Chilly? Chili?

It is C O L D!

This morning the outside temperature was 16.

Tonight it is 5.9.

brrrrrr...

We only had about two inches of snow,

but most of it has blown off the trees.

Yeah, wind, too.

Firebuilding was the business of the day.

The perfect weather for a fire

is cloudy and snowy.

Today was perfect.

Mickey had two bon fires

from tree trimming debris.

This chiminea fire was just for fun and warmth.

 At sunset, we headed for the hot tub.

It really doesn't look that cold, does it?

But, it was.

Our refrigerator is well stocked with food

to take back to Amarillo.

Chili, Roast and Stew.

mmmm...

By the way,

it takes much longer to cook beans

in the mountains-

"twenty four hours"

Mickey does not give up.

Beans are necessary for Chili.

I think that the beans were a little old,

but with perservance they are

done and they enhance the chili.

I am crawling under the electric blanket!

Good night!

The Prettiest Sunrises are in the West!

Knowing it would be a pretty day,

we enjoyed it.

the quiet...

the peace...

the solitude...

And the hike.

Then, the fire.

Pleasant Weather, Peaceful Fire, Perfect Stew

Arriving yesterday (Friday),

we found little snow

and pleasant weather,

so we took a short hike.

As the temps drop,

the fire was peaceful.

Today brought a desire for stew.

We start with stew meat.

and two kinds of fire roasted tomaoes.

Searing the meat helps preserve

the tenderness and the flavor.

The supporting cast.

The secret ingredient.

Make note of the word Sweet!

Simmer for a while.

Ladle up some perfection.

Since our arrival,

I spent the morning

preparing for Bible Study.

Mickey filled propane tanks,

swept the flagstone,

checked and serviced the hot tub chemicals,

picked up over turned outdoor furniture

from some obviously high winds.

We have watched three movies and RESTED!

I'm Late!

I'm late... I'm late... I'm late..
For a very important date!!!

The winner of the CM Bag is Tandra Peters!
Tandra check your email for instructions!

Give-A-Way

Would you like to win this great bag?

It will carry your projects,

your albums,

your groceries,

your personal items for a trip to the mountains!

What would you do with this great bag?
Be a follower and leave a comment for up to two entries!

As usual, the drawing will be done in house, literally.

Our winner will be announced on New Years Day.

Snow Balls... Snow Fights... Snow Men!

The snow stopped falling

and the sun appeared.

What a beautiful day in the mountains!

Sunshine, blue skies and white snow!

Those clouds?

They are surely headed away from us!

Who could resist this beautiful snow?

The girls in the hot tub.

And the boys in the snow.

Snow balls in the air!

Moving the snow!

No tears and wet underwear -

obviously, a fun time in the snow!

Preparing for the edible craft.

Puppets?

 Snowman on a stick! 

Snowless snowmen!

Aren't they cute?

Yummy!

Snow Covered Trees!

Mitchell played with Charlotte

while the other kids

finished their school work for the week.

We put together Family Fun activities

and they brought laughter and entertainment!

Mitchell looked out our bedroom window

and saw PawPaw lookng like a cowboy!

He was clearing snow.

And there is lots of it!

We love snow covered trees!

I started gathering materials

for a fun afternoon project!

But the outdoors was calling!

Holly and PawPaw opted

for a quiet dip in the hot tub.

Jack enjoyed the bonfire.

Snowy days are the best for burning! 

When it is so cold outside,

mint hot chocolate

is so yummy!

Holly likes to help Grammy make pizza!

Finally, we are ready for the afternoon project~

A Ginger Bread Tree!

It was such fun to make

and the snacks were a bonus!

Notice Mitchell!

Such creativity in the four individual

Christmas Trees!

The individual trees are sugar cones.

Project complete.

Proud Gingerbread Tree Decorators.

Maybe next year, we will tackle

the full Gingerbread House!