March to Come in Like a Lion

Our weather report is usual for this time of year.  We are expecting March to come 'in like a lion' as seems common for Maine each year.
We have had some nice sunny weather lately, with temps days in the 30os to 40sF every day.  Some rain but not much for the month.  Some snow, but again, not much or usual for Feb.  Mostly sunny days.
Yet this week looks bleak.
Rain, rain, rain and possibly even snow for the next 4 days after our lovely sunshine day today.
I guess that means I will be staying indoors.  I hope I do not lose power but I am prepared with my battery lanterns, extra food and water, and even some snacks.  And books to read.
I have received a few Dana Stabenow novels recently and am imbibing.  I love a good mystery.  Now Dana is an Alaskan with roots that run deep.  She tells a good story, usually murder mysteries, and throws in lots of Alaskan knowledge for us to enjoy. Her protagonist is a female who lives and breathes Alaska, one Kate Shuglak.  Kate's companion thru all these travails is a half-wolf sidekick known as Mutt who does her share at keeping her human partner safe.  I am really enjoying these books.

I want to thank a quilting buddy, Holly, for sending me 3 of these.  Thanks, Holly.

I am also enjoying my Britcoms and Brit Mysteries thanks to subscribing to Britcom and AcornTV which carries that line of enjoyment online.  My computer brings me many happy hours whether watching these programs, checking into my favorite homesteaders on YouTube, and playing Solitaire on my screen when needing a change.
I am still having medical issues but hope things change for the better sometime in March after seeing an expert who can put me on meds that work without making me light-headed every day whenever I walk.  With that to contend with, I am literally a homebody, ordering my groceries online since I cannot shop myself.  I manage to clean my house here and there every few days as long as I can sit and rest in between chores.  So life goes on as best as can be managed.  I know that I am in better shape than many who are far more ill so I keep staying positive and try to laugh a little every day.  As they say, and I believe it, 'laughter is the best medicine."  I always feel better after a good, belly-jiggling laugh.
Stay well my friends.  I will check in again soon.  Smile.

Just Checking In. A Little Snow is Falling.

I am watching the snow fall outside my window.  Its so pretty.  The snow on the trees across the river are still full and white.  Its in the high 30sF today so not so bad for a Feb. winter day here in southwestern Maine.

Nothing new to report.  I have lost a total of 18 lbs. since my ailment in early Dec. and I am trying to keep it off and even drop a lot more if I can.

My method is half meals.  Instead of 2 sandwiches, I make only one.  Instead of a full bowl of soup, I serve myself only half a bowl.  In the snack dept I just don't buy them as in the past.  A bit of chocolate now and then, my chips are the No-salt ones and since they are not very tasty (but they make a good accompaniment with a sandwich instead of fries) I don't eat too many.  Of those kind I can truly say "I can only eat just one."  I eat more salads which tend to fill my empty spaces more reliably.  You know, after being careful for a few weeks, it tends to get easier not to over-indulge.

My order of Farmer's Cheese from Andrulis in Michigan is expected today.  I have already planned my menu to include only the cheese and a simple cukes and tomato salad with very little dressing.  If anyone is interested, try
https://andrulischeese.com

I buy the plain cheese to which you can add whatever seasonings you prefer as you dine.

I wish you all a good day.
Hugs from the north country.

We Had Some Snow

Its been a while but we had some snow yesterday.  It looks so darn pretty out there today from my living room windows.

The view of the river outside my window.

The birdhouses surrounded by snow.

The view of the waterfall.  Its not rushing very hard today.

A view thru the trees.

A view of the reservoir with the flowing river on the mid-left as it meanders along.

A view of the bridge to the next town.

Its been a good day to check out homesteading videos on Utube this morning.  Tho I no longer garden and enjoy living in the country, I can get my kicks by watching other homesteaders in their endeavors.

I also ordered some Farmer's Cheese from Andrulis in Michigan.  They have the best hard block Farmer's Cheese I could find.  Reminds me of the old days (1940s and 50s) when my grandmother made hers and then dried it on the kitchen window sill a few hours every day.  Mmmm, it was darn good.  I don't have her knack for drying, but Andrulis's solid form cheese is terribly good.

Reminding me of favorites, I guess I will have to make some potato pancakes today served with a sour cream topping.  Another old favorite from long ago.  I had been putting it off since my carpal tunnel wrist had been acting up.  I was taken off all my vitamins and supplements when I had my heart scare in early Dec.  I have just now gone back to taking them, including Moringa which has been so good for my system keeping aches and pains at bay.  With my wrist now feeling almost normal again, I plan to enjoy grating those potatoes this afternoon.

I wish everyone a good day filled with love and good food and good wishes.  Hugs, S