THE FIRST DAFFODILS OF SPRING 2026

/ joseph elon lillie / 2 Comments

It’s officially Spring. This week has been up in the 70’s and even into the 80’s and that has caused everything to begin popping up.

The daffodils along the side of my sister’s driveway in the front garden are up.

The day lilies and even a few irises have started poking their heads through in the front garden, too.

the day lilies and the garlic are both pushing through in the circle garden by my driveway.

All that said our spate of good weather is almost over. By Saturday we are plunging back into the 30’s and 40’s and there is even a possibility of snow overnight, on Sunday, as the temperatures will once again plunge beneath freezing.

SPRING IN NEW ENGLAND!

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WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE WHERE YOU LIVE?

WHO’S COOKING TONIGHT?

/ joseph elon lillie / 2 Comments

I feel like we are just learning our new rhythm here at The Vicarage. Melanie and James moved in with their two girls last September and we have spent the winter beginning the process of what it means to live together.

This isn’t my first rodeo. The Vicarage has always been a soft place to land for people. My aunt Libby lived with my Mom for awhile after her cancer diagnosis and Brenda has always been back and forth between extended gigs and missions. I myself have moved in and out several time in my adult life. First, right after I was married, and then again once while Tina and I were between houses back when we were thinking of going back to Bible college. Finally I moved back in permanently after my divorce.

My kids have now all had a turn at living here. So the tradition my parents began has carried on.

One of the questions we are still working out because of our varied schedules is “Who’s cooking tonight?”

Lately it has been mostly Melanie cooking for whoever happens to be around. Ministry has been busy. But on the nights like last night, when I am home, I do really like to use the kitchen.

Last night I made a Middle Eastern Chicken and rice with pan seared cabbage and peas. On Saturday night I made beef baharat. Yes, I have been venturing into some middle eastern dishes. I am experimenting with Baharat and spices like cumin, turmeric and coriander

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Tonight I am at prayer meetings from 5 P.M. until 8 P.M. so I imagine Melanie is going to be cooking, but if I have time I am going to change it up and go back to some old New England fare. I think I will make a berry bread pudding using some leftover bread ends and the eggs we are getting in abundance from the chickens just now.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO MAKE OUT OF YOUR KITCHEN?

PROJECT BURN IT UP

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Last week I posted about trying to burn brush in the rain and how frustrating that was.

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This week, the weather has turned and I have been able to burn two days this week so far.

The three piles I have to burn will probably take me most of the summer to burn, but at least I have gotten a start

Spring cleaning has begun!