Project 52: Week 2

Breakfast

Project 52: Week 1

I'm joining Esther at http://ecrawfordphotography.blogspot.com/ for her Project 52 photography challenge.

Week One: Cold

Sledding

Sledding is not so much an activity of repose.... but I enjoyed every minute! Ten inches of snow is a once in a life time deal in Alabama, so we couldn't waist it. Having grown up in NW Ohio, I remembered a lot about how to bundle up, packing down snowy lanes and what to do with all the wet stuff when you are home again.  I guess that stuff really sticks with you!

What I didn't remember was how exhausting walking up a snowy hill is! Couldn't be that age is finally catching up with me, could it?! ;o) I think that the boys were just as tired so there is no major concern that my geriatric state is deteriorating.

Winter's Repose

Picture by Lou Woods

repose¹

n

1. a state of quiet restfulness; peace or tranquility

2. dignified calmness of manner; composure

vb

1. to place (oneself or one's body) in a state of quiet relaxation; lie or lay down at rest

2. (intr) to lie when dead, as in the grave

Winter's repose. Sounds so poetic. Why aren't there more poems written to the wonder of a day spent in "a state of quiet restfulness; Peace or tranquility"? 

Snowfall in Alabama requires only three things to make it perfect winter repose: 

1. Depth - roads and schools don't close for a flurry - usually

2. Electricity - often our snow is mixed with ice and it's a real downer to freeze inside your house

3. Bread and Milk - because should the power go out, you will be eating cereal and sandwiches until it all thaws. 

I have high hopes of a day of snowy repose with tea and books, movies and games and an attempt at sledding tomorrow. Death of the daily round - repose for all!

Legally Blond

With the hubby getting sent away for three weeks for work, he decided what I really needed for Christmas was a girls night out, so I got tickets to Legally Blond. I love tickets!

Duck Tales

The boys and I have been working our way through an Apologia science series called "Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day". We have enjoyed it immensely. Birds have always been a part of our daily lives, thanks in part to a suction bird feeder in the living room and in part to some Eastern Phoebes who nested on our porch for three years, so spending the last few weeks studying about them has been fun for us all. This week's lesson focused on feathers and how they work. When we read about the birds oiling their feathers, my mind went strait to the hours we spent at the local Wildlife Refuge watching the winter migratory fowl (mainly Mallard ducks and Canada geese) preen and oil. So between activities today we headed down to see who was in town this winter....

Sandhill Cranes

Griffin checking out the cranes

Sandhill cranes and a few ducks

While the boys always enjoy the cranes (with the addition this year of a lone Whooping Crane) and the duck antics always make them laugh (who can resist a diving Ringneck Duck?), the real show started after about 30 minutes.

This Red Tailed Hawk swooped in and caught something right at the waters edge.

 While we watched, three Crows started closing in hoping to snatch some of the hawks lunch. NOT GONNA HAPPEN. He thrashed them pretty well and they kept their distance.

We never did see what he caught because of the high grass, but at one point there was fur/feathers flying as he plucked his kill. Talk about an awesome nature study! Next week we will go out again in search of more preening ducks.

Roast Beef: two ways, two days

 Is there anything that screams winter more than roast beef or stew? Here is an easy way to get two meals out of one large cut of meat.

Roast Beef


One large shoulder roast (or cut of your choice)
One cup water
One onion, quartered
One bay leaf
1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves
Salt and pepper to taste


Place in a crock pot on low for 3-4 hours.

That was easy. On to day two.

Beef Stew

8-12 oz leftover Roast Beef with onions
16 oz beef broth
8 oz mushrooms
garlic
2 Tbs olive oil
1 can diced tomatoes with celery and onion
1 can diced potatoes
1 can diced carrots
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme flakes
salt and pepper to taste


Heat olive oil in large pot while chopping mushrooms. Brown with chopped garlic until tender. Add beef and heat until bubbly again. Add remaining ingredients and heat to boiling. Turn down and simmer until ready to serve. Serve with crackers or rolls.

Of course an easier way is to serve that roast beef is in sandwiches. Either way you can cook once and eat at least two meals from that one. Happy winter cooking!