Around Here

It still looks like Christmas around here folks, and we all couldn't be more stir crazy for Spring! I think I'm convinced it's not going to happen :/
But at least it's been a beautiful winter!

I finally bought this donut maker I've been wanting, it went on clearance at Target so I snagged it up!
YUM, seriously, so good!

I love the winter light seeping in through my bedroom window.

I have a new little corner in my house, and I love it!
I think I will tweak it here and there, but so far so good.

And ya, I turned---{cough cough}, 39!!!

I was determined to NOT wear boots on my birthday, so I wore my cute new clogs. Svens, check them out!

A pretty cupcake from my sister!

Good coffee, LavAzza is my fave!

The three of us had some fun with the mirrors at the Mall of America.

Pretty packages in the mail!

I received some really precious gifts, but this one held such a huge spot in my heart. It's from a reader, turned good friend, and this is my profile and it's a map of Italy! I adore it SO much.

I've been getting a lot of embroidery done, I have 8 hoops hanging in a shop in Wisconsin!
Here are some I have shipped off!

Also been making lots of dishcloths, they are my favorite to use so I'm trying to replace my other ones.

I've been watching The Forsyte Saga, anyone else? I love it!!! Been crocheting a basket while I do that.
It turned out pretty well, there are a few imperfections, but who or what doesn't have imperfections?

Along with donut makin I made a Pumpkin Spice cake, my family went nutso!

This sour cream peach pancake recipe is seriously the bomb. My husband kept his eyes closed the whole time while eating them! The recipe is from the Smitten Kitchen cookbook.

We made Gnocchi with my dad and it was awesome, ever make it? They turned out splendidly!

Coffee dates with my husband have been nice.

Coffee date with dad.

Visiting my artist friend Lois at the home, and admiring her studio.
Her Frida is amazing.

Winter has wore Nells out--he was just diagnosed with Arthritis in his hips and knees really bad--he's doing much better though on his new meds and supplements, thank goodness!

Madelynn auditioned live at Bethel for a music scholarship--she sang two pieces, she was incredible. This girl works so hard, so proud.

My popcorn grannies are really coming along, I have 46 so far, and I need about 80 for a full afghan!

Peppermint tea for an upset tummy and lots of knitting!

What have you been up too?

Winter In Minnesota

Can you believe I got this shot of these love birds?! It was Valentine's Day too.

One of my favorite things I've done this winter is make friends with these guys, aren't they pretty? I took a drive right near my house, and stopped in wonder when I saw this lovely farm. It was so delightful, as I'm such a city girl. I parked my car right in front of the farm, on the side of the road and just stood out there in awe. A few minutes later the owner came out and introduced herself and invited me back anytime!
I've been enjoying stopping by and chatting with her and her horses.

Taking a crack at art journaling. I write every morning anyway, so I thought i'd see how this went. I liked it, but need to give it more time. The journal in this pic is falling a part, so I now have to start over.

Country roads near my house.

 Lots and lots of snow this winter, it's been beautiful!

Crafting and around the house...

Making a popcorn granny square afghan!

Made a little hat. By little I mean, that I thought I was making it for myself, turns out it's like a toddler size, oops!

Loving making dish cloths!

Banners...

Knitting a scarf/shawl..

Madelynn received this for her birthday from her BF. It's painting of the two of them.

 Throwing Madelynn's birthday parties for her 18th were successful!

It's been bitter here you guys, just bitter. Below zero temps. Spring spring, where oh where art thou?

Nells has been keeping toasty and cozy.

Lots of reading and rest.

I splurged on a planner this year, by May Designs, I love it!

Madelynn and her Bf made the paper--they performed a song with cups. Ever seen this on youtube? It was really good.

Baking quite a bit, molasses cookies, divine.

Finally have my craft room put together a bit.

My husband's handy work--it's a Van gogh, he's so good, huh?

A little re-arranging in the living room.

Lots of tea! My fave? Yorkshire Gold. Thee best! Cream and sugar please!

And Minnesota delivers nothing short of beautiful scenery, even in frigid temps.

She sits on my doorstep, it was a beloved gift from my BF.

I know, I know.

 She is never too old for a Valentine.

She's looking so grown up to me now. Full blown. Wow.

Learning to embrace having an adult child. Oh the weight, oh my heart.

 Winter essentials.

 Light in the morning window.

Rabbit feet in my yard.

Nells likes the sunlight too.

Madelynn playing her big instrument. Proud of this girl to stick it out throughout HS.

 Coffee with my mom.

Cherishing the last months with this girl home.