Winter Daydreams

Tired of looking out and seeing snow, snow and more snow?  Longing for the lush colors and textures of Spring/Summer?  Then why not join me in a bit of Winter daydreaming.  Let's close our eyes and indulge our senses in the beauty of gardens past.....

Wild Cherokee Rose in full bloom (can't you almost smell its delicious tea-like fragrance?)

In reality my raised beds lay dormant, hidden in a frozen blanket.

But in my mind's eye, I see them alive and thriving in their full glory.  Bursting with....

...Tender Sweet Peas and Spinach,

...Lettuces ready for the salad bowl,

...Potatoes and Onions.

When I open my eyes I see nothing but blinding white.  

But if I close them back quickly I can still see....

 ...the glorious brilliant colors of the Sunrise Petunia,

 .... the mouth watering redness of the ripe raspberries,

... and the soft velvety petals of my yellow climbing rose.

Now, isn't that better? 

Hold on... warmer, lovelier days are just around the bend. ~Rhonda

Well what do you know...

...it did snow!  All day yesterday we listened to the predictions of a storm that was headed our way.  Destined to bring us approximately 5-7 inches of snow.  But when 9:30 rolled around and not a flake had fallen, I called it a loss and went to bed.

Turns out they were right!  We got about 6 inches, the most I have ever seen here.

I bundled up tight and headed out doors. 

I went to check on the animals~

That's strange... looking in the chicken run... something is missing?  Oh yeah, shouldn't there be chickens out here!

Ms. Honey ~ "Who are you kidding, we're not going out in this stuff.  I'll be able up to my NECK!"

Me ~  "Good grief!  Bunch of babies."

So, I cleared the area of the offending snow, threw out a little scratch and finally coaxed the ladies and gentlemen into wandering beyond the coop door.  By the way, it's amazing how heavy those fluffy white flakes get after the 50th shovel full.

Only one thing left to do... take a crazy fast ride down the hill on the sleds.  But first we need a hot hearty breakfast.  Something that will warm you from the inside...

Cheddar & Cracked Pepper Grits

2 cups boiling salted water

1/2 cup yellow corn grits

1/2 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese

As many cranks of the pepper mill as you please

Slowly add grits to boiling water.  Reduce heat to medium. Stir constantly until grits begin to thicken.  Remove from heat and stir in cheese.  Texture should be smooth and creamy, not runny or clumpy.  Season with fresh cracked pepper. ~ Enjoy

It makes for a very happy Snow Day:-)

~ Rhonda

A Day in the Life

Smokey is one of the kittens that came to join us here after being dumped out at my neighbor's.  She and her brothers and sister started out their little lives on shaky ground.  (You can read about it here.)  But now they live the life of Riley...

Here she is the day after Christmas.  I am trying to get packed so that I can get to the cabin before dark....

"Uh-oh, I think she sees me."

"OK, Mom, you caught me... yes, I know you are trying to get ready to go.  I was just playing."

"Tee-hee!  Lucy doesn't know it's me in here."

"Gotcha!!"

"WHAT!?... I'm not doing anything.   Anyway, she started it."

Oh, to be a cat:-)  ~Rhonda

Done for now...

My eyes are sore and my bum is numb, but I like the new look of things.  I can't remember the last time I spent the day at the computer.... ah, a sense of accomplishment:-)

I think I'll go make some veggie soup and grilled cheese sandwiches.

See you tomorrow~ Rhonda

Under Construction

I am doing a little updating here at my site.  Pardon the dust. 
Hopefully I won't accidentally delete the whole thing:(

Be back shortly~ Rhonda

Question: Does anyone know how to I can make my header narrower and longer?

Thanks a million Dear Vee!  You put me on the right track and with a little tinkering, I was able to make it exactly the way I wanted.  I owe you one my friend:-) ~Rhonda

Lister

List~er:  someone who makes lists; usually for organizational purposes.

OK, so I know Lister is not really a word, but it describes me perfectly.  I do not go to the grocery store without one... if I do, I come home with 20 things I don't need and I forget at least a handful of things I really should have gotten. 

About a week before I leave on vacation I start a list that goes like this:  half the page is titled Things To Do and the other side says Things To Take.  This helps insure that I don't get where I am going just to discover that I have forgotten my camera.  Or, I am three and half hours from home in 15 inches of snow and suddenly realize that I neglected to plug up the heat lamps for the animals.

Lists are like my sanity check and motivational coach all rolled up in one.  They help me keep my mind free from a million different should's and have to's so that I don't drive myself crazy trying to remember something I think I might be forgetting, and they remind me that I have things to get done.

So this year, instead of Resolutions... I am making a list.  Concrete, tangible items that I can check off as accomplished.  None of this ethereal, elusive "I will eat better and exercise more"  business.  No, my list reads... "Fast food,  once a week or less.  Anna Belle' and I will walk/hike 3 times a week."  This way, I either do it or I don't.  No fuzzy grey areas. 

And, when December 2011 rolls around and I start to have that unsettling feeling that another year is fading into the sunset and I have little to show for it, I can say ~ " Wait a minute, not so fast... I have a list!!!"

How about you?  Resolutions, lists or do you just fly by the seat of your pants and let come what may:-)

Either way, enjoy and make the most of the New Year.  Before we know it (the Good Lord willing and the creek don't rise) we will be ringing in 2012. ~Rhonda

Welcome 2011

Happy New Year...

may it bring you health and happiness. ~Rhonda