Thanksgiving — Page 5

Mr. Cardinal

November 25, 2011 at 8:38 am by Claudia

I glanced out the kitchen window the other day, saw 3 little birds, a woodpecker and our cardinal hanging out together, and ran for my camera. By the time I got back, everyone was gone but Mr. Cardinal. The same thing happened to me last year. I suppose I could walk around the house, camera hanging around my neck, always at the ready for any photo opportunity – but let’s face it, my neck would hurt after a while.

I did manage to snag a great shot of Mr. Cardinal, my elusive friend:

I didn’t edit anything on this photo. Just resized it.

I’m not especially enamored of gray skies and wintry weather. But I find great delight in the occasional splash of red on the landscape provided by Mr. Cardinal. Cardinals are beautiful any time of year, but winter seems made for them. Mr. Cardinal is fast. He doesn’t stay in one place very long, so capturing him via the camera lens is always a challenge. When I finally looked at my shots, every one of them was blurry but one. One is fine with me. Victory!

How was your Thanksgiving? Ours was just perfect. A long walk with the dogs on a beautiful sunny day and dinner cooked by…me. No, you’re not seeing things. I cooked the whole meal and I have to say it was Delicious. We ate too much, of course, that seems to be required on Thanksgiving. I wasn’t sure if we would have pie after eating that rich coconut cream birthday pie but who am I kidding? No pumpkin pie? Nuts! I’m sure glad I made it. Ummm-mmm good!

I will waddle around the house today. Or perhaps I should take a walk. That might be the wiser choice.
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Oh, almost forgot – Brenda and I have a new logo for our Defending the Small House Series. This one suits us to a T!

Cooking on Thanksgiving

November 24, 2011 at 9:06 am by Claudia

I’ll be spending a lot of time at the stove today. Or rather, my new Aga cooker. Yes, I know I’ve mentioned how times are tough for us – that I’m frugal by necessity. But Don surprised me with a new Aga for my birthday!

You know where this is going.

It’s for the dollhouse. I’m thrilled because I have had one of these bookmarked on this computer for about 3 years. (Photos are a bit grainy because it’s early morning here and shooting into the dollhouse kitchen is like photographing a tunnel.)

I baked a cake.

I’ve always loved British decorating magazines with cozy, low-ceilinged kitchens complete with an Aga. Now I can say I own one.

But back to the true meaning of today. I wish for you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving. I could list all the negatives in my life at the moment, but I’m not going to. Gratitude and thankfulness is the order of the day. I have much to be thankful for and I truly am aware of my blessings every day.

I am very thankful for all of you.

Eat lots of food, take a nap, take a walk – enjoy.

Scenes from the Birthday

November 23, 2011 at 10:17 am by Claudia

Thank you for all the sweet birthday wishes. I read each and every one. The day was low-key and lovely. Despite the gray day predicted, much to my delight, the sun came out. Don took me to lunch at a vegetarian restaurant in a neighboring town. I’d always wanted to go there.

The town is charming with lots of wonderful old buildings on the main street.

This is the entrance to the restaurant.

I fell in love with this mobile. Since the sun was pouring in the windows, I couldn’t really see it as I shot this photo. But I think you get the idea. The paper is folded origami-style. Each piece has several contrasting patterns which form something very like a quilt block. I want to make one!

The restaurant interior was shadowy and wonderful. The food was delicious and here you see my birthday pie and candle. (I’m wearing my Charlie the Tuna watch.)

Unbelievably delicious coconut cream pie. With home-made whipped cream.

Oh my lord.

I got presents from the dogs and Don. One of my presents hasn’t arrived yet. It’s for the dollhouse. When it arrives, I’ll be sure to show you.

Don got the waitress to take this shot. We had the restaurant to ourselves. I love the shadows and sunlight. There’s the mobile on the right.

We had a perfectly wonderful afternoon before Don had to leave for work. Then I entertained myself by reading all my Facebook Birthday greetings. Facebook can be annoying, but it sure is nice on your birthday!

What are your plans for Thanksgiving? Ours will be just the two of us. I’m not even sure what I’m making…no turkey for me, of course, although Don may have some. Side dishes: mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, my biscuits, vegetables, maybe pumpkin pie (we still have leftover coconut cream pie in the refrigerator.)

Quite frankly, I could eat mashed potatoes and biscuits and I’d be happy.

Mr. Cardinal

Cooking on Thanksgiving

Scenes from the Birthday

Lambs Like to Party

A Note

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