DAY 10: PALM SUNDAY BUT NO PALM…

Hi Friends,

Today is Palm Sunday and it feels so strange and sad to be stuck at home with no Church services to attend. It marks the beginning of Holy week, a very special time in our church. This day holds very special memories for me. It’s also known as Passion Sunday and commemorates the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem when palm branches were placed in his path, before his arrest on Holy Thursday and his crucifixion on Good Friday. Ironically, I have been really disciplined this past Lent and have managed to stick to my Lenten promise to refrain from eating chocolate and sweet treats.

Fortunately, I had kept my blessed palm from last year, so out I headed to the back garden and raised it as high as I could. I’m also wearing purple today, the traditional colour for Lent! So yes, I’m marking this special occasion at home! We enjoyed a special brunch in the dining room with all the bells and whistles. Why not? Today is a special occasion — in fact every day is now!

I can fondly recall all those Palm Sundays of long ago, going to Mass with Kevin and the girls and picking up our Palms as we headed into Church. The girls loved getting their palms, the taller the better, and waving them around in their hands. Like all the other children, they derived great pleasure forming the palm into various shapes, mostly crosses, during the long service. It was a great distraction! Later they would play swords with their palms. I have a special place in my kitchen where I would place the palms when we returned from Church. At least I have my palm from last year! Such a strange time which makes me appreciate all those things I had taken for granted.

One joyful moment today was listening to Queen Elizabeth speak to the people, urging us all to be strong as better days will come. I just LOVE that woman and found her speech very comforting and reassuring. She is amazing for her age and a role model for many in both her work ethic and sense of duty.

As we get nearer to Easter, that glorious Butler’s Irish Easter egg is getting closer to my table! Only a few days left of Lent and my quarantine! Yay! I cannot wait to feel the fresh air in my face and to stretch those legs of mine and get Coco back walking too! Don’t worry!! We’ll be keeping our distance!!

On that happy note, I’m sending hugs from our home to yours!

Love what you do and do what you love!

Hugs,

Patricia xx