful. Love the cabbages (napkin rings?). Just adorable. I almost always use some combination of paper plates and chargers. Should probably invest in some cloth napkins to show the planet some love.
Looked up a couple of pineapple stuffing recipes. Sounds scrumptious. Would be good with ham, me thinks!! I never think to make deviled eggs so thank you for that reminder. PC loves them.