British Emporium visit... and other stuff

British Emporium Purchases

The British Emporium opened up a few months ago here by us. It's not a large store, but packed with British items that aren't in the normal grocery stores (Yes, it's $$$). But we love Walkers shortbread and to find it Gluten Free was a blessing (and it tastes great!). And their dark and milk chocolate with Irish Whiskey or Bailey's Irish Cream is pretty darn good too! As for the Shepherd's Pie Mix, I make this a lot, but usually just use brown gravy. Thought I'd try Colman's as my dad always loved Coleman's mustard. 

Funny story: I made blueberry muffins Monday... 24 mini-muffins  with plans to freeze them and use them for breakfast or snacks at tea time.

Well, I had an appointment to go to the dentist that afternoon, so I left the muffins cooling on the counter. When we returned, it seems that my youngest son and granddaughter had dropped by for an impromptu visit (President's day/no school). They were no longer at the house... but my muffins were reduced to almost half... with a note left by granddaughter saying "I was here!". 

Previously I was known as the grandma who makes the best tea cakes... and now she says I also make the best blueberry muffins! (Guess I am pleased to have that honor)

And lastly, I'm going to show you some Easter cards we found that I think are really cute: (one silly/one sweet)

cover of card on left
and
inside words on right

and

cover

inside words

I do really like Easter! It's my favorite holiday (a true celebration of Spring). Everything is turning green, plants and trees are starting to bloom, baby critters are being born, and live begins anew! I know it's  a celebration of the resurrection and to me (in my heart) this is  confirmation that life will always be renewed.  

Wishing you all a wonderful Spring!... even those of you that still have snow on the ground. The Groundhog predicted "an early Spring" (I want him to be right).

Hugs (virtually),

Rian

ps: For those of you who may not be aware, we had a little feral female (black & white) that we were afraid wasn't going to make it. She's probably a little less than a year old...but had suddenly gotten very thin (hip bones sticking out) and shaky. She slept every night under the heat lamps and was obviously getting weak. We thought to try to catch her, but she's feral and she will only let us so close.

Anyway, the good news is that these last 2 days, she's looking much better. Eating well and moving like she's getting stronger. I've been praying for her, but afraid possibly she had something that was not going to heal itself. We've experienced what we call 'miracle cats' before that got well despite all odds. We hope she is going to be another one.