During the Easter season we would have Hot Cross Buns while we were growing up

Not sure when it stopped, but the next time I remember was about 4 years ago when we invited an English couple to join us for Easter dinner.   She made home baked Hot Cross Buns

Traditions during the holidays are nice and I decided to add this one, at least for the two of us, for breakfast Easter morning.

It was an extra excuse to go to British Pantry for dinner.  

Slipped into the bakery before dinner, and no Hot Cross Buns. Not surprised, but a little disappointed.

Story is not over yet

Back to the dinning room and our favorite waitress Paula,  seated us and took our order.
I inquire about Hot Cross Buns and she confirmed that they were not sold in the restaurant.
The bakery  had been baking them all week and today, they sold over 800.

While we were enjoying our very  British dinner, here comes Paula. 
She handed me two wrapped up  Hot Cross buns.  She said they were hers and she had been eating them all day, so now they were mine 

And so it happened we had hot cross buns for East Sunday breakfast

Story is not over yet 

Just before the Sunday School singing began, Bethany said..
I have been wanting to bake Hot Cross buns for a long time and finally decided to do it.
We can have some with coffee after singing 

and then I have a few for you to take home

And I did

End of story

I live an exciting life 

 

A Favorite Restaurant

yes, we have been there many times
      we especially enjoy the "atmosphere"

Usually the guys sit in this chair, but this time, I got the privilege

a favorite restaurant
because
it is entertaining.
Usually. 
You see, the setting is Mom's kitchen from back in the black and white tv days.
  the   50's

so the waitress will make you set the table
introduce you to your " cousins" at the nearby tables.
scold you if your elbows are on the table.
deny dessert if you do not finish your meal

Naomi was a great waitress. She introduced a bride and groom from Mexico. Then she told them our American custom of feeding each other a piece of cake.  She gave them a piece of cake so they could try it.  Everyone was happy for them.


Naomi was not our waitress

Elizabeth did a nice job of singing Happy Birthday to two birthday groups. She sat down on  at the table with each party.

Elizabeth was not our waitress.

A cute little couple were celebrating their  anniversary at the table next to ours. 
They got no song and dance.   But, they didn't seem to notice. 

What's her name was probably having a bad day.


We will probably be back there next time.  The meal loaf is great !

The Greek festival. Held at St. Demetrius Church in Seattle. 

we have gone for many years.
I love the lemon rice soup, stuffed grape leaves and
you guessed it 
 Baklava.   ( no picture needed for that one )

The church has lots of areas with displays and things to purchase.
The big tent has food and a stage where  a quartet is playing their string instruments

Part of the program involves children dressed in native costume and they sing and dance. * we did not stay for that this year )
They have a thrift shop. One of the classrooms is set up with homemade soap.  another  had more bakery. Church literature is also on display.
Just before leaving we stopped at the "store".   Home baked bread, olive oil, etc, ..  we always end up with a  good sized bag of treats.

One last look back.  Someone wearing a large straw hat is bent over reading a book  A large bottle of wine is sitting on the table beside the book.   
Missing the music. Missing the atmosphere.   

Always something different and this one   ↑ 
 is probably  a one time only.
We usually run into someone we know, but not this year.  
And I guess it is a good thing, I was not wearing cute shoes. 
 Truth to be known,  nothing matched. 
 But I am sure you won't tell.

Flowers at your door? or Happy May Day !

Yes, it is an old custom, but not forgotten. There were at least three doors in our neighborhood with baskets - I know, because I put them there. Usually, my little friend Emily across the street, is my helper. But this year, she was out of town. I am not very creative, so this year, they were just colored paper cones with a little candy in the bottom and a few flowers on top. Our garden is kind of bare this year after major yard work. But a few lilac, a little lily of the valley and three white camellias and I was good to go. Off to the usual homes where they would not be shocked to find flowers on their door knob. And yes, I rang the doorbell and ran. I ran to Bellevue Square where I wished a couple employees and friends "Happy May Day". Only one person seem to understand. Tina, at N.B. said her girls were at home making baskets for their neighbors. Later I read on facebook that Heather Tonn got a basket at her door. So how about You? Did you?