Showing posts with label winter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label winter. Show all posts

Monday, January 28, 2013

winter changes.


During the last couple of weeks, winter has finally decided to make an appearance, which means stronger fires in our woodstove and stronger coffee in our mugs.  I kinda like the cold, gray days that limit outdoor activities and force creativity within the home.  This time last year, I HAD to glue my hiney to our couch with my feet elevated on our coffee table while a large, baby spun freely in my belly.  This year, that large baby is walking (we happily skipped the crawling stage), and proudly giving free, house tours and demonstrations like opening and closing doors, organizing papers all over the floor, and showing us the magic of the TV remote control.  Like the seasons, our lives will continue to change, and it's up to each of us to embrace these bittersweet changes...I know, very "cornball" (as my Momma says) to say, but it's true!

Happy Monday.

-S

"There is a privacy about it which no other season gives you....
In spring, summer and fall people sort of have an open season on each other; 
only in the winter, in the country, 
can you have longer, quiet stretches 
when you can savor belonging to yourself."
-Ruth Stout

*Photos were from this past weekend and then today, Mase and I were outside with short sleeves.  ah, Tennessee weather...

Thursday, January 3, 2013

easy squeezy, crock pot chili {version 2}

The weather around here has finally become cold enough to enjoy extra warm meals!  So, on New Year's Eve, I decided to make some of my {easy squeezy, crock pot chili} that I threw together back in October.  I changed it up a little, so I wanted to share...plus, I got a photo worthy of including.  Chili is kinda hard to photograph, ya know?  

Send me some of your suggestions or favorite recipes for hot meals in the cold winter...

-S

easy squeezy, crock pot chili {version 2}

1 lb. beef
2 cans 
(14 oz can) diced tomatoes with added garlic
1 15 oz can tomato sauce
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
2 cans 
(15 oz can) kidney beans
salt 
pepper
little bit of flour - if you want to thicken...

*

cook your meat.
mix all ingredients into crock pot, except flour.
cover & cook on low 6-7 hours.
uncover, gradually add some flour, & cook another 15 minutes.
done.
to serve, add some shredded cheese and scoop chips for dippin'!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

few degrees cooler.

I love cold mornings in the hollow.  
Smoke is puffin' from the chimney.  
Frost decorates the deck.  
Sun beams filter throughout the branches.
The dogs are extra frisky.
It's beautiful.
...and it's home.
Dad's always said that it's a few degrees cooler in the hollow.
That's fine with me.
We'll just add a few more logs to the wood stove.

*

Happy Thursday...

and yes, that's our new watermark thingie for our photographs. :)

-S