A Winter Walk

Like the little bird who left these tracks, let's go for a winter walk!

Winter perches like a bird; wings tucked in so the soul is heard.

                                                     Angie Weiland-Crosby

Feed the birds in winter; in return they will feed your soul with the look of gratitude.

                              Mehmet Murat Ildan

To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand out in the cold.

                 Aristotle

Country Walk in Winter

It’s 10 above

and the sun is out.

My heart is singing

and I could shout

my thanks to God

for moments like these---

as I wade in diamonds

up to my knees.

 

           Written 1/10/1970 by my grandmother, Ruth A. Brown

 

When it snows, you have two choices; 

shovel or make snow angels.

                                               Unknown

Tuesday Tablescape

I actually created this tablescape four years ago, but it seems appropriate to reshare these photos from a previous post while we are snowed-in and while the birds are so busy at our backyard feeders! 

I started with this crisp white "tablecloth".

Several years ago I saw a picture that someone had set a table in the snow and it planted a seed of inspiration in my bird brain. That woman had used her nice china, but--on a lark-- I decided to pull out these plates.

The snowfall on the day I set this table was nothing compared to what we have today! If I tried it now, everything would get lost. We have several inches and it remains bitter cold. If you are a fan of winter, you must be singing like a canary. If not, you are thinking that this tablescape is for the birds!

    Stay warm, be safe and have a blessed day!

Hearty Corn Chowder

Just about anyone who is reading this post is experiencing colder-than-usual temperatures. A hot bowl of soup can really hit the spot on a cold winter day. I made this chowder a few weeks ago and happened to take a picture of it. I thought this would be a perfect day to share the recipe!

Hearty Corn Chowder

1 cup chicken broth

salt and pepper to taste (about 1/4 tsp. each)

4 cups frozen corn (I had fresh frozen I picked this summer)

chopped onion to taste

1.5 cups thinly sliced celery

1.5 cups diced potatoes 

1 pound cooked bulk sausage (I use the Jimmy Dean's natural variety as it is so lean)

4-5 tablespoons flour

2- 2.5 cups milk (I use 2 cups whole)

Combine chicken broth, salt and pepper in large pan. Stir in corn, chopped onion, celery and potatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Add cooked, crumbled sausage. 

In a bowl, whisk together flour and milk and gradually pour into soup. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until desired consistency is achieved.  (I prepared ours thick as that is how we prefer it, but you can adjust the amount of milk and flour to make it the way you like!)

If you would like a printable copy of this recipe, click here. Remember to scroll all the way to the bottom of the page where the tiny blue print is located and select "print page" so that you get only the recipe on your copy.

Stay warm and have a 'soup'-er day!

Happy Heart Day!

This cold weather can be ruff on everyone, so these cuties love to snuggle-up in their soft and warm throw.

They send lots of puppy love and wish you HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

More Valentines...

I have a few more Valentine accents to share. Look at this lovely heart wreath. It was recently sent to us as a very thoughtful gift. 

I love the color of the roses and the tiny sparkles sprinkled here-and-there.

Here are a few other vignettes.

The authentic vintage Valentine is a treasure from my mother-in-law who shared it with me decades ago. I filled my "auntie" mug with dried hydrangeas that I gathered from my yard last autumn and I made the candle in a crafting class (back when it was safe to do that sort of thing!).

My dad made the little wooden Valentine silhouette. A talented woodworker, he created it nearly 30 years back.

My replica antique snowman has been on display since early January and I just added the heart candle a few weeks ago in honor of the approaching holiday.

I hope your day was happy!

Valentine's Day Accents

The end of January, I added some heart accents throughout the house and if I don't show them now, they will be packed-up before I get the opportunity to ask you if you will be my Valentine! 

Keeping the winter greenery and red candle on the table seemed fitting,  so I concentrated on the hutch.

Photogrpahing this piece of furniture is always so tricky because its mirror reflects the room.

The wreath with heart sequins was a gift from a first grader many Valentine Days ago, which I always enjoy using. My red cardinal salt and pepper shakers have been perched in this spot throughout the winter.

I stitched the little Valentine piece and used it beside the jar of pinecones and the heart glass warmer (which was a wedding gift).

On the shelf opposite the cardinals is my little Mary Engelbreit Valentine teacup. It, too, was a surprise from one of my first graders many years ago.

I hope you're ready for Valentine's Day!

Tuesday Tablescape

 Today's table is in honor of Valentine's Day! 

The classic red, white and silver combination works well for this holilday.

Candles on a silver tray make a classic centerpiece.

I tied together the flatware with some heart ribbon that I had in my craft room stash.

I am always happy for an opportunity to use these red glasses. 

Are you ready for Valentine's Day this weekend?