Weekly Update: 2.22.26

Of taxes, Mardi Gras, Lent, and birthdays

I spent the better part of my energy this week working on taxes. It was boring, and not worth recounting. When I wasn’t crunching numbers, I’ve also been busy getting ready for the Rite of Election later today, the point at which our family will be welcomed into the Catholic Church — though we won’t be fully initiated until Easter Vigil. We have been doing lots of reading about Catholicism, as well as spending time in prayer.

Lent — the Christian season of fasting and penance — began this week. On Tuesday, we had a little Mardi Gras dinner — jambalaya, southern-style corn, and greens.

For dessert, we had a King Cake, complete with a Baby Jesus inside.

After such a rich dinner, we were all ready for the fast day on Wednesday. We attended the Ash Wednesday service at our church in the evening. It was especially meaningful, as I hadn’t attended the imposition of ashes for seven or eight years.

Late in the week, we celebrated my sister Grace’s birthday. We didn’t do anything too exciting. We spoiled her with her favorite foods, showered her with gifts, watched some TV, and generally had a good time. The Outrageous Lemon Lovers Trifle we made for her was to die for. Our brother Jeremiah spoiled her with a new camera to use right away for this week’s photo Friday.

Yesterday, my very belated Christmas amaryllis bloomed. I knew I had forced both of our amaryllis plants dormant too late in the year. So far, only this red one is blooming. It’s lovely, and very much worth the wait. It makes me ready for spring and the flowers that will unfurl beauty across the landscape. Seasons change — tax season with all the rest. I’ll be glad when this one is finished. There are so many new seasons to look forward to.

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