Winter, Spring, Summer, & Fall

I am not especially thankful for winter.  There.  I said it.

It does, however, have it's beautiful moments

-- this one from an icy morning last year around this time.

Winter does give me a stronger appreciation for spring, summer, and fall.

(really strong)

Since I woke up this morning, the temperature has moved
from a bitter 5°F to a balmy 15°F.

We're only looking for a high of 18 for today.

So, these are the images I choose to hold close today:

Spring buds.

Summer thunderstorms.

Fall foliage.

If, like me, you're not a "winter person,"

what is it that helps you get through this season?

What's Your Favorite Therapy?

I think everyone has their own therapy.

It may be formal sessions with a therapist.

But it may also be as simple as a chocolate stash

that you know you can reach for at the end of a crazy day.

It may be a weekly lunch date with a friend.

Or perhaps "retail therapy."

My therapy of choice is working on scrapbooks with my mom.

One of the things we laugh about is misplaced sticky letters! 

Tuesday.

Scrapbooking Night.

Well, at least from February to May

and from September to November.

These are the months that (between my Mom's schedule and mine)

we can manage to get together on a regular basis.

Weather permitting.

Tonight is the night.

Two hours of virtually uninterrupted time.

Perhaps I will finally get my December Daily album done.

And then there is the album I'm working on for a friend.

And, of course, our family album - which I need to catch up on.

As important as the finished products are to me,

time with my mom is more precious.

We have spent hours of time face-to-face

across the dining room table.

Discussing hard subjects.

Sharing joys.

Sometimes tears.

Always laughter.

Good therapy.

And if you don't count all the scrapbook supplies,

it's FREE!

See you later Mom.

The Big One-Three

On Wednesday, my dear daughter turned the big ONE-THREE.

Today, we celebrated with a house full of family.

By the time everyone went home this evening, I was feeling a little melancholy.

More than a little, actually.

I don't remember feeling like this when my son turned thirteen.
It seems as though a page has been turned,
or a corner, or something...

Maybe it's a simply a "girl thing?"

All I know is,
growing up isn't for wimps.
{And it's not easy for the kids either!}


Everyone is the age of their heart.

~Guatemalan Proverb 




I'm linking up with Rebecca @ Simple as That,
with Cha Cha @ Sit Relax and Read,
and last but not least: w/ Stephanie @ Ni Hao Y'all

James 1:12

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because,

having stood the test,

that person will receive the crown of life

that the Lord has promised to those who love him."
(NIV)

Pumpkin Bread

This recipe is from my friend Tammy.  She shared it with me ump-teen years ago, and we've been making it at our house ever since.  The original recipe suggested adding 1/2 c. walnuts and/or 1/2 c. raisins - but those don't really "fly" at our house.  Typically, I make it without the chocolate chips (our addition), but when I feel like dressing it up a bit, I add the chips.  We love it that way as well.  Enjoy!

2 c. flour

2 tsp. baking POWDER

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/4 tsp. baking SODA

1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1 c. brown sugar

1/3 c. margarine

2 eggs

1 c. canned pumpkin

1/4 c. milk

1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips (if desired)

In a mixing bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, salt, ginger, baking soda, and cloves.  Set aside.  In a large mixing bowl, beat together brown sugar and shortening until well combined; beat in eggs.  Add pumpkin and milk; mix well.  Add flour mixture to sugar-pumpkin mixture, mixing well.  (Stir in chocolate chips.)

Turn batter into a greased loaf pan.  Bake at 350° for 55-60 minutes or till a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.  Cool in pan 10 minutes.  Remove from pan; cool thoroughly on a wire rack.

<UPDATE/TIP:  If you want to finish up your can of pumpkin, but don't have the 1 cup needed for this recipe, fill the remainder of the "1 cup" with applesauce!  I've done this a couple times, and it always turns out great! >

I made some Pumpkin Bread this week for my daughter's birthday breakfast!

-AND-

I'm linking up with Mique @ Thirty Handmade Days for her weekly Pity Party,
and with Lori @ Paisley Passions for "Fun with Food Friday."

Check this out. (Love it!)

As I was "touring around" over at Paisley Passions (a new find for me), I found this AMAZING Linky Library with lots and lots of Linky Party Information.  It's a Linky Party Linky Party!  What a concept.  The Linky Parties are organized by day of the week.  There are ALL KINDS of links: crafts, food, photography.  Check it out!