Something in the winter air -

We've been treated to many beautiful sunrises during these winter months. 

I think today's stunning colors painting the morning sky were perhaps the 

loveliest to date. These really were the colors, I did not enhance them other

 than a wee bit of sharpening. I did throw on a robe and socks to hurry outside

 with a real camera while at the peak of color, and a better view than

 through a window. Sunrises don't last long!

The birds continued to hang out all day yesterday and are back

this morning.  

The Northern Mockingbird seems to have made itself at home. 

A quite large 10" bird, male and female are identical, and

 young males often sing at night and imitate other bird songs

 (vocal mimicry). Here in the Carolinas they are non-migrators

 enjoying insects, fruit and obviously seeds here on the front porch.

I've found them to be an easy bird to photograph as they stand still

long enough and are not skittish. 

I noted that the Mockingbird and Carolina wren seemed to enjoy being 
together - they are two of my favorite birds.

The cul-de-sac was a mess yesterday afternoon as vehicles turned the slush

into ruts and they froze overnight. This afternoon we are almost completely

clear of snow and ice - the temperature has warmed to a pleasant 50F with

 brilliant sunshine and blue skies.

Many thanks for the great comments on the bird photos of yesterday. 

I took so many - don't be surprised if more pop up here in the days

 to come!  I was happy to share them and I'm really pleased to know so

 many of you enjoy garden birds.

Off now to bake an apple and blackberry galette - we are cutting back

 on sugar and haven't had a real dessert for a week!

Healing with tea, nature and modern medicine!

January brings so many changes. Here, we've only just started having

 real cold winter weather and it will most likely stay chilly until spring.

I feel comfy. I feel satisfied. If I get my mobility back I am ready to

work at much that requires attention inside the cottage.

The garden is on hold until spring. The last 'leaf collection' by the city 

will arrive soon and Bob has raked and blown millions of them down to

the curb. Living in "The City of Oaks" is hard work once autumn arrives.

Bob has replaced that chore by starting on his major downsizing

 'paper chase' and the shredder is working overtime!  

Yesterday's visit to the hospital pain clinic went well. If the lumbar spine

 injections work I should start to have relief from the terrible nerve pain 

down my right leg in a few more days. Fingers are crossed!

Many thanks to everyone who sent good wishes and kind tips on how

 to handle chronic pain.

This is my favorite tea blend made my super friend Jeanne on her

 farm in New Hampshire. Many of you know this delightful, creative

 writer and photographer from my visits to Tahilla Farm, a most 

beautiful place, and from the many years I've followed her blog

Collage of Life 

when ex-pat Jeanne and her family lived in so many fabulous

 countries around the globe.

I saved much of the tea Jeanne shared with me last July when we last

 visited - one of only two trips away from North Carolina due to COVID - 

because I love hot tea on these winter afternoons and I knew

this would be a favorite. It brings back memories of Bob and I sipping 

it iced, at the farm, on a hot summer's afternoon with Jeanne

 and her charming husband Mr. H.

Yes, out come the favorite nature books at this time of year - along with

 cookbooks specializing in winter warming soups, veggie stews and

bowls - all making for interesting reading and menu planning.

My latest go-to cookbook for plant-based recipes is Laura Wright's

The FIRST MESS loaded with fabulous food for any time of day. 

Laura also has hundreds of amazing recipes on her blog HERE.

Yesterday we enjoyed Weeknight Root Vegetable Dal (from the

cookbook) and was delicious. There are so many dishes I want to try 

that my own "COVID stuck in the kitchen much of the time days"

will never be boring thanks to Laura!

Before I leave here and get moving on long overdue comments on your 

blog - just a quick look at the wildlife this morning outside the window. 

Because Bob melted the sheet of ice on the fountain, and scattered extra

 peanuts along the porch rails for the hungry birds, two squirrels decided 

to move in and grab breakfast!  Love them/dislike them but understand 

they're hungry too!

Note the gleam in its eye as I'm knocking on the window and

 shouting - stubborn little devils.

We replenished the nuts for the birds!

Have a great Saturday dear friends.

The January days ahead -

With apologies to Hieronymus Bosch, this is my own small winter 

'garden of earthly delights.'  Simple, manageable, pleasant to view 

in the dining room now devoid of somewhat bright and dazzling

 Christmas decor, and giving me hope I will soon have amaryllis

 blooming and sharing exquisite flowers on dreary days. . . . .which

 are possibly heading our way according to the forecast.

We could get a long awaited light snowfall tomorrow morning when this

crazy 'heatwave' ends and a cold front blasts through. It was 80F yesterday

and we cranked up the a/c after taking down outdoor Christmas decor, other

than the tree in the gazebo which I like to leave up a while longer. Then 

we tackled the indoor decorations, wrapping in tissue, packing carefully

 into green boxes and stashing in the far reaches of the attic in hopes they

 will make their way out come next December!