Here we are coming to the end of Holy Week. For the second time we have experienced the season of Lent through the lens of pandemic. Many people have commented that the whole of the past year has been like an extended Lent and in many ways that is true. Virtually all of humankind has suffered loss and deprivation, has had to dig deep and to lean into faith.
Last Saturday’s Lenten Day Retreat “Together in the Desert” sought to address some of these issues, I for one came away refreshed and with some new insights into the Scriptures offered to us by our Speaker, Chris Belle. Chris is a Day Camp Team Alumnus, the current President of CTM and an Anglican Priest and we were so grateful he was willing to make time to lead us and to unpack passages from the Old and New Testaments including several Psalms. Thanks to modern technology Team Alums from 5 provinces, coast to coast across Canada, participated in the retreat and several have already asked if we can plan another one, maybe next autumn!
During office hours this week I have been preparing for 2 Day Camp meetings. Easter Monday evening the group who will be making craft samples for the 2021 Program is meeting to begin work and to check over the instructions, making sure everyone is on the same page since we are all working remotely instead of gathering in person.
Then Tuesday evening is the monthly Day Camp committee meeting so the agenda for that has needed to be compiled and sent to members. Of course there are always other small tasks such as answering emails, paying invoices etc.
With yesterday being a holiday I did my Easter baking so that I can package up my gifts today and deliver a few tomorrow. I made my last batch of Hot Cross Buns, some “Cricket’s Biskets” for Thomason, a big pan of caramel popcorn and some Easter Scones. Last evening I also very much enjoyed sharing dinner with Jenna, it was the first time I had eaten dinner with another person in more than nine months!
Today I plan to hang my Easter Egg garland and prepare a small bowl of trifle for my Easter Day dessert. Tuesday evening Bishop Mary messaged me to say she plans to send me a plate of Easter dinner from her virtual table. This is such a kind gesture on her part; I was overwhelmed by her thoughtful generosity and look forward to the delivery of my feast tomorrow afternoon😊.
During the week I completed a few projects, including making a batch of lemon marmalade and sewing a pair of patchwork pyjama pants, some spring overalls for myself and two new bandanas for Thomason. Sadly, on Thursday the weather turned much colder with several cms. of snow so spring-like attire has been put on hold in favour of winter jackets and boots. Sigh, spring in Canada is really an anomaly since one day can include frost and snow than the a few days later the temperature will soar and it will suddenly be summer.
The custard is now cool enough for me to continue assembling the trifle so this post better be wrapped up. My Lemon Marmalade is based on a very old Mennonite recipe, which I have tweaked to include modern appliances. It is easy to make, even for newbie preservers!
Lemon Marmalade
- 8 juicy lemons
- 1 lb. cane sugar
Wash the lemons and remove the stem ends. Run the whole fruits through the slicing blade of a food processor (or thinly slice by hand🙂). Transfer to a preserving pot and cover with cold water. Stir through the mixture and pick out any pips then leave to stand overnight. Next day bring to a boil and simmer until the skins are soft. Stir in the sugar and bring to a brisk boil.
Continue to boil for about 30 minutes until the marmalade has thickened, stirring frequently to avoid sticking! Test by putting a small spoonful of the mixture on a saucer and placing it in the freezer for a few minutes. If the marmalade is “set” on the plate it is ready.
Bottle in hot, sterilised sealer jars, screw on the lids immediately and listen to make sure they “pop” to seal. If not the marmalade can be stored in the fridge for several months.
Makes about 2 pints.