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.
