Baby, It's Cold Outside!

As I walked out to get the morning paper, I knew someone in the neighborhood had a wood fireplace burning. That wonderful smell greeted me on my stroll down the driveway and back. Nostrils loved it!

I do miss the wood fireplaces in two previous homes, but hey, gas log fireplaces are nice, too. Warmth is appreciated either way.

The den fireplace is original to the house. We added the master bedroom with its fireplace and seating area.

I'm keeping warm and hoping you are, too. Spring is coming.

Winter

The recent wintry spell in Tennessee has been mild compared to the frigid temperatures and excessive snowfall in the Northeast. I saw one headline this week in our Memphis newspaper that summed up this season of winter -

Brrrrrrrrrr!

Hate to hear of highway accidents, collapsing roofs, and freezing homeless people. Misery and tragedy can be a part of winter, and yet there's this calming thought.


"Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments,
embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour."
                                                                                            -John Boswell 


Today is a rainy Saturday. Patches of ice are washing away. Another inside day to enjoy just being alive with time to write, read, and relax.

Wednesday's Wealth

another inside day

due to winter cold 

but

beauty 

was free to the eye

for 

there were

diamonds in the sky

Wintry Day

I admit I stayed inside for these two photos. Too cold and slippery for me to venture out for a set of pictures. A wintry mix did not give us a beautiful snowy landscape. Instead we received a freezing rain, light sleet, and some ice.

Corkey came by the computer room asking for a pot of coffee this afternoon. So I'm off to the kitchen to do just that. Coffee and a good book to read...perfect pairing for this type of day. 

Happy Valentine's Day

Yesterday I was rather lazy throughout the day. Lucas was content with his tablet, and I had a book.

I did snap a few pictures for this post. The sad-looking heart wreath with fake ivy was a Goodwill find some time ago. That cheery red heart talked me into it. Discarding the chipped terra cotta pot it was part of, I kept the grapevine wreath with the bright red heart and propped it inside an old crock.

In order to pull off a surprise for this morning,  I stayed up late to bake old-fashioned sugar cookies. They turned out just right on the bottoms and tops.

  

Happy Valentine's Day

Hearts

For a long time I have collected hearts. February's symbol of love and affection
is noticeable year-round at our place.

on a side table in the den

on a living room table

on refrigerator 

 hearts inside kitchen jar

   brass hearts on secretary shelf   

With Valentine's Day so close, hearts just naturally come to mind. I've shared hearts in past posts so you may see repeats. Hard to believe I have been posting for seven years. A heartfelt thank you for your visits, comments, and encouragement. 

Unexpected

I haven't written in several days. Hard to put into words about the sudden death of someone in your extended family. Monday morning I learned about the passing of my cousin. He leaves a wife, daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren to cope with grief and sadness. 

Corkey and I traveled to Oak Grove, Louisiana, once again. In December we had buried my mom. My cousin was there to console. To be back for his funeral seemed unreal.

We all know the message: Cherish every day with loved ones. We never know when our journeys will be over.