Snowy Mountain

We had to go out today and run some errands when it was snowing lightly.I took this picture of snow on the mountain.Yesterday the mountain was so pretty.It looked like an ice palace.Didn't have my camera with me yesterday.Made sure I took it today since you never know what you might see and encounter.

Woke up to a dusting of snow this morning which was unexpected.We were under a winter weather advisory yesterday for a wintry mix yesterday.Thankfully we didn't get that winter weather.We still had a little snow on the ground from our last snow fall which was last Thursday.It has been so cold that the snow has lingered on.There is snow in the forecast for tomorrow and maybe the weekend too.I've been busy getting my packages together for my female soldiers.Have two to mail today.My next project is to send Valentine's Day cards to my 6 contacts.I have written to the other contacts and now sending packages to two others.Want them to feel special on Valentines Day and every day for that matter.

Monday Doings

This is a picture of our remaining snow from last Thursday's snowstorm.It has stuck around since it has been quite cold here.

Woke up this morning to an outside temperature of 2.Schools were on a 2 hour delay opening.The school system on the Virginia side of our area were not closed due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

We are under a winter weather advisory for tomorrow.Going to have a wintry mix.sure hope it doesn't get too bad.If it does we will stay inside and not venture out in the mess.

Snow Day

We are experiencing a snow day here in our area of southern West Virginia.Schools and colleges are closed due to the snow.It looks so pretty outside.Glad we don't have to get out and drive in it and can stay safe inside our warm home.

Another round of snow is suppose to hit our area on Saturday.That snow storm will bring in much colder temperatures.

I've been busy getting two boxes together for my two "Any Soldier" female soldiers.It was such a joy to shop for the them yesterday.They don't ask for much.Their needs are underwear,socks,green tea,diet hot chocolate and nuts to name a few things.We can send whatever our heart desires but I want to send what they are requesting.They are very grateful for whatever you send to them.

Drifting Away

I too this picture of a sailboat on the beach when we were in Myrtle Beach SC a few years ago.It is one of my favorite pictures that I have taken.

We always go in May right before Memorial Day arrives and all of the people follow.The weather is quite nice then and the beaches aren't crowded as you can see from this picture.

It's nice to dream about the beach this time of the year when we have a winter weather advisory out for tomorrow.We are suppose to get snow,sleet and freezing rain which won't be too nice.

Oatmeal-Raisin Squares

On yesterday's Martha Stewart show she made these most delicious looking oatmeal raisin squares.Since I had all of the ingredients on hand I thought that I would make them.They are quite yummy so I will share the recipe here.This is recipe from the Martha Stewart show so I will give her credit for the recipe.She was talking about Quaker Oatmeal so I'm not sure if it is a recipe from Quaker or not.

Oatmeal Raisin Squares

4 cups Old Fashioned Quaker Oatmeal
2 cups all Purpose Flour
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1 cup pecans chopped
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter,melted
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups raisins
Zest of one lemon
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Nonstick cooking spray

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2.In a large bowl: add oatmeal,flour,sugar,pecans,baking soda and salt.Stir to combine.Add melted butter and vanilla.Stir to incorporate.Set aside

3.In a small saucepan combine: raisins,1/2 cup water,lemon zest and cinnamon.Bring to a boil over medium heat.Immediately reduce the heat and simmer for 2 minutes.Let cool slightly.Transfer mixture to the bowl of a food processor.Process until almost smooth.If mixture is very liquid strain through a fine mesh strainer and discard liquid.

4.Spray 9 by 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.Transfer 1/2 of oat mixture to baking dish and press down using your hands to form an even layer.Using an offset spatula spread raisin mixture over oat layer.Top with remaining oat mixture.Press down to form even top layer.

5.Transfer to oven.Bake until golden brown on top for 35-45 minutes.Cool completely before cutting into 2 inch squares.They may be stored wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 5 days.

Jury Duty

Back in the middle of September I received notification and information concerning being selected for federal court jury duty.I was to be in the jury pool from the beginning of October to the end of December.If I was to report I would receive a letter the preceding week to come in the following.Information concerning parking and mileage pay was included too.

I figured that sometime during those three months I would need to report.The weeks would come and go during the three months.I was never notified to come for jury duty.Needless to say I was a little disappointed.I've been a registered voter since I was old enough to vote and have never served on a jury.We are fortunate that the federal building in located in our small town and it's only 2 miles from our house.I feel for those that were called for jury duty that lived quite a distance away.

My Special Project

My dad was a World War 2 veteran and my husband is a Viet Nam veteran.I have a special place in my heart for veterans and our current military.

One of my new year's resolutions is to remember those that are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.I had read in the USA Today newspaper about a wonderful organization called Any Soldier.They have a website which is anysoldier.com.

I have decided that I will write and send special care packages to female soldiers and their comrades.I want the women to feel special and let them know that they are not forgotten.There is a shortage of female hygiene products and products we take for granted such as bath wash and bath sprays.Those sort of products go a long way in helping them feel more feminine.

It will be an added bonus if I hear back from any of the female soldiers but I know they are busy and I just want to brighten their little corner of their world.

I'll update as my project progresses.So far I have the names of two female soldiers in Iraq and one in Afghanistan.I have written to the two in Iraq and will be writing to the female soldier in Afghanistan.

Snowy Winter Day

This is another view of the snow we had on New Year's day and night.It is melting now due to a warm up.I enjoy snow a lot but I didn't care for the frigid cold that came with this snow fall.

Things are back to normal now.Schools reopened yesterday.It was only 7 outside when our grandson caught his school bus at 7:30.Only one of school this week so he can't complain much.One day was added to their Christmas break due to the icy road conditions.

They are predicting rain for tonight and tomorrow so all of the snow will be gone by tomorrow.

Winter Wonderland

We have been experiencing a winter wonderland here in our are of southern West Virginia.We have had about 7 or more inches of snow.We measured 5 inches of snow yesterday but some melted thanks to the sun.This morning I measured 6 inches so I know we added a few inches above the 5 from yesterday since some of it had melted.

It is also very cold.Yesterday we had a high of 15.Today it has gone up to 20 which means that the roads continue to be icy.We haven't been anywhere since New Years Day.