Snow, Teas, and Infusions

I’m just sitting here, enjoying a quiet snowy day.

I love the way the snow glistens when the sun hits it.

I’m thinking of putting the kettle on and making a

nice cup of tea in a little bit.  You know they say that

nothing warms like tea.  I just read a book called Time for Tea

with  Mary Engelbreit.  It was filled with her delightful

whimsical art and lots of tea tips and lore.  It is a

nice light read.   She says that the herbal teas are

actually infusions.  I guess I love infusions as

well, then.   Here are a few of my favorite teas and

infusions. 

From Bigelow:

Constant Comment is my favorite Tea. 

It’s laced with the flavor of oranges and spice. 

If I could have only one tea for the rest of my

life, this would be it.  It’s refreshing hot or cold. 

I also like Bigelow’s green tea.  I must admit that

I drink green tea because it’s good for me.

From Stash Tea Comany:

Pumkin Spice and Ruby Mist

From Celestial Seasonings:

Honey Chamomile, Sugar Cookie Sleighride,

Tension Tamer, and India Spiced Chai Tea,

and Sleepy Time, known as Teddy Bear Tea

at our house.  We also drink Peter Rabbit tea,

which is of course, chamomile.

Do you have a favorite tea that I might like to try?

Well, I think I’ll go and put the kettle on. 

Keep warm!

Cozy at home, Laura

Over the River and Over the Woods…

Over the river and over the woods to Grandmother’s house I go….
I’m so excited. I am going to visit my Grandma Mamie. She lives in Dallas. I’ve not seen her in almost two years. Southwest Airlines had a terrific deal on a round trip flight. So, guess what I got for Christmas. Yep, a ticket. I’m going to fly for only a hundred dollars!

I have such wonderful memories with my Grandma Mamie. I’m so looking forward to seeing her again. The last time I went for a visit, I had a fussy baby in tow. Amy only calmed down when she was eating, sleeping, or Grandma was holding her and dancing. Now mind you, my Grandma was 80 at the time! This time I’m flying solo. I’ll be staying with my Cousin Gloria who has so graciously opened her home to me. Grandma has lived with her for several months now. I truly am thankful for her love and care for Grandma. Mind you, Grandma takes care of Gloria too! ~grin~ She’s quite an independent Grandma…not a sit in a rocker type.

All this to say, I hope you have a wonderful weekend. I’ll be back to writing next week. Maybe I’ll share a story or two!

May you all receive blessings from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Laura
I love to Fly and it Shows!
Thank you God!

Wintery Mix to Beautiful Snow…

My apologies to those in Southwest Missouri who hate snowy weather; but, I LOVE THIS! I’m so glad to have a little winter that acts like winter. I do hope we all keep power, though.

Keep cozy on this cold wintry night.

Anyone got an extra wood stove or fireplace?

Laura
Let it Snow…Let it Snow…Let it Snow

We Got It…Sort of….

We got some white stuff, though not the white stuff I prefer. We had what the weather announcer called a wintry mix. It was mostly sleet and freezing rain. It was enough to cause folks to go off the road, including me. I was fortunate because there was a curb to keep me from going completely off the road. I couldn’t get back up on the blacktop, though. Thank goodness my big guy, Matthew was with me. He pushed and we eventually got the car back up on the blacktop. We had to turn around and go the other way because our route was blocked with cars that were at various angles on the road. We got home safely, thank you God! Now we have a light dusting of snow on top to make it pretty.

It gave Matthew a memorable birthday. Interestingly enough, the weather was very similar when he was born.

If you’re in this, keep warm at home!
Blessings,
Laura

He’s 18…He’s Handsome…and He’s Mine….

My Matthew, 18 years old today!

Eighteen years of my life well invested.

Old Fashioned Cocoa from Scratch

My family just loves the rich flavor of old fashioned cocoa made from scratch.  Scratch means you start with basic ingredients and go from there.  I love it because I always have the ingredients on hand.  My kids will have the memory of Momma over the stove stirring the cocoa.  They come running when they hear the sound the whisk makes in the pan. 

 Here’s how I make mine.  All you need is Hershey’s cocoa, sugar, milk and a bit of water.

Old Fashioned Cocoa from Scratch

Combine 1/2 cup Hershey’s cocoa and 1 cup of white sugar in a three quart saucepan using a wire whisk.  I do this while the cocoa and sugar are still dry so that the cocoa will mix in nice and smooth without a bunch of lumps. 

Add about 1/3 cup of cold water and mix until smooth.  Bring to a boil and continue to boil it for about a minute, stirring constantly.  Don’t worry if it sticks to the sides, it’ll melt back into the cocoa as it heats up. 

Fill the pan with milk, It”ll be a little more than a half a gallon of milk.  Stir and heat using  medium heat.  If you need to walk away from it, just turn it on the lowest heat.   I check to see if it’s hot enough by dropping in a miniature marshmallow.  It’s ready when the marshmallow just starts to melt.  I offer extra milk to my little ones to cool it if they want it. 

This is so easy, we can make it any time we want it.  Read aloud time is one of our favorite times to enjoy Old Fashioned Cocoa.

Bless…Praise…Boast…Magnify…Exalt…Seek…and Be Delivered

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 

My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear of it and be glad. 

Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. 

I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.  

Psalm 34:1-5

Anybody Else Thinking About Gardening? New Debbie Mumm Desktop

 

Click for Free Winter Gardener Desktop from Debbie Mumm!

My friends and I have been talking about  vegetable gardens for this summer.  I’ve never really gardened before, just a few tomato plants.  I’d like to try a few more things this year.  I’ve heard good things about heirloom seeds.  Anyone got any favorites for a new gardener?

Go to www.debbiemumm.com to get the free desktop above for inspiration.

Blessings,

Laura

A Winter Wish…

Just wishing for a little of the white stuff!

Laura

Everything’s Going to Be Alright…

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8