“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It Goes On.”
Robert Frost
Showing posts with label snow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label snow. Show all posts

Friday, January 28, 2022

Winter Roller Coaster

It's been a winter roller-coaster of temperatures.  Regular cold, extreme cold, mild cold, bitter cold, go for a walk cold, huddle under a blanket in front of the TV cold, more extreme cold, 5 minutes till frostbite cold etc.....  My kitty Guy reminded me to add one more kind of cold, "hissy fit" cold! That is the sound he makes when he walks outside and the ground is too cold for his little dainty feet. Even though he has more toe fur than any other cat I've ever known! So I pick up the spoiled hissy cat and walk him around until we both have had enough.

But meanwhile, looking out my side window from the comfort of my home is a view of this pretty old oak tree.



I caught this just a bit after sunrise the other morning. The glow of the sun made everything seem better.

In other news, I've opened up my Etsy shop again and have tried to be better about listing items every few days. I get in a rhythm and things seem to move along. The rest of the time seems to be stuck on the phone trying to get answers to questions for things like insurance changes, drivers license renewal information etc. I've been on hold for hours it seems just trying to get a quick answer that after spending more hours online I was never able to locate the information. This pandemic is really getting old!

Thus is life. Lines and waiting. 

 

Above, me praying for an end to the extreme winter cold. Just kidding, this is a cute little figurine that I've listed in my shop.




Well what can we do? I say put on the tea kettle and have a cup of tea! I'll have "Constant Comment", one of my faves. Have a wonderful winter, hope you are staying warm and toasty!

Diane & "Hissy Fit" Guy

Sunday, December 19, 2021

Winter Snow Just in Time

 "Kindness is like snow -  it beautifies everything it covers."  ~ Khalil Gibran

 


The snow has arrived just in time for Christmas! Along with that the cold has joined us once again after a brief bit of crazy warm weather that brought tornadoes to Minnesota in December for the first time EVER!

Nothing terrible in our area, but in the southern part of the state there was damage to homes and buildings. I feel bad for those poor folks out of their homes for Christmas though.

I took the photo above very early in the morning just as the sun was coming up. The beautiful pink sky lasted just a few minutes and then it was gone. Today we have blustery cold winds and I took Guy out for a quick walk around the yard. He was very happy to lead me to the door to go in after just a couple of minutes outside! 

Happy Christmas everyone! See you in the New Year! ~ Diane & Guy



Thursday, December 2, 2021

December Thoughts

My first thought is, where's the snow? We have no snow and it's still very dry here. Crazy warm temperatures and the ducks and geese just won't leave until the lake freezes over. Seems weird to have them still here at this time of year. I hope we get rain or snow soon as our plants and lakes are suffering.

 


Meanwhile, it's time to get out the Christmas decorations and we might even have a very small gathering at our house this year. Everyone we are close to has had their vaccines and booster shots, so we feel relatively safe.


My Etsy shop is closed until January this year. I didn't want the stress of having to worry about late deliveries and standing in lines at the post office. I'll use this time to work on other projects. Most of the items in the picture below have already sold. People shopped early this year!

Vintage Christmas Coloring Book and Cookie Cutters

I hope all of you are well and will have time to enjoy the holiday season. If we get snow I'll be back to post some pictures. 

Take care all! ~ Diane & Guy


Sunday, February 28, 2021

Snow Moon

Did you see the Snow Moon? I saw it early Saturday morning around 6 AM. It was lovely sitting behind the trees. Still high enough in the sky for a nice view. The Snow Moon is just as the name implies, a moon in the snowiest month of February. And almost as if by magic we just received some lovely snow!

The bitter cold that had been lingering for several weeks is finally gone and we have had much warmer winter weather. The sun has been shining and melting much of our snow. It was nice to have a bit of the fluffy stuff come down and then to have the sun come out this afternoon and melt it off the sidewalk and drive.  It's much easier to take the cold weather when the promise of spring is just around the corner!



Enjoy your week my friends! ~~ Diane

Sunday, November 29, 2020

Christmas Thoughts

Hello friends! It's been awhile since I posted here. It feels as though everyday activities have taken much more time to accomplish than years before. This year has been especially difficult for everyone. But finally it seems there is light at the end of the long and dark tunnel. 

Our snowy backyard last year.


There are many things to look forward to this winter. The first December snowfall, the Christmas lights on every one's homes, the Christmas cards that arrive in the mail. Enjoying a quiet night by the fire.  Watching the fun antics of the squirrels and birds at the feeder. Stepping out into the snowfall with a hot mug of cocoa. Seeing a pink sunrise and sunset against the white snow.  All simple pleasures. 


A squirrel nest covered in a snowy blanket.


Sunny days after a snowfall are beautiful!

The photos were taken last year. I'll be waiting for some lovely Christmas snow to arrive soon. Take care all of you out there. I'm feeling much more optimistic about things now, I think the world has turned enough times that we are finally heading in a new direction. 

Stay safe and well!  ~ Diane



Tuesday, January 14, 2020

New Year Musings

A New Year has begun and everyday is a day to reflect on the past while moving forward in the moment.  Somehow looking back helps me to set new goals for the future and that's what I plan on doing for this year.

Right now we seem a bit overwhelmed by the weather. Cold and snow keep us busy just clearing out the paths and driveway to  continue on with our regular activities. Oh how simple it is to just jump in the car and drive away without thinking about all the snow that has settled overnight onto everything you just cleared off the day before! The joys of winter!

But there's this....

The beauty of winter and fresh snow at a nearby park.



I know I'm a bit late in wishing you all a Happy New Year, but I wanted to share this gorgeous vintage card I came across. I love the blue and gold color combination and I think it's such a sweet composition. 






Anyway, I hope you have wonderful plans for your 
brand New Year!
I'll be checking in on your blogs to see what you're up to! ~~~ Diane

 


Saturday, December 7, 2019

Winter White Marshmallow Snow





The first bit of snow and Guy left his hot little foot prints in the snow!

And then Winter came quickly this year.  One day there was green grass and leaves and the next day we had 8 inches of snow!




Guy enjoys the first snowfall of the year.  He has that look of surprise!



 It really does look like a marshmallow world when the snow piles up like this!  It stuck around on the trees and fence for a few days before the warmth of the sun melted it off.





The ducks were also surprised by the early snow and the lake hadn't even frozen over yet.  They left about a week later when the temperatures started to cool again.  Now the lake is frozen over completely. 


Fluffy snow sets the tone for upcoming Christmas festivities and the house is being decorated and wreaths hung.  Gifts are ready for wrapping and the winter chill outside makes our home inside seem oh so cozy and warm. Welcome winter, I love you because just like a good guest, you won't stay forever!  Enjoy the season! ~ Diane



Saturday, February 9, 2019

Hey Valentine


Happy Valentine's Week! We are still enduring unusually cold weather but the red hearts of Valentine's Day help bring some warmth to the season.



The image below is from a sweet book called "The Valentine Cat", written by Clyde Robert Bulla and illustrated by Leonard Weisgard.  It lasted in my shop a week before it sold. If you look closely, the back kitten has a white heart shaped spot on his head. Such a cute book! I hope it makes the new owner very happy.








sweetoothgirl:“ Hot Chocolate with Marshmallow Hearts”


This time of year I drink hot tea most of the time to warm up. Every now and then though, nothing hits the spot like hot chocolate. Brings back memories of my Mom having it ready for us kids when we came in from playing in the snow!


Here's my own Valentine cat, Guy, enjoying the snow on a slightly warmer winter day! 
Stay safe and warm out there!

Enjoy your week friends, hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day!
💕💕 Diane 💕💕





Thursday, December 20, 2018

Christmas Wish


Odds are not good for a white Christmas this year. While we were off to a fast start for winter with cold temperatures and early snow, we have now stalled out and with a warm up, most of our snow is gone! It's much safer traveling for everyone but I still miss that pretty snow, it always seems to make everything a bit more festive.

We'll be spending Christmas here this year and getting together with friends and family to enjoy a low key celebration. I've been asked to make a holiday trifle for one get-together. My homemade fruit cake is made and I'll make a few of our favorite Christmas cookies too! My shop is closed until after Christmas so I can focus on the holiday. It's nice to have a little time away from it all!







These pretty vintage images of old Christmas cards were so pretty I just had to share them with you! I really love the pink Santa below!



The animals in the card below are so sweet. Such a beautiful and peaceful picture of innocence.

So here I am, still wishing for a white Christmas and wishing for all of you to have a lovely holiday with your friends and family.

Merry Christmas and I'll see you next year!
  Diane

Monday, February 1, 2016

The Hunger Moon

Welcome February...




In February there are days,
Blue, and nearly warm,
When horses switch their tails, and ducks
Go quacking through the farm.
When all the world turns round to feel
The sun upon its back...
When winter lifts a little bit
And spring peeks through the crack!

Dorothy Aldis


  
Poem and artwork (by artist Robert J. Lee) borrowed from my personal collection of vintage books and book art.

February is sometimes referred to as the Hunger Moon due to the difficulty obtaining food at this time of year. Of course that was before supermarkets and Costcos. However, me must not forget that there are still many people that do not have enough food for their families.


Food insecure—At times during the year, these households were uncertain of having, or unable to acquire, enough food to meet the needs of all their members because they had insufficient money or other resources for food.

  • 14.0 percent (17.4 million) of U.S. households were food insecure at some time during 2014. (source)



Another more common name used now days is the Snow Moon, for obvious reasons, the snow piles that get even higher in the month of February.

In fact we are expecting more snow this week, just a little bit, most of the heavy snow is going to blanket the states south of us. We still have yet to see a real blizzard here this winter. I'm actually a little disappointed!

Stay safe and warm wherever you are, 
and thanks again for stopping in to visit! 
If you are able to donate to your local food shelf this month, 
I'm sure they would greatly appreciate it.

~~ Diane ~~




Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Christmas Time is Here!


How is it even possible that Christmas is almost here again? Seems like just a few months ago I took down the tree!  But it's coming 'round again, so ready or not, here it is!




I think the hardest part is getting my mindset working,  but we now have a bit of snow, which helps it seem more like Christmas to me. I put the wreath on the door, but so far that's as far as I've gotten for decorations!  Better get cracking!!

But first, I need to set the mood with some music and maybe some holiday baking! Then I'll be ready to decorate.


 Cranberry Scones Ready for the Oven




 Cream Scones

2 cups flour, plus extra for the counter
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons butter, cold
1 cup heavy cream



1.    Heat the oven to 375 degrees.  In large bowl mix the dry ingredients together.  Cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal with a few slightly larger lumps.  Mix in any extras at this time, (see variations) Stir in the cream until dough forms, about 30 seconds.

2.    Turn the dough and any floury bits out onto a floured board and knead a couple of times to form a ball.  Place the dough on a baking sheet and press the dough down into a slightly flattened dome shape about 8 inches around.  Sprinkle the top with sugar and cinnamon if desired. Cut through the disc into 6 to 8 wedges. Do not move the dough.

3.    Bake for 20-22 minutes until slightly golden around edges.

4.    Variations:  Stir in approximately 1/2 - 3/4 cup of currants, raisins or other dried fruits.  Lemon zest or crystallized ginger are also nice additions.  If using fresh fruit such as cranberries, raspberries or blueberries be careful when mixing to not crush the fruit.




 Here are the finished scones, topped with a drizzle of vanilla icing....









So, I've got to run right now but I'll be back and checking on all of you to see what you've been doing lately!






Have a wonderful week! I'll see you soon!
~~ Diane ~~





Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Whiskers Wednesday

It's been a busy two weeks since my last post! Family visits, increased sales in my shop (woohoo!), Super Bowls, etc., etc., ...... always something keeping me away from blogging!

I have been active on an Etsy Team and did a blog post last week (here) on Collecting Cookbooks, and apparently my old brain thought that I had done a post so all was well. After starting to catch up again in my CraveCute shop with packing and mailing items... I started to think what is missing? Of course I knew it was my bloggy pals. I saw a couple of Tweets and G+'s come through with new posts of some of my favorite bloggers and realized I had better get back over to my own blog and do a post!




We had a nice fluffy snowfall last night and Guy Noir and I went out for a walk this morning. One of the photos was just Purr-fect for a tweet pic with hashtag (#WhiskersWednesday). All of the other cat geeks post their cats pictures. I think Guy is one of the handsomest out there!














Here are a few other shots of our yard and snow. It was a light and fluffy snow that sparkled in the morning sun. I wish the camera had captured it better but take my word, it was really pretty!











Many of you on the East Coast have had to put up with tons of snow this year, while we here in Minnesota have barely had any.   We are about a foot below our average snow fall this year.  We may get another few inches by the weekend.  Finally we'll have enough to ski and snowshoe. It's been kind of an ugly winter, so this snow was a nice change!

I promise, I will be around to your blogs soon.  I hope you all have a lovely week and of course a wonderful Whiskers Wednesday!

 ~~~~ Diane ~~~~ 
Guy Noir ~~~~ 
~~~~  xoxoxo


Sunday, November 30, 2014

Christmas Fairies

Well here we are! It's December and the holiday rush accelerates! Oh I do wish I had a few extra Christmas Fairies running about that would help me with the decorating and preparations for the Christmas festivities! Instead I have an inquisitive helper who would rather play with the garland than help hang it (Guy)!

I love the vintage image of the fairy below, whipping up some beautiful holly out of her magic Christmas kettle.  I do not know who the illustrator is but I find it quite adorable!  The equally lovely poem below is by author Lewis Carroll.





Christmas Greetings from a Fairy to a Child

Lady, dear, if Fairies may
For a moment lay aside
Cunning tricks and elfish play,
'Tis at happy Christmas-tide.

We have heard the children say -
Gentle children, whom we love -
Long ago on Christmas Day,
Came a message from above,

Still, as Christmas-tide comes round,
They remember it again -
Echo still the joyful sound
"Peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Yet the hearts must childlike be
Where such heavenly guests abide;
Unto children, in their glee,
All the year is Christmas-tide!

Thus, forgetting tricks and play
For a moment, Lady dear,
We would wish you, if we may,
Merry Christmas, Glad New Year!

Christmas 1887 ~ Lewis Carroll


Thank you all for visiting! 
I'm looking forward to checking in on all of your lovely 
blogs to see what you've been up to! 

Happy Holidays ~~ Diane 


 

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

The Coming of Snow

Thanksgiving is here and snow is soon to arrive just in time to throw a snag into your travel plans.  Yes, I know, it was just a few months ago that I was ranting about being sick of snow, but I am over that now. I really am thankful, for Snow!






Many of you have already had your first taste of snow and we here in Minnesota ready ourselves for the real snow storm that will inevitably occur sometime soon.

The shovels stand in the corner of the garage accessible when needed. Some sand is ready if we get a bit of ice. My husband and I handle snow the old-fashioned way, with a shovel. No power, just the quite scrape of the snow shovel on the sidewalk. 



It really isn't such a difficult job and I love shoveling at twilight when the air is getting still and the sky is turning from pink to purple. I love that time, when it is so quiet, and I often stop shoveling to rest and just listen to .... the silence.  When all is done, a cup of hot cocoa makes it all so worth it. Looking out at the backyard and seeing the soft snow while cradling a warm cup in my hand is a beautiful feeling. 







I found this lovely poem that gives a sense of this time of year, the end of autumn, right before the snow.....



Variations: II 
 
Green light, from the moon,
Pours over the dark blue trees,
Green light from the autumn moon
Pours on the grass ...
Green light falls on the goblin fountain
Where hesitant lovers meet and pass.

They laugh in the moonlight, touching hands,
They move like leaves on the wind ...
I remember an autumn night like this,
And not so long ago,
When other lovers were blown like leaves,
Before the coming of snow.
  Conrad Aiken

 

I want to say that I am thankful for many other things,
but I am especially thankful for all of the wonderful people who
visit and comment here.

I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!

Friday, May 3, 2013

Getting a Jump on Spring Planting

As you know if you have been reading my blog lately, the winter here in Minnesota this year has been long, very, very long.  Just a week ago we had about 10 inches of snow and then after that melted we had another four inches of snow.  Just a few days ago we had snow showers that looked like a winter blizzard. Thank goodness it didn't stick this last time. Anyway, one of my good bloggy Etsy friends felt my pain and sent me a painting to cheer me up.  I was so thrilled to have it arrive in the mail on one of our dreariest of days. Thank you so much Stacy!


Spring Baby Crow from Stacy - Magic Love Crow






Not to be outdone by all of this 'spring is in the air' mood that was going on, Guy decided he was not going to wait for me to start on those gardening projects. He jumped in feet first, literally! 
Or should I say head first!



These photos were taken on April 23rd, so thankfully 
now our snow is all gone and our grass is green!


Dot wanted nothing to do with this activity and headed down the sidewalk to the back door. 
Guy got back to work and believe me the dirt was flying!



Guy digging deep and clearing out those old dead annuals from this container.









He was really into his gardening and worked at this for almost ten minutes. 
I guess when a cat wants his cat grass, there's no stopping him!




What? Lets plant that cat grass!


Guy looking at me for approval and encouragement! Of course I told him his was 
doing a great job, just don't try this on my plants inside the house!





One last note about the April giveaways.
The winner of the Pim book is Kylie from Lucy Violet Vintage. Congratulations Kylie, I look forward to seeing what you do with the Pim illustrations! Thank you to everyone that entered the giveaways. I will be doing more down the road.

Now I must start writing up my gardening list of things I need to pick up at the garden center.

First on the list:   Cat Grass Seed