Wordless Wednesday

Anything but normal

The view outside my window these days is white. Very white. The snow that gave us a lovely Christmas refuses to leave, and has been topped every few days by new powder. Normally the snow lasts only a few days around here, melting quickly a day or two after the storm. Things are definitely not normal right now!

In addition to the mounds of snow, we have sub-zero wind chills, and public schools have been canceled three days running. I've been busy making warm, comforting meals, shoveling the driveway and patio, and spending lots of time with the family. We're still in holiday mode it seems, at least until next week. I guess those plans for organizing and starting new projects will have to wait just a little longer. Any ideas for keeping cabin fever at bay?

My head is spinning

Though February is the shortest month, it sure does pack a punch when it comes to keeping me busy! Valentine's Day and birthday celebrations are keeping me hopping right now, not to mention my daughter's school activities and house guests who will soon be arriving. So often I wish for winter days to move more quickly, but right now I'd be happy to have a little extra time.

I'd like to say there's been a lot of knitting, but it isn't so. Baking seems to dominate my days right now, though I finally finished the socks for my Mom that I've been working on since last summer. Mom was here a couple of weeks ago and I was able to present them to her. She immediately modeled them for me and wore them happily the rest of the day.



As for baking, there have been healthy and not-so-healthy goodies appearing on my table.





Surprisingly, I've made the healthier granola bars several times in the past month. Usually I go for the more decadent chocolate treats, but these can pass for breakfast with a good cup of coffee. If you want to give either of these a try, click on the photos and you can find the recipe links.

Last, but not least, my lovely daughter turn 16 at the end of the month. And you know what that means.



Yes, folks, another driver in the family. It's a little nerve-wracking and exciting all at the same time. She's still working on her driving hours but I know she's going to be fine on the road. I may lose a little more sleep when she's out alone, but that's a Mom's job, right? (Wish both of us luck on this new adventure!)

Project notes: Dublin Bay socks, Regia "Toronto" 121 yarn, 72 stitches knit on size 0 Addi turbos.

Winter beauty

Yesterday was a warm, sun-filled day, so I decided to venture into the back yard to see what I might find. Turns out there are beautiful things to see even in the dead of winter.



Much colder temperatures and perhaps a little snow are headed our way this weekend, so I'll be seeking inspiration indoors instead of out. Hope you find something lovely to savor this weekend, too!

Dueling seasons

We're in single digits this morning and snowflakes are flying. My tiny space heater has been working non-stop to help my feet fight off the cold.



On the other hand, I can pretend spring isn't far away when I focus another kind of winter white.



Ah, breathe in that spring scent. Hope you can find a little spring in your winter, wherever you are today.

Ribbons in the sky

The clouds yesterday afternoon were fabulous. I had to park my van by the side of the road to try to capture what I was seeing.



This doesn't even begin to convey the beauty and drama. Now we're back to overcast and gray skies, so I'm happy to have this small reminder to enjoy today.

Clouds in my driveway

Winter returned with a vengeance yesterday. Biting winds and blowing snow were the order of the day, after an enjoyable 58 degree afternoon just 24 hours before. The wind was so fierce that the snow barely hit the roads before it was swept away. The snow that managed to stick was shaped into these formations.



Today, the sun did its magic--no more ice or snow on the driveway now. But we hear the next storm isn't far behind. Brrr!

Stone cold heart

We are in the deep freeze here right now. Plunging temps and a dusting of snow yesterday--like the one on this little stone heart that inhabits my front porch.



Perfect hot chocolate and knitting weather. Stay warm!