Easter Sunday 2013

What a gorgeous day here in Orlando, FL!  It is what I call the "perfect" Easter weather.  Crystal clear blue skies, sun shining, a light breeze, and a comfortable 80 degrees.

The kids came over and spent the day with us.  I appreciated having help with the Easter Decor, and fixing dinner.  Usually I have the decor done by Saturday night before I go to the Easter Vigil Mass, but yesterday I lost track of time preparing for Valerie's baby shower that will be here Apr 6.  (If I didn't get the remainder of the shopping done, it wouldn't get done.  Our Spring Break has ended).

Anyway, I enjoyed Valerie's laughter as she filled the eggs with Easter candy.  She was up to some sort of trickery, and only time would tell.  This is a tradition in the Rando household to have these eggs on the table throughout the 50 days of Easter.  Clif appreciates having lots of choices after having a barren Lent for 40 days. 



I had to laugh because as soon as I took the camera out to snap a picture before we started dinner, everyone bolted!  Poor Valerie, being almost 7 months pregnant couldn't escape because her shower gift box had her trapped (it's a rocking chair).  I promised her I'd do my best to keep her out of the picture.



After the kitchen was cleaned up, we decided to compete playing Skip-Bo.  Each couple was a team.  As you can see, Stephen is excited over Amber's strategic move.  They won the first game.  Michael and Valerie won the next.

 Oh, and the laughter returned as we began to get into those Easter eggs.  Valerie mixed up the candies and had us completely baffled...dark chocolate M&M's mixed with milk chocolate ones, Skittles mixed with Jolly Rancher jelly beans, Jelly Bellies mixed with M&M's, and even over-stuffed a few so that when Stephen opened one, beans flew everywhere.  Have you ever laughed so hard, you cry?  Well, that's the kind of laughter we had this evening.  What a blessed and joyous day.

Palm Sunday

I decided to spend the weekend with my dad in Clearwater.  We had a busy and enjoyable weekend.  I decided to come back early after taking Barbara, Pete, and Dad out for breakfast after 8:00 Mass.  I am so glad I came home early.  Ordinarily, I come home around 2-4 pm, but being it is our last prayer session this afternoon at 4, I left at 10, and was home by noon. 

We had a storm move through at 2:30 that came in with a vengence, and lasted about 10 minutes.  The wind, rain, hail, lightning, and thundering left me to cover our home in prayer that we would be safe from any "acts of God".



This pond appeared shortly after the downpour started.  I had to wait til the rain let up to get out to snap the picture. 



Then Clif and I had to assess the garden to make sure it survived the hail.  It seems it did.



Some of the hail was a lot bigger than the normal "pea" sized hail we normally see.

Boy was I glad I wasn't driving home in this mess!  Stephen is sure to be busy today.  He went on shift at 2:00, and we have been hearing sirens since 2:45.  I pray that God keeps everyone protected under His tender, loving care.

Strawberry Festival

     Saturday, Clif and I decided to spend our day at the Strawberry Festival in Plant City, FL. The Festival is just like a State Fair, only with the sole purpose of celebrating the Strawberry harvest.   It was a cold day for Florida, but perhaps not for the northern folk.  It never made it beyond the mid 50's, and with the windchill, it seemed like 40 degrees.  It whipped right through to the bones!  But when the sun was not hidden by the occasional clouds, it was bearable. 
     Strawberries this time of year are in their peak season, and nothing is tastier than strawberries freshly harvested.
     After going through the livestock area and midway, we headed over to the exhibit area. 
 


They had an educational display garden explaining the farming techniques.  The strawberries made our mouths water.  I was saying to Clif, "I'd love to go in and get that one.  Hey, look how ripe that one is!  Yum, that one is really, really ripe!  These can't go to waste! I really want one of those strawberries."



We made our way to the strawberry shortcake line, grabbed our serving and headed over to the Clogging Show put on by the Orlando Cloggers.  This was one of the many free entertainments provided throughout the day.  They were a pleasure to watch, not to mention, it was nice to be out of the wind.  :)



Next we were off to the Robinson Pig Races.  This event has been taking place for at least 25 years.  (Notice the fans are bundled up trying to keep warm.)  The had 4 different events.





These are the potbellied pigs.



The next race they had to swim across a pool.  I felt sorry for the pigs.  Who wants to get wet in cold weather?  The good news though was that they had heating lamps in the pens when the pigs returned.



Who knew pigs could swim?  I didn't.



Even potbelly pigs can swim, but they sure do make a big splash!



They are fierce competitors.  And to think, they race to eat an oreo cookie.

We had an enjoyable day, and brought home a 1/2 flat of strawberries to enjoy.  YUM! :)

Carefree Timelessness

Tonight I had a pleasant surprise when I got home from my day's work and workout.  Both boys were home, and out playing basketball with dad.  It was even more amazing in that I was listening to one of Matthew Kelly's CD's on raising a family.  On this CD he was talking about Carefree Timelessness and how important it is especially in today's society.  At a time when we are caught up with our electronic devices, we rarely spend quality time with our loved ones...It is communication via texting, glued to TV and video games, spending countless hours on the computer, running kids here and there.

Well, after snapping a few pictures, I joined in the fun.  We had much laughter, and it reminded me of the years as a young family!  Clif won the first game, and Stephen won the second.  I wonder how sore we will be tomorrow because I can't remember the last time I shot so many hoops!



                   Clif's saying, "I can't believe that shot didn't go in!"


                "I'll show you how it's done!"



                                 "Uh-huh, and you think that's a basket?"



                "It's my turn, let me have a try!"



      "No, no, no, I'm telling you, this is how it's done.  It'll go in this time."  Notice Michael,
"Yeah, right!"

     Carefree Timelessness.  The world needs more of it. :)

Living with Passion and Purpose

Last Saturday, my sister Diane and I attended a seminar given by Matthew Kelly titled Living Your Life with Passion and Purpose.  This man is truly graced with the Holy Spirit, and I believe he is one of God's current day evangelizers. I am providing a link to his schedule because if you can, and if one is nearby, you should go. http://www.dynamiccatholic.com/passion-purpose-events   It is life changing. He uses common sense, humor, and truth.  If you are not able to attend, I would suggest to at least go to his website and order his books.


    I have read Rediscover Catholicism and The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic.  I purchased Rhythm of Life at the event.  I am eager to dive into reading and applying his advice. It's time we revitalize our Faith. Afterall, Pope Benedict XVI has declared this THE YEAR OF FAITH. We just need to live it.

DeLeon Springs

Today Clif and I have been married for 28 years.  We decided to head off to DeLeon Springs in DeLand to enjoy a delicious breakfast before heading off onto the hiking trail.



DeLeon Springs State Park has the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant where you cook your breakfast at your table.  It is a really fun concept, and on a cool morning like today, it gives you warmth being next to the hot griddle.



Clif usually does all the cooking when we go camping.  I thanked him for doing our cooking this morning too.  He didn't mind because he said, "at least I get to eat it while it's still hot."



I liked the multigrain pancakes best.  We had plenty of energy in our tummies for a day of adventure.



We headed off onto the Wild Persimmon Trail.  I have to admit, it is one of the most beautiful hikes I've taken in Florida.  I was hoping to spy a bear, but no such luck today.  We had fun looking anyway.  We didn't have trouble with insects as it was a dry, crisp day. I think it made it into the low 70's which is ideal for hiking.




There was plenty of tree canopy which of course is my favorite hiking environment.



They have planks strategically placed for the rainy seasons.  Technically we didn't have to walk on them, but it was fun just the same.



There was a patch of ferns.  My thought is the tops are discolored due to a recent freeze.



Then Clif notices a couple of bones.  We were curious as to what animal was eaten.



We couldn't help but notice all the new growth.  And to think, the northeast is snowed in.



Even the Azaleas were in full bloom.  They were absolutely gorgeous. 



After we finished our hike, we rented a canoe for an hour.  This is a manmade waterfall
where the Spring empties into a cove that eventually leads into Lake Woodruff then into a river named Garden Run.



It's nice having Clif navigate the waters.  It makes for an enjoyable time. :)



I didn't realize at the time the water was choppy as the wind was at our backs.  This is Lake Woodruff.  Nice big lake, eh?  The row back across was a bit strenuous with the headwind, but we made it! 



Once we got across, Garden Run had a tranquil setting.  The land to the left is Lake Woodruff Wildlife Refuge.  We ventured there once we finished at this park.



On the way back to the park, next to the DeLeon Springs sign is what we called the Abominable Mossman.  We have no idea what the significance of this was, but it was interesting.  It made us laugh. :)




Once we got to the Woodruff National Wildlife Refure, we caught glimse of this alligator.

We had a wonderful day together, perfect, in fact.  The Food for Thought for today from DynamicCatholic.com was a great way to start our day.  I believe this is why our day turned out being just perfect.

"When two people love each other it is a wonderful thing, but when two people love God and each other this is the kind of relationship from which the future of the Church will spring. When you both burn with a love of God the fire will consume the impurities of your human love. The more you love God the more you will be able to love each other."
                                                                                            -Mustards Seeds.

5K

I know many of you are experienced 5K runners, but I for one am not.  Running isn't even my preferred avenue for exercise.  I'd much rather be dancing.  But with inspiration from my twin friends, and 80's music on the mp3 player, I ventured outside my comfort zone, and can now say proudly...I DID IT!



Kim, Karen, and I are very chilly without our jackets.  Race time was 7:30am, but we had to be there at 6:45.  It was a cold 42 degrees.



In the sea of pink shirts, I saw Joanna.  I taught her daughter Sunday School in K, 1, 2, and 3rd grade.  Laura has a special place in my heart.  I still hang the pumpkin craft she gave me for Halloween every year.  I love to look at her signature on the back.  It brings such joy. :)




Karen came in minutes behind Kim and I.  I think it had warmed up to maybe 48 by this time.



I don't think we look too bad afterwards. We look presentable enough to treat ourselves to breakfast!