The weather this year is simply marvelous and we are taking some much needed time in the sun. There is much to be said for that wonderful Vitamin D that we are all lacking. Today, the Dallas Arboretum is our starting point and I think you will be surprised at what we find. So much beauty --- in December.
The first thing we notice is that our beloved lake is ALIVE with activity this morning. From this far away, the number of waterfowl is astounding. Zoom in --- you'll see what I mean.
Mister suggested a run down to the lake for a few minutes of wonder. It's our own On Golden Pond. The sights, sounds, and sheer beauty of it fascinate both of us. Tonight is absolutely gorgeous here in Texas and although I have a jacket on, it's not uncomfortable at all. Enjoy the pictures just as I took them -- they haven't even really been edited -- and in the order they were taken. Relax in the peace and at the end of this post there is a video to thoroughly enjoy.
When we arrive, I just barely catch the last remnants of the sun.
13th - Soooo - Mister has decided to take on a new project this month. I absolutely love Ginger Beer and Moscow Mules. I don't love the prices associated with either so we are going to attempt our own rendition of Ginger Beer. Since we are calling this the "first attempt," I'm assuming there will be a second attempt as we work through the kinks.
At any rate, today we begin. We have some quart jars cleaned and ready for use. Mister found his fermentation tops (used when he makes kimchi) and thinks they may be helpful. From there ---- the Ginger begins to be culled.
Good Morning!!
Mister and I are out of the house for the day. As we leave the house, the radio is talking about all the fog in the city and we haven't seen any at home. In fact, the sun is shining. However, as we near downtown, the buildings are engulfed in clouds and it is rather thick all around us. No sun.
Joining up with the rest of humanity --- all watching the Christmas Star come to fruition in 2020 as a last breath of hope for this year. Yep, that's us. Nearby Flag Pole Hill is the highest area we can think of without driving forever. We'll give it a shot.
Abilene is the destination for today. Jen's family is heading north for Christmas and we are going to go and deliver their gifts ahead of that. Last year was quilts so this year we're going with games and electronic stuff. Cuddle up in last years gift and play this years. Win, win, right?
When we walk in the door, the first thing that happens is the boys are eager to share one of their gifts. I get it. This is truly funny and definitely worth passing on as the creativity used to sell a rather simple product fascinates me. Just read and giggle.
The temperatures are dropping in Dallas and Mister's basil plants are enormous. Now what? We start by cutting them down and placing as many in the kitchen window as we can to use daily. The rest goes into two batches of pesto -- one for the freezer and one for dinner.
We thought we'd share our process with y'all -
To start, you need about 2 cups of basil leaves, 1/4 cup of pine nuts, 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil (divided) and 2 cloves of garlic.
In my Facebook group, we have a BINGO card that I am trying to mark off. One of the items is to try a new veggie. Well, I was a bit worried as I didn't think there were that many I hadn't tried BUT then I remembered the squash family. There are so many types and I'm still a baby with them. While at the store, I picked up a Delicata Squash. Yep, never heard of it before either. It's cute and fairly small.
Oh so many years ago, a friend by the name of Ying Custer shared her fabulous Peanut Brittle recipe with me. I have not attempted any other recipe since that time. Yes, it is just that good and oh so easy. I also discovered, this year, that I have not shared this on the blog before. Well, lucky you -- this is your year.
FIRST - If you live in the south like me, check the humidity. This really works well on dry days. Today we are 35%. That works.
SECOND - butter a 9x13 pan or cookie sheet with sides. Now you are ready to start.
In a heavy pan bring 2 cups of sugar, 1 cup of white corn syrup, and 1/2 cup of water to boil. I stir the whole time, but the recipe really doesn't say.
Wanting to get out of the house for just a bit, we drove down to the lake to settle in and watch the birds for a bit. I have discovered just how much I love this. No wonder Thoreau wrote about it. I feel as though this is our own rather large "Golden Pond." As we arrive, the pelicans are sunbathing on the island.
Mister and I are so lucky!! The Vitruvian Lights are still happening this year and we are taking time to enjoy them and walk with one another in a magical land. That is truly what this place feels like. Come along and enjoy the view ---- no commentary necessary -- just a picture trail.
It's that time of year once again. My annual Cookie and Ornament Exchange is about to commence. That means a bit of work is required. First, the house had to be decorated!! You can peek in on that with this LINK. Each year we do a craft and I've selected a super easy one for 2020. We need easy right now.
The clear bulb is written on with either silver or gold and then filled with beads/pearls. Top it off with a bow and call it done. Perfect.
Next, cookies!!! This turned out to be rather last minute due to a new range arriving, but they are now done and oh so yummy. I did Banana Spice and Soft Pumpkin Cookies --- about 8 dozen of each.
Whew!!!! It's done once again and I'm loving my house. This time of year just makes me want to curl up in a chair with hot cocoa and either a book or some hand work. I'm so thankful for a sweetheart that lets me go crazy once a year and clutter up the house. Come along and see how this year is working out. Let's start outside --- not with the lights as they haven't changed this year, but with the porch. The bench is receiving a cover for the pad and pillows --- in red!!! (Truth be told, the fabric is just laying there right now, but it will happen this month.) We have had such beautiful weather --- it's hard to image a snowman with all the green around, but it is what it is. Ooooh, look at the aloe vera plant --- blooming again this year. That is just too fun.
In we go ---- the entryway has snowmen too ---- so many memories with these --- made by a daughter (Jen) years ago. They had stood the test of time well and this year --- I even bought small tapers for them.
Thanksgiving in 2020. For many it is such a different experience. Luckily, for us, the entire Abilene family has had COVID within the last month and "we think" they cannot carry it. Mister and I know we don't have the virus so it's a road trip to gather together. We decide to make the trip on Wednesday afternoon and OMG. You cannot believe the traffic we encountered. I think everyone is on the move. We wound up using the express lane from the minute we got on the interstate until right near Weatherford. Yep, it goes that far without a break. It'll cost a fortune, but I'm sure we saved an easy 2 hours judging from how the traffic was stopped on the main road for almost the whole distance. Wow.
Upon arriving at Jens ---- ooooh, it's so pretty. She is already decorated for Christmas and I love it. The white nativity on the mantle was either made by her or me. I just can't remember. I KNOW I made a white one and no longer have it. Hmmmm. Her stockings are magnificent.
In the spring, we make the trek to Dallas Blooms almost every week, but 2020 didn't allow for that. It seems that this fall, we are following up with weekly trips to the lake. I'm perfectly content to just sit on the dock and sip a warm beverage while watching the waterfowl. It just makes the world seem right again. Come along and share in our eye candy.
Two pelicans grooming each other. (Sorry it is blurry --- can't win every time.) The second picture --- It's a meeting and all are gathering.
Coffee in hand, we are driving to the lake for a short walk and some time with the waterfowl. The radio says it's a "beautiful, sunny day" out. Hmmmm. It's pleasant, but sunny? At any rate, we are going to revel is the fall colors this morning, for they are glorious indeed. Dallas does have the beauty of fall - and I love it.
It's been a minute or two since we walked at the lake. It's time. Here in Texas, autumn is the best weather for walking and we really need to start implementing it more into our lives. Today, coffee and scones in hand, we are at the water's edge, just moseying. If you look REALLY close, you will see that every single post is occupied with the exception of a short one.
Morning on the deck, overlooking the chickens and goats. I want to move out of the city so badly. I keep telling myself, someday, someday. It's our last day out and about and we are taking our time departing this morning. Mister has been in the kitchen making some biscuits and coffee which is now being served out on the deck. Yes, I could do this daily. Would he want to? Well, that's a whole other question. For the moment though, everyone is content.
It's another day in Arkansas. We are in Ozark and there is not a coffee shop to be found. A quick drive around the downtown area discovers this old jail down on the Arkansas River. As I peek through the trees beside the building, I can see the Arkansas River Bridge in the background. Yep, we're going over it as Paris appears to be the next place that has coffee.
Good Morning once again! We are sad to be leaving Eureka Springs, but also excited for what this day will bring. It's chilly today and I'm route planning in my pj's coat and shoes. Doesn't that make sense to everyone?? Time to dress, pack, and have one last look around the place. We definitely wish to return. Perhaps in a way people would least expect.
During another drive through town last night, we spotted another coffee shop and are going to give it a try this morning. Luckily, we found a parking spot right on the street and are able to peek around a bit.
Is it still the 20th? This has been such a fun day and it just keeps getting better and better. Just look at our view. Who would not be at peace here? This is another one of those rare "scenic turnouts."
This is the day that just keeps on going and we are loving it. After leaving Quigley's Castle, we are still en route to the War Eagle Mill. When we arrive, the War Eagle Bridge catches our attention and I am drawn in instantly. Up on the bridge I go. It's not really a pedestrian bridge, so I need to be aware if a vehicle is approaching.
This is the second post for today. The reason? Well, it is picture laden!!! Too many for just one post if I added them all in together. This one stop alone provided over 25 pictures AFTER I threw a bunch out.
We are on our way to War Eagle Mill and I spot a sign that says, "Quigley's Castle." I had read about this before hand, but hadn't planned on the stop. I would, however, love to just get a picture of the outside. I mean -- it's a castle in Arkansas, right?
We take the exit and arrive only to discover that you cannot see anything beyond the line of trees out front. Drat. The attendant comes to the gate and Mister just shrugs and pay the fee. In we go.
Good Morning Eureka Springs!! WE are ready to explore you and your beautiful area. The clouds have lifted a bit so hopefully we will have a nice day. View from our front porch. We are staying here again tonight, so no need to pack up.
Good Morning Greenwood -- well at least a farm near it. It's a gorgeous morning and my sweetheart is moving much quicker than I. I'm taking a few minutes to enjoy my time in bed. Upon rising, apparently Mister is peeking through the windows at me --- such a peeping Doug.
We are up and out of the house for a fingers-crossed moment at the zoo. There are three new baby lion cubs and we "think" they may be out in the habitat this morning. It's cool out and if they are, I want to see them. Upon our entry in, we make a beeline towards the Savanna and straight to the window. WAAAAY up in back, one little cub is laying with mom. I watch for awhile, but not much happens and he finally moves out of sight. DRAT.
I'm kinda bummed, but there are also a couple of young giraffes to take my mind off the situation.
10-10-10 --- The date was chosen with care and I cannot believe it is now 10-10-20. Ten years of marriage to my sweet Mister and I would not trade a single one of them for something else. Perhaps a day or two, but that's marriage, right?
Due to work constraints, we had to back our anniversary trip up a week and are simply hanging around Dallas a bit today. Deep Ellum and a new coffee shop start us out, but upon our arrival to the shop, it's packed and no place to sit. Well, dang, that defeats the entire purpose. If we have to take the coffee to go, we'll just go down the street for beignets and chicory coffee. A little nostalgia for New Orleans.
