Domesticity

If you, like me, enjoy knitting, quilting, baking, and gardening then I suggest that you immediately go find a copy of this book!

Unfortunately, the photos of knitted items and quilts do not come with patterns although they do offer inspiration. There are many personal stories, but it is the photographs that make this book. I like both the coziness and the colors.

You can read more about the author here. Her blog is titled Yarnstorm

John's Parents

I found this photo of John's parents on his camera. It was taken several years ago.

Skitty Sitting

Skitty the Pretty Kitty belongs to Owen and Sarah. We are Skitty sitting while they are on vacation. Skitty is a very well-behaved cat, although he tends to get mischievous at night. I can sometimes hear him trying to get into the bathroom cabinets and I often find one or two Christmas ornaments under the tree in the morning.

The Weather Outside is Frightful

And beautiful as well. This is the view I saw this morning when I sat at my desk. The bird feeder is in a snowball tree, apply named today.

Hunkering Down

The weather predictions are that the Arctic Express is on its way. If that's true it means we may have some harsh weather for a week or so. It begins with winds of 35-45 mph this afternoon, followed by snow tomorrow which will continue for a few days, perhaps a week, with temperatures in the low teens and snow and ice on the ground.

Too many people don't know how to drive in snow and ice which always means accidents and that means I'm planning on staying home as much as possible. It also means there's the very real possibility of losing electric power and those living in the country and/or small towns are usually last on the list to have it restored.

When I lived out in the country with small children, I always prepared well for these events. I made certain there was plenty of dry wood in the house as our only heat source was a wood stove. I cooked a variety of foods and got out extra quilts, wool sweaters, and socks.

I still get the urge to hunker down. I've made chili, a lasagna, chicken noodle soup, and cornbread. These can be easily heated on the barbecue. There's half an apple pie left and I'm making a couple of batches of cookies. I've made two pots of coffee and one of tea. There's plenty of milk, juice, fresh fruit, and bread as well as potable water and water for other uses. All the laundry is done. I've gotten out more quilts. I've charged up my cell phone and I-pod. I have projects ready that don't require electricity-- piecing jigsaw puzzles, knitting, hand-quilting, reading. And if all else fails, I can nap.

Okay. I'm ready.

Clear Skies

There hasn't been much rain so far this winter. I especially love the cold, clear nights.