At Least There Are No Stink Bugs

It's been a few weeks -- maybe a month -- that I was able to pull up all the blogs I follow and comment.  My computer allows me to do one or two and then blocks EVERYTHING!   I suspect it's something in the security settings of my computer.  I've not been able to detect exactly where, but believe me it is a  pain in the ass.  Bloggerland is not the only place I'm having trouble, it's now stopping me from accessing a few of my other favorite sites.  Time to call in a nerd...

We had snow yesterday, but no appreciable accumulation.  Our daughter, however, who lives only 10 minutes north of here had about 3".  Go figure.  Everyone says this is a harbinger of things to come.  Certainly the people in states north of here who are digging their way out are wondering.   I'm not so sure.  I tend to think this will be a mild winter.  Why?  Two reasons:  the law of averages says we're due one, and more importantly, we had 2 cords of wood delivered.  

Yesterday was fun, though, as we found ourselves getting into the Christmas spirit -- never mind that  the impatiens are still blooming (albeit snow-covered) and the leaves are still on the trees and haven't even changed color, yet.  Today, by the way, is GLORIOUS -- gorgeous blue, cloudless skies and about 39°.  And yes, we have fires going...

This evening we're attending a home concert -- something offered in our area.  These are fun.  The host engages an artist and invites 20 couples to dinner (everyone brings something to share) and a concert for a nominal fee.  We've heard some great artists and met some very nice people.  Tonight I'm bringing "Outrageous Brownies" -- a Barefoot Contessa recipe that is off the charts.  It calls for a pound of butter and about two and a half pounds of chocolate -- and a side of insulin.  People usually love these and I'm hoping to bring home an empty tray.  Wish you could join us.

And We're Off!

I've been forgoing any blog time because we've been a bit busy.  Forgive my absence.  I'll catch up with you all in a few days.

It's 6:56 AM.  Those of you who know me also know that this is the middle of the night for me, BUT I need to add (sanctimoniously) that I've been up since 4:30.  Problems sleeping?  No, I'm just excited.  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and frankly for the past two days I've been a cookin' fool.  And today will be no different.  My mom is here helping me.  She's ironed the napkins -- told her this wasn't necessary;  they're paper.  Kidding... 

I've strayed...no, not that way:  no pies this year.  Instead, I made pecan bars and pumpkin bars.  Same filling recipes as their pie counterparts, just with a shortbread cookie crust.  Today I'll make the apple crisp.  Thought these would be a nice change.  I also made the gravy and the cranberry sauce both a lá Ina Garten from the Food Network. 

Also on today's docket are cornbread and traditional sausage stuffing, brining the turkey breasts, the broccoli casserole, and peeling the potatoes and just sticking them in water.

My brother is expected here any minute.  We'll take him to the airport as he's on his way to Mississippi to meet up with his financée.  They are off on a cruise where they will stop in the Cayman Islands AND GET MARRIED!!!  We're very happy for them and we love Debbie a lot.

Son, DIL, Daughter, the two grand daughters and Richard and I went last weekend to cut down our Christmas trees.  The first day the farm was open -- a perfect time as there were no crowds -- and we found three trees very quickly.  While there, a CNN reporter asked if he could film us.  They're doing a segment on Christmas tree purchases.  He said that this was a wonderful respite for him as he was used to covering wars.  Our daughter told him to stick around.  If it airs, it will be this weekend.

Going down to make some coffee.  Blessings, dear friends,  Kathy

How Hot Was It -- And a New Hobby

We had a few days that were really unbearably hot.  But we humans weren't the only ones feeling it.  We spotted this critter and actually thought it might be dead.  It wasn't.

A couple of months ago, I posted that I'd gotten a lovely little orchid for free when I found it broken, on the floor at a local Home Depot. It's thrived since I've brought it home and is even currently sending up a new shoot. Since then I've added three more to my collection.  Three are phalaenopses, including the first and the last one: the yellow.  The other, with the single dark purple flower, is a red dendrobium actually growing out of a piece of wood.

Contrary to popular belief, orchids are easy to care for. They eschew fussing over, and in fact, the single most common cause of failure is over watering. They love filtered light and cooler temperatures, bloom in the winter, and love being pot bound. In the words of Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa, "How easy is that?"