I may as well live in the tundra

This morning I decided to brave the weather and step outside for some photos of the storm hitting our area. It is hard to see the blowing snow in the photos but trust me it was quite windy.

When I turned around to go back in, the storm door latch was stuck and I couldn't get in. I had a momentary panic because I was standing there without a winter coat on, gloves or any other type of winter protection. I started to bang on the door handle and eventually it loosened enough for me to get in the house.

That was enough for me. No more pictures, I don't care how much more snow we are going to get.

If you live in the track or wake of this storm stay warm and drive carefully.

Strawberry Jam

We have a tradition in our family of strawberry picking and then jam making. My children picked strawberries with me when they were young. I think they ate as much as they picked.

Telltale sign, little red faces. My daughter picks them now. My grandson will be old enough to

pick strawberries next year. I can hardly wait to see him out there eating and picking.

My job has always been to make the jam. I make freezer jam. Every year I make enough to

last the winter, or so I think. Every year we run out. There is nothing like opening a jar of jam

in the winter and savoring a taste of summer.

I bought raspberries this weekend and plan to put some in the freezer too. Next year I plan on buying a raspberry and blueberry bush, so I can grow my own.

Summertime

I always think of flea markets and antiquing during the summer. Well on my trip to Austin, I found a very unique shop called Uncommon Goods. The store was wall to wall antiques and collectibles. They allowed me to take pictures of the shop so I could share them with you. I collect so many things. This time I purchased a vintage straw hat with beautiful lace and rhinestones. This store was the kick-off to a season of flea markets and garage sales. Have you been bitten by the bug?

Lady Bird Johnson's Wildflower Center

Well I had a wonderful time visiting my son in Austin. We went to many great restaurants during the week. Saturday morning we went to the Wildflower Center. My dear son was kind enough to attend and push me around in a wheelchair. The blue bonnets were wonderful.

I am going to try and grow some here, although I'm not sure how successful I will be. The seeds are planted in the fall and then come up in the spring. What I am not sure of is if they can tolerate our freezing temperatures. Has anyone tried growing them in the North?

I would like to try Indian Paintbrush. I do not have a picture of them, but they grow everywhere. They are an orange small flower. Quite beautiful mixed in with the Blue Bonnets.

I really didn't want to come home. Everything was lush and green.

My next blog is about an antique store I visited in Austin.

I am going to be visiting my son in Austin soon, and I can hardly wait. It has been difficult since he left town. We are a small family and this is the first time one of my children has moved away.

I have been packing, unpacking, repacking ordering new clothes and making lists of things I need to take. I haven't been on a plane for many years and with all the new restrictions I am constantly calling the airline to find out what is ok to bring.

One of the first things I plan on doing with my son is have barbeque Texas style.
My son has several restaurants lined up. Yum.

The next place we are going to visit is Lady Byrd Johnson's Wildflower Reservation.
I wonder how Texas wildflowers stack up to Ohio wildflowers. My son is sweet enough to go with me, poor thing.

I will post pictures of their wild flowers when I get back.

Fun Things to do this Winter

Winter can be so long and cabin fever can strike early. Well below is a list of things to do that might help you make it through the winter months.

1. Throw a pot luck party.

2. Read that novel you've been putting off.

3. Buy a sled and feel the wind in your hair as you race down the hill.

4. Gather some children together and have a snowball fight.

5. Make some hot chocolate, adding some Bailey's Irish Cream.

6. Winter is the perfect time for a project. Try something new; bake some bread, painting on

fabric or a new computer program. I always have a project I am saving for the winter

months.

7. Watch an old movie. Go through Hitchcock's movies.

8. Set up a bird feeder outside a window so you can watch the birds. Just be sure to keep

it full of food.