Miss Me?

Happy New Year, Y'all!

I just got in from shoveling the driveway out there in the bitter cold.  I hope all of my southern transplant friends (yes, I'm talking about you, Linda and Suzette, especially) are remembering me up here in the cold, and sending a little pity my way while you enjoy your balmy temps.  Wenches.  That goes for my Texas regular readers too.  Pity me.  Now.  

I really shouldn't complain, though.  It's beautiful here.  Right now we have about seven inches out there, and when it's fresh and untouched, it's the most beautiful sight to see.   The pic above is from last week's snow.  That storm came and dumped about 10 inches I think, and was gone within days because of warm temps.  Now we're right back to where we started!  Welcome, winter!

Well, I just wanted to post tonight as we're ringing in the new year, because I haven't been to my blog in so long!   I'll be sure to discuss Kathleen's favorite gifts (and mine) because, seriously, isn't Christmas all about the presents?  Seriously. 

(*snicker* )

Y'all be careful out there tonight.  I'm staying in for the first time in YEARS, and I'm very happy about it.  Hooray for Home Sweet Home.   

I'll "see" you next year!

'Tis the Season

...for cookie exchange parties (at my sister's house)

Meatball sandwiches and quiche to go with our cookies!

I painted that picture of her house a couple of years ago for Christmas

These are her vintage "lead flats" skaters.

Tree in foyer

glass ornaments from glass chandelier in DR

Cookies!

Tomorrow (ok, well, later TODAY--geez, I'm up late!) I'll get pictures of this gorgeous snow we're getting. It's picture perfect out there!!

O Christmas Tree

I'm joining the Hooked on Houses holiday tour!  Here's a look around my house all decked out for the holidays!  Don't forget to go to Hooked on Houses for LOTS more homes to tour!  There is another list of homes to tour at Rhoda's place, too.  Go to Southern Hospitality to check it out.

I took these pictures yesterday morning, because I wanted the lights to glow....but they ARE a little dark. Sorry!

I love my felted pears tree!

...and my bird's nest tree!

...and my little cardboard fireplace with flickering bulb! I swear it's almost as good as the real thing! No kidding! I love it!

I put this little tree in the front window, so my neighbor wouldn't think I was a humbug! :)

The piano was my big gift to Kathleen this year for Christmas. There was no way for me to make it a surprise, unfortunately. But she's been playing it ALL the time, which is so awesome. I'll be getting her some lessons in January.

These little skaters skate around to music if I want them to. I usually leave the music off. They're fun!

My sister gave me that Martha Stewart feather tree a couple of years ago. I love it! (Can you tell I love my Christmas stuff?!)

I started a Santa collection years ago.

There's the felted penguin I bought last weekend!

...and some of my favorite Christopher Radko ornaments...

Do you see the glass icicles? My sister gave me those last year. They are gorgeous, and VERY realistic looking!

Stay tuned for pictures from my sister's house! I took them at last night's cookie party. It was looking very festive!

Look Ma, No Eggs!

Oh look!  It's ME in the window!  (Shush...I can hear you snickering.)

Playin' with the Photoshop...sorry...lol...but I do love that bas relief tool.  Pretty cool.

Have I mentioned lately how much I LOVE my new kitchen?  *sigh*  It's SO easy to clean up, and there's room to spread out and really make messes!

There's a touch of Christmas everywhere around here!  I was second-guessing myself with that fabric tree the other night when BF was cooking.  (I call him "Train Wreck" if that helps to give you an indication of his modus operandi.)  But it has lived to see another day.  Oh, and so has BF!  Lucky guy!  

So I just got done making 10 dozen Russian Teacakes for my sister's cookie exchange party tonight.  This means I will be coming home with an assortment of 10 dozen fabulous cookies made by friends.  I love cookie exchanges!

I used my grandmother's recipe, which, upon further inspection on the world wide web, is apparently EVERYONE'S recipe for Russian Teacakes!  No "ancient Chinese secret" here! heh.  I do love these, though, and they remind me of my Grandma Ann.  They're just flour, confectioner's sugar, butter, vanilla, salt, and nuts.  Yummy!!

Ice Storm

Guess who couldn't leave her house today?  There are live wires there still.  The neighbors moved all the branches out of the way.  I really need to go out tomorrow.  Time to call National Grid!

My rear fence.
Don't forget to click to enlarge any of these.

That mess above is in my neighbor's yard

Deer in the field.  Do you see all three?