It's Here

This has happened in previous years where sub zero temperatures show up in early December.  Do I like it?  No, especially the wind that creates an irritating windchill.  Trust me, there's a big difference between -8 degrees with a 10 mph north wind or -8 degrees with calm conditions.  We actually didn't see zero degrees until around noon, so I wasn't motivated to go outside until then.  I just couldn't make myself go outside for a run, especially with the wind blowing.  I actually kept busy today with my domestic chores.  Sometimes it's good to just have a day at home with no commitments.

 

Bike man certainly knew how to use his time wisely today.  He made his delicious polenta lasagna....two pans, wow.  He also made me a new batch of homemade yogurt! 

 

I promised my mom I would take a photo of this unique lasagna.  Bike man keeps changing his recipe, so it's hard for me to give you exact ingredients or measurements.  I will add a recipe for polenta lasagna to my turtle recipes, but just remember modifications are allowed and encouraged.  We are all about what you have in your pantry or refrigerator at the time of cooking.  When you live 10 miles from town, you just have to make due with what you have on hand.  Anyone that lives out in the countryside like us understands this.  That's a big reason why we like to process our own vegetables, and freeze soups and entrees.

Besides house chores and laundry.....there's the Hallmark channel.  Hey, those sappy movies grow on ya! 

Frosty

It's here, you know, the cold air that I talked about.  The windows are frosted and air temperature is around 4 degrees and the wind chill is -11 degrees.  Yikes.  Colder tomorrow.

Winter's Arrival

My old standby, grilled cheese.  When I don't have time to cook a decent meal, I make grilled cheese sandwiches....gourmet grilled cheese that is!  Nine-grain bread, medium cheddar, bacon pieces, homemade pesto, olive oil and Penzy's Mural of Flavor.  The best grilled cheese ever.

We're in the middle of a winter storm, however we didn't get the brunt of the storm like our neighbors to the north and west.  We probably only received around 3-4 inches of heavy wet snow, but the problem is, the cold front is moving in tonight and now all that wet snow is freezing quickly.  Bike man and I spent an hour outside tonight shoveling our long driveway so the snow ruts wouldn't freeze and create a bumpy driveway.  The snowblower?  Doesn't work in wet heavy snow, so we shoveled the old fashion way!  Snow and water made for a good workout.

The temperature is now dropping and the winds have kicked up tonight.  Ice chunks are now flying around and hitting the house.  Good way to spook the kitty cats.

Subzero temperatures are headed our way over the next week.  Welcome to winter.......  

Pink Beauty

Mississippi River

 

There's so many good qualities about the Mississippi River and last night proved it.  As we drove back home late yesterday afternoon, the sky grew pink.  And then it grew magenta pink.  Oh, that's picture worthy I said loudly!  Bike man got the hint and stopped the car along  highway 35 and took this beautiful photo.  Thanks Bike man.......great shot!

 

Speaking of photos, can you believe I left my Canon Rebel in my mom and dad's car yesterday?   Geez, I must be getting old.  My dad called today to tell me he found my camera in their car....and I didn't even notice when I got home yesterday!  Oh boy.  No worries as I'll just go without a camera for now.   Thank heavens my hubby has his own Canon Rebel.  Maybe he'll let me use it??? 

 

 

Might Be a Bargain

The sign said For Sale, but I'm pretty sure they weren't focusing on the house per say.....just the land that the horses are crazing on.  Do you ever wonder why a house is abandoned way out in the beautiful countryside?  When I drive by and see houses like this, farmhouses that have been forgotten and neglected, I just can't understand it......what happened?

Today was just a nice quiet and relaxed day with the family.  No big Black Friday shopping, no way.  Oh wait, I did do a little online shopping @ REI when I woke up this morning while drinking my first cup of coffee.  I was still in my pajamas too.  That's my kind of shopping. 

Thanksgiving Weekend

I never learned the skill of crocheting....believe me, I tried and then I tried again.  My stitches would always come out tight.  I finally just gave up, and now I just enjoy watching my daughter as she magically moves her fingers, gently swirling the yarn around her crotchet needle.  It's so rhythmic and so graceful.....very calming for the soul.   

 

Becca has been busy making crocheted headbands for all her friends and co-workers.  Today, her grandma graciously offered that she could look through all her old buttons that she has collected over the many, many years.  Adding a button to the headband just makes it an extra special touch.

I'd like to wish all my blog friends a Happy Thanksgiving, and I hope you all could spend time with your families.  We are here in Southwest Wisconsin visiting my parents for a couple days.  Family and food = love!

Cooking Begins

Let the homemade food begin!   Made my favorite Maple Pecan pie for Thanksgiving.  Like I've mentioned before, you'll find the pie recipe under Turtle Recipes in my blog menu.

 

Bike man made his yummy cornbread stuffing with lots of cranberries, onions, celery, fresh sage and fried bacon.  Seriously, it's the best thing ever.  Bike man will continue to make a few more Thanksgiving favorites tomorrow, and then we'll be already for Thursday. 

I'll check back in on Thanksgiving Day.