Snow Shapes - Ribbons

Some more snow shapes. Hope you enjoy,

Andy

Snow Shapes - Tufts

Sorry again for the hiatus. Based on what we can tell ourselves across the blogosphere, everyone took a break during the holidays. Luckily, Michele got us going again and here's my first turn for 2011.

We both love all four seasons. And as we tell our loved ones residing way in the south--even the winter. I get a kick out of the infinite shapes the snow makes. All things are transformed by the white blanket. Geometric patterns, fractal patterns, common patterns, etc. 

This morning was a beautiful, fluffy morning with some sunlight peaking through every so often. I was able to take several shots and here are some samples of what I am simply calling "tufts". Perhaps an inelegant description, but fitting.

I hope to share more snow shapes in future posts.
Enjoy the seasons!
Andy
PS Thanks to Sandy and Bill for the cool metal butterfly yard ornament!

Walking to the Mailbox

Many of you know that I have had CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome) for many years. It always gets worse and harder to manage during the hustle and bustle of the Holiday season. Therefore I have been pretty much "out of commission" and Andy has been just plain BUSY! I was scolded by my Dad yesterday...."jeez you have had the same post since Dec. 26," he said. (sorry Dad!) Honestly, I didn't realize it had been that long. So I took some pictures on my way to the mailbox this morning. We are having a beautiful snowfall today.

This structure is down our road and is always of interest to me. I'll post another picture of it in the spring. Under the snow there is a lawn chair and inside some discarded items. If only walls could talk!

~Michele

Holiday Toast

As we dine tonight,

As the food surrounds us,

The smells envelope us . . .

As we sit before the tree,

With packages aplenty,

And the trimmings, too . . .

Let us forever remember,

We are the fortunate few

But, not the fortunate forever.

As we define our past,

As we define our future,

Let us not define our fortune

In our food and presents . . .

But, let us define our fortune

In each other.

Andy LePere

12/25/94

Fresh snow

We had such a pretty dusting of snow overnight, that I just couldn't resist a short walk to enjoy the beauty.

The days are short and the sun is low .... I look like clown on stilts!

Back inside where it's warm and back to work on more wrapping....

~Michele

Spritz Cookies

At this point in the season, time is at quite a premium. I like this recipe because it is so simple and makes a lot of cookies. If time allows, I divide the dough and use a different flavorings and food colorings in each half.

Spritz Cookies

2 C butter; softened

2 C sugar

3 eggs

1 T vanilla

6 C flour

2 t baking powder

colored sugar for decorating

Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Combine flour and baking powder; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Dough will be quite stiff; I have found it's easiest to stir in the last couple cups of flour by hand.

Use a "cookie press" to drop cookies onto an ungreased shiny cookie sheet. I like "Doughmakers" when I need a shiny cookie sheet. (for a dark sheet I have found "Chicago Metallic" works great) Decorate cookies as desired. Bake at 350 for 9 - 12 minutes or until edges are just just to lightly brown.

Yield: 18 - 19 dozen one inch cookies. Stored in a tightly sealed container, in a dark cool area, these cookies will keep 2 - 3 weeks or much longer in the freezer.

If you are looking for more holiday cookie recipes, this web site is great "Christmas-Cookies."

~Michele

Poppy Seed Cookies

I don't know why, but I love poppy seeds and I love these cookies. You've got lots of flexibility for colors and you can choose different nuts.


We made two batches. One with the ground walnuts and one with almonds. On the latter we replaced the 1 tsp vanilla with 1/2 tsp almond extract.


Eating a serving of walnuts each day actually lowers your cholesterol--really! You can then trick yourself and say that instead of eating cookies you're taking . . . supplements. ;->

• 1 cup soft butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup finely ground walnuts
• 1/2 cup poppy seeds
• 1 tsp salt
• Colored sugar

Cream the butter with the sugar, egg, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, almonds, poppy seeds, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture and beat well. Divide the dough in half and roll into logs. Roll the logs in colored sugar. Wrap in waxed paper and chill for a few hours. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Slice the logs about 1/4 inch think and bake for about 12 minutes or until the edges start to brown.

  

Enjoy!
Andy