Sunday, January 30, 2011

Sunday Night Treats

I'm making cookies this evening and some special grandchildren are coming over to eat them.  I have a recipe for Mrs. Fields Cookies and they are good.  When the cookies are warm and the chocolate chips are soft, I really don't think a cookie could get any better. Well, maybe with a chilled glass of milk. We like to put our glasses into the freezer for a bit and then fill them. Sometimes the milk is even frosty. Yum!! What a special way to end a fine weekend.

Friday, January 28, 2011

More Snow Tales

The days of no snow ended early this week. A sudden and unexpected snow came, turning our world white in just a few hours. It was surely my fault. I had read the weeks weather forcast and saw that a dry week was expected. So I washed and dried my car with care. I even shined up the wheels being careful to remove all traces of salt and sand that had accumulated. But now, again my little red car is covered with salt and grime as evidence of a snowy drive to the doctor on a wet Winter morning.

As for new tracks on the snow covered back lawn, all that I could see was a single set made by a bird. There were just a few tracks. I guess that little bird decided it was best to fly to his destination. 

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Still no snow

This has been an unusual Winter. We have had a lot of rain in the valleys and foothills and much snow in the mountains. The water outlook for next Summer is looking pretty good. The rain has helped to melt most of the snow in our yard now. About the only snow left is beside the driveway where we piled it as we cleared the driveway after each snowfall.

Looking down into the backyard I can see the row of yellow pansies that were planted last Fall, just in front of the Burning bushes.  The green leaves are there, but I see no blossoms yet. Just something else for me to watch as they wake from their deep winter slumber and offer their bright yellow blossoms for all to see. 

Thursday, January 20, 2011

The First Primrose

After the rain stopped, I looked down into the garden.  From my kitchen window I noticed  a small spot of purple at the base of the Redbud tree. It was a blosson on a Primrose. The very first sign of things to come this year in the garden. There are probobly other sign out there, but I have not found them yet.

I was awakened early this morning as the moon passed by our bedroom window. My pillow was flooded with bright light. It was as if a spotlight had been aimed at my pillow, urging me to get up and start the day. I dressed and walked into the kitchen and looked to the west. The bright moon was casting light all the way to the lake and was heading slightly to the north where in a while it will dissapear down behind the mountains

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Today it is raining

We are having a rain filled Sunday.  As I awakened this morning, I could hear the rain coming off the roof and and into the downspout and onto the garden.  I know that it is just a January thaw, but today gives a hint of Spring.

I have been thinking of Spring ever since the early Spring issue of Country Gardens arrived in our mailbox a few days ago. This magazine is filled with ads for many wonderful plants and seeds, pictures of beautiful flowers and trees and stories about many master gardners. I love to wander through these pages and dream of ideas for our garden this year.  One day soon, I'll wander through the nearest garden center just to see what items have arrived for this coming gardening season.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

It is still Winter at our house

This January has been cold and snowy. There has also been a lot of fog/smog due to the inversions that are so common here. Our valley becomes dull and dreary. The surrounding mountains are sunny with bright blue skies.
We expect snow this evening again,but maybe just a small storm this time. The backyard tracks have come again during the night. This time no small ones, but looks like two came together,walking side by side towards the outside stairs and up to the front yard. Maybe a couple of dogs looking for excitement. The fence at the edge of our backyard is a living fence. This gives us nice privacy coverage in the Summer, except where the peach tree is. There is a wide space,surrounding the peach tree, just beckoning the cats and dogs and even little boys to use our yard as a short cut to the next street.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

New SundaySnow

Waking up this morning, I was surprised to  find that it had snowed last night. The tracks in the  backyard were partially covered. There had not been enough snow to completly bury them, but the edges were softened with the new snow. First thing tomorrow morning, I will peek out to see if the night visitors had returned for more games in the snow.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

2nd post

It's Saturday morning on another cold Winter day. There is still snow on the lawn and gardens, but the walks and roads are clear for now. I have been noticing that we have tracks in the snow down on our backyard lawn.  A couple of days ago there were only a few, but this morning there is evidence of heavy traffic down there. In my minds eye I picture Bambi and Thumper frolicking in the snow last night. There is even a spot that may show evidence of a scuffle between a couple of winter white bunnies. But if the truth be known, we only had a dog or two and maybe a couple of cats out for an evening of fun.     

Friday, January 7, 2011

The Begining

This is my first Blog. I received a red laptop for Christmas and have much to learn.  My tutor is by my side now and giving me encouragement. I'll be back with more tomorrow.