Has Spring Sprung Already?

Hoping for a little feathered family to move in soon.

Patience Is Rewarded

After a lengthy sabbatical, Lizzy is back in production! Yippee! No more buying pricey organic eggs from the store, or begging dozens from Mother. =)

(In)Famous Quotes

♥ Raegan, after enjoying a tasty lunch, "That was de~ and ~licious!"

♥ Morgan, rummaging through a pile of plastic animals for a certain dog, "Oh smash!" (though not with frustration so much as glee...)

Stitching Up Some Fun

...in my shoppe. =)

B is for Banana Bread

When life gives you black bananas, make...

Banana Bread

1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
(throw in some nutmeg and a dash of salt, too)
1 egg
1 cup mashed bananas (about 3 medium)
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup cooking oil

Grease the bottom and half inch up the sides of an 8 x 4 x 2-inch loaf pan; set aside. In a medium mixing bowl combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Make a well in the center of dry mixture; set aside.

In another bowl combine the egg, bananas, sugar, and cooking oil. Add egg mixture all at once to dry mixture. Stir just till moistened (batter should be lumpy).

Spoon batter into the prepared pan. Bake in a 350* oven for 50-55 minutes or till a wooden toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Recipe here says to cool, wrap and store overnight...but, I don't follow directions very well; we ate it warm with lots of butter. =)

♥ Happy Valentine's Day! ♥

"I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine." Song of Solomon 6:3

♥ Buffalo Valentine ♥

"Smooch, smooch!"

On Saturday we trekked up to the Olympic Game Farm in Sequim to celebrate Valentine's Day. Romantic, huh? We'll take dining on cheap bread with wild animals over wine and caviar in a fancy restaurant any day. ;)

This guy had it all figured out. "I'll just park myself right here in the road, so they'll HAVE to stop and feed me!"

And then up to Dungeness for lunch on the shore. I love the sharp wind on the water in February!

My three sweethearts. ♥♥♥

"Look at the puddleduck!" A seagull elevated in status by Beatrix Potter's wonderful stories. =)

Just Bee~Cause

How fun to find a surprise in the mailbox! And especially such a bee~utiful ;) apron from my sweet sis~in~law! She is an accomplished seamstress and knows that I just adore honey bees and winged things. How happy I am that she shares her gift with me! Thank you, thank you, Lizzy!

All the little bees have clever quotes like BeeTween You & Me, BeeFriended By You, BeeYond My Expectations. I'll wear this when I'm busy...

Elephant Parade

Just look at that last little guy! Isn't he so cute?

My Machines Are Smoking

Six loads of laundry washed, dried, and folded! A very productive wash day.

Now I just have a few things to iron and my little OCD will be (almost) satisfied.

What We Found in Our Backyard!

Or in our neighbors' backyard, that is.

Will you take a walk of discovery with us?

We cross the lawn and enter the mossy woods where our properties meet.

Across a little fallen log to the path. A deer trail that has been travelled by two~legged explorers recently. Deer have the most delightful adventures!

Wild ginger. =)

Passing through the two trees that meet to form an arch over the path.

Under low~bowing limbs dripping with moss.

All the way to the rustic steps and handrail that lead to...

the creek.

Runner Up

Update: Our winner of the color collection has graciously asked me to choose another winner (silly me; she didn't even know she was entered). =)

So let's give it another go, eh?

Another couple of blind swishes through the bowl of hearts, and...

♥
♥
♥
♥
♥
♥
♥
♥
♥
♥

is our new winner!!! Congratulations, Heather! It's been so fun getting to know you and your sweet family through blogging. Enjoy! =)

Who Wins the Enchanted Garden Giveaway?

Well, let's find out, shall we?! All the little sweethearts are waiting in the bowl, to see who will be picked.


Help from a couple other little sweethearts is enlisted.


And a name is lifted from the group...


Congratulations, Roo & Wren's Mama!!! I'll be sending your goodies post~haste (that's an ironic phrase, isn't it? =)

Many thanks to everyone for your friendship; it is always so much fun to hear from you and to visit you at your blog land abodes. I just love having giveaways, so look for another one soon!