November Anticipation

Friends, I am so inspired by all of you. It seems like everyone is upping their blogging game and writing the coziest and most lovely posts – I am loving it! I’m dropping in today to share some pictures of life around here lately.

We’ve been having afternoon teatime everyday and this makes me so happy! Today’s teatime snack was Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies – we mixed up the cookie dough before we started our homeschool morning and then baked them after we finished up. By the time we came inside for afternoon tea, we were very happy to have these delicious bites waiting for us!

My hydrangeas are officially done for the year. I spent my outside time pruning this bush and cleaning out my window boxes. I’m already dreaming about spring flowers again, despite being very happy about moving into a dormant season and spending some cozy time inside. There are lots of gardening plans to be made and I’m hoping to spread rabbit poop in the garden this week – it is the best fertilizer we’ve ever used!

Somehow this yellow rose has kept itself intact (and the blurry bare feet in the background simply refuse to be shoved into shoes).

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Many of you know that I haven’t been able to concentrate on books lately. But yesterday I picked up The Magic Apple Tree by Susan Hill. It was recommended as a cozy read by Amy at Hearth Ridge Reflections and it’s exactly what I needed! The author wrote about her life at Moon Cottage in the small village of Barley (near London, I’m assuming). It’s full of descriptions of nature, cozy home life, and intriguing recipes. Ahhh — it feels good to be reading again! Thank you, Amy! Now I need a cookbook published by The Women’s Institute and I will be set up for a cozy winter full of casseroles and soups. (And, in my wildest dreams, an Aga.) Also – I would welcome any book recommendations like this! Gladys Taber is on my list, but I’m not sure where to start.

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The wind has been blowing all day and a few snowflakes fell. It was well below freezing when I woke up this morning and I spent my morning stitching time drinking a steaming cup of coffee and listening to the pipes crackle from the heat kicking on. I love this time of year and am looking forward to being snowed in and listening to the wind howl. I’m ready for the bears to fall asleep so that we can fill the bird feeders and invite new visitors into the yard – one of the best things about winter. I’m especially ready for gallons of hot chocolate, heaps of popcorn, and curling up with books with my kiddos. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, isn’t it?