Morning Light

The ideas were flowing yesterday. New products and new packaging. I've been giving lots of thought as to how I can make a go of this, making more of my living from home. I'm determined to give it my best shot, and so, taking small steps to move towards that goal. The sun is out, the sky is blue, and I'm excited about another day of possibilities.

Hellebore Hopes

Darn! We were predicted to be at the edge of the Mid-Atlantic snowstorm, but it missed us after all. One consolation is the snow is off the hellebores, and one shows a good amount of new growth. We'll hope there will be some nice blooms coming forth. I can't hope for anything as lovely as Catherine's, but her garden sure is an inspiration to work towards. When I got in from work yesterday, I made my first batch of bath melts and bath bombs. The melts are unmolded, and look really pretty. The bombs will be ready to unmold in the morning, and are a bit more finicky. I'd say some trial baths are in order.

Good Tools

My sweet man surprised me with a really nice pair of scissors. I've never had a good pair before, and ahem, kinda messed up his pretty good pair when I cut some thick upholstery fabric backed with a rubber-type layer for my cloth bags. He's the best.

The snow is lingering, but it's raining now, so I'll post a couple more snow pics while I can.

Snow Day

The roads are beginning to clear, but our driveway is still mostly ice. The chickens are slowly venturing out, though two of them especially, are not happy with the snow. Our tiny pond, which will eventually be enlarged, and a waterfall added, is frozen over. Famata has enjoyed hanging out near some bird feeders there, but thankfully is quite noticeable against the snow. I don't know the exact Italian translation, but Famata, in our family, meant someone who loved to eat, as in bordering on glutton. Famata cat has thankfully slimmed down a bit since her kitten days, when she was quite roly poly. Her sister, Callie, has always been very much on the lean side. I guess cats are like people in that way... constitution and all. Joseph ventured out to work this morning, leaving a bit later than usual in his truck. They're calling for the dreaded freezing rain tonight, so I may just be here again tomorrow, enjoying another snow day.

It's a Winter Wonderland

The birdfeeders have been a happening place today. So far, I've identified yellow finches, cardinals, chickadees, crows, tufted titmouses, rufous sided towhees, juncos, bluejays, Carolina wrens, mourning doves, and woodpeckers--red-bellied & ladder-backed. It snowed, and even better, Joseph helped me figure out the zoom on my camera, so I can share the birds and our wanderings with you. We're back in the house enjoying warm cinnamon sugar cookies and hot cocoa. Wishing you a cozy winter day!

Welcome Snow

I'm waiting for the forecasted snow with bated breath. The latest says it may be more sleet & ice in our neck of the woods, but I'm holding out for snow! I've got the snow banner up, a new batch of suet for the birds, and even hung out a couple loads of laundry, figuring it may bring it on, like washing the car does rain. Those of you in Montana and northern places, who are tired of the snow, send a little good snow juju here, would you?

Soap & The Power of Love

Today I've made a batch of Skin Soother soap. It's one I created at Joseph's request, to help with dry itchy skin. It's got all sorts of goodies in it- calendula extract & petals, ground oats, tea tree oil, and it's superfatted with cocoa butter to make it especially rich. I'd been putting calendula petals in the soap, but they don't show very well, so I decided to also sprinkle some on top today. I think I'm going to like it.

Ever since I read June's post yesterday, which included a Youtube link about a wonderful rescue story in Haiti, I've been thinking about television. Since moving here in '96, I've chosen to live without television. I can't say I really have missed it. There's always plenty to occupy my time without it. If something major happens, I know I can watch it streaming, from the computer, which Joseph and I did for the Presidential inauguration. It seems so much of what was on TV was less than uplifting. Maybe that's changed, but I don't expect so. But it's good to see a story of hope, of love, of faith against all odds. The fierce kind of love I expect a mother has for her children. And if they're lucky, the kind of love a spouse has for their beloved. Doing what they do, against all hope, because that's what love does. That story gave me hope. If this is what is being shown on cnn, it may be another sign we're moving in the right direction.