Have you noticed how beautiful your house looks the day Winter/Christmas decorations are out? The first night when only the Christmas lights are on seem so cozy and even magical. Faithfully the first week I turn each strand on through out the house and on the porch. After that is is whenever. The first day of deer season is the official day for hauling out the boxes of decorations. Each year less and less. This week I am going through all of it and keeping memories from the kids and grands. That's a promise I will keep! I have turned toward poinsettias, snowmen, snowflakes, branches painted white and white lights. Everything stays out until March 1st. From that day on it is spring and summer "stuff" I love stuff for the closing of one season and the hello to the new. By the time our fall holidays are over and the cold days of January and February set in the house seems to not look so good. That almighty winter sun is low in the sky shining directly in the windows, us ladies know what that means! Spring cleaning can not be far away. I just told the hub last week, we need to clean the beams and big window sill which is 15 feet above my head. Often I think.....why did I want open cathedral ceilings? I am at the mercy of asking (several times) to help clean them. I have always been an impulse doer. If the mood hits I want it done now. Not so easy when I really need a 10 ft ladder...blahhhhhh
Today is season my cast iron fry pans day. While they are in the oven I will search for a knitting pattern to use with a new yarn. Lucky the pans need freshened up in the winter when it's nice to have the oven on. Once they have a nice coating they are good to go for another year. The best way for the seasoning to last is never use dish soap, they should come clean with warm water and a quick wipe left to air dry. Some put them over the gas burner for a quick dry, this shortens the life of the seasoning. Also remember tomatoes and vinegar base recipes are not good for cast iron they also shorten the life of the seasoning. Last year I blogged on my method of seasoning cast iron, it works great. If interested the blog post was on 2/15/2014. Good project when the cold wind blows!
Our oldest son has become quite the sausage, salami and pastrami maker. Amber went to NC just before Christmas and came back with Bart's specialties. They are all delicious but the Pastrami is the best I have ever had. He used venison and I challenge anyone to the taste test! Even a downtown NYC deli. He asked what I put it on, usually rye and a hearty mustard but not this pastrami. I slice it thin and just enjoy, would hate to hide the flavor of something so good. I have put an order in for next year, I will take all he makes. I'll even share a little with him ;)
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| The best of the best....fresh made Pastrami ♡ |
How about Sunday and 50 degrees! At 7 am when I let the dogs out it felt like a tropical breeze. In fact it was so nice I was able to leave the front door open and enjoy the full view storm door. I love windows and having the front door open felt like being free as a summer day. It's amazing what simple little things can do to brighten the spirit.
Take time to enjoy what ever makes your spirit soar and always "pass it on" ♡
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| ♡My view♡ |
