HAPPININGS AROUND THE COTTAGE....

WELL it is the start of a new year and I really have to try and lose a few pounds, for health reasons, not because I think I am all that fat, although, 4 years ago I was a size 2 or maybe it was 5 years ago. It seemed about the time when the grandkids started arriving I started to pick up weight and 35 pounds later it is beginning to affect my health, which is the only reason one should lose weight, at my age. A grandmother needs a little cush so when the kiddies come around the have a nice soft hug, something to squish against..don't you think?? So Ellie and I have begun walking...where you say in the ice and snow can one walk???

The gym...I can't wait for nice weather to be able to go outdoors but by then I think Ellie will need a stroller or maybe grandma will. She is a lightweight but so was her father so for now I am able to use the front carrier and she loves it. We are starting slow to she if it is safe for her and grandma to go together so I don't anticipate much weight loss but as long as I am moving I think it will be good for me. We are also able to watch TV while walking so we don't lose interest. I put on sesame street for Ellie.

We also felt like a sprintime lunch when we went home so I made Chicken Salad. I roast a chicken breast with bone and skin on, it gives it more flavor but you can use boneless skinless also. I add chopped celery and greenonion but again what ever your preference is, a sweet onion, I think is best. We add a little garlic powder about 1/4 teaspoon. It is best if you make it ahead of time and let the flavors blend, at least a couple of hours before using. If you have a family that doesn't like any vegetables in their chicken salad you can substitute cerlery seed 1/8-1/4 teaspoon, onion powder 1 teaspoon and the same 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. We like ours on toatsed Cottage bread or Crossiants.

And then there was the WINTER pasta salad because we usually eat pasta salad in summer. I used two differnt bottles of Itialian dressing, a roasted tomato one and zesty one, one box of tri color pasta and then chopped green pepper and canned petite chopped tomatoes--one can. This salad is very versatile , you could add mushrooms, olives, what ever you like and it lasts at least a week in your refrigerator.

Here is my electric fireplace. I really..really miss a wood buring fireplace but out here in the frozen tundra wood is harder to come by and you can lose a lot of heat up that chimney. Our last home had a gas fireplace and that was nice. This one really isn't that bad and I can turn it off and on when ever I want. It still has a nice effect and feels almost like a real one.

I found this little welcome sign at Target on clearence and thought it would go nice on the fireplace mantel but now I have to figure out what else might go with it, now that all the Christmas stuff is put away

Our wall finally has some pictures!! We have been looking for awhile and finally ageed on these, with the mirror. My husband is much more involved in the decorating process this time and so there has to be much more compromising (on my part I think)

These two are called IN SPRING and CARRIAGE ROAD

These two are called AWAKENING and RIVERVIEW

The riverview is simaliar to what we see here.

The salesman in the picture store said this was called SERENITY and then I had to have it. We are downsizing and trying to have a slower, simpler life and putting all things in perspective for soon we will be retiring . We are looking forward to what GOD has instore for our future. This picture was perfect ..it makes me feel calm and serene:)

WEll... this is just a little glimpse into my life this month of January where the ground is frozen , so no gardening is happening and it is quite cold most days to really venture outdoors too much. We are thinking of taking up some winter sports or activities, like SNOWSHOE or CROSS COUNTRY SKING but that requires equipment we don't currently own so I resolve myself to baking and working on my cookbook.

ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND