Needing to Rest!

This blue jay was needing to rest.  So do I.

Am taking a bit of a break.  Will see you all soon.

Hugs

Debbie

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."  Matt:11:28 (NIV) 

Sweet Treat

Good afternoon dear friends.   Thought I would share a sweet treat on this wintry Sunday.

It is simple to make.  My very own version of baked apples.

Jonagold are a great variety to eat and cook at this time of the year.   They are perfect for baking.

Selected two apples of about the same proportion...cored them almost to the bottom - then placed them in a foil lined pie plate (easy to clean)!

Then mix 2 Tblsp. each of brown sugar, old fashioned oats, and butter.   I just cut in the cold butter with a  fork.

Then place 1 Tblsp. of the mix in the center of each apple.  To make it extra special I added a Tblsp.  of toffee bits with a squirt of honey and just a little bit more butter on the top.

Bake at 350 degrees for approximately an hour depending on the size and type of apple you use.

 

  This makes a great treat on a cold winter's day...whip cream or a dip of vanilla ice cream would make a wonderful accompaniment.

Speaking of a treat I think this fella might be wanting one as well.

Hope all of you are surviving the winter weather.  Thinking of my blogging friends along the East Coast and "looking up" for them.

Take care and have a wonderful week.

Hugs

Debbie 

"...they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb."  Psalm 19:10b (NIV) 

My Father's World

 In April when the Peach tree begins to bloom...

The Daffodils blossom...

and the Blue Jay stops to visit I am reminded of that lovely hymn - "This is My Father's World.

Amy Grant does a lovely rendition of this song.

Hope you enjoy.

Have a lovely week dear friends.

Hugs

Debbie

"Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them.  Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever."  Psalm 111:2-3 (NIV)

Waiting

Like this little fella I am waiting for spring.  Hoping that we will soon be turning the corner and seeing warmer days ahead.

In the meantime I am painting spring dreams.   When March arrives I begin imagining what will soon be blooming in the garden.   Where winters seem long and harsh one is challenged in the art of patience.  Yesterday I caught sight of some snowdrops bravely pushing their way out of a blanket of last season's debris.  Friends that is a sure sign spring is on its way.

Are any of you waiting for spring?   If so maybe you will share what you are doing until it arrives.


Have a blessed week.

Hugs Debbie

P.S. these winter photos were taken last Tuesday- since then our snow has disappeared.

"But if  we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."   Romans 8:25 (NIV)

Holding On

This boy is holding on as winter's bluster continues.

His lovely mate is waiting to eat.

Their Blue Jay friend is thinking it is more than his turn at the feeder...

while these two buddies are just happy to clean up the leftovers.

Yes sweet friends I am holding on too while winter continues her visit.

We are preparing like so many in our part of the world for the coming Arctic Air .   Hope all of you are warm and safe.

Hugs Debbie

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father."  Matt:10:29 (NIV)

Snowfall

Did this fella know

 this was coming?

A gorgeous snowfall - that covered the ground.

Each limb and branch was

coated in white.

It was a wonderful site!


.














Yes I think this fella knew what was coming.



Hope everyone is warm and safe.
Have a blessed week.

Hugs Debbie

Fine Feathered Friends

Blue Jay

Some fine feathered friends came by to say hello today.

The snowy weather didn't keep them from gathering to visit.

These three chums arrived together.    I think they wanted to make sure there was going to be plenty of vittles.

Ms. Tufted titmouse came alone.   She seemed to be in a bit of hurry.  Didn't linger long.  I am sure she will be back again soon.

Naturally Mr. Cardinal showed up.    He was a bit late.   I think he may have been delayed because his girlfriend was taking her time getting ready.

I must say she looked well decked out when she finally made her appearance.

So glad these friends took time to stop by.   Glad you did too.

Hope all of you who are still having winter are staying safe and warm.


Hugs Debbie

Fresh Snow and the Birds

 Morning brought us another fresh covering of snow.

This little Sparrow didn't seem to be bothered one bit.    He patiently was waiting his turn to eat.








The backyard restaurant had a stream of patrons all afternoon.  The lines were long.  It was so busy at times I had to keep restocking the buffet.

Mr. Cardinal claimed his place before Ms. Blue Jay arrived.

 Later they had quite a discussion over the cracked corn dish.












As the day faded into evening one by one they left.

It was time to go home.  Time to get some rest.

 
Tomorrow they will be back.   Hope you will too.
Have a wonderful evening.   God Bless!

           

Happenings

 Winter may be giving us it's final dance but Mom gave me some spring today.          

                                 

These lovely pink hydrangeas were a "just because I love you" gift.  Something to chase away the last of winter's chill.  May have to get my brushes out and paint a few of the blossoms.


Shelby our new baby is doing well.  Growing like a bad weed.

We are working every day with the lead.

 

Hubby took some quick shots of us stepping out.

 Not a lot of time in the studio but did manage this quick sketch .

 

Used a bit of pen an ink, watercolor and watercolor pencil on stonehenge.   I like this paper.  It takes watercolor washes...has a nice texture for colored pencil, graphite and pen and ink.

 

Well that's all my happenings.    Hope yours are good.   Stop back soon.

God Bless!