It was a good Halloween at school

 

We had a parade for the parents. Costumes included Tinker Bell, a paleontologist, Capt Hook, a witch. Usually we have one or 2 children that are unsure of the excitement, seeing friends in costumes, wearing a costume, etc. Today there was one who needed his mom to walk with him in the parade. We are flexible. 4 years old is little. Sometimes it is easy to forget that. They need hugs, reassurance and love just like toddlers do.

During the night

it snowed and even though it was raining when I got up there was enough snow left to take a photo. S1 is visiting so he and I went shopping at the downtown mall in the cold and rain while husband was working. We got some coffee and other things and window shopped. Now the sun is out. Mother Nature seems to be asking forgiveness for her lapse of judgement.

Fall In Virginia

 

We are under a winter

storm watch.

Yes, we are. 5 inches expected over 1500 feet.

Wordless Wednesday

Nursery Rhyme - A Variation

 

I read part of a nursery rhyme.

One, Two
Buckle My ________


After the word "My" I pointed a child to finish the rhyme.

Child answers - SEATBELT!

Peanut Butter Bars

When my grandfather was ill with Alzheimers, my grandmother found him pouring water into her recipe box. This was unknown to me and much later, when I asked her if I could go through her recipes, she told me what had happened and that the recipes were gone.

But. . . some were not.

When going through her things after her death I found some recipes. Some are water stained but most are in good enough condition to read. Tonight I made her peanut butter bars.


Peanut Butter Bars

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup flour
1 egg
1/2 c butter (melted)
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 tsp salt

Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

Icing

1/2 cup cocoa
1 cup confectionery sugar
vanilla
milk (add enough to make smooth and a little runny)

Pour frosting over bars. Let set. Enjoy.

Last week I put

in some lavender, roses, tulip bulbs and mums. This weekend I bought perennial herbs, more lavender and some other perennials. My favorite garden store has several plants at 1/2 price which is great for my wallet and will hopefully make the gardens look better in the spring.

A hike up to the mountains this morning

with Bella to enjoy some beautiful weather.

On Thursday afternoons you

will find me at the local coffee shop. Sitting in one of the old, tall wingback chairs (if I'm lucky). A small cup of joe with some sort of scone/sweet. It is a highlight of my week. Relaxing time with a good book.

This morning I took a trip

to the Craft and Arts Festival held at the growing town next door. Spent time watching someone fiddle, bought some Christmas presents and some kettle corn. Watched a young boy throw balls to a group of labs as part of a fundraiser to train more dogs as helpers/guide dogs. Gave a few dollars more so that the boy could throw more balls. He and the dogs looked so happy. Something about children and dogs. . .

The last 4 days

1. I may have had strep. Red throat, fever etc. The dr. saw me Thursday afternoon, heard that I taught preschool and had been exposed. She immediately gave me a prescription. I feel better. Fever gone, throat fine, swollen glands almost back to normal.

2. Spent some time on the neighborhood garden today. Most of the neighbors were digging post holes. I spread lime and removed rocks. Got tired and came home.

3. Watched copious amounts of BBC's comedy To the Manor Born (courtesy of the library dvd) on my sick day - Friday.

4. The allergic rash that I developed due to stinkbugs is almost gone. The stinkbugs have gone into hiding--- hiding in my closet, hiding in the dresser drawers etc. The vacuum cleaner is always on standby.

5. Was able to get some mildewy smell out of some thrift store fabric by using an online solution of white vinegar and baking soda. That with spending the night on the clothes line worked well.

6. Snoopy ate an entire bag of high fiber bread yesterday while I was otherwise occupied. He spent the night outdoors.