Monday Morning Coffee

Good Monday morning, my friends! Well, here we are, the holidays, now sweet memories, tucked safely away in our hearts. Society dictates that we get back to real life now, back to work, school, and all those activities that keep us running everywhere all the time. Yet, at the same time, trees lie dormant, and animals hibernate, taking clues from nature that it is time to slow down and settle in for the dark, cold winter months. What if we all did the same? What if we begin living seasonally, following nature's lead, and take this time of cold, dark winter days to rest, recharge, and allow our bodies and minds to prepare for spring's bright, warmer days? I may give it a try. But then again, I already do. And it is good. What will things look like around here these winter months? A bit like this...

 Mornings will be enjoyed on the couch with sleeping puppies and my coffee.

I will spend some time with this soft, fluffy blanket and this vintage magazine Madison got me for Christmas. She knows my love of Alfred Hitchcock and found this one published the month I was born!

Christmas lights may be gone, but candles will bring light to the early evenings. 

And I will bake simple but delicious cakes like the one I made for brunch this morning.

 Orange Olive Oil Cake

Have a cozy day, my friends. Stay safe, warm, and cozy.

And thank you for visiting.

I am always happy you do!

Billie Jo

Wrapping Up The Week

Hello! And welcome to the new year! Whether out on the town or cozy at home, I hope you all had a nice New Year's celebration. We spent New Year's at the condo, and it was cozy and fun. I woke up New Year's Eve morning to this.

And New Year's Eve found me like this.

That's me. Showered, and all ready for the big night! Kyrstin made a delicious dinner, and then we sat around, visited, and watched the ball drop before I headed to bed for a few more episodes of The Twilight Zone. The remainder of the week, we spent at the condo, celebrated Marty's first birthday, watched movies, cooked pork and sauerkraut for New Year's, and swam in the indoor pool. 

And now we begin a new year. I pray it brings us all peace in our minds, contentment in our lives, and joy in our hearts. While I don't make resolutions, I plan on continuing to strive for simplicity and calm. And hot coffee in the mornings, cozy naps in the afternoon, and good books in the evening. 

Have a lovely weekend, my friends!

Billie Jo

Google for the fun images.

All The Christmas

Hello! Welcome to the week in between, otherwise known as the week you are unsure of what day it is; cookies are the breakfast of choice, the beds go unmade, the vacuum is untouched, and the most significant decision you make is what television show to binge. Or is that just here? In any case, I love this week, as it keeps Christmas alive for more than just one day. Here is a look back at our Christmas, which began on Christmas Eve.

I lit the candle we light only one day a year and started to prepare for our Christmas Eve dinner by setting the table. I do that first so it is ready, no matter what else comes up during the day.

The rest of the day passed quickly with cups of cocoa, dinner prep, and even a quick nap. Madison helped me with my hair before we put the finishing touches on our dinner. 

This year, we prepared beef tips in a red wine sauce, barbeque meatballs, egg noodles, cheese potatoes, red cabbage, Christmas salad, and cornbread. For dessert, Madison made pumpkin pie.

Christmas Day was cold and cloudy, which was perfect weather for me! There were stockings, cinnamon rolls sent by Peyton, and presents galore. We spent the day together in our cozy clothes, opening gifts, heating up leftovers, and snacking on delicious cookies. Thank you, Peyton! And, of course, a Christmas day phone call with my wonderful, sweet momma!

What else have we been up to these cozy Christmas days?

Even though our family was not together this Christmas, we were not apart. That will always be this mama's Christmas wish. Happy and Blessed New Year, my friends! I will be back on Friday. And for anyone staying in over the new year, Syfy Channel has a Twilight Zone marathon running from New Year's Eve through New Year's Day. You know where I'll be if you need me! 

Billie Jo

Monday Morning Coffee

Good Monday morning, my friends! I hope you enjoyed a cozy, festive weekend as we approach the most wonderful day of the year! We had a good mix of preparation and relaxation, starting with my go-to festive breakfast, French Toast...

Easily made festive with my sister-in-law Beth's homemade hot cocoa in Rudolph mugs, of course.

We lit the Fourth Sunday of Advent candle...

And made pomanders at the kitchen table while listening to classic Christmas music. Madison is my head elf in charge of activities, and she showed us how to make tiny holes in oranges before putting in cloves and then tying ribbons around each one. I admit I was skeptical, but it was easy and fun!

We had a roast chicken for dinner on Saturday night, so last night, we had the most delicious chicken soup. I had saved the chicken carcass and boiled it with water, chicken broth, and poultry seasoning. Madison seasoned some carrots, celery, and squash and roasted them in the oven. Then I drained the broth, added some cooked noodles and the vegetables, and Madison finished it with her signature fresh lemon juice. It was delicious!

We finished the night with two of our favorite little shows...

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

And The Story of the First Christmas Snow.

Both are available on Amazon Prime to watch and are restored to the best quality.

Today, we will prepare for our Christmas Eve dinner, wrap the last gifts, and relax by the tree. Our preparations are complete, and we are ready to celebrate this blessed, beautiful time of the year. 

Thank you for sharing this Christmas season with me. I have enjoyed being welcomed into your homes so much this advent. From our family to your family, Merry and Blessed Christmas. May your days be filled with family, love, quiet, calm, chaos, cookies, twinkling tree lights at night, and cozy coffee and cocoa when you wake. Peace, joy, and love, my friends!

Billie Jo