Finally it’s back, my quilting mojo.  While DH cleared the driveway with the tractor, I spent the day dividing and bagging fabric into 4 separate piles – 2 1/2 inch strips, smaller strips, blocks and “why in God’s name am I saving this small piece” piles.

The height of butcher block island combine  with the natural sunlight streaming through the window makes the perfect sorting spot.  Our home faces solar south. On a sunny day the kitchen heats up naturally from 10:00 until late afternoon.  It was so warm today, DH had to open the front door to cool off.   The outside temperature is minus 10 degree, but you would never know it standing in the kitchen.

My inspiration has been this pattern.

Considering I have numerous 2 1/2 inch strips  from other projects, it should be a breeze, and a great stash buster.

The east coast blues summit is playing on radio, chicken tetrazinni and 3 cheese bread is cooking in the oven, and the snow is piling up outside.  DH, kitty and I are grooving in the kitchen.  It’s the type of day I’ve always prayed for.  Hope you are warm and cozy in your own home, with good food, good music and family.

Today is sunny and bright but I’m home nursing one miserable cold.  This particular strain has been spreading through the office for the past month and I’ve been fighting it all week.   Yesterday I spent the day in bed with a headache, watery eyes, stuffy nose, feeling like I’ve been run over by a truck.

Today I feel well enough to make a big pot of Chickpea Chicken soup.  Hopefully the home-made stock, the spices and an extra dose of vitamin C from sitting in the sun will cure what ails me.

Catching the rays is definitely the cure all for Porsche.

We spent the better part of an hour watching two adult bald-headed eagles and one yearling catching the wind to soar above the wetlands.   Our two pairs of binoculars  are in constant use.   The eagles live in the hills high above our home.  Earlier in the week DH noticed this guy sitting in the trees behind the house, which is the closet we have seen one yet.

The temperature was a balmy 5 degrees so we walked down through the wetlands, across the ice and counted 15 muskrats houses.   DH pointed out deer tracks, squirrel tracks and cat tracks.

For supper I used the leftover roast chicken in Chicken lettuce roll ups salad.  This I served on a bed of lettuce, topped with green onions, grated carrots and chopped almond.  A serving of frozen kung pao chicken and basmati rice completed the dinner.   It tasted better than any take out Chinese, plus we didn’t have to drive 30 kms to pick it up.

Later we sat in total darkness so we could count the stars.   Another crazy fun-filled day in the country.

In the crock pot the beans were bubbling.   The flax side bread was waiting for its turn to pop into the oven.  And in the refrigerator was a seven layer salad.  Not a bad way to spend a cold (minus 14 degrees) day in January.

Apparently once a man has a work bench he can do anything………….so when I arrived at the apartment this evening these pictures were on my email.

This is what DH accomplished today. He fed the cat. Then he pulled out the side counter, made it even with the rest of the cupboards. Then he fed the cat again. Built an interior shelf. Gave the cat some more food. Then finished it off with a butcher block counter top. After which, he fed the cat again.

All under the watchful eye of this little guy, who munched apples under our tree. While the cat took a nap!

The old year ended with friends Brian and Jennifer from Miramichi dropping in for lunch.  Due to the weather calling for freezing rain they left mid afternoon for the 2 1/2 hour drive home

DH and I spent another quiet New Year’s Eve at home.  After a delicious supper of pork picata, we watched reruns of Barney Miller……………living on the edge!

Today we sorted through numerous boxes of Christmas ornaments, sorting out the ones we wish to keep.  The others will be sent to Value Village and the Salvation Army thrift store to find another home.   This took most of the morning as I oohed and aaahed through the many boxes, some containing ornaments my parents bought before I was  born.  Each passing year takes it toll on an ornament or two as they become more brittle with age  The smaller ones are now packed away in egg cartons for extra protection.

At the bottom of many of the boxes were a treasure trove of  crepe covered Santas, popsicle sticked ornaments, and wrapping paper chains made by children and later grandchildren, which are still too valuable to part with.  Added to the numerous cards drawn by the grandchildren, I’m surprised I managed to part with anything.

The birch Christmas tree decked with snowflakes, silver cookie cutters and white ornaments was so pretty, we will have the same type of tree  next year.

So Happy New Year’s to you and yours.  May 2012 bring you a year of health, wealth and an abundance of ornaments made by tiny hands filled with love.

Who knew  a movie about a Suicide Help line on the verge of bankruptcy on Christmas Eve would find a place in our hearts.  To me it is the epitome of Christmas, it is all about people helping people,  saving what is in your heart,  accepting one another regardless of personal idiosyncrasy and the birth of a baby on Christmas Eve.  It is not for everyone, but if you have an off beat sense of humour, this movie is for you.

Each year DH and I sit down to have a good laugh, once we hear the sounds of “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas” to a background of a California beach and even before the fruit cake hits the windshield, we are holding onto our sides with laughter.

This week has been perfect.  I’ve attended my nephews’ elementary school Christmas concert, shopped the City market, braved the malls with my Mam and ran into many familiar faces.  I know I am truly home for Christmas.