header

header

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Around Here, Lately....

We got covered in a layer of ice and strong winds Monday evening!



The power went out for a couple of hours,
but the internet connect never came back up.
Did you miss me? :) 
It had been quite a while since we had to light candles
and do without electricity!  The boys did relatively well,
and I was thankful it was nearly bedtime for them anyway.
A tech guy had to come out this morning to give us a 
new router box.  Turns out he went to school with
my nephew and I know his dad.  ha.  Small world.


I've been enjoying my coffee in this mug and nibbling
on Cardamom Snaps, thanks to a sweet package that was 
in the mail the other day.  Yes, I was the 'victim' of Martha's
random act of kindness for our adventure this month!
Have to say, it's really fun to be on the receiving end!
Thanks, Martha.  The cookies are delish!


Before the ice we had more beautiful snow!
Took this though the window as I sat at my desk and
watched the big flakes fall down.  Lovely!


There were cute and cuddly, grey and white
fur balls to snuggle with inside....











And not-so-cute and cuddly, grey and white 
fur balls outside!



Without the internet, I had more time to 
photograph my favorite crush, Mr. Cardinal!
He was flattered to get the extra attention. :)


And I baked Linda's lemon blueberry breakfast cake again.
This time I used blackberries.  yum!


Today is blue sky and 40F degrees.
Heat wave!

I have gingerbread in the oven as part of my
Winter Fun To Do List.
I cannot tell you how wonderful the house smells!

Please join me for the Random Acts of Kindness Adventure!
Be ready to link up on Friday right here!



65 comments:

  1. But I think maybe you don't have electricity! (here happens sometimes!)
    xxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It used to happen here a lot, but this one was a surprise!

      Delete
  2. Yes, Yes, you were missed. That first ice picture is just breathtaking. Beautiful candle light whether you wanted it or not. I want that kitty in the basket!! Reminds me so much of my favorite kitty of all times.. "Figgy".

    How fun to be drinking coffee with you and Martha in our special cups...good cookies too.

    I was thinking about making blackberry scones...but think I'll try Linda's recipe. Looks wonderful. Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The ice was beautiful, I will admit! Had to laugh at The Mr., though...he's the one that dug out the candles and lit them. He chose all the scented ones and didn't trim the wicks. We had a menagerie of fragrances and smoking flames. haha. I had to give a candle lighting lesson. heehee.

      I love the name Figgy. Maybe a new kitty that comes along here will have to have that name. :)

      Delete
    2. Oh how sweet the Mister gave the house a romantic touch...even if it included flames and a mixture of scents. We haven't had a electricity knock out in a long time, but I have my old oil lantern ready if we do. HaHa.

      My cat Figgy, was actually named after Figaro in Pinocchio. Just loved him in the movie. He had a Figaro personality.

      Delete
    3. I seriously doubt romance had anything to do with it. haha...

      Delete
    4. HaHa....well I think the picture certainly looks romantic....Going to get that recipe right now...I just took another look at your coffee cake and I'm drooling.

      Delete
  3. haha all curled up and belly up
    They sure find the best spots even in a internet hiccup
    That critter out back
    You can keep at your shack
    Have to get all of them to go on the attack
    And your Mr. Cardinal pics never lack

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wish that possum would leave!
      I'd like to give him the heave!
      Samantha has a bite on her tail
      and I think it was him that made her wail.
      Shy he is not as he lurks under the tree
      waiting for the birds to drop some seed.

      Delete
  4. I am glad that you are back with us and that you are safe and sound. It sounds as though you have been doing lots of fun things even though you were not in touch with the outside world for a bit! Hope that you enjoy the gingerbread!! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When the power was out I just went to bed. Funny how it makes you tired when everything is dark. ha.
      I actually didn't miss the internet as much as I thought....since I readily admit being quite addicted! I ran errands most of the day yesterday, did laundry, cleaned off my desk...and flopped on the couch in the evening and watched tv with a cat in my lap. Very relaxing!

      Can't wait to taste that gingerbread...it smells wonderful!

      Delete
    2. I'm glad that you had some relaxing time, as I am sure that you deserve it!! Love the candle story with your hubby!! They definitely don't get the wick trimming thing though do they! xx

      Delete
  5. Did wonder why you did not post. Thought you had decided to have an impromptu vacation in the Maldives.
    Glad you and family are OK.
    Just love that first photo.
    Not sure how that rodent manages to survive with all those cats around.
    I still have some candles dating back to 1974 when we had power cuts and there was an energy crisis when we could work only 3 days a week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, those possums are mean! The cats know not to approach them. They have massive mouths that open very wide and very sharp teeth. Yuck. They're like over-grown rats.

      I love that first photo, too! The ice started late in the afternoon and I was glad it was still light enough to take pictures....beautiful! Not so fun driving in, though. The Mr. said he watched 14 cars go off the road in front of him on his way home from work! Must have been quite slippery!

      1974? Those are some OLD candles! haha...

      Delete
    2. Never seen a possum before although I've heard of them. Somehow I thought the name sounded Australian. I've been reading up on them and boy, they look really vicious. O don't blame the cats giving them a wide berth. I hate rats and anything like them. Even squirrels are rats with a bushy tail - to me.
      14 cars off the road eh! Really slippery - the Mr must be a good driver. I used to enjoy driving the ambulances in snowy conditions. I always take a shovel and two strips of old carpet for traction.
      1974 !! Some slightly older things are better - like a mellowed wine ROFL

      Delete
    3. I read your Sunday Roast today and it was fun and brought back memories. Thinking I might resurrect it one day.
      btw Did you ever see mine done by David McMahon? I managed to get my bluelight eyes to flash lol.
      http://david-mcmahon.blogspot.co.uk/2009/09/sunday-roast.html

      Delete
    4. Oh did you? haha...What fun! I do remember when David McMahon did the roasts, but didn't read his blog regularly at that time so I don't think I ever saw yours. Will have to take a look.

      Delete
    5. Oh yeah...possums are icky....like great big rats. Some people think they are cute. Not me. ha.

      Delete
    6. Wow....you do have twinkly eyes in that photo! hahaha.... great roast....and quite a few names of the past there, too...Janine from Sniffles and Smiles...I loved her blog. Several others there, too. Can't believe he's been gone since 2011, too! Wow.

      Delete
  6. There's my girl!

    You seemed to have dropped off the face of the earth! I knew something was up when you didn't update your Happening Now for the day. In fact, dear, it's still Monday now! I need to know what you're having for dinner and if the big kids are coming over! (smiling)
    I didn't worry until my email went unanswered. Glad you're safe and sound, beautiful.

    I want a taste of that blackberry cake. And why not add a piece of gingerbread to my plate while you're at it. Has it cooled enough to cut into?

    Vince xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha...oh yes! Thanks for the reminder...I'll update my daily doings right now....

      Delete
    2. Might you be serving chips with that shrimp?

      Delete
    3. Kind of like 'fish and chips'? Well, no...only one fried thing on the menu tonight. I'm serving the shrimp with corn and a salad. but chips...or fries....would be yummy with it, that is for sure!

      Delete
    4. No..sorry. Cocktail or tarter sauce on the shrimp. And if there were fries...ketchup. You're cringing, I know. haha.

      Delete
    5. Maybe....but I'd try it that way just for you, little doll. (smiling) As long as I got gingerbread for my efforts!

      Delete
  7. Wondered what had happened to you... thought you were keeping us in suspense!

    Photos are so lovely - I want that kitty to cuddle with. Looks like such a contented furball.

    As to the other furball. I looked up how to get rid of possums and the majority of things would either get rid of your cats or get rid of your birds! But here is an interesting thing. "Collect pet hair after brushing your dog or cat. Place the hair in small mesh bags and hang them or scatter them around areas at which possums frequently gather." Bet you would have enough hair to get rid of a pack o' possums!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, that's an interesting way to ward them off. I assume it's the scent that they are supposed to not like. This one doesn't even run if I go outside and yell and clap my hands just two feet away. We did try to trap a raccoon once and had to rescue Marmalade from the trap in the morning. haha.

      Delete
  8. Glad you are back in the world of the internet. It does feel like you are cut off from the world when you can't connect. But the good part is that we can connect with each other instead. I love candlelight and sometimes just have that as lighting at night. It feels so cozy.
    I love your pretty mug and the sweet kitty in a basket. Ours love to get in baskets, boxes and bags.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can walk through our house and find kitties in all kinds of containers all over the place. Kinda funny when you find one you weren't expecting to! :)

      Delete
  9. I missed you too.
    You mug looks to have gone on a diet. haha. Must be the angle or something.
    The snow is turning soggy today. It would be good snowman making weather if I was so inclined.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just had a kitty come in with muddy paws. Ugh. I'd rather it was all frozen!

      Delete
  10. I always try to make power outages a fun/enjoyable experience and candles are actually pretty nice (at least for a while!). Otherwise boredom can set in quickly!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's kind of amazing how we're so dependent on power, isn't it? I find myself walking into a room and still reaching to flip the light switch! haha. Thankfully, it wasn't a long stretch of time. It does get old quickly!

      The candles were a nice change....I should light some more often!

      Delete
  11. please tell me you did not take the possum in....smiles...
    its nice to have the outages (for not too long)
    it makes for a great break....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha...nope...wasn't even tempted. One of the few animals I do not like!

      It actually was a nice break...I never flop on the couch like that...very nice! And I went to bed early two nights in a row! ha.

      Delete
  12. Glad your power is back on! I had to laugh at your possum picture because my neighbors have had one visiting their back yard every evening too!
    I love that you were a recipient of a random act of kindness. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your neighbors have one? Do they want another one? haha...

      I love that I was, too! A totally wonderful surprise!

      Delete
  13. I love the close up of Mr Cardinal! And the breakfast cake looks delicious! We lost power too on another winter storm we had. Hope you're staying warm. ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We're safe and warm, yes! Blue sky and sun today! Such a nice change!

      Delete
  14. Things sure look cozy around your place. Your furry and feathered friends are just so beautiful/cute.
    I baked some gingerbread myself when we got snowed in . . . it was as much for the aroma and taste as for the oven keeping things warm! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. you baked gingerbread? ah...great minds. :) I've never baked it before. I can't wait to taste it! Baking is a wonderful thing to do when it's really cold...it makes the house warm and cozy!

      Delete
  15. Love the photos! Carl and I came home to no snow ~~ hoping it stays that way! We had a great time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So glad you had a wonderful trip...even if you had to be delayed at the beginning!

      Delete
  16. In response to your comment above about finding your kitties in various containers... I would love it (and maybe others would as well) if one day/evening you would wander through your home and take photos of where they "land." I think it would be sweet to see them in various baskets, nooks and crannies. Or propped up against each other. Can't imagine what it might sound like if they were all in the same area purring - quite a concert!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha...ok, I'll do that some time. I have a few baskets around my desk. When there are 4-5 sleeping around me, I really do feel like a crazy cat lady. lol....

      Delete
  17. That was some ice! Wow. I'm glad everyone was okay and that you're back to normal. It looks like you find some nice ways to keep busy. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If it had gone on longer, I would have been bugged. ha. But it was a nice little break as it was!

      Delete
  18. Ok.....I just wrote a wonderful witty comment.....and.....poof!....gone!
    I will try again♥️
    Did I miss the candle wick story?
    Love the cardinal♥️
    Hate the possum
    Where are my darn cookies?
    Blackberries? Awesome....you are so clever....how did it taste? And they are inexpensive right now!
    The link to my blog doesn't work. :o(....but thanks for the nod♥️
    Yikes to the Ice
    I missed you...glad you are ok♥️
    Enjoy your evening...I see you are in for a monster storm....stay warm!
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I put the link in again...hopefully it works now! I know Wanda was making it today! Blackberries were great in it....as any fruit would be, I bet....even a combination! yum. I love the lemon in it..and the crunchy top.

      Yes, we are in for a bad storm tomorrow night, even though it will be 63F..so warm,..but that will spawn tornadoes. :( Then it's back to arctic air next week! ha.

      The candle wick story was just what I said in the comments....he didn't know you had to trim them, so he had this huge smoking flickering flames and thought that was ok! haha... geesh!

      Delete
    2. Men eh?
      I think you right about the fruit....how about raspberries? Ooooooooh.....decadent!

      Delete
    3. mmmmm...yes raspberries! how about...peaches?

      Delete
  19. Are you packaging your cats in "to go" containers now? :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi Betsy, I'm a friend of Wanda's and she told me how pretty your cat photos are! She is right. Lovely to visit with you here.
    Beautiful photos. Have a nice afternoon. Mildred

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, hi, Mildred! Thanks for stopping by! Yeah, I have a few cats and they are great subjects for photography! :)

      Delete
  21. We are getting the ice tonight...it is sort of fun to have the power go off, at least for a short while...I love the silence. PS Glad to see the possum was not in your kitchen...they are so creepy.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi Betsy .. glad the power came up quickly - so that the boys didn't fret ... love the photos and to see the possum .. smells good over here!

    Cheers Hilary

    ReplyDelete

I'm serving coffee! Stay and chat!
And no awards, please! Your comments are my awards!