While in Wickenburg we had rain. In the southeast corner of Arizona they had snow. I saw photos on Facebook and it appeared our area might have gotten 2-3 inches of the white stuff while we were in Wickenburg. That storm happened earlier this week and the snow continues to stick around on the Dragoons and the Chiracahua Mountains as we enter another week.
Emmi and I are branching out, walking more each day–she keeps up–until she finds something good and smelly then I have to remind her we are on a walk, not a smelling expedition!
It’s always good to visit friends and see new country but it’s also great to be home. All three of us were so glad to be home. We stopped in Marana at the Costco and picked up a few groceries. It is a relief to be paying below $3/gallon for gas–finally!
The Cowboy finished a stained glass piece and we both love it–first one he has done in about 40 years.
He is all ready sketching for his next project. He also decided to start a job that needs finishing–our baseboards are the same tile that is on the floors and we had grouted across the tops of some of the baseboard tile but not all. He plans on just doing a little at a time as it’s a on your hands and knees kind of job and his helper is no help at all with this knee.
I’ve been baking again–these are the best gingersnap cookies–
Gingersnaps (Taste of Home) named Cookie Jar Gingersnaps on Taste of Home
Makes 3 dozen
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup shortening
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1-1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
-
- Preheat oven to 350°. Cream shortening and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and molasses. In another bowl, combine next five ingredients; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.
- Shape level tablespoonfuls of dough into balls. Dip one side into remaining sugar; place 2 in. apart, sugary side up, on greased baking sheets. Bake until lightly browned and crinkly, 12-15 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.
We had a welcome home present waiting on the porch–my sweet sister Ann sent me flowers and they are beautiful!!
Saturday afternoon I enjoyed a bit of “culture”–a harp concert at our local library. The soloist even invited the audience to play the various harps–and I did. Not exactly “play” but it’s quite easy to learn to play the opening cords for the Christmas carol Joy To The World on a harp.
Our weather has not been Arizona warm–45 degrees in the daytime, dipping into the 20’s at night. But I remind myself it is winter and at least we won’t be experiencing these predicted Montana temperatures for the coming week!!!–
Busy week coming up–doctor appointment, two physical therapy appointments and best of all–someone is coming to clean my house and wash my windows!!! Life is good!!
Restoration Cowboy Style 
I LOVE the owl stained glass….does he take commissions? I’d love to have a Hooty representation to bring inside the house!
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I will have to see what the Cowboy thinks about “commissions!” I love the little guy!
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I really really like that stained glass owl Mike did. ‘Bravo’ I say:))
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He did a good job didn’t he!
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That stained glass owl is awesome.
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Thanks Vernon!
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OK…so Sue asked and so will I…would love a hooty also! I totally agree Janna that there is no place like home! Love the snowy mountains and Emmi running ahead of you. Your Christmas flowers are beautiful and I can almost smell the cookies! Hoe cool to play a harp! Merry Christmas…Gay
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As I told Sue, I will have to see what the Cowboy thinks about “commissions!” The harpist also played an Indian flute–beautifully! I have a gorgeous Indian flute purchased at the factory in Patagonia–I need to learn to play it!
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Your weather sounds exactly like Grants Pass at the moment. Those nights in the low 20’s are killer when it is foggy. Ick. And days int he 40’s aren’t very conducive to getting out there. Staying cozy at home here as well. Love seeing that beautiful stained glass work. Truly delightful.
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So chilly outside when Emmi and I walk! Mike and I were saying we don’t ever remember the snow staying on the foothills and lower elevation mountains for this long. It’s been cold for days. I really like that owl piece.
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Nice stain glass! The snowy mts look pretty!
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He did a good job on the stained glass!
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Hey there. Beautiful glass owl. Very nice work. Been following the knee surgery of course. Rescheduled my first (and right) one for January 5. I have to be able to drive husband to dialysis 12/26 and 1/1 because shuttle drivers are off those days, taxis and Ubers, etc., did not want to commit because those are lucrative airport days, and I would need that right knee for driving. From the sounds of your progress (and most people’s), my January is not going to be boring. You wouldn’t want to trade places would you? Ha Ha. Didn’t think so. I very much enjoy your blogs. Take care lovely people. s/Terry
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No, I don’t want to trade places but just put your head down and get with it. And ask about a GOOD nerve block. A high school classmate of mine is about a month ahead of me in the recovery process. She told me the other day she had NO pain that could not be controlled with Tylenol–WHAT??? Seems she had her surgery done in Tulsa and was given an Iovera nerve block prior to surgery.
I wish you all the best, before you know it you will be walking without pain! As for driving–I was told no driving for several weeks as it was my right leg. I didn’t drive until I was about 5 weeks out–I think I could have but just didn’t.
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Thank you for the nerve block information – and pep talk. I would not have thought of a block, and so timely – my preop meeting is tomorrow…
As for driving before doc says okay or six weeks passes, a car wreck could result in a lawsuit against a patient for “maybe” being impaired even if not otherwise “at fault.” Today’s courts are a place where the definition of “fair” went to die a long time ago. Sure don’t want to do anything to have to go there. 😉
You have become my knee, knitting, quilting, traveling, and renovating role model/hero. Thank you again.
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Wishing you all the best with your surgery!
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It’s fun to have “just enough” snow around us for the holidays 🙂 Wonderful glass work, love the colors.
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At least our snow leaves quickly!
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Is there anything Michael can’t do! What a beautiful piece! The Owl is amazing. He always does wonderful work on every project. I love gingersnaps! Your recipe sounds yummy. Trying the harp sounds like such fun. Always good to expand your horizons.
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He took apart and repaired the clippers I use to cut his hair!! I love the owl and those gingersnaps are the best!
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I missed this! (In my defense, I’ve been trying to survive the home selling vortex, grrrr.) But I just wanted to say how much I love that gorgeous stained glass owl! Not only is Michael skilled in construction and all things mechanical, but he’s artistic. What a talented guy!
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I adore my husband–he is amazingly talented. We’ve only sold two properties together and one was our ranch and cabin in Montana. It was a big deal as we were carrying the contract for the couple–super stressful–so I sympathize!!
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