This will most likely be my last blog until after Pascha. With the Church schedule of two services per day and the activities that will fill the in between time, I won't be getting online at all this week. We'll be dying our eggs on Holy Thursday and in case anyone is doing for the first time or would like to know how to get perfectly dyed red eggs, I thought I'd post some tips that were given to me a few years back by the sisters of the monastery here.

10 tips to Perfectly Dyed Red Pascha Eggs

1. Brown Eggs dye more consistently and give a nicer red.
2. Use Red Wine vinegar NOT distilled
3. Make sure eggs are room temp. before boiling ( I usually set them out from the night before under a blanket)
4. Wash eggs with soapy water and a sponge before dyeing.
5. follow directions on pkg; however if using more than one pack of dye dissolve each pack separately not all at once.
6. As you put eggs into pot DO NOT layer them!
7. Keep water at a constant boil, first batch 10 minutes each subsequent batch 8 minutes.
8. As soon as they come out dry eggs with a soft cloth (they will have spots if you let them air dry) If you took them out without drying immediately put them back in for a few seconds and then take it out and dry it
9. Put a little olive oil on a paper towel and polish while still warm
10. Lay them out on something that won't leave a print (I use the flat side of bubble wrap)

Tip 11. If you want to always win the egg cracking contest, Target sells wooden eggs. Paint one red and go for it! LOL. I have a cheesy sense of humor sometimes, but seriously my Papou (grandfather) made me do that for him last year, he's still the envy of all his coffee house buddies...until they find out! ;)
I pray that you all have a blessed Holy Week and a joyous and glorious Resurrection!