Christmas

My Christmas...

was...

very sweet...

indeed.
I hope yours was too!!!

A Warm Front

has blown through bringing the temperature to a balmy 55 degrees.
The snow pack has mostly melted and my trails are snow free.
I am not sure who enjoys it more...

Me or the dogs?
Either way, it is a win/win situation :)

My Most Favorite Time of the Day

is the very early morning.  I brew a pot of coffee, stoke the fire, light my candles, turn on the Christmas lights and then I sit down and enjoy the wonderment of it all.

What's your favorite time of the day?

Tis the Season

For Christmas tree hunting...

with family...

searching for the perfect tree...

and turning into the Incredible Hulk once the tree has been found...

He's not really the Incredible Hulk - just in case you were wondering :)

It's the season for snowmen and sleighs...

and white lights...

Christmas wreaths..

plaid throws and pillows...

and friends...

who love to set back and admire...

the Christmas tree.
Enjoy your night.

Cookies Anyone?

Chocolate crinkles and peanut butter blossoms are your choices tonight.

(Homemade by my niece, Grayce:)

Not interested?
How about a chocolate kiss instead?
You don't know what you are missing :)

Snoop!!!

 This is Snoop...

 This is my niece Grayce...

This is Snoop around Grayce...

Any questions?

This and That

I have been extremely busy this past month.  I helped my Mom move into her new apartment.  She loves it by the way :)  Here is a picture of her talking on the horn to my daughter!!!  Looks right at home doesn't she?

Her whole apartment has been furnished (quite lovely I might add) with second hand furniture.  Don't let anybody ever tell you to not buy second hand.  You will save a lot of money and I am always surprised at what people want to get rid of.  Just look at the couch - $150.00.  Can't beat that with a stick now can you?

My Mom loves roosters, so her kitchen has a rooster theme going on.

Her bed is adorned with a quilt I bought her a long time ago.  It's very cheerful.

I actually gave it to her in this star basket all those years ago (before stars became popular).  

And here is her little tabletop Christmas tree just waiting to be decorated.  

A good friend (that I am very blessed to have) gave me the tree skirt.  How adorable is that?
We're all getting excited for Christmas!!!
I've begun to decorate around the house too!!!

My Christmas wreath is up and I placed a thin tree in my bedroom that I have wrapped in ribbon.  It is so pretty.

My woodland Santa is a new addition this year and he greets us as we set at the table and eat.  I love his kind face, his full beard and the fact that a chickadee rests atop his walking stick.  He's my kind of guy!!!

And let's not forget the snowman that my same good friend gave me.  He sets next to my chair and reminds me what Christmas is all about - believing.
To the Christmas season!!!
May the spirit of it reside in all of you.

Thanksgiving Day Anticipation

The smell of pumpkin bread warm from the oven, apples cooking down in my crock pot, a refrigerator full of food just waiting to be prepared, the Macy's Day parade, the national dog show, football and family.
Oh, the anticipation.
I hope you have a great Thanksgiving.

How Do You Measure One's Life

My dear father-in-law died this past Tuesday.  He was 94 years old.  A brilliant man, he spoke several languages and traveled throughout the world.  An expert in his chosen field, he was co-author of a book and many publications.

To my husband, he was a role model father.  To my children, he was their Grampa.  To me, he was a kind, genuine man.  He's in a better place now, but I will be forever grateful for the fact that when he was around, we all experienced a little piece of Heaven on earth.
Rest in peace John - we loved you.

The Weekend

Yesterday brought another round of outstanding fall weather.  It also brought with it, my first cold of the year.  Regardless of the cold, I enjoyed myself thoroughly.  I bought my mom a new to her sofa because she will be moving into her own apartment the first of November.  This will be both exciting and scary for her.  We are focusing on the exciting aspects of it.
The sun was shining and the temperature a unseasonal 73 degrees (perfect if you ask me :).
I mowed the lawn...

Enjoyed my pumpkins...

Walked through the woods...

 and stopped every once in awhile to enjoy the scenery...

because everything is just so beautiful...

a few of my pets enjoyed it too..

Yes, Smudge does go for walks with me!!!

My baby girl - Violet :)

I went on a jaunt with Dave to an alpaca farm...
We had so much fun.

I got some wonderful decorating ideas...

and we got to see these wonderful creatures...

Aren't they absolutely adorable?
This is a mother and her baby...

So very, very peaceful.

Today it is raining.  I have put my crock pots to good use - one has chili in it, the other has apples cooking down for homemade apple sauce.  My house smells heavenly (so the guys tell me :).  My fledgling cold has manifested itself into a nasty villain.  Such is life.  I hope your weekend was good also.  Have a great night.

Sunday Morning Muffins

Want something quick, easy and delicious to enjoy with your Sunday morning cup of joe?  

Try these.

I call them Sunday Morning Muffins.
You can call them whatever you want. 

The recipe calls for two ingredients:

One box cake mix (I used a yellow cake mix, however, I think spice would be the bomb!!!)
One small can of pumpkin puree

Mix together - do not add eggs, oil, etc. - just mix dry cake mix and pumpkin.
Place in greased muffin tins, bread pans (whatever your heart desires), sprinkle with sugar and bake at 350 degrees until done.

I hope you enjoy them.
Have a great day!!!