Baby, It's Cold Outside...

This Year's Christmas Trees

It's going to be darned cold today, but I'll be cozy inside, baking cookies for the exchange party tomorrow. The wind picked up late last night, and it was even snowing a bit. Neither dogs nor cats wanted anything to do with going out. 

I ran to the store yesterday and got eighty pounds of bird seed, so I know I'll be able to keep our flying friends nourished so they can stay warm. I'd love to think they're all sheltered in the rafters of the Compass Barn, but I suspect most have sought shelter in the woods above the farmhouse when they're not eating.

Once the cookies are done, I'll be stitching. Anything to stay busy - and indoors. As I write this, it's 11º, but with the 17 mph wind, it feels like -7º. Warm socks and sweaters are definitely in order around here.

Stay safe, my friends. 

Sweets For A Celebration...

2021 Holiday Cookie Assortment

I spent the past two days baking and decorating cookies, and making candies. There were a total of five dozen cookies, and two trays of candy.

2021 Holiday Cookies

I repeated the Santa cookies I made last year. They're one of my favorites. Of course, there had to be Labradors and Corgis, too. I thought the black-face sheep were a fun addition. I'll likely make more cookies before the end of the year, but these will be given away as gifts.

2021 Sweets

I also made one batch of fudge (top) and Reese's Peanut Butter Bars (bottom). I originally planned to make maple walnut fudge, but realized (right after Handsome got home from the grocery store) that I didn't have maple extract. 

Necessity being the mother of invention, I decided to switch up the recipe to use ingredients I had on hand. I made the recipe with hickory syrup and hickory nuts instead, and I'm so glad I did! I think the results were delicious. Then I made the peanut butter bars. I'm really going to have to pace myself so I don't gain back the weight I managed to lose in the past six weeks or so!

Today is Handsome and my wedding anniversary. We've made reservations this week to a restaurant in Plymouth, WI that came highly recommended by Son #1 and his wife. In fact, they gave us a gift certificate for Christmas, and this is the perfect time to use it. I can't imagine anyone I rather share a meal and a life with than my dear husband.

Happy Anniversary, Boyfriend.