January notes. . . . . .

The first week of a new January is long gone already. 

This month brings mixed blessings, including a tidy (although not yet spiffy clean) 

house after 'un-decking the halls' and packing away the storage boxes. 

No, I didn't get rid of much after all and, if blessed, with Bob's assistance,

will be able to drag them out again eleven months from now.

Time was also set aside for a haircut and a doctor appointment. 

Hair shorter again, torn rotator cuff surgery moved to the back burner!

The leaves are down and raked and the garden is sleeping. For a while

  no real work required in the cold mornings. . . . .other than to make sure

the feeders are filled and the bird baths not frozen.

The Carolina wrens are chirping merrily on the front porch today, 

the squirrels are back and forth drinking from the fountain in the sunshine.

Puff pastry Granny Smith apple tart - baked yesterday and shared with my neighbors.

When checking the photo I wondered about the dark flecks then realized

they were ground allspice added along with a pinch of cinnamon to the sliced apples.
Top was brushed, after the bake, with apricot jam laced with a couple 

of teaspoons of regular old cognac as I'm out of Calvados (apple brandy) 

called for in the recipe.

Cooking and baking take up much of my stay-at-home days. 

Along with the tart, I also roasted a pan of butternut squash, parsnips and 

potatoes, sauteed a mix of mushrooms, and made a pot of spicy

  Coconut Sweet Potato Lentil Soup with Rice (from the amazing

 Teighan Gerard at Half Baked Harvest).

This is delicious served just as a healthy soup with a small portion of Basmati rice, 

but I like serving it as a 'stew' over more rice with extras alongside such as the 

roasted veggies and mushrooms. Tuck in a lightly toasted brushed 

with melted butter naan, and you have a one bowl delicious meal.

Comfort food at its best.

Organizing this precious life uses up the rest of my time - which of course

 I never seem to have enough of!

Three pretty flowers out today, one more to open. . . . . . . but wait, there's more!  

Another stem shooting up from the bottom with a healthy bud so perhaps more to come.

Meanwhile the second bulb now pushing taller, opening and displaying four lovely
 buds also!

Looks like I hit the jackpot with these delightful Apple Blossom amaryllis.

I received some beautiful Christmas cards as always.

The one which delighted my heart was this one 

from my cousin's dear daughter in England.

Very simple, with lovely Christmas greetings inside,

and the sales proceeds benefitting two worthwhile
 charities according to the back of the card.

English robins are very different from American robins.

Small, chubby and quick, whilst ours here are large and 

slow, often standing stationary as if listening to the ground 

 beneath them and wondering what's hidden there. . . . . hoping 

for a juicy worm to pop up perhaps!

Where do your holiday cards end up? I cut up many of mine, trim
with deckle edged scissors held onto from my scrapbooking days,
and recycle as gift tags for next Christmas - punch a hole add a
 pretty ribbon or string, perfect.

JANUARY days can be slower and there is time to catch
up with friends. . . . . . . .which I will do today. 
I do have lists, held by an array of refrigerator magnets from travel
 times to colorful places around the world. You know, those TO DO lists
with projects, wishes and dreams. Some will eventually be addressed, 
others may just have to remain dreams!

Enjoy this January day dear friends.
As always I appreciate your visit here.