Spring

This has been a long frigid winter. Haven't seen one this cold for this long in quite awhile. The first day of spring has past for about a week now as I write this. Crocus and daffodils are making their appearance, smiling, waving, as they brave the crisp mornings letting us know that the warmth we have been waiting for really is coming. There are other signs of spring that can be unique to where ever you happen to live. Outdoor auctions are a favorite of mine. I love the feel, the smell of the cool wet earth, the milling of people as they hug steaming cups of coffee and carefully examine the goods that are being offered. Conferring with one another on an object, the weather, sports or whatever happens to be the news topic of the week. That's where I will be headed on this brisk spring morning. To a lovely town where the Amish live on the outskirts and antique stores line the main street. I go hoping to find a treasure that I can snatch up for a bargain or to snag that garden tool I have been looking for, this is the thrill of hunt. I love it. There are other signs of impending warmer weather, one in particular that has happened a few times where we now live. Our neighbor, farmer, who lives not far from us on the edge of town, has cattle. Once in awhile they like to wonder to town in hopes of greener pastures. On this particular morning looking out my window I see a bull meandering through last years sweet corn patch. This makes me smile, after all he's not hurting anyone, and its not something town folk see everyday in their back yard. So I snatch up my cell phone and head out for a picture or two and a video to record the event. He doesn't even mind, good thing really. He is only interested in breakfast. My farmer friend arrives and walks his bull back to the farm down the street, all the while apologizing. I tell him its okay, he's only hungry, and besides I can use the free fertilizer. Ahhh life in the Midwest, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Christmas is coming!

Christmas is right around the corner as I write and on its heels will be New Years. I have never been one to make resolutions so I wont, but I feel a change in the breeze as I near my fifties. A change of diet is at hand as I look to the future. I have been scouring the internet for Gluten Free, Sugar Free blogs and I am delighted to report that there are many fine ones to be had. Why you may ask? Well I have been informed by my Doctor that I have Hashimoto's, an auto-immune disorder that attacks the thyroid. Sounds pleasant doesn't it. As I am not one content to just take a pill I have been searching for ways to help my body heal itself. That research has led me to the GF, SF change. I am not unhappy with the turn of events, but I'm embracing it as a challenge, to find delicious alternatives to the things that I love to bake for my family. It's a good thing. Check out the blogs that I subscribe to and you may find yourself wanting to try some of these wonderful baked concoctions.
I'll close with a wish and a prayer that your Christmas is blessed by the presence of your family and loved ones as we celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Cold December

It is cold, too cold. December is ushering in temperatures in the teens. This is not a good beginning for winter. At least not in my humble estimation. We live in a large drafty house. That has always seemed to be our lot in life. We fall in love with the big old houses then pay for it in the winter. Every spring and summer we think, "okay this year we are really going to get things battened down for winter", but summer and fall come and go and we are back in winter no more prepared for it than before. I do love the old houses though, they have their own charm. I am drawn to them like a moth to flames, only in my case I freeze. It's so beautiful in the warmer months with all our mature trees and expanse of grass. The large garden that we share with friends. The big old barn behind the house that has seen more years than I can imagine. Still even in winter the place has it's own beauty. Layers of white and muted blues and gray. The starkness of the large bare trees against a winter sky. The serene stillness. These things are comforting to me. So I guess I will put up with the cold and put on a few more layers, or snuggle under the quilt while I read or watch T.V. Then I'll grumble under my breath as my feet hit the cold wood floors that I love so much and take comfort in knowing that this too shall pass and it will be spring again. Hmmm now where did I put those slippers.