Tea Habits

I've been drinking more tea lately.  I'm enjoying peppermint tea in the late morning while writing, to keep warm after my usual two cups of coffee. 

In an effort to improve my restless sleep by decreasing caffeine, I have switched my afternoon tea from a black (Irish Breakfast is my favorite) to a white (Indian White) or Oolong. I am also trying to create more of a tea ritual by sitting down and drinking it while it's hot, maybe having a cookie along side to tide me over until dinner.

These Hamantaschen were actually Olivia's dessert the other day, but after she kept raving about them, I had to have one with my tea! 

Eating Citrus

We've been eating citrus all winter.  Edible sunshine.

 

Clementines. Cuties. Grapefruit. Blood Oranges. Minneolas.

 And, of course, drinking the morning orange juice.

 But our conversation has turned to how impatient we are for summer fruit.  March and April are the hardest.  I dig into the freezer for last summer's blueberries and try to remain creative, baking with local apples from our winter CSA. 

I remember my mother telling me that when she was a child she received oranges in her Christmas stocking.  It's hard to conjure delight for something that has become so common. 

Looking at these photos together refreshes me a bit, though.  Look at all that sunshine!

Eagerly On The Mat

 

A few months ago I turned a corner with my yoga practice.  I am no longer making myself do it because it fulfills my exercise requirement.  I am eager to step onto my mat because that hour helps me feel so much better physically and emotionally.  Bye bye achy crotchetiness. 

The First Saturday Of March

I begrudgingly accept the fact that while I may be ready, spring simply is not yet here (at least not as of last Saturday, the first day of March, when this photo was taken.)

Icey Beauty

It's been all about the weather this week.  Snow, rain, ice, cold.

The week unfolded like this: snow Day, two hour delay, snow day, two hour delay, normal school day. The trees were beautiful early in the week before their branches were burdened with ice and came crashing down on power lines.  We were fortunate, losing power for only six hours, while we lit candles and sat by the fire to eat meals and play games.

Regardless of attending so little school and few extracurricular activities, we all seem ready to have a weekend!

Winter Walk

 

 

 

I took Harry and Charlie out for a couple walks in the woods this weekend.  They were so happy to romp in the snow!

 

 

 Bringing my camera was a needed distraction from the cold.

 

Making these guys happy makes me happy.  It's hard not to laugh looking at that face full of snow!  I hope you are staying warm and entertained.

The January Yard

 

I first noticed my friend here a week or two ago when he landed with a thud one morning on the railing of the patio steps.

I looked up where I was working at the table to see this potbellied Robin.  Every day, now, he settles into the bush, eating the little berries and basking in the sunshine when it is available.

I have found that I look for him in the mornings, now, and enjoy his presence.  Company!  (Perhaps he is really a female and will be nesting here come spring?  Every summer when I trim this bush I find a nest hidden deeper within the branches.

 

The garden and yard are so brown and frozen now.  Noticing these Rose Of Sharon seeds yesterday lifted my spirits!