In the Kitchen

My Easter project this year was naturally dyed and blown eggs and it has finally come to a close. However, it was only partially successful and will be revisited next year. Here is what has resulted:

You'll notice that I am missing the ends of the rainbow in my color scheme. I had used beets for a pink dye (I followed Martha's recipes) which worked nicely, except that the color washed right off, so when I went to blow and then wash out the eggs...no more pink. I also tried doing lavendar, but that again involved the beet dye so it, too, was a failed color. Next year I am going to try a blueberry dye. My other issue with the process was inferior eggs. Notice the unsightly stripes on my eggs.

Grrr. I'm attributing this to some part of the commercial egg processing. I sought out a different brand of egg, but the only other options at my local grocer were brown eggs or fancy eggs that have stamps on the shells (don't know if those stamps wash off, but wasn't interested in finding out at the time). I need to get eggs straight from the coop. I did actually have a source for that, but no longer. On top of my dying troubles, I've seen enough raw egg up close and personal to last me a little while. There is just something about it gloppily squeezing out of a little hole that's a little gross. Sorry. (And yes, gloppily is so a word.)

Just outside the kitchen, I made a startling discovery. As I was coming into the house through the back door, baby on hip, there was a loud fluttering and a brush across the top of my head just as I opened the door. I froze for a second, not knowing what it was or from where it came. Then I looked to my left and saw this...

...right at eye level. I promptly let out a little scream and ran inside. I guess I knew it was a bird without seeing a nest, but seeing it inches from my face just made it sink in. The strangest thing is that Finn didn't seem to be bothered by it - the bird nor my screaming and jumping. Good to know he can remain calm if we're ever fleeing from something scary. So, the nest is empty and although it would be cool to see eggs and babies (with awesome access for photos), we're going to move the nest before that happens. 'Cause I'd like to have access to my back porch without being attacked.