The Weatherman Wasn't Kidding

Tis the season to be.....snowy!

Woke up to about 8 inches of snow. The snow continued to fall all morning and still is fall this afternoon. Bike man and I spent several hours outside trying to clear our driveway, sidewalks, cars etc. And then there's the house roof, can't forget to rake off the snow. I think that took Bike man another hour or so! I'm sure round two of snowblowing, and snow shoveling will be later this afternoon before the blizzard conditions start. Oh wait, I think that started already. Visibility is loosing it's battle due to gusty winds.

Does it surprise you that the birds are feeding like crazy right now? I think they know what they are in for later today and tonight. We haven't had a snowstorm/blizzard like this since the mid 80's!

Our Feathered Friends

Pileated Woodpecker

Lately, we've had about three different woodpeckers feeding on our suet feeder. The pileated woodpecker is my favorite because it's such a large bird and has such a loud call....almost like a shrill. Thanks to Bike man for his photography skills today. I guess I can share the camera, well, once in awhile!

Big snow storm starting tonight, in fact, I'm watching the weather radar and the snow is moving in quickly. Looks like we could expect 12-16 inches by tomorrow. I'm excited and I'm ready....bring it on!

You Gotta Have Fun

One thing I love about the holidays is that you can take some time to have a little fun with your your staff. Exchanging cookies and conversation is what the season is all about.

Speaking of the season, it briefly warmed up today, but a snow storm and cold temperatures are heading this way. We are all bracing for a cold, windy and snowy weekend. Tonight, the weather man is forecasting a storm that will dump about 10-11 inches of snow, yikes! Blizzard conditions by Saturday afternoon! Yes, this is December for sure.

Third night at the fitness center working out on the elliptical and now starting back on weight training. All of this is just to get me through the winter months and keep me strong and happy. Return to spring cycling isn't too far off.....at least that's what I'm telling myself. HA!

A Cat Glance

Kitty - Her Winter Look!

Chocolate, Pretzels and Pecans

This is how I spent my time tonight after work. I'm not sure what you call these sweet treats, but I made at least 13-14 dozen. I'll be participating in a Christmas cookie exchange on Friday night, so I made my mom's pecans treats. Thanks mom! These are so easy to make, and are so sweet and tasty.

All you need is a bag of pretzel rounds, and a bag of Rolos. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and pretzel rounds. Unwrap the Rolos and place one Rolo in each pretzel round. Bake at 200 degrees for about 5 minutes. Remove pan from oven and place one pecan half over the top of each Role/pecan candy. Let cool. Who could resist, salt, chocolate and caramel?

What?

What? That's not how you bake it.....geez Son! The Son wanted to bake my life-long ginger strips recipe, however, instead of dividing the dough in half and forming two oblongs, he took all the dough and patted it out on one cookie sheet. As you can see it spread out to a blob, but don't worry, it still taste great.

Lesson learned, always follow your mother's advice, especially when it comes to old family recipes!

The cold weather is bringing more people out to the fitness center. I guess that's a good thing. Elliptical and some weight training tonight. Bike man is actually geared for working out on the bike trainer at home....good for him.

Gotta Get Use to the Cold

The new snow is so pretty and fresh, but on the downside, it's COLD! A couple of my friends at church today asked me when was I going to start riding my bike on the lake. My reply was, "as soon as the studs get put on" and the snow holds off. Too much snow on the lake and the studded tires are worthless, plus all that snow makes it really difficult for me to ride.....my aging body isn't as strong as it use to be!

Now Gentleman John commented that he went out riding on the Red Cedar trail the other day. I'm jealous GJ!!!! Honestly, I didn't know bikes were allowed on the RC trail during the winter months. I really miss my trail rides. Hey, Bike man and I are now officially life-long member of the Friends of the Red Cedar Trail.....whoo hoo.