This past weekend was quite eventful, as some celebrated religiously…we concentrated on an elaborate leg of lamb feast and plenty of birthday festivities.

The morning began with the girls letting us sleep in, as they tore through their Easter baskets that the Easter bunny had left behind. I woke up to Hazel explaining that the Easter bunny left her LOL dolls and Mini Toy brand blind bags. As I gathered myself to the kitchen to make some much needed coffee, there was a trail of trash scattered about from the general direction of the baskets. I continued to grab the coffee, and attempt to wake myself up. The girls rambunctiously jumped up and down, taking turns to talk about this or that. We talked about the history of egg painting as well as the source of celebration of Easter Sunday. Any time I can insert any sort of historical factoid I get such a kick out of, especially when the girls get excited about it. Jason continued to sleep till about 1030-11am enjoying his birthday beauty rest.

Soon after I was motivated. I had hoped to set up the backyard pop-up Lanai, and Jason’s fire pit on the patio before the forecasted thunderstorms ensued. I walked to and from the front yard carting wood, trash, and leaves to clean up the patio area. It also happened to be the most humid day of the year to date, with 90 degree temps in the early afternoon. With some struggle over the lanai setup, I ended up enlisting the resident Mr. Fix it to assist. We pushed up the sides, hooked on the mesh and cover, and suddenly we had instant shelter. As the rains started to touch ground, we made final adjustments to stake and rope down the structure. The rains made their way in and the high winds and heavy rain put the lanai to the test. I also set up his new Solo Stove, which he is super stoked about. You can grill on this thing, put all kinds of attachments on it, even a pizza oven feature. I begrudgingly made my way inside as I was now wiped of all energy and wanted to sit in the lanai. The lightning forced my hand, showered and collapsed on the couch for about an hour.

Intermittently, Jason was busy preparing the leg of lamb for roasting. He prepared the most delicious slow cooked lamb gravy, made using the leftover bones and small meat and fatty tissue. Along with beef broth, red wine, bones, and veggies he rendered down probably the best gravy ever. Also on the leg itself, was a marinade of apricot preserves, mint, and garlic. As I was outdoor girl, he was indoor boy getting the birthday/Easter meal started.

I ran out of time to prepare his cake, but did make the sides for the meal, mashed potatoes and broccolini. Jason outdid himself with using the lamb rendered fat drippings to make homemade Yorkshire rolls(puddings) which cooks out of the drippings. The meal was to die for, Jason was happy with his new relaxation presents on the patio. Hazel was not impressed and opted instead for leftover lemon chicken with noodles. By the end of the evening I couldn’t wait to sit down and enjoy American Idol, one of my little guilty pleasures…(even Jason enjoys it with me.) Suddenly, I was not only so full that I couldn’t move, but was overcome with satisfaction and a job well done to celebrate Jason’s birthday and another wonderful Easter meal in the books.

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