Bird, Books and Bertie

Drat. I was trying to get a really cute photo to post here this morning, but my subjects were most uncooperative. I was watching my canary, Ringo take a bath, who was in turn being watched by Pyewacket.  This is a daily occurrence, but unfortunately, everytime I came close enough to get a good shot, Pye would run away, or Ringo would stop bathing. Of course, Pye running away is not unusual in this situation because we frown on him standing up and grabbing at the cage. (and I may have been known to spritz him with a water sprayer).

Anyway, so I stayed at my living room table, hoping for a fair photo. I don't know if you will be able to get a closer view by clicking on the photo.

A snowy weekend ahead of us. We already have quite a bit of snow on the ground, so I most likely will head out to the library today to replenish my reading material. Just read a collection of P.G. Wodehouse. Absolutely hilarious. English author who wrote in the early '30s about a rich young man, Bertie Wooster and his amazing gentleman's gentleman, Jeeves. A lifestyle that is unrecognizable today (and maybe even back then) but the conundrums and mixups Bertie gets into and that Jeeves gets him out of, make for many chuckles. If you need a few pleasant hours of fun, read some Wodehouse!

Besides streaming Netflix and watching You Tube, not much else going on. I think there may be some household tasks to perform; maybe I will get to that too.  Or not.

Happy Friday.   Robin

Moon Light

Last night, cooking dinner, I was feeling cranky. Sometimes I just get so tired of cooking dinners night after night. Kind of get in a humdrum rut of meals. So I put a pot of potatoes onto boil, and banged the frying pan to brown some ham steaks and stomped around in general.

And then......I caught a glimpse out my kitchen window. It was very dark and there She was. A glorious Full Moon, close and large, just rising. Right outside my window. It was eye-opening. I watched that glowing, bright white orb, the Moon of Many Names. Snow Moon, Quickening Moon, Hunger Moon, Wolf Moon, just to name a few. (Each month's Full Moon has its own qualities and significance, and depending on tradition, background or culture, can be called many different names.)

For me it was Transforming Moon. My grumpy mood fell away, my spirit was lifted and I continued my tasks in a cheerful way. I reminded myself of the beauty and wonder of the Universe, of how each moment is a gift, to live in gladness of the moment and to be thankful and inspired by what the Full Moon represents: the  Light, Love, and Guidance and Protection of the Goddess in all Her many ways.

Blessed Imbolc

The earth stirs the tiniest bit. A spark pops into being and thus begins the first idea that Spring will be coming to life before we can say "Rabbit, Rabbit"! This is Imbolc. In a wintry place it is impossible to see much in the way of signs of Spring. The later sunsets are the most apparent sign. Longer days, a second at a time.

Imbolc offers the opportunity to welcome our own stirrings: from quiet nights and short days, to begin thinking about the warmer times ahead of us; not just the physical realm, but the spiritual awakenings as well. Does a spark burn a bit in yourself now?

Well, I have been in hibernation for the last couple of weeks. Partly because of the frigidity of the northern clime I live in, and partly because the family, myself included, have been ailing with head colds. Mutually miserable.

Today we have managed to receive a little over two feet of snow. Buried the durn groundhogs!

My snow castle

Husband and son enjoyed the Super Bowl last night. I enjoyed the half-time show. I made good football game food. We weren't really rooting for either team, but because I live closer to New England than Seattle, I am glad the Patriots won.

Time to continue with my wintry duties: reading in front of the fire, cuddled up with kittens and an old dog.
Back soon.

Last night's fire

Monday, Monday

Welcome to a new week. A typical Monday though. Hard to get wound up, especially with cold gray snowy weather. Means we have to cheer up the inside. Music, fireplace, good reads, a nap on the Tower of Terror.

And thoughts of warm weather out at AutumnWood.

Our Leaf Elf (raethan)

Click on photo to enlarge..wild grapes amongst the apple trees

Hubby charring beef flesh for dinner

Hubby and raethan and a bonfire(son Nick appealing to gods in background)

Ahhhh, good happy times!

Today I am going to try out my new mortar and pestle.

You know, I can never remember which is the mortar and which is the pestle!! Same with the meanings of concave and convex and other such word combos. Anyhoo, I love that it has three legs, just like my cauldrons.

Happy Monday, everyone, if that is possible!! Must fly.    Robin

Quickie

Winter is making its presence felt most furiously. I am not sure I should even be able to type when the temps are in the minuses. Gad!! Still, the sun is shining on us today and the snow is sparkling and the sky is blue. Very nice when you are inside. Woe unto me though, I must venture out into this arctic-like clime, boot up the sled dogs and make my way through icicles and icebergs in order to fill the cupboards. I wouldn't go at all except we are out of cat treats. This, as you know, is a crisis-level situation. Red Alert!!

As you can see, Pixie is in despair

So this is a quick how-do-you-do, and, if I am able to defrost myself I shall write again soon.

Stay warm and cozy!  Robin.

Photos for Friday

The AutumnWood camper in all her glory

Our tiny kitchen

Three beds and a cupboard (the camper sleeps a total of 7)

A view of Lake Ontario just a few miles from AutumnWood

These are pictures I first posted a few weeks ago but never showed up. I think my Blog Tech daughter has worked the problem out for me. I am still a little shaky on the process, but I sure do hope these posted!!!

A plate of cookies I baked the other day.

January 2015!!

Back after a wonderful holiday with family and food and hilarity. Getting back into non-holiday mode has taken a little longer than I expected. But now all the decorations are put away, all the delicious foods and treats are gone and it is time to start getting things done!!

I don't know about everyone else but we have had frigid weather. Not as much snow, but terrible temps. Makes you want to curl up in a very warm cave and wait for summer!!

I used to hate January as it seemed to be such an anti-climax after the holidays, and nothing much to look forward to for a long while.  But these days, I appreciate the month more because I can take the time for planning, creating, reading, meditating without the distraction of beautiful warm weather or all kinds of events. I stopped making New Year's Resolutions a long time ago, though I do like to think about the things I should change or delete. What better time than cold blustery days to sit by the fire making lists, daydreaming or just plain thinking!

Time for some tea and perhaps a nibble of something.

The fireplace is calling me.  See ya soon! Robin.

is there a photo here??