...signs of Spring....

While on my early morning walk I could see that spring is beginning to take hold. Candy Tuft is in full bloom and dew is laden on the grass. Sunshine is warming the ground and today will be one of those grand displays of fresh green color we so greatly enjoy!

Looking out into the Christmas trees, from the edge of the woods, is wide open sky.

The woodland floor is beginning to unfurl wild flowers. These little pink gems are called Snow Queen. As the day unfolds they will canvas the woods.



I fondly walk to the "Cathedral" to see what is happening. In the morning the sun pours through the tree tops and as the sun sets a golden ray lays low through its path.

We will begin to clean up the area in preparation for a July wedding. Each fern and tree will put out a brand new layer of green and make this setting like none other. I'll keep you posted of our progress and then show you the day of the wedding. It's going to take time and labor for everything to happen, but well worth the effort!

Our girls.....

The best of life are smiles from our girls! They are growing up full of spirit and adventure! It doesn't take much to keep them busy and a walk in the woods is high on their list of favorite things to do! LilliAnne and Claire, you melt our hearts!!

Maggie had her hair done!

Maggie's first experience at the dog groomers was not good. I asked them to groom her, which they did, but they also gave her a complete haircut!! She didn't look like a Pom when she was done, but more like a little bear. I found out from our veterinarian that Pomeranians don't necessarily grow their hair back once it has been cut! We didn't panic but waited and her hair did grow back to it's fluffy wonder! The second dog grooming experience was done with another groomer and the result was good! Now, getting a picture was a challenge due to Maggie's excitement at her new and improved hairdo! If you look closely you can see the little "bling" that was put in her hair. That lasted about two hours and was removed....by her! This sweet little dog has become my constant companion. She and I have been going to a training class for weeks and weeks. Maggie has learned to get-it, sit, down, stay, stand, drop-it, take-it, kind of roll over, leave-it and loose leash walk. All of these commands can and are broken at will! We start-over from the beginning many times and eventually I will get it! After all, training is for the owner/humans and dogs appreciate our efforts!

Maggie always has a smile, a grin and a wag waiting for me when I come home! She loves to come along when possible and we are a team in any endeavor!

Treats are a big part of her life! Each day she gets a carrot, yogurt, and dog food. We have learned that it is better to feed her food without wheat, corn or gluten. We are all happier when she is eating a healthy diet!

I tried to get in the photo and there I am....foot first!

Love you, Maggie! You are not a pest!

Have a good weekend! May the sun shine on your days!!

Lemon season

Last week a package came in the mail from a good friend who lives in Arizona. Until opening the lid I had no idea what was in the box. LEMONS!! The smell the fresh lemons filled the air quickly and some were still on their branches! A recipe for lemon marmalade was sent via email and the process began!It took a little time to slice the lemons thin and set them in water to soak for 24 hours. The next day was dedicated to finishing the preserves and the time was well spent! The result is something that tastes like sunshine! I've tried the marmalade on yogurt and ice-cream. Both were equally good uses for this taste exploding nectar! Who would have thought I'd be canning in February?
Ten small jars of Lemon Marmalade sit waiting for special occasions. I can imagine drizzled scones, soaked cake , baked chicken and who knows what else?
Lemon Marmalade

10 Lemons (med. lg.)

5 cups Water

7 cups Sugar

Directions: Halve the lemons & remove the seeds. Tie all the seeds removed in a cheesecloth (this will be the pectin).Quarter lemons and slice very thin.Add bag of seeds, water & lemon slices to a large non-reactive pot.Let this mixture sit at room temp. for 24 hrs.

Following day: bring lemon mixture to a boil over moderate heat. Reduce heat & simmer uncovered for 45 min.Stir in sugar & boil over moderate heat. Stir occasionally, skimming off any seeds & foam. Boil gently for 45-60 min. til a tsp. of mixture gels when dropped onto a cool plate. Seal jars w/lids. Water bath for 10-15 min.

This recipe is on the tart side ... you may add more sugar.

Thanks, Terrie!

A Good Day!

Don't you love to vacation, have a fun time and then come home? I do! It feels good to be back to my familiar surroundings and activities. I see everything new and fresh!

Well, that is just how it feels to be back to blog land. It is a good day!

While taking my break I've managed to get waste deep into organizing our photos. It's been a challenge to established a method of purging old photos and making a place to put each valuable memory. Through the years I have purchased albums with the intention of filling them up. It didn't get done! It is going to be a long journey getting the photos put into the books but the process has begun! I have a room where I can walk away, shut the door....easily walk back to it, and pick up where I left off. If anyone saw the room they would wonder what the method was!! It's a good thing to have this room...that is for sure!! :)

Boxes and boxes of photos wait....for me.....to look at.....and organize! Tucked in between each photo is a memory. This takes time and a lot of it! Sometimes I walk out of the room feeling stunned and tired. I must keep going....get it done....and rejoice!!

Piles are growing..one for Derin, one for Laura, and plenty left over for us!

Of course...this labor doesn't begin to touch the thousands of digital photos on my computer! How about you?