February 6th was the first day of Lent. Ash Wednesday. This means it's the season just before Easter. It lasts from today for 40 days until Palm Sunday; the Sunday before Easter. Palm Sunday starts Holy Week which includes, Holy Thursday; the day our Lord had His Last Supper with His Disciples, and Good Friday where our Lord died on the cross for our sins. Lent and Holy Week end with the glorious Easter Sunday; where our Lord rose from the dead and ascended into heaven to be with our Father, forever.
When I came home from church on Palm Sunday, I'd make crosses with my Palms and I'd place them at the four corners of my home. Somehow, I feel a little more secure knowing we're protected! I still do this and the rest of the crosses I'd make I'd give them to anyone showing an interest in them. 
During Lent, all faithful Christians are obligated to practice Penance. On these days, the faithful devote themselves to prayer, helping others, and good deeds. On Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent, we are to practice fasting n abstinence. Fasting means limiting ourselves to one full meal and 2 lighter meals. This practice binds Catholics from their 18th birthday to 
their 59th birthday. Abstinence means not eating meat, and binds Catholics 14 years of age and older. Days of fast AND abstinence are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Days of abstinence ONLY are all Fridays in Lent. One is not bound to fast if health or the ability to work is affected.
Also during Lent, They say to give up something you like. I, of course, am addicted to chocolate so I stop eating it during Lent. At the beginning it isn't hard to do. But by the time Easter comes around, my cravings are getting the best of me. Staying home is a plus, but it's hard to resist the temptation if I go to any store. Chocolate is everywhere! Not only for Valentine's Day but for Easter as well! Oh my! My honey loves teasing me. He likes eating it in front of me. Normally he doesn't eat much chocolate, but now during this season, to me it seems he eats more. That's ok, honey, you'll just have to get me a chocolate bunny with the big ears and I'll be happy. But don't get it too soon. Easter isn't till the end of next month! I can wait!
