Simply Country Seasons


Thursday, December 31, 2009

Make new friends……..

But keep the old.  One is silver and the other gold.

Remember that saying?

That’s what blogging is all about.

You just keep making new friends to add to your list of old friends.

 

I just wanted to post a teeny, tiny little bit tonight to say a heartfelt Happy New Year to all of you. 

I wasn’t going to make any resolutions but I think I will just say I am going to try and blog more often and learn some more about Live Writer!  And I want to learn to take better pictures!

I will probably be asleep long before the ball in NYC falls but rest assured it will fall without me watching it.

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See you in 2010!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

I just have to share this email I received with you.

'Twas The Night Before Christmas...Mom Style

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the abode
Only one creature was stirring & she was cleaning the commode.
The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds,
while visions of X-Box & Barbie flipped through their heads.

Yes, and dad was snoring in front of the TV,
with a half constructed bicycle propped on his knee.
So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter,
which made her sigh, "Now what is the matter?"

With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand,
She descended the stairs, and saw the old man.
He was covered with ashes & soot, which fell with a shrug,
"Oh great," muttered the mom, "Now I have to clean the rug."

"Ho Ho Ho!" cried Santa, I'm glad you're awake."
"your gift was especially difficult to make."
"Than ks, Santa, but all I want is time alone."
"Exactly!" he chuckled, "So, I've made you a clone."

"A clone?" she muttered, "What good is that?"
"Run along, Santa, I've no time for chit chat."
Then out walked the clone - The mother's twin,
Same hair, same eyes, same double chin.

"She'll cook, she'll dust, she'll mop every mess.
You'll relax, take it easy, watch TV and rest.
"Fantastic!" the mom cheered. "My dream has come true!"
"I'll shop, I'll read, I'll sleep a night through!"

From the room above, the youngest did fret.
"Mommy?! Come quickly, I'm scared and I'm wet."
The clone replied, "I'm coming, sweetheart."
"Hey," the mom smiled, "She sure knows her part."

The clone changed the child and hummed her a tune,
as she bundled the small one in a blanket cocoon.
"You're the best mommy ever. I really love you."
The clone smiled and sighed, "And I love you too."

The mom frowned and said, "Sorry, Santa, no deal.
That's my child's LOVE she is going to steal."
Smiling wisely, Santa said: "To me it is clear,
Only one loving mother is needed here."

The mom kissed her child and tucked her in bed.
"Thank You, Santa, for clearing my head.
Sometimes I forget, it won't be very long,
before they'll be too old for my cradle and song."

The clock on the mantle began to chime.
Santa whispered to the clone, "It works every time."
With the clone by his side, Santa said: "Goodnight.
Merry Christmas, dear Mom, you'll be all right."

Sometimes we need reminding of what life is all about..
Especially at times when the Holiday season shouts,
and all we do is clean, bake, and procure.
You get the picture -- I'm sure.

So stop for a moment and hug that little one so dear,
whether he/she is 2 or 22, or even older this year.
For they are the gift that God gave us from Heaven above,
and what a special gift to be treasured, with endless LOVE!

May The Real Meaning Of Christmas Be With You All Year.


Sunday, December 20, 2009

The Winter Season Arrives Tomorrow………

or so the calendar says!  But we all know Winter arrived already.

Especially everyone from the Carolinas

to New England with that blast of snow this past Friday and Saturday.

We actually didn’t get that much snow in my part of Ohio……that’s what usually happens, it blows right over us.

We did have a nice white covering though and are supposed to have more by Christmas.  I hope we do.

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My little fat birds are enjoying my home made suet and I just finished making another batch.  The resident Woodpeckers really enjoy the suet.

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I have changed everything on my mantle about 3 times so far.  Still may make a few changes tomorrow.December 2009 053  December 2009 050

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I have done a lot of baking this past week and am now getting some tins and bags of goodies to give to some neighbors and friends.December 2009 066

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Today I also made up some Christmas Coffee Cakes.  One for us to have on Christmas morning and one to give away.  They are so easy to make and are delicious.  Here is the recipe…….

Sour Cream Christmas Coffee Cake

Topping:

Mix together and set aside

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

3 TBSP cinnamon

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Add in order and mix together:

1 cup butter

1 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 TBSP vanilla

2 cups flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

8 oz sour cream

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Put 1/2 of the batter in a pan

cover with 1/2 the topping.

Put in the rest of the batter and

then the rest of the topping.

This will make one 13x9 inch pan or can be put into 2 smaller pans.

I used 2 round  tin pans, covered with foil and then put into a freezer bag to bake later.

When ready to bake, uncover and bake at 350* for 30-40 minutes.

Just include a card with baking instructions if giving away.December 2009 067

I have been enjoying reading everyone’s blogs about all of their decorating and holiday festivities.

Sometimes I forget to blog myself or to leave comments but I just want you to know I can’t wait to see whose name pops up with a new post!

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I hope you all have a wonderful, productive, and healthy week.  See you again soon!

Linda

Friday, December 4, 2009

For Your Feathered Friends

Do you like to keep your bird feeders full and your birds healthy and happy at your house?

I just love seeing all of the birds that come to visit…………The Cardinals, Blue Jays, Chickadees, and yes, even the Sparrows.

 

I decided to search for a suet recipe and here’s what I found.

For this recipe you will need:

saucepan

solid shortening

peanut butter

corn meal

quick oats seeds or nuts

raisins or other dried fruits

bread crumbs if desired

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Place 1 cup of solid shortening and 1 cup of creamy peanut butter in a saucepan over very low heat. Stir until melted.

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To the melted shortening mixture, add 3 cups plain cornmeal. Mix thoroughly.

Stir in any combination of the following: quick oats, raisins, chopped apple, bird seed, bread crumbs, or dried berries. Stir until combined.

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Pour into a plastic container lined with aluminum foil. Place in the refrigerator cool.

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Once the suet is cooled and solid, slice into squares and place into your suet cage.

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Store any remaining squares in the refrigerator. Enjoy watching your feathered friends!

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I’m still trying to finish up my Christmas Decorating.  It would go a lot faster for me if I would quit rearranging everything!

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I hope to be back later in the weekend with some more photos.