Butter Pecan Cupcakes

Butter Pecan Cupcakes. Just the name makes my mouth water. They are wonderful even though white chocolate is not my favorite. That's OK I ran out of the white chocolate chips so I used Peanut Butter flavored chips on the last few. Can't wait to try one of those. I am thinking now I should have made a variety. Next time...

Peppermint Rounds

I bake a lot of cookies. So I have cookies that I bake regularly and then I have ones that are special occasion cookies, made only once a year. These are one of those annual cookies. I have always made them in January as they include crushed peppermint and are an excellent use for leftover candy canes. I have always decorated them with scallops but since this year I did not get to them until February I decided to try my hand at hearts. This was so much fun. It made it worth all the work!

Morning inspiration

Everyone who knows me knows I am a night owl by nature. The thing most don't realize is that I absolutely love being up early once I am up! I love the almost magical awakening.

Yesterday morning for some reason I was awake early and watched this breathtaking sunrise that would inspire any Crayola laden child (no matter the child's age).

A box full of memories

I was thinking about old friends today. How could I not... I finally after 40 years of moving it all over the country decided to go through the box of 'my stuff'! Yeah, the box that had my scrapbook from elementary school and newsletters from Jr High and locker mail from 9Th grade. Remember locker mail? I had forgotten we called notes that!

What a trip. Sitting there on the floor surrounded by piles of paper sure made it easy to reminisce. By the way, I never sit on the floor anymore and am so amazed I did not have to call for paramedics to get back onto my feet. My dog was quite distressed at first. He probably thought I had fallen again!

Anyway, it reminded me that this year I received an invite to the 40Th class reunion. I don't remember most of those people. Is that weird? Is it just me? Is my memory going? I like to think that I just live in the moment more than most people.

I discovered a face book page for a place in Africa where military were stationed, including my first husband, and so many of those guys commented that that was the best time of their lives and they would love to go back. Not me. Don't get me wrong, I have no regrets and am SO glad I went. But I do not want to go back. I remember wonderful people and unforgettable sights. I also remember unsanitary conditions, unimaginable poverty, and diseases. It was not the best time of my life.

I asked myself when was the best time. Hmmmmm. HMMMMMMM. My best memories are from when my husband was alive and stationed ashore and the kids were young. We were scraping by financially but very happy. But the best time of my life? I have to say the best time of my life is now. Each day. Even the bad days. The days when I am recovering from bone grafts are still the best days. Every one. I am not wealthy or famous but I am comfortable and surrounded by loving family and caring friends. I am thankful to live in this country at this time by the grace of God.

Yes, I would give anything to have my husband alive but we had 17 wonderful years together on this earth and someday will be together again, so now, right now is the best time of my life and I don't wanna go back - ever. I did however enjoy my afternoon of memories.

Wolf Moon

Tonight is a Wolf Moon. First full moon of the new year was often called this as the wolves were howling in January. Seems a perfect name. The moon is glorious tonight with the sky clear and the temperature a brisk 38˚ and dropping. The kind of night you can sit and stare at that cold globe and imagine all kinds of things. From astronauts landing on the moon (that still boggles my mind - men walking on the moon!) to explorers huddled around a campfire wondering what lay beyond the shadows. The kind of night you might imagine someone writing stories of vampires and werewolves. Anyone care to join me for the next episode of Dark Shadows? The dream curse is about to get to David and Barnabas has yet to figure out how closely he is tied to Adam...

Backyard Friends

I just love how backyard friends can perk up an otherwise dreary winter landscape! They are worth their weight in birdseed.

2011 Mementoes

Mementoes from our little celebration.

I did not anticipate how much fun my grandkids and their friends would have decorating these inexpensive glasses. Grandkids. There must be another word for them. My mother would tell me they were grandchildren (kids are baby goats, don't you know) and I started to type that but the truth is they are no longer children but young adults. And my kids are definitely not children but adults. Can someone with better language skills help me out a bit here?

Regardless of what we call them they did indeed have fun decorating the glasses before we began. The one on the left was made for me and I will save it to bring in future Years!

Glorious ending

As I was getting the food ready for the New Year's Eve celebration I noticed the most gorgeous glow of light out the window and looked to find these wonderful pinks and purples that disappeared quickly as night fell. Amazing what you can see if you take the time to look.

Ready to entertain

We were out shopping earlier this month and saw the display of trees all decorated at Macy's. The wine tree looked so cute as did several others so we went on down to Pottery Mart and bought some little table top trees on sale.

Then when the ornaments were 50% off I went back for the wine ones.

While riding the escalator down I was chatting with another shopper about this and told her of my plans to invite some friends over to play Wineopoly (a version of Monopoly that uses wine types for property names).

Once I had all the ornaments up and the table laid out I felt like the tree still needed a garland. So I rounded up some small corks of various sizes and glued them to some variegated purple crochet thread and finished off the tree.

I am looking forward to a fun gathering and spent the day in the kitchen cooking up some 'goodies'. This tree was my extravagance this year that I will share with friends and family. And remember the friends and family out in wine country that we are not able to be with this day.

The Day After Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving here was quite mild and we were thankful as the feast was cooked at one house and carried through the back yards to the other house to eat.

But the day after was cold. Cold enough that my dear Schatten opted to sleep up off the cold floor. Don't ya just love his whole laid back Saturday hair style?