My Dears...
Yes, it's really me! I'm not running on auto-pilot. *smiles*
How quickly time flies when one steps away from blogging. Can it really be that I've not posted since October of last year? Well in that case, Happy New Year to all my friends in blog-land. I hope winter has been kind to one and all. I find it's been too kind but then again, I'm a winter gal after all.
Where have I been? I've been here...mostly suffering from lack of blogging inspiration. Perhaps that's not really a good excuse, but I'm the sort who would rather blog wholeheartedly or not do so at all. Granted, there have been many instances I could have blogged. There was Halloween, Christmas time, our trip to Lake George for our anniversary, etc. Heck, even Mr. Knightley could have sat in for a post or two. I guess he follows Mama's mode. Silly kitty.
Well, allow me to get you all caught up. How about it?
Since my last post, we were hit with hurricane Sandy. Thankfully Harmonie House only suffered the loss of a few shingles and a blown off chimney cap. My fella lost power for about a week. Sadly, many others were not so lucky. I do hope and pray that recovery/rebuilding efforts have been constant and that aid has been provided for all in need.
Halloween was postponed in my area till the following Monday after the storm. It was pretty strange.
Halloween decor.
Then in rolled the holiday season. Thanksgiving was, as always, delightful. However, I must learn to forgo seconds...or perhap it was thirds. Hmmm...you get the picture. I could barely move by the end of the night.
When my birthday rolled around...the fella gave me these lovely red wellies!
Harmonie House was dressed in its usual Christmas finery. The mantle was dressed in greenery while nutcrackers convened upon it, guarding the nook area and all who sat by the hearth. The stairs also donned a garland of green with colorful baubles to add pizazz. The two villages were nestled upon their cotton snow while the skaters glided on the plastic ice and the homes/shops glowed in wintery warmth. How many a time I have imagined myself ensconced within the comfort and joy of my Christmas villages.
The tree...oh the tree! Standing in its usual spot in the library/music room, it glowed and sparkled in all its merry splendor. However, by the time Christmas Day arrived, many a light had blown out and dim spots could be seen. Regardless...it didn't take away from its beauty or magic. Our traditional meal of rib roast, Yorkshire pudding, and fixings completed our lovely day.
A corner of the tree and presents on Christmas Day.
New Year's Eve was a bit more quiet this year. My honey and I went out to our favorite restaurant and feasted upon the most delicious cuisine. There is nothing like succulent duck breast, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside...placed upon a bed of red cabbage. Add a drizzle of fig and wine emulsion, and a yummy caramelized turnip. I call it mmm..mmmm good! Granted, that was just one of the fine dishes enjoyed that evening. I didn't even mention the butternut squash risotto, the seafood dumplings in yummy sauce, the pasta with lobster, the swordfish, the tender filet mignon, or the polenta that was pure buttery bliss. Oh..I guess I have mentioned it. *winks* Enough about the food.
The fella and I welcomed the New Year at home with Knightley by our side. It was lovely.
New Year's bliss.
As most of you may know by now, I greet winter with open arms. January is one of my favorite months. The colder and snowier it is, the happier I am. This past January, the fella and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary. As has become tradition, we visited our favorite inn in Lake George and had a most lovely celebration.
Our view from the window of our room at the Inn At Erlowest in Lake George.
Needless to say, I wasn't pleased with the groundhog's prediction this year. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy springtime and the floral beauty that comes with it. However, let's have a nice, long, old fashioned winter. Then I'll be more than ready for spring when it does arrive. I know many of you would beg to differ...and that's all right. I was quite thrilled when we had a most lovely snowstorm the beginning of the February. Hooray for snow angels and snowmen and winter! I must admit though, I've been thinking about my garden quite a bit and I'm looking forward to working in it and making some changes this spring.
After the snowstorm.
Omar the snowman.
I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day. I enjoyed it very much. I made a nice dinner for me and the fella. Candlelight, flowers, chocolate, wine, and most importantly love...yes, twas indeed a most lovely evening.
The glow of the evening of February 14th.
I baked a yummy Valentine's cake for me and the fella.
On another note, like many of you out there, I was taken on the roller-coaster ride that is Downton Abbey. Every season has had its twists and turns..enough to make one dizzy with anticipation for the following season. This time around...the words heart wrenching come to mind. Add to that angry, disappointed, surprised, shocked...and shocked some more. I will not elaborate...just in case some of you are still catching up. Let's just say that I'll be prepared for Season 4 and keep some Dramamine at hand. *winks*
Darn you cast of DA for toying with my emotions!
I must say, through all of the ups and downs (mostly ups thankfully), I've held on to one constant...bliss. Bliss is my companion in this merry-go-round called life. It's a feeling that taps you on the shoulder to remind you of its presence...it's the sound of the sweetest sonata...it's the sigh elicited by a kiss...it's the scent of spring and the cool kiss of frost...it's the purring of a kitty...it's a warm bath at the end of a long day followed by a cuppa tea...it's a poem written in the language of love. Most of all...it's a promise. It's bliss.
I know I've rambled on and on, but it's been so long after all. I always have plenty to say...now if I could simply condense it by blogging more often. *winks* I make no promises, but will do my best.
I hope you've all been well. Mr, Knightley sends his regards in the form of purrs. Till soon!
Blissful Tidings,
Miss Sandra
