Birthdays

Happy birthday to Jamie... a very special person to my eldest son. She brings joy to him and
wish her fun and blessings today.
shes shares a birthday with one of my History favorites...

I must leave you with a quote from Abraham Lincoln...

" I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have."

Cheerful Basket Arrival

The Odd-mannered Book Club sent me cheer and well wishes for healing. Once a month for the last 10 1/2 years we have been meeting to discuss our book choice. I must say, that through this once a month gathering has come to me... very treasured friends, who are dear to my heart.
I I missed this month meeting, it was a hosted by Dorene and supper by Kendra. Last night my daughter delivered the basket, which all members chipped in for me. Brenda, I heard put it together so beautifully. Many gifts were inside to help cheer and assist with my convalescing. A new book to read also. "Growing Up Country" Memories of an Iowa Farm Girl and signed copy no less. It is hard to put into words how much joy this brings my heart. Thank you so much cherish friends.... I will enjoy every bit.

Don't you just love the treats as well... You guys thought of everything!

Now time for some chocolate!

Hopeful

The beautiful morning sunrise and those horses came to visit again. I guess, they have decided they like to paw at the grass that is open close to us. Jared has plans to bring us hay and lay it out for them in an attempt to keep them in they're own area. Next spring, I am sure to find great fertilizer placed around my yard.
The weatherman has promise the temperature to go up to the 40s and above. How exciting! Could it be that the snow will melt and an early thaw!
My goal this day is to maybe do a bit more of stitching. I finally finished my eldest daughter's Gone with the Wind quilt. I needed to jazz it up with a few crystals and antique buttons. I do love how it turned out. I used civil war reproduction fabric with it as well. Kristin has her bedroom decorated with Gone with the Wind. My plan was for her to use it as a bed scarf. It will also make a good lap quilt because I added the backing in a warm flannel fabric. I will need to get a picture and post for you. I just need someone to hold it up for me later.
Take care and remain hopeful... as I am, that there will be an early spring thaw.

Sunday Dig Out

How beautiful the sun and how good it makes you feel. We are starting to get a bit more dug out of drifts. The horses keep getting out of their fence also and are digging for grass under the snow. They have a large bale of hay but for some reason it is not to their liking. the tracks in front of the cabin are from the horses visiting saying hey got any better hay?
Animals can be quite entertaining. Our dog Nellie has been having fun playing with my daughter's dog Annie. We have been dog sitting for the weekend. Needless to say, Nellie has been having much joy rumping in the snow with her. When its time to come in naps happen right away. Nellie feels she must check on Annie to be sure she has had enough rest. As if saying, are you ready to play yet!...
I believe plans for the rest of this Sunday will be Super Bowl watching with snacks and White chili for supper.
Just husband and I by the fire. I probably will be reading. Now I am reading "Cassandra and Jane". A Jane Austen Novel by Jill Pitkeathley... A story of a sister's relationship. So I plan to be lost in the 17TH century.
Have a relaxing Sunday to you all.

The Blizzard of February 1...2011

The Monster storm that moved through 33 states. It hit us with about 13 inches but drifts that enclosed the doorways and drives. In rural Midwest, we are not the first roads to get cleaned by any means. We have a truck with a snow blade, but yesterday was even unable to get through some of those drifts. Yet by evening, a tractor had went through to do those farm chores of feeding cattle the hay bales. In doing this busted a path through a part of the road. I believe it probably was our eldest son Jared going through to get to his cattle. Although, I did not catch a glimpse of him. But i have been assured he was out and chores were done.

Our youngest son resides in Chicago with his wife. They chose to welcome the blizzard by having a party at their home. They invited the neighbors and watched the snow blow in the downtown streets of Chicago. 20 inches landed in this windy city and pretty much slowed business to a standstill. Even Al from the 'Today Show' has been broadcasting in the streets of Chicago. The picture is my son's view wondering how he might dig out his Liberty...

He posted many pictures and looks like they enjoyed much fun with friends, food, and old fashion snow fun. Thanks Stephen and Rachel for sharing your blizzo pictures.

Myself enjoyed not having to get out in the storm at all! A plus in this recuperation.

Definitely a groundhog day to remember... A good thing that little guy did not see his shadow. Spring will be here 6 weeks early. I will not believe he is only right 39% of the time...

Snowbound

Yes, the snow is blowing the roads are icy... but I am warm inside and wood stove is making wonderful heat. I must say, it is a good thing, I am recuperating on my sofa with a good book and just found " Old Yeller" on the TV. I always loved that story didn't you?
It is one of those movies, you always remember from your childhood. Just mention it and I believe most will remember this great Disney film.
I will keep warm this day and hope all of you will also.

Folly Beach

A wonderful way to spend a couple of wintry days... My sister Bev, suggested healing would go faster, if I listened for the sounds of the ocean and hear this in my mind. In order to get in that frame of mind, I decided to read this on my ereader, ipad. Brenda B. from the OMBC had introduce me to this author before and I liked her, so it was an easy choice. This author loves to write about beaches and the warm South.

This picture from the Folly Beach website in South Carolina. The book talks about the sea grass and warm beaches and sea turtles and ocean waves. Folly Beach is consider the last barrier island before the Atlantic. Where the people consider they are natives if they dress like a tourist and always wear flip flops. Sounds great! The author did a wonderful job of bringing World War 2 history of this area and tied in with the present of lost books with hidden messages hid in these books. Kept me reading quickly. I also learned a bit about bottle trees, which one of the characters of the book, Lulu created. Below is a pic, I found on the intranet from voodoo mama. Bottle trees have quite the legend and lore. The author weaves the bottle trees throughout the story.

I did finish this book yesterday and as you see it lead me to research some pictures and history. Just wanted to share and if sounds interesting ... read Folly's Beach by Karen White.

Beverly and Brenda B. I know you will enjoy this book also.

Thoughts of blowing sea grasses and sounds of the sea to you this wintry day...