Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Much ado

Oh, I have been away for awhile, haven’t I? That tragedy in CT really broke my heart and I just didn’t have much to say. I’ve been trying to get into the Christmas spirit, and have also been a little busy but managed to capture a few photos along the way.

The weather has been unseasonably warm lately and until mid-morning today, we’ve had some incredible fog. I could have gotten some wonderful photos but something was always coming up, or I was rushing out and not taking the camera, so I think I pretty much missed out on that great fog.

We’ll have more, I’m sure.

Photos of Miss Blackie chilling out here in the warm weather.

 

DSC_6042 copy 2

 

DSC_6041 copy 2

 

DSC_6036 copy 2

She’s such a softie.

 

I also made cookies.

 

DSC_6002 copy 2

Orange-iced cranberry cookies – my specialty. They are such a treat for the holidays.

Orange-Iced Cranberry Cookies

I made 7 dozen.

 

 

DSC_6044 copy 2

Then I wrapped them by dozens in individual boxes, and took them to a cookie exchange on Sunday. Fun!

 

DSC_6007 copy 2

I found another new tea I love, too. Bought it here:

Red Velvet Chocolate Tea – The Republic of Tea

The mug is Starbucks and is several years old. It’s been my favorite since the day I bought it.

 

 

DSC_6005 copy 2

Made this awesome dish on Saturday night. It was so yummy.

Baked Ziti

I used penne rather than ziti because that’s what I had in the house.

 

 

DSC_6029 copy 2

I’m going to call this Approach to Philadelphia because that’s where that airliner is heading. What? You can’t see the plane?

 

 

DSC_6023 copy 2

I’m still taking macro shots of my holiday things.

I got the little frame ornament at Pottery Barn years ago. In it is one of my favorite pictures taken of my husband with our then-new puppy (George) back in August 2007.

 

DSC_6047 copy 2

Found a new acorn ornament over the weekend.

 

Life doesn’t feel so bad right now.

 

Hope all is well with you ~

123 Signature[5]

28 comments:

Mr. Black said...

All the photos are great. Of course, I'm partial to the ones of Miss Blackie.

The cookies look yummy and the Baked Ziti (Penne) looks very tasty.

beth said...

i'm glad you're here :)
and i saw the plane and it made me laugh....

emotions have been running high around here and i know it sounds horrible, but when people put so much pressure on themselves regarding christmas, i just want it to be over with.....

that's sad, right ? i mean i never want to wish time away ever, but lordy, emotions and stress are all around me and i'm kind of shouting uncle already.

oh well....hugs to you and those cookies, i want :)
xo

Kerri Farley said...

Oh Kate. The acorn ornament I love love love! And you got some Awesome bokeh in that shot!

Cloudia said...

you are a physician of soul healing. We had a big loss in our islands of a much different nature, but we are all a bit raw and NEED what YOU SHOW!

Thanks, Hon


Aloha from Waikiki, my Friend
Comfort Spiral
~ > < } } ( ° >
> < } } ( ° >
> < 3 3 3 ( ' >


Carolynn Anctil said...

Very pretty! I like the fairy! And, I always love seeing images of Blackie.

Caroline said...

Oh I have been away too. I love this post and all the normal things you do. Baking cookies and ziti. I wish I was your neighbor...I would totally invite myself over. Glad to hear life does not feel so bad. Hope you have a great week! xoxo

Country Gal said...

Awesome photos and such Yummy goodies . Wow ! You have been busy . Yes I saw the plane before I read the question lol . Glad to hear all is going good . Have a wonderful evening !

Sabrina Steyling said...

Wonderful photos of Miss Blackie - she's sooo pretty. And those cookies look really yummy! I'm no baker, but my coworkers are; I'm going to give them a copy of your recipe.

Like you, I debated to write about the CT tragedy; I still haven't touched on it on my own blog because I just don't know what to say that hasn't been said - and so I think I'm just going to let it be, but my heart breaks for those lost and those left behind.

Reena said...

With all the flurry of the holiday, it is nice to stop in here and rest with your home activities. Those cookies look delicious and love miss blackie!

Anonymous said...

Well, you can't say you haven't been busy! I commend you! I've been busy but don't have any real photos to prove it. I do, however, have 5 different kinds of cookies. I should really get some pics of those but I'm moving from Elements to Lightroom 4 and my brain is fried...oh well. Miss Blackie looks like a black sable coat...gorgeous! Pease and hugs to you in these trying times...I want 'normal' again.

Hilary said...

The acorn is adorable and the food is making me drool! Give Miss Blackie and George a scratch behind their respective ears for me, please?

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

Can't talk. Drooling. Baked Ziti. Now.

mrs mediocrity said...

Love blackie...

de plane, boss, de plane... sorry, but you made me think of that...

it's been a rough week, and there really was nothing to say. but we move forward and we carry on and you made me smile and that's always a good thing. xo

Michelle said...

Oh, I like that tea, too! A friend gave me that and their Chocolate Mint; mmmm!

Devon said...

What an enjoyable post.. so much eye candy! Miss Blackie looks like she was a vivid creation photo shopped into a dull winter scene, she looks adorable.

The food looks great, especially those cookies.. reminds me of a time when I wasn't working so many hours and actually baked my way through the holiday... haha.

You again bring peace and calm to your loyal readers when we all need it most.

Have a very happy Christmas with your family!

Jamie said...

I love the macro shots of the ornaments. That's my pan too, to take pics of some of my favorite/cherished ones. Except we haven't decorated the tree yet. Our Elf on a Shelf put toilet paper all over it one morning, I was okay with leaving it- which I did for several days. My mom has been making baked ziti lately. I love it.
My son, the Brat Child, is in 1st grade and the same age as the children at Sandy Hook who were killed. I think about it every time I look at him. I just don't know how someone does that to someone so innocent and trusting.

Low Tide High Style said...

Kittens, puppies, yummy food, and chocolate tea...what more could I ask for this morning...thank you!

Kat

BB said...

*sigh*
I needed this.
You know, I sometimes forget you work in a school, and how hard this must be every time a tragedy like the one last week is for those who work in schools... my heart to you.

You have made me bokeh a little... will share soon.

BB

Dianne said...

Miss Blackie is a beauty

the cookies look amazing as does the baked ziti
I never use ziti either, always penne or mezza riggatoni - they hold up better and are easier to get on the fork

thotlady said...

Love the acorn ornament.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely set of shots!

Daryl said...

baked pasta ... no matter what shape .. and cookies!!!!!

Bluebird49 said...

I saved a recipe for Baked Ziti on Pinterst I wanna try! Those cookies look awesome--and always, the pictures are so dreamy!
Looks like you're getting the Christmas spirit at the Manor House--hope so anyway!
Trudy

Mental P Mama said...

Sadness abounds. But this made me smile:) xoxo

Mary said...

I am glad things are going better for you right now. I wish you the best Christmas ever!

Mary Ann

GailO said...

I've been having trouble keeping up with my blogging friends lately! Sorry about that! Miss Blackie is looking good indeed!

Looks like you have been pretty busy yourself...those cookies! Yum!

Lili said...

Miss Blackie is looking so vibrant in the grass...such sweetness! Oh and I have that same acorn ornament...mine is from Target. And oh-oh-oh If I saw a mug with a crowned mermaid,it would be my favorite too...that is absolutely awesome! xoxo

DesertHen said...

I made these cookies today! Oh My! They are out of this world good! Thank you for sharing the recipe! I'm having a hard time keeping them out of my mouth! He, he. I will be putting them in goody bags for family and friends to be delivered tomorrow.