Trying to get our Winter on

Wintry weather has been mostly a tease of light flurries and not very cold temperatures. Although, it has been colder on the valley floor, at my house we’ve had maybe 3 nights in the 20’s but otherwise no hard freezing. The ground is not frozen so when it does flurry, it melts right away.

But…

Yes.

Winter weather in the forecast.

Snow and cold. Very cold.

I am hope, hope hoping to soon have enough snow to snowshoe in the woods.

The snow started.

But at the moment, it is still above freezing at 35F.

And then it stopped snowing so we all went out to see what we could see.

Auggie found a critter hole on Beardog hill.

After some time peering into the hole, he retreated to a perch to keep an eye on the front door.

Then some “help” from Bear…

Oh, well.

Our Thanksgiving Day

I don’t know why Auggie is giving me the evil eye. He had a beautiful sun spot and the doors open to a beautiful day: 45F with sun and blue skies. I had the windows open while cooking. It didn’t feel as holiday-like as it does when it is cold-cloudy-snowy, but no complaints from us!

Cranberry Chutney was first on the agenda – yes 6:45 a.m. in the dark of the morning … so it had time to meld all the flavors.

I made a new recipe: leek bread pudding, in place of dressing. I used my own sourdough for the bread – this turned out to be my favorite side dish.

The bird!!!

A full plate: turkey and mashed potatoes with gravy, cranberry chutney, green beans in mushroom gravy with a bread crumb/onion/parmesan top crust, steamed carrots and the leek bread pudding.

A few spoons of pumpkin spice ice cream rounded out the meal.

Bear and Auggie had some turkey with just a wee-little bit of gravy.

I believe we were all very thankful for the gorgeous day, the delicious food and a relaxing day together.

I was very thankful to get this last load of dishes done – I think that was about the 8th sinkful of the day.

Our Thanksgiving Day.

’twas the night before Thanksgiving…

…and all through the house…

…not a creature was stirring except for a mouse.

WHAT???

If there is a mouse stirring, Auggie has some explaining to do!

Got ahead of myself.

No mouse stirring, just me. Prepping for Thanksgiving dinner…

Dessert in the making: pumpkin ice cream is turning!

Other deliciousness in process.

And a cozy fire in the woodstove.

’twas the night before Thanksgiving.