Orb of Sunshine

Winter Aconite is one of the first flowers of spring. At the first of March, a row of them were blooming along Grandpa's pathway to his front door. They look like little orbs of sunshine! Their official name is Eranthis hyemalis and they are a species of a flowering plant in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. Although native to woodlands of Europe, they grow successfully in many places in the United States. Aren't they pretty? I love the bit of cheer they add to a cloudy day.

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Cake!

No words needed. Creamy. Delicious. Sweet & Sour. So Good!

March is Here!

The month of March is here. A snow storm is predicted for tonight. Gray skies and zero sunshine. It's hard for me to find things to blog about. Hurry up and get here, SPRING!

Tidbits of cheer still abound on these dreary days, though. Sudo, the adorable grand-puppy has learned to sit. Here she is, sitting on a stool, and posing for the camera.

Can you see her tongue? She's saying "those frozen chicken-bits were delicious!

One son has escaped the dreary weather for a climate that is hopefully a bit warmer and that teams with SUNSHINE! Flying anywhere in the USA right now, though, can be a bit tricky with delays and jet de-icings. Happily, he arrived safely and in a timely manner.

My baby was happy to go for a walk at the park. She found a squirrel and could stand there watching it for hours if we didn't coax her away. Once away, her attention span is short and she's on to new discoveries.

My mother's handmade and embroidered "heart" quilt was on display in the library 

for the month of February. It looks a bit small in that vast expanse, but it is a lovely quilt that exemplifies hours and hours of careful handwork. It looks more at home displayed over the back of an old oak chair in my house.

The large white maple tree in our front yard has been sick for a few years. We finally decided to cut it down. It was much larger in real life than this picture makes it look! It's being cut and split for firewood...and three trailer loads of branches are being hauled to the local landfill. Exercise!

What's happening in your neck of the woods? 

Any sunshine, warmth, and flowers yet?

My first snowdrops are blooming.

I'll take pictures and show you soon.

I hope you are having a blessed day!

Where is Spring?

We are nearly through the winter months. It's seemed like "The Long Winter" this year, with many storms everywhere and gray days. February has brought several major snowstorms to our state, removing concerns about drought and water rationing. The neighboring orchardist has crews out pruning their apple trees. And shoots of daffodils and popping up through the soil in my flower beds. Within a month spring should "burst forth" and I am looking forward to it! In the meantime, cute pictures of the grand-doggy sent to me by text message cheer my days! I even got to "chat" with Sudo via Skype this week. Isn't she cute wearing pearls? She's growing and is filled with energy! "Chase" is her favorite game. She'll wear anyone out! But, the game has to happen inside the house! As soon as she is out the front door she's too cold and insists on being carried. What a sweet baby.

Mark Twain has some interesting thoughts on spring. He says "In the Spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours."

And here's another interesting quote as we anticipate spring. "No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn." Hal Borland

We wait. Anticipation. Spring will be here --- soon.

In the meantime, like Sudo, I appreciate the warm and cozy indoors!

February in Pink & Red

Valentine's day has passed, but I cannot allow the holiday to pass without sharing bits and pieces of this heart-filled holiday.

February has been cold and snowy. It's been the perfect time for projects and crafting. Even simple projects like organizing a bookshelf can brighten up the day.

Red is the color for tea service in February! It is such a cheerful color and is the color of love.

Valentine's cards and tea samples from friends brighten February days, making a daily walk to the mailbox a rewarding experience.

And pretty in pink, a puppy's visit was so pleasant and sweet. Cuddles and tugs-of-war alternated with this frisky little beauty.

Good morning! Being called "handsome" is a great way for some to start the day!

Flowers. Tulips and lilies.

Chocolates and a tea tasting.

Red roses. Beautiful red roses.

And a Valentine's brunch of crepes, fruit sauces, and Darjeeling tea.

Happy February!

Spring should be here soon!

Do you have snowdrops in bloom yet?

None here.

Baby, it's Cold Outside!

Baby, it's cold outside! This week I was hoping to find snowdrops blooming in my garden, but it's too cold to even check! Temperatures in the low teens are keeping everyone tucked inside a warm and cozy house. It's cold enough that even the old one has allowed our new grand-puppy to cuddle up beside her. She is sensitive to cold, so it seems like she wants to do a lot of cuddling on these chilly days.

How are things with you? Do you have snow and cabin fever? What are you doing to fill your days? Are you crafting? Taking tea? Sharing time with those you hold most dear?