A quick catch up after being SICK! ♥

Hello Friends! ♥

I'm back from a short absence on here due to the flu completely wiping me out.  I went from feeling a little "under the weather" to a full blown old fashion flu.  The kind you remember as a kid when all you did was lay on the couch drinking flat ginger ale out of a straw watching The Price is Right.  That was me. And it was rough. It hit our entire household, one by one, including my dear 84 year old father.  I'm HAPPY to report we are currently all healthy and normal life has resumed! The house has been aired out, Lysoled, all linens laundered, and surfaces cleaned. The first thing I did once I felt a little better was bundle up and go for a winter walk.  It has snowed last week and the air was so fresh and clean.  It was cold but I loved it.  Then I came in and put a banana bread in the oven. 

It was just what I needed.  Not only did the house feel extra warm after being out in the cold, it smelled like heaven.  I put the tea kettle on and that's what I call a perfect afternoon (or close to it :).

♥

On Sunday I started adding a few touches of Valentine's Day décor around the house.  It's nice to see the pops of pink and red.  Everything has been bare for the last few weeks which I don't mind a bit, but it did feel cozy to see some color.  There will be more to come.  Next week is Rob's birthday and after that I'll finish decorating for Valentine's Day.  This also means two cakes.  One for the birthday and one for Valentines Day. One is definitely going to be chocolate and I think the other will be coconut.  TBD. 

**These are the things I thought about while on a steady rotation of DAYQUILL and NYQUILL** 

 

I've been going through some of my mother's things. It's an ongoing process that is very bittersweet.  My mom was a teenager in the 50's and has a collection of many things from her childhood.  I think that's why I have such an affection of that time period.  I grew up hearing all about it and how wonderful and fun it was. My parents always told me that the film American Graffiti was exactly like how it was and they have such fond memories of growing up during those "good old days."

 Last year she gave all her Elvis records albums to John (she was a HUGE fan).  Knowing how much he loves Elvis, she knew he would take good care of them.  I grew up listening to all these records on our living room stereo.  She has some gems in her collection.  Bobby Vinton, Ricky Nelson, Dean Martin, and my favorite of the bunch...The Platters! ♥

I can imagine little teenage Patti Fumorla in her bedroom listening to "Only You" on her record player while pin curling her hair.  I love it.  I've played them all and they make me feel closer to her.  I'm smiling more than crying and that's a nice feeling. 

I'm sending you all some love today!  I hope you are all healthy and taking good care of yourselves.  If not, your body will tell you to slow down.  I think that's what happened to me.  I had no choice but to listen and now I'm feeling better.  

♥

As someone who usually loves winter I'm looking forward to the springtime more than ever.  Warmer days, green grass, and flowers. I'm thinking about Easter and what that will mean to me this year.

Only a few months to go.....we'll get there! 

Love you! Stay cozy! xoxo 

♥ 

Hanging in there (and an apple swirl cake) ♥

Hello Friends.  Happy Friday!  ♥

I had the weirdest experience yesterday.  I thought I heard my mother calling me.  I was upstairs and I could swear I heard her calling me from the kitchen.  It was her voice. When I realized it wasn't I felt two things.  Happy because I remembered what her voice sounded like.  I never want to forget it.  But then I felt sad because I realized she wasn't there and she'll never call me again.  I've felt empty ever since.  I don't know what to do with these feelings except let myself feel them. So that's what I'm doing.  Letting myself feel them.... ♥

 

I've been feeling under the weather this week anyway due to a cold so maybe the Dayquil has something to do with it.  I'm trying to get as much rest as I can and stay cozy at home.  That's not hard to do.  I have so many things on my to-do list that did not get done this week but I'm not stressing over it.  Those days are over.  There's always next week : ) 

We managed to finish off the apple cake I told you about on Monday.  It was my mom's favorite.  She gave me the recipe.  There is something special about it that people can never put their finger on.  I'll tell you the secret ingredient....it's orange juice!  I've shared the recipe before, but in case you missed it here it is.  If you want to put your oven on and let the smell of apples and cinnamon waft (is that a word??) through your home, then bake this over the weekend.  

It's soooo good! ♥

~Apple Swirl Cake ~

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2 cups chopped, peeled  apples
3 tbs sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1/2 cup orange juice
2 tsp vanilla

3 cups flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Mix apples, 3 tbs sugar, and 1 tsp cinnamon in a bowl.  Set aside.

In a large bowl combine 2 cups of sugar and oil. 

Beat in eggs, orange juice, and vanilla.

In a separate bowl sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. 

Add to creamed mixture a little at a time.  Beat until smooth.

  

Pour 1/2 batter into a greased bunt pan.  Add the apple mixture on top of the batter.

Pour the rest of the batter on top.

Bake for 60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. 

Cool for at least 10-15 minutes in the pan before "doing the flip".... 

Turn onto a rack to cool completely. 

**I made a quick glaze with confectionary sugar and apple cider and drizzled it on top **

I wish she was here to share it with me. 

But I know she's here's watching over me.  I guess that's the next best thing.  And how wonderful it is that I can bake her recipes and share then with the people I love (like you! : ). 

So this is where I've been most of the week.  On my couch, watching tv, while the sun sets through the blinds.  I'm not gonna lie, I usually love the winter.  It's my favorite season, but this year I'm longing for the warmer weather.  How long until Spring?  

♥

(Not pictured are tissues and a hot mug of something.)  

I made this yummy soup this week too.  We finished it up last night.  It was a chicken soup and I added a few handfuls of spinach for an extra boost.  I want to make more soup this weekend.  Sick or not, it's soup season.  Don't you just LOVE soup season? Me too ♥

And here's my current view off the back deck.  The river has thawed and is very high due to all the rain we've had.  This morning there were so many geese out there.  It was definitely some kind of meeting!  Maybe they are getting ready to fly south.  Something  I wouldn't mind doing....lol 

It's nice and still now.  

I'll leave you with this beautiful poem I found on Pinterest.  

It made feel happy and sad at the same time. A feeling I'm going to have to get used to. 

I hope you all have a nice weekend.  We have more rain on the way!  I'm getting a needed haircut tomorrow morning and then putting the rest of my Dad's Christmas decorations away.  

On Sunday we are going to my mother in laws for a nice dinner.  It's very cozy over there and I'm looking forward to it.  I'm sure there will be a fire in the fireplace and something delicious on the table. 

Hugs to you all and thank you for all your nice comments and support here and in IG 

I appreciate it with all my heart!

XO ♥

Happy New Year ♥

Hello Friends! Is it too late to say "happy new year?"  If not, well....happy new year!  ♥

I just realized this is my first post of the new year. We welcomed the new year very quietly.  We ate a nice meal and played some fun card games with my Dad.  With barely one eye open I did manage to see the ball drop and I made my New Year's wish.  The next day I took my tree down.  Another Christmas packed away until next year. Never could I image when I put up my tree what this holiday season would bring.  I thought about that as I wrapped ornaments in tissue and balled up strings of lights and packed them in bins until next year.  Life can be so unpredictable.

Anyway, since then I've been trying to get back into the swing of things, catching up on work and daily tasks.  I've been cooking again which has made me feel good.  Life goes on as they say.  

Welcome to 2024 ♥

  

It snowed yesterday.  Well actually it rained, then snowed, then rained, then snowed, then froze.  So basically, it was mess.  For certain it was cold and no way was I stepping one toe outside this house.  It was Sunday and a good day to stay warm and cozy.  I cleaned a little, put a pot roast in the crockpot, and baked my mother's favorite apple cake.  It felt good to do those things.  I was feeling ambitious so I decided to try my hand at a Joanna Gains bread recipe that's been on my mind for a while.  You know me and my bread.  It's what I love : ) 

So while the wind howled outside, I started on my dough. 

 ♥

While I set it aside to rise I did more cleaning, drank more coffee, and listened to some music.  

Back to the dough...♥

I had to make a braid.  I drew a blank.  Do you think I could remember how to do it?! And I had no one to ask.  It took me a few minutes until it clicked. I got really worried there for a minute! 

Three pieces, over, under, over, under... now I remember! 

Whew! 

My skills could use some work but at least it resembled a braid.

The recipe called for sesame seeds but I didn't have any so I used Everything Bagel seasoning.  

I had recently seen someone online do that and it sounded good. 

In exactly 28 minutes I got this.  Yay! It actually worked!  ♥

The truth is it was a very easy recipe to follow (aside from the braiding! lol). 

I find that with most all Joanna Gains recipes. 

(this one is from The Magnolia Table Vol 2 cookbook in case you're wondering)

It was astonishing to me that I actually made something that looked this good.  

I guess anything is possible when you have an angel on your shoulder.  And I do : ) 

Maybe this is the year of trying new things.  Maybe it's the year of not being intimated or being afraid something is too hard.  If I mess up and can't make a braid, so be it.  It will still taste good.  And it did.  It sopped up that pot roast like a dream.  

My heart was happy  ♥

So, today it's the start of a new week and back to work.  I miss Christmas vacation and days off with all of us home watching movies and taking naps.  Those are the best days.  The ordinary days that mean so much. 

It's still freezing out but I did see little gleams of sunshine through my office window earlier.  That's a good sign. Still not going out though.  Not today anyway. Maybe tomorrow.

Have a wonderful day friends!  I hope you are staying warm and cozy.  It's mid afternoon now and it's time for tea and a snack. There's still some apple cake left over from last night.  It's so yummy! 

I'll share the recipe this week  ♥

Byeeee! xx 

My Christmas 2023 ♥

 

Hello Friends.  Merry Christmas.  I didn't take many photos on Christmas this year.  Somehow it didn't seem fitting.  To be totally honest it was the worst holiday I've ever had.  It was odd, different, and sad.  No matter how hard people tried, there was an emptiness that could not be filled.  It never will be. 

 Looking back now I see there were some moments, very few, that I did smile.  That for a brief second I forgot....and it was Christmas. But then I remembered again and all I wanted to do was crawl into bed. But I didn't.  I was happy when it was over. Relieved.  And now I can say, I survived.  We tried and did our best.  The best we could under the circumstances. I ordered food in and we stayed cozy and watched movies.  And we prayed.  

With the help of family and friends, near and far, we tried to stay upbeat.  We talked about my mom and told funny stories.  I guess that's what people do in these cases.  That's really all you can do.  I love Christmas.  I don't want to not love it.  So I'll continue to love it.  For my mom.  

♥

A few things that brought me joy....generous gifts from family & friends.  Special ornaments that she loved.  And a book from my dear friend that is bringing me so much comfort.  

I'm grateful ♥

♥

This bookmark was painted by my talented niece who clearly knows me well! 

My mom made these snow people.  She used to sell them at craft fairs years ago.  This year I put mine in my bedroom.  They have always made me chuckle : )  

We didn't have a white Christmas.  We had frost and then rain.  

Maybe next year ♥

And now I move forward.   I want to feel like myself again.  Get back to baking and all the stuff I love to do.  My mom will always be with me.  I know that.  She loved all the things I love.  We had that in common. 

People say in time I will feel better. Little by little I'll get there, like so many of you already have ♥

Thank you to everyone who reached out me on here, Instagram, or text.  It means the world to me to know I was in so many of your good thoughts and prayers this Christmas.  We really are a beautiful community here, aren't we : ) 

So what's my plan? Well, these days I don't plan too far in advance, but I do know my immediate future (i.e tonight) consists of finishing The Crown, Christmas leftovers, and being as cozy as humanly possible under a blanket on my couch.  This week has always been my favorite week of the year.  Everyone seems to slow down and now it's needed more than ever.  The stillness and calmness is a beautiful thing.  Winter is my favorite season for that exact reason. It's a time of reflection and recharging the batteries (and boy do I need that).  Like every year, I bought myself a nice new planner.  I've been enjoying filling in special dates and things to remember going into the new year. 

I do hope you had Merry Christmas and enjoyed all the celebrations! I hope you ate good food and spent time with your loved ones. 

Happy new year friends!  What are you doing new years eve? I got new sweatpants just for the occasion! :)

Love to all! and thank you ♥♥♥

My Mom ♥

It's hard for me to comprehend that I am actually writing this, but I wanted to let you all know, my friends and dear readers of this blog, that my mom passed away last week.  As you know she had been sick.  In and out of the hospital for the last few months and as hard as she tried, her time came.  The time to be with her family, my sister, her parents, and all her friends that went before her.  She's happy now.  Not sick or in pain.  She's finally at peace. 

It's been very difficult for us.  I still can't really come to terms that this has actually happened.  Everyone is telling me in time it will get better.  I know that's true, but right now it's tough.  It's long days and even longer nights.  My heart breaks for my Dad, who cared for her day and night.  It's quiet now and the house feels empty.  I miss my mom. I always will. 

She died on a Wednesday.  It snowed that morning.  It was the pretty kind of snow that lightly covered the trees.  I remember looking out the hospital window thinking how pretty it looked and how she would have thought so too.  We spent the whole day with her that day, talking to her and holding her hand.  She knew we were there.  And then, after we all left and she was alone she drifted away.  I can imagine the joy she felt to see my sister again, who she missed so much.  She's dancing now, strong, with two legs.  We'll be ok.  It will just take time. 

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers over the years.  It has meant so much to me (and to my mom, who was my biggest supporter of this blog). 

XO 

Thanksgiving is next week?! ♥

 

Hello Friends! I took this photo from Pinterest.  It's it pretty?  I loved it and thought it was so appropriate in capturing November.  It's moody and dark, but still cozy and whimsical.  I can't believe next week is Thanksgiving.  Normally at this time I would be in a much different mindset, but because of everything that's been going on at home I've decided to take an alternate route. A much easier one.  It was my husband's suggestion and I must admit I had already thought of it but didn't say anything.  I made the decision to order a Thanksgiving dinner - all prepared and ready to go!  Shaw's Supermarket had a great deal.  A fully cooked turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, rolls AND a pie.  I'm picking it up on Wednesday. Sometimes you have to do things to save time and make your life easier.  I'm going for it.  As Rob says "how bad could it be?"  I have faith its going to be great! I may add a veggie or two and I'm planning on making my own apple pie (the dinner is coming with pumpkin pie).  I'm just happy my family will at be home and together on Thanksgiving.  As soon as I made the decision not to cook I felt a wave of peace over me.  Who knows, maybe it will be so good I'll do it again next year?? We'll see.  Fingers crossed! : )

In other news John had a band concert last Sunday.  He did so well.  The school provided them tuxedos.  I have to share a picture because when we were outside taking it all I could think about was how the neighbors must think he's going to a prom! lol 

He looked so handsome! 

He's tucked in the back on drums and you can hardly see him back there (back row, center, left), but we could certainly hear him.  He did an amazing job.  The school music program has been so wonderful over the years.  He loves it.  They are now practicing for the Christmas show in December.  I hear the big number is Sleigh Ride.  I'm looking forward to that! 

And speaking of Christmas.....♥

Just when I said to myself I was going to wait until after Thanksgiving to start decorating.....nope.  I went to attic to get one thing and then couldn't stop.  I hung garlands around the windows in the kitchen, hung lights in my office, and put up this little tree on bedside table. Just seeing the little bits and bobs around the house made me happy.  Christmas decorations are such a mood booster, aren't they? And we all need it right now.  

I'm going to do more this week, little by little, until all that's left is the tree...that's my favorite.  

Have you decorated yet? ♥

The weather has been very cold (finally!!).  On our nightly walks I've been wearing a scarf, gloves, and last night I broke out the ear muffs. John gave me an "are you kidding me" eye roll, but I didn't care.  I was nice and toasty.  I love the cold weather and I'm so happy it's here.  One of my neighbors put a Christmas Story "leg lamp" in their front window.  We laughed so hard last night when we saw it.  I'll try to snap a picture of it if I can do it nonchalantly and show you.  I don't know this neighbor but I wish I did.  I think we would be friends : ) 

The ground is covered with frost in the mornings and I've been using my automatic start to warm up the car before the school run.  John and I both have hot coffee to sip on the way.  Yesterday when I got home I noticed this one rose still thriving in the front yard.  She's the lone survivor.  I don't know how long she'll last with these frosty mornings but I'm rooting for her! ♥

And now I'm off to have a favorite snack. An orange and a square of dark chocolate.  They really are lovely together.  I hope you all are doing well and enjoying the beautiful month of November.  The December rush will be here soon! Have you started shopping yet? I'm happy to say I have. 

Thank you for visiting me today.  Have some hot chocolate, get a warm blanket, and watch a Christmas movie.  I want to watch The Holiday this weekend.  It's one of my favorites and always leaves me dreaming of Christmas in the English countryside.   Someday! ♥

Stay cozy friends! And thank you all for your continued well wishes and prayers for my family.  

Love you! Xx

10 Things I Love ♥

Hello Friends! Happy Friday!  ♥

Before I get into this post I wanted to give you a little update.... My mom came home from the hospital on Wednesday night.  She's being treated with antibiotics and doing much better.  She has a physical therapist, occupational therapist, and visiting nurse that have been coming to the house for checkups and therapy.  So far so good! We have a long road in front of us, but we are heading in the right direction. Thank you for all your blessings.  We have felt them!

With that being said, I am full of gratitude this week.  I was trying to think of something to write about today and it seemed only fitting to do a "10 things I love" post.  I always say it's the little things in life that bring the most comfort and joy.  A really big chocolate chip cookie.  A warm, soft blanket.  Your favorite movie on TV just when you need it most.  Those things are the best things.  What would life be like without them? 

Here are ten VERY random things I currently love:  ♥

Dark chocolate.  I have one square a day.  It's delightful...especially when I dunk it in a cup of tea. I look forward to it every afternoon. Yum. 

Amazon, QVC, or any home delivery service.  It's hard to remember a time when Amazon didn't exist.  I currently have a cart full of Christmas presents ready to be ordered.  What a feeling to know packages will come right to my door and I never have to leave the house.  No crowded stores or waiting in long lines. RELIEF!  I'm even considering ordering a Thanksgiving dinner this year (fully cooked and ready to eat). What a time saver.  Our grandmothers may not approve, but I do : ) 

The Libby App.  Have you heard of this?  I'm sure I've talked about it before.  It's an app that hooks into your local library.  You can get books, magazine, audio books, all for free.  All you need is a library card.  I am obsessed with it!  I am constantly listening to audio books while I work and it's wonderful to be able to get them for free through my library.  I just downloaded a book called Don't Let Her Stay.  I love thrillers and so far this one is really good! 

Hot Cider.  Every fall we make hot cider.  I take store bought apple cider, add orange juice, cinnamon sticks, and cinnamon.  I heat it on the stove and pour it into my favorite fall mug.  Its the most comforting drink on a chilly October or November afternoon.  It's fall in a cup. And it makes the kitchen smell good too.

Baking Bread.  I've talked a lot of my love of bread making on this blog.  I have a deep love of dough. LOL  This year for Christmas I'm treating myself to a Food Nanny dough hook.  There is nothing like homemade bread. It's better for us and the act of making it is almost as good as eating it.  I find it very therapeutic and it brings me joy.

Panera Bread's Autumn Harvest Soup. Run to Panera and get a bowl ASAP. You're Welcome! 

Words With Friends.  I'm back on this app again.  I do my words throughout the day.  I'm currently in three games.  Let me know if you want to play : ) 

Neutrogena Hyaluronic Acid.  I've been using this on my face under my moisturizer for the past few months.  It adds extra hydration to the skin (something I really need!) now that the weather is changing (and my aging skin is changing!).  Don't let the name scare you.  It's very gentle and I've notice my makeup is looking a lot better since I've been using it.  Sharon left a comment on my blog a few weeks ago about doing a fall/winter makeup and fashion post.  Thank you Sharon, it's coming!  ♥

Vintage Jazz on Spotify.  There is something so nice about jazz music.  It creates the perfect background and sets the mood for a fall day.  I've been listening to a Spotify playlist called " Autumn Vintage Jazz" all week.  It's beautiful and brining peace to my days.  There are also some really nice ones on YouTube too.  In a few weeks I'll switch to "vintage Christmas Jazz"....haha

And speaking of Christmas...

Hallmark has started it's Countdown to Christmas.  All Christmas movies all the time.  I know some of you are rolling your eyes.  Yes they are corny and predictable but I like corny and predictable.  We need more if that in our lives.  Better than real life I say.  My favorite movies are the Lacey Chabert ones.  If I had to pick an actress to play me in my life story, she would be the one.  And you best believe it would be set in the cutest Christmas coffee shop or bakery you can imagine.  I love her and I love Hallmark.  IYKYK  ♥

Watching Hallmark Christmas movies is getting me excited for the holidays but I still have a lot of fall left in me to enjoy.  The next few weeks are some of my favorite of the year.  The stillness of early November is something to appreciate before the rush begins. You know what?....my decorations don't have to go up on a specific date.  And I've decided to allow myself to accept help when I need it.  

I am going to try to take it slow this year  ♥

Thank you so much for visiting me today.  I'm off to put a lasagna in the oven for dinner tonight.  I'm so glad the weekend is finally here.  I'm praying for good health and strength for my mom this weekend.  And John has a band concert on Sunday afternoon that Rob and I are looking forward to attending as well.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! xoxo