Baby, it is COLD outside!

It was snowing last night but the sun has come out and all looks beautiful.  I can say that since my neighbor plowed the gravel lane and I can actually get OUT!  Although both cars must remain parked at the end of our driveway (which resembles a small mountain range) and getting to them requires a bit of a hike.

I can take the brutally cold -9 wind chill when the sun is shining on the snow, well... until I walk out to the mailbox to place Valentine's Day cards in it to be on the way to children in New England... then I admit it is prettier from inside the house.

Miss Victoria had to visit Dr. Lisa yesterday about the worsening limp.   It's an immune problem, to be helped with medication.  When Sasha and Storm had to go to the vet's office, they were in a snit for days.  However, Victoria loves to visit Dr. Lisa (where she receives lots of affection) and sees the entire visit as a great adventure and a chance to visit the outside world.  It is just so... her. 

Anyhoo, I'm not so sure she would have been as excited about it if her appointment was for today with the cold winds whipping through the kitty carrier!  She would have required a good brushing upon her return home, if nothing else.

We have entered a stretch where the coldest temperatures this winter will take hold.  Of course, there is no use complaining about it where I live... now friends in Atlanta would have something to mutter about.  I think I'll head for blogs by Australians for awhile and think warm... think warm.  Those who study such things are expecting a hot and dry summer here so cold weather will probably be quite nostalgic by June.

Over the weekend, I made lemon bars using a recipe Stephanie sent me.  We both had Meyer lemons which had to be used quickly (I have read they go bad much quicker than ordinary lemons due to their high sugar content).  Lemon bars always remind me of a proper tea time so I got out my cheerful yellow teapot which has its' permanent home on the microwave, one of my very favorite teacups, and a saucer from my wedding china on which to place the lemon bar for tea.  Lovely...

By the way, you know you have been married awhile when the pattern for your wedding china has been retired.  I only had five place settings purchased before the aforementioned retirement but that was all we needed for a family of four.

We inherited my husband's grandmother's china soon thereafter and my everyday china was enough for most events... but my wedding china makes me feel all warm and cozy, remembering what it was like to be nineteen years old and picking out china patterns.  :)

I promise to very soon post the cowboy casserole recipe as well as the new lentil soup recipe on Coffee Tea Books and Recipes.  But today there are miles to go before I sleep... literally... I have to leave for campus in minutes.