ON THE JANUARY BEACH

Went out for a wintertime beach weekend.  That's what I love about the northwest, even with the four seasons the weather is usually never severe.  We had a wonderful weekend with three of the days sharing sunshine with us.  It was brisk and mildly windy these days, but hey, never mind that, and who cares that we had to wear coats we had an awesome four days!

Such a charming place we stayed, lovely in every way.  After breakfast at the beach house each morning we did some delicious wandering down at the beach.  Found some super cool rocks and the most interesting sand art I've ever seen at the beach.

Isn't this amazing?

Apparently it was left behind by the tide.

This one made me think of  a celery garden:)

This was all up and down the beach and was some thing I'd never seen before,  it captivated me.

A walk through town and some wonderful shops then home to cook a late afternoon dinner. When we weren't on the beach or at the shops in town we were snuggled in this lovely, warm home with wonderful high ceilings and gorgeous marble countertops.  This weekend was everything I needed!

KEEPING WARM

It´s been down into the very low 20´s this past week...we´re waiting for snow (smile), I love the peacefulness of it. It is a time when all seems well. Meanwhile, I´m keeping my family warm with big batches of soup and warm, out-of-the oven, bread. Today´s soup, a spiced up vegetable rice served with lime wedges and shredded cabbage to garnish. Keeping it hearty...a couple of whole wheat white bread loaves; a pleasant and cozy meal.

And for the feathered variety, I am making use of a left over Fall pumpkin...keeping some of my most favorite neighbors happy.

The Stellar´s ALWAYS eat first! Stellar´s Jay´s are mostly common to the Northwest region of the United States. They are beautiful, being related to the Blue Jay.

The gentle Morning Dove (a fairly common bird across North America, winter´s here), waiting patiently their turn.

The weather is icy-cold and gloomy, but there is much joy to be found in the midst of these grey seasons.