Happy 2011!

I wish for a peaceful, healthy, happy

2011
for us one and all!


Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors,and let each new year find you a better man (or woman).

~Benjamin Franklin~

Snowy Scenes

We were warned and we anticipated the winter event coming our way.
We were not disappointed! Sunday morning we were wakened by screeching and squealing of our electrical appliances trying to maintain their power.

I arose from my bed at 7 AM to this awesome scene. I knew it would be a day for taking photos.

The delicate flakes piled one on top of another

The snow inched its way up and up

I hear there is snow in Paris, too...sigh...

Our little cabin in the woods would have to wait for our company until Spring.

There would be not relaxing there in weather such as this!

The snow took on an elegance
~ a tiered wedding cake, perhaps?

~maybe a crystal white chandy?

~ or a vintage remnant of bride's lace?

We were cozy and warm beside our home's hearth.

I was hoping our feathered friends had taken
refuge in one of the chalets provided just for them.

However, we found most of them enjoying this change of scenery.

We watched this little one dancing and playing in this one spot most of the day.

Some just sat serenely, taking in the beauty, unaware they added to that beauty.

Others clamored for seed and food fights ensued.

Our Miss Callie was content to sit beside windows
watching the snow fall and the feathers fly.

LET IT SNOW!

Many of us are getting snow. For us, it's come earlier than usual this year.
I love the snow. I love staying in my home, cozied up by the fireplace with a good book or a stack of magazines and cookbooks...a cup of tea or hot chocolate in hand while the beautiful flakes fall.

A couple of years ago I got 'hooked' on creating my own snowflakes.
There is a place online were one can do that HERE.
It's pretty additive, but creative and fun.
These are some that I created.
















Now here's a snowflake for the books.
This morning we had a brief snow of very large flakes.
I got to the window with my camera and 'caught' this heart-shaped snowflake!

"L O V E"!

No, it's not photoshopped...it's just as I captured it with my camera!

Thank you, Shannon!

A few weeks ago, I received a lovely wrapped gift from
Shannon at Cozy Home Scenes

I had entered her giveaway for an apron, handmade by Shannon herself, and a Cookie cookbook and I WON!
Yes, I did!

Isn't the fabric just the cutest?
I love it! Photo borrowed from Shannon

Once in awhile, you come across a lovely giveaway that seems was made just for you and this was the one for me.
You see, I collect aprons and cookbooks!




Honestly, I haven't had the opportunity to use the cookbook yet. We've been in the throughs of redoing our kitchen. This past week I finally got my new convection oven. Yep, I'll be making cookies soon...in my new apron! Thank you, Shannon!

CONTEST This is the last week to vote for Claudette. Please vote once a day for the next four  days!          Please see the post below.

CONTEST - Please vote!

Many of you here know Claudie with the beautiful white hair of Bubblin' Over. She is a treasure in the blogging world and she's a real friend to many of us. I count her as my friend, because she's a delightfully funny lady with a warm heart who cares for people and fur-babies alike.

Please take a minute out of each day through December 10 to vote for her. Among other wonderful prizes, she could win $1000 to help with animal rescues in Ottawa, Canada.

We're trying to get her in the top five, at least. I have ninety-nine followers. If each of my followers would vote, Claudette, myself and the fur babies of Ottawa would sooo appreciate your help.

Won't you PLEASE take a minute out of the next few days to vote for her HERE:







Linking to:
White Wednesday