Bedside manner, It's so cold you can..., Winter

1. Our family doctor: She takes the time to chat and ends the visit with a hug.
2. A customer in the hairdresser's chair talks about Michigan winters and driving on frozen lakes.
3. Tess and I watched A Charlie Brown Christmas. My favorite scene is where the characters are skating on a frozen pond. This program always reminds me of my childhood winters in New York. Charles Schulz used the perfect colors and shades of light to capture his winter scenes.

Buy, buy, buy!, Pressure, Shelter

1. Stumbled in on Macy's sale quite by accident. I went in to check on an item I had my eye on as a gift for someone. Regular price $80. Today it's 40% off plus a 25% Friends and Family Discount = final price $36.00!!
2. It's just as I imagined. We hear a loud pop and something hits the floorboards below the living room. I just knew things would explode when one brewed beer.
3. The wind is bitter and relentless as I carry hay across the field to the horses. I take it into the lean-to where it's calm and cozy. VanderBandy prances to me with his neck arched, frisking in the wind. I'm glad somebody's happy in this weather!

Smaller than last year, but still big, First magical snow, Am I dreaming?

1. I can feel the cold air coming off the tree as it stands in our house.
2. The sky slowly deepens to a sheet of dark gray. And then the snow begins. A pretty, gentle snow that we special ordered to coincide with tree trimming.
3. I remember hearing his voice say that we need to get birdseed. But either he said it as I was falling asleep, or I was truly dreaming it. I have to ask him if it was real.

Rescued, A favorite hobby, Christmas by mail

1. I'm out too early for my next errand, but the library isn't open yet and I've nowhere to go. A friend happens to stop by to leave books in the drop-slot. She invites me to join her and another friend for coffee-perfect!
2. Our church's youth group is having a progressive dinner with dessert being served at our house. I'm so happy to spend the afternoon baking and preparing to make it special for the teens.
3. Packages arrive in the mailbox.

Cheesecakes, Gingerbread, Apple Pie and Mint Brownies

Fun time, Beautiful book, Cuddly little guy

1. Play time with the gingerbread cookies, adding a bit of whimsy with the Royal Icing.
2. I purchased "The Mitten" for a special, little someone this Christmas. Our daughters had this book and I always loved the illustrations.
3. Henri's fur is extra soft and cuddly after his groomer visit, making me want to hug and kiss him whenever he is nearby.

Ready or not, Missed you all, Comfort food

1. Snow flurries whirl at the window on this cold, blustery day. This is the cue to turn on Christmas music while I bake.
2. Back to our book study after a long break. I've missed learning and laughing with the ladies.
3. I had saved a bit of turkey in the freezer and tonight we have it in the form of an exceptionally good pot pie.