Author: Kathleen

Posted on

Icy Wonderland

IMG_1101 IMG_1097{Ice coating the trees and ground}

While the weather outside has been frightful, we in the mid-Atlantic have been experiencing our first wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet and a bit of snow from Winter Storm Dion. The icy rain has caused power outages within the area, and I spent the day trying to stay ahead of the electricity possibly going out. I prepped a substantial amount of comfort foods yesterday in case I could not use the stove by roasting and then slicing a turkey breast; heating noodle soup to go in a thermos and lastly slicing cheeses to eat with crackers. For dessert there was sweet potato pie left over from Thanksgiving.

IMG_1112By battening down to keep out the frigid cold here are a few shots of storm.

IMG_1117

Stay warm,
K

Posted on

December

IMG_2167{Winter Poinsettias}

When the twelfth and final month of the year arrives so, does the greatest concentration of holiday observances. Beginning with Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and do not forget those who will assemble at Stonehenge for the winter solstice to celebrate the shortest day {light} of the year. December definitely has a festive air which makes it easy to snuggle down and feel gloriously comfortable.

I have already begun compiling a series of “Jazzy Holiday” playlists so; music will be permeating the house while decorating, cooking or just ending a long day after shopping and/or work. Several boxes of tasteful cards have been chosen to send to friends and family that do not impose idealistic views and I have picked up several large poinsettias to decorate a few rooms. I am not into a great deal of glitz and flash, mind you I am drawn to all that glitters, but preferably not in home that will be eventually overrun with family and pets over the next few weeks.

And it is crucial for me to start the holiday season by purchasing several boxes of “chocolate covered cherries” to share immediately, and since work takes precedence it is hard to whip-up homemade candy recipes until a weekend presents a bit of time. But, I can never resist this classic recipe of delicious dark chocolate and juicy cherries in a fabulously sweet fondant.

I have been collecting and receiving recipes from friends, storing them on my computer and in files all year long. Now comes the fun part of sorting through the various ingredients to make the most scrumptious meal of the holiday season.

Stay festive!!!!
K