Abby in Winter

 

We Thinks Her Nose is Cold

I found this librarian post and thought it was hilarious. Check it out.

Spoiled Cat

 

Trixie must have a fresh cup of water each morning. She is too good to drink out of the cat bowl. The whining to get this cup of water is the most annoying noise known to man. It is a good thing she's pretty.

Cold Weather Comfort

 

The high here today was 37. The low tonight should be in the low 20's. In this cold weather, I went on a shopping trip with Mamala and Baby Sister. This trip was to be to one, and only one, book store. Guess how well that worked out-NOT. Baby Sister and I were talked into a furniture store. Not too bad. Then Mamala did it, she said we had to pick up her pictures at WallyWorld. Now, I've got nothing against the big box giant, but on the Sunday before Christmas- RUN-RUNAWAY.

We lived, but I am bone cold. I know, I know... Aunt Debbi is a big fat whimp. You probably have weather in the 10's with hoar frost or permafrost or some other sort of horrible frost. I don't live here in Texas for this kind of weather. I live here to avoid this kind of weather. I appreciate your pictures of snow drifts and icecicles, but I know how freaking cold it has to get for you to enjoy that kind of beauty. I will stay right here in Texas, thank you very much.

So I am cold, chapped, and my hair looks like it has been through a blender. There is only one cure for cold like this - Homemade soup.

Today's soup was acorn squash and lentil.

Cut an acorn squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and bake it for 15 minutes at 350.
In the meantime, saute 1/2 an onion and 1 stalk of celery (well chop them up first). When the onions are translucent add one cup of lentils, 3 cloves of chopped garlic, and five cups of water. Bring this to a boil and add two chicken bouillon cubs and the following herbs to taste: Cumin, coriander, thyme, and black pepper. Simmer the lentils until tender and then add the mashed, roasted squash. If the soup is too thick, add more water. If it is too thin, cook it down a little.

I had mine with a little After Burner sauce. After Burner is like Tabasco, but with habanero, Serrano, chili pequino peppers and good cider vinegar. Middle Monkey ate his soup plain. We didn't have any, but it would be excellent with some shredded sharp cheddar.

A couple of notes.

I only used half the squash because Middle Monkey ate the other half before I could get to it.

The chicken bouillon in the Mexican food section of our local grocery stores is far superior to the chicken bouillon in the soup section.

Is black pepper an herb or a spice?

Trying To Fit Gardening Into My Schedule

I really feel the need to garden right now. My body wants it and my soul needs it. The only plant care going on around here for the last few weeks has been moving plants in and out of the house and watering the winter garden. Gardening activity is absolutely necessary and soon please. But dang-it, check out next weeks schedule.

Sunday 38 degree high, must go shopping for the last three gifts.
Monday 41 degree high and have to work in the afternoon
Tuesday 54 degree high, but this is the last day Baby Sister is going to be here from Albuquerque.
Wednesday 64 degree high, but have to work in the afternoon
Thursday Christmas..falalalala...
Friday 66 degree high, but it might rain. If it doesn't rain, I will garden.
Saturday 66 degree high. Wait...wait... I don't see any other obligations or bad weather predictions. Yipeee...I am going to garden like a crazy woman.
Sunday 58 degree high, but I bet I will be recovering from Saturday.

In addition to the above responsibilities I will assume that the Monkeys will want food, clean clothes, and parenting. Oh dear.

How are you fitting in your gardening fix?

Busted

 

 

This cat is on a roll. I finally caught Tisha in the act. She is trying to get my quilt patches out of that container. All this time I have been blaming this stuff on the Monkeys. Naughty kitty.

Content Warning: We Have a Killer

 

 

If you are squeamish don't click on this post. If you are squeamish and already clicked on this post, click away right now.

When the weather cools down, unwanted critters try to move into our home. They are not welcome and always meet a swift and violent end at the paws of one of the Manx cats. Tisha caught her second mouse of the season. She is quite pleased with herself. We are quite pleased that the mouse is no longer in the house.