Marcia's Baking

My kids were home for the Thanksgiving break.  And, at least at my house, that means that more kids are at my house or my kids are out and about going to little get togethers at their friend's homes.

That also means "Marcia's baking"  and I love it.

For example, last Friday night went down something like this.
DJ:  Marcia's baking.
Friend:   Haahhaaa.  That's great!!!
Me:  Ask them if they want cookies or fudge.
DJ:  Cookies or fudge?
Friend:  Ummm, thinking.  Cookies.
DJ:  He says cookies.
Me:  Cookies and fudge it is.
And all was well in my world.
And their world too, for that that matter.
I have added the chocolate chip cookie recipe to my ever growing recipe page above :)
I hope you enjoy them!!!

Our First Snow Fall This Year

We woke up to this beautiful sight Saturday morning...

Reminds me that I have to get the kids together and take the annual Christmas card photo soon.
I am thinking a photo of the two of them on the bridge will be wonderful :)

Good Bye Dear Friend

You were, and always will be, our snake chasing, beautiful girl...

1996 - 2010

Rest in peace, my love.
We all miss you more than any words can express.

Thank You Mary Engelbreit

For...

Putting it all in perspective and keeping it real :)

It Is the Night Before Thanksgiving

And All Through the House...

The Creatures are Stirring...

But not a mouse - no definitely not a mouse - not allowed in my house!!!

The Mixer is Whirring..

And Suzie is Purring...

All in the Hope That Thanksgiving Soon Will be Here...

And the Scraps From the Feast Soon Will be Theirs...

This sad poem has been brought to you by the letters S, V, and M.

(Snoop, Suzie, Violet, and Marcia :)

Are You Looking At Me?

Let me clarify...

   

"Are YOU looking at me?"
Cause if you are :)

Shopping Locally

Can result in wonderful moon cookies disguised as pumpkins and fall balls...

A cookbook filled with favorite local recipes.
A handmade ornament that will soon adorn my Christmas tree.

Amaryllis that remind me of peppermint candy.

And Yankee Candles that will fragrance my house throughout the holiday season.

Those are a few of my finds from yesterday. 
Guess you will have to wait until Christmas to see the rest :)

Somethings a Bloomin

My Christmas cactus is blooming and that means two things in my house:

Thanksgiving will be here before you know it

and

Christmas shopping has to be done...

I best get a move on baking and shopping then :)

Shop first, bake second.

Shopping and baking - Does it get any better than that?

I think not :)

It's That Kind of Night

Windy.

Blustery.

Perfect for a fire in the wood stove.

 And a loyal dog at his master's feet.

Enjoy the warmth of your home tonight :)

An International Destination

Yesterday, my daughter and I brought several international visitors to see one of the seven wonders of the world.  In the picture below (from left to right) are individuals from the following countries:  Turkey, USA, Ukraine and Ukraine. The two from the Ukraine are mother and son.   The one from the USA is my daughter :)  They were all very appreciative of the fact that we took them there and we could not have asked for a better November day.  The sky was blue, the sunshine warm, and there were still a few leaves on some of the trees.

In case, you are wondering exactly where we went. 

We went to....

NIAGARA FALLS!!!

The power and the beauty of the Falls really do make it an international destination.  In fact, I think that probably 90-95% of the visitors there were foreigners.  I can see why.  It is impressive...

and beautiful... 

 Allowing you time to reflect...

 and wonder at Nature's beauty...

and perseverance...

If you ever get a chance (international visitor or not), go there.  It truly is one of the wonders of the world.  Safe travels to our new friends :)

Colcannon

What do you do when you have potatoes and cabbage on hand?  Throw the fact that you are Irish into the mix and you do what any good Irish lass would do on a damp, Fall night.  You have the retired lad of the house prepare colcannon.  That's right lassies, you have the lad of the house cook for you...

Doesn't that look good?  It's pretty and full of nutrients, too...

You eat it and then you settle in and watch this movie right here...  Because it is enchanting and maybe your all time favorite movie...

Image from imdb.com

And you know that everything in your world is alright tonight.