tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67375318040222857052024-03-14T14:49:07.695-04:00MountainMamaLiving a simple, country life in the mountains of Upstate NYDebbie - Mountain Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18401931842031353732noreply@blogger.comBlogger492125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737531804022285705.post-82684253149932584392022-04-26T14:17:00.001-04:002022-04-26T16:49:30.656-04:00Spring On The Mountaintop <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> It seems that spring has at long last made its way to the mountaintop - happy days indeed! We are not out of the woods yet, but our last snowfall has melted and soon the trees will be leafing out. Is there ever a more beautiful sight than the soft green flush of trees in springtime? <span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdKVTw9OGUYdjltPFAT0zMyABQOEidPtXbw2thjD0bH2zYwJYp0dFhr5GFN21eghGKMKncI5ra21pKSQs7I8rcy9vKyn9upFiDpbB10dOYqfYnuRlDVxu4JEbuzu6kx83BhuJzTy_7caHum9x15TEh1wYLR5B3lPyS_yrJ0fz8b2BSR5dC5M8WNUTpg/s600/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdKVTw9OGUYdjltPFAT0zMyABQOEidPtXbw2thjD0bH2zYwJYp0dFhr5GFN21eghGKMKncI5ra21pKSQs7I8rcy9vKyn9upFiDpbB10dOYqfYnuRlDVxu4JEbuzu6kx83BhuJzTy_7caHum9x15TEh1wYLR5B3lPyS_yrJ0fz8b2BSR5dC5M8WNUTpg/s16000/2.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Meanwhile, as always, I've been hard at work around here getting the house and gardens ready for spring. Not only ready for spring, but also ready for a bridal shower in May and a wedding in June! The wedding is not at my house, but there will be photos in the garden, as I have always dreamed from the time I planted my very first garden. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">No pressure, right? </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpsKe4ZCog1zGpX0t_RjdCC3GfEg-DPzTaCGGWCL-_G5UuVJqHSHZamJeU6MFD_JCFMozR4b39Zl2dinXPeqm8wwkvS79vq9I4RHU4xyxyW32HVKEfnOhOfniMYJ7-E__djAkK-OHKdeQ2ACzWghKQM51AAAUVkEWXzjQ7yNZrTIa9rFf8G1c9A0OXg/s800/18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpsKe4ZCog1zGpX0t_RjdCC3GfEg-DPzTaCGGWCL-_G5UuVJqHSHZamJeU6MFD_JCFMozR4b39Zl2dinXPeqm8wwkvS79vq9I4RHU4xyxyW32HVKEfnOhOfniMYJ7-E__djAkK-OHKdeQ2ACzWghKQM51AAAUVkEWXzjQ7yNZrTIa9rFf8G1c9A0OXg/s16000/18.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">One by one I've been clearing out all the garden beds....all the huge tasks have been done, there are only a few smaller areas to clear out at this point. Whew! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsajisaIkxb1UCCPbxFmubhnWeSzZn63BzDh8jt1Iy46_wxCfiA3_yuOOV41mk40BC_6-aOoXs_EYpz-ZkL8PDHWsQ0p5KyNdk1tcRQVD6PQwJTIOr1c9WYtT51cHJuekh7lWBHwQP43MaP6cHGneMvjy1rQytfkD1VXcoxcSSaUS0W0ZfAoJwzuMcg/s800/19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsajisaIkxb1UCCPbxFmubhnWeSzZn63BzDh8jt1Iy46_wxCfiA3_yuOOV41mk40BC_6-aOoXs_EYpz-ZkL8PDHWsQ0p5KyNdk1tcRQVD6PQwJTIOr1c9WYtT51cHJuekh7lWBHwQP43MaP6cHGneMvjy1rQytfkD1VXcoxcSSaUS0W0ZfAoJwzuMcg/s16000/19.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">We had a stretch of good weather over the weekend, and I took advantage of the warm dry days to get the deck ready for the season. That's always a huge project as the deck needs to be power washed and re-stained every single year. Yup. Every year. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXxmR6TXpPPaif7UfttbFNm5O9BnWUqolHrcJCAUH_hkcfNq94fgFl9e1apMHfIbeEzPZeipgUZCET602DNp39Id0BPsEkm3BEiWjyy__3QPKsEUSTGjxbT4uNh_w0pFQefn45VNnO9MUTyp8aZ3mTBUuVDszcxkjBZJRKJnYUjvGxlNKmW4ym1mhaw/s600/9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXxmR6TXpPPaif7UfttbFNm5O9BnWUqolHrcJCAUH_hkcfNq94fgFl9e1apMHfIbeEzPZeipgUZCET602DNp39Id0BPsEkm3BEiWjyy__3QPKsEUSTGjxbT4uNh_w0pFQefn45VNnO9MUTyp8aZ3mTBUuVDszcxkjBZJRKJnYUjvGxlNKmW4ym1mhaw/s16000/9.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Our extreme winter weather takes quite a toll on the deck, and shoveling doesn't help either. I know the moisture from my deck garden contributes to the wear and tear also, but there's no way I'm giving up my deck garden! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iip3ZPVi-3uYTy0-2YE5JH8kbzEYSR5WcX7XxKs8CQo9RzKU6SXO4a14FXfGGaptB-kMUTU_ALZPKDoNpSfvMAKVtMHzj2hlRRUjQlhrxlhNFmuJRE_cCOTnLcswdz1wokKgcxGvYtbSWNf8NSLCrSvEengW4V9YkaVCcgZ53XfIhlflgk78AnFk-g/s600/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iip3ZPVi-3uYTy0-2YE5JH8kbzEYSR5WcX7XxKs8CQo9RzKU6SXO4a14FXfGGaptB-kMUTU_ALZPKDoNpSfvMAKVtMHzj2hlRRUjQlhrxlhNFmuJRE_cCOTnLcswdz1wokKgcxGvYtbSWNf8NSLCrSvEengW4V9YkaVCcgZ53XfIhlflgk78AnFk-g/s16000/1.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">So, I take on the back breaking task every year, and it's always such a huge relief to have it behind me. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfP52GWvUt_c1Iq5cp0MTAHOTIInFX37Vjc1IoTIfmEfrJWmAbXDBdtyEoPj8-RsMFkzwIOzoreMZZOw49zrQIse81mZ8jg0MJVttisKYwQMgFt1kscmBsG6jn3xtbevvZPUnOv4js1Xn3RUAxLPEF-FAoJbPpoKKjdI2lozr2SpSwYP0oLcu5Vng4Ig/s600/8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfP52GWvUt_c1Iq5cp0MTAHOTIInFX37Vjc1IoTIfmEfrJWmAbXDBdtyEoPj8-RsMFkzwIOzoreMZZOw49zrQIse81mZ8jg0MJVttisKYwQMgFt1kscmBsG6jn3xtbevvZPUnOv4js1Xn3RUAxLPEF-FAoJbPpoKKjdI2lozr2SpSwYP0oLcu5Vng4Ig/s16000/8.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">We have a couple of frosts coming up this week, and then the weather looks good after that point....fingers crossed! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBszp4J0WRIw8fp_KbE6oGb3FHim1wc34CPXW5aJcpO9Dy19qlAD6on4PX0LcIWoPsdZ-NNvVSzTxwXUU-8v2EtDmYI4oufEPGKh50V7wgibxLuenx1YyJ818zP-ty5NRIgFZzNTAMljy_p2u6X9fK2OztuhHfYX9sDGSlWOKPgWDCVfJ4pTneEem95Q/s800/13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBszp4J0WRIw8fp_KbE6oGb3FHim1wc34CPXW5aJcpO9Dy19qlAD6on4PX0LcIWoPsdZ-NNvVSzTxwXUU-8v2EtDmYI4oufEPGKh50V7wgibxLuenx1YyJ818zP-ty5NRIgFZzNTAMljy_p2u6X9fK2OztuhHfYX9sDGSlWOKPgWDCVfJ4pTneEem95Q/s16000/13.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I have brought out the geraniums I overwintered, and some of the seedlings are in my little greenhouse hardening off for spring planting. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfc1KlJGriICbD7xr9Md_AdpT44FDRi3G8Bbzgh79tcOhXWgPlthkQPNf4V4D8iDATGC-JvFdd6IeMvjq5hnJbaa4FOx85C9WaBT4gaVzMM8EEdndlpbQ777niUvIHd8Mol8eNql-9mfX-hCNY4k1QLCwUk8oNs19P06OwWkXQGudx9-Bep4ltP29L1Q/s750/6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfc1KlJGriICbD7xr9Md_AdpT44FDRi3G8Bbzgh79tcOhXWgPlthkQPNf4V4D8iDATGC-JvFdd6IeMvjq5hnJbaa4FOx85C9WaBT4gaVzMM8EEdndlpbQ777niUvIHd8Mol8eNql-9mfX-hCNY4k1QLCwUk8oNs19P06OwWkXQGudx9-Bep4ltP29L1Q/s16000/6.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I'll have to bring out my little plastic 'greenhouses' and cover the pansies and veggies I've already planted....that's ok, that's exactly what I save them for, and my collection has grown all winter. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2Odev-Aja7J3Cpohx8z6uYThoO3OmYaC2oBNBPqlTS2-60qJkCFJBYxB-3R2UC9jlFM48BgHvKa7DKiBIPfVcfmFW5exkyxyG2j2k4DZQ7-Kgbf6Ykh-dst8b_nDNB6vL5CaXwqWDBrVnq4tf4F3LMXFXAMmQ1AHKVYkn1JKzN728_8W1GZ6eYCgUg/s600/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="305" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2Odev-Aja7J3Cpohx8z6uYThoO3OmYaC2oBNBPqlTS2-60qJkCFJBYxB-3R2UC9jlFM48BgHvKa7DKiBIPfVcfmFW5exkyxyG2j2k4DZQ7-Kgbf6Ykh-dst8b_nDNB6vL5CaXwqWDBrVnq4tf4F3LMXFXAMmQ1AHKVYkn1JKzN728_8W1GZ6eYCgUg/s16000/5.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Remember all you gardeners out there - save those plastic containers that can act as a mini greenhouse if you are hit with a late frost! I can't tell you how incredibly useful they have been for me in the past! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVdisAeOP_r8mlv6uX8AG5SybuqNCVoVCAOxVTVH6Sraxr7Lq1sXClq0L7oIZ_smgUKVq-5OmdPA8zX8fU123YkHOqdDjqchlY144CJFPvUr6BGGbLeUwJjSsZGZqqT7VdQ4YqGh_qYFFJdaeSV4d60d1yOsMN8wK25Cxf1beUWcF4CQZrG_zXV-UiA/s750/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVdisAeOP_r8mlv6uX8AG5SybuqNCVoVCAOxVTVH6Sraxr7Lq1sXClq0L7oIZ_smgUKVq-5OmdPA8zX8fU123YkHOqdDjqchlY144CJFPvUr6BGGbLeUwJjSsZGZqqT7VdQ4YqGh_qYFFJdaeSV4d60d1yOsMN8wK25Cxf1beUWcF4CQZrG_zXV-UiA/s16000/3.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">In the veggie garden I have planted onions and shallots, cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, and lettuce so far. The garlic is coming up strong from last fall's planting, and there's a soft rain falling today, giving everything a good watering. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGV0LJdcQdP_4Sw2jCl_Zw5qy8gEH50h0RR5L8-cuMbNDnwHgMb3dtZ4Px1OaXAtSI796Gw35qT9Qz2ZpVzd-LVOwWo1Z_RxakQjA_hCozGSGaK2LKI1mpAE75h1hxz36g_LHr2rtsBSAEX6zVSG1aMnb-701iPmbae6ME2VihBruB0XqxG0vMIDk2w/s751/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGV0LJdcQdP_4Sw2jCl_Zw5qy8gEH50h0RR5L8-cuMbNDnwHgMb3dtZ4Px1OaXAtSI796Gw35qT9Qz2ZpVzd-LVOwWo1Z_RxakQjA_hCozGSGaK2LKI1mpAE75h1hxz36g_LHr2rtsBSAEX6zVSG1aMnb-701iPmbae6ME2VihBruB0XqxG0vMIDk2w/s16000/4.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The lilacs are getting ready to bloom, something I am super excited about every year. I can't wait to bring bouquets of lilacs into the house and enjoy their sweet scent. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeVG_he1yxDVsND9srBqs2YUh4ShEKjuruUa2FBZgTDIu4iyo2ed-AUTaskliRkZHyd3sKZ0UnXQU0xJ556ds4YfgsKuARFkjsIHkedVmfzQl25OalEN9vUHnIaUK78iBPRHt--pz1H_HX9t2ENORGsNozKUneI50iysUrzbZov8WJmvDHibmChRdBQ/s750/7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaeVG_he1yxDVsND9srBqs2YUh4ShEKjuruUa2FBZgTDIu4iyo2ed-AUTaskliRkZHyd3sKZ0UnXQU0xJ556ds4YfgsKuARFkjsIHkedVmfzQl25OalEN9vUHnIaUK78iBPRHt--pz1H_HX9t2ENORGsNozKUneI50iysUrzbZov8WJmvDHibmChRdBQ/s16000/7.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I'm not sure what this is but it's in bloom all around my house.....if anyone can help identify this tree I'd appreciate it! It sure has unusual buds! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">After these frosts are behind us, I'll take a ride to my favorite garden center and get some ideas for this year's deck garden. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIUdnvrdIIH-KA1gHsjyHUwqwMyTdmIG4C7mY89F4jrDngAV5OciCGEWEwnd0judYFKKEinmzHVvnD3uzRrfXrXD9JI5LrayjA_fLou00FLCfyXUfcKSeBQscPahsbkfriulWEEPAUxDYeG7XOSHnQIgdDCGxIKlx9v2k9z2E5uCE2LYjlUPihUtaUFA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img alt="" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIUdnvrdIIH-KA1gHsjyHUwqwMyTdmIG4C7mY89F4jrDngAV5OciCGEWEwnd0judYFKKEinmzHVvnD3uzRrfXrXD9JI5LrayjA_fLou00FLCfyXUfcKSeBQscPahsbkfriulWEEPAUxDYeG7XOSHnQIgdDCGxIKlx9v2k9z2E5uCE2LYjlUPihUtaUFA=s16000" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This was two years ago, and I loved all the blue and white I used in the deck garden - it was so soothing during that crazy first Covid summer. I like to stick with shades of blue, pink, and whites on the deck. </div></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzeegupi3_-xIvUup-EoY65mlPCd5QzAe4hfmqLWkl8GxmTmbRiqjNLtZb_6jjjHEVniobi8h6zDycGq9ajJv748HGKL6TzXWm1mIRibN4x64hWlKs8h8pvpKF9siZcT_709rMLkFXysnItpFiT0ihcvk1IMI5Gub7TKjMDpYAZamSGupxMPQnLs4dpg/s600/02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzeegupi3_-xIvUup-EoY65mlPCd5QzAe4hfmqLWkl8GxmTmbRiqjNLtZb_6jjjHEVniobi8h6zDycGq9ajJv748HGKL6TzXWm1mIRibN4x64hWlKs8h8pvpKF9siZcT_709rMLkFXysnItpFiT0ihcvk1IMI5Gub7TKjMDpYAZamSGupxMPQnLs4dpg/s16000/02.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">This was last summer's deck garden....ooh I cannot wait for it to look like that once more! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bW1kVLM69xO-DQrw-XxycxUGULy0t4-pTeYK6tYMpBCW3Sn3BUH7XWOTTLIne8Nse85nDmvunG7BQnwq9lrv63KwGzvSAmnqz0T9g-4FNdhNqJCrnTjharBdIBTqFG6n3NPm0nnrOrR3P3d9GJ_64Jxv_W131dkEienpn0r2bDw7rSU8_ZqJtc5MAw/s800/01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bW1kVLM69xO-DQrw-XxycxUGULy0t4-pTeYK6tYMpBCW3Sn3BUH7XWOTTLIne8Nse85nDmvunG7BQnwq9lrv63KwGzvSAmnqz0T9g-4FNdhNqJCrnTjharBdIBTqFG6n3NPm0nnrOrR3P3d9GJ_64Jxv_W131dkEienpn0r2bDw7rSU8_ZqJtc5MAw/s16000/01.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">It was my first successful summer with Dahlias, and I have successfully overwintered all but one variety, which is super exciting! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlUXVyeGGyK_UMvmDBLbsrQqcgWnwE2p4XCMG761bauuHp4roBO4TgmV3ttA6DnzKYmvdReYEjfD-qUetFdHVk2aiBCjh-yGpfcgr3SAC2nlqunV8xwvP3U6BF4KXLpbmCC0UV8Q6_mtWvTvR3cK0sKxCXwRCGEvAVMuDiAQEG9kB_yb66Yz-b8orfQ/s600/001%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIlUXVyeGGyK_UMvmDBLbsrQqcgWnwE2p4XCMG761bauuHp4roBO4TgmV3ttA6DnzKYmvdReYEjfD-qUetFdHVk2aiBCjh-yGpfcgr3SAC2nlqunV8xwvP3U6BF4KXLpbmCC0UV8Q6_mtWvTvR3cK0sKxCXwRCGEvAVMuDiAQEG9kB_yb66Yz-b8orfQ/s16000/001%20(1).jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Remember that even if you only have a small outdoor space, you can still create a beautiful outdoor oasis. I spend so much time on the deck swing in the summer, listening to the creek and the beautiful night noises....it's my heaven on earth. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Meanwhile, I better try and be patient and remember that we can still get snow....sigh. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">What's happening in your neck of the woods? </span></p>Debbie - Mountain Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18401931842031353732noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737531804022285705.post-34161013906779108632022-03-04T15:26:00.000-05:002022-03-04T15:26:33.855-05:00March Musings<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">We made it to March, friends, and in just over a week we change the clocks - woo hoo, spring is surely on the way! <span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Meanwhile we are still buried in snow on the mountaintop, but the light is changing in that beautiful way it tends to do in late winter. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizGCeJDKa9Xi7JJ8zqBLo-sbabSiN-SoOqbSg0d4WvJZ2RSlT6Q4nBxvlt7fZxF6qGqbd_cX04T3XfgtuwhvYVcdnztMTTIPtTAbSk7io0sRXiGw6vJFV3cwrFG4NiCcBHiq2Yl1sF16mDk0dggKoqrx5CCZB2NMB8RUHrk745Ff8Oppd_z3_Ib-IDTQ=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizGCeJDKa9Xi7JJ8zqBLo-sbabSiN-SoOqbSg0d4WvJZ2RSlT6Q4nBxvlt7fZxF6qGqbd_cX04T3XfgtuwhvYVcdnztMTTIPtTAbSk7io0sRXiGw6vJFV3cwrFG4NiCcBHiq2Yl1sF16mDk0dggKoqrx5CCZB2NMB8RUHrk745Ff8Oppd_z3_Ib-IDTQ=s16000" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I must be desperate for some outside time in the sunshine because I actually shoveled a path to my patio swing the other day. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPImtpuW_xqOhJou--j5NmKzLTx59_EFZAWfqKbHMkza3uEYs2a0w2FvSdN9lsfubEtPC53mltOuDq2SNEi0PSIYivAKD0coEXzJa-x-JTY_YhFFpTiCf11SS4rl4YNoM3dbsDKyxFZa_79bWYOS9XcJXC8Elm0Fh05FzDVhoDqiVHwBuy7FES9pglvw=s800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPImtpuW_xqOhJou--j5NmKzLTx59_EFZAWfqKbHMkza3uEYs2a0w2FvSdN9lsfubEtPC53mltOuDq2SNEi0PSIYivAKD0coEXzJa-x-JTY_YhFFpTiCf11SS4rl4YNoM3dbsDKyxFZa_79bWYOS9XcJXC8Elm0Fh05FzDVhoDqiVHwBuy7FES9pglvw=s16000" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">That swing is placed in the perfect location to get the full impact of the winter sun in the afternoons. It's my favorite place to spend time in March, when I can't be out in the garden starting spring clean up. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqwkWzgmsRtuRM4c2wzWwr1oyY7pcOB14NRVzbR6quGr_WwbqTmXuaWbZf8lF8qHseuzUyrnAVoQcy32J1HH0vDytt8nhkew2BZ4qo3g0X54cO9iUyzBrpUvT3EpXiVnaTpx4RVt_JbUBgPnS7oMlj3p9T1wKU43DujP_xaGzhXMT6h53Szg2Dz2QjAg=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqwkWzgmsRtuRM4c2wzWwr1oyY7pcOB14NRVzbR6quGr_WwbqTmXuaWbZf8lF8qHseuzUyrnAVoQcy32J1HH0vDytt8nhkew2BZ4qo3g0X54cO9iUyzBrpUvT3EpXiVnaTpx4RVt_JbUBgPnS7oMlj3p9T1wKU43DujP_xaGzhXMT6h53Szg2Dz2QjAg=s16000" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I sit on the swing and listen to the birds singing in the trees and plan my spring garden. I tip my head back and soak in the winter sun, and dream of warmer days to come. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSx-g4sYAenha7Eh6cXdJhgo7CobhJ-709sOB-wJky_IDziCvw5O1RE4FrRWVzB_2cOHzrLaTqjNZ-mR2O7hwEY_ELa8WYF0dtNAcongyjVPGHNoD4TixQK8-oErrbxjkLslJmCOrG85ncClr3NRhYSZZuLKqva6je_QhsBwQaMJBKUOdmdOAdfRttDA=s689" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSx-g4sYAenha7Eh6cXdJhgo7CobhJ-709sOB-wJky_IDziCvw5O1RE4FrRWVzB_2cOHzrLaTqjNZ-mR2O7hwEY_ELa8WYF0dtNAcongyjVPGHNoD4TixQK8-oErrbxjkLslJmCOrG85ncClr3NRhYSZZuLKqva6je_QhsBwQaMJBKUOdmdOAdfRttDA=s16000" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Of course I've already gotten a head start on my spring garden - I started the first seeds about a month ago and they are doing quite well. So far I have all my pepper varieties started as well as all my herbs, leeks, and alpine strawberries. I also planted celery seeds but there's no sign of them popping up yet. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSupzfD2-cA9CaoPMMp4ScmjMxN79llkeRPQukmXpvbZ94MxCD2VLIBOilbuuHWDz01gDqMcPfkejgmYUbAXshzGoUPmePjF-GeS-o-8km0MtQfTlJP9Qdb6CIfRRhe-f5EWPIYcmJCgW6ebzhgX7-suPQPRHCVtja0pu_xmPOfj_TNBdJFveLZ2WQ5g=s692" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSupzfD2-cA9CaoPMMp4ScmjMxN79llkeRPQukmXpvbZ94MxCD2VLIBOilbuuHWDz01gDqMcPfkejgmYUbAXshzGoUPmePjF-GeS-o-8km0MtQfTlJP9Qdb6CIfRRhe-f5EWPIYcmJCgW6ebzhgX7-suPQPRHCVtja0pu_xmPOfj_TNBdJFveLZ2WQ5g=s16000" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I'm not doing flowers from seed this year as my gardens need to be in great shape by the weekend of June 11th, when my beautiful daughter gets married. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I'll actually buy flats of flowers at the nursery this season to make sure everything is photo-worthy. We have so much to look forward to this spring indeed! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLcCxF0tfw0inDM7b4Qm--ydkVXCUuzWFK7wH-rs0ZKbcjaVCfmaaF99VYnfQgFaTHVwDg6I2oV4gDJiqmaegNZ3iRPwia1_ebRYCCkrYA9GdLuWo3856hg5Yh2tJaM1PEXhJGacz9g2CzKKdK0-nSmW3aOoqM1eVDm6JhpeFs3jQEbH0jCVQq2k-lOg=s800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLcCxF0tfw0inDM7b4Qm--ydkVXCUuzWFK7wH-rs0ZKbcjaVCfmaaF99VYnfQgFaTHVwDg6I2oV4gDJiqmaegNZ3iRPwia1_ebRYCCkrYA9GdLuWo3856hg5Yh2tJaM1PEXhJGacz9g2CzKKdK0-nSmW3aOoqM1eVDm6JhpeFs3jQEbH0jCVQq2k-lOg=s16000" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">This is my beautiful daughter Amanda and her fiancé Alex - they were in Paris this week and took this photo on the top of the Eiffel Tower. I'm so happy they got to have that amazing experience, and so grateful that they are home safe and sound. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">We never stop worrying about our children, do we? Once a mom, always a mom. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2JWDriydEdhHhvnfseXLGBHB2kFdaqaTRfTVNllK-mz1sxrwm8HOuK8NXVjhBRNnX3Kz5VoSG8l_IOfZHKffCNT5gmEkc96z1gvckODYoLecf9VJ1QcAWXTX1rA2j8VBxcdTue11GNFhAz4qn9jbb8swvhz_G-Qyj5HBe1KkTwO2A8Lfqjhu_-lF4WA=s617" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2JWDriydEdhHhvnfseXLGBHB2kFdaqaTRfTVNllK-mz1sxrwm8HOuK8NXVjhBRNnX3Kz5VoSG8l_IOfZHKffCNT5gmEkc96z1gvckODYoLecf9VJ1QcAWXTX1rA2j8VBxcdTue11GNFhAz4qn9jbb8swvhz_G-Qyj5HBe1KkTwO2A8Lfqjhu_-lF4WA=s16000" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">My other 'children' love the winter sunshine that pours through the front door in late winter - I open the door and put down their blanket and they sit there for ages soaking in the sunshine and watching the bird feeders. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZH96FXx3VMXeLeVaoLkNupa3IZchsR6XKnJiV_F8yyTO3ceSqXRojt5dhk9eDR8dkKCzqM3v6mpzeUH-U4rrHs5gI4bt9L2XgouzO-bMa8FSNYdROoX19uTd6EUkrUiQ0tGXLc8xlaVKaGUgiDNFSR10mONPvKClhYtE6T3x-HT8Mtqtj-7zyUKfhKA=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZH96FXx3VMXeLeVaoLkNupa3IZchsR6XKnJiV_F8yyTO3ceSqXRojt5dhk9eDR8dkKCzqM3v6mpzeUH-U4rrHs5gI4bt9L2XgouzO-bMa8FSNYdROoX19uTd6EUkrUiQ0tGXLc8xlaVKaGUgiDNFSR10mONPvKClhYtE6T3x-HT8Mtqtj-7zyUKfhKA=s16000" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The winter sunshine gave me the boost to start a little spring cleaning last weekend. Every so often I need to take everything off the counters and clean them with bleach. It always feels good when it's done, but I do wish there was a non toxic cleaner that would do as good a job. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsnkzSa8C1hSQmV04igYhggVNyquxLWsssCcDnqgKtE14X1uL6Vg0mjJ6vPUOJUK80UNyaV-tHI3dz7_Y0iHQWgbQcyjumf2sTLk1_8039sGDNJMfqOWLN6wQrZL1A8Q01A3stmTaAOQmu7I_5443yxk7F49fjdLi4Yal3hBYqk1Lyw9So9wtKgGmefw=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsnkzSa8C1hSQmV04igYhggVNyquxLWsssCcDnqgKtE14X1uL6Vg0mjJ6vPUOJUK80UNyaV-tHI3dz7_Y0iHQWgbQcyjumf2sTLk1_8039sGDNJMfqOWLN6wQrZL1A8Q01A3stmTaAOQmu7I_5443yxk7F49fjdLi4Yal3hBYqk1Lyw9So9wtKgGmefw=s16000" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Perhaps this weekend I'll tackle the other side of the kitchen. I also need to replace the microwave over the stove as it shorted out this past week. It's always something when you own a house, isn't it? </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixbAksPxuJItCHlf3CSy023LHlQRsCgHdNhklPRTm6gT7k_TVYjL0FFQwJnDqC-6QT7xUSJojprTqWQ6tHN-QhnKNxK9gAS8t-yRMtuILc-7pF5CqQiWXGDfejkgZ_VsxSo9VQqHaHK0ucf7Yt9Byn_Tw9VyKlH1GQi37nnwGp7KTx0WUMY-G3d0yWYQ=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixbAksPxuJItCHlf3CSy023LHlQRsCgHdNhklPRTm6gT7k_TVYjL0FFQwJnDqC-6QT7xUSJojprTqWQ6tHN-QhnKNxK9gAS8t-yRMtuILc-7pF5CqQiWXGDfejkgZ_VsxSo9VQqHaHK0ucf7Yt9Byn_Tw9VyKlH1GQi37nnwGp7KTx0WUMY-G3d0yWYQ=s16000" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">My kitchen is not trendy, but it sure is cozy and it's also a very hard working kitchen. It's amazing how many incredible meals have come out of that kitchen in the 7 years I've lived in this house. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWibtp11UiXcir_W0dsCf3Pmmhb0vCY4YGWh-D0_E8RC_nDE5fyNFA5jk6bknBki1NzSKsC2uO_Q_fOpgPsdCeFPAaycvX6nnDItzLs4LlfjUE7evRXAkh95-C_SBS1dgC6XbsausGvBg8uNuxlSJL-51tNF498H89tIGf4I-v762Nd2DDtCSx9mURZA=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWibtp11UiXcir_W0dsCf3Pmmhb0vCY4YGWh-D0_E8RC_nDE5fyNFA5jk6bknBki1NzSKsC2uO_Q_fOpgPsdCeFPAaycvX6nnDItzLs4LlfjUE7evRXAkh95-C_SBS1dgC6XbsausGvBg8uNuxlSJL-51tNF498H89tIGf4I-v762Nd2DDtCSx9mURZA=s16000" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">As spring approaches I crave more salads and fruit....and sometimes salad with fruit, like this strawberry goat cheese salad. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1btLbqcd73gC6OJhyn2-1RB-rmh5AOv5cwaD7b-8ItlVgefQ_DsQ1PojvqNcZ6iQUGurUeD_dJPLSNqYDyKuyekQ-QbTHC9iwlDqtoc-A5I3qcphS4mGE7Ho6gOM9TWi651uj8i1cLKR_NSamqfru20LEZmg6viso07kFBvwzyKlXOuTWqrJEpqm_Wg=s750" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1btLbqcd73gC6OJhyn2-1RB-rmh5AOv5cwaD7b-8ItlVgefQ_DsQ1PojvqNcZ6iQUGurUeD_dJPLSNqYDyKuyekQ-QbTHC9iwlDqtoc-A5I3qcphS4mGE7Ho6gOM9TWi651uj8i1cLKR_NSamqfru20LEZmg6viso07kFBvwzyKlXOuTWqrJEpqm_Wg=s16000" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I have been enjoying the fresh spring berries that are in abundance at the markets right now and working them into many of my menus. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdb1hc95jHlHPH8IieF-U3xmm6RjcDtkh2397my3sdQE8zJePDiBip7u8yBPshpbkbu9hGDfz9IdH5EObaY7j99QymMe6oHr8EXpBIy0GWCbuMW9k5DtRvEd1e_LnkWR-jg-wJ-iWmsDHxHFh5LgH3s68a0dubvvOluGxHETp75CVBUTd1H9WHH0MNoQ=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdb1hc95jHlHPH8IieF-U3xmm6RjcDtkh2397my3sdQE8zJePDiBip7u8yBPshpbkbu9hGDfz9IdH5EObaY7j99QymMe6oHr8EXpBIy0GWCbuMW9k5DtRvEd1e_LnkWR-jg-wJ-iWmsDHxHFh5LgH3s68a0dubvvOluGxHETp75CVBUTd1H9WHH0MNoQ=s16000" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I try to make sure at least one day a week is 'meatless' and plan around that, such as this grilled vegetable sandwich and butternut squash and apple soup. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh16Y_8tHHZidXZ_J9bh2-ugaDeWFb20vtdV8aRc-r12L5hBslSxYDvDlV9zQ0vRVZmac53x0Bt24EGJry017G9N_DDpwAfiLgFEKWjz0UWJHR29R3B1trmM3akOPFSeLqCYbeEEELdHcFzhVqVo-o6FlLhmNKf9jRuxpUuX5y0f3-gao9uqiexF2rVA=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh16Y_8tHHZidXZ_J9bh2-ugaDeWFb20vtdV8aRc-r12L5hBslSxYDvDlV9zQ0vRVZmac53x0Bt24EGJry017G9N_DDpwAfiLgFEKWjz0UWJHR29R3B1trmM3akOPFSeLqCYbeEEELdHcFzhVqVo-o6FlLhmNKf9jRuxpUuX5y0f3-gao9uqiexF2rVA=s16000" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Sweetie is super easy to cook for, which is a blessing indeed. We both adore pasta, so once a week at least it's on the menu, such as this incredible Rigatoni a la Vodka. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhq58RNdOqurP9Hyt__hE_OjDGLxCXYkWzzOwM-DuAi1Nw_UidZp0_Udfw37GbGBGig5jSICG9sGhWJBoGrZ_sDXInSnXc7oVzpQITVahsTbrMAjNXLKJtRuz3JkBNG1DRxjOtqHKwZ6iBt07w_pq5HHmcWYtUEH5LLHR3qU8Qim3-a8EKcstKDesNNw=s800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhq58RNdOqurP9Hyt__hE_OjDGLxCXYkWzzOwM-DuAi1Nw_UidZp0_Udfw37GbGBGig5jSICG9sGhWJBoGrZ_sDXInSnXc7oVzpQITVahsTbrMAjNXLKJtRuz3JkBNG1DRxjOtqHKwZ6iBt07w_pq5HHmcWYtUEH5LLHR3qU8Qim3-a8EKcstKDesNNw=s16000" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Tonight is another cold one with temps dropping to the mid teens but Sunday the forecast shows mid 60's and rain - go figure! That should help take out some of this snow for sure. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Last year we had an early spring.....could we possibly get so lucky two years in a row? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Meanwhile, I guess I'll be like Miss Molly and just snuggle in and be patient....after all, you can't rush Mother Nature! </span></p>Debbie - Mountain Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18401931842031353732noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737531804022285705.post-29801988514574693932022-02-04T16:48:00.005-05:002022-02-04T17:12:20.013-05:00The Ice Storm<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Hello again friends, and welcome to February! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">We had one heck of an ice storm last night, and I woke to a winter wonderland indeed! It's certainly beautiful to look out at it, but extremely dangerous for travel, and once more I am ever so grateful that I now work from home full time. We had a layer of thick ice covered with sleet and there's more heading our way all day today. It's the perfect day to cozy up by the fire indeed. <span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSybrjkPyOwVucCXsa083cXg6jHv91NzZxeBSf72z8ep3_5l_0sKRkqsQ0b19bVxZUWwCkHNo1sYlz6GyPd_9hdvDzlc2hBLXWXFsTC6Ww757Ufj69OHXjQKzTWwlie0zgZdWj4zu94c4vSNH7lJ1QTHFZPzn7R1EnzPmg32X60G4QV4u1qAEduU9caA=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSybrjkPyOwVucCXsa083cXg6jHv91NzZxeBSf72z8ep3_5l_0sKRkqsQ0b19bVxZUWwCkHNo1sYlz6GyPd_9hdvDzlc2hBLXWXFsTC6Ww757Ufj69OHXjQKzTWwlie0zgZdWj4zu94c4vSNH7lJ1QTHFZPzn7R1EnzPmg32X60G4QV4u1qAEduU9caA=s16000" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The pups still sleep in <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/12/whats-going-on-around-here.html" target="_blank">my daughter's old room</a> on the lower level, and there's a door to the outside from her room so I let them out downstairs this morning so they wouldn't have to go down the treacherous deck stairs. I worry about them slipping on those steps and hurting themselves...we worry about our pets just like our families, don't we? </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNgkFV7HFvUby9vckjh-235roywdybmBYBOiaZfvm7geJHxqkM9iXkohb8dCk3gz3lvux3U2-B7I26XPirzND0M5lvZqnZlEE9sN3BwxiUQqAU97l7bcp2KMbpfxXhynY5Kyk4RbJ7gUQnyN6vCxhe5BfGYhXX_cuOvskOck0Rt5MTJx9UsCtor-UWbA=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNgkFV7HFvUby9vckjh-235roywdybmBYBOiaZfvm7geJHxqkM9iXkohb8dCk3gz3lvux3U2-B7I26XPirzND0M5lvZqnZlEE9sN3BwxiUQqAU97l7bcp2KMbpfxXhynY5Kyk4RbJ7gUQnyN6vCxhe5BfGYhXX_cuOvskOck0Rt5MTJx9UsCtor-UWbA=s16000" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The ice was dripping from the deck above, and the shrubs were shrouded in a thick layer of ice, reminiscent of <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/04/layers-of-spring-in-bedroom.html" target="_blank">the day I moved into my home</a>. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">There are power outages all over the area, and a nearby town has been declared a state of emergency as 40% of the homes are without power. My heart goes out to them, with temps dropping to zero tonight and some of those homes relying on electricity for heat. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0s1dYNQYF6XNvDKxUj_J3el_9hFQSaTNqtdiAraJTBoCxFPoa4MYiBccgG0G8bWpPP4cH1iuBXIKh04na66N5OkCrbNQgGRzkl7FDNDA1txb9hv6LZMlix-rcsPjKyVgPBS_PjD6JNBRgiXn8cTKy1je2C68jO1-PGzyRwOjnz4WWOL7xVNvFELqfnw=s800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0s1dYNQYF6XNvDKxUj_J3el_9hFQSaTNqtdiAraJTBoCxFPoa4MYiBccgG0G8bWpPP4cH1iuBXIKh04na66N5OkCrbNQgGRzkl7FDNDA1txb9hv6LZMlix-rcsPjKyVgPBS_PjD6JNBRgiXn8cTKy1je2C68jO1-PGzyRwOjnz4WWOL7xVNvFELqfnw=s16000" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">We've had a mixed bag of tricks, as they say, for the last two days....rain, then ice, then sleet, then more rain, and now snow. Put a layer of snow on top of this thick layer of ice and sleet and you have a true recipe for danger. If you don't have to be on the roads, please stay home!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhq9kwu3Mbbhipm08xIV4pgoiI8tu5S7Zl9oSR_FESrbaC7mgDtwrRTB7ykT0qmOyZ_4KvZkcu99H8rHaIw3AuupPo3BWHALnEMkqG514AuzBSR0O1CDGjG9FxcnDUFnIkyPeMFpvpSwGbE_z9KpeG_tLxnIgDC74NqJ5gi8COANW5IgTNvVYvdSgKV6g=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhq9kwu3Mbbhipm08xIV4pgoiI8tu5S7Zl9oSR_FESrbaC7mgDtwrRTB7ykT0qmOyZ_4KvZkcu99H8rHaIw3AuupPo3BWHALnEMkqG514AuzBSR0O1CDGjG9FxcnDUFnIkyPeMFpvpSwGbE_z9KpeG_tLxnIgDC74NqJ5gi8COANW5IgTNvVYvdSgKV6g=s16000" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I salted the deck steps heavily, but was only able to scrape off the top layer of sleet, leaving behind a thick layer of solid ice. Not the most ideal situation for bringing in firewood, that's for sure!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJodvde6fmdEcM_eDa0sx0p-xincDPEUiIG8aeaG8RlIDVYjR_MvsqKF2gF5_k4h6JGQ4N0M_NEMtSx0qL5Fcf1xWBn1U9Dl5p251hHmmTVa4sFHmResi0C_icnIy3wY-LAcpYkzGN8An2Gsq41cLlcrjpb7Kwi0sDJ0VvFjkokCCiLpfJU1WcPJEomQ=s800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJodvde6fmdEcM_eDa0sx0p-xincDPEUiIG8aeaG8RlIDVYjR_MvsqKF2gF5_k4h6JGQ4N0M_NEMtSx0qL5Fcf1xWBn1U9Dl5p251hHmmTVa4sFHmResi0C_icnIy3wY-LAcpYkzGN8An2Gsq41cLlcrjpb7Kwi0sDJ0VvFjkokCCiLpfJU1WcPJEomQ=s16000" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Fortunately my sweetie bought me some super heavy duty winter slip on shoes a few years back - he said they were like studded snow tires for my feet, and he wasn't kidding! They are the <a href="https://www.skirack.com/salomon-snowclog-womens-13133140?fee=7&fep=190890&utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=product&gclid=Cj0KCQiAuvOPBhDXARIsAKzLQ8FbNDvbEb1AwpmhzvUbW66nsVR1_3MlHrDXuYIrcVKkZ9IqYQ2xuWgaArEgEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Salomon Women's Snowclog</a>, and I seriously live in them all winter long. They sit in <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2017/05/what-ive-been-up-to.html#more" target="_blank">the boot tray by the kitchen door </a>and any time I'm stepping outside to do anything in the winter I step into these babies and I have to say they have the most amazing grip. I was able to navigate the deck stairs, albeit very carefully, to stock up on more firewood to hopefully keep us going until tomorrow. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnRavcOh_GerhbEmz0sCiIfxupwOSYALxkXdi5GCYsElTz3gFbqqvgzbHy2wX4kiui8Is-hBbogTthRphHfruXEK6nIbA1JjT4TiUcG4IjjEtzd5c7_y4raV6lTCp82px3quvL5I7HYgHszDEe2S3NFJfzoM4lSNsBaDqoIE0OsIUcS0r30E_6vu6jGg=s842" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnRavcOh_GerhbEmz0sCiIfxupwOSYALxkXdi5GCYsElTz3gFbqqvgzbHy2wX4kiui8Is-hBbogTthRphHfruXEK6nIbA1JjT4TiUcG4IjjEtzd5c7_y4raV6lTCp82px3quvL5I7HYgHszDEe2S3NFJfzoM4lSNsBaDqoIE0OsIUcS0r30E_6vu6jGg=s16000" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I also managed my way over to fill the feeders and top up the birdbath....and let me tell you, this layer of sleet is so solid I didn't make one footprint even with three trips back and forth - crazy! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7NZHg70IXGQ3j7dAZyFxsPj7NXFCiK65W4V66ILg7iZuMCw3lk_n-pcCQBQSDC0lQZ5pd1ba1DCEZGxYKZlo0--7ww2XCnAYbSfGcps9DeJLfTJHL3MjMiOkFYWmioUeLHfZJldOTY_HFgF-mN-u3sK7NIjnBWfX1iKEPkFM8UL_m2Jy-Ac3Ma6i3iw=s1063" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7NZHg70IXGQ3j7dAZyFxsPj7NXFCiK65W4V66ILg7iZuMCw3lk_n-pcCQBQSDC0lQZ5pd1ba1DCEZGxYKZlo0--7ww2XCnAYbSfGcps9DeJLfTJHL3MjMiOkFYWmioUeLHfZJldOTY_HFgF-mN-u3sK7NIjnBWfX1iKEPkFM8UL_m2Jy-Ac3Ma6i3iw=s16000" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Everything that was in <a href="<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mounta0ad-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B000FKJOVQ&asins=B000FKJOVQ&linkId=7eb06c24f106e630f991143885e86353&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>" target="_blank">the flat feeders</a> was frozen into a solid block. I wasn't able to dump it out, so I put some seed right on top - poor little critters, this weather must be so hard on them. Come April <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/06/a-visit-from-mama-bear-her-cubs.html#more" target="_blank">when the bears come out of hibernation</a> I'll have to stop feeding again, but for now I happily keep their little tummies full, when they really need that extra help. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidKnV3qsiGFH1fGQ2HqnHEXypKZoOfXMEfMjdzlmA-5NaAud3kzDBDzQbYN0ns540pr1_KNiDm-ao0UsoBy1E-1iVP_TAjhscqpHFraXFvnXmUvrRD7UNxH5u_w6j5jY4FlKeJp1BmDmZ6HLoR2N6s55H5UtLTslsfzlPTckMTVawf0P_XnwAZp4hRxg=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidKnV3qsiGFH1fGQ2HqnHEXypKZoOfXMEfMjdzlmA-5NaAud3kzDBDzQbYN0ns540pr1_KNiDm-ao0UsoBy1E-1iVP_TAjhscqpHFraXFvnXmUvrRD7UNxH5u_w6j5jY4FlKeJp1BmDmZ6HLoR2N6s55H5UtLTslsfzlPTckMTVawf0P_XnwAZp4hRxg=s16000" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I have a heater in the birdbath, which I move to the <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2017/05/more-changes-around-here.html#more" target="_blank">outdoor dining table</a> in winter so I can get an up close view of the birds from <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2018/01/an-absence-of-color.html" target="_blank">my dining room window</a>. The birdbath has been a busy spot all day today indeed, as all the other water sources are frozen solid now. It's so important to give your critters a water source in winter if you can, as well as food and shelter. </div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGeALxyyNVStY6A7509vNladkcjp7huo5iz1OBxsCI6WU6Bi-xjYUSxTMKNG7yRhCWo2HQWfUneDJUVFLQuLeBOfRUjGCaypmDJGkZeNcEgutOA-clH23m13FLlyxGqOu7wyU1476m-ncpgHbDU7-K-fZlF3J43kIa_x83ESUBm57gv1RCZw3biGyyuw=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGeALxyyNVStY6A7509vNladkcjp7huo5iz1OBxsCI6WU6Bi-xjYUSxTMKNG7yRhCWo2HQWfUneDJUVFLQuLeBOfRUjGCaypmDJGkZeNcEgutOA-clH23m13FLlyxGqOu7wyU1476m-ncpgHbDU7-K-fZlF3J43kIa_x83ESUBm57gv1RCZw3biGyyuw=s16000" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mounta0ad-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=B0002DHBDY&asins=B0002DHBDY&linkId=e7449b69c50a5c91a8f9e372dea4de78&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>" target="_blank">The model I have</a> is made for farms, to keep the livestock's water from freezing. It's far more heavy duty than some of the other's I've tried....I've had this one for 5 years now, which is a record for me with birdbath heaters. Many die after just a season or two, which is so frustrating. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifwuUpEpIoBo2I6YI_Qz758QCBIyIpSqpuKMQlbXFXM7Y0JjR6WNTh8-qnBFsEO3Cd1e7Yu5r2FzwRuADtgcZSNMsD3-7iCDZMJ8MegOS8hxGtqU7oKCFduZLl2629gP0N61__DCsdAp3IUWAzcJx_B2vTR3Tv445XVVUr9bQwJO3JYeNTXcP3GM2bqA=s800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifwuUpEpIoBo2I6YI_Qz758QCBIyIpSqpuKMQlbXFXM7Y0JjR6WNTh8-qnBFsEO3Cd1e7Yu5r2FzwRuADtgcZSNMsD3-7iCDZMJ8MegOS8hxGtqU7oKCFduZLl2629gP0N61__DCsdAp3IUWAzcJx_B2vTR3Tv445XVVUr9bQwJO3JYeNTXcP3GM2bqA=s16000" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">When the weather warms, I sometimes see the birds sipping from this little birdbath as well, but I think at this point all that's holding it together is rust so I'm guessing not for much longer. In the summer months <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/07/evenings-on-deck.html#more" target="_blank">I put a flowering plant in there</a> for added color outside my kitchen window. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-m4oLMhrisfE6D1hE06I7R8imE2lxLgbkAh-d0wxdsm8E7yVF56cXRcpXi1zZwlZBEc9nDKe6Yy92UcKePr3th8KCBUrVWQ5FboWIJlE4D3uKx2cAhkmbGJiRvqcZBAEuPIqhLoYK2TAh4tVkJfq46r_0ifzMPh42_Euf0NgaCZwCFwu2bFZxBRhYmw=s800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-m4oLMhrisfE6D1hE06I7R8imE2lxLgbkAh-d0wxdsm8E7yVF56cXRcpXi1zZwlZBEc9nDKe6Yy92UcKePr3th8KCBUrVWQ5FboWIJlE4D3uKx2cAhkmbGJiRvqcZBAEuPIqhLoYK2TAh4tVkJfq46r_0ifzMPh42_Euf0NgaCZwCFwu2bFZxBRhYmw=s16000" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Just look at those Morning Glory vines covered in ice! It's hard to believe how <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/08/its-mountainmamas-birthday.html#more" target="_blank">beautiful they are in the summer months</a>, but they are voracious re-seeders and they will be glorious again indeed. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQ_BfkPjIB6Yn-6zB71pJWf05E0JnFAj8yjTzJbB1lE4isvCQ5JY69-6kF-5_jDB5s4VW5AaHmEOnk3zlcA46Uvi5R_3du-l6Yx5iygwUEqiSoBN4LwZ7osXj0k_w-JvgIQVqjchP7wL-1oLDZJy4LuWJA6TR2P3qxaQvmVjeczBHlMxvPNrF_yrNF9g=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQ_BfkPjIB6Yn-6zB71pJWf05E0JnFAj8yjTzJbB1lE4isvCQ5JY69-6kF-5_jDB5s4VW5AaHmEOnk3zlcA46Uvi5R_3du-l6Yx5iygwUEqiSoBN4LwZ7osXj0k_w-JvgIQVqjchP7wL-1oLDZJy4LuWJA6TR2P3qxaQvmVjeczBHlMxvPNrF_yrNF9g=s16000" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Below them <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/search?q=herb" target="_blank">the herbs</a> are also coated in ice - this is Sage, and I will still snip it for use in broth, even when it's frozen solid. Last winter it made it through the winter and I had a healthy batch in spring, but it's been so frigidly cold this season I'm not sure it will survive, which is truly a shame. </span></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMwqpd_H7rKycQVnO0kjCEwnxVeUD5JgI5g1Xu1jKz5eLVzYt7x3I7e2vOAgSuaz_BbyqzO84Ao2JTbQbKLuPIHNMSdR_fcAIJI9rSVbUuFttPHCgPpmjrl4nsoiep9Brld_XSlOaozqfRMBjoEIu26d8kRBjCLb-hNXSC4JHm3agYzq05mjsl7gs3mg=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMwqpd_H7rKycQVnO0kjCEwnxVeUD5JgI5g1Xu1jKz5eLVzYt7x3I7e2vOAgSuaz_BbyqzO84Ao2JTbQbKLuPIHNMSdR_fcAIJI9rSVbUuFttPHCgPpmjrl4nsoiep9Brld_XSlOaozqfRMBjoEIu26d8kRBjCLb-hNXSC4JHm3agYzq05mjsl7gs3mg=s16000" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">The deck swing where <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/07/evenings-on-deck.html" target="_blank">I spend so much time in the warm months</a> is hardly an inviting spot to linger now! I miss those spring and summer evenings, relaxing in the cool mountain breeze and listening to the sound of the peepers and the other night noises. </span></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEho2HiWApxirDAW41LnlydXnT46cQ6inLSS8WnkNPbchB0sqvhYmFHmCVbwFVrKSuqE4q_FfnogPCTmozvZtYDOoDU8lCg5zvbf4mbYw4rR_cDuU4z5foHm1uUu8_tYmQt7dkrMsNImwcbMkqWLGFjY637k6dBkxYZbs8su7MM7aDZByGBx8K0r4LHZWg=s800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEho2HiWApxirDAW41LnlydXnT46cQ6inLSS8WnkNPbchB0sqvhYmFHmCVbwFVrKSuqE4q_FfnogPCTmozvZtYDOoDU8lCg5zvbf4mbYw4rR_cDuU4z5foHm1uUu8_tYmQt7dkrMsNImwcbMkqWLGFjY637k6dBkxYZbs8su7MM7aDZByGBx8K0r4LHZWg=s16000" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2018/04/weekend-projects-galore.html" target="_blank">The clothesline</a> was in use as early as March 5th last year....will I be so lucky again? We had an early spring last year, which is extremely rare for us up here on the mountain top. I wouldn't complain should it want to happen again!</span></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/02/winter-lingers-on.html" target="_blank">The patio swing</a> is positioned to get the wonderful afternoon sunshine in late winter....come March you will find me out there soaking up rays on any decent afternoon - usually covered with a down blanket, but enjoying it just the same. The smell of pine drifts over from the acres of woodland, and the late winter sun is so warm on my face...pure heaven. I sit and swing and listen to the birds in the trees and marvel at the fact that I am so blessed to be able to live in this most beautiful and peaceful place. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihspBPxAh6dER46bOP415GaObb7N_ebu28b9vKY79cjzsCscObyiSy7g5tG37PZ2f4ZtMN9K1tq8ted5SuLnur5j4-atf5h9Kp0C8HNTtrJlygBozhONdaNuzBY8x-zjvUQ47C-IqEEVuPS2nDZVV5jn3kVHqgjoWV0WgmCJSKtgouGuBDi4IokLV_tw=s1097" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihspBPxAh6dER46bOP415GaObb7N_ebu28b9vKY79cjzsCscObyiSy7g5tG37PZ2f4ZtMN9K1tq8ted5SuLnur5j4-atf5h9Kp0C8HNTtrJlygBozhONdaNuzBY8x-zjvUQ47C-IqEEVuPS2nDZVV5jn3kVHqgjoWV0WgmCJSKtgouGuBDi4IokLV_tw=s16000" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Meanwhile, back at <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2017/11/before-after.html" target="_blank">the kitchen door</a> I'm showing you one of the best investments I made last winter - these </span><a href="https://heattrak.com/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">heated mats from Heat Trak. </a><span style="text-align: left;"> Last winter the icicles dripping from the gutter above the kitchen door created such a mound of ice outside the door that I couldn't open it and Sweetie had to come over and chop the ice so I could open the door. That was when I started doing research on heated mats, and although they are an investment, they have been incredible! No more ice mounds outside my door! They aren't the prettiest things, but that's ok - in winter it's all about being practical, not necessarily pretty. </span></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBaA1YMGqBCKo0RnPGFBQxzr_S1ZTPV7zA6FPPFsupycW6n93VX2eIcmYKPVhes5gwRes27NTxrfuKD9BjNR98IOj-nwSFygb1xqcaNCYuzqEyXUYbFk4TWK4Q-bewrIQfpKJ5PXnNTxwPHY7E5nxj43HgreDHWlHRJCyG7ElHucqJkqp-bwRkcwyBLw=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBaA1YMGqBCKo0RnPGFBQxzr_S1ZTPV7zA6FPPFsupycW6n93VX2eIcmYKPVhes5gwRes27NTxrfuKD9BjNR98IOj-nwSFygb1xqcaNCYuzqEyXUYbFk4TWK4Q-bewrIQfpKJ5PXnNTxwPHY7E5nxj43HgreDHWlHRJCyG7ElHucqJkqp-bwRkcwyBLw=s16000" /></span></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Meanwhile inside <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2017/11/my-cozy-home.html" target="_blank">my warm cozy house</a> there's a Monkey snoring on one side of me, and a tiny ball of fluff on the other side, and we are not going anywhere. I'll venture out again tomorrow for more wood, and to feed the critters, and then find something to keep me busy indoors.....I may even get the <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2017/04/saving-money-with-seed-starting.html" target="_blank">first round of seeds</a> planted! </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">After all, as the groundhog said, it's only 6 more weeks of winter, right? Time for us gardeners to get busy!</span></span></div></div>Debbie - Mountain Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18401931842031353732noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737531804022285705.post-57003725230326156362022-01-24T16:27:00.000-05:002022-01-24T16:27:35.114-05:00Comfort Food For Frigid Nights <p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Hi Friends, can you believe I'm back again so soon? I'm going to try to be better about posting this year....now that I have settled into a routine with working from home and I know it's for the foreseeable future. </span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span><a name='more'></a></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">It's been brutally cold on the mountain top with wind chills in the -30's F at times....the perfect nights to warm up with some ultimate comfort food meals. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioJRCBx91CITje-ICfSMK6Ksxo_Z4035miMZeiNYpuCd3MOR_gh-cUIE2_yRv6iq7OzFRT1SHzO6uVDVtSYZc6frGq33PF19gFt9hwbEHm4VC8BlAut1pyeNEUukfWR8r-TUU0RdpIHO0yxO3VG2Z62y3fehfqVsOkJjxXaWojEnZYc3U3OYU5xfY5lA=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioJRCBx91CITje-ICfSMK6Ksxo_Z4035miMZeiNYpuCd3MOR_gh-cUIE2_yRv6iq7OzFRT1SHzO6uVDVtSYZc6frGq33PF19gFt9hwbEHm4VC8BlAut1pyeNEUukfWR8r-TUU0RdpIHO0yxO3VG2Z62y3fehfqVsOkJjxXaWojEnZYc3U3OYU5xfY5lA=s16000" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I always <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/12/whats-cookin-good-lookin.html" target="_blank">plan my meals around the weather</a> - if it's intensely cold I like to use the oven to help heat the house. If it's only moderately cold (20F and above) I'll use either the oven or the stove top. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Any of you who have been following my super-sporadic blog posts for any length of time know <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/search/label/Food" target="_blank">I am a huge foodie. </a>I wake up in the morning thinking immediately of what I'm making for dinner that night. Luckily I have a sweetie who will eat anything I put in front of him, and absolutely loves it when I experiment with a new recipe. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I've been on the hunt for a good meatball recipe for my entire adult life, and I think I have finally found it, which delights me (I know, I'm so lame!) I recently read <a href="https://www.thekitchn.com/meatball-recipe-reviews-22997385" target="_blank">this post</a> where 4 top meatball recipes were compared side by side and <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/anne-burrell/excellent-meatballs-recipe-1943292" target="_blank">this one</a> won, hands down - I knew right then I had to give it a try and I'm so glad I did - it's a keeper for sure. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh3kvdFYevZrRKzgKa3QMnx7FQof1ySOnNQxSKrzYxhUQTefk2AEO8wPC5f_nlbnuPTXatyOCf7dXUKyaQKXbG7Z533TvJTUaTA8CnPjNm2qw0EOhLxm3E8P9WJgYifLvHqaEzbJNsMO20FCc_9Bv2G619GKHFH-4Itoi464YfMDrXNolZl3cFBdp9gA=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh3kvdFYevZrRKzgKa3QMnx7FQof1ySOnNQxSKrzYxhUQTefk2AEO8wPC5f_nlbnuPTXatyOCf7dXUKyaQKXbG7Z533TvJTUaTA8CnPjNm2qw0EOhLxm3E8P9WJgYifLvHqaEzbJNsMO20FCc_9Bv2G619GKHFH-4Itoi464YfMDrXNolZl3cFBdp9gA=s16000" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The recipe is <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/anne-burrell/excellent-meatballs-recipe-1943292" target="_blank">Anne Burrell's Excellent Meatballs</a> and they are surely aptly named. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I admit I did not try her sauce recipe which is also included in that link - lately I've been using <a href="https://cookieandkate.com/simple-marinara-sauce-recipe/" target="_blank">this recipe by Cookie & Kate </a>and it's so simple and delicious. In the summer <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/search?q=tomatoes">when I have fresh tomatoes</a> I go with a different fresh tomato sauce recipe....when I have basil but no fresh tomatoes I make Marcella Hazan's Tomato Basil Garlic Sauce from her cookbook <a href="<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mounta0ad-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=039458404X&asins=039458404X&linkId=f4b047af0687b2031eea6e841c4e414b&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>" target="_blank">The Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking</a> which is an excellent book, although no photos. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Back to the meatballs - they were awesome! The recipe made plenty so I have some in the freezer for future meals as well, which I love. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I used this blend that my market had on sale recently: </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_FGRJO6RmNXPc68LtOl6InzSgAvM30wG8Yzfq5umZm9oPZZtpN_aEM36d2uMi4bZvMSI2gBdZ0g6O6_oL6jy8MJ14fprygRmtZYv13ZytbRKVu_PWySaJ85zDKRF-Aqnzn6R7ET_vgiWyGV36I6vX_jzfK9AGM83kG3b9RJSe36KYZJZj97-R5oSxaQ=s800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_FGRJO6RmNXPc68LtOl6InzSgAvM30wG8Yzfq5umZm9oPZZtpN_aEM36d2uMi4bZvMSI2gBdZ0g6O6_oL6jy8MJ14fprygRmtZYv13ZytbRKVu_PWySaJ85zDKRF-Aqnzn6R7ET_vgiWyGV36I6vX_jzfK9AGM83kG3b9RJSe36KYZJZj97-R5oSxaQ=s16000" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I picked up three packages when it went on sale, and I grabbed one out of the freezer recently to make meatloaf, which I hadn't made in what felt like eons. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I noticed there was a recipe for meatloaf on the back, and when I looked at it it was so close to the way I always made my meatloaf I decided to give it a try. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhl9QJfgu20-VIaySCEPdeuwFBP4aZdmWlWzIKB15v9pu0s0zN3h4S1j1b290McStF2fImTsE4zJeZEaFT2L2z1mDdm8649zXsamQqQHleJAxTzt_1DTZ-C_9OjYpm97xdD---ZGWmy6KcBtCJ8XnJTFr1Az8F46uTwDvLR0EMXCCkH0dRJqYGkvNM_Q=s800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhl9QJfgu20-VIaySCEPdeuwFBP4aZdmWlWzIKB15v9pu0s0zN3h4S1j1b290McStF2fImTsE4zJeZEaFT2L2z1mDdm8649zXsamQqQHleJAxTzt_1DTZ-C_9OjYpm97xdD---ZGWmy6KcBtCJ8XnJTFr1Az8F46uTwDvLR0EMXCCkH0dRJqYGkvNM_Q=s16000" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I'm not one for overthinking meatloaf - I'm very old school in my belief that it should be a simple blend of onions, eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, salt & pepper, and topped with beef gravy (I left off the ketchup in this recipe.)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Well, this recipe was pretty much that except with the addition of a tablespoon of parmesan cheese and a package of onion soup mix. I only had beefy onion soup mix in the house, so that's what I used and this is my new GO-TO meatloaf recipe! Note there's no salt listed in this recipe as there's enough in the soup mix that it's not needed. This was AMAZING!! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGai0_pPJISzymfWkB62VOuVc3xGNcts4YRWclQOV9HflTH9QMd-VDWcVFu2eGKn4ImyGP9nT3EN2rkXxGMnozRo0WHfURpYl7cSzvxzfHNRU9eVi3LkX2pGJ6fQdtfEr-93zk1UZWQXqolBpcVHfYRH_K46zGZtWbwjjwlAY9z6fis3N9vOt1efHwzA=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGai0_pPJISzymfWkB62VOuVc3xGNcts4YRWclQOV9HflTH9QMd-VDWcVFu2eGKn4ImyGP9nT3EN2rkXxGMnozRo0WHfURpYl7cSzvxzfHNRU9eVi3LkX2pGJ6fQdtfEr-93zk1UZWQXqolBpcVHfYRH_K46zGZtWbwjjwlAY9z6fis3N9vOt1efHwzA=s16000" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I made two smaller meatloaves and froze one, so I cut the cooking time to 60 minutes and then checked it with a meat thermometer to make sure it had reached 160 in the center. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">We had this for dinner last night, and we both have leftovers for tonight and I can't wait! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Another of my frequent winter recipes is this <a href="https://www.averiecooks.com/best-broccoli-cheese-soup-better-panera-copycat/" target="_blank">Cheddar Broccoli Soup from Averie Cooks</a> - I've been making this for a few years now, and it never disappoints. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYXwpWI1OfbQpGenYIhqXmj3qhAvuhQ84MG5BkHAgVLg7asRXAgl-kWN8slPW8Bih4_oUkdQ2zGpCC3A8_aePIZkRdnOD0vGTLJUFUMTEPG4R2sSGhvuUInIDQGM2QDYmZQji1Y-XoySiMK-cmXco18jFm2gNjvXKTiIK_mJNjTyuipkSYNazB398FHQ=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYXwpWI1OfbQpGenYIhqXmj3qhAvuhQ84MG5BkHAgVLg7asRXAgl-kWN8slPW8Bih4_oUkdQ2zGpCC3A8_aePIZkRdnOD0vGTLJUFUMTEPG4R2sSGhvuUInIDQGM2QDYmZQji1Y-XoySiMK-cmXco18jFm2gNjvXKTiIK_mJNjTyuipkSYNazB398FHQ=s16000" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">It's rich and hearty and incredibly tasty on a cold winter's night! I usually serve it with a batch of cornbread straight from the oven, and we both love it. Such a simple meal, soup and bread, yet so satisfying indeed! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I'm sure you all know by now that I'm a huge HUGE fan of Ina Garten's recipes as well - I have 7 of her cookbooks and I have her 2018 book <a href="<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=as_ss_li_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=mounta0ad-20&language=en_US&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=0804187045&asins=0804187045&linkId=2a3cc740270d4b98321cfd5a9cca6f1f&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true"></iframe>" target="_blank">Cook Like A Pro</a> sitting in my shopping cart on Amazon right now! I have tried SO MANY of Ina's recipes and have never had one fail, she's so consistently awesome. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGxqg6eCo6GYJUy6fm6T6KPF1n4CExiQzJMpe2sX0rP9aCvepKu5l-qUbdKarJZ9B4DoY61dg3wopZX3VXFGmOf2t7Z5dzsSHJDpKIg-OFHBHyNoRjD8GzyUPNoGqkDhJw3-XsL2NDshd99MGnOKPCCltuxSithqRz-O6a_WP2IznRN2MLZXc-jfNiUg=s750" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGxqg6eCo6GYJUy6fm6T6KPF1n4CExiQzJMpe2sX0rP9aCvepKu5l-qUbdKarJZ9B4DoY61dg3wopZX3VXFGmOf2t7Z5dzsSHJDpKIg-OFHBHyNoRjD8GzyUPNoGqkDhJw3-XsL2NDshd99MGnOKPCCltuxSithqRz-O6a_WP2IznRN2MLZXc-jfNiUg=s16000" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One of the recipes I go back to time and time again is her <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/perfect-roast-chicken-recipe-1940592" target="_blank">Perfect Roast Chicken</a>. I've tried other roast chicken recipes, yet I keep going back to this one - I even grow fennel <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/07/the-veggie-garden-in-july.html" target="_blank">in the veggie garden</a> just for this recipe, as I am not a huge fennel fan at all. When I don't have fennel I just leave it out and use more carrots and onions as the base, and it's fabulous both ways. During the winter months when <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/04/creating-patio-herb-garden.html" target="_blank">my herb boxes</a> are under snow I dig out the frozen thyme and snip it to use it in this recipe and I honestly can't tell the difference from using my fresh thyme. </div></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1jtkiUrehZNn9Etoa1PepdUtK6EghrUIj16gO2ovSVbNOkj_1vqGq8o55z4_tS0hySPpyxYIJy9Gs2ARPNyUhsqxss_-hJUoXxOjk4WOGwyTgowT5Bg_LymrEcIqZZB1zgP8UDg5oiPkTrQPLeKm6q5zCBpH7Hx2ARMd5HN_41hloafGBo_YbtONcDA=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1jtkiUrehZNn9Etoa1PepdUtK6EghrUIj16gO2ovSVbNOkj_1vqGq8o55z4_tS0hySPpyxYIJy9Gs2ARPNyUhsqxss_-hJUoXxOjk4WOGwyTgowT5Bg_LymrEcIqZZB1zgP8UDg5oiPkTrQPLeKm6q5zCBpH7Hx2ARMd5HN_41hloafGBo_YbtONcDA=s16000" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">That's what's been on the menu here...it's a quiet night tonight, Sweetie and I will both be enjoying leftover meatloaf in our respective homes....he'll be watching football, no doubt, and I'll be watching Ozark on Netflix - what a great show! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">What's happening in your neck of the woods? </span></p>Debbie - Mountain Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18401931842031353732noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737531804022285705.post-88507582135189753212022-01-03T15:04:00.000-05:002022-01-03T15:04:01.181-05:00New Year, Fresh Start<p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Happy New Year to my beautiful readers! I'm not even sure how many of you are still out there, my posts have been so sporadic since the start of the pandemic. </span></div><span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a name='more'></a></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">We are all safe and well, thankfully, although many of my family and friends have tested positive over the past 22 months. It's hard to avoid when you're an essential worker, and I'm so glad they have all made it through to the other side safely. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1zgz5EiXWOcRctiJigJoG5AVcedYO7u0iI4X7b0A3p-7HnOtZ-Za4SKbbIXhr9bNbGvTMKRC_YhfhSg85qMA3wzzGbS3m4hl3BXv6sC2XOObPpCk_1gB8gTevx2YGIlLpmhk6u1QcyWFgoZX0sGQWVGbQtSZ8uR0dxG6SdIXAL7OOqKP5ES45bYK9nQ=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1zgz5EiXWOcRctiJigJoG5AVcedYO7u0iI4X7b0A3p-7HnOtZ-Za4SKbbIXhr9bNbGvTMKRC_YhfhSg85qMA3wzzGbS3m4hl3BXv6sC2XOObPpCk_1gB8gTevx2YGIlLpmhk6u1QcyWFgoZX0sGQWVGbQtSZ8uR0dxG6SdIXAL7OOqKP5ES45bYK9nQ=s16000" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Who would have thought back in March of 2020 that we would still be battling this virus 22 months later, with no end in sight? I remember back when my boss (at the time) called me to tell me I'd be working from home for about a week. Here I am, 22 months later, still working from home....and I certainly don't hate it, although I could certainly do without this pandemic lingering on and on. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgy-qfSRHv4UlJfrmrnm0A-WwwlpVJ58p4Th2Eq890vA5vd84qLTpws5JaR68gZ4HgmHbgDV6HYBpfi8D2_oykSxheus1_fL3SiAa7wHf_S0a7Cz2Da5Pjh6DISWI_mmGdH258LpnNB8i0_5ZhyivFfFD7xGkoiJ4s5WVWa9fIHGCVuNSKWymDUpFQtZA=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgy-qfSRHv4UlJfrmrnm0A-WwwlpVJ58p4Th2Eq890vA5vd84qLTpws5JaR68gZ4HgmHbgDV6HYBpfi8D2_oykSxheus1_fL3SiAa7wHf_S0a7Cz2Da5Pjh6DISWI_mmGdH258LpnNB8i0_5ZhyivFfFD7xGkoiJ4s5WVWa9fIHGCVuNSKWymDUpFQtZA=s16000" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">You would think with me working from home I would have more time to blog, wouldn't you? Nope....our wedding team was drastically reduced due to Covid layoffs and furloughs, and those of us who remain are beyond busy. Sadly the last thing I want to do in my free time is to fire up the computer again.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiow5Cvqd-MZWJOEeAgSKU2vgh8fqW9vfU4b4jgkrsfF-VywWmNs3Tf1nICn07YE-vomBl8uSTbhjyNS3kVPy9l_xxti_4MjCNojP0Jc_dh0LlTUn7VELevma2seaoSCso28UgXqLXupvwlXqQgxbYNnHn3A2Q1lBDvAqWUTpeqZudF3cikB7rZWzDi3Q=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiow5Cvqd-MZWJOEeAgSKU2vgh8fqW9vfU4b4jgkrsfF-VywWmNs3Tf1nICn07YE-vomBl8uSTbhjyNS3kVPy9l_xxti_4MjCNojP0Jc_dh0LlTUn7VELevma2seaoSCso28UgXqLXupvwlXqQgxbYNnHn3A2Q1lBDvAqWUTpeqZudF3cikB7rZWzDi3Q=s16000" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">However, as we enter a brand new year I have decided to try to take time to blog more often as I truly miss my interaction with all of you. Some of you follow me on Instagram, and I do try to post photos there regularly, but it's not quite the same, is it? </span></p><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Meanwhile not much changes around here....I have to say I love working from home - I'm truly a homebody and I used to be sad leaving <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2015/10/cozy-evenings-at-home.html" target="_blank">my cozy house</a> each morning and would look so forward to <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/02/coming-home.html" target="_blank">coming home</a> each evening. <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2017/09/welcome-home-little-miss-molly.html#more" target="_blank">The pups</a>, of course, are delighted to have me at home all day and they have gotten even MORE spoiled over the past 22 months, if that's possible! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6pxpb-YY87_tFcilaHYEXtphSJtaQ1_aXjga9CpfpA5ooNh0d5MS7XJ5YekwyaaCw1Er0yugJZ_HrDh0qv25zcQBzL1x-Vrc2GZaxHwWdbEGeu3HnTiK0DhW-B5c7l1UZ9cZuO-pMVbKAP_748ffNg8NOIF68SwVex5GlQojcKH73fIXuXSF8ZPnD6Q=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6pxpb-YY87_tFcilaHYEXtphSJtaQ1_aXjga9CpfpA5ooNh0d5MS7XJ5YekwyaaCw1Er0yugJZ_HrDh0qv25zcQBzL1x-Vrc2GZaxHwWdbEGeu3HnTiK0DhW-B5c7l1UZ9cZuO-pMVbKAP_748ffNg8NOIF68SwVex5GlQojcKH73fIXuXSF8ZPnD6Q=s16000" /></span></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">One of the things I truly love about working from home is having the flexibility to take a break to tackle a chore or two. It's easy to fold laundry in between answering emails, and to start dinner in between video meetings. I have experimented more in the kitchen in the last 22 months than I ever had time for before, and nearly all of <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/12/whats-cookin-good-lookin.html" target="_blank">my experiments</a> have been hugely successful!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhW-7kmZRbOWPKiRnF-uxBwYIJIjU7Zp1RVBSLGs13KXEBQ7rvyPWpakx82dCu6YkekPLxXZ2DxK9cNrE_ijUWZKfF7L-rjIanlcnfa7AZ1w_vtIlgWeXIAU0ybch2q6tDLGg1h8Ms1CZe_QWBviEHI56qQxkGmC6HBsblFCgWmNaU4_idNmOPrAVZK0w=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhW-7kmZRbOWPKiRnF-uxBwYIJIjU7Zp1RVBSLGs13KXEBQ7rvyPWpakx82dCu6YkekPLxXZ2DxK9cNrE_ijUWZKfF7L-rjIanlcnfa7AZ1w_vtIlgWeXIAU0ybch2q6tDLGg1h8Ms1CZe_QWBviEHI56qQxkGmC6HBsblFCgWmNaU4_idNmOPrAVZK0w=s16000" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Meanwhile it's a frigid day on the mountain top today and <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2017/11/my-cozy-home.html" target="_blank">my woodstove</a> is thankfully cranking out some good heat. The <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/01/instant-pot-review-recipes.html" target="_blank">instant pot</a> has been slow-cooking a batch of chicken broth since yesterday and it's the perfect night to make a big pot of soup. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisvw_fr1on2Beu1MZLYhYlnPR161e7qDFU_g37PSetVZsz8o3oSaoecNk0M56vrmApKJhhjsXcP9uElrMuAZ_1ofIeE7kBbk9PGAuxLPii8CaAIGqU5NOi8OQ3xHi9FDZVbsr3z5Kom6i0VU5qdcHFhzCeXsXX2vsdsrjmEXRrpAJIJmHbuCnPUvQnOA=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisvw_fr1on2Beu1MZLYhYlnPR161e7qDFU_g37PSetVZsz8o3oSaoecNk0M56vrmApKJhhjsXcP9uElrMuAZ_1ofIeE7kBbk9PGAuxLPii8CaAIGqU5NOi8OQ3xHi9FDZVbsr3z5Kom6i0VU5qdcHFhzCeXsXX2vsdsrjmEXRrpAJIJmHbuCnPUvQnOA=s16000" /></span></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">And yes, it's still <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2018/12/holiday-wrap-up.html#more" target="_blank">Christmas in my home</a>....the tree never ever comes down until after Little Christmas, The Feast of the Epiphany, which is also <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2018/06/saying-goodbye.html" target="_blank">my dad's</a> birthday. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUYO7yq46tCKY9pzoSPG8fo_ZlslmJzQkJmdgHMfw4Jm0Kjj-bvYzpD42IacNmufSdSUwDHlZmAN4axW3N6VswDIoMtGielg9NfSg6FVvpjgibhE0W5IwtQrxqULEYPricECQHvt42qCsYmDftEapY4pnMpQQxiHPZ4IvBdmG8LyAVh7Wd7ri2uUvf3w=s800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUYO7yq46tCKY9pzoSPG8fo_ZlslmJzQkJmdgHMfw4Jm0Kjj-bvYzpD42IacNmufSdSUwDHlZmAN4axW3N6VswDIoMtGielg9NfSg6FVvpjgibhE0W5IwtQrxqULEYPricECQHvt42qCsYmDftEapY4pnMpQQxiHPZ4IvBdmG8LyAVh7Wd7ri2uUvf3w=s16000" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Here's wishing you all a very happy and healthy new year, and hopefully you'll be hearing from me a lot more often in 2022!</span> </p>Debbie - Mountain Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18401931842031353732noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737531804022285705.post-43117212197903733582021-04-01T15:26:00.001-04:002021-04-01T15:26:16.554-04:00Spring Is Sneaking In Slowly On The Mountain Top<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Hello to all my wonderful readers who are still hanging in there after all these months! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">It's amazing how quickly time flies by, even when working from home doing the same thing day after day. <span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span></span></span><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6fhBvOYcFuaChClAh1Vvd9mKxeR-Vkz2QSxVJHKvYaKi8NB3OcAguLiS4AaY09BsulU92dBBiaI4Dc99ovpgSEj3uoY6Z18B_NxltJX0N6z82y6XTkOSw50XqPlZZ5Rm-2ytZoF43xGw/s600/11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6fhBvOYcFuaChClAh1Vvd9mKxeR-Vkz2QSxVJHKvYaKi8NB3OcAguLiS4AaY09BsulU92dBBiaI4Dc99ovpgSEj3uoY6Z18B_NxltJX0N6z82y6XTkOSw50XqPlZZ5Rm-2ytZoF43xGw/s16000/11.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">My Work From Home View</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Except for one big thing.....I got my first vaccine on Tuesday, woop woop! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Spring is slowly starting to arrive to the mountain top, and of all years I think this is the year we need it the most. Those sunny warm days have a way of lifting ones spirits like nothing else - all I want to do is sit on my swing and tilt my face up to the sun and soak in those rays! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRb8o8VBd1D4BaWVESjNqOwJusdA-W62HD8lgwWGS4rmJswbMYaGUNTAE8ygb9cFMB6ban1PtMljH2vfLhdfkDZ_9MJABsiZQJZq-IE_2KpIGwxR059QIpNkSj0sPT_4Mm4LJxWatDwXA/s600/13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRb8o8VBd1D4BaWVESjNqOwJusdA-W62HD8lgwWGS4rmJswbMYaGUNTAE8ygb9cFMB6ban1PtMljH2vfLhdfkDZ_9MJABsiZQJZq-IE_2KpIGwxR059QIpNkSj0sPT_4Mm4LJxWatDwXA/s16000/13.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">After I put on my Supergoop SPF 50, of course! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">We've been teased with spring weather a few times so far this month, but this morning we woke to snow, and the temps are dropping into the teens tonight. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I don't know why I'm surprised, after all it is March on the Mountain Top.<a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2020/05/spring-on-mountain-top.html" target="_blank"> Last year</a> it was still snowing in late May. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYCnKyohfjmYpueTsVVotpjColiy2kBOzVV7j_A7f2kRgbeqOzELe2nP8FcTFUc131HXz8i2Q7hDZiG1LXBXrdYJl-wHz7MwfXkE-wPyFw21aLuL67Q5-OQ6BhIkuQgTmcVE1xrdBvOEa/s800/12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYCnKyohfjmYpueTsVVotpjColiy2kBOzVV7j_A7f2kRgbeqOzELe2nP8FcTFUc131HXz8i2Q7hDZiG1LXBXrdYJl-wHz7MwfXkE-wPyFw21aLuL67Q5-OQ6BhIkuQgTmcVE1xrdBvOEa/s16000/12.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">It is what it is, and I have no control over it. But that doesn't mean I have to like it! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I have <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/03/its-cold-blustery-damp-miserable-day.html" target="_blank">two flats of pansies</a> I picked up a couple of weeks ago that I've been protecting from the frost - soon I'll be able to plant them out, I can't wait to see those pops of color all around again! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_BZqDjNAhC0cc3PYwypUa9kNSNNdFQYGMvEsTKIKPCbFasZ0F44TeRfJvi3MSSM9vKWo9Is0vh2DLGd8dSHf9gCSe6LEHA3v93OECAkrwhkDf-X0tKwEOX53DufntO6K0mekHbCshDV9/s600/10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_BZqDjNAhC0cc3PYwypUa9kNSNNdFQYGMvEsTKIKPCbFasZ0F44TeRfJvi3MSSM9vKWo9Is0vh2DLGd8dSHf9gCSe6LEHA3v93OECAkrwhkDf-X0tKwEOX53DufntO6K0mekHbCshDV9/s16000/10.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The critters have clearly been munching away all winter on <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/05/gorgeous-garden-combos.html" target="_blank">the bulbs I planted</a> in the fall....I see so many holes in the gardens where I know I planted bulbs. Sigh. I guess that's life in the country! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5y1X7C04KK0Hu7BNROXpp6B4ZmPX7P4VLC3HL7HLLyBqOfUxE8-p_HJvRFqTEJazkhIb2aGyIHhSEYrVEB2izMwZMvmw8JW11606PkvGDQ-VTV6y55BYxAJsMdeORPfcejR-Bu1KfkvYQ/s800/6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5y1X7C04KK0Hu7BNROXpp6B4ZmPX7P4VLC3HL7HLLyBqOfUxE8-p_HJvRFqTEJazkhIb2aGyIHhSEYrVEB2izMwZMvmw8JW11606PkvGDQ-VTV6y55BYxAJsMdeORPfcejR-Bu1KfkvYQ/s16000/6.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I read somewhere that they didn't like Alliums so I invested in Alliums in the fall. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">It's true - they don't like Alliums. However, they still dug them up, took a bite out of them, and spit them out. I keep putting them back in the holes, and I keep finding them dug up again. So frustrating! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-auMYTG-omuzAOEFbBYsJKIN2JNVx-NVcQPi301XEDVF5AqYn1jiqC3yxErXyFz9G9V8LCP6I-2EEesaNslE7apBWpbym7fV9U13K4id1via_NIjqkwOjAw5H28amHFvLZeeNRV_kHCn/s600/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD-auMYTG-omuzAOEFbBYsJKIN2JNVx-NVcQPi301XEDVF5AqYn1jiqC3yxErXyFz9G9V8LCP6I-2EEesaNslE7apBWpbym7fV9U13K4id1via_NIjqkwOjAw5H28amHFvLZeeNRV_kHCn/s16000/4.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">It feels so good to start to get the garden beds cleaned up again. My <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2015/08/the-walkabout.html" target="_blank">daily walkabouts</a> have resumed, which I have dearly missed. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9H9_uo3PjfMVbJwmuzntAIR6PPqiUQ38zvmdBSwjzPxtoA_GNtnP3WgXzRNFPnvWgcdYd8LSm1g5CgzQQfWgPDSK4Dh-gXlRsfOH5PAPUKbnsB2Pkxktncua32rPuSeFzscTJQwxBXov/s600/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9H9_uo3PjfMVbJwmuzntAIR6PPqiUQ38zvmdBSwjzPxtoA_GNtnP3WgXzRNFPnvWgcdYd8LSm1g5CgzQQfWgPDSK4Dh-gXlRsfOH5PAPUKbnsB2Pkxktncua32rPuSeFzscTJQwxBXov/s16000/5.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The entrance to my house no longer looks like a disaster - not that there's much happening in the way of visitors these days. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfgmL6pOoN2WmagYFqp5mqTFIA3EmjeoZFQ5903gw-sgHYJ156zPhTZI6uzVZq-Q47wm2J0zPGWl11sqtW_z_pfw22pm0rzjcNtn0pyiWGWB_jXDVRC9ile8WeZXHRVk9vu8nGIJSk_RX/s641/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfgmL6pOoN2WmagYFqp5mqTFIA3EmjeoZFQ5903gw-sgHYJ156zPhTZI6uzVZq-Q47wm2J0zPGWl11sqtW_z_pfw22pm0rzjcNtn0pyiWGWB_jXDVRC9ile8WeZXHRVk9vu8nGIJSk_RX/s16000/1.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><div style="text-align: justify;">When I was cleaning up the garden steps I removed all the solar lights I had installed years ago. I no longer needed them as my Sweetie had <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/04/building-cold-frame-other-spring.html" target="_blank">gifted me some hard wired motion lights</a> two years ago for my birthday. What a wonderful gift that was, so incredibly thoughtful and definitely needed! </div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1J6PtC3vh0Uve6auSbhaDHKn9mIcxVC-09IL34hYcVCOK4Yv7HBvp907zj6QVqZ8QWxUhaaAjT5WnTAPsQVRMu0nYbZaiQJxwdChcNUCKWVHZnKOzRqvXa3ZAbAx90ZLlGJupFpff0v3/s600/7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1J6PtC3vh0Uve6auSbhaDHKn9mIcxVC-09IL34hYcVCOK4Yv7HBvp907zj6QVqZ8QWxUhaaAjT5WnTAPsQVRMu0nYbZaiQJxwdChcNUCKWVHZnKOzRqvXa3ZAbAx90ZLlGJupFpff0v3/s16000/7.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I decided to repurpose them in the garden beds by the veggie garden. It will be nice to see them from the deck in the evenings. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscb-67UphOouKrJXr102Z4wbaIMlR9PXielr35e1GtYq-8zEsYHFoFG1QuQzJRHKKfsCyPt_NdERN8LyGA18N6SitcgGupa-Bfc1NCHrfi7zu3xIz0jKQCPLRm0jwQmv-jvk6JNuX-CXe/s600/8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscb-67UphOouKrJXr102Z4wbaIMlR9PXielr35e1GtYq-8zEsYHFoFG1QuQzJRHKKfsCyPt_NdERN8LyGA18N6SitcgGupa-Bfc1NCHrfi7zu3xIz0jKQCPLRm0jwQmv-jvk6JNuX-CXe/s16000/8.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">They look so pretty glowing at night! My <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/06/my-crooked-little-country-garden.html" target="_blank">crooked little country garden</a> looks all fancy now with all the improvements we've made through the years - an arbor and <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2015/11/the-veggie-garden-rescue.html" target="_blank">new gate at the entry</a>, edging around the garden beds, <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2017/07/sweetie-strikes-again.html" target="_blank">the gorgeous path my sweetie installed</a> a few years back, and now lighting - what's next!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS55cdzoA3L6tOS9oadVgwJFzSITsZ10OltsSjGLNT5e-8ULRdexfrjXOxx8_LG3UH27JdQJL9urf3YXuD3k2F2yArji63tZ8nMHWPfaQogk4pRaoFuIFhcZqXEkYMZiWdR9_m9IMKAOlG/s800/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS55cdzoA3L6tOS9oadVgwJFzSITsZ10OltsSjGLNT5e-8ULRdexfrjXOxx8_LG3UH27JdQJL9urf3YXuD3k2F2yArji63tZ8nMHWPfaQogk4pRaoFuIFhcZqXEkYMZiWdR9_m9IMKAOlG/s16000/3.jpg" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Inside the veggie garden the garlic is already coming on strong - I'm so grateful the critters don't like garlic! </div></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">In the lower level, I have most of the <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/03/how-to-save-big-money-each-spring.html" target="_blank">seeds already started</a> for this year's garden. The last to go in will be the zucchini and cucumbers. Last weekend I started <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/07/evenings-on-deck.html" target="_blank">Cosmos</a> and many types of lettuce - they are already coming up! The magic and beauty of Mother Nature never fails to amaze me. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2OQFFFIaqzf7syK4AxVKpoND3B96Q2VCi-n3vxsR7HgHNvlW2z-_4JVYXRparaBsy0mNcEFgIXR92xPhyphenhyphenuVKH_XFDb_Z3eL-OOTMRShrkFlnbyV8LU24VtfStVn99cBQI5SyuMUuDpJ0/s600/9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2OQFFFIaqzf7syK4AxVKpoND3B96Q2VCi-n3vxsR7HgHNvlW2z-_4JVYXRparaBsy0mNcEFgIXR92xPhyphenhyphenuVKH_XFDb_Z3eL-OOTMRShrkFlnbyV8LU24VtfStVn99cBQI5SyuMUuDpJ0/s16000/9.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I celebrated an anniversary last week - it was my 6 year anniversary of the day I closed on my house. I can't believe it's been 6 years, wow that time has just flown by! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkZ8UX-4C1DErLixFq9deL0R_11ANBfMF_cDhZBtrqyir89FiJ3zn1yLmrriDt4ApeQm1peudxpHIiCeMuta0lm0_aiZW5aP0SrgRwlyfR1foBycErbHSu2nU_5NGrh0nML9A8p9KSfvx/s600/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkZ8UX-4C1DErLixFq9deL0R_11ANBfMF_cDhZBtrqyir89FiJ3zn1yLmrriDt4ApeQm1peudxpHIiCeMuta0lm0_aiZW5aP0SrgRwlyfR1foBycErbHSu2nU_5NGrh0nML9A8p9KSfvx/s16000/2.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I still remember<a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/search?q=house+hunt" target="_blank"> that very first time I drove up to what would become my house</a>. I think I started to fall in love instantly....and once I stepped inside that was it, I was sold! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Six years later and I am still absolutely enamored with my cozy home. There have been so many improvements made in that time, and I've really put my own stamp on it....many times with Sweetie's invaluable help. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Home sweet home indeed - I am truly blessed. </span></div>Debbie - Mountain Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18401931842031353732noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737531804022285705.post-41723523048233709092021-01-26T17:50:00.002-05:002021-01-26T17:50:24.440-05:00Hello From The MountainTop! <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Hello at long last from the frigid mountaintop!! It's been eons since I've posted anything on here, I can't believe how the months have flown by. I'm sorry I've been away so long - every day I think about you all and plan to put up a post, and then the days/weeks/months slip by once again. <span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Thankfully we are all staying safe and well through this horrible pandemic. Sweetie and I have kept our distance from pretty much everyone once we had to move indoors for the winter. It's funny, I always said <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/02/coming-home.html" target="_blank">I didn't have enough time at home</a>, and now I'm home all the time....yet I don't get sick of it! I'm still working remotely, which I love....and the pups love it also. Molly is absolutely my little shadow now, heaven forbid I leave her for a second! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mZoINAYk2XDEKJVD_K3fRImWJz10JU8fWw9g0FzOKaJUZSccL8-e5pYUBjdzIlVh278GloMd-bX6YFGnCOYfgk54MKJSNzHtlra4jFCCJHlt26Zvlkd05lDwoCPrUFCi1ZVWEnBd-16G/s800/Molly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mZoINAYk2XDEKJVD_K3fRImWJz10JU8fWw9g0FzOKaJUZSccL8-e5pYUBjdzIlVh278GloMd-bX6YFGnCOYfgk54MKJSNzHtlra4jFCCJHlt26Zvlkd05lDwoCPrUFCi1ZVWEnBd-16G/s16000/Molly.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">My job has taken on a whole new level of stress, which is largely the reason I haven't been on here. What a year to be in the wedding planning business! We are hoping and praying we can resume hosting weddings this summer, but who knows what that will look like. I shut the computer at the end of my workday and sadly it's the last thing I want to look at until I absolutely have to again. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrM3EUIx_h6SUHXtTTEybDj2atPE_5KSwWV4AIfdYAEGdgxZ743_9oh5yr50wUcpOTToMT8K0nD6PPY0amxo9YDyGvB3Jr1fiysfnOk1tYWEJX6edSbMh7U1IfRpadH1iZ3Jd34V0LPZzL/s600/snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrM3EUIx_h6SUHXtTTEybDj2atPE_5KSwWV4AIfdYAEGdgxZ743_9oh5yr50wUcpOTToMT8K0nD6PPY0amxo9YDyGvB3Jr1fiysfnOk1tYWEJX6edSbMh7U1IfRpadH1iZ3Jd34V0LPZzL/s16000/snow.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I bought myself a little lap desk so I could move from the kitchen counter (where I was for the first 6 months of <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2020/03/hanging-in-there.html" target="_blank">working from home</a>) to anywhere in the house. I settle myself on the sofa in the living room, closer to the fire for these blustery days. I can see out the living room window, to my bird feeders and the gently falling snow. There's a pup on each side of me, and every now and again Molly gets up to give my hand a little kiss - she's such a little lovebug. I'm grateful for the simple moments of peace in my days, to help me through the stressful work hours. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwA6u1xF1MqRjApWirXAdr75gslirV1KTv4g1szvi3r9MXLTuS7AScbOQl0oQAiMLeUno64Hk_SoaPvI5aHutD8mCWnhngs-bNpmywyd6ASrQ28st5TKS063SpsRSvVd1qQDm0yp2jCqK/s887/Monkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwA6u1xF1MqRjApWirXAdr75gslirV1KTv4g1szvi3r9MXLTuS7AScbOQl0oQAiMLeUno64Hk_SoaPvI5aHutD8mCWnhngs-bNpmywyd6ASrQ28st5TKS063SpsRSvVd1qQDm0yp2jCqK/s16000/Monkey.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Despite the absolutely frigid temps we are experiencing at the moment, there are signs of spring in the changing light and the lengthening days. The first <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2017/04/saving-money-with-seed-starting.html" target="_blank">seeds have been started</a> in the utility room, which gives me something else to focus on other than getting through this crazy pandemic. So far I have started <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/04/creating-patio-herb-garden.html" target="_blank">all my herbs</a> along with a few varieties of peppers, celery, leeks, and some spring flowers - stock, osteospermum, nicotiana, and sweet peas. <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2020/07/the-deck-garden-in-july.html" target="_blank">The impatiens</a> seeds arrived yesterday and will be the next to be started. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91JRM7End0fL19LMy1NRDoCMRfY4GQZAT_vu7I8HBzrjJYAa9sCTSlD1C_u-Arb1LX874g56mpQmh7lqiRd8I_eN8qbxGrm_FQAJ3B9wk_r7s1dDC4qFZt1FiEYc4GJ_VtZ0oTYKP4Oix/s600/Seeds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91JRM7End0fL19LMy1NRDoCMRfY4GQZAT_vu7I8HBzrjJYAa9sCTSlD1C_u-Arb1LX874g56mpQmh7lqiRd8I_eN8qbxGrm_FQAJ3B9wk_r7s1dDC4qFZt1FiEYc4GJ_VtZ0oTYKP4Oix/s16000/Seeds.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I started my seeds <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2020/02/spring-has-sprung.html" target="_blank">two weeks earlier</a> this year - I have a constant struggle with growing peppers up here, and I'm hoping if I set out bigger plants in spring I will finally have a good pepper crop. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiId8j_XL4nEaXrzxHiAcADBGL7PKfh3hjnSpilh9XopPTSWi6bFfbrQnGbx8tjWJR9SJxejvQyukl9OrV_4OJwC8O8A6Y2pu5l-dDkssKd9qAo9cvqqEpnaOYk7nRNJoyGHTh-EdVW_PxR/s800/seedling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiId8j_XL4nEaXrzxHiAcADBGL7PKfh3hjnSpilh9XopPTSWi6bFfbrQnGbx8tjWJR9SJxejvQyukl9OrV_4OJwC8O8A6Y2pu5l-dDkssKd9qAo9cvqqEpnaOYk7nRNJoyGHTh-EdVW_PxR/s16000/seedling.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I think I will try them in pots this year, rather than in the veggie garden. Perhaps if they are not competing with so many other veggies in such a small garden they will do better. If I put the pots on the <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2017/07/disappointment-more-projects.html" target="_blank">stone patio</a>, maybe the heat radiating from the stones will also help them out. Fingers crossed! Every year I swear I'm giving up on peppers, yet every year I try again. I guess I'm an eternal optimist! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9RiaIRQ9E4p0BhvfDdnNFtveblQiqkJwQB0iig87HemtF1qGgRDbVuh-5y5JVTc1Us7KWKhKh2dyBHqLOw60f5mw2ZgW0pAVKNP33BMWV0Hhrs9D0L7Rw5HCEAVmAnnvM_PNSzaQ1Bvw/s600/Swing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9RiaIRQ9E4p0BhvfDdnNFtveblQiqkJwQB0iig87HemtF1qGgRDbVuh-5y5JVTc1Us7KWKhKh2dyBHqLOw60f5mw2ZgW0pAVKNP33BMWV0Hhrs9D0L7Rw5HCEAVmAnnvM_PNSzaQ1Bvw/s16000/Swing.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I miss my spring and summer <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/07/evenings-on-deck.html" target="_blank">evenings on the swing</a>, but I know they will come around once again. Time really flies as I get older - I can't believe it's nearly February already. Before you know it I'll be doing <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2020/05/spring-on-mountain-top.html" target="_blank">my daily walkabout</a> in the garden, searching for bulbs popping up. I planted a bunch of new bulbs in the fall, so I'll be super excited to see what the critters didn't eat, come spring! I also split and moved a ton of daffodils in spring so I'm hoping year by year I'll see a <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2018/05/the-garden-in-early-may.html" target="_blank">sea of bobbing yellow heads</a> as I walk my property. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9VCiTrOpkm-vpiBDgFWJOq8SSoW4QyBaTwHdEvs4TEUF2oWuVIh0OXMhOCg3Rj13APr2c_-i5-HjOELivfyWvOSbtfUOZHJv9YJXrlLMLG78ijf0oGiXYsFjhUiqeh_ybQLBCTt5Fvy_/s600/dr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9VCiTrOpkm-vpiBDgFWJOq8SSoW4QyBaTwHdEvs4TEUF2oWuVIh0OXMhOCg3Rj13APr2c_-i5-HjOELivfyWvOSbtfUOZHJv9YJXrlLMLG78ijf0oGiXYsFjhUiqeh_ybQLBCTt5Fvy_/s16000/dr.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Until that time comes, I'll do what I normally do in winter....hunker down and enjoy my cozy house. <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/01/boho-style-and-houseplants.html" target="_blank">My houseplants</a> get a little extra TLC in winter, when they aren't competing with my outside plants. The <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/01/amaryllis-care-and-tips.html" target="_blank">amaryllis</a> is out of dormancy and growing like a weed. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzF35y8aBmWCj_XHunJn31FACokpsJOl-95mqZfwZb1RXTxr3eq2jjFpoZY20FjWjlkGimCkj6_BCwZXLPjUV7-l9anJu9EytH7NdeltHuULBrbAoS-zR9jzRI-kJVXAEaPczoi48BBUZ/s600/guestroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzF35y8aBmWCj_XHunJn31FACokpsJOl-95mqZfwZb1RXTxr3eq2jjFpoZY20FjWjlkGimCkj6_BCwZXLPjUV7-l9anJu9EytH7NdeltHuULBrbAoS-zR9jzRI-kJVXAEaPczoi48BBUZ/s16000/guestroom.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The geraniums I have tucked here and there around the house aren't flowering yet, but they're happy, so that's good. I usually overwinter all my geraniums <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2018/10/how-to-overwinter-your-geraniums.html" target="_blank">using this method</a> but I have noticed that some of the younger/smaller ones don't do as well as the larger, more established ones. This year I decided to bring the smaller ones in (they are all pieces I rooted from larger ones) and scatter them around the house. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmPJjEk25Pra3nQ2uh5h67s8MF1IEbqyuWKotD7L6jgGKQb_yLCrmj0JaJ2OH4c2xZ5uskaI7701QRkHWClxfEJXc9pyVpqRWMUlWDeyS3FhH_WnujGTNUu0TXRUSI8Oh_n7G57sUhmzW/s800/Window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmPJjEk25Pra3nQ2uh5h67s8MF1IEbqyuWKotD7L6jgGKQb_yLCrmj0JaJ2OH4c2xZ5uskaI7701QRkHWClxfEJXc9pyVpqRWMUlWDeyS3FhH_WnujGTNUu0TXRUSI8Oh_n7G57sUhmzW/s16000/Window.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I ended up bringing in 7 potted geraniums, which are now in every window I could tuck them into. Two are even in <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2015/12/guests-and-big-green-monster.html" target="_blank">the guest shower</a>, under a skylight. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSabiAg9EEN0vHo97J0jMdnZBO3XL3zx8kMSAXut8Pu0VNiqULfYmdwDqgGGCZXTWjWqiKpc-eNAMMAUiUCqvjx8uLA-jguUYbyYPJStC20cleTQyG8PcDJwVQDYTtZxY3uynoYZQJGZQM/s600/bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSabiAg9EEN0vHo97J0jMdnZBO3XL3zx8kMSAXut8Pu0VNiqULfYmdwDqgGGCZXTWjWqiKpc-eNAMMAUiUCqvjx8uLA-jguUYbyYPJStC20cleTQyG8PcDJwVQDYTtZxY3uynoYZQJGZQM/s16000/bedroom.jpg" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I imagine as our days get longer they will begin to bloom, and of course once <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2017/04/early-spring-on-mountain-top.html" target="_blank">spring settles in on the mountain top</a>, they will go outside and join the rest of <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2015/08/walkabout-part-ii.html" target="_blank">the deck garden. </a></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I hope you are all staying safe and well, and I'll try not to leave it as long before the next update. Thank you to all of you who have reached out to make sure I'm ok - I truly do miss all of you, I am just having a hard time balancing my work and personal life, I need to get better at that. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Until next time, my friends xo </span></p>Debbie - Mountain Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18401931842031353732noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737531804022285705.post-87024443834593111882020-07-09T14:25:00.001-04:002020-07-09T14:25:56.896-04:00The Deck Garden in July <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well....nearly TWO MONTHS since I was here with an update.....what's up with that? I've missed all of you, and thanks to those of you who have reached out to me on Instagram to let me know you've missed my blog posts!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I never intend to stay away so long, it just seems the days fly by, one after another, and before you know it it's been wayyyyyy too long!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Work is crazy....and by the time I shut my computer off at the end of the day/week, I don't want to open it again until I have to. Sigh.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But here I am...and thank you for sticking with me through these long absences!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's probably the worst year in history to be in the wedding planning business.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've cried more with my brides this season than in any other year. My heart breaks for all the couples out there who have been looking forward to their dream wedding this season, only to have the rug pulled out from under them. Who could have ever predicted this when we heard about that first case of Coronavirus here in the US back in January?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, in MUCH happier news....<a href="https://iwonbestdressed.com/2020/05/21/bbg-in-quarantine-staying-fit-at-home/">my older daughter</a> got engaged in June!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We are all beyond delighted for Amanda & Alex and can't wait to celebrate with them when we can all be together again! We've missed wayyyy too many celebrations this year, but we're certainly not alone in that. Sigh. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm still <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2020/03/hanging-in-there.html#more">working from home</a>, which I love, even with the challenges that working from home can bring. I can't imagine what the pups think....they won't know what to do with themselves once I go back to the office. Right now I'm their slave...let me out, let me in, give me a cookie, I need a snuggle....you know the drill!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApg-1g4cliQsdg0yCRxv6rjH2acdKEXg2PNs4Ri45McD52Lh5PO0NKDBqpYhP5aC3GGGB7hEmeY0QwbFQkV8PUtE8zDvNfm0uZkNTZf2GqVjhKtO8DnBr7bWEbR_6rHgskDxh_pPUiEiI/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApg-1g4cliQsdg0yCRxv6rjH2acdKEXg2PNs4Ri45McD52Lh5PO0NKDBqpYhP5aC3GGGB7hEmeY0QwbFQkV8PUtE8zDvNfm0uZkNTZf2GqVjhKtO8DnBr7bWEbR_6rHgskDxh_pPUiEiI/s1600/7.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here they are in one of their favorite 'lookout' spots....they are facing towards the road, and although you can't see it at this time of year, they hear people out there hiking or walking their dogs and love to let them know in no uncertain terms just who owns this mountain top!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's great to be able to take a five minute break to let them out and step out into the sunshine and country air....and I've been finding great solace in <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/07/evenings-on-deck.html#more">my deck garden</a> during this stressful time, for sure.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLv1Sqlp5clDTi5Q9UTvyCq2uyBj78vcXi7IaSznEyFps23E33M6cLK_6zlHg59YSavDlFuZlUWku0yn7fz1zcLlHXHRGaudaKHPkzKbiFHWSLgUoJ2pZ2QVozTfv4iS9ci_TUV9E34T7J/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLv1Sqlp5clDTi5Q9UTvyCq2uyBj78vcXi7IaSznEyFps23E33M6cLK_6zlHg59YSavDlFuZlUWku0yn7fz1zcLlHXHRGaudaKHPkzKbiFHWSLgUoJ2pZ2QVozTfv4iS9ci_TUV9E34T7J/s1600/2.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I kept things rather soothing this year with a ton of blue, white, and pink. Funny when I planned my deck garden <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2020/01/my-2020-seed-order.html#more">way back in January,</a> I had a peaceful palette in mind, yet I had no idea how the world would change in just a couple of months. I'm sure glad I did, it's been such a haven!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qshom-3jwWVKhMOXXWYYaEIWQfYM8wBwbznBEYPJRhVS5LwpZ4kpoEvmBy84ErDl-SizuJdyO6fCfNNNj6V1G_IDVDTE8IicSZAXH-mEwUdlJRcmO6zYt6uwUWkVGEk-QCVe6L-WDbZd/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qshom-3jwWVKhMOXXWYYaEIWQfYM8wBwbznBEYPJRhVS5LwpZ4kpoEvmBy84ErDl-SizuJdyO6fCfNNNj6V1G_IDVDTE8IicSZAXH-mEwUdlJRcmO6zYt6uwUWkVGEk-QCVe6L-WDbZd/s1600/6.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It amazes me to look at this lush photo and realize that I started every flower from seed....with the exception of the <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2018/10/how-to-overwinter-your-geraniums.html">geraniums, which were overwintered</a>. Remarkable what can happen from a teeny little seed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I replaced a previous planter on the deck with <a href="https://amzn.to/2ZXqpUl">this one</a>, that <a href="https://cozylittlehouse.com/">my friend Brenda</a> had purchased back in early Spring for her own patio. Previously I had a metal stand in this spot with two very heavy clay flower boxes that I lugged up and down the steps each spring and fall. I decided to go with something that would withstand our harsh winters and save my back, and I 'm so glad I did!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePNnFvu9HnGeJjM7YIMdIashdS1diP-hbypsXFwXltaOg86RfQS22ehITHj0d0h70P9vCsyyiL5mWaIEdJ1SqnFKaWNUdrcJcDK5dkcaXZRCAIswGWUsxjFu-uxofYn2nRse-zPc_OddF/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePNnFvu9HnGeJjM7YIMdIashdS1diP-hbypsXFwXltaOg86RfQS22ehITHj0d0h70P9vCsyyiL5mWaIEdJ1SqnFKaWNUdrcJcDK5dkcaXZRCAIswGWUsxjFu-uxofYn2nRse-zPc_OddF/s1600/4.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is the current view from my deck swing, my heaven on earth. I try to take a little time each day after work to relax on the swing before dinner, and usually Molly is by my side. Of course we have to play <a href="https://amzn.to/3gLmUXU">Chuck It</a> first with the pups....that's Monkey's favorite game! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIlfLQNwBS7vBagX32XltB0YCYGjthNLWtgLTe_Siq6IAfN3qs0niNJgNs33b_VuYkZTRHrPEw4jz48M0iB5wavj1HrUtPcAaSoh_EZzXDnwT7yMroiwOW12o3P02YJLXu5U0eLngIcvj/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIlfLQNwBS7vBagX32XltB0YCYGjthNLWtgLTe_Siq6IAfN3qs0niNJgNs33b_VuYkZTRHrPEw4jz48M0iB5wavj1HrUtPcAaSoh_EZzXDnwT7yMroiwOW12o3P02YJLXu5U0eLngIcvj/s1600/5.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love the way this corner turned out, although it wasn't my initial plan. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had purchased Lily bulbs for this corner and was hoping beyond hope that the critters would leave them alone if they were in pots on the deck. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">They have eaten <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/02/planning-my-spring-garden.html">EVERY SINGLE LILY BULB</a> that I planted in the perennial bed. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShLllf8Mqjo4yk1fR32gNayGOm5fXXFiLGnM9RcCHTS_fYhuUNW4XQ7IY-JNheSSdXhvSBL3ZkjaSZVpU7aIVWZJNAThJrzgBBoEUXln8FD7ooZD_zDS_cWkLbjqgld6G3n4TptMnkqZm/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShLllf8Mqjo4yk1fR32gNayGOm5fXXFiLGnM9RcCHTS_fYhuUNW4XQ7IY-JNheSSdXhvSBL3ZkjaSZVpU7aIVWZJNAThJrzgBBoEUXln8FD7ooZD_zDS_cWkLbjqgld6G3n4TptMnkqZm/s1600/9.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well guess what....despite my pathetic efforts to protect the bulbs, and trying so many different suggestions, the darned chipmunks ate every single bulb. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQs181fi0SSBjwntWC5wgrua4CrwzkrIxq9DJt90D2Pj82BIdYAKQmAKhx29rCaFaX_hXIi3G09Ws9wVXBZXmuG-voE9EOEg6owWS8D3CgFuloGnI2FW4_cziu2B1EdbzBDyhHaRQBcTo/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQs181fi0SSBjwntWC5wgrua4CrwzkrIxq9DJt90D2Pj82BIdYAKQmAKhx29rCaFaX_hXIi3G09Ws9wVXBZXmuG-voE9EOEg6owWS8D3CgFuloGnI2FW4_cziu2B1EdbzBDyhHaRQBcTo/s1600/8.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I give up on Lilies. So sad. I took a ride to the garden center last week to find something tall to put in those pots in lieu of Lilies. Just look at that gorgeous Salvia, it's just stunning! And you can't go wrong with Cleome. There's also a purple Verbena in there somewhere, it's so feathery and seems to float above the other more dense flowers. I love the different textures playing off one another. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Of course the darned chipmunks had to dig in the pots right after I planted, just to see if they left any lily bulbs behind.....grrrrrr, they are such aggravating little critters, but so cute! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I even added some blue Salvia in <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/04/creating-patio-herb-garden.html">the herb boxes</a> this year, to carry the blue all the way across the deck. I can't wait for it to fill in, I just love those blue spiky flowers.....and so do the bees! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On a side note, it's hard to believe I restained this deck just last spring. The snow and ice really destroys it every season....oh well, I take the good with the bad. Maybe if the urge hits me I'll take a brush to those spots....or maybe I'll wait until next spring. We'll see. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I do love having these herb boxes right outside my kitchen door, that's for sure! One of the wonderful things about working from home is that I'm trying out all sorts of new recipes. I can easily start prepping for a recipe while on the phone or in between emails - it's wonderful! I can run out to <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/06/my-crooked-little-country-garden.html">the veggie garden</a> to grab some lettuce for a salad....pretty soon we'll have tomatoes also, I can't wait! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What's been going on in your world? I sure hope you are all staying safe and well! </span></div>
Debbie - Mountain Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18401931842031353732noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737531804022285705.post-67990044834144977802020-05-11T14:49:00.000-04:002020-05-12T09:08:23.177-04:00Spring on the Mountain Top <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I cannot believe how long it's been since I posted on here....thank you to all my sweet readers who reached out to make sure Sweetie and I were alright. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We're fine, thank God, just laying low and staying home, like the rest of the nation. I pray you are all doing well also, and not going stir crazy at this point. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've been very, very busy with work....as many of you know, I plan weddings for a living. Well, guess what.....it's been a stressful couple of months, without a doubt. Add to the state of the current world and weddings the fact that my company was sold, and we are transitioning into a whole new computer system and it complicates things tenfold. Sigh. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you miss me when I'm not able to get on here to post, you may want to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mountainmamaonline/">follow me on Instagram</a>....I tend to post on there nearly every day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As an <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2018/08/preserving-harvest.html">avid gardener,</a> working from home in the springtime should be a dream come true....after all, I can spend my lunch time in the garden, and head straight to the garden at the end of the work day, right??? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yeah. Not so much. We've had the WORST spring weather, and I'm completely frustrated with it at this point. We've had sub freezing temperatures, snow, hail, crazy wind storms, and rain, rain, rain. And did I mention there's more snow on the way tomorrow? I'm over it. Seriously. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">These photos were taken on a day when I mistakenly thought Spring was actually coming to the mountaintop. The forecast looked good, with temps above freezing, so I started planting some cold tolerant annuals and herbs that I had already hardened off. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And then, lo and behold, everything changed. Winter came back. And now it won't leave. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The perennials are trying to flower, the poor little things....the carpet phlox on <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/04/creating-secret-garden.html">the garden wall</a> is ready to burst into bloom, if the sun would ever shine on it for a hot second. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The daffodils were looking lovely, like little spots of sunshine on <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/05/the-garden-in-late-may.html">the garden steps</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And then the snow came and flattened them....now they're hanging their pretty little heads. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">All the little pots are back in my dining room....so much for getting a head start on <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/07/evenings-on-deck.html">my deck garden. </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Everything I can't bring in has to get covered each evening. I'm not sure it will be enough, but I'm hoping and praying. Everything that was planted was either <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2018/05/the-garden-in-early-may.html">overwintered or started from seed</a>, and it would be a crying shame to lose them at this point to the lousy weather. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The babies are so anxious to get out and play <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/06/bear-update.html">their favorite game</a>, Chuck It. But the back garden is so sopping wet I can't possibly run them out there, they'll be absolutely plastered with mud. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Look at sweet Molly, she's such a tiny little thing out in the big world....all she wants to do is run and play with the Monkey, and do her zoomies and happy hops all over the garden. She comes with us on <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2015/08/the-walkabout.html">our evening walkabout</a>, but she gets bored. Monkey would stay out with me all day long, sniffing and sniffing, but Molly heads back up to the deck after a while and waits for us there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'm watching and watching the weather, praying that winter let's go of its grip on us soon....I have a feeling we're going to go straight from winter to summer with no spring in between. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It looks like things might begin to change for the better on Thursday....say a prayer for us, will ya? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What's it like in your neck of the woods? Has spring settled in to stay yet? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Be safe and well, my friends - xo </span></div>
Debbie - Mountain Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18401931842031353732noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737531804022285705.post-65501637808603588102020-03-23T13:46:00.000-04:002020-03-23T13:46:21.366-04:00Hanging In There <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What a time this has been for us all - who would have thought a month ago that this odd virus floating around could become a national pandemic? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Even our remote little mountain top has been affected, with businesses closed from one end of Main Street to the other, and 5 confirmed cases in the area. Scary times, for sure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm blessed to be working from home during this time of unrest and unease, and I've been following all the guidelines for social distancing....no dining out, no parties, no group events....I basically only venture out for supplies as needed, armed with disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqmfffztL0GfcQZ47CDie3tTWSCc0Xqt6hy2NFazq6D5YhXQa_Ko0PBEmPWsv_UEKThv2Z07m5VBrKl_Sl9NE8f51tTEpUboUGJKmNujxfOYl9GqI5wEi5Utu-MG7utPstF-zgByCAnX0/s1600/kitchen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqmfffztL0GfcQZ47CDie3tTWSCc0Xqt6hy2NFazq6D5YhXQa_Ko0PBEmPWsv_UEKThv2Z07m5VBrKl_Sl9NE8f51tTEpUboUGJKmNujxfOYl9GqI5wEi5Utu-MG7utPstF-zgByCAnX0/s1600/kitchen2.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am thankful at this time more than ever for my cozy house, which brings me much comfort. I always hated leaving my house in the mornings to go to work, and for right now I don't have to! My laptop is set up on my kitchen counter and I work in peace and solitude, with nobody but the pups around to distract me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My woodstove is still going, keeping the house warm and cozy on this blustery spring day. The snow is falling heavily at the moment, and whirling around in crazy wind gusts, which are rattling the windows. In like a lion, out like a lamb, right? I sure feel sorry for the spring birds that have already begun to make their way back up North!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwk6FG0wl5C-uGy7FAe0g5CWqvjfyv5VlPN2JKhPo_a1TUDTPj0199i369TkJKKl5t0wWK5KHXMVazfVZQLoO6zJF-LMlfiigYIZ8Avg06164XxSi_0u2kGCebjQ4EZcapk_Qr2PkDEQq/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwk6FG0wl5C-uGy7FAe0g5CWqvjfyv5VlPN2JKhPo_a1TUDTPj0199i369TkJKKl5t0wWK5KHXMVazfVZQLoO6zJF-LMlfiigYIZ8Avg06164XxSi_0u2kGCebjQ4EZcapk_Qr2PkDEQq/s1600/5.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I write this, Monkey is snoring softly in her chair in front of the fire, and Molly is curled up in a little ball on the back of Monkey's chair. They are probably very confused and don't understand why Mommy is home so often these days. It means many more trips outside to do their business or chase squirrels....and many more treats, as they get one every time they come back inside. Spoiled little angels! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I had already started clearing garden beds before this snow arrived, and will get back to it once the snow melts again. It felt good to be back out in the fresh air, with the birdsong and smell of fresh earth surrounding me. I'm anxious to get everything cleaned up and ready for spring, but the weather is against me, sadly. When the sunshine returns, I'll grab snatches of time on my lunch break to spend in the garden, doing what I can with this bonus time at home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But, for now, I shall have to focus my energies on my seedlings and transplants, and try to get them good and strong for when winter finally releases its hold on the mountain top, and I can start moving some plants outdoors. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2fuASoBxPCS6x2NvdpuQaU6IjWhxgHqki2G9V9I8XZsm8nbKxYy3jv_Qo2ydMZsTelqt-EnR3YK5MlCE89wKL9xylTUfVLNEuAbn6oDD_LOPx1XZEpWb5fjiK58_MI8afgTX45JUxMCh/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2fuASoBxPCS6x2NvdpuQaU6IjWhxgHqki2G9V9I8XZsm8nbKxYy3jv_Qo2ydMZsTelqt-EnR3YK5MlCE89wKL9xylTUfVLNEuAbn6oDD_LOPx1XZEpWb5fjiK58_MI8afgTX45JUxMCh/s1600/1.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The first of the bulbs I forced indoors has bloomed, and I'm delighted to see this tiny ray of sunshine in my kitchen window to brighten the gloomiest of days. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZA9KZIkO1J23xneGtKY3EAr_U4wPJtb80837PDIcK08jKqeo6wDmhRLCFO0T_GWyLl1nXB2tdnaRHae8EQGSpokyx29rLx5p53lsqYzsGtli-d_iP-jz8e5cGg8baWBP_6PsVSBrnX2l/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZA9KZIkO1J23xneGtKY3EAr_U4wPJtb80837PDIcK08jKqeo6wDmhRLCFO0T_GWyLl1nXB2tdnaRHae8EQGSpokyx29rLx5p53lsqYzsGtli-d_iP-jz8e5cGg8baWBP_6PsVSBrnX2l/s1600/2.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And in the evenings, after the washing up is done, it's time to snuggle up by the fire with my sweet pups and be thankful for this warm and comfortable place I call home. My haven in this crazy world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Be safe, my friend, and be well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hugs from home - xo </span></div>
Debbie - Mountain Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18401931842031353732noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737531804022285705.post-346275951092636192020-03-03T14:36:00.002-05:002020-03-03T14:36:09.769-05:00Signs of Spring<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yesterday was a glorious day on the mountain top! The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and best of all......are you ready?? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Drumroll please.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">THE RED WINGED BLACKBIRDS HAVE RETURNED!!!!!!!!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0inMUokrlUm1jxTM20jZNnl-F4wwD-83LqqYAIX55JPHNrxT9z3XuKLIh-EmvbmE6Pu9t7dcEYO7XDBmOfNY-36ND2N0FoqnGo-WmRTmULW_E_GwOXBQ_txgJZ24-59A6v0oVH-HKwgwW/s1600/red+winged+blackbird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0inMUokrlUm1jxTM20jZNnl-F4wwD-83LqqYAIX55JPHNrxT9z3XuKLIh-EmvbmE6Pu9t7dcEYO7XDBmOfNY-36ND2N0FoqnGo-WmRTmULW_E_GwOXBQ_txgJZ24-59A6v0oVH-HKwgwW/s1600/red+winged+blackbird.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://sites.psu.edu/birdsofpa/birds-of-pennsylvania/red-winged-blackbird/">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">That means spring really IS around the corner! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When I came home from work there were two males in the big maple tree in my front garden. Oh, I was so delighted to see them! Sweetie has had them at his house for at least a week already....and now they finally made their way up the mountain to my house too! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Happy days, for sure! <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2017/04/creeping-slowly-towards-spring.html#more">The Robins </a>will be next, hopping around the back garden looking for fat worms. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It truly is the little things, don't you think?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The snow has all but melted at this point, but of course we could still get more snow for the next three months.....sigh. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But the sunshine has been glorious, and the clocks change this weekend, so I'm one excited lady! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Even <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/04/bits-bobsand-update.html#more">my fig tree</a> is happy! As soon as I brought it upstairs it started growing figs! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In the fall I carry it in from the deck and tuck it into the closet under the stairs. It's cool down there (50's) and the fig doesn't get any light or water until I bring it upstairs after the Christmas decor gets put away. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDfwQUt_5UKBdDH5yX4k3mFAb_DnTAm8bZ9iGdxWafG2KmTncQEifG6zvbAebMHqY7IhU-72wflwf2OANq54KAw3gaVl1LxqqL8elJF8caZgMc0eCQCr1ZEIks4Rl8e6KQNBFyLesLU1W/s1600/fig+tree2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDfwQUt_5UKBdDH5yX4k3mFAb_DnTAm8bZ9iGdxWafG2KmTncQEifG6zvbAebMHqY7IhU-72wflwf2OANq54KAw3gaVl1LxqqL8elJF8caZgMc0eCQCr1ZEIks4Rl8e6KQNBFyLesLU1W/s1600/fig+tree2.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have it in a South facing window, in <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2017/12/the-guest-room-is-all-grown-up.html#more">the guest room</a>, where it can enjoy the view of <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2015/08/happy-monday-yall.html">the horses</a> and the mountains all day long. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Last season was the first time it bore fruit, but the figs never ripened, I imagine due to our short summer season. So, this year I brought it upstairs earlier, to give it more time....and look at that, it appears I may actually get a fig or two this year! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhLn9i08gBA_kYAyOUZGQ4IkWU1Covhel9RYs5jOt884pPiW0LQSvpjF9fJbdluYAiQHSyxh1NMNngLTHMdRAnqj3_Wt7UpNEVGNFYDMBTkHAPgoFjVK0Dsa3En1d951I92OtSrdwA65H/s1600/seed+starting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhLn9i08gBA_kYAyOUZGQ4IkWU1Covhel9RYs5jOt884pPiW0LQSvpjF9fJbdluYAiQHSyxh1NMNngLTHMdRAnqj3_Wt7UpNEVGNFYDMBTkHAPgoFjVK0Dsa3En1d951I92OtSrdwA65H/s1600/seed+starting.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Downstairs, my seed starting is going well, and I now have 11 flats of seedlings planted. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The first eight flats are now in the laundry room area, under two grow lights. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The three most recently planted flats are in the utility room, where it's toasty warm right next to the furnace. They are also under a grow light. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I also use heat mats to help them get started....my seed starting equipment sure has grown since <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/03/seed-starting-in-snow.html">I first tried growing from seed</a>! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I now own four grow lights and three heat mats, and about 20 black seed starting trays. The only thing I'm missing is a greenhouse! Ahhhh, some day....a girl can dream, right? For now<a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/04/building-cold-frame-other-spring.html"> my wonderful cold frame</a> will certainly suffice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtf14yZkG0g89E97j4j_8F-6jnQFCmvY34luWEwj-3zGVn88Wkql_lFXlSgSKa8GBTuoJI67LsgqtCLqu_0GuK5cEQXtMrsoab0zeydgBSm-81cbPSupJyXaP0j6v2Z12kf8srQ0Stw_Nw/s1600/seedlings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtf14yZkG0g89E97j4j_8F-6jnQFCmvY34luWEwj-3zGVn88Wkql_lFXlSgSKa8GBTuoJI67LsgqtCLqu_0GuK5cEQXtMrsoab0zeydgBSm-81cbPSupJyXaP0j6v2Z12kf8srQ0Stw_Nw/s1600/seedlings.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">These are Impatiens, and are just getting their second set of leaves. By the time our last frost date rolls around (Memorial Day Weekend) and I can safely plant these out they should be good and strong. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBJBS5z0eMKwmHkeIaDhfneXwo4Hj4HKRICIjuMBZ4c9yxJ3o9nPwepB2XvGNlXlZwnISDGkaTgmOQJV_aWKPyLL0bgsfmS2fuTZywYKmX8W9wNRzN8c9fUOs3Eivq3YjKl6AuvRjrLMp/s1600/impatiens2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBJBS5z0eMKwmHkeIaDhfneXwo4Hj4HKRICIjuMBZ4c9yxJ3o9nPwepB2XvGNlXlZwnISDGkaTgmOQJV_aWKPyLL0bgsfmS2fuTZywYKmX8W9wNRzN8c9fUOs3Eivq3YjKl6AuvRjrLMp/s1600/impatiens2.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Meanwhile, the Impatiens cuttings I rooted in the kitchen window all winter are incredibly robust! Why on earth did I never think to do this before? It was so simple!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I cut healthy stems off all <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2020/01/my-2020-seed-order.html#more">my Impatiens</a> right before the first frost, as I was tucking the pots into the garage, and stuck them in water in the kitchen window. Every single one rooted! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Guess what I'll be doing this fall? </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhZXto3RT8SKh3dYTdVEarDhiEzgzibPv3c28xWXzo942tgwfaHZowa5OJ-u-bbTOcUmbhbuuPT2KlmA2NldVFUGUse5CATXnRLliJrtBLZNy17olejy8OixDYf8zku1Uh7IGHWqUiCA8/s1600/osteo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhZXto3RT8SKh3dYTdVEarDhiEzgzibPv3c28xWXzo942tgwfaHZowa5OJ-u-bbTOcUmbhbuuPT2KlmA2NldVFUGUse5CATXnRLliJrtBLZNy17olejy8OixDYf8zku1Uh7IGHWqUiCA8/s1600/osteo.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://parkseed.com/asti-purple-bicolor-osteospermum-seeds/p/51529-PK-P1/">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">These gorgeous Osteospermums were one of my most recent seed starting experiments. I always adore these flowers come spring, but I've never tried to start them from seed. Fingers crossed! Nothing has sprouted yet, but it's only been a few days. </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkEaygHvlovnC-LuqugQCIgOPkBkmAu07azHAsXFNGk-eurP19vSFyivasaw2a76-Ss6TP9V8rWOVsHHabKZJ5LkJ7g6YbsHme2V85MLY9nCVWbmknb8OepNsarXFhwISe0tyUilIb7_v/s1600/coleus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkEaygHvlovnC-LuqugQCIgOPkBkmAu07azHAsXFNGk-eurP19vSFyivasaw2a76-Ss6TP9V8rWOVsHHabKZJ5LkJ7g6YbsHme2V85MLY9nCVWbmknb8OepNsarXFhwISe0tyUilIb7_v/s1600/coleus.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://parkseed.com/wizard-mix-coleus-seeds/p/02986-PK-P1/">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This Coleus was another....don't you just love Coleus? I know from experience that cuttings from Coleus root easily in water, so at the end of the season I'll have to snip some stems for next season's plants. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I need more windowsills!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgVNtb0mQcFKq3ebv7VDXaXUez2hGHGD7WzZr89A6HNwrEQmLDENVDLFVfDOCeTODAS7QrE_-8PvjvYAiZWKyPSTO4d7rBfpdTb0WEvar5bQIPMZLqdpFR3lC0ZHBS4VSL8lPrhuJMxxg/s1600/dusty+miller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgVNtb0mQcFKq3ebv7VDXaXUez2hGHGD7WzZr89A6HNwrEQmLDENVDLFVfDOCeTODAS7QrE_-8PvjvYAiZWKyPSTO4d7rBfpdTb0WEvar5bQIPMZLqdpFR3lC0ZHBS4VSL8lPrhuJMxxg/s1600/dusty+miller.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://parkseed.com/dusty-miller-silverado/p/51226-PK-P1/">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I've also planted some Dusty Miller seeds. I like the way this plant glows in the waning light as the sun is setting. I didn't start many, just 6 cells....just enough for an accent here and there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It seems the groundhog was right and we may just get an early spring....and I plan on being ready for it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Meanwhile, just where were my little helpers, do you think? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYltJQCe7PrC1WcvFI2Dmv5qRQobq01Fuc7fJbM7DkOVB8_AxP0sG5zWxrww1EkkdY8k97oLc15hiaGQDOLHlFyHkmasJ9MTs-qVjrZc5nnlLwyN2KsegYg09-oG6ICx7JrD6E5mQsPYpn/s1600/pups2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYltJQCe7PrC1WcvFI2Dmv5qRQobq01Fuc7fJbM7DkOVB8_AxP0sG5zWxrww1EkkdY8k97oLc15hiaGQDOLHlFyHkmasJ9MTs-qVjrZc5nnlLwyN2KsegYg09-oG6ICx7JrD6E5mQsPYpn/s1600/pups2.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Molly was napping on a cozy blanket by the fire with her baby pink bone....and Monkey was looking for a chance to steal the baby pink bone! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Story of my days....the little rascals!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What's happening in your world? Any signs of spring? </span></div>
Debbie - Mountain Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18401931842031353732noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737531804022285705.post-50407319214695010842020-02-20T15:36:00.001-05:002020-02-20T15:36:31.868-05:00Ten Incredible Books<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Life lately has been work, work, and more work. Sigh. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But in between I have managed to read some really good books!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Once I started reading audio books it changed my life, seriously. Now I get so much more 'reading' done, as I can have my book playing while I'm doing many other things....driving, cooking, cleaning, getting ready for work. It's been such a blessing! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I love hearing about good books, and I'll always check my library app and add your recommendations to my wishlist. So, today I thought I'd share my most recent recommendations with you! Some of these have been around for a while, but I just read them recently, so they go on the list. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ok here we go!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGekCKxFiUf1G98AzZQoDPT0uwvMJzGl3vctFKMMkGlU6WquWn2UoJ9oMlQ2iN3S2rBQbe8KvCBAbESrPCJ8p6X5Y31eD4xRkJ0z3yzoeOrC95lOnGiXrUUzt_NTAH-b8-JdLNkmfEg0sH/s1600/41d5u91EnxL._SX324_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGekCKxFiUf1G98AzZQoDPT0uwvMJzGl3vctFKMMkGlU6WquWn2UoJ9oMlQ2iN3S2rBQbe8KvCBAbESrPCJ8p6X5Y31eD4xRkJ0z3yzoeOrC95lOnGiXrUUzt_NTAH-b8-JdLNkmfEg0sH/s1600/41d5u91EnxL._SX324_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://amzn.to/38KxMl1">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The <a href="https://amzn.to/38KxMl1">Art of Racing in the Rain</a> - ahhhh, what a great book....any dog lover would get a kick out of this book, which is all told from the dog's point of view. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Amazon says: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of
family, love, loyalty, and hope--a captivating look at the wonders and
absurdities of human life . . . as only a dog could tell it. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoaqb24Num5undf-Nk1z_HDJ18x6f-wqNzTMcYe4uakQBOQuqeDO097ms8wCNZ1-aPlJeAmCbgQ3aXPoaC6a7t4Y0X_Y5gdgn1KgqKtTqELc_vjQX-V17CmOfZ26zzEXrd_GYy8flUsi7/s1600/71MN0BfwWQL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoaqb24Num5undf-Nk1z_HDJ18x6f-wqNzTMcYe4uakQBOQuqeDO097ms8wCNZ1-aPlJeAmCbgQ3aXPoaC6a7t4Y0X_Y5gdgn1KgqKtTqELc_vjQX-V17CmOfZ26zzEXrd_GYy8flUsi7/s1600/71MN0BfwWQL.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://amzn.to/37HhacD">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://amzn.to/37HhacD">The Family Upstairs</a>....this one captured my attention from the very first page! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Amazon says: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Gifted musician Clemency Thompson is playing for tourists on the
streets of Southern France when she receives an urgent text message. Her
childhood friend, Lucy, is demanding her immediate return to London.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's happening, says the message<i>. </i>The baby is back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Libby Jones was only six months old when she became an orphan. Now
25, she's astounded to learn of an inheritance that will change her
life. A gorgeous, dilapidated townhouse in one of London's poshest
neighborhoods has been held in a trust for her all these years. Now,
it's hers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As Libby investigates the story of her birth parents and the dark
legacy of her new home, Clemency and Lucy are headed her way to uncover,
and possibly protect, secrets of their own. What really happened in
that rambling Chelsea mansion when they were children? And are they
still at risk?</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8IxRkbQnwwVBGeJZhMZ3CiYbsLPOHq71vdN2EZfWMwJ7tl9ikN0GDuz6Oq1WC6qTnUwOyUkaSr6Rlw6QueFMJUep5ctKwGaIYj5GW2OLK-XlkDCC-Oe_cUEwwOxqTxqrO3YVb8tDnNME/s1600/51wrGNZgocL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8IxRkbQnwwVBGeJZhMZ3CiYbsLPOHq71vdN2EZfWMwJ7tl9ikN0GDuz6Oq1WC6qTnUwOyUkaSr6Rlw6QueFMJUep5ctKwGaIYj5GW2OLK-XlkDCC-Oe_cUEwwOxqTxqrO3YVb8tDnNME/s1600/51wrGNZgocL.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2SZuaVK">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What can I say about this book? <a href="https://amzn.to/2SZuaVK">Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt</a> - I'm a sucker for a good Southern novel, full of strong and funny women! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Amazon says: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Twelve-year-old CeeCee Honeycutt is in trouble. For years, she has
been the caretaker of her psychotic mother, Camille-the tiara-toting,
lipstick-smeared laughingstock of an entire town-a woman trapped in her
long-ago moment of glory as the 1951 Vidalia Onion Queen. But when
Camille is hit by a truck and killed, CeeCee is left to fend for
herself. To the rescue comes her previously unknown great-aunt, Tootie
Caldwell.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In her vintage Packard convertible, Tootie whisks CeeCee away to
Savannah's perfumed world of prosperity and Southern eccentricity, a
world that seems to be run entirely by women. From the exotic Miz Thelma
Rae Goodpepper, who bathes in her backyard bathtub and uses garden
slugs as her secret weapons, to Tootie's all-knowing housekeeper, Oletta
Jones, to Violene Hobbs, who entertains a local police officer in her
canary-yellow peignoir, the women of Gaston Street keep CeeCee
entertained and enthralled for an entire summer.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qjtYWC_FV6jWLPQXJIXXVCCC3t6NGoG5r64Qn4DyalLdNOoPUD_YQCMVYTDzjPkZGvDcY1-a8Dh9mhpDvwUpmeEeD8LjMF4CyO7oxG-Vij-MgJMTcbZn5z2UyvaDlU-c5VnkLHvGV8dI/s1600/51mCA0VipFL._SX332_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qjtYWC_FV6jWLPQXJIXXVCCC3t6NGoG5r64Qn4DyalLdNOoPUD_YQCMVYTDzjPkZGvDcY1-a8Dh9mhpDvwUpmeEeD8LjMF4CyO7oxG-Vij-MgJMTcbZn5z2UyvaDlU-c5VnkLHvGV8dI/s1600/51mCA0VipFL._SX332_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2wwjR3S">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I was actually surprised by how much I adored this book! If you are a fan of Fredrik Backman (A Man Called Ove - I seriously love that book) you will really enjoy <a href="https://amzn.to/2wwjR3S">The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Amazon says: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Technically speaking, Hendrik Groen is....elderly. But at age 83 1/4,
this feisty, indomitable curmudgeon has no plans to go out quietly.
Bored of weak tea and potted geraniums, exasperated by the indignities
of aging, Hendrik has decided to rebel--on his own terms. He begins
writing an exposé: secretly recording the antics of day-to-day life in
his retirement home, where he refuses to take himself, or his fellow
"inmates," too seriously. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /> With an eccentric group of friends he
founds the wickedly anarchic Old-But-Not-Dead Club--"Rule #3: No Whining
Allowed"--and he and his best friend, Evert, gleefully stir up trouble,
enraging the home's humorless director and turning themselves into
unlikely heroes. And when a sweet and sassy widow moves in next door, he
polishes his shoes, grooms what's left of his hair, and determines to
savor every ounce of joy in the time he has left, with hilarious and
tender consequences. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliesjb3wMkBvQQhZ2Bwn0yEeUiNmieVOb7Yxq7zgZLqqs8gxRSUwbvad5DjtomDpQp5yT0fd3IcIGkWL8voUVyIkhmydrV1zddbsQDpvyOhbQMNRLSoNhGQxtmNR1KfmZUUcMllCNkEza/s1600/41u%252BDbiSFIL._SX324_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliesjb3wMkBvQQhZ2Bwn0yEeUiNmieVOb7Yxq7zgZLqqs8gxRSUwbvad5DjtomDpQp5yT0fd3IcIGkWL8voUVyIkhmydrV1zddbsQDpvyOhbQMNRLSoNhGQxtmNR1KfmZUUcMllCNkEza/s1600/41u%252BDbiSFIL._SX324_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3bS4R0o">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm a huge fan of psychological thrillers, and I just finished<a href="https://amzn.to/3bS4R0o"> Sometimes I Lie</a>....it did NOT disappoint! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Amazon says: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b><i>My name is Amber Reynolds. There are three things you should know about me:</i></b><br /><b><i>1. I’m in a coma.</i></b><br /><b><i>2. My husband doesn’t love me anymore.</i></b><br /><b><i>3. Sometimes I lie.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Amber
wakes up in a hospital. She can’t move. She can’t speak. She can’t open
her eyes. She can hear everyone around her, but they have no idea.
Amber doesn’t remember what happened, but she has a suspicion her
husband had something to do with it. Alternating between her paralyzed
present, the week before her accident, and a series of childhood diaries
from twenty years ago, this brilliant psychological thriller asks: Is
something really a lie if you believe it's the truth?</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dNVowBa2fZ2cSFsNRRqpYQkzcvrtdxGcQXx-c0tJ7VxVKqnEWXv70pHPnqcbXx_QomyBdL2CT3uF_0aNa8yWtcX9bq1Xs2S-2BSSNKQ0IYsOqr4ivWGlh00lQZabPUI5RneVG3_Ctcwv/s1600/91DGjqd7xUL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dNVowBa2fZ2cSFsNRRqpYQkzcvrtdxGcQXx-c0tJ7VxVKqnEWXv70pHPnqcbXx_QomyBdL2CT3uF_0aNa8yWtcX9bq1Xs2S-2BSSNKQ0IYsOqr4ivWGlh00lQZabPUI5RneVG3_Ctcwv/s1600/91DGjqd7xUL.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2uZaOYM">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you would have told me years ago that I would enjoy books about World War II I would have laughed at you. However, The Nightingale changed all that for me....that was such an amazing book, and really sparked my interest in historical fiction. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2uZaOYM">Lilac Girls</a> was an incredible, can't put it down kind of book - apparently there's a second book called Lost Roses and hopefully my library will get it in soon! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Amazon says: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">New York socialite Caroline Ferriday has her hands full with her post at
the French consulate and a new love on the horizon. But Caroline’s
world is forever changed when Hitler’s army invades Poland in September
1939—and then sets its sights on France.<br /><br /> An ocean away from
Caroline, Kasia Kuzmerick, a Polish teenager, senses her carefree youth
disappearing as she is drawn deeper into her role as courier for the
underground resistance movement. In a tense atmosphere of watchful eyes
and suspecting neighbors, one false move can have dire consequences.<br /><br />
For the ambitious young German doctor, Herta Oberheuser, an ad for a
government medical position seems her ticket out of a desolate life.
Once hired, though, she finds herself trapped in a male-dominated realm
of Nazi secrets and power.<br /><br /> The lives of these three women are
set on a collision course when the unthinkable happens and Kasia is sent
to RavensbrĂĽck, the notorious Nazi concentration camp for women. Their
stories cross continents—from New York to Paris, Germany, and Poland—as
Caroline and Kasia strive to bring justice to those whom history has
forgotten.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCE8dasqhAdK4fuCM4_YztYW3LxvbpdoM8uIELFN-1h06JZijZvfxt2US3lFurNdZdNmX-zZuoIUb1h8ulOW1nsQFJa9vSL_AYKMs1DLGe3lDtpObZdTWsHny_wJUdFv_FjxNiKQ9hp06/s1600/915aOlhz2tL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGCE8dasqhAdK4fuCM4_YztYW3LxvbpdoM8uIELFN-1h06JZijZvfxt2US3lFurNdZdNmX-zZuoIUb1h8ulOW1nsQFJa9vSL_AYKMs1DLGe3lDtpObZdTWsHny_wJUdFv_FjxNiKQ9hp06/s1600/915aOlhz2tL.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2V64Hwz">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Oh, <a href="https://amzn.to/2V64Hwz">Lucia Lucia</a> - this book was given to me as a gift a couple of years ago and I can't imagine why it took me so long to get to it! What a fabulous read this is - if you haven't read it yet, I strongly suggest you add it to your 'read asap' list! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Amazon says: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It is 1950 in glittering, vibrant New York City. Lucia Sartori is the
beautiful twenty-five-year-old daughter of a prosperous Italian grocer
in Greenwich Village. The postwar boom is ripe with opportunities for
talented girls with ambition, and Lucia becomes an apprentice to an
up-and-coming designer at chic B. Altman’s department store on Fifth
Avenue. Engaged to her childhood sweetheart, the steadfast Dante
DeMartino, Lucia is torn when she meets a handsome stranger who promises
a life of uptown luxury that career girls like her only read about in
the society pages. Forced to choose between duty to her family and her
own dreams, Lucia finds herself in the midst of a sizzling scandal in
which secrets are revealed, her beloved career is jeopardized, and the
Sartoris’ honor is tested.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFGvIfvF_MUJdFCIozZeDSBlaRixv058FzKlq5NhVqWh5IZ4SWH_rVB5KbImyB-Y1T1dAVQ_BAFXyd8oGsFsBNqn4XT9-JpvjfT6kW6s6JvrY0h2HRa1xK19iiFW1BKUrxK6RngOAQoYb/s1600/41vkv2xXKBL._SY346_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFGvIfvF_MUJdFCIozZeDSBlaRixv058FzKlq5NhVqWh5IZ4SWH_rVB5KbImyB-Y1T1dAVQ_BAFXyd8oGsFsBNqn4XT9-JpvjfT6kW6s6JvrY0h2HRa1xK19iiFW1BKUrxK6RngOAQoYb/s1600/41vkv2xXKBL._SY346_.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3bTHT8X">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3bTHT8X">Nine Women, One Dress</a> - what an amazing book! This is another one that surprised me, I didn't expect to love it as much as I did!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Amazon says: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b>A charming, hilarious, irresistible romp of a novel that brings
together nine unrelated women, each touched by the same little black
dress that weaves through their lives, bringing a little magic with it.</b><br /><br />Natalie
is a Bloomingdale's salesgirl mooning over her lawyer ex-boyfriend
who's engaged to someone else after just two months. Felicia has been
quietly in love with her boss for seventeen years and has one night to
finally make the feeling mutual. Andie is a private detective who
specializes in gathering evidence on cheating husbands—a skill she
unfortunately learned from her own life—and lands a case that may
restore her faith in true love. For these three women, as well as half a
dozen others in sparkling supporting roles—a young model fresh from
rural Alabama, a diva Hollywood star making her Broadway debut, an
overachieving, unemployed Brown grad who starts faking a fabulous life
on social media, to name just a few—everything is about to change,
thanks to the dress of the season, the perfect little black number
everyone wants to get their hands on . . .</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitR9Td_CKw6d0-f3hmqTZ23ZPKG0Q82Bl_QTNNAIRlDf_dYq06OsAnDejx5Tjjxi0Ktrn-AWU_axlODxEH9Shod47HxDoN6VbG6LFKIf00i6wlU9UV6t1JcPvMTJ8y66LptvcCJuVDca_7/s1600/61II0mcMJLL._SY346_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitR9Td_CKw6d0-f3hmqTZ23ZPKG0Q82Bl_QTNNAIRlDf_dYq06OsAnDejx5Tjjxi0Ktrn-AWU_axlODxEH9Shod47HxDoN6VbG6LFKIf00i6wlU9UV6t1JcPvMTJ8y66LptvcCJuVDca_7/s1600/61II0mcMJLL._SY346_.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2wo4lXB">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This book has been on my wishlist for ages, and I finally got around to reading it....and it caught my attention from the very first page. <a href="https://amzn.to/2wo4lXB">Ask Again, Yes</a> - you will not be disappointed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Amazon says: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b><i>How much can a family forgive?</i></b></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><br /><b>A profoundly
moving novel about two neighboring families in a suburban town, the
friendship between their children, a tragedy that reverberates over four
decades, the daily intimacies of marriage, and the power of
forgiveness.</b><br /><br />Francis Gleeson and Brian Stanhope, rookie cops
in the NYPD, live next door to each other outside the city. What happens
behind closed doors in both houses—the loneliness of Francis’s wife,
Lena, and the instability of Brian’s wife, Anne, sets the stage for the
explosive events to come.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><i>Ask Again, Yes </i>is a deeply
affecting exploration of the lifelong friendship and love that blossoms
between Kate Gleeson and Peter Stanhope, born six months apart. One
shocking night their loyalties are divided, and their bond will be
tested again and again over the next 40 years. Luminous, heartbreaking,
and redemptive, <i>Ask Again, Yes </i>reveals the way childhood memories
change when viewed from the distance of adulthood—villains lose their
menace and those who appeared innocent seem less so. Kate and Peter’s
love story, while haunted by echoes from the past, is marked by
tenderness, generosity, and grace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And last but not least.....</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2F-xMLcTi99-1PiFzonPiI17499Sow_E7bgzdPHzqTd_OUu6l0cCjoYXjQzUDvQ6v-hw7zY9i5Hfh7pgMWpVvm8w97GpPfd1IldEAvHH0wdnm-BlizktVRdjo6Lxz4vkrtQ9gtB7qRIp_/s1600/41tvXIFI9GL._SX334_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2F-xMLcTi99-1PiFzonPiI17499Sow_E7bgzdPHzqTd_OUu6l0cCjoYXjQzUDvQ6v-hw7zY9i5Hfh7pgMWpVvm8w97GpPfd1IldEAvHH0wdnm-BlizktVRdjo6Lxz4vkrtQ9gtB7qRIp_/s1600/41tvXIFI9GL._SX334_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2SZBQqN">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Wow, wow, wow....<a href="https://amzn.to/2SZBQqN">Three Women </a>has been written about extensively, and yet I had no idea those three women are real women...I thought it was a work of fiction! This book has been called "The Book Of The Year" with good reason!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Amazon says: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In suburban Indiana we meet Lina, a homemaker and mother of two whose
marriage, after a decade, has lost its passion. Starved for affection,
Lina battles daily panic attacks and, after reconnecting with an old
flame through social media, embarks on an affair that quickly becomes
all-consuming. In North Dakota we meet Maggie, a seventeen-year-old high
school student who allegedly has a clandestine physical relationship
with her handsome, married English teacher; the ensuing criminal trial
will turn their quiet community upside down. Finally, in an exclusive
enclave of the Northeast, we meet Sloane—a gorgeous, successful, and
refined restaurant owner—who is happily married to a man who likes to
watch her have sex with other men and women.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Based on years of immersive reporting and told with astonishing frankness and immediacy, <i>Three Women </i>is
both a feat of journalism and a triumph of storytelling, brimming with
nuance and empathy. “A work of deep observation, long conversations, and
a kind of journalistic alchemy” (Kate Tuttle, NPR),<i> Three Women </i>introduces us to three unforgettable women—and one remarkable writer—whose experiences remind us that we are not alone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What about you? Have you read any amazing books lately? I'd love your recommendations! </span></div>
Debbie - Mountain Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18401931842031353732noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737531804022285705.post-3721104587150670992020-02-04T15:08:00.000-05:002020-02-13T14:45:26.509-05:00Spring Has Sprung!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Well...not really, although it is a weirdly warm day today on the mountain top!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">BUT gardening season has officially begun in my house, and I'm filled with a renewed sense of excitement!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The first seeds went in on February 1st...two weeks earlier <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/02/the-garden-on-valentines-day.html">than last year</a>, just as I had planned. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdsR8IzyVcLVhWKGVJLDMO9SnyXo9dU2_GQhbIKnzu5qouwvNZhtMKJv48HWGojx77lud4Z8U9mPvZ4hQzLBTo8fVqaL1I7XE6pUfkvHtjSV-JaleuGbUMFbLdwRCpD4SV5gnUVVN249X/s1600/24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdsR8IzyVcLVhWKGVJLDMO9SnyXo9dU2_GQhbIKnzu5qouwvNZhtMKJv48HWGojx77lud4Z8U9mPvZ4hQzLBTo8fVqaL1I7XE6pUfkvHtjSV-JaleuGbUMFbLdwRCpD4SV5gnUVVN249X/s1600/24.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4 whole trays of seeds in the utility room, and another in the downstairs laundry area. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In the utility room I planted one flat of pink impatiens, one flat of white impatiens, one flat of violas, and 6 cells each of celery, Lunchbox peppers, and King of the North peppers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I give up on all the other pepper varieties....it seems our growing season is just too short, they are a disappointment every single year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVb0Mo6uKP2usdspbH0saZzyrDMrygmDe9dPcWBasOmsjy3S5BZAMOkyIBH4HrNKH0rqAeoQsTbKph0HAsgPmAjKB_n38_q8Rt-gcbT-rPUpDyZ2c7PYEn5gbKeLgv1m0_MJRmX-fo1weS/s1600/22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVb0Mo6uKP2usdspbH0saZzyrDMrygmDe9dPcWBasOmsjy3S5BZAMOkyIBH4HrNKH0rqAeoQsTbKph0HAsgPmAjKB_n38_q8Rt-gcbT-rPUpDyZ2c7PYEn5gbKeLgv1m0_MJRmX-fo1weS/s1600/22.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/03/seed-starting-in-snow.html">first started growing from seed</a>, I had only one grow-light. I added a second, and then a third last year as I became more and more confident in my seed starting skills. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'm fortunate to have this space in <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/12/whats-going-on-around-here.html">my lower level</a> to expand my seed starting capabilities - between the counter in the laundry area and the folding table set up along the wall, I have quite a bit of space I can use. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I also have another smaller grow light on another counter....and of course, the <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/04/building-cold-frame-other-spring.html#more">amazing cold frame</a> my Sweetie built for me last spring. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Not too shabby for a girl from New York City....I do believe this country life agrees with me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPOM6YTRlbbCwMBQk03EyWI4gyv8USg5z8qQw_bQ2CzbdVpRPrYNUClP5GLqmSC78SvhCEy213T1DN0OhRBe9goY7NSCa4mvklX9rjI7kBH3Cr6_zvEQflxxJYm9CP0f6kKO-yRVLZLNb/s1600/26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPOM6YTRlbbCwMBQk03EyWI4gyv8USg5z8qQw_bQ2CzbdVpRPrYNUClP5GLqmSC78SvhCEy213T1DN0OhRBe9goY7NSCa4mvklX9rjI7kBH3Cr6_zvEQflxxJYm9CP0f6kKO-yRVLZLNb/s1600/26.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In the laundry room I planted a flat of lobelia....and I also potted up all the cuttings of impatiens I took last fall. I stuck them in water on my kitchen windowsill and every one of them rooted! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There was a broken piece of geranium I had also rooted in water, so that got potted up as well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hopefully by the time spring really comes to the mountain top these will all be very healthy plants ready to adorn<a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/07/evenings-on-deck.html"> my Deck Garden</a> and <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2018/06/papas-garden.html#more">Papa's Garden. </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My daily routine has shifted slightly now, with the seedlings getting attention both morning and evenings. I check them for any sprouting (nothing yet) and make sure to mist them with room temperature water. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The rooted cuttings get checked for moisture, and are watered as needed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It makes me feel as if I'm gardening again, even if it's only in a small way! The smell of the moist earth makes me smile, knowing spring will arrive to the mountain top at some point in the not too distant future. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Upstairs in the dining room window, my violet is in full bloom and <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/01/amaryllis-care-and-tips.html">my amaryllis</a> is ready to pop any second. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The thyme I potted up recently is happy....the basil I had to move over near the fireplace, it wasn't happy in the cool window once I potted it up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am also trying to root a piece of a plant called Crown of Thorns that my sweet friend Jan gifted me. I don't believe I've ever tried to root one before, but I do remember having one years ago, although I can't for the life of me imagine what happened to it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But, just because I'm thinking Spring inside, it doesn't mean the <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/01/the-garden-then-now.html">winter chores</a> stop for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I had the joy of stacking this wood delivery first thing Saturday morning....I brought out my <a href="https://amzn.to/2v1FSqs">wonderful new speaker</a>, loaded up the book I was listening to on my Libby app, and plowed on ahead. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Workout of the day, completed! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Can I go back to playing with seeds now please?</span></div>
Debbie - Mountain Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18401931842031353732noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737531804022285705.post-29254549468912761662020-01-28T12:06:00.003-05:002020-01-28T12:37:59.129-05:00Curried Sweet Potato, Carrot, and Apple Soup <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Boy have I got a recipe for you today!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This one came courtesy of some leftover baked sweet potatoes and glazed carrots that needed to be used up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />And of course, the ever-present quarts of home made chicken broth in my fridge. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I started thinking about making those leftover sweet potatoes into a pureed soup. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And of course, they would go perfectly with the glazed carrots. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And while I'm at it, why not toss in some apples and fragrant spices? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Done! And let me tell you, what I had in my head was nothing compared to how it actually turned out! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />It was so amazing, such a blend of complex flavors, that I brought in a sample for my Chef at work. He's from Brittany, France and has been a chef all over the world....he makes wonderful soups, and he loved mine so much he wanted me to bring in samples for the rest of the cooks behind the line! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ok here's what you'll need: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">5 small sweet potatoes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2 medium onions</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3 cloves garlic</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3/4 sweet red pepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2 granny smith apples</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3 cups baby carrots</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 3/4 quarts chicken broth</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Spices: curry powder, nutmeg, allspice, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A splash of cream </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here's how it came about! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kcRIQxpKwEtdzxog4DAVl-RjOl0GpTOjRwpjSew158l29welTNCF9bCnPBsJLLya3kOzLoL8vcULEWB1ebuI0vqjYtKxD9zgcTdiOX-IUtg6yjkjShEQh3yIKCGXB06IgNFv9ASNX8Od/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kcRIQxpKwEtdzxog4DAVl-RjOl0GpTOjRwpjSew158l29welTNCF9bCnPBsJLLya3kOzLoL8vcULEWB1ebuI0vqjYtKxD9zgcTdiOX-IUtg6yjkjShEQh3yIKCGXB06IgNFv9ASNX8Od/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">First thing in the morning, before I went to work, I threw together the ingredients for homemade naan. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have tried multiple naan recipes, and in my humble opinion, I believe Tieghan over at <a href="https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/" target="_blank">Half Baked Harvest</a> has <a href="https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/homemade-naan-step-step-photos/" target="_blank">THE BEST naan recipe.</a> The best, by far. The bomb-dot-com. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This is my absolute go-to naan recipe, and I always try to keep a batch in the freezer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6lU0AkfOd14RgSzxbHSzP-lWLd0lhFNMNqcPDZSVvfEf6urB2arCo5DLr8jaHzepvp8tCRDm4bcgUmXW1ofEfg2ybvpuOne_JNodcwhsS20UExWejiX3U7zHmj6JaQJ0GY2Ju2QDZZp_/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6lU0AkfOd14RgSzxbHSzP-lWLd0lhFNMNqcPDZSVvfEf6urB2arCo5DLr8jaHzepvp8tCRDm4bcgUmXW1ofEfg2ybvpuOne_JNodcwhsS20UExWejiX3U7zHmj6JaQJ0GY2Ju2QDZZp_/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The dough is super easy to whip up, and the naan is really quite easy to make. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Check out <a href="https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/homemade-naan-step-step-photos/" target="_blank">Tieghan's recipe</a> for the ingredients you'll need if you want to make your own naan to go along with my amazing soup. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I wrapped the bowl in plastic wrap and left it on my counter to rise while I was at work. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I got home after an extra-long day at work, I immediately started getting the naan baking. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If I wasn't so late getting home I would have taken more pictures, but I was kind of rushing....sorry! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPSnhEKhwqbYnUBMtW7OyncQIz7QjNtkfi1JAVvgLyVZ03T4Zpj-Zii9TRCUEK3tFyuO3PVPiQgLwV0ZkfLZhTGKGS8z1Mykpy6nsh16UR6s97lo9gfzZRlmq1xipQugqMYOAGZb1sNRf/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPSnhEKhwqbYnUBMtW7OyncQIz7QjNtkfi1JAVvgLyVZ03T4Zpj-Zii9TRCUEK3tFyuO3PVPiQgLwV0ZkfLZhTGKGS8z1Mykpy6nsh16UR6s97lo9gfzZRlmq1xipQugqMYOAGZb1sNRf/s1600/3.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">While I was cooking the naan in batches, I started the soup. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Into <a href="https://amzn.to/30YF2H0" target="_blank">my all time favorite pot</a> went a drizzle of olive oil, followed by 2 medium onions, 3 cloves garlic, and 3/4 of a red pepper, rough chopped. The garlic cloves were just peeled and smashed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I cooked the veggies over medium heat, getting them a little brown before adding in 1 3/4 quarts of chicken broth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I scraped up as many of those good brown bits off the bottom of the pan, and let the veggies simmer while I kept making naan. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwql4ISM2Cg-WdIL3xswfwHcUF6KvfWO-VQb8tPmNeCZAnUkgVu11th-GG9__UqgP8D4d5bSDZqfGAW8jtw4GleJY4v4nJJZTeeJ-ICkYGFTXrdMPXgAW8zGOjwwvv-E475HxTFLvxjkNs/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwql4ISM2Cg-WdIL3xswfwHcUF6KvfWO-VQb8tPmNeCZAnUkgVu11th-GG9__UqgP8D4d5bSDZqfGAW8jtw4GleJY4v4nJJZTeeJ-ICkYGFTXrdMPXgAW8zGOjwwvv-E475HxTFLvxjkNs/s1600/5.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you did not have pre-cooked sweet potatoes and carrots, you would add them in with the broth at this point. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into small chunks, and the same with the carrots. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Let it all simmer until the veggies are very tender. At that point, add in two granny smith apples, also peeled and cut in small dice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Simmer for a few more minutes, until the apples start to soften as well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignSSATZEG37VwgCNI-hn_GKnlgzfnF1S6BBctX0nggKogWver5naDDzQOvFri25TmoxucHTyVoONdg2B4L3BPF4jV8G_gud9eMH4Ermv1p4tFRsNzbnZr5QeEY4nqf9cMJUYVybcnDLng/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignSSATZEG37VwgCNI-hn_GKnlgzfnF1S6BBctX0nggKogWver5naDDzQOvFri25TmoxucHTyVoONdg2B4L3BPF4jV8G_gud9eMH4Ermv1p4tFRsNzbnZr5QeEY4nqf9cMJUYVybcnDLng/s1600/4.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My sweet potatoes were already baked, so I just removed the skins, and threw them in. The carrots were already cooked as well, so in they went along with the apples. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Then it was time to puree the soup - I use my <a href="https://amzn.to/37GdZ5W" target="_blank">good old standby immersion blender</a>, which I love. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Now it's time to bring in the spices....this is what really makes this soup special! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I used 1 1/2 tsp curry, and 1/4 tsp each of nutmeg, allspice, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Taste and adjust the spices as you like. There should be a bit of a kick, but not overwhelming. If you don't like it spicy, cut those amounts in half....you can always taste and add more as needed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The last thing I added was a small splash of cream. If you add too much spice, add more cream to temper the spice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Again, there should be a touch of heat in this soup....but just enough to keep you coming back for more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKbVlGNMrkRRh9FViWxeruyc3pJh8lD3leD2aR8sW5yOYeVKctUD3QCEU4caAMM0bqi6BT2PfvBOMpjvreiqvqhxy-7zonTivA94eDo61pyEGxPoYlAIhRbRs5WsKBbHysfjNltSXnQlV/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKbVlGNMrkRRh9FViWxeruyc3pJh8lD3leD2aR8sW5yOYeVKctUD3QCEU4caAMM0bqi6BT2PfvBOMpjvreiqvqhxy-7zonTivA94eDo61pyEGxPoYlAIhRbRs5WsKBbHysfjNltSXnQlV/s1600/6.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You could top this soup with a drizzle of cream, or a dollop of creme fraiche or sour cream...even some shredded cheddar. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We just ate it as is, with that fabulous naan. The flavors could not have complemented each other better....it was the most satisfying meal on a frigid winter's night. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">By the time we sat down, my kitchen looked as if a bomb had gone off. That's what happens when I get delayed at work, sadly....I'm rushing to get dinner on the table, and I'm not cleaning as I go along. Well, in fairness, I had my hands full making naan....that was more important for sure!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6aVBpJL9Qqw4vVui3FB_F8h_6y7RcCnmVA80UtHFdBovsoq0i0txJjFJ3SBSR27HtRL71DTB6QFAYf5z0lCckZEyCPR77yKRaOwJfimIpIpcpnruq6nTa93QDHF_YKtfazIh8mMubjEK/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl6aVBpJL9Qqw4vVui3FB_F8h_6y7RcCnmVA80UtHFdBovsoq0i0txJjFJ3SBSR27HtRL71DTB6QFAYf5z0lCckZEyCPR77yKRaOwJfimIpIpcpnruq6nTa93QDHF_YKtfazIh8mMubjEK/s1600/8.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">By the way, I have to share with you a new wonderful product that Sweetie got me as part of my Christmas gifts. He knows how much I adore my Le Creuset items, and he found the most fabulous cleaner for them! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgye6YV8htcyZdMEQH1EdR8CKA_CNO_QscoF9lbAgR-5NSJ3vp-76Vuc4RItgUbrCyJ7mfS6GVQ336RlUjxxDHRLituXYuEaQE3HpDsDLqF83yhNYwwKIoX84FkWvBA9SpJe8gxqczBH8dO/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgye6YV8htcyZdMEQH1EdR8CKA_CNO_QscoF9lbAgR-5NSJ3vp-76Vuc4RItgUbrCyJ7mfS6GVQ336RlUjxxDHRLituXYuEaQE3HpDsDLqF83yhNYwwKIoX84FkWvBA9SpJe8gxqczBH8dO/s1600/9.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This stuff is pure magic, I tell you!! The tiniest drop (the size of a pea) cleans up the baked-on black goo in seconds, with no scrubbing!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5wG9zzrVLGccm-adOw2-K_pn0aEX5V7TKLpDNiyFNYm0Jgqip44H7uBfzR38HnYD689sRqD1Ex2Vk4NkVJ0DZ3XC7ToL-2Xpcf2w4BdU2SI2dtovxUnMoGbVhTawnDO9e2snIiymbHBQ/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5wG9zzrVLGccm-adOw2-K_pn0aEX5V7TKLpDNiyFNYm0Jgqip44H7uBfzR38HnYD689sRqD1Ex2Vk4NkVJ0DZ3XC7ToL-2Xpcf2w4BdU2SI2dtovxUnMoGbVhTawnDO9e2snIiymbHBQ/s1600/10.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'm totally hooked on this stuff....Sweetie says he got it because I would often ask him to scrub the pots when they were really bad so I wouldn't ruin my nails, ha ha!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sweetie got me the <a href="https://amzn.to/2uJ0bZq" target="_blank">set with the nylon brush</a> but they also sell the <a href="https://amzn.to/3aPq0rG" target="_blank">cleaner on its own</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhM3gt0iQTJHoWMIxhERdpoqNvnPSGnVmrNI_bBb5SuQmVd8m47FfnCcEJLgzl8fbuTvQZOcjA_HYK0TAyBF_IPBwpgxh8ryt_bHKuYooKq5AL4yYSMgetrEDUzN1vFdok5F9J9CUEK7f/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhM3gt0iQTJHoWMIxhERdpoqNvnPSGnVmrNI_bBb5SuQmVd8m47FfnCcEJLgzl8fbuTvQZOcjA_HYK0TAyBF_IPBwpgxh8ryt_bHKuYooKq5AL4yYSMgetrEDUzN1vFdok5F9J9CUEK7f/s1600/7.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The rest of the kitchen got attacked with Mrs Meyers Geranium Scent all purpose cleaner....I love her cleaners, they really do a wonderful job tackling the grease and grime, and leave the kitchen smelling absolutely fabulous. I had my audio book playing on <a href="https://amzn.to/2vpi6os" target="_blank">my new speaker</a>, and was happy as can be puttering around my little country kitchen. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Lunch was packed for the next day, the rest of the soup and the naan were both tucked away in the freezer for another night, and my mind was already turning to meal planning for the next evening. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A short time later, the kitchen was spotless once again, and Molly and I were snuggling up by the fire. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A perfect ending to a very busy winter's day. </span></div>
Debbie - Mountain Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18401931842031353732noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737531804022285705.post-91466949611728141602020-01-24T12:47:00.000-05:002020-01-24T12:47:11.989-05:00My 2020 Seed Order <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I finally got around to doing a seed inventory, and it doesn't appear that I need to order any veggie seeds at all - I'm well stocked! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">However, recently Park Seed had a 10 for $10 sale, where select seed packets were on sale for just $1 each! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You know I couldn't let that one go by, don't you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I decided at that price I could experiment with a few flowers I have never tried to grow from seed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here's what I ordered: </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPpE-oVC3Kf8fcLKAHhYSffT1KwUV2F2wLgyVlesjHnDGqv4XpDZjJx6EswPfXzFINg7N0HL6d-OxOUrGGFVQ4KfsknqwCsIhhuuVv3IGUVN_vVW-HsC35_fOfL3Zv0I26uwp1U0h2Ta9/s1600/viola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPpE-oVC3Kf8fcLKAHhYSffT1KwUV2F2wLgyVlesjHnDGqv4XpDZjJx6EswPfXzFINg7N0HL6d-OxOUrGGFVQ4KfsknqwCsIhhuuVv3IGUVN_vVW-HsC35_fOfL3Zv0I26uwp1U0h2Ta9/s1600/viola.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://parkseed.com/admire-spring-fling-mix-viola-seeds/p/51899-PK-P1/" target="_blank">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Just look at those pretty Violas! This is the <a href="https://parkseed.com/admire-spring-fling-mix-viola-seeds/p/51899-PK-P1/" target="_blank">Viola Admire Spring Fling Mix</a> - these are actually perennial violas (we'll see about that up here on the mountain top!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I love, love, love both Pansies and Violas for my <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/03/its-cold-blustery-damp-miserable-day.html" target="_blank">early spring garden.</a> I usually try to put them out as early in April as I possibly can, mostly in pots so I can take them in as necessary. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68MiWBRfreRZ0eOKlvjxBfQfrG21qWb1a0-UewaG5c7C2TIi8CRn1RipjasLTsXEIUdGkvTcq-UC0brXQZqpVVMxSjVRfBVZn60dnKZYw5gCIGksO2mXz-52CDIU8iN7xd9zdCpkiL9E2/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68MiWBRfreRZ0eOKlvjxBfQfrG21qWb1a0-UewaG5c7C2TIi8CRn1RipjasLTsXEIUdGkvTcq-UC0brXQZqpVVMxSjVRfBVZn60dnKZYw5gCIGksO2mXz-52CDIU8iN7xd9zdCpkiL9E2/s1600/13.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Last year I started <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/04/spring-has-sprung.html" target="_blank">Pansies from seed</a> and they were honestly the most healthy Pansies I have ever had the pleasure of growing! I figured with that kind of success, why not try Violas? Perhaps I will have the same luck? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkR_cmcVYQzZxT_QKBzYITH8gGE_HvfNlQ_y5gP9Rp97YiZroByjWWJnsSvMXLjM6t4lUwrjoZCt0haPw1UL8qc-u_xyyvzbd2-D86VGCXMOdat_7A-wZn8tJr7759xoTVxt1E59G4k4Uu/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkR_cmcVYQzZxT_QKBzYITH8gGE_HvfNlQ_y5gP9Rp97YiZroByjWWJnsSvMXLjM6t4lUwrjoZCt0haPw1UL8qc-u_xyyvzbd2-D86VGCXMOdat_7A-wZn8tJr7759xoTVxt1E59G4k4Uu/s1600/14.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I still have some Pansy seeds from last year and perhaps I'll grow them again this spring....I need to make up my mind asap since they need to get started very shortly! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05DaZHH2enTZlVc83IQ2YhsHcukZ-7qgmsyq1GOnrWu3Tqsi2PdLQo07kyuI24s5Ln7QrPTkImH4jyE-M-aIEc2QRvknN_Y4u6Nd6MO7wm5xCRh7XzMh3vFEbHz5lgSQcp81Bh4rc1EOG/s1600/Lobelia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05DaZHH2enTZlVc83IQ2YhsHcukZ-7qgmsyq1GOnrWu3Tqsi2PdLQo07kyuI24s5Ln7QrPTkImH4jyE-M-aIEc2QRvknN_Y4u6Nd6MO7wm5xCRh7XzMh3vFEbHz5lgSQcp81Bh4rc1EOG/s1600/Lobelia.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://parkseed.com/fountain-blue-lobelia-flower-seeds/p/01175-PK-P1/" target="_blank">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I also ordered Lobelia, which I adore....this is<a href="https://parkseed.com/fountain-blue-lobelia-flower-seeds/p/01175-PK-P1/" target="_blank"> Lobelia Fountain Blue</a> and I'm praying it will be as vibrant and gorgeous as the Lobelia I get from my local garden center. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDGpaV0azCuikuKf-X8nvUBKcBzeeeFt0CiWXrwnj1gcSa_l00sQ22f0QmxA4yDhVEYj9S3WF-6jcZy9Ee0nKzYt_F8yk9Ku3IXLRX_1MA_2X5wNS-wjMibFTq2jnnRyTtyUNuRKDqqNv/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDGpaV0azCuikuKf-X8nvUBKcBzeeeFt0CiWXrwnj1gcSa_l00sQ22f0QmxA4yDhVEYj9S3WF-6jcZy9Ee0nKzYt_F8yk9Ku3IXLRX_1MA_2X5wNS-wjMibFTq2jnnRyTtyUNuRKDqqNv/s1600/10.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I think the one I generally use is a little more of a royal blue, closer to purple....I guess I'll just have to wait and see! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Don't you just adore Lobelia? It's such a hard working little flower, and softens any container or window box with those tiny trailing flowers. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitH-Oa35OEav-vpyhfRtuPgpE0PkewY5nhxp6Y5ITnF24dh1igDK47RLtk-CI7qb0c5hyphenhyphenIrzq7NQ4lfiOOMnXFbI6zST5iFkSGcKBmvFYYhgDUG7D_5il5d-XM8Es99FE2vK-nSt0LEga-/s1600/impatiens+white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitH-Oa35OEav-vpyhfRtuPgpE0PkewY5nhxp6Y5ITnF24dh1igDK47RLtk-CI7qb0c5hyphenhyphenIrzq7NQ4lfiOOMnXFbI6zST5iFkSGcKBmvFYYhgDUG7D_5il5d-XM8Es99FE2vK-nSt0LEga-/s1600/impatiens+white.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://parkseed.com/accent-white-hybrid-impatiens-flower-seeds/p/01066-PK-P1/" target="_blank">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Another flower that I use consistently every single year is the old reliable standby, Impatiens. Someone asked me last year why I don't start my own Impatiens from seed, so when I saw these seeds were part of the sale options, I grabbed a packet! These are called <a href="https://parkseed.com/accent-white-hybrid-impatiens-flower-seeds/p/01066-PK-P1/" target="_blank">Impatiens Accent White Hybrid. </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It will be interesting to see how easy it is to grow Impatiens from seed...stay tuned on that. I usually just pick up a flat from the garden center, but if I can grow a flat of Impatiens for about $1 it would be silly not to! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I did something very smart this Autumn, right before the first frost. I snipped a bunch of healthy stems off my white Impatiens and stuck them in water in my kitchen window. Well guess what....they have all rooted! So even if these seeds don't work out, I've already got a bunch of FREE Impatiens ready to put in potting soil! (Note to self....buy potting soil!)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQkHznpKzzam3NSruEBuUHXWQRm8ut5muVwHvh01fa6TTffgOSlgZaS6EhEG_j7b9GbYEej8VdCXX1rKthAI8rQ9ROeOHcaYcoua6z7yiYhet0UmDBDafmwewzIbK50IFJK-3eMqH9XcN/s1600/impatiens+pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQkHznpKzzam3NSruEBuUHXWQRm8ut5muVwHvh01fa6TTffgOSlgZaS6EhEG_j7b9GbYEej8VdCXX1rKthAI8rQ9ROeOHcaYcoua6z7yiYhet0UmDBDafmwewzIbK50IFJK-3eMqH9XcN/s1600/impatiens+pink.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://parkseed.com/accent-pink-hybrid-impatiens-flower-seeds/p/01044-PK-P1/" target="_blank">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">While I was at it, I picked up a packet of pink Impatiens as well! These are <a href="https://parkseed.com/accent-pink-hybrid-impatiens-flower-seeds/p/01044-PK-P1/" target="_blank">Impatiens Accent Pink Hybrid. </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I just adore the combination of white and pink Impatiens, and love to use that combo up at <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2018/06/papas-garden.html" target="_blank">Papa's Garden</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOPCVC7ap_6OwDyhiD5bKOQXJsehkMvKoFssa4yRXtOuRxu0hrDkw9S-oSleihopaDr7YsRjgDkCH9O5Olar1nDrmrxyWmGFmQiXhS8SrAYZ4IHZlwlJ0uWhK0UsbwtxLpqAu33ITO2PX/s1600/IMG_3182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOPCVC7ap_6OwDyhiD5bKOQXJsehkMvKoFssa4yRXtOuRxu0hrDkw9S-oSleihopaDr7YsRjgDkCH9O5Olar1nDrmrxyWmGFmQiXhS8SrAYZ4IHZlwlJ0uWhK0UsbwtxLpqAu33ITO2PX/s1600/IMG_3182.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This photo was from August 2018, and the combo of so much white and pink in Papa's Garden really compliments the brown tones of <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2018/05/progress-on-my-garden-cottage-look-back.html" target="_blank">the garden cottage</a> perfectly. I think I'm leaning towards a similar color scheme this year. There was also accents of blue up there....after all, Papa's Garden can't be all pink, can it....so the Violas and Lobelia will join the pink and white this season. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What else did I get? Take a look at this beauty: </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXjtZhIhyeIY2gKqpBNdeef1d7qisGEI8V_O9nrH2grcZONdqEsiHwjqmlQLfDJLN77KkBkAfaOXxwUmJX-oQrfUBXaSp5i3AnWLpGfj1Tkt9GT4rEUWdlDjgdKImZQJcdoVlmiqxjswA/s1600/iberis+candytuft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXjtZhIhyeIY2gKqpBNdeef1d7qisGEI8V_O9nrH2grcZONdqEsiHwjqmlQLfDJLN77KkBkAfaOXxwUmJX-oQrfUBXaSp5i3AnWLpGfj1Tkt9GT4rEUWdlDjgdKImZQJcdoVlmiqxjswA/s1600/iberis+candytuft.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://parkseed.com/globe-candytuft-purple-rain-seeds/p/51238-PK-P1/" target="_blank">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This is called <a href="https://parkseed.com/globe-candytuft-purple-rain-seeds/p/51238-PK-P1/" target="_blank">Iberis Umbellata Purple Rain</a>, also known as an annual version of Candytuft. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have never seen this flower before, hopefully it's happy in my garden this season. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNVGAHa9s6-EXlczp3yagnwciE9zq0UTbatoosEuI_JOCwbqo2t-KOFCEAHDvr4WTFCePdGopd_3I59eJznLvoxe119ETWv0R_6pX_Bj4Kji8I0ZjWJ5hSWtjlrAWA-0nIP6Vcn1XUedq/s1600/phlox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNVGAHa9s6-EXlczp3yagnwciE9zq0UTbatoosEuI_JOCwbqo2t-KOFCEAHDvr4WTFCePdGopd_3I59eJznLvoxe119ETWv0R_6pX_Bj4Kji8I0ZjWJ5hSWtjlrAWA-0nIP6Vcn1XUedq/s1600/phlox.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://parkseed.com/pomegranate-phlox-seeds/p/51543-PK-P1/" target="_blank">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here's another that's new to me - <a href="https://parkseed.com/pomegranate-phlox-seeds/p/51543-PK-P1/" target="_blank">Phlox Pomegranate,</a> an annual Phlox that blooms all season. The description says it has a wonderful sweet scent....and I'm all about the scented flowers! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'm not sure where this will go yet, but for $1 for 30 seeds I'm certainly willing to give it a try! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMpEjOl4QVxxnaz0qYD6FXJ4VIRID6j_H_A4DpPKvc3siJbbIfRU0xGqApTTBBWRlOP079PtBQzBkSjtsSjCpSu5Qoy9rIG4TaWLt-9odr6iUtxfc3vJHnnddlhBu076R1-7ZKb44DLVY/s1600/poppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMpEjOl4QVxxnaz0qYD6FXJ4VIRID6j_H_A4DpPKvc3siJbbIfRU0xGqApTTBBWRlOP079PtBQzBkSjtsSjCpSu5Qoy9rIG4TaWLt-9odr6iUtxfc3vJHnnddlhBu076R1-7ZKb44DLVY/s1600/poppy.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://parkseed.com/parks-peony-mix-poppy-seeds/p/03149-PK-P1/" target="_blank">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I had fabulous luck with <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/07/the-veggie-garden-in-july.html#more" target="_blank">starting Poppies</a> from seed last year, so I'm giving these beauties a try this year. These are <a href="https://parkseed.com/parks-peony-mix-poppy-seeds/p/03149-PK-P1/" target="_blank">Poppy Parks Peony Mix</a> - isn't that combo just gorgeous? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I guess I was in kind of a pink mood when I was looking through the available seed options! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7j5K6TuDTPD5UXcY8Tsrh_6NH6AvP5-hzY84dklXWGgDDcyaHp-nVLkqoDUldt973BLUo-Ac86Rv5A_JnuiKypbx2fEvXxY5viJ9UoKjKZqA1KK_fb8ncU6o0Ya5nBEa9h90lDZR0NHcT/s1600/celosia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7j5K6TuDTPD5UXcY8Tsrh_6NH6AvP5-hzY84dklXWGgDDcyaHp-nVLkqoDUldt973BLUo-Ac86Rv5A_JnuiKypbx2fEvXxY5viJ9UoKjKZqA1KK_fb8ncU6o0Ya5nBEa9h90lDZR0NHcT/s1600/celosia.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://parkseed.com/arrabona-red-celosia-seeds/p/51103-PK-P1/" target="_blank">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I did manage to sneak in a little orange/red while I was at it, with this gorgeous <a href="https://parkseed.com/arrabona-red-celosia-seeds/p/51103-PK-P1/" target="_blank">Celosia Arrabona Red</a> - if you have a small garden you want to be a little more careful about keeping a color scheme going, but I have <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/search?q=whiskey+barrels" target="_blank">so many gardens</a> scattered here and there, I don't worry about that at all. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLSpxO0PzX11ZurWUvFzMnHTLIKvSV1Lkjp6T20tR-MXIrjjqaOgU8NQGgRghFfRUG8MQwPvwAfUov8Gs7pWzSUv9RwQgg1YjxCvNIpwKpdRmDKh4bHS006lzCTJ1y5S8q50TKl_XgbDc/s1600/celosia+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLSpxO0PzX11ZurWUvFzMnHTLIKvSV1Lkjp6T20tR-MXIrjjqaOgU8NQGgRghFfRUG8MQwPvwAfUov8Gs7pWzSUv9RwQgg1YjxCvNIpwKpdRmDKh4bHS006lzCTJ1y5S8q50TKl_XgbDc/s1600/celosia+2.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://parkseed.com/arrabona-red-celosia-seeds/p/51103-PK-P1/" target="_blank">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I haven't grown Celosia in many years, honestly I'm not sure why not - it's always impressive, especially when grown en masse as in the photos above. Again, I have no clue where I'll put this....but I always find a spot! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjos7vdEfEgKSQmEMTYTTb8Wd_auUKq5o3iG7cV_DI7gW0NkmofEkGdEvtI5_o_N961foPtqSBMb8xFzH0DnC91FLiXHJRYL673UK854ih42i7oy9UiTW2fHbyE0xMc9Xz6a1t3u-09iKkn/s1600/alyssum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjos7vdEfEgKSQmEMTYTTb8Wd_auUKq5o3iG7cV_DI7gW0NkmofEkGdEvtI5_o_N961foPtqSBMb8xFzH0DnC91FLiXHJRYL673UK854ih42i7oy9UiTW2fHbyE0xMc9Xz6a1t3u-09iKkn/s1600/alyssum.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://parkseed.com/alyssum-compacta-seeds/p/00070-PK-P1/" target="_blank">Add caption</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Excuse the fuzziness of this photo....when I blew it up to be the same size as the rest it distorted the image. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This is something that's new to me....<a href="https://parkseed.com/alyssum-compacta-seeds/p/00070-PK-P1/" target="_blank">Alyssum Compacta</a> - it's perennial in zones 3 - 8 and apparently quite easy to grow. I guess it's related to Sweet Alyssum, which I have grown many times....but I never saw it in this bright yellow color! I picture this trailing over the <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/04/creating-secret-garden.html" target="_blank">garden wall</a> that borders the lower parking area. Fingers crossed! The soil there is poor and shallow, and only the hardiest plants survive. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like weeds. Lots and lots of weeds. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiGGtM_KIQYCauYoOTshZjCprACGaXrwX67RTDT_XcfFcAdFGwuawqq-Ttb1315_AFhlxSR_2b62CpkTAjfz85LYLeiHbUfjGUCIsIqvcMJfExTq5p1m-OANOESTIzUiIz9oYrq_uFPCL/s1600/color+up+purple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaiGGtM_KIQYCauYoOTshZjCprACGaXrwX67RTDT_XcfFcAdFGwuawqq-Ttb1315_AFhlxSR_2b62CpkTAjfz85LYLeiHbUfjGUCIsIqvcMJfExTq5p1m-OANOESTIzUiIz9oYrq_uFPCL/s1600/color+up+purple.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://parkseed.com/color-up-purple-hybrid-ornamental-cabbage-seeds/p/00848-PK-P1/" target="_blank">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With these next few, I went completely out of my comfort zone.....look at this gorgeous ornamental cabbage!!! This one is called <a href="https://parkseed.com/color-up-purple-hybrid-ornamental-cabbage-seeds/p/00848-PK-P1/" target="_blank">Ornamental Cabbage Color Up Purple Hybrid</a> - isn't it lovely? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I always think ornamental cabbages are so pretty in the fall, and they last past the first few frosts I believe....but they are always so pricey in my garden center! This will be a trial run for me, and I'll need to do some research on how best to grow these, but at $1 for 25 seeds, I think I can splurge! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_po-OfMsvtKqNyyOmrU3ptZ2PvN-x7n0i3DmLZDoAtSBwcqr4bGBx4P4qMmk0IgelLKmAAfMbuTyHY61P7Do0qWf4XIFK18mF7YE8ASEHzJ2a5DJ1GsSJKz9l8d0AxbT2T16V3WkNBpWe/s1600/color+up+red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_po-OfMsvtKqNyyOmrU3ptZ2PvN-x7n0i3DmLZDoAtSBwcqr4bGBx4P4qMmk0IgelLKmAAfMbuTyHY61P7Do0qWf4XIFK18mF7YE8ASEHzJ2a5DJ1GsSJKz9l8d0AxbT2T16V3WkNBpWe/s1600/color+up+red.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://parkseed.com/color-up-red-hybrid-ornamental-cabbage-seeds/p/00884-PK-P1/" target="_blank">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This is the same, but in <a href="https://parkseed.com/color-up-red-hybrid-ornamental-cabbage-seeds/p/00884-PK-P1/" target="_blank">Color Up Red</a> - it's just beautiful! I can see these in <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/05/beauty-beasts.html" target="_blank">my whiskey barrels</a> on the garden well, and perhaps at the bottom of the steps to the kitchen door, along with some mums. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://parkseed.com/yokohama-ornamental-kale-seeds/p/52002-PK-P1/" target="_blank">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Last, but certainly not least, I got seeds for these beauties - <a href="https://parkseed.com/yokohama-ornamental-kale-seeds/p/52002-PK-P1/" target="_blank">Ornamental Kale Yokohama Mix</a> - another autumn plant that will go beautifully with the cabbages and mums. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I guess I have some homework to do, don't I? I'm guessing I will start these seeds after everything else has been moved outdoors already...but maybe I'm completely wrong? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Anyway, I'm excited to get started! <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/02/the-garden-on-valentines-day.html" target="_blank">The first seeds</a> are going in by February 1st, two weeks earlier than last year....and that's only about a week away! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Time to get the workbench in the utility room cleared off and the grow lights set up! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here we go!</span></div>
Debbie - Mountain Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18401931842031353732noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737531804022285705.post-19169746534334953682020-01-21T15:07:00.000-05:002020-01-28T12:38:33.469-05:00Cozying Up For Winter <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's been brutally cold on the mountain top lately....yesterday I'm pretty sure my contact lenses froze to my eyeballs the second I stepped out the door. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Those of you in warmer states probably don't understand, but we do get used to the frigid winters....and we learn to embrace winter on the mountain top.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's all about dressing in layers, keeping the fire stoked and the firewood well stocked. I have multiple throws in my living room, and my bed is made up with my warmest LL Bean flannel bedding. The candles are lit, the music is soft, and the meals couldn't be better. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oAMO11ZFSvQXv8v9BAUv2HVehilRKkUHL0tr11beqkN2m3GerYzGWXYfEOaBLQnKHizpJRLAO04-dx1hXjk2Ds7Yx_JGH2qvgRKmqt31-HxcUPQ3Fz5y_6bY4xbd9jJvwnZACqUPAYJK/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oAMO11ZFSvQXv8v9BAUv2HVehilRKkUHL0tr11beqkN2m3GerYzGWXYfEOaBLQnKHizpJRLAO04-dx1hXjk2Ds7Yx_JGH2qvgRKmqt31-HxcUPQ3Fz5y_6bY4xbd9jJvwnZACqUPAYJK/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I plan my menus around warm, hearty meals...and on the coldest days those meals are something that's baked, rather than prepared on the stove top. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIichJ_DC9WC84osBbOW0xJWeXuaXIv-NQjrvLwk-WCNQ5dod9pdputHIwS_0nyi1DQIeAye9pC4Bn9miTp51NJ9KfjShMW3a-ZaAGmza-JVOxaVpdwIHMbNjE0ik86KeMRPPzvY66OsQw/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIichJ_DC9WC84osBbOW0xJWeXuaXIv-NQjrvLwk-WCNQ5dod9pdputHIwS_0nyi1DQIeAye9pC4Bn9miTp51NJ9KfjShMW3a-ZaAGmza-JVOxaVpdwIHMbNjE0ik86KeMRPPzvY66OsQw/s1600/9.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I did a little meal prep this weekend, making a batch of chicken croquettes which I baked for Sunday's dinner, and a big batch of Pasta e Fagioli, half of which was to be Monday's dinner.....and half for the freezer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Look at all the hearty goodness in there! It's rare for me, but I don't think I honestly changed anything about this recipe....if you would like to try it out, this is the recipe I used, from <a href="https://damndelicious.net/2014/05/17/olive-garden-pasta-e-fagioli/" target="_blank">DamnDelicious.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ok, I lied....I may have used a little extra pasta. The recipe called for 1 cup pasta, cooked separately from the soup. I cooked one cup, tossed it in a little butter, salt, and pepper....ate a few </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">bites </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(maybe more than a few)....and put it in the fridge to put in the portion of the soup that was to be the next night's dinner. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But hey, in my opinion you can never have too much pasta in Pasta e Fagioli! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yesterday was going to be an absolutely brutal day, so I decided that I would bake some Focaccia bread to go along with the soup. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKowj1Uz-TgibXjkxhLchAANOsSxhSr8eJCY0E5qWzv_3hKZOhgfXpZ0Bo0oUGzLj1TqODezhDOoA9JCtNgtW3ceCkW7sXYjxFr3fyD2VBxM6KkXxBB0Cps8eqzIh7nmyyyYJb8_JhpXI/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKowj1Uz-TgibXjkxhLchAANOsSxhSr8eJCY0E5qWzv_3hKZOhgfXpZ0Bo0oUGzLj1TqODezhDOoA9JCtNgtW3ceCkW7sXYjxFr3fyD2VBxM6KkXxBB0Cps8eqzIh7nmyyyYJb8_JhpXI/s1600/10.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I made the dough in the morning before work (SUPER simple, didn't even have to break out the mixer, just a bowl and a spoon!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The dough has to rest for 8 to 24 hours, and then again for two hours once separated into the cake tins, so this recipe needs to be planned out in advance....but it's so worth it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The very first thing I did when I got home from work was to split the dough into two portions as the recipe indicated, and sit the dough to rise by the fire. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Dinner was delayed a tiny bit by the additional rising time, but it was worth the wait! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Just look at all that yumminess right there!! I used a recipe from <a href="https://thecafesucrefarine.com/ridiculously-easy-focaccia-bread/" target="_blank">The Cafe Sucre Farine</a> and it truly is incredibly easy to make....no excuses! I normally don't alter baking recipes very much, as they are a little out of my comfort zone, but I think I'm comfortable enough with this recipe now that next time I make it I want to incorporate some parmesan and garlic. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Can you tell I adore Parmesan? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Our meal was fantastic, and lunch the next day equally awesome. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Bonus? Having the oven on to bake the bread helped warm up the house! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On winter days when I'm blessed to have a day off and the chores are all done, my last task of the day before preparing dinner is usually treating myself to a hot bath. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The candles are lit, the bubbles are fragrant (my current obsession....<a href="https://www.bathandbodyworks.com/p/black-currant-pine-body-wash-andamp-foam-bath-024479586.html" target="_blank">Bath & Body Works Black Currant & Pine Foam Bath</a>....mmmmmmm) and I settle into the warm bubbles listening either to music or an audiobook. Sweetie got me <a href="https://amzn.to/2vpi6os" target="_blank">the most amazing speaker </a>for Christmas (thanks Sweetie!!) and I'm pretty much obsessed with it. I can play my music, my audiobooks, and my phone calls on it....it's so awesome, and the sound is incredible! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's really the little things in life, isn't it? Being able to play my audiobooks over a speaker has been wonderful....before I used to put my iPhone in a cup or bowl to amplify the sound! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Anyways....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Speaking of little things....how cute are these little guys? My blogging friend Kris over at <a href="https://www.junkchiccottage.com/" target="_blank">Junk Chic Cottage</a> sent these to me in December....(those of you who <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mountainmamaonline/" target="_blank">follow me on Instagram</a> saw them at the time) and I decided they could stay out for the winter since they are perfectly dressed for it! Thanks, Kris!! They truly make me smile every time I spot them in the corner of my bedroom!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The real birdies certainly need our help at this time of year, and I bundle up every single morning and go out and fill their feeders and make sure the water is topped up in their heated birdbath. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I enjoy watching them so much out my dining room window, it's worth every cold minute in the mornings!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Oh, and just look at that....some of the <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/11/the-art-of-stretching-grocery-budget.html" target="_blank">herbs I harvested</a> at the end of the season are still going strong in the dining room window! The basil and thyme have both rooted (note to self: pot up the basil & thyme) and the sage and curry are both still doing very well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The tall plant you see on the left is <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/01/sunshine-pups-and-amaryllis-tips.html" target="_blank">my Amaryllis</a>, which will be flowering before long - yayyy!! It didn't flower at all last year, but I repotted it over the summer and it's much healthier now. When the Amaryllis is done, I'll start forcing some of the <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2020/01/spring-on-my-mind.html#more" target="_blank">bulbs that I've been chilling </a>in the downstairs fridge....can't wait to see those spring blooms!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I love surrounding myself with plants in the winter months, don't you? Even better if they are flowering plants!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Meanwhile, these two little rascals spend most of the winter cuddled up together in the chair in front of the fire, basking in any rays of sunshine that stream through the windows. (Another note to self: clean windows!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They run out of the house like maniacs in the mornings, frightening any 'squirbles' off the deck....but they are back at the door within minutes, anxious to get in out of the cold. Poor little things...yet they get upset when I put their jackets on, go figure! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So there's a little rambling post about how we cozy up winter around here...what's your favorite way to make your winter more tolerable? </span></div>
Debbie - Mountain Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18401931842031353732noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737531804022285705.post-22235427982315919842020-01-16T15:59:00.000-05:002020-01-28T12:39:39.921-05:00Perfect Potato Leek Soup <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'Tis the season on the mountain top for snow....and soup. Lots and lots of steaming bowls of soup, to warm a soul from the inside out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Recently, my little mountain top market had some gorgeous leeks on sale, which I snatched up in a hurry, intent on making one of my all time favorite soups....Potato Leek. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I first sampled Potato Leek soup many moons ago when I was working in a lovely French restaurant in NYC....and I was instantly hooked. It was also one of my dad's favorites, and I decided his birthday would be the perfect time to whip up a batch, in honor of him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What could be more comforting than a bowl of this creamy satisfying goodness on a cold winter's night? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Lucky for you I wrote down the recipe, so I could share the most perfect Potato Leek soup with you! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You will need: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3 large leeks</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/2 an onion</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">5 cloves of garlic</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">7 large yukon gold potatoes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2 bay leaves</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3 sprigs of thyme</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">8 cups chicken broth (I make my own, but you can use pre-made)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1 cup heavy cream </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1/2 tsp of all purpose seasoning (I use Vermont Country Seasoning)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Salt & pepper to taste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Butter </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sliced green onions and bacon bits for serving (optional but yummy!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ok here we go! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Start by removing the dark green portions of the leeks (keeping the white and light green portions), as well as the opposite end with the roots. Then cut the leeks in half lengthwise, and soak in cold water while you gather the rest of your ingredients. Leeks are buggers for hiding grit and dirt in their layers, so they need a really good washing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After soaking, pull apart the layers and rinse each carefully, checking for any remaining grit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Chop the white and light green portions of the leek, chop the onion, and peel and smash the garlic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Heat a heavy bottomed pot over medium heat (I used <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2015/10/my-new-best-friend.html" target="_blank">my favorite pot</a>), and drizzle in a tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in a tablespoon of butter, and saute the leeks, onion, and garlic (stirring frequently), until they begin to soften. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Meanwhile, peel the yukon gold potatoes, wash, and cut in thirds. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIJLEmsNK3yU2x0FSOWkK7pTwB-HQ17X1WtR-w2SxJpbc6JA8p7-ady3_iTVhpzNDWPCDS-PSlikypHQx4FaohHVvXo6TkZydsXIZyfRNRe7f2UbJ0sVgXVG5qDfpIxKuLnLc9azjZHRt/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIJLEmsNK3yU2x0FSOWkK7pTwB-HQ17X1WtR-w2SxJpbc6JA8p7-ady3_iTVhpzNDWPCDS-PSlikypHQx4FaohHVvXo6TkZydsXIZyfRNRe7f2UbJ0sVgXVG5qDfpIxKuLnLc9azjZHRt/s1600/4.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When the leek mixture is soft and fragrant, pour in the chicken broth, and carefully add the potatoes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGlaxkb_sLhAAH-A7HgQIwm0-GM6jLZWNI9nHSNYEQbokpLdde3-2lVY-oZyccalTvZnxUK03_y1EWoJGAY_ay7DoStLUSLgjpCfzikn8rbwqexgZ2YNeSsUa7kruQwtgF7gvdjXuf_ey/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGlaxkb_sLhAAH-A7HgQIwm0-GM6jLZWNI9nHSNYEQbokpLdde3-2lVY-oZyccalTvZnxUK03_y1EWoJGAY_ay7DoStLUSLgjpCfzikn8rbwqexgZ2YNeSsUa7kruQwtgF7gvdjXuf_ey/s1600/5.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Add salt and pepper to taste, and a half teaspoon of all purpose seasoning. I always go heavy on the pepper and light on the salt, and I use <a href="https://harmanscheese.com/shop/vermont-all-purpose-country-seasoning/" target="_blank">Vermont Country Seasoning.</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIM7SES8baL7eaLlWvDPv8LkXI-v6v6g0n_4LzuxSEKEwHUQFieCA3oYCjS2T8WsvYLfqFVyIUKaT7t8nQ1yFsthhu00ZqcC7ScLGaZD57OepEzH5OSuHkYsTQXjQiyTGsIO5mBzFwMXL9/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIM7SES8baL7eaLlWvDPv8LkXI-v6v6g0n_4LzuxSEKEwHUQFieCA3oYCjS2T8WsvYLfqFVyIUKaT7t8nQ1yFsthhu00ZqcC7ScLGaZD57OepEzH5OSuHkYsTQXjQiyTGsIO5mBzFwMXL9/s1600/6.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Add in your bay leaves and sprigs of thyme, and give it a good stir. Raise the heat to high and bring it to a boil. Then cover the pot, lower the heat to low, and walk away. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I like to cut my potatoes larger and let the soup simmer for longer, to really let the flavors come together. If you are in more of a hurry, just cut the potatoes much smaller so they cook more quickly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNEz8ytrVu9BlpBQf11mGiIrETPB3VOrFrJY3wWuDS8ZOsCg5uJSEDHKKgXb7hmc3LxrR3y47mM8VSJmTv0KzlW-LbKpRCUxDvHXOIahYBin2t-v-l7dEYd_ltxjzsA8n-I-EZ2M-GGoO/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNEz8ytrVu9BlpBQf11mGiIrETPB3VOrFrJY3wWuDS8ZOsCg5uJSEDHKKgXb7hmc3LxrR3y47mM8VSJmTv0KzlW-LbKpRCUxDvHXOIahYBin2t-v-l7dEYd_ltxjzsA8n-I-EZ2M-GGoO/s1600/7.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When the potatoes are very soft, remove the bay leaves and thyme and then blend the soup using an immersion blender (preferred) or in batches in a regular blender. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you are using a regular blender, let the soup cool for a bit and then blend it in small batches (no more than half full), removing the center cap to release steam. Cover the hole with a dishtowel, to keep from splattering your entire kitchen. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you love homemade soup, an immersion blender is a vital tool. You can get them for a very reasonable price....<a href="https://amzn.to/38X67x9" target="_blank">this is the one I have</a>. Make sure the blender portion is metal, as the plastic ones will melt when making soups. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiAzkX09U_9mJq2RRldNFLkbElrru4W-U9CTOTKe_pnqnpsBBBwxkhxApNW6f3XgILmFTJjJ9-4BoMsbXGX4ae4VFC_5rdiH_JjHv6lG9sHnk2COknD_KRMPnkD8KdE7tmZ_PZei_h9Py/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiAzkX09U_9mJq2RRldNFLkbElrru4W-U9CTOTKe_pnqnpsBBBwxkhxApNW6f3XgILmFTJjJ9-4BoMsbXGX4ae4VFC_5rdiH_JjHv6lG9sHnk2COknD_KRMPnkD8KdE7tmZ_PZei_h9Py/s1600/8.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Add in the cream and cheddar, and blend again, tasting and adjusting the seasoning as necessary. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccjjUUWa_GhYgAME7ikEOWCyWnnzH2fHbFjFgob99k6eXyvrovDzhOmrvVx0qFBaGZH5p3ymU6jV0ouqNeBElyRdL82Gfpl_pWmMqu3p07K0xaJGGCkq_KRUay8NN3ycjPJL3MhZg1BHK/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccjjUUWa_GhYgAME7ikEOWCyWnnzH2fHbFjFgob99k6eXyvrovDzhOmrvVx0qFBaGZH5p3ymU6jV0ouqNeBElyRdL82Gfpl_pWmMqu3p07K0xaJGGCkq_KRUay8NN3ycjPJL3MhZg1BHK/s1600/9.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I love to top mine with chopped green onions or chives and crumbled bacon, and sometimes even a little more cheese. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Served with some warm bread, this is a perfect meal for a snowy winter's night. It's really quite simple to make, and this recipe made dinner for two, two lunches for the next day, and two quarts of soup for the freezer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There you have it.....the most Perfect Potato Leek Soup! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Bon Appetit! </span>Debbie - Mountain Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18401931842031353732noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737531804022285705.post-84679223428895611852020-01-07T14:40:00.002-05:002020-01-07T15:22:42.056-05:00Spring On My Mind<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You know it's wayyyyyy too early for me to be even thinking of spring, don't you? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After all, I haven't even taken down my Christmas tree yet! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And let's face it, the mountain top doesn't really see spring until well into April. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yet, I can't help it. Once Christmas is over, that's where my thoughts turn. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When all the decorations are down and put away, my next big project is doing a seed inventory and getting ready for seed starting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQ48B8UvjRlv6vJzLtIcGXsHVAJeSEERlfsfaiRkq4G0AMwML3x7zUqnxCr9UwSRBRRlFxbmwUowAM1e3xQ7SmnHtf_ccshG8w29CFp3z9AmoVvvkxKwuMu1M7BOXsH9NSDVz2b7tn6c_/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQ48B8UvjRlv6vJzLtIcGXsHVAJeSEERlfsfaiRkq4G0AMwML3x7zUqnxCr9UwSRBRRlFxbmwUowAM1e3xQ7SmnHtf_ccshG8w29CFp3z9AmoVvvkxKwuMu1M7BOXsH9NSDVz2b7tn6c_/s1600/9.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Last year I started the pansies, snapdragons, and cleome on <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/02/the-garden-on-valentines-day.html" target="_blank">February 14th</a>. This year I want to start them earlier, so they are more established when I plant them out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqcsWt6JpaTlYIsie6I-CiXwy8n3RdjdMqROR7U5MO6NnQp14zyfupw0__pETaXET8asREpR96p64wNHN1n0F5vL5wh99CPquL_MM-jljJkRprVTLFLvZAMGFu5RrAYERGjKnwT7SdpZA/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqcsWt6JpaTlYIsie6I-CiXwy8n3RdjdMqROR7U5MO6NnQp14zyfupw0__pETaXET8asREpR96p64wNHN1n0F5vL5wh99CPquL_MM-jljJkRprVTLFLvZAMGFu5RrAYERGjKnwT7SdpZA/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I also need to take my fig tree out of the closet under the stairs earlier this year, and bring it upstairs into the warmth and sunshine so it can come out of dormancy. Last year it finally got figs, but they never matured enough before the cold weather came for me to eat them. I'm hoping if the tree is brought out of dormancy earlier, it will produce fruit earlier, and I'll actually get some figs to eat. Fingers crossed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Do you remember last spring I had some <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/02/winter-lingers-on.html" target="_blank">lovely bulbs I forced in the house? </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCXW9hw8Dk94_tXs5EgfcqaVtm1fuEmTNXMJr0c2oV0wYWYTIdbrA2aRpCrLrCNoZPt8_mGnuqkYcP9D0fj0hMzMRsTUF0TUnkcrAf9C6kfZmn7JGqQUGDOn5YGu27eeCGHbMNOdmiJZK2/s1600/5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCXW9hw8Dk94_tXs5EgfcqaVtm1fuEmTNXMJr0c2oV0wYWYTIdbrA2aRpCrLrCNoZPt8_mGnuqkYcP9D0fj0hMzMRsTUF0TUnkcrAf9C6kfZmn7JGqQUGDOn5YGu27eeCGHbMNOdmiJZK2/s1600/5.png" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When they were done blooming I had every good intention of planting them in the garden. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Instead, I'm embarassed to say....the pots sat on a chair on the patio and were completely neglected until it was time for the first frost. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yup, all of them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, at the end of the season, I tucked the pots into plastic grocery bags, tied them closed, and stuck them in the downstairs fridge...and said a prayer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Well guess what? They're sprouting!! Yippee!! I'm surprised, I thought I blew it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In addition to the bulbs saved from last season, I took advantage of <a href="https://www.brecks.com/" target="_blank">Breck's</a> huge end of season sale and stocked up on some spring and summer bulbs at amazing savings! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The sale was too late for any fall planting up here on the mountain top, but I figured I could pop the bulbs into the crisper drawer and keep them chilled until I'm ready to plant them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Do you want to know what I got? Tee hee, I'm so excited....I'm like a kid with a new toy!! </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFt683Ro08gNxJNCWgpLCmFlVO43LTfc6FlJyLhyUr_A0TwsmzMjFprGom2wxjDU1LOfS0JPHd-E1Q6XA2vhf65M_gpQYVcy-x-LfwdKQTU-PBmn-HiyA-qGx_yFWMXUyunSUkGIY6vJAt/s1600/67260A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFt683Ro08gNxJNCWgpLCmFlVO43LTfc6FlJyLhyUr_A0TwsmzMjFprGom2wxjDU1LOfS0JPHd-E1Q6XA2vhf65M_gpQYVcy-x-LfwdKQTU-PBmn-HiyA-qGx_yFWMXUyunSUkGIY6vJAt/s1600/67260A.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.brecks.com/product/Red_Dynasty_Tulip" target="_blank">Red Dynasty</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Let's start with this Red Dynasty Tulip....it's the most beautiful, perfect, lipstick red tulip I've ever seen! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXki-LaN3WBsBDU737NKKq5KMnGSxB-jomLBP7FC6CpwbPyT9ubyL9st_NPI1XO56eqsgUid2_SOxHjNJjIUqmuoyTTj2WJpF5E56jjbi1xY5mY4Fan7NYMGO1XpMzEJOWb5oJ1oV9hZdp/s1600/67260A_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXki-LaN3WBsBDU737NKKq5KMnGSxB-jomLBP7FC6CpwbPyT9ubyL9st_NPI1XO56eqsgUid2_SOxHjNJjIUqmuoyTTj2WJpF5E56jjbi1xY5mY4Fan7NYMGO1XpMzEJOWb5oJ1oV9hZdp/s1600/67260A_1.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.brecks.com/product/Red_Dynasty_Tulip" target="_blank">Red Dynasty</a></span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I mean seriously....just look at that perfection! Oh the deer are going to love these! Only kidding, they will be in pots on the deck, away from the deer! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Regular price: $39.99 for 12. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bP8vvR48g2ORygyQpWX7Sfzsm17RoK6mG7CBx56C_gaSkd64JS2rHGMdsX56SqKm2KayxRrqehLOIF-yvPp3uEADFYOhHvQqVLw0dPIDNEshS-8gtq2Q2zog6QpQ-8OZlUhejDhyphenhyphentU02/s1600/68859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bP8vvR48g2ORygyQpWX7Sfzsm17RoK6mG7CBx56C_gaSkd64JS2rHGMdsX56SqKm2KayxRrqehLOIF-yvPp3uEADFYOhHvQqVLw0dPIDNEshS-8gtq2Q2zog6QpQ-8OZlUhejDhyphenhyphentU02/s1600/68859.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.brecks.com/product/je-taime-tulip" target="_blank">Je T'Aime</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">How about these gorgeous and unusual tulips? Je T'Aime, to be precise. I love the flared shape, they are so feminine! And the subtle orange color will be just perfect to brighten up those early spring days! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Regular price: $25.99 for 8. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVN9yR_EQsRnfJN-7C6FEAsMcVGl-AzOhA48BdRANYr4UnycKQj-1CAW7sZP6wqMR6dqzVWIG5DZByWQOx0_w28bGDtxNswhT_CBJIg4GUS2snLaehrAfMYIn1LlYM8gLNtW44JSQfvWWX/s1600/70867A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVN9yR_EQsRnfJN-7C6FEAsMcVGl-AzOhA48BdRANYr4UnycKQj-1CAW7sZP6wqMR6dqzVWIG5DZByWQOx0_w28bGDtxNswhT_CBJIg4GUS2snLaehrAfMYIn1LlYM8gLNtW44JSQfvWWX/s1600/70867A.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.brecks.com/product/Purple_Tall_Dutch_Iris" target="_blank">Purple Tall Dutch Iris</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I adore a richly colored purple Iris, and the splashes of yellow on this one bring it to the next level. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'm not sure where this will be planted yet.....perhaps in <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/05/a-free-before-after-with-huge-impact.html" target="_blank">the birdbath garden</a> at the bottom of the garden steps. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Regular price: Sold out everywhere, and can't find a price, sorry!!!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHN5X8204lpGGOtITpe-1w4wqXPiH-li8OZEIca4BfNFIPIUzwDIKwqyCJCebpoe183VLbrmw-ncGi-Q99F9Exk7zaYZyZX1GBTKCTPslBLgylr_U0CmFfOO7U43-acXCm8729Ta7awmw/s1600/74666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHN5X8204lpGGOtITpe-1w4wqXPiH-li8OZEIca4BfNFIPIUzwDIKwqyCJCebpoe183VLbrmw-ncGi-Q99F9Exk7zaYZyZX1GBTKCTPslBLgylr_U0CmFfOO7U43-acXCm8729Ta7awmw/s1600/74666.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.brecks.com/product/double-beauty-daffodil" target="_blank">Double Beauty Daffodil</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Look at this gorgeous double daffodil!! I adore daffodils....and they are one bulb the critters tend to leave alone. I love the slight tinge of orange in this one, it's like sunshine on a stem! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Regular price: $33.98 for 5. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxT_XaGl-x5_n39yFKYxvzNDmWugDITVwHqlXYP9xCa05p6RTsoFd7u5ONR-ESONYdhtO_G21msTpspS1AigMyvOZDRWE2KxKqcdjKionBAWUNhVdLXyQfjIflpoyw9amYE9qrb-R5QTev/s1600/62896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxT_XaGl-x5_n39yFKYxvzNDmWugDITVwHqlXYP9xCa05p6RTsoFd7u5ONR-ESONYdhtO_G21msTpspS1AigMyvOZDRWE2KxKqcdjKionBAWUNhVdLXyQfjIflpoyw9amYE9qrb-R5QTev/s1600/62896.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.brecks.com/product/red-carpet-border-lilies" target="_blank">Red Carpet Border Lilies</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I couldn't resist these brightly colored small scale lilies. Again, I'm not sure where they are going, but they found their way into my crisper drawer along with all the others! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Regular price: $69.99 for 10. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0NeAlCLrNa8Fukhj9gdfv008h_5TSYbp1C1_YS1U_mDsOpnWhws9e5KG17HUQQqfKNlMbApmlyE1BQjMJeicI-pDRHt9wb0nWeyuYxud4KBrjXH7_ju4SQMtdR7VOK-vO4mmF2fX8yWV/s1600/82101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0NeAlCLrNa8Fukhj9gdfv008h_5TSYbp1C1_YS1U_mDsOpnWhws9e5KG17HUQQqfKNlMbApmlyE1BQjMJeicI-pDRHt9wb0nWeyuYxud4KBrjXH7_ju4SQMtdR7VOK-vO4mmF2fX8yWV/s1600/82101.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.brecks.com/product/Halleys_Comet_Jumbo_Perennial_Tulip" target="_blank">Halley's Comet</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Speaking of bright, how cheerful are these Halley's Comet Jumbo Perennial Tulips? I will be keeping these in pots as well, far away from the deer! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Regular price: $24.99 for 10. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8NVcb42Ircye0LHVrsjf6nqKiE86TvB3RplWqcM3qn__Qecjz0qbJwcYN09ro6ApQkk38jxdhIJYN_qrJG3ais69_TgEHWD9v2ptCngaZvwxaMaEJALrJ6iZXfbkNL3f7nH1FFtqG-kC/s1600/72224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8NVcb42Ircye0LHVrsjf6nqKiE86TvB3RplWqcM3qn__Qecjz0qbJwcYN09ro6ApQkk38jxdhIJYN_qrJG3ais69_TgEHWD9v2ptCngaZvwxaMaEJALrJ6iZXfbkNL3f7nH1FFtqG-kC/s1600/72224.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.brecks.com/product/dickcissel-daffodil" target="_blank">Dickcissel Daffodil</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Last but not least, these lovely Dickcissel Daffodils. I love the white ruffly center, a wonderful contrast to that vivid yellow! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Regular price: $35.98 for 10. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And what did I pay for my TOTAL order during the big end of season sale?????? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Drumroll, please.....................................<span style="color: red;"><b>$38.92!! </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Less a credit I had with Brecks....and my end total was only <span style="color: red;"><b>$20.39</b></span> for all this beauty! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It really pays to shop the end of season sales, if you have somewhere to store the bulbs until spring! </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Combine that with <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2017/04/saving-money-with-seed-starting.html" target="_blank">starting my own seeds</a> and <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2018/10/how-to-overwinter-your-geraniums.html" target="_blank">overwintering my geraniums,</a> and that's one way I stick to my budget and <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/03/how-to-save-big-money-each-spring.html" target="_blank">save big money each spring</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What are your best budget gardening tips? </span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sharing on:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.astrollthrulife.net/2020/01/530th-inspire-me-tuesday.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Inspire Me Tuesday </span></a></span></div>
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Debbie - Mountain Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18401931842031353732noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737531804022285705.post-6291217078535481912020-01-03T14:01:00.000-05:002020-01-28T12:48:59.535-05:00Meatloaf, Mastered<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have always loved a good meatloaf. Growing up, it was one of the meals my mom made so well, and I loved when it was on the menu. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Pork chops? Not so much. Dad liked them very well done, and it was like trying to chew the sole off the bottom of my shoe. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But meatloaf? That was a treat! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I had my own apartment, I thought I could make meatloaf better by adding a bunch of random ingredients and spices into the mix. It was awful, and I called Mom to find out how she made hers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />Through the years, I have improved the technique, and slightly edited the recipe, to come up with what I believe is the PERFECT meatloaf. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When ground beef went on sale at my local market recently, it was the perfect time to make a big batch of meatloaf for the freezer....and lucky for you I actually wrote down the recipe! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here's what you'll need: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3 large or extra large eggs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2 cups of milk</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3 tsp garlic, minced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3 tsp concentrated tomato paste</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3 cups seasoned breadcrumbs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2 large onions</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4 1/2 lbs ground beef (I used 80% lean)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Salt and pepper to taste </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ok here we go - making the very best meatloaf! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxnGDLF9EI3pCddRbkxHvNa3UtZj2X9-7670DqJX1AstdOdHcCNb1GBpWOdKDq0LybBQt8j9bZg9t3JEBsmw5dDMPTwW3Wo3XJEFFsnhi-Gr3Ncb-Yur7HLa5scKF_eALQtpyRzSOkSek/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxnGDLF9EI3pCddRbkxHvNa3UtZj2X9-7670DqJX1AstdOdHcCNb1GBpWOdKDq0LybBQt8j9bZg9t3JEBsmw5dDMPTwW3Wo3XJEFFsnhi-Gr3Ncb-Yur7HLa5scKF_eALQtpyRzSOkSek/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I started with three large eggs in the bottom of my <a href="https://amzn.to/38METsN" target="_blank">Kitchen Aid stand mixer's </a>bowl. If you don't have a stand mixer, you will have to use a very large mixing bowl and whisk the eggs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAAOZAegb2ajwE3IxsixTftS5gb9Tm-AjQjnchXQQTHslNQjtHy6M27CB6H__8SpS6qUPehMhatbpKee9vVsk9DTCT-ZALizi8XwRsGUdg4eM6fwu3UeVjhlwV84xzmdlDPO3oqSC4CRn/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAAOZAegb2ajwE3IxsixTftS5gb9Tm-AjQjnchXQQTHslNQjtHy6M27CB6H__8SpS6qUPehMhatbpKee9vVsk9DTCT-ZALizi8XwRsGUdg4eM6fwu3UeVjhlwV84xzmdlDPO3oqSC4CRn/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I started up the mixer on medium to whip up the eggs, then added 2 cups of fat free milk.You can use whatever milk you have, although I can't vouch for soy or almond type milks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlm3qysCwUNWm-kl6NvMxarcGiTc_5aZhaLiFMkkUbe7mBbgr0dcs8N9l492ApYAQcBWhyphenhyphenODZ-5S7_ps-YxgWi_BI3ID9JmyjCl2POtAxS2OTpQocQ4Hb2vTBO2gYxRENBteSCShCUyCnW/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlm3qysCwUNWm-kl6NvMxarcGiTc_5aZhaLiFMkkUbe7mBbgr0dcs8N9l492ApYAQcBWhyphenhyphenODZ-5S7_ps-YxgWi_BI3ID9JmyjCl2POtAxS2OTpQocQ4Hb2vTBO2gYxRENBteSCShCUyCnW/s1600/3.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">While the mixer was running, I added in 3 teaspoons of concentrated tomato paste. If you don't have concentrated paste, I would double it for standard tomato paste. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Next went salt and pepper, to taste. I went easy on the salt, heavy on the pepper. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Into the egg/milk mixture I put three cups of seasoned breadcrumbs and mixed on low to combine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Let the breadcrumb mixture sit for a few minutes, to soak up all the liquid. That's what makes your meatloaf extra moist.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMyLWBS0p_gWPQ9rFnMiQqUqrpvPcsKz654k7xgr2Dm4DGU6KBmJiWeEXSBpSzBeFn64968vgIrSacclXBwycpJ-4b2R5y5xpYMR-fh1VWRxGORoSs15R_tOaMfJw5iK5TDvp0kMTNYui/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMyLWBS0p_gWPQ9rFnMiQqUqrpvPcsKz654k7xgr2Dm4DGU6KBmJiWeEXSBpSzBeFn64968vgIrSacclXBwycpJ-4b2R5y5xpYMR-fh1VWRxGORoSs15R_tOaMfJw5iK5TDvp0kMTNYui/s1600/4.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Next up, two large onions, finely chopped. Don't forget to save the scraps in the freezer for your <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2018/04/this-thatand-where-heck-is-spring.html#more" target="_blank">homemade broth!</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1P5XyZbDPzHo75xDKwmEMKMUsGYrrR1bHBJGi4EDCxDeYy3UDyWa_80slERLC_IJ86FrMPm0tIPv3I7-jIPwvpcxrHi-t0alfjp8FmZqrtD0_HQQJJxIjDw33mrT8dFXM02ePyhzuWuRu/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1P5XyZbDPzHo75xDKwmEMKMUsGYrrR1bHBJGi4EDCxDeYy3UDyWa_80slERLC_IJ86FrMPm0tIPv3I7-jIPwvpcxrHi-t0alfjp8FmZqrtD0_HQQJJxIjDw33mrT8dFXM02ePyhzuWuRu/s1600/5.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I use my handy-dandy <a href="https://amzn.to/3aZmhb4" target="_blank">Cuisinart mini chopper</a> to chop onions and garlic. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Remember - work smarter, not harder. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-GBu0iCcZrWxoTNZwJJKlfithv-DVHKTs4oDotaNk0YAkZmhV6z1zmTo1uuv-e8W08YvXBrtQEDKDrIyYCQNYCh0KsKQfNvx_GLjGry5EwF5qBddx15lDMHNuvnbK3RlCHqxl2abZcaY/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-GBu0iCcZrWxoTNZwJJKlfithv-DVHKTs4oDotaNk0YAkZmhV6z1zmTo1uuv-e8W08YvXBrtQEDKDrIyYCQNYCh0KsKQfNvx_GLjGry5EwF5qBddx15lDMHNuvnbK3RlCHqxl2abZcaY/s1600/6.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The onions went into the breadcrumb mixture, along with 3 teaspoons of garlic, minced. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Let the mixer do the work, and then begin adding the ground beef a little at a time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My mixer couldn't quite handle the entire 4 1/2 lbs....but it managed about 4 lbs of beef, and the rest I mixed in by hand. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxS65n1GtAf0NIIflgjnHBm9e6SQA9Cm8owaDMxgzgOwLQbKWddyHpJOz5pYlywda-PWm3rduHVjEitfRljgvDxF4MfgMqUTfYO3ftIbCv4gZgr2jsMfvul-ItDE3rBekxMBr8jrQXwE5/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxS65n1GtAf0NIIflgjnHBm9e6SQA9Cm8owaDMxgzgOwLQbKWddyHpJOz5pYlywda-PWm3rduHVjEitfRljgvDxF4MfgMqUTfYO3ftIbCv4gZgr2jsMfvul-ItDE3rBekxMBr8jrQXwE5/s1600/7.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When the mixer was full to overflowing, I dumped the mixture into a very large mixing bowl, and mixed in the last bit of ground beef by hand. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was hoping to avoid that part....but it couldn't be helped. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On a side note, I seriously LOVE this mixing bowl. I got it during a great sale at Sur La Table a while back, and I'm obsessed. It's the perfect size for mixing, and the sides are sloped perfectly. Love, love, love!! Sur La Table doesn't have the red one any more, sadly....but <a href="https://amzn.to/3aM1Lud" target="_blank">here are some other options and colors. </a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWV8OKJn7UUDFf5VtN-nO5eTbZ1PazEOujDlp6whzAzS1E89Ygo2SRtuA_sSegqdyCTc3MMr2Q7sodRUJnVs2kkfZn6SnZCW1YcoGkQ3AJ1AI9Lga2VtmOZcoCl-ZMGgcSFf6tI704e2B/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWV8OKJn7UUDFf5VtN-nO5eTbZ1PazEOujDlp6whzAzS1E89Ygo2SRtuA_sSegqdyCTc3MMr2Q7sodRUJnVs2kkfZn6SnZCW1YcoGkQ3AJ1AI9Lga2VtmOZcoCl-ZMGgcSFf6tI704e2B/s1600/8.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Anyway.....moving on! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Next I covered a baking tray with foil, and laid out 4 more pieces of heavy duty foil on the counter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31RDsz9Qq9lExM3TVQDMovQFexccDxNUoQJB8Cms1z-Iciqylum7lvMHUWMennzIjNgvSCz0F2ZinM9eDQ-HsG4vTk_bM0iGUodMErToBWobmqXVajQMEDm2ug7ffuas_tFHz3eia-eFP/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31RDsz9Qq9lExM3TVQDMovQFexccDxNUoQJB8Cms1z-Iciqylum7lvMHUWMennzIjNgvSCz0F2ZinM9eDQ-HsG4vTk_bM0iGUodMErToBWobmqXVajQMEDm2ug7ffuas_tFHz3eia-eFP/s1600/9.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I divided the mixture up into 5 somewhat even portions, and formed them into loaves. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJruUMZxxvyMqTVEqz6O5lDDwVGmtOh88dmQ6PZMTAgLgb6L_XQ9JUlnRysBYWhUanmrIKDjVX8tjMtGT_hFdPujdzYttiVJdBG1lJqB69Li-MH7YCqx-mpvk9dYJ6QK0xYRwMVrPDJLtc/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJruUMZxxvyMqTVEqz6O5lDDwVGmtOh88dmQ6PZMTAgLgb6L_XQ9JUlnRysBYWhUanmrIKDjVX8tjMtGT_hFdPujdzYttiVJdBG1lJqB69Li-MH7YCqx-mpvk9dYJ6QK0xYRwMVrPDJLtc/s1600/10.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Four got wrapped for the freezer, and one was going to become that night's dinner. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I added about 3 tbs barbecue sauce to the top of the one to be baked that evening. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQz8q1ItskwLwBVI6pYOI88A0JeLRB5VHfa0lV-BnmJUjqy2lq6t0X4gijxJ3LmihzuE9GIVasbNTldxk_f8W4KmbFpLV_J4cQErf0jCTkhCnu2t9IsJ3bWqvk7bnY_wDZoba7IrmrY-7E/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQz8q1ItskwLwBVI6pYOI88A0JeLRB5VHfa0lV-BnmJUjqy2lq6t0X4gijxJ3LmihzuE9GIVasbNTldxk_f8W4KmbFpLV_J4cQErf0jCTkhCnu2t9IsJ3bWqvk7bnY_wDZoba7IrmrY-7E/s1600/11.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I used my <a href="https://amzn.to/37Bj7bp" target="_blank">silicone basting brush</a> to brush the bbq sauce evenly over the top and sides of the meatloaf. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You can also use a clean, unused paintbrush for this purpose, as I did prior to getting my silicone basting brush. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHnOfMwc8un8T_AxH_cbU_A1ChaMzADlb63vJR7_KrItiNuJzwLW5c5qM1CrgCUAPp-kK6G9SZohTpGy1SydvfdF9zoILrBJ3BtTh3Z0n_BEM0RU6NiYaFJSlFKtm8VXoo4aMa9SH115f/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeHnOfMwc8un8T_AxH_cbU_A1ChaMzADlb63vJR7_KrItiNuJzwLW5c5qM1CrgCUAPp-kK6G9SZohTpGy1SydvfdF9zoILrBJ3BtTh3Z0n_BEM0RU6NiYaFJSlFKtm8VXoo4aMa9SH115f/s1600/12.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I love knowing I have 4 more meatloaves in the freezer, ready for a quick and easy comfort food dinner on a busy day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'm only cooking for two these days, so I was able to make the loaves just the right size for two dinners and two lunches the next day. You may need to make yours a bit bigger, depending on who is gathered around your table. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3znjDy4SlclNyWjWZnH_VZkBEcfZNSoXTmMTjX7FjSxpsszQwiVgDcuTZAflkUYuGGqH9sQmkS2BwQ2-bvnvTo81ornc_0ryBJ3uR2JuVyuJt86fW9M9GTwmqFZvi54Gwhb1CUl7tXy3/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3znjDy4SlclNyWjWZnH_VZkBEcfZNSoXTmMTjX7FjSxpsszQwiVgDcuTZAflkUYuGGqH9sQmkS2BwQ2-bvnvTo81ornc_0ryBJ3uR2JuVyuJt86fW9M9GTwmqFZvi54Gwhb1CUl7tXy3/s1600/13.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I baked the meatloaf at 350 degrees for about an hour, while I made some mashed potatoes, gravy, and peas to go with it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Do you remember <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2017/11/the-very-best-pot-roast.html#more" target="_blank">what I told you</a> about making mashed potatoes? The magic gadget to make the most wonderful, creamiest mashed potatoes? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A potato ricer. Yup, no peeling involved, gotta love it. </span></div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/37xKvqM" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This is the one I have. </span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For the gravy, I make a simple gravy as follows: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add in 3 tsp <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Reduce-Sodium-Beef-Base/dp/B0078DPCL4/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3UON401BPVU2R&keywords=better+than+bouillon+beef+base+reduced+sodium&qid=1578077591&sprefix=better+than+boiullon+beef+%2Caps%2C228&sr=8-3" target="_blank">Lower Sodium Better than Boiullon Beef</a> flavor. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Simmer for a couple of minutes, add <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wondra-Purpose-Quick-Mixing-Sauce-Gravy/dp/B00FVFR5MU/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1H8G27V9DU3MT&keywords=wondra+flour&qid=1578077638&sprefix=wondra%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-4" target="_blank">Wondra</a> to thicken. Add a teaspoon of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Bouquet-Browning-Seasoning-4-Ounce/dp/B0084A8MYE/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=kitchen+bouquet&qid=1578077665&sr=8-2" target="_blank">Kitchen Bouquet </a>for color and flavor. Do not add extra salt, but add pepper if you'd like. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mLR9yahWt5fJ22a9xFA_HEe9H_z-Nb9DjdJpkC4JP6vEMbr6wBelnCdpMwD9nXj75iaWMKraGr-jpBe_96zDjfdWTto4p1X1s9onDdhrjlmDmlD5KVnbs7ySBAoBq6ctWI7L0B48Y83x/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mLR9yahWt5fJ22a9xFA_HEe9H_z-Nb9DjdJpkC4JP6vEMbr6wBelnCdpMwD9nXj75iaWMKraGr-jpBe_96zDjfdWTto4p1X1s9onDdhrjlmDmlD5KVnbs7ySBAoBq6ctWI7L0B48Y83x/s1600/14.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And voila! The quintessential perfectly perfect meatloaf dinner. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Heaven on a plate, right there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And four more in the freezer, ready to whip up at a moment's notice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Simple, homemade, comfort food. Budget friendly, and oh so delicious. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What could be better than that? </span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sharing on:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.astrollthrulife.net/2020/01/530th-inspire-me-tuesday.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Inspire Me Tuesday </span></a></span></div>
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Debbie - Mountain Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18401931842031353732noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737531804022285705.post-53916978464221082942020-01-01T15:56:00.001-05:002020-01-07T15:23:31.788-05:00Finding Your Inner Artist <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">First of all, I'd like to wish you all a happy New Year....and a happy New Decade!! There was much sadness and loss in our family this past decade, so I'm not sad to put it behind me. Wishing you all much happiness in 2020! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Now, I have something very cool to share with you all today....are you ready? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A while back I was contacted by <a href="https://www.winniespicks.com/" target="_blank">Winnie's Picks</a>, in a request for a collaboration. I wasn't quite sure, as I had never heard of them....but I was intrigued and checked out <a href="https://www.winniespicks.com/" target="_blank">their site</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And my answer was a resounding YES I'd LOVE to collaborate with you! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They have so many wonderful ready-to-paint canvases, or they can create a custom canvas from a photo. What a fabulous gift idea! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Which is exactly why I had to wait to share this with you.....I sent them a photo of my daughter's new house, and they sent back a wonderful canvas with all the paints and brushes needed for my daughter and her sweetie to create a masterpiece of their own! They loved such a thoughtful gift for Christmas, and I can't wait to see the finished product! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Check out some of their ready-to-paint canvases - these are just a few that caught my eye: </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhf4lTs7CWxD3TSiC7A592qVuh48rBzkEu_cxpeqFVJ-EJ3Wg_1A8QosJZkjE7Q-qErTqojWJNIllRY-lHHuN2IRXGO1Hd_wlGXWJOJvzrEzg7pULMx_t-xvpC7KocCm5VToxfeANf4BvU/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhf4lTs7CWxD3TSiC7A592qVuh48rBzkEu_cxpeqFVJ-EJ3Wg_1A8QosJZkjE7Q-qErTqojWJNIllRY-lHHuN2IRXGO1Hd_wlGXWJOJvzrEzg7pULMx_t-xvpC7KocCm5VToxfeANf4BvU/s1600/8.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.winniespicks.com/products/thatched-house-chickadees-snow-winter-paint-numbers" target="_blank">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Just look how lovely this is! I could totally see myself sitting by my fire on a snowy winter's day immersing myself in this gorgeous paint by number! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKl8is6SQCbbi5qOFqxfiEchzYb02ddVU1iSwidd08hIj1t5-3qQFeCveYjEOoJyJTaGMZO0wsc72-PW5hW0BC_oSj87bvSjw8fZqfI9U9TJZGkzj-7moP9miS_YyO6a75Ul-Tt7cbtrt2/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKl8is6SQCbbi5qOFqxfiEchzYb02ddVU1iSwidd08hIj1t5-3qQFeCveYjEOoJyJTaGMZO0wsc72-PW5hW0BC_oSj87bvSjw8fZqfI9U9TJZGkzj-7moP9miS_YyO6a75Ul-Tt7cbtrt2/s1600/4.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.winniespicks.com/products/charming-village-covered-snow-christmas-paint-numbers" target="_blank">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">How about this wonderful Christmas village? Wouldn't it be wonderful to display your own work of art year after year with your holiday decor? </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuXjsi0RqxcYoYtZTjExeNoy86avp_P_UiJzVQ_mlcR4SFpmlOIOqa2nmQokUByizhQG2liA3_sPrTStHpbCODqGLsjB9xcZavSZlCQx2H0jzczjMpC7BsBttCDqVfZjLJLmAmN_4K9hL/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuXjsi0RqxcYoYtZTjExeNoy86avp_P_UiJzVQ_mlcR4SFpmlOIOqa2nmQokUByizhQG2liA3_sPrTStHpbCODqGLsjB9xcZavSZlCQx2H0jzczjMpC7BsBttCDqVfZjLJLmAmN_4K9hL/s1600/6.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.winniespicks.com/products/misty-evening-central-park-new-york-paint-numbers" target="_blank">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This was the first one that captured my attention....Central Park in Autumn. I am always drawn to cityscapes and landscapes....I love the idea of surrounding myself with art that depicts beautiful scenery, transporting me to another place if only for a moment. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5PNX4pHjxE19TTKr0vQwYKRfFPuw55Kbyu5_B3A7WbVvD9IQ2BKWKeC2-An2Rfwy9NVhx-ErU1gbfz1ED9kfO7uAg6ioBoGMkpqr3GfC1j8ysNC9dFwmwS5TLcj6UrcSSOe0qrRIfV2A/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5PNX4pHjxE19TTKr0vQwYKRfFPuw55Kbyu5_B3A7WbVvD9IQ2BKWKeC2-An2Rfwy9NVhx-ErU1gbfz1ED9kfO7uAg6ioBoGMkpqr3GfC1j8ysNC9dFwmwS5TLcj6UrcSSOe0qrRIfV2A/s1600/3.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.winniespicks.com/products/canadian-hut-river-paint-numbers-adults" target="_blank">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This gorgeous scene reminds me of the <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2017/08/i-finally-did-it.html#more" target="_blank">Thomas Kinkade print</a> I have in my living room....I adore that print, and it's extra special as it was a gift from my parents. The scene is just so serene, I can picture myself in that little cabin, by a cozy fire. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdZ1gsy9LRQWdz-OlbeURiQA27bXecj8H-jpXhiM8SNRIl0ArvVvwhfboaLzFCdl4RCT3_7So4ceSCJv3D_KPHDQ4_KWCNzYCkRp6kets0dWvvrSroDuuGDuLRids9L8wWlzdu2tEyyMD/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdZ1gsy9LRQWdz-OlbeURiQA27bXecj8H-jpXhiM8SNRIl0ArvVvwhfboaLzFCdl4RCT3_7So4ceSCJv3D_KPHDQ4_KWCNzYCkRp6kets0dWvvrSroDuuGDuLRids9L8wWlzdu2tEyyMD/s1600/9.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.winniespicks.com/products/the-big-ben-by-night-paint-by-numbers-kit-adults" target="_blank">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Less serene but still lovely, this view of Big Ben on a rainy night in London is heavenly. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ExSkmGo_Bm5gzJo0cMyXhyQtnJdlkRhIZJXbgkxO-wB784HnetdQ89ec37n41gI1A6TSNf3YshtfX4MLkE0AMFjtYGeihyphenhyphenRPNbbRBSQQIuxFgbw_-xU7svJc9oxe9quYBDaa4cpdUH6j/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ExSkmGo_Bm5gzJo0cMyXhyQtnJdlkRhIZJXbgkxO-wB784HnetdQ89ec37n41gI1A6TSNf3YshtfX4MLkE0AMFjtYGeihyphenhyphenRPNbbRBSQQIuxFgbw_-xU7svJc9oxe9quYBDaa4cpdUH6j/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.winniespicks.com/products/mountain-wood-cabin-hut-paint-numbers-adults" target="_blank">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This little cabin in the woods is like something right of a fairy tale! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhXaxo2lX0SXNhpPc849Fexko-qLq2G6ufZAYmaCnFxE3rFhJ7NbzffhmIDxosvno8-jalypmgZy2VxcONE4cxA9iCE3129CY3MDyUMR_VCjQBQP-nwkwslFQthq_UFQPK-ZejyXd0Jfm/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhXaxo2lX0SXNhpPc849Fexko-qLq2G6ufZAYmaCnFxE3rFhJ7NbzffhmIDxosvno8-jalypmgZy2VxcONE4cxA9iCE3129CY3MDyUMR_VCjQBQP-nwkwslFQthq_UFQPK-ZejyXd0Jfm/s1600/7.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.winniespicks.com/products/orange-robin-bird-branch-paint-numbers-adults" target="_blank">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If landscapes and cityscapes aren't your thing, there are lots of other options to choose from! I love this robin on a spring branch....<a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/04/very-special-visitors.html" target="_blank">the robins</a> are always such a welcome sight after our long winters, and they hold a special place in my heart. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXQBKEMNQddhgg8Al_OUn3ymrM0qEvHwtL5gIsaSjqM6BFpdz0wkCkHRAA3akypTwFyBLMCmbxIacLXJq6MjT9zE5VU8KbFIy508rOJTR_UuwR5kjFggbow2kEqpAtkrCmXfsOcSqVwk0/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXQBKEMNQddhgg8Al_OUn3ymrM0qEvHwtL5gIsaSjqM6BFpdz0wkCkHRAA3akypTwFyBLMCmbxIacLXJq6MjT9zE5VU8KbFIy508rOJTR_UuwR5kjFggbow2kEqpAtkrCmXfsOcSqVwk0/s1600/11.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.winniespicks.com/products/purple-bird-flowers-dahlias-paint-numbers-adults" target="_blank">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'm lucky enough to have <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/02/i-told-you-so.html#more" target="_blank">blue jays outside my window</a> all year long, but this picture of a blue jay on a gorgeous pink peony reminds me of the <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/06/a-celebration-of-life-and-love.html" target="_blank">wonderful peony bush</a> at the bottom of <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/05/the-garden-in-late-may.html#more" target="_blank">my garden steps</a>....oh how I miss my garden in winter! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUQdTfVIiXTtoDL69b7hylOVcfKvZz_xW0kTkFJ7NMXtT_Vg-NKP3RND23SkVSjB77crX97WOee3LxwWCQDZTbr304bfwgBms0jBayFNS_lTc-bz8ItlkxweDsBLmSnbYoDpaCQtPFNWm/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUQdTfVIiXTtoDL69b7hylOVcfKvZz_xW0kTkFJ7NMXtT_Vg-NKP3RND23SkVSjB77crX97WOee3LxwWCQDZTbr304bfwgBms0jBayFNS_lTc-bz8ItlkxweDsBLmSnbYoDpaCQtPFNWm/s1600/5.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.winniespicks.com/products/field-of-daisies-paint-by-numbers-kit-adults" target="_blank">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Any of you gardeners out there would love their florals....I've always been a <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/06/the-garden-in-late-juneand-my-critters.html#more" target="_blank">big fan of daisies</a>, so this one caught my eye....aren't daisies just the epitome of summer? </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgE-wOvQWGdboY_7BG2whKDBgbq_awYiok-aAmmPlIMMlfDtgi1rAqPQ-ZhygocTMWgUklaLebBMfG1198dK30ia2wkb4ZbV13snx-NWfx0Cd5ZcxwGbNcpo-cA85sUlm13IVmqOv7lVl/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgE-wOvQWGdboY_7BG2whKDBgbq_awYiok-aAmmPlIMMlfDtgi1rAqPQ-ZhygocTMWgUklaLebBMfG1198dK30ia2wkb4ZbV13snx-NWfx0Cd5ZcxwGbNcpo-cA85sUlm13IVmqOv7lVl/s1600/10.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.winniespicks.com/products/the-dreaming-lady-paint-by-numbers-kit-for-adults" target="_blank">Via</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My mom would love this one....she seems so peaceful standing there gazing out at the ocean, doesn't she? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I truly wish I had more free time to indulge in so many of these paint by number kits. How peaceful it would be to sit and relax, watching a painting come to life day by day. I'd be so proud to hang up something I did myself....especially since there's not a chance I would ever be able to paint something like this if it wasn't a paint by number! Plus they are very reasonably priced, so really a perfect gift, either for yourself or a loved one! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Which is your favorite? Are you a landscape/cityscape person like me? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Check out <a href="https://www.winniespicks.com/" target="_blank">Winnie's Picks</a> and find your favorite!! </span></div>
Debbie - Mountain Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18401931842031353732noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737531804022285705.post-14720683490786895402019-12-23T14:27:00.002-05:002019-12-23T14:27:12.655-05:00Wishing You All A Very Merry Christmas!! <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I just wanted to pop in quickly and wish you all the most wonderful Christmas </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">filled with peace, joy, and love. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Merry Christmas from the Mountain Top, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">and here's to a happy and healthy new year for us all! </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Debbie - MountainMama</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">....also from Sweetie, The Monkey, & Little Miss Molly </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">xoxo</span></b></span></div>
Debbie - Mountain Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18401931842031353732noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737531804022285705.post-85348862355797369142019-12-09T13:38:00.004-05:002021-03-31T11:01:58.028-04:00What's Cookin, Good Lookin? <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Boy have I been super busy in the kitchen lately!</span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">There's just something about being snowed in that makes me want to spend the whole day in my kitchen whipping up all the yummies!</span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP78u_CwIKlis4PPgc22BcbmF5p0XyDKxhwBsKLq4xghMnXMpjQ5n24Wh0OOZREPlv0NA3_FBJwp840pFTsDvrcVDjoRCHw9u0Zx3CteDnuhAF9XXutd-rAEldy0cdc8EKPjUMX9mcWDGI/s1600/19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP78u_CwIKlis4PPgc22BcbmF5p0XyDKxhwBsKLq4xghMnXMpjQ5n24Wh0OOZREPlv0NA3_FBJwp840pFTsDvrcVDjoRCHw9u0Zx3CteDnuhAF9XXutd-rAEldy0cdc8EKPjUMX9mcWDGI/s1600/19.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">I got at least 30 inches of snow at my house last week, and wasn't able to get my car out of the garage for three days. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sbkGw_8xS9xNuJlHuc6rl1AzmZOtz0AJoLUWo39d90FHpdlYuF5PnZdHKSLSunxMdb0TV5ByKiDidgLQpFaDhMJblfCVvYeEw8Xy-MG3ro6ug-_abRQD2eXmbzhydRLZJWHTvrhDa0Jt/s1600/20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sbkGw_8xS9xNuJlHuc6rl1AzmZOtz0AJoLUWo39d90FHpdlYuF5PnZdHKSLSunxMdb0TV5ByKiDidgLQpFaDhMJblfCVvYeEw8Xy-MG3ro6ug-_abRQD2eXmbzhydRLZJWHTvrhDa0Jt/s1600/20.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">I kept up with the shoveling, every time a few more inches of snow fell I would clear the paths and steps again. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Did I mention how much I HATE shoveling? </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBp1MyHMdCzO5i8PkLp-Osb10_rgqy53sQGRkyd9RTJab3Jcz0fMMl8qO9C6U3ks5ysR8M0c-zX4er7j08m-d3fr05d0GMrqYVZ5Wc1d_15OIj6t8n5nB92bw5pT2bwjOfkHDsVlSx6W-N/s1600/18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBp1MyHMdCzO5i8PkLp-Osb10_rgqy53sQGRkyd9RTJab3Jcz0fMMl8qO9C6U3ks5ysR8M0c-zX4er7j08m-d3fr05d0GMrqYVZ5Wc1d_15OIj6t8n5nB92bw5pT2bwjOfkHDsVlSx6W-N/s1600/18.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">My plow guy had made an initial sweep after the first few inches fell, and then his truck broke....and I was snowed in. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Fortunately my wifi was working, so I set up my laptop at the counter and was able to work from home. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">I also got some good cooking in during the storm! The most amazing thing is that many of these dishes included veggies from our garden, that I had grown from seed and frozen in mid summer! I find that incredibly gratifying!</span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Here's what I've been creating in Mountain Mama's kitchen: </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkL9cEgI7-r0P48sLX5sez6XgzLLucvT-surUpx20E37NsSTM4aqZqbhWAo_X7_zmcO4ZxWiV40f9cbCcjX00kJ70cmd0v0yWzwiBUKOIdz5HnwplQpTCHdMbZmAwHW75MKmRTppPvB86/s1600/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkL9cEgI7-r0P48sLX5sez6XgzLLucvT-surUpx20E37NsSTM4aqZqbhWAo_X7_zmcO4ZxWiV40f9cbCcjX00kJ70cmd0v0yWzwiBUKOIdz5HnwplQpTCHdMbZmAwHW75MKmRTppPvB86/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">You know I'm a huge fan of <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2018/12/the-most-fabulous-chicken-pot-pie.html#more" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Perfect Roast Chicken</a>.....here's a photo of the last time I made a roast chicken using that amazing recipe. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-a8bia3cuKnrkoo8O1-iP242HXh-yASOnGHSMX2noFIcoIwkVZqVb7Oazpns2N4RnikDgQl_TycKmgRduZQGOZcxFhzNWNBpQWnAVRn0oqseSEzxcg_C5TZ5ujkGX4MGnX__29wKE8zQ/s1600/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-a8bia3cuKnrkoo8O1-iP242HXh-yASOnGHSMX2noFIcoIwkVZqVb7Oazpns2N4RnikDgQl_TycKmgRduZQGOZcxFhzNWNBpQWnAVRn0oqseSEzxcg_C5TZ5ujkGX4MGnX__29wKE8zQ/s1600/3.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">But this time I mixed it up and tried <a href="https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/chicken-recipes/chicken-in-milk/" target="_blank">Jamie Oliver's Chicken in Milk</a> recipe....and wow, it was soooo good!! </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgven-aUkYAl5GW0U3xqjyA4jUsWDb9TGBljwBbwgSFQV5ukt6CZt15DnUceb3N2Rqxr99WpOaNnFeIYb3ja4MPVpGuv8lim9I55BwLiwzd2qsKyqi2KiHDJXEpWm-FIo5b07H9LpZfqIks/s1600/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgven-aUkYAl5GW0U3xqjyA4jUsWDb9TGBljwBbwgSFQV5ukt6CZt15DnUceb3N2Rqxr99WpOaNnFeIYb3ja4MPVpGuv8lim9I55BwLiwzd2qsKyqi2KiHDJXEpWm-FIo5b07H9LpZfqIks/s1600/4.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Cooking the chicken in milk leaves behind this wonderful flavorful sauce, with bright notes of lemon and herbs. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ISJhoBbzCLAHEM3hG_qSZTUgRM1Fuv9bNpR4s6MJTk22uHPUrl7go1fV19EiqT6nF9i7vyL-ZQRM4aokgdGcTBCA6KdP60Q5EJWHseEahmszDAfu7OMeOX5IWJjPw_Hb6C8oVFhrRDyd/s1600/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ISJhoBbzCLAHEM3hG_qSZTUgRM1Fuv9bNpR4s6MJTk22uHPUrl7go1fV19EiqT6nF9i7vyL-ZQRM4aokgdGcTBCA6KdP60Q5EJWHseEahmszDAfu7OMeOX5IWJjPw_Hb6C8oVFhrRDyd/s1600/5.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Served with creamy mashed potatoes, broccoli, and a biscuit it was a perfect Sunday night meal. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">I'll definitely be alternating between the two in the future - Ina's got competition!! </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Another recent Chicken experiment was this incredible dish, amusingly called <a href="https://www.modernhoney.com/marry-me-chicken/" target="_blank">Marry Me Chicken</a>. I changed the recipe up a bit, using <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2017/12/gifts-for-foodie-in-your-life.html#more" target="_blank">my Sous Vide</a> (LOVE that kitchen tool soooo much and it would make a wonderful <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2017/12/gifts-for-foodie-in-your-life.html#more" target="_blank">gift for a foodie</a> in YOUR life!!)</span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Basically I marinated the chicken in the sundried tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, and chicken broth.... and after cooking it sous vide to temp, finished it in the pan, adding a touch of cream to create the sauce. I grated fresh parmesan over the top and sprinkled it with chopped basil. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">NEW FAVORITE DISH!!! And I'm so excited, because guess what's for lunch today? I served it with rice pilaf and green beans from our garden, that I had frozen in mid summer. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">This next dish was a real experiment for me, a little out of my comfort zone. I had tried spaghetti squash in the past, but wasn't a fan....until now. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">This recipe for <a href="https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/spicy-tomato-parmesan-stuffed-spaghetti-squash/" target="_blank">Spicy Tomato Parmesan Spaghetti Squash</a> from Half Baked Harvest absolutely blew me away. I am a true convert now....and may even try growing spaghetti squash next summer! </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVW696TrB86nkotXNCGNEZVMsCnue5efu7zexHEvTqeUuj2U4MForONd_ohgPVJ239yPB3UHrY8VX14HzX_mzKqJowV_JkBdMj5KOwhzflQPaCb7vGgAQTUsrSU3OgO6H6vZKDB8Xq8UAv/s1600/21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1018" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVW696TrB86nkotXNCGNEZVMsCnue5efu7zexHEvTqeUuj2U4MForONd_ohgPVJ239yPB3UHrY8VX14HzX_mzKqJowV_JkBdMj5KOwhzflQPaCb7vGgAQTUsrSU3OgO6H6vZKDB8Xq8UAv/s1600/21.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">I've tried a few recipes from <a href="https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/" target="_blank">Tieghan's blog</a>, and they've all been winners so far. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Another recent experiment was her <a href="https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/cheddar-pierogies/" target="_blank">Cheddar Pierogies with Caramelized Onions</a>. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">I am a HUGE pierogie fan, and when they are homemade they are the bomb, no doubt. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Honestly, the dough was easy to make and roll out, but stuffing them was quite time consuming. Better done with a partner to help, the process would go much more quickly. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXA4snVejZykuvMAJqQOkm2oXD6an5cjzmwD9xBwJVOsMi1Ai9snEF5L6blZ7TVi7ya7yxjeegryQi41uNYLCuDS3WCoapGg3zdubndvfnZ9SNrBJivqcDzgW7k9x-ZRtrVLKiFXBIuxKH/s1600/22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXA4snVejZykuvMAJqQOkm2oXD6an5cjzmwD9xBwJVOsMi1Ai9snEF5L6blZ7TVi7ya7yxjeegryQi41uNYLCuDS3WCoapGg3zdubndvfnZ9SNrBJivqcDzgW7k9x-ZRtrVLKiFXBIuxKH/s1600/22.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">The recipe made 42 pierogies, which I split into three batches of 14 per batch. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">I froze them on a plate first, and then put them in freezer Ziploc bags. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">I made the first batch a few days later, and learned a valuable lesson....do NOT try to defrost them before cooking - cook from frozen! </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">They stuck together when thawed, and some of them fell apart....which left empty shells floating in potato flavored water. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">I gave the best ones to Sweetie but forgot to take a picture of his plate.....as you can see, mine aren't nearly as pretty as Tieghan's...next time! After boiling for three minutes, they are pan fried and topped with grated cheddar, crumbled bacon, and caramelized onions....YUMMM!!! Even though they looked messy they were sure tasty and the perfect way to use up leftover mashed potatoes!</span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuoTlg6eYBbYT1NLvSNHzs21446RHfIQMpOZ-STYl4ccV2wBrJJZ53OjkbtS8xs-9xmjq8kLzvDzGeSpVxa5nE5gGyJbXXrOh-UWz9FcFGp-GCKO3LoksBMEqwrQ2WZyb-earz4sG67cq/s1600/9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuoTlg6eYBbYT1NLvSNHzs21446RHfIQMpOZ-STYl4ccV2wBrJJZ53OjkbtS8xs-9xmjq8kLzvDzGeSpVxa5nE5gGyJbXXrOh-UWz9FcFGp-GCKO3LoksBMEqwrQ2WZyb-earz4sG67cq/s1600/9.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">I also used up some leftover mashed potatoes another day with this potato corn chowder. I sort of combined a few different recipes to make this, and <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2018/04/this-thatand-where-heck-is-spring.html#more" target="_blank">homemade broth</a> of course makes it that much better. Farmer's market corn, cut off the cob in August and frozen in batches made this even tastier! </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Served with a batch of cornbread straight from the oven, this was such a satisfying meal! </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Another soup that made the rounds recently was this hearty beef barley soup. I had never attempted beef barley soup before, and decided on a snowy day that it would be perfect to put into the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Instant-Pot-Plus-60-Programmable/dp/B01NBKTPTS/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1R7ZW8XAXR8MU&keywords=instant+pot&qid=1575915724&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sprefix=in%2Caps%2C347&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFMNDI4VVRYS05VQ1kmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA4NjY2OTYyUUg0NkZEREFaTkJBJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAxNzQ2NjkyWUtKTlNVVlpMWkkzJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==" target="_blank">Instant Pot</a> on slow cook before I left for work. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Sadly, the potatoes did not cook enough even though they were in there for 8+ hours....so next time this will be made on the stove top.....OR using leftover baby potatoes. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Again, I combined a few different recipes....served with crusty bread topped with my garlic herb butter along with a nice glass of Merlot it was a perfect meal for a frigid night. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Another evening we had <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2017/02/losing-weightand-my-new-toy.html#more" target="_blank">my favorite air fryer buffalo wings</a>.....ooooh I'm craving these right now, looking at this photo! Along with a lovely salad and celery and carrots out of my garden, this simple meal really hit the spot. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Some roasted beets from the garden were defrosted to make <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/01/the-most-incredible-winter-salad.html" target="_blank">my favorite winter salad </a>another evening....this time with fresh feta cheese from a local specialty market. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">It was a soup and salad kind of night, this time with a curried zucchini soup I had whipped up late summer and frozen, when I was <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2018/08/a-busy-weekend-more-zucchini-recipes.html" target="_blank">up to my eyeballs in zucchini!</a> </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">But it wasn't all savory items I was busy creating, no sir! </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">I made a batch of my famous <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2015/11/giving-thanksand-thankgsiving-recipe.html" target="_blank">Bourbon Vanilla Cranberry Sauce </a>on Thanksgiving....it's not Thanksgiving without it! </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">All packed up for the trip to my sister's house and cooling on the counter....doesn't it look wonderful? </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRrx4VGIrR7jfMdoiOakvXuaa31jBToWu67f8-BpFDxXDpFSpuCGcpocuewhRRwPz4M1Hv81XW_4T_eVNwPjVwjNgv5UECzucqHLz6FPcX1cvvc5yzoriT5AN1-AcGz832eC1zaNFxLzL/s1600/15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRrx4VGIrR7jfMdoiOakvXuaa31jBToWu67f8-BpFDxXDpFSpuCGcpocuewhRRwPz4M1Hv81XW_4T_eVNwPjVwjNgv5UECzucqHLz6FPcX1cvvc5yzoriT5AN1-AcGz832eC1zaNFxLzL/s1600/15.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">My sister used some of it on top of a round of Brie to create this wonderful appetizer - yummmm!!! </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Speaking of cranberries.....I went wayyyyy out of my comfort zone recently and made jelly for the first time! </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">I saw the recipe for <a href="https://www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/spiced-pomegranate-jelly-recipe/" target="_blank">Spiced Pomegranate Jelly</a> on another favorite blog, <a href="https://www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/" target="_blank">One Hundred Dollars a Month</a>....I knew immediately I had to try it! </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">Mavis was right....Holy Canoli this was incredible!! </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">I couldn't find straight pomegranate juice in my local market, so I used Cran-Pomegranate juice - and this was so easy to make I made two batches! </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">The very same day I made a batch of apple butter....the result of having wayyyy too many apples to use up! </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">I used the recipe from <a href="https://www.freshpreserving.com/apple-butter-br3446.html" target="_blank">Fresh Preserving</a>, but I cut the sugar back to 1 1/2 cups - there's no way it needed 4 cups of sugar, it was sweet enough at 1 1/2. Perhaps that's due to the apples I used, which were a mixture of Gala and Red Delicious. </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">We tried both the apple butter and the pomegranate jelly the following morning on some apple muffins I had whipped up. Both are fabulous, and will make wonderful Christmas gifts for some foodie friends in my life! </span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWLmQXpiull5rW-nkPJuMVLCA4I94Fc4oySiFx8hGW8xgUZjHFYtzW_RnJwNvKh2xmR-WH2gOifIictpUHmjkT4CnJUHRQj5eYBkRHnhBK9Sq5Yywo2Emcd5O9zwNQ2LnnA9NzZYMyaVO/s1600/25.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWLmQXpiull5rW-nkPJuMVLCA4I94Fc4oySiFx8hGW8xgUZjHFYtzW_RnJwNvKh2xmR-WH2gOifIictpUHmjkT4CnJUHRQj5eYBkRHnhBK9Sq5Yywo2Emcd5O9zwNQ2LnnA9NzZYMyaVO/s1600/25.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">So that's what's been going on in Mountain Mama's kitchen....what about you? Any amazing recipes to share with me? </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif">For more Instant Pot recipes, check out https://www.corriecooks.com/</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif"><br /></span></div>
Debbie - Mountain Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18401931842031353732noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737531804022285705.post-66768806383804873522019-11-25T14:52:00.000-05:002019-11-25T14:52:46.784-05:00Santa Saves at Target, and So Can You<!--[if !mso]>
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<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span lang="EN"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have been approached by guest bloggers more times than I can count, and have always declined. I feel as if my readers come here to read my various ramblings, and find out what's going on up here on the mountain top. However, when Aimee from <a href="http://diydarlin.com/" target="_blank">DIY Darlin' </a>approached me, I asked her to send along what she had in mind, because I thought it was something that would interest many of you. Let's face it, I'm all about <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/11/the-art-of-stretching-grocery-budget.html" target="_blank">how to save money</a>, not just at the holidays but all year long....that's how <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2018/11/how-i-cut-over-10000-per-year-in.html" target="_blank">I managed to cut my budget wayyyy down</a>, after all! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So let's hop on over and see what Aimee's tips are for saving money at Target! </span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaPxq6W6nQIa-9hLyfOBfYz9B7nVnswIOEhYhRRCCu2vPTpEfEWVsrSluUyckqDmy4zoYaPEfi5DdMzmpeU9XYW1ev9k6eb__rnqQXAkThiYYhjE4N4a05-3LlJZ0ApioYynFxZxWCDaN/s1600/Santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaPxq6W6nQIa-9hLyfOBfYz9B7nVnswIOEhYhRRCCu2vPTpEfEWVsrSluUyckqDmy4zoYaPEfi5DdMzmpeU9XYW1ev9k6eb__rnqQXAkThiYYhjE4N4a05-3LlJZ0ApioYynFxZxWCDaN/s1600/Santa.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">Image via <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-standing-beside-christmas-tree-3149896/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Pexels</span></a></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Santa Saves at Target, and So Can You</span></span></div>
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</span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">When Jolly Old St. Nick wants to deck his
halls, he and the Misses grab their REDCard and head to Target. Everyone’s
favorite place to buy blankets and bowls is transformed every winter into a
wonderland of deals. But despite an already great value, there are a few ways
to avoid paying the same price as the humbugs of the season. Keep reading for
insider tips and tricks.</span></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN">Start
with the Markdowns</span></b></span></div>
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</span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">Target is like any other mass retailer; they
do not want their stock to stick around on the shelves for too long. According
to savvy shoppers, Target has a predictable, if unofficial, <a href="https://clark.com/deals-money-saving-advice/ways-to-save-money-at-target/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">markdown schedule</span></a>. Once prices start to drop,
they can bottom out at 90 percent off before going to salvage. With a little
bit of luck, you can find something fantastic for pennies on the dollar.</span></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN">Use the
Cartwheel App and REDCard for Stacked Savings</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">According to Rakuten’s <a href="https://www.rakuten.com/blog/target-shopping-tips-2/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">17 Tips for Saving at Target</span></a>, the retailer’s
Cartwheel app is just about the quickest and easiest way to find great deals.
Through the app, you’ll have access to store-exclusive savings. When coupled
with the REDCard, you’ll enjoy two discounts in one.</span></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">If you are not familiar, REDCard is Target’s
credit card. It’s unique in the sense that you don’t have to collect points to
cash them in later; instead, you will automatically see a <a href="https://upgradedpoints.com/target-redcard-credit-card/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">5 percent savings</span></a> on virtually every in-store
and online purchase.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">A small word of caution here, however, is that
using a credit card does not save you money unless done so responsibly. Credit
scoring agency Experian notes that carrying a balance can <a href="https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/better-pay-off-credit-card-full-every-month-or-maintain-balance/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">add up quickly</span></a> in interest fees. Considering
that the APR is 20+ percent, carrying a balance for a single month can
counterbalance any savings you saw at the cash register.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN">Trade
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</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">Have you ever wondered how Mr. Claus affords
new video games and consoles each year? It is (ostensibly) because he collects
all of the unwanted tech toys to trade in for a <a href="https://targettrade-in.com/online/home/index.rails"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Target gift card</span></a>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN">Get to
Know the Price-Matching Guarantee</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">Target is known for its competitive pricing.
However, that does not mean that other retailers do not occasionally undercut
their pricing model. Never fear, because Target stores are happy to offer you
the same price. There are a few restrictions, though. First, it must be an
identical item with the same <a href="https://www.vendhq.com/blog/sku-numbers/"><span style="color: #1155cc;">UPC number</span></a>. Next, price-matching doesn’t
pertain to refurbished, clearance, or other certain selling scenarios. You also
won’t be granted your desired savings between <a href="http://help.target.com/help/SubCategoryArticle?childcat=Price+Match+Guarantee&parentcat=Availability+%26+Pricing"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Black Friday and December 7</span></a> for the <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/23/holiday-spending-expected-to-rise-5percent-this-year-driven-by-online-sales.html"><span style="color: #1155cc;">2019 shopping season</span></a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">To request a price match, you will need to
present a current ad displaying an approved competitor’s price. They will also
price match many online retailers, including Amazon, but items must be sold by
the website, not through a third party.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN">Ask
About Upcoming Sales</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">Finally, there is no shame in upping your
shopping game by making friends with the red shirts. Although they may not be
aware of all upcoming promotions, it’s perfectly fine to ask about the
potential for future markdowns. Always be polite and friendly, and make a point
to say “thank you” even if you don’t get the answer you are looking for.
Remember, Santa is watching, and you don’t want to be left with coal in your
stocking on Christmas day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">Just because you’ve never seen reindeer in the
parking lot does not mean Christmas magic doesn’t happen behind the bullseye.
You can enjoy great prices, showcase your holiday spirit, and put a little
twinkle in your eyes by using the money-saving tips above.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">Do you follow any of Aimee's money saving tips at Target? Do you have any other amazing <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/03/beauty-on-budget-update.html" target="_blank">money saving tips</a> you can share with us? I'd love to hear them! </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">Also, how about paying a little visit to <a href="http://diydarlin.com/" target="_blank">Aimee's site</a> and welcoming her to the blogging community.....Welcome, Aimee!! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span lang="EN"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span lang="EN"></span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">Wishing all my American readers the most wonderful Thanksgiving! </span></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0TGiypU9IIDTgXgYbyuYwJblcfHMro4vAVrX5ZwMr6kv6LR7Z-TZ4iwujAthfhm59oWdhC_beZJbLk3zHJllqbhh74ZP68yj1ZeLXUvBznut5mzBQPQaCS9ZlC9obryJFdUTkf1A-Jew/s1600/thanksgiving-hero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0TGiypU9IIDTgXgYbyuYwJblcfHMro4vAVrX5ZwMr6kv6LR7Z-TZ4iwujAthfhm59oWdhC_beZJbLk3zHJllqbhh74ZP68yj1ZeLXUvBznut5mzBQPQaCS9ZlC9obryJFdUTkf1A-Jew/s1600/thanksgiving-hero.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving/history-of-thanksgiving" target="_blank">The History of Thanksgiving</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">As ever, I am thankful for <i><b>all
</b></i> my wonderful readers, and so very grateful for all your sweet comments.
Thank you for sticking with me for the past 4+ years....I can't believe
it's been that long since I hit 'publish' on <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2015/08/and-so-it-begins.html" target="_blank">my very first post!</a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span lang="EN"> </span></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycFePn7PWfUn8cajqMXIullJsGxGSdzrYuD4nDRgbBoYumh3LLHUmE-1_pwTwn8CjvdjBakZexopVo1RuTcabDp44Z9jlgVBEZ3op9VbezCkojsahEOEs6esNhxlepbGIRJ_of9Tor1BU/s1600/cranberry-sauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycFePn7PWfUn8cajqMXIullJsGxGSdzrYuD4nDRgbBoYumh3LLHUmE-1_pwTwn8CjvdjBakZexopVo1RuTcabDp44Z9jlgVBEZ3op9VbezCkojsahEOEs6esNhxlepbGIRJ_of9Tor1BU/s1600/cranberry-sauce.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/cranberry-sauce-102583" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span lang="EN"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">Oh...and don't forget the cranberry sauce.....I have the easiest and most delicious recipe for Cranberry sauce, you can find it <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/search?q=cranberry+sauce" target="_blank">in this post</a> - enjoy!! </span></span></div>
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</span></div>
Debbie - Mountain Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18401931842031353732noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737531804022285705.post-91816124260039341162019-11-20T10:57:00.001-05:002019-11-21T10:38:57.889-05:00A Cozy Cabin Christmas<div style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 100%;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's that time of year again.....time to think about lugging all </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the Christmas stuff into the house and creating my own little indoor winter wonderland! </span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'm
a firm believer that your decor should not only suit the style of your
home, but also the region in which you live. It would make no sense for
me to create a coastal themed wonderland, when I live in the mountains
of upstate NY. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When
Wayfair reached out to see if I wanted to take part in their Holiday
Decorating Campaign, I jumped at the chance! I'm a huge fan of Wayfair
and have many of their wonderful products in my house! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you remember my holiday decor from last year, I really cut way back on '<a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2015/12/decorating-for-christmas-living-room.html" target="_blank">chatchkas</a>' and focused more on adding to my tree collection. I wanted my home to be like a <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2018/12/my-magical-forest-christmas.html" target="_blank">magical winter forest</a>....which makes sense as my house backs up to acres and acres of undeveloped woodland. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I decided I wanted to tweak it a little this year, and go with more of a 'cabin' style Christmas. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Since <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2015/10/one-room-tour-my-dining-room.html" target="_blank">my dining room</a> and <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2017/04/finally-happy-with-my-awkward-living.html" target="_blank">living room</a> are adjacent and somewhat open to each other, I kept the theme consistent from one space to the other. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Check out my finds on Wayfair for creating your own Cozy Cabin Christmas: </span></div>
<table cellspacing="15"><tbody>
<tr><td height="100" width="178"><img alt="christmas trees" src="https://secure.img1-ag.wfcdn.com/im/95446433/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/4380/43808331/3+Piece+Green+Pine+Artificial+Christmas+Tree+with+Clear+Lights+Set.jpg" width="100%" /><a href="https://www.wayfair.com/holiday-decor/pdx/the-holiday-aisle-3-piece-green-pine-artificial-christmas-tree-with-clear-lights-set-w001978620.html" target="_blank">3 Piece Green Pine Christmas Tree</a> // <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/holiday-decor/sb0/christmas-trees-c1797207.html?sku_boost_list=W001978620&cjevent=e3e669b90bd611ea810d00270a24060f&refID=CJ389818-CJ2470763&PID=CJ6161406&experiencetype=2&selectedvertical=4" target="_blank">More Christmas Trees</a></td><td height="100" width="178"><img alt="cloth napkins" src="https://secure.img1-ag.wfcdn.com/im/88933636/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/4952/49526609/Edicott+Buffalo+Plaid+20%2522+Cotton+Napkin.jpg" width="100%" /><a href="https://www.wayfair.com/kitchen-tabletop/pdx/loon-peak-edicott-buffalo-plaid-20-cotton-napkin-lopk4503.html?piid=32696160" target="_blank">Buffalo Plaid Cotton Napkin</a> // <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/kitchen-tabletop/sb0/cloth-napkins-c418950.html?sku_boost_list=LOPK4503" target="_blank">More Cloth Napkins</a></td><td height="100" width="178"><img alt="table linen" src="https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/71320871/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/5298/52980606/Ferrigno+Buffalo+Plaid+Table+Runner.jpg" width="100%" /><a href="https://www.wayfair.com/kitchen-tabletop/pdx/the-holiday-aisle-ferrigno-buffalo-plaid-table-runner-bcst2257.html" target="_blank">Buffalo Plaid Table Runner</a> // <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/kitchen-tabletop/sb0/table-linens-c504616.html?sku_boost_list=BCST2257" target="_blank">More Table Linens</a></td></tr>
<tr><td height="100" width="178"><img alt="napkin rings" src="https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/16819735/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/1295/12950504/Pinecone+Napkin+Rings.jpg" width="100%" /><a href="https://www.wayfair.com/kitchen-tabletop/pdx/millwood-pines-pinecone-napkin-rings-w000793921.html" target="_blank">Pinecone Napkin Rings</a> // <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/kitchen-tabletop/sb0/napkin-rings-c420043.html?sku_boost_list=W000793921" target="_blank">More Napkin Rings</a></td><td height="100" width="178"><img alt="dinnerware sets" src="https://secure.img1-ag.wfcdn.com/im/26848018/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/1429/14293082/Carlisle+16+Piece+Dinnerware+Set.jpg" width="100%" /><a href="https://www.wayfair.com/kitchen-tabletop/pdx/loon-peak-carlisle-16-piece-dinnerware-set-lnpk8278.html" target="_blank">Carlisle 16 Piece Dinnerware Set</a> // <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/kitchen-tabletop/sb0/dinnerware-sets-c530831.html?sku_boost_list=LNPK8278" target="_blank">More Dinnerware Sets</a></td><td height="100" width="178"><img alt="drinkware" src="https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/63339775/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/1805/18053337/Isham+28+oz.+Red+Wine+Glass.jpg" width="100%" /><a href="https://www.wayfair.com/kitchen-tabletop/pdx/world-menagerie-isham-28-oz-red-wine-glass-wrmg3167.html" target="_blank">Isham Red Wine Glass</a> // <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/kitchen-tabletop/sb0/drinkware-c419017.html?sku_boost_list=WRMG3167" target="_blank">More Drinkware</a></td></tr>
<tr><td height="100" width="178"><img alt="christmas centerpieces" src="https://secure.img1-ag.wfcdn.com/im/60158358/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/4235/42351204/Holiday+Hurricane+Centerpiece.jpg" width="100%" /><a href="https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdx/holiday-hurricane-centerpiece-lfmf1179.html" target="_blank">Holiday Hurricane Centerpiece</a> // <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/holiday-decor/sb0/christmas-centerpieces-c549476.html?sku_boost_list=LFMF1179" target="_blank">More Christmas Centerpieces</a></td><td height="100" width="178"><img alt="flatware sets" src="https://secure.img1-ag.wfcdn.com/im/09542809/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/8584/85849369/Wendel+5+Piece+Flatware+Set%252C+Service+for+1.jpg" width="100%" /><a href="https://www.wayfair.com/kitchen-tabletop/pdx/union-rustic-wendel-5-piece-flatware-set-service-for-1-w000636709.html" target="_blank">Wendel 5 Piece Flatware Set</a> // <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/kitchen-tabletop/sb0/flatware-sets-c419104.html?sku_boost_list=W000636709" target="_blank">More Flatware Sets</a></td><td height="100" width="178"><img alt="candle holders" src="https://secure.img1-ag.wfcdn.com/im/24398439/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/2731/27313624/Rustic+Glass+Votive+Candle+Holder.jpg" width="100%" /><a href="https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdx/loon-peak-rustic-glass-votive-candle-holder-loon2942.html?piid=16409109" target="_blank">Rustic Glass Votive Candle Holder</a> // <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/sb0/candle-holders-c527310.html?sku_boost_list=LOON2942" target="_blank">More Candle Holders</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify; width: 100%;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Can't
you just envision my holiday table dressed in buffalo plaid, with
flickering candles, good food, and the wine and laughter flowing? </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For
my living room, I continued the Cozy Cabin Christmas theme with the
following amazing picks from Wayfair....may I just say I'm drooling over
that Christmas tree!!! </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 100%;">
<table cellspacing="15"><tbody>
<tr><td height="100" width="178"><img alt="christmas tree skirts" src="https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/19682663/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/9985/99859453/Home+for+the+Holiday+Plaid+Tree+Skirts.jpg" width="100%" /><a href="https://www.wayfair.com/holiday-decor/pdx/mina-victory-home-for-the-holiday-plaid-tree-skirts-jxs10270.html" target="_blank">Holiday Plaid Tree Skirts</a> // <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/holiday-decor/sb0/christmas-tree-skirts-collars-c547126.html?sku_boost_list=JXS10270" target="_blank">More Christmas Tree Skirts</a></td><td height="100" width="178"><img alt="christmas tree" src="https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/77655464/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/3308/33083442/7.5%2527+Green+Fir+Artificial+Christmas+Tree+with+450+Clear/White+Lights.jpg" width="100%" /><a href="https://www.wayfair.com/holiday-decor/pdx/national-tree-co-75-green-fir-artificial-christmas-tree-with-450-clearwhite-lights-ntc3595.html" target="_blank">7.5' Green Fir Christmas Tree</a> // <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/holiday-decor/cat/christmas-trees-c215432.html?sku_boost_list=NTC3595&experiencetype=2&selectedvertical=4" target="_blank">More Christmas Trees</a></td><td height="100" width="178"><img alt="christmas ornaments" src="https://secure.img1-ag.wfcdn.com/im/67626449/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/6412/64120164/12+Piece+Snowy+Woodland+Holiday+Shaped+Ornament+Set.jpg" width="100%" /><a href="https://www.wayfair.com/holiday-decor/pdx/the-holiday-aisle-12-piece-snowy-woodland-holiday-shaped-ornament-set-w000517645.html" target="_blank">Woodland Holiday Ornament Set</a> // <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/holiday-decor/cat/christmas-ornaments-c215433.html?sku_boost_list=W000517645" target="_blank">More Christmas Ornaments</a></td></tr>
<tr><td height="100" width="178"><img alt="christmas decorations" src="https://secure.img1-ag.wfcdn.com/im/70744555/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/4408/44089159/40+Piece+Glass+Christmas+Ball+OrnamentSet.jpg" width="100%" /><a href="https://www.wayfair.com/holiday-decor/pdx/the-holiday-aisle-40-piece-glass-christmas-ball-ornamentset-thda7606.html" target="_blank">Christmas Ball Ornament Set</a> // <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/holiday-decor/cat/christmas-decorations-c215431.html?sku_boost_list=THDA7606" target="_blank">More Christmas Decorations</a></td><td height="100" width="178"><img alt="christmas garland" src="https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/38833774/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/3146/31467305/Decorative+Wooden+Rose+Twig+and+Apple+Artificial+Christmas+Tree+Garland.jpg" width="100%" /><a href="https://www.wayfair.com/holiday-decor/pdx/northlight-seasonal-decorative-wooden-rose-twig-and-apple-artificial-christmas-tree-garland-nlgt7063.html" target="_blank">Rose Twig and Apple Christmas Garland</a> // <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/holiday-decor/sb0/christmas-garlands-c430613.html?sku_boost_list=NLGT7063" target="_blank">More Christmas Garlands</a></td><td height="100" width="178"><img alt="christmas lights" src="https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/85927735/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/4437/44378095/Natural+Star+Tree+Topper.jpg" width="100%" /><a href="https://www.wayfair.com/holiday-decor/pdx/the-holiday-aisle-natural-star-tree-topper-thda7351.html" target="_blank">Natural Star Tree Topper</a> // <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/holiday-decor/cat/christmas-lights-c215434.html?sku_boost_list=THDA7351" target="_blank">More Christmas Lights</a></td></tr>
<tr><td height="100" width="178"><img alt="throw blanket" src="https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/18602376/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/4626/46269967/Scottsburg+Buffalo+Plaid+Blanket.jpg" width="100%" /><a href="https://www.wayfair.com/bed-bath/pdx/millwood-pines-scottsburg-buffalo-plaid-blanket-w001803322.html" target="_blank">Scottsburg Buffalo Plaid Blanket</a> // <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/bed-bath/sb0/blankets-throws-c415002.html?sku_boost_list=W001803322" target="_blank">More Blankets & Throws</a></td><td height="100" width="178"><img alt="christmas pillows" src="https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/05865841/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/6412/64126731/Sorensen+Christmas+Cabin+Lumbar+Pillow.jpg" width="100%" /><a href="https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdx/the-holiday-aisle-sorensen-christmas-cabin-lumbar-pillow-w000080765.html" target="_blank">Christmas Cabin Lumbar Pillow</a> // <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/holiday-decor/sb0/christmas-pillows-c430632.html?sku_boost_list=W000080765" target="_blank">More Christmas Pillows</a></td><td height="100" width="178"><img alt="christmas wreath" src="https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/63790795/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/9431/94310814/Apple+Berry+22%2522+Wreath.jpg" width="100%" /><a href="https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdx/nearly-natural-apple-berry-22-wreath-txn1009.html" target="_blank">Apple Berry 22" Wreath</a> // <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/holiday-decor/sb0/christmas-wreaths-c508341.html?sku_boost_list=TXN1009" target="_blank">More Christmas Wreaths</a></td></tr>
<tr><td height="100" width="178"><img alt="christmas stockings" src="https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/06506788/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/1000/100019071/2+Piece+Bear+and+Moose+Woodland+Animal+Stocking+Set.jpg" width="100%" /><a href="https://www.wayfair.com/home/pdx/the-holiday-aisle-2-piece-bear-and-moose-woodland-animal-stocking-set-w001287912.html" target="_blank">Woodland Animal Stocking Set</a> // <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/home/sb0/christmas-stockings-holders-l6032.html?sku_boost_list=W001287912" target="_blank">More Christmas Stockings</a></td><td height="100" width="178"><img alt="christmas wall art" src="https://secure.img1-ag.wfcdn.com/im/85332285/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/4369/43693904/%2527Snowy+Bear+Tree+Farm%2527+Framed+Textual+Art+on+Canvas.jpg" width="100%" /><a href="https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdx/loon-peak-snowy-bear-tree-farm-framed-textual-art-on-canvas-lopk6940.html" target="_blank">'Snowy Bear Tree Farm' Art</a> // <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/holiday-decor/sb0/christmas-wall-art-c244429.html?sku_boost_list=LOPK6940" target="_blank">More Christmas Wall Art</a></td><td height="100" width="178"><img alt="holiday wreath" src="https://secure.img1-ag.wfcdn.com/im/35468800/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/3901/39012329/24%2522+Lighted+Foliage+Wreath.jpg" width="100%" /><a href="https://www.wayfair.com/decor-pillows/pdx/three-posts-24-lighted-foliage-wreath-thps3055.html" target="_blank">Lighted Foliage Wreath</a> // <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/holiday-decor/sb1/winter-christmas-wreaths-c508341-a124279~393395.html?sku_boost_list=THPS3055" target="_blank">More Christmas Wreaths</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Putting together this post has made me really excited to start <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2017/12/holiday-home-tour-2017.html" target="_blank">my holiday decorating</a>!
Last year I did it slowly, bringing in one small tree per night for the
week prior to Thanksgiving, and then putting up the big tree the day
after Thanksgiving. That worked so well, and I didn't feel overwhelmed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You can find some terrific tips for perfectly decorating your tree if you <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/sca/ideas-and-advice/guides/christmas-tree-decoration-ideas-T5334" target="_blank">hop on over to this post</a>. As for finding the perfect Christmas Tree, <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/sca/ideas-and-advice/guides/christmas-tree-types-T5150" target="_blank">here's a great guide</a> to help you decide what's right for your home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I don't have to do much with the outside of my home, as it already looks like <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2018/03/winter-storm-riley.html#more" target="_blank">a winter wonderland</a>.
I'll hang a pretty wreath on the door, plug in the holiday lights that
are up year round, and put my candles in the windows. Perfect! Plus,
there's no way I'm getting up on <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2015/12/puttering-sweetie.html" target="_blank">that big ladder</a> again....but if you need some tips on hanging lights outside your own home, <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/sca/ideas-and-advice/guides/christmas-lights-101-how-to-hang-christmas-lights-T5404" target="_blank">here's a wonderful place to start</a>, filled with practical tips and great advice! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That's it, I'm excited!! I think perhaps the first tree will go up tonight! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I bought the eggnog already, and my DVR is loaded with Hallmark movies - bring it on, Cozy Cabin Christmas - I'm ready for you! </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span>Debbie - Mountain Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18401931842031353732noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6737531804022285705.post-73975054601696948842019-11-12T15:53:00.001-05:002019-11-12T15:53:30.597-05:00The Art Of Stretching The Grocery Budget <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yes I know....it's been a while...I'm sorry, I have so much I want to share with you but I hadn't gotten around to writing any posts! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My crazy wedding season has ended (whew!) but I'm still working full time planning next year's weddings as well as lots of holiday parties and corporate events. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZQ1xxbCTZsa4255zkYfbLIFYn1Tf_gGeXf12-nnqeYlZGLaURYlI51Un4QxZfHWuQFc_sUQIECaJAL7EA9yvp9OOldIuvc0yC4C2-VfNlJZoTN0LsUY8QI5j5buqtbIzD7DbmgsG0-ZN/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZQ1xxbCTZsa4255zkYfbLIFYn1Tf_gGeXf12-nnqeYlZGLaURYlI51Un4QxZfHWuQFc_sUQIECaJAL7EA9yvp9OOldIuvc0yC4C2-VfNlJZoTN0LsUY8QI5j5buqtbIzD7DbmgsG0-ZN/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Plus, in my 'spare time' (such as it is) I managed to stack two cords of wood and put the garden to bed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dgHpIu70-ZldW99SAINGQCsDX9wWHqfjw9R8DqwJ_yTr4B26gEiF0qANES1pyg8vjpE2nebuJ-hnuqvM1PoKFMQHhHWTTqENcla-ou2qX4CMYeMZjSb8-ibRLWMN5Ip8mBk-RDOBQdlJ/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dgHpIu70-ZldW99SAINGQCsDX9wWHqfjw9R8DqwJ_yTr4B26gEiF0qANES1pyg8vjpE2nebuJ-hnuqvM1PoKFMQHhHWTTqENcla-ou2qX4CMYeMZjSb8-ibRLWMN5Ip8mBk-RDOBQdlJ/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There's never a shortage of things that need to be done around my house, that's for sure. I'm ready for a little break from the garden for a while...my body needs a rest! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKWBm_MDv3sMjACjo2wklCgvvNajltEzOJQcyXV1m_NSmf1gRwcmaOweapzvFC4SKqtXpSc1JNqmm6MYiCZ79_EG0sMv-9EII5SQmYltAB-d4m1DK0agk6DoSPieM-qeV4HlrSWLXneONk/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKWBm_MDv3sMjACjo2wklCgvvNajltEzOJQcyXV1m_NSmf1gRwcmaOweapzvFC4SKqtXpSc1JNqmm6MYiCZ79_EG0sMv-9EII5SQmYltAB-d4m1DK0agk6DoSPieM-qeV4HlrSWLXneONk/s1600/3.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I cut back all <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/04/creating-patio-herb-garden.html" target="_blank">the herb boxes</a> right before the first hard frost, which was a darned shame as they were still so robust. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjna9Kr1HLeo0F6879lBxovk31vsqIAQ9bnzFk6dS_-8VmpnGu-759Uoo3Dgk2Nj4b_LeHS-Q7YxgueeP6ka2PAJhPyT8U5yM0KS3eWNDsetO1YaGAFurKjCKaWCLdd_9x0lbb50_guT_DJ/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjna9Kr1HLeo0F6879lBxovk31vsqIAQ9bnzFk6dS_-8VmpnGu-759Uoo3Dgk2Nj4b_LeHS-Q7YxgueeP6ka2PAJhPyT8U5yM0KS3eWNDsetO1YaGAFurKjCKaWCLdd_9x0lbb50_guT_DJ/s1600/5.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I hung some to dry in the stairwell to the lower level, on the unused coat rack.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVcOMbg9sBnYUbSLhwhf5KAxUkHUaVGQOiQbrYDABm5c6j5P22bT6BGrH8qJuHteY4oSqWWMl7tb0_cqk_VixAiWKaGRjgWPDJGvX8yQe8X4xl-1VN-bT2qB3h5-fHQ_mAOPx6RHnkjvo/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVcOMbg9sBnYUbSLhwhf5KAxUkHUaVGQOiQbrYDABm5c6j5P22bT6BGrH8qJuHteY4oSqWWMl7tb0_cqk_VixAiWKaGRjgWPDJGvX8yQe8X4xl-1VN-bT2qB3h5-fHQ_mAOPx6RHnkjvo/s1600/4.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Others are in water on the dining room windowsill, allowing me some fresh herbs for another little while, I hope. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And still others were made into garlic herb butter, and in the freezer for winter use. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WIkXi39kJRY6DqEL031xFsD1XMUqnQKofN_783yqbhUV7BaJ_Sp5KG7ktrheE2lnVpgqmVmzUtIDoKdMl5dDa8nc7pOFfbCtSIGHWXoGIMoOsa4wjcTa0AzkPuYk4HyvUJQkOTMJ0m20/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1WIkXi39kJRY6DqEL031xFsD1XMUqnQKofN_783yqbhUV7BaJ_Sp5KG7ktrheE2lnVpgqmVmzUtIDoKdMl5dDa8nc7pOFfbCtSIGHWXoGIMoOsa4wjcTa0AzkPuYk4HyvUJQkOTMJ0m20/s1600/6.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We dine well around here, but we do it on a tight budget....and I'm really proud of the meals I produce on my limited grocery budget!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQkAZwDb7IKTziJXVxXcfgIrtT-IAmpV9jgmWBOfSlrvnSbcXc5L3MNVhatSCX62sPbCEQQeAA4N23om6_3MbK5K7pylW3vVEGRLQMesnRyjCCfI9kHZ-YBC5Gi5OZGaNZ7uzmXCemPjG/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQkAZwDb7IKTziJXVxXcfgIrtT-IAmpV9jgmWBOfSlrvnSbcXc5L3MNVhatSCX62sPbCEQQeAA4N23om6_3MbK5K7pylW3vVEGRLQMesnRyjCCfI9kHZ-YBC5Gi5OZGaNZ7uzmXCemPjG/s1600/7.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yes, you certainly <b>did</b> notice fresh roses on my dining room table! Those are from my sweetie for our anniversary, along with lovely chocolates and a beautiful serving tray - the man sure knows his way to my heart! </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSQqIpauYYDNEnv-XmIvZtStuyxybWQRZrFHF0ugv_hlTHfbBCoDFVaaYRhAIPKwiYdB57sjA-JVYXV5vV62sfetMne6agsLizExB9WEKYW6uLz4fuxP0nbeIAR1pKfNtSAVei0UbKncx/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSQqIpauYYDNEnv-XmIvZtStuyxybWQRZrFHF0ugv_hlTHfbBCoDFVaaYRhAIPKwiYdB57sjA-JVYXV5vV62sfetMne6agsLizExB9WEKYW6uLz4fuxP0nbeIAR1pKfNtSAVei0UbKncx/s1600/12.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I've been going off the mountain and doing my grocery shopping at <a href="https://www.aldi.us/" target="_blank">Aldi</a> for the past few months, after <a href="https://iwonbestdressed.com/" target="_blank">my beautiful daughter</a> introduced me to the <a href="https://www.aldi.us/" target="_blank">magic of Aldi.</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">They have absolutely fabulous whole chickens by the way....they usually cost about $6 or less, and have a tremendous amount of meat on them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I always roast my chickens using <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2018/12/the-most-fabulous-chicken-pot-pie.html" target="_blank">Ina Garten's Perfect Roast Chicken</a> recipe....it is without a doubt the most scrumptious roast chicken, another one of her foolproof recipes! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOP22NglyoT-yJhyca4z1Gao2FBV_XSkxO0ODPZkTSp1XMrMEy_OZZDBff06GCZYmJ9WKLb1v8hKnBwqrGpZS-gRH05_DBHMS8Te8WLZxvUvPe70bPAdYuZ06QEy1c194JXCG2xU-DS2w-/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOP22NglyoT-yJhyca4z1Gao2FBV_XSkxO0ODPZkTSp1XMrMEy_OZZDBff06GCZYmJ9WKLb1v8hKnBwqrGpZS-gRH05_DBHMS8Te8WLZxvUvPe70bPAdYuZ06QEy1c194JXCG2xU-DS2w-/s1600/13.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">That one chicken will produce about ten meals for us. Two dinners on the night of the roast, two lunches for the next day, and the rest of the chicken is stripped from the bone and frozen for future meals. The carcass is also frozen, along with the vegetable scraps, to <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2018/04/this-thatand-where-heck-is-spring.html#more" target="_blank">make homemade broth.</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The broth was used to make this wonderful soup, and I threw in cooked bow-ties left over from another meal. Served with crusty bread it's a perfect cold weather meal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I also use it for my amazing <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2018/04/chicken-taco-soup.html" target="_blank">Chicken Taco Soup</a>, <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/04/healthy-creamy-chicken-orzo-soup-just.html" target="_blank">Creamy Chicken Orzo Soup</a>, and <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/11/the-most-amazing-split-pea-soupand.html" target="_blank">The Most Amazing Split Pea Soup</a>....not to mention about a billion other home made soups! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBz4ml7lCfR0jKTI7sXND5M630yHnql1K0F7EOszlBa0txAuDLMcRQfwbYgw6iNW8Z6FQgmFrz9_S5TIZ57O0JkZxUp1_PVsCCzzQvuRsdYsNuWJppTCyieyUMUU_8JSAmLp-Y4Ixxb3OS/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBz4ml7lCfR0jKTI7sXND5M630yHnql1K0F7EOszlBa0txAuDLMcRQfwbYgw6iNW8Z6FQgmFrz9_S5TIZ57O0JkZxUp1_PVsCCzzQvuRsdYsNuWJppTCyieyUMUU_8JSAmLp-Y4Ixxb3OS/s1600/15.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I made my <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2017/11/the-very-best-pot-roast.html" target="_blank">Very Best Pot Roast</a> recipe also over the weekend (there it is, ready to pop in the oven), and I have tricks for that also. When my market runs their 'family meal deal' they often feature a chuck roast, which makes the most flavorful pot roast hands down. I immediately cut it in half, and freeze half for another day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This half roast made two dinners, plus two lunches, with some left over for another meal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The leftovers are currently in the slow cooker becoming Beef Barley Soup, which will make another two dinners, two lunches, and a quart for the freezer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVaxh28GrBZlP9eAPEhrnb51Z4r9GAP7G23m5RdQ6NqFW4pMVARu3YOVXWKT2C9QqpCBQ5xGyKYGT0qhe2kKdCgKs-_1FTOemLGQuv1ZMO3tiW1yII4UoiVjDwYGwfbckmostiGjTIY_O/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVaxh28GrBZlP9eAPEhrnb51Z4r9GAP7G23m5RdQ6NqFW4pMVARu3YOVXWKT2C9QqpCBQ5xGyKYGT0qhe2kKdCgKs-_1FTOemLGQuv1ZMO3tiW1yII4UoiVjDwYGwfbckmostiGjTIY_O/s1600/9.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Since I'm always stashing bits of food in the freezer, it was time to take everything out, take inventory, and give it a good cleaning and organizing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggDbMUx-jJnN9VHVQ3Mo_0sZj5m4zDXY9AZPKbTtl90eFmLhXC9ygD9g2b113NtVyoGbWJdu77uYifhF5KPTW8nVzMYXkyydnnUGQCqdqamfjGy13ZXwGlyk38S7h6Y2TAY5pE1vMjeYT/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggDbMUx-jJnN9VHVQ3Mo_0sZj5m4zDXY9AZPKbTtl90eFmLhXC9ygD9g2b113NtVyoGbWJdu77uYifhF5KPTW8nVzMYXkyydnnUGQCqdqamfjGy13ZXwGlyk38S7h6Y2TAY5pE1vMjeYT/s1600/10.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The freezers are all full, so we will be eating out of them for a while to make some room for new creations. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm fine with that, there's lots of good stuff in there! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I cleaned out the fridge while I was at it, again to take inventory and toss anything that might be out of date. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I seriously hate having to toss any food, it's so darned expensive! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8EjUzvWM8pdlqzRmZcPpYUjTJs-HqKpsKeTyHzh4KRAO9qOP5oyoouE79tXA3aJ6oKGIFf2AEK1wsTPEz37RmXC-0xDbKkRvM4ruCDZO304R6QJn1nBMSDH5TTn_fQANTRHlMCW6TObW/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8EjUzvWM8pdlqzRmZcPpYUjTJs-HqKpsKeTyHzh4KRAO9qOP5oyoouE79tXA3aJ6oKGIFf2AEK1wsTPEz37RmXC-0xDbKkRvM4ruCDZO304R6QJn1nBMSDH5TTn_fQANTRHlMCW6TObW/s1600/14.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Last night's dinner was out of the fridge and freezer, and absolutely delicious. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I had a partial head of romaine lettuce that needed to be used, and some leftover Caesar dressing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There was also a half bag of tortellini and a little container of my <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/07/summer-garden-bolognese.html" target="_blank">Summer Garden Bolognese</a> in the freezer, and two herbed biscuits. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Bingo....perfect meal. Caesar Salad and Tortellini Bolognese. Served with a lovely red blend, it was heavenly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Obviously the fact that Sweetie and I each have a <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2016/06/my-crooked-little-country-garden.html" target="_blank">small vegetable garden</a> is super helpful to stretch the grocery budget when the garden is producing. But it's equally as important to <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2018/08/preserving-harvest.html" target="_blank">preserve that bount</a>y as it comes out of the garden, to help keep our grocery bills down for the long winter months. Yes, it's a lot of work....but I have <a href="http://www.mountainmamaonline.net/2019/02/how-i-cut-my-grocery-budget-to-200-per.html" target="_blank">slashed my grocery bill </a>down to about $120 per month as an average (thank you <a href="https://www.aldi.us/" target="_blank">Aldi!</a>!), which is such a huge savings from what I used to spend. My biggest tip? Stay out of the store! Look in your freezer/pantry/fridge and see what needs to be used! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What are your favorite tips for stretching the grocery budget? </span></div>
Debbie - Mountain Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18401931842031353732noreply@blogger.com37