DAY FOUR...
So that's it then...we're most definitely "through the wardrobe", eh?
Not quite sure at what point yesterday my Magical Winter Wonderland became Narnia...complete with The White Witch and - 15 degree temperatures...but here we are. And it is beautiful from the inside...with a steaming hot cup of cocoa and Tucker-Cat sprawled in a basket with a warm throw.
Huge kudos to the electric company for NO power interruptions.
Several of our friends weren't so lucky. Whatever they charge for electricity is not too much when the temperatures are in the negatives.
And kudos to all the business, schools and churches who have opened their doors as shelter to those without power or the homeless.
And we have been baking.
Bread.
A Breakfast Casserole.
Baked French Toast.
Beef Roast.
The 350 degree oven giving a boost to the overworked furnace and keeping the place snuggly-warm. Besides it smells wonderful...and tastes even better.
Filled the pantry last Thursday and intend on hibernating until at least Wednesday.
Self-amusement takes the form of throwing a boiling cup of water outside (where it actually does turn to dust in the air) and soap bubbles...that freeze in the air and tinkle-crash to the ground. And the non-weather related standbys...reading...writing...the phone...the Internet...cooking...et al.
And checking out this year's new rides, of course!
Presenting the 2014 Stingray Vette!
Not quite this
Still pretty fine :)
And the Gardening Catalogues have started appearing out of nowhere...so taking a bit of time for plotting and planning the Spring gardens. And my bulbs that were stowed in the outdoor patio shed are inside...ready for forcing. February colour.
With the exception of the herb basket for cooking, I am going to work on a larger cuttings garden next year. Fresh flowers for the table most of the year.
And enlarging the frog spa a bit more. I found the perfect cascading rock fountain to accompany it.
The frogs will be thrilled.
And it will be a nice addition to the gardens.
Also picked up a boxed set of acrylics with a French Easel to use on the patio this summer. I really really enjoy acrylics! Nice discovery. May pull a Monet and paint my flowers and Frog Spa...lol. (...with considerably less talent, mais oui...but no less enthusiasm...) Inspired by a re-read of "Idgy's" gift to me Monet's Years at Giverny.
One of my very favourite Impressionists of the late 1800/ early 1900's
Today's recipe
Baked Stuffed Raspberry French Toast
(...if you don't care for Raspberry...you can substitute Peach...Cherry...Blueberry or Apple...)
Dip bread in egg mixture as if you were preparing Regular French Toast...layer it in a baking dish...top with slices of cream cheese 1/4 inch thick until bread is covered...top this with another layer of eggy bread and bake until bread/cheese mixture is golden brown. Top with warm Raspberry Topping (pie filling) and serve in wedges. Before serving sprinkle lightly with confectioner's sugar and a dollop of whipped cream!
Enjoy!
If you keep repeating it...you can make it your year, too!
(((hugs)))
Carla
