The Vintage Swap....

a new corner of my studio...

some lovely goodies from Leanne,

Pretty ribbon, and a sweet thrifting find...

this little crocheted doily is great...

another great thrifting find, linen and bird love( and British!)

Well, here we are. This seemed to take me forever to get posted, but Leanne's box was so full of wonderfulness( is that a word?). Lots of fabric, ribbons, buttons(squee!), and little hairpins, just right for Spring. Thank you so much, Leanne, I can't wait to use some of it, and Heather for setting it all up. Blogging has really changed my life, "meeting" all these wonderful women would never have happened without it. And since Leanne's box arrived the same day as a box full of "beach stuff" from my mom in Florida, it prompted a cleaning of the studio, and removal of some things that no longer worked for the space( can you say old metal-frame futon couch? to the dump with thee!). It freed up a good deal of valuble real estate, which naturally led to a little more throwing away, and some redecorating, so now that old wrought-iron lamp I got at the age of 13 has a great new home, to light up the perfect spot for studying. In a couple months, it will be lighting up some knitting, or embroidery, but that will wait.

The bread that needed to be baked on this cold, dreary Spring day is almost done, I can smell it.I love being able to have something good for the boys after school, it's a good thing I made four loaves, I bet we'll be down to two by bedtime!

Ahhh.....Spring

The ice is going out on the pond, the crocuses are up, and all the manner of growing is going on in the gardens. As I sat down to write this, I saw a robin right outside my window. My mom used to mark on the calender when she saw her first robin in the spring. This winter posed many challenges, and now I am glad for all of them, they make the spring seem that much sweeter.

I'm still here...

does anyone care? I feel like I've lost the last few weeks, it's already mid-March! and past Daylight Savings Time! I have been looking forward to that. So many things to report, but they shall have to wait. I'm neck -deep in school work, exams and exams and papers due soon. I got my acceptance into Nursing school at Castleton State( yay!) but I am so very nervous about it now. sigh. I know it'll be fine, it's just really a big thing for me. I got my box from Heather's Vintage Swap, pictures from that loveliness soon( they're still in my camera!). I'm off to Karate with the boys, and a bit of studying~ is it May yet? I need a vacation.I did get my Christmas present though, that beautiful bookcase. It was full the moment it was brought home. Thanks to my wonderful husband for that!

{this moment}*

*idea from Soulemama

A winter's day

The trees, from underneath, while snowshoeing..

the kids, trying to make a human snowman..

What a wonderful day we had yesterday. The boys proved they were not too old to go outside and play, and I got to spend two hours being reacquainted with an old frind, my snowshoes. Such heavy snow as we had made for slow going, but I'd finished my homework, and was in no hurry. A good lunch when I got home, and more of the kids going back outside, made perfect conditions for a quiet hot shower and a little nap. Being home for dinner was a treat as well, usually I'm in class at 6:00. So dinner with the family, beeswax candles and all, and now they're back to school, so a quiet morning is now to be had. I'll take it, as quiet is a rare and precious commodity in these parts.

Snow Day...

A little bit of breakfast...

someone else doing the hard work...

lots of snow....

a little Spring peeking out....

all equals a Snow Day! No school for the boys, and no work for me. Seeing as I work in a school, that does make sense, but its still nice. The only thing was that after the 5:30 am call from the school, and the 6:15 call from work, I erally couldn't get back to sleep. But as I am now up before the rest of my house, I will enjoy the peace and quiet,and have my tea. I'm betting my class will be cancelled tonite as well, which will make for a bit of a nice break, I need to get some papers finished up. I didn't do a thing on them yesterday, but I did get a box together to send to Leanne, of Little House Mouse. ( I really need to learn how to make my links work!) She and I were partnered in the Vintage Swap, hosted by Heather of Shivaya Naturals. The first of March is kind of sneaking up on me, but it'll go out today, yay! Our post office is open in town after 6 months of being closed due to fire damage. No more going to the next town, with its big post office/court building, and little tiny parking lot!Plus, I am going to go snowshoeing this afternoon, I haven't had the snow to go since December. I am ready for Spring, but I guess Winter can stick around a little while longer, as long as March goes out like a lamb.

reason # 1306 to have a Dutch oven

This Dutch oven, in fact. This very one, Carribean Blue, Le Creuset, 5 1/2 quart. I was making the Pioneer Woman's Pot Roast, and as I was reading the directions, it told me to use my Dutch oven. ( By the way, if you do not have a copy of her cookbook, get one.Right now. She's amazing.)Not having one, I sighed, and proceeded to improvise. I do that so very well. And while it will undoubtedly come out fine( and if not, it will be my fault, not hers), I am sure it would have tasted better coming out of that wonderfully blue Dutch Oven. I am saving all my pennies for this( yes really! actual pennies!)and someday it will sit in my cupboard, at the ready for risotto, soup, bread, and oh yes, pot roast.

edited to add:: PW Pot Roast=YUM!