Hi everyone! Is it cold at your house? High winds and frigid temps here at the beach. No amount of sunshine can make the weather more tolerable. The other night I finished some tax prep and opened Blogger to do this post, and BOOM, the lights went out. Blackout. No warnings, no wind alerts, no storms; I was totally unprepared, though I did have prepared food. But low batteries everywhere, pretty late at night and oh so dark. Usually a clear storm breaks down my wifi and landline phone, but not a total blackout.
Hard to know what to do; finally got out all the stored comforters and decided to huddle underneath til dawn. Baby Mo was wrapped in many layers in his own bed. If things got really cold I'd make him come up on the bed. But he seemed happy. [Temperature 24 degrees/ windchill about 13*, wind 30 plus mph.]
Just as I crawled under all the quilts and blankets, Bang! the lights returned. Saved, yay!
Mo is currently enjoying his winter coats, so we do go on out. Looking for first daffodil shoots. Here they are, peeking out of the old dirty snow as it melted .
And I've been keeping a sharp eye out for weird collection items that emerge from the snow. Washers, coins, tiny Christmas trees in Lucite and glitter! A little yellow looped key?
I thought the this was a Lego People head. But no.
I like finding Canadian pennies. They are pretty.
We've seen a number of St Paddy's Day wreaths and door decorations, but I'm especially loving all the newly hung out seashell wreaths. Everyone is ready for summer days. And I've been noticing these interesting tall lanterns, set out on front steps or in front gardens, usually with a faux pillar candle, presumably on a timer. They are pretty big, higher than my knee--30"? We love the warm glow in the darkness.
This lantern has especially attracted my notice. Looks very "Home Goods" and it has a candle, plus the base is filled with a small collection of special seashells. But wouldn't it make such a cute little storage cupboard for some of my tiny quilts. I am always tempted to leave a note....
Back inside, I'm filling the cottage with inexpensive spring flowers each week. Dear daffys from Ireland, 2 bunches for 3.oo.
And primroses, a favorite of my dad's. He'd plant them in a wicker basket with green moss from his woods, for the Easter table. Maybe a few Easter Eggs or a china bunny or ladybug from the dump Swap Shop, tucked in too.
I've been picturing this metal planter filled with spring flowers ever since I got it a few years ago. Next summer, it should have red geraniums, I hope.
Many of you asked how my second Crockpot recipe came out: Braised Beef with Mushrooms. No vegs. It was very delicious! I listened to friends who are excellent cooks; everyone insisted I must pre-brown the meat. I also pre-sautéed the mushrooms in butter. Served on wide noodles, my favorite pappardelli, with a dollop of sour cream. Butter/honey glazed baby carrots and Brussel sprouts on the side.
Below, unusual especially in winter, heirloom tomatoes at my grocery store. So pretty.
Edit: today's crock pot attempt was my Fast Chili. I cooked it 2 hours on high and 4 or 5 on low. Smelled great, but is watery and undercooked. Disappointing.
love
lizzy
gone to the beach...
.Upcoming: St Paddy's Day and the Oystercatchers' return; Mo's birthday; spring equinox; days get longer; Daylight Savings begins. First day of, hahahahah, spring.....
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