Officially Twenty Two Inches...

According to our friends who live a few miles north of us, we got 22" of snow from Winter Storm Elsa (along with a lot of wind and drifting).

As far as I'm concerned about this winter, I'm past ready to "let it go"!

Andy came down with his tractor with the big snow blower and managed to move most of the white stuff for us. Late afternoon, Handsome and I got out our tractor with a front bucket and rear blade and managed to move what was right in front of our garage door. Andy continues to be a blessing to us (for many more reasons than just this).

Thankfully, Handsome's band rehearsal was cancelled, following the lead of local schools and many businesses (including the station until mid-afternoon, when the owner had my boss go in to open back up. (Nuts, if you ask me!) 

I'm working today, and will get to see just what the "outside world" looks like from the station. I'm pretty sure I'll be quite happy to accomplish my shift and get back home. I'll let you know how things went tomorrow. 

Happy St. Patrick's Day and more importantly for our family, Happy Anniversary to Son #2 and his bride!

Donna

St. Patrick's Day...

I planned to work on my mockingbird all day yesterday, but alas...the best laid plans...

Handsome is going to Florida today for the funeral of a dear friend of ours, so instead, there was prepping to do so he could pack, and I wanted to make a nice dinner for him before he left for restaurant food for the next week.

I decided on a traditional Irish dinner featuring a loaf of homemade Irish Soda Bread to accompany corned beef, cabbage, carrots and red potatoes. I placed everything into a large dutch oven and let it cook all afternoon. 

The bread was easier than most varieties I bake. This took about fifteen minutes to mix and forty five to bake. No rise time at all. Irish Soda bread is tasty, but not as flavorful as some of the others either, but it was a perfect side for the rest of our meal. I later had a small piece, toasted, with peanut butter. Yum!

So, today the plan is to sit down to my needlework frame and get in some needle dancing to start the mockingbird. Our second - and last - session is next Saturday, so I want to get up to speed for that class. I'll share what I accomplish today when I see you again tomorrow.

Look What I Found...

Acorn & Oak Leaf Dresser

While perusing Marketplace last weekend, I came across this dresser. See the motif? It matches the motif on the bed I purchased and painted last fall! Handsome and I picked this piece up yesterday, and will add it to our bedroom set.

I haven't decided yet whether or not I'll paint it white. My thinking is that the top (which is scratched) will be painted, and I'm going to change out the hardware to update the look. I may end up painting it white, but I'm not inclined to completely cover the wood. I'm going to start with a good cleaning and make decisions from there. 

The weather was unseasonably warm yesterday for Wisconsin. It was 62º! If the weather stays like this for a few more days, I'll be able to get some work done on this piece while it's still out in the garage. Fingers crossed.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Snow Reveal...

Brynwood Needleworks - March Radish

Handsome and the Labradors were so proud of themselves Sunday when they brought this home from their walk! They'd all gone into the north field where the daikon was planted (and some harvested) last fall.

 

Handsome saw this sticking out of the ground, and the fact that it wasn't mostly mushy was a wonder in itself. 

 

Brynwood Needleworks - My Sister, Diana, Picking Daikon

 

What we learned is that the radishes are planted in the field (along with a cover crop like alfalfa), where they grow in the cooler temperatures. They mature before the snow falls, and as shown by my sister, Di last November, they get quite large. 

That's a good thing, because once they're covered by a blanket of snow, they slowly break down, returning to the soil, while leaving a nice big, aerating hole behind. 

Anyway, this beauty was in a sheltered area where it didn't degrade, so it came home from the walk. I cleaned it up, hoping for the best, but alas, it was tasteless and inedible, so I ended up tossing it. Even so, I think I have a nice photograph to show for it.

By the way, now the black dogs are actually looking for radishes when they go out on their walks! They're such a hoot.

 

 

I spent the day in the studio yesterday. I know I want to start working on the bags I have to make, but I'm just pushing myself to get to them. Soooo, I clean up any mess on my cutting tables (or make new ones); move this here, and that there; and call myself the Queen of Procrastination. It's not made easier with my ongoing physical  "issue". My friend, Netta, in Florida used to say, "I don't have issues. I have subscriptions." I can relate these days. sigh

 

I'm not going to beat myself up. It is what it is, and I'm mostly healthy. That's a blessing these days, right? I have therapy tomorrow, so I may just sit and stitch today. I'll let you know what I accomplish (or don't) when next we visit. I'll hope for the best. xo 

 

 Happy St. Patrick's Day 

and

Happy Anniversary to #2 Son & our beautiful Daughter-in-Law!

An Old Irish (Anniversary) Blessing...

Image from spockgirlmusings.com

Happy St. Patrick's Day

and

Happy Anniversary to Son #2 and his beautiful wife.

We can't believe you've already been married thirteen years today!

We love you both and wish you many more.

An Irish Prayer From My Little Leprecaun...

Although it's not officially one of Tag's post days, I can't imagine anything better than photos of my own little Leprecaun with his favorite playmates. Taggart loves kids!

Especially little girls!

I offer a St. Patrick's Day prayer courtesy of my friend,
Marydon at Blushing Rose Boutique:

May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial,
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

Don't forget to leave a comment on my Blog Anniversary Post (click here) for a chance to win my giveaway. Perhaps you'll have your own "Luck of the Irish"!

The Happy Couple on their wedding day.

Before I close, Handsome and I would like to send Happy Anniversary (#11) wishes to our younger son and his beautiful wife. May you always find delight in each other. We love you both!

Happy St. Patty's Day...

These things I warmly wish to you-

Someone to love
Some work to do
A bit o' sun
A bit o' cheer
And a guardian angel always near.

- an Irish Blessing

Wishing you and yours a Happy St. Patrick's Day.
(From this Englishman, no less!)


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