Monday morning at-home love

We are back home, from the most beautiful winter wonderland. I would show you pictures-you know I would-but so far, the camera I've checked...not so good. There are some other cameras floating around here, and when I get the chance, I'll check those pictures out...but for now, I'm just trying to get grounded before the troops 'rouse.

I have some random things to say, but I'm worried that lately, all I've been here is random. Maybe it's symptomatic of the season-taking care of so many things at one time, trying to get it all in. Maybe it's a result of my compelling exhaustion, which seems to be taking a toll on everything from my eyes (they are puffy and don't seem to be working as well as usual), to my bones (can't bend or stretch well). Woe is me.

But, I have some totally eclectic thoughts I would like to put down, and-lucky us!-here's where my (proverbial) pen falls.

1) Fall was so spectacular, and we all know about spring and summer, but the pictures I have been seeing around blogland of winter are by far the most beautiful yet. I just spent 48 hours in a snow covered haven, and not any of us...from three to eighty three...could stop remarking on how gorgeous the world looked covered in snow. I find this ability we humans have to find wonder and awe in every season to be something to cling to: that we are all capable of seeing the beauty in every facet of the changing natural world. We should try to turn that eye to our own lives and the ones around us. Maybe we would see what we don't always see in each other. Grace is not always in the obvious.

2) There are people who need us, and believe me, there are plenty right here in my own house. But I went to the senior center last week with my parents (they were there as volunteers, by the way!) and helped serve up a holiday luncheon. I realized that even a little time counts in a big way. I didn't necessarily want to go, I had a few valid excuses to get out of it, but I was so happy I went. Maybe I wasn't so much help, but if everybodys' little bit of help gets added together, you have a really big dose of what is needed.

3) (Here's where random meets random). The girls are going to make those things this morning, that they make every year (thanks, Tricia). You take:

Snyder's pretzel SNAPS (or any shape that isn't too wide-open)

Hershey's HUGS (we've tried others, but the white/milk chocolate combo seems to work here)

Oven @ 200

line them up on parchment lined pans...hug on snap...when a little bit melty, gently push a snap on top. If they're not melty enough, stick them back in the oven for a few seconds. If they're a melted mess, throw them in the freezer (or outside, even!) for a minute or two, and try again.

top with a snap (salt side out) and chill (again, freezer or outside).

They are so.dang.good. And perfect to throw into cellophane bags with a ribbon and give as little gifts. I only hesitate to write this down, as now everyone knows how easy they are to make.

4) We are getting excited about our January show. And we are getting re-energized about the real show, starting in January, down there in DC, and everywhere.

Enough random! Maybe I'll be able to pull a substantive thought together after a long winter's nap (maybe not). Is everyone as tired as I am, these days?

More tomorrow. Thanks for reading.

tt