Time Moves On

Here it is Saturday, and I can't account for the hours and days that have zipped by. We picked up our son Les at the airport on Wednesday night and have been enjoying his company ever since. This afternoon I watched Tennessee beat Kentucky, baked several batches of oatmeal cookies, and finished an engrossing book. The storyline of this book is one I am not likely to forget. The Year of Fog by Michelle Richmond is one of those novels you will not want to put down. When I was browsing at our local bookstore, this book and some others were displayed standing up on the top surface of one bookcase. I took a chance on it after reading "profound, deeply moving, endlessly gripping" on the back of the book jacket. Wow, it was that and more!University of Tennessee, Stuckey's, family vacations, relationships, divorce, San Francisco, photography, memory...so much (that I could relate to) is woven into this haunting story. A few passages were so special I had to mark them...third paragraph on page 316 was one.

I found it!

Happy was I to find a copy of Flea Market Style at Walmart today. It has pages of inspiration for those of us who love treasure hunting at flea markets, yard sales, and antique shops. Ki and Matthew, it was worth the wait.

Home

This morning I had a dental appointment, and the first magazine I picked up in the waiting room had this quote - "Home is a gift to be opened every day." - Mary Anne Radmacher

How special and soothing it is to be inside one's own home with personal mementoes, treasures from friends, art you've collected, family pictures, books, etc. I have been trying to add comforting touches to my mom's room at the health care facility - a handmade quilt, a charming pitcher for pens and pencils, a basket of books and magazines, and a few framed pictures. But she doesn't seem interested in any of them...they were part of another place that was home. Her age and illness have made me realize anew that we are here for just a little while. We are caretakers of our homes and collections and possessions for a short time. Nevertheless, our homes are resting places for the objects we love. and those objects reveal a lot about us. Being at home...such a familiar and protective space...a gift.

Anticipation

I am ready for the trees to lose their drab gray colors. Won't it be wonderful to see green leaves again? Today was mild with sunshine. We picked up several wheelbarrow loads of fallen branches and twigs, made a brush pile, and burned it. That smoky smell of burning leaves is a smell I love...always brings back memories of childhood. More fine weather is in the forecast for tomorrow. Hope that your weekend is shaping up to be a good one...enjoy every hour!

Lighter Mood

The sunshine helped my mood tremendously. I waited for Gunner at his bus stop and glanced inside a favorite magazine that came in the mailbox today. Just looking at the pictures of flowers and gardens had me envisioning a prettier yard here at our address.

What's New?

Not much happening here, and that's a good thing. Most of the snow has vanished. I've been clearing out clutter, using Brasso on a brass planter that's my bathroom wastecan, reading, cooking a few meals, and thinking about spring and the problems of the world. Of course, my own problems are closer to home. Visits to see Mom are emotionally upsetting. That's why I so enjoyed my Valentine dinner out at Erwin's on Saturday night. Wall art and antiques provide lots of atmosphere while the amazing food at the once country store satisfies your taste buds. For a little while problems are far away.

Happy Valentine's Day

Wishing you a sweet day, xoxo Sandy

Snow Fun

Gunner and I had a day of fun in the snow. We had plans to make a large snowman, but it was too much work. We settled on this little guy. We used a small carrot for his nose, almonds for the eyes and mouth, and furniture coasters for buttons. Before coming inside to warm up, we had a snowball exchange. He claimed victory, and so did I!

Cookie Treats

going fast

wonderful parchment paper


My kitchen helper who's


such a joy!

I have cookbooks and notebooks of saved recipes, but this recipe caught my eye recently in the magazine section of the Sunday paper because of the 1-2-3Bake title. It was written by Dorie Greenspan and said "A great snack for after work or after midnight." Well, I must say I'm glad I tried it.

Peanut-Butter Cookies

2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

1 cup premium peanut butter(not natural)

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup(packed) brown sugar

2 large eggs

More sugar, for rolling

1. Whisk together the flour, soda, powder, and salt. Beat the butter, peanut butter, and both sugars for 2 minutes. One by one, add eggs; beat 2 minutes. Gently blend in dry ingredients.
2. Divide in half, wrap, and chill overnight. Shape scant tablespoons of dough into balls, roll in sugar, and place 2 inches apart on lined baking sheets. Press with fork tines.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F for 12 minutes, until golden. Let rest for 2 minutes; transfer to racks to cool.

Winter White

We woke up to an unexpected winter wonderland.

This last picture is my favorite. A neighbor's barn is in the background.

Unfinished

Made in England brass bucket

• I like it tarnished, shiny, and in-between.
• I wonder about the places it has been.
• With dents and scratches there must be accompanying stories.

This was a calm Saturday for us - visiting Mom, doing some other errands, eating out, watching college basketball, sipping hot tea, and counting blessings.

Little changes, great pleasure

I remembered to pick up some Brasso the other day and have begun to clean a few brass items. I'm starting small and will build up to the bigger objects. The tiny brass bird and dog are gleaming in their new locations. You know by now that I'm forever shifting things around. The bookstore scene picture came out of closet storage. I've had it since the 70's. My friend Carla has the companion Blum print of an antique store scene. If I have a free afternoon, I usually end up in a bookstore or antique shop. My kind of happy hour(s)!

Rainy Day Outing

The Emerson quote is wise but difficult to do (for me, anyway).

I'll always have a soft spot for any child's rocker.

basket to hang or fill with goodies



Poppytrail Metlox pitcher

I checked my booth space and made an unexpected purchase from another vendor. The rug had brown, cream, and green colors that I so like...plus a 40% off sticker. Even with the rain today stretches of snow remain. I'm not fond of wet, cold days...but am trying to appreciate them, too.

A new calendar page

Even though snow

lingers

on the ground,

it's time

to turn

thoughts

to hearts,

flowers, and

tokens of love.