Day 15

Valentines ready to go to school.

Yesterday's snow day meant class parties will be a day late. On the left, Lifesaver and chocolate Kiss rockets for class mates. On the right, reversible tissue packets for the teachers.

Day 14

Happy Valentine's Day!

Vanilla cake with vanilla frosting and raspberry jam filling

Oh! ...and an Australian Pinot Nior!

Snow Day

We got our first measurable snow fall of the season last night/this morning. It started out as sleet and feezing rain and then turned to regular snow. We got about an inch of snow on top of a thick layer of slick ice. They are predicting some more sleet and snow later in the day, too. Because of this, school was cancelled for the day.

The boys are thrilled to have a day off! Unfortunately, it's not a good 'play outside' kind of day. The wind is really blowing and it's just so icy out. They went out for a bit to shovel the walk and slide about on their bellies, penguin style. Then it was back inside for hot cocoa and once again in to cozy pj's.

The rest of the day will be spent enjoying an unexpected day off. It's a snow day!

Day 13

Errands

Day 12

A little Valentine's Day crafting.

Day 11

A quiet Sunday with a new book.

Day 10

Creating 72(!) Valentines for school.

Day 9

A little afternoon knitting.

Day 8

Soup and bread made using this recipe found via Soulemama.

Day 7

Edmund's 4th grade band concert.

Day 6

Doing homework. We had to create an item for the 100th day of school using 100 of something. We made a paper chain.

Day 5

Fresh haircuts in the kitchen.

Day 4

A Sunday afternoon spent playing.

Day 3

My view during dishes.

Day 2

A small sewing project. The windows are a bit drafty and the wind has been blowing.

Day 1

My favorite breakfast lately. Poached egg and homemade bread with butter to mop up the yolk.

February Photos

I've really been enjoying so many of the daily photos being posted on various blogs - especially here and some of here. So beautiful and so inspiring.

I've decided that I need to do something with that inspiration. I am challenging myself to take a photo everyday this month. Not just the big events but the little everyday stuff. I am hoping that this will help me develop my photography skills, I am hoping it will encourage me to see my home with fresh eyes, and I am hoping it will get more of my creative juices flowing again. (that is a lot to ask of a picture!)

Now I must go charge the camera battery!

Baby, It's Cold Outside

We had snow twice this week. Our FIRST snow of the season! What you see is the extent of it, too. A far cry from this. The boys decided to make the most of it, though. While waiting for the bus, they scraped together as much as they possible could to make one small powdery snowball each. I think they are worried that this might be it for snow this year.

This is turning in a rather odd winter here in New England. We started January with record warm temperatures and we are ending it with record cold temps. Friday morning so many schools across the state were either delayed or closed for the day (not ours though) because of cold weather. It was only 1F midmorning with a windchill of -20F. No thank you!

Of course this sudden shift in the weather means that the Winter ick is hitting our house. Right now it's just a few sniffles and a little cough but I know what is coming - and I'm ready to fight back!

Food is Love

Cooking for my family is such an important part of who I am. I put a lot of thought into creating good healthy meals. I try to buy fresh local ingredients when I can. I cook from scratch. I make sure we all come together at the table for dinner. Putting a nice meal on the table is one way I let my family know how much they mean to me. I grew up that way and I want my children to grow up that way.

For awhile, however, cooking really lost its luster for me. My efforts were constantly met with complaints so why bother? I bother because I do it not only for them but also for me. Cooking is theraputic. I feel productive and I really enjoy the process. Someday they will appreciate my efforts, but for now I must remember that they are just kids.

I recently read about the Slow Food Movement and while it is a term that I had never heard before, I think it represents my approach to food. My Mom and my Mom-in-law both just call it good old fashioned home cooking.

This year I am feeling a bit renewed. I am once again thinking about the meals I make. I am slowing down and finding joy in the process. Dinners are presented beautifully and puposefully. After all, food is love.

Starting Again

My old sourdough starter went rancid and had to be tossed. At the time, life was busy and we were travelling so I chose not to continue with it. Now, however, is the perfect time for starting again.

I've found a new recipe. Something a little less fussy and easier to maintain. I think it will be a good fit for me. I'm really looking forward to all the exciting possibilities! I hope you'll be here to share them with me.

Edited to add the new recipe:

Sourdough Starter

2 c bread flour
2 c warm water
1 envelope yeast
1 Tbls honey

Dissolve honey in water and add yeast. Slowly stir in flour. Put in to a jar and leave uncovered for 5 days. Some separation is normal. Stir the liquid back in daily. If the liquid turns pink or black or someother "odd" color, discard and start again.

Store starter in the refridgerator. Once a week, pour off approximately half to use or share. Feed the remainder.

1 1/2 c bread flour
1 1/2 c water

Stir in to starter. Leave on counter overnight and then refridgerate.

*Make sure you store your starter in a glass jar with some headroom and stir with a wooded spoon. Never metal.