Beauty

[Hayfield]

Helen47--I liked your picture of the falling snow on the house! Yesterday morning it was snowing and, while it looked so pretty looking out at it, it did raise havoc in our area. I didn't go to the gym and after it stopped I shoveled the driveway. The sun unfortunately doesn't hit our driveway and it has to be shoveled so it doesn't freeze later at night when the temperature drops. I'm sure your son and his family had a great time on their vacation. One of these days I would love to go to Hawaii. I just really don't like really long flights, about 4 hours on a plane is my limit.

[Hayfield]

Mochahoney--Thanks for your thoughts about the passing of my fahter. Yes, it was a long time ago but that feeling of emptiness never leaves you. I'm sorry that your DH has so much trouble with his back. Do you think at some point he'll have surgery on it?

[SleeplessinSD]

GOOD NIGHT EVERYONE AND STAY SAFE AND WARM.........

[cindyinfl]

good morning.

Well, the cold front arrived! T.V. says temp 26 right now, with a wind chill of 16!! Supposed to go up to about 43 today & then about 60 tomorrow, and close to 70 by Sunday. This is pretty cold weather for us, even this time of year. But luckily, it won't last long. And actually, I'm glad we got this cold snap to kill off some of the germs in the air that is making everyone sick.

I actually got some GOOD news for a change yesterday. Our homeowner insurance renewal came in the mail, and the yearly premium actually went down from last year! No change in coverages, just a lower premium. We have our auto, motorcycle & umbrella policies with the same company, and have been insured with them since 1984 with only one towing claim since then. Guess some insurance companies do reward loyalty & "good behavior".

Hope everyone has a great day. Stay warm & safe where ever you are.

Cindy

[Hayfield]

Good Morning!--It's cold today! DH took DD to the airport early this morning, she has a 7:30 am flight out of Reagan National Airport. We have to remember to drive her car while she's gone, it sits outside and with the cold it should be run. I'll take it to the gym tomorrow. DH and I have stickers on our cars to get into our work parking lots, so we can't drive it to work.

Helen47--Thanks for that lovely picture of Mount Vernon at night. It is lovely in the evening, all along the paths have lanterns with real candles in them on shephard hooks trying to simulate how it would've looked in the 18th century. It is a special place.

[SleeplessinSD]

It's early, and here I am.....again. That's OK; I got a pretty good nights sleep, I think. I only woke up once. HAYFIELD, I pulled up images of Mt. Vernon. I was curious of how it looked. I saw some beautiful ones, but loved this one. I thought of you and had to post. I'm glad you like it. I hope your daughter has a safe trip. CINDY, so good to see a message from you early like you used to. I hope you're feeling better and getting stronger each day. Max sends love to all your fur babies. Great news about your insurance. Quick question...."umbrella" coverage? I'm not sure what I have going on today yet. It's actually drizzling a little outside right now. FANCY, have a safe trip; we'll miss you! MOCHA, I don't know how to view the eagle cam. I love that sort of thing though and I'm sure it's amazing. KAT, I hope you're continuing to feel better; Max, sends love and a big "woof" to his sweetie AVA (-;. SPAMMOM, SHORELADY, CorisMom, SUNSHINE, QVCPhobe and anyone I'm sorry I didn't mention, I hope today is a good day and you're feeling healthier, happier and stronger. Waving to H2be (miss you!), LOVES, MARTIE, RetRN, FIREFLY, HOOTY, CATWHISPERER, DANKY, AUNTG, and our dear friend PUDDLES, who I read on the Cafe thread will be having another/final surgery tomorrow....my thoughts and prayers are with you. Everyone have a great day; keep warm!

[MariotaMurielle]

good Thursday morning. another week almost over. I know it's an old cliche, but time really does go by so fast.

it got really cold last night. you know it takes a lot to make me cold, and when I went out with Princess Daisy I was freezing! mostly because of the wind. I rarely ever wear gloves but last night I needed them when I went outside. I covered my lettuce with a tarp last night and uncovered it this morning. they look OK, so hopefully they didn't get hurt by the freeze.

Helen. the eagle cam is fascinating. I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I was so fortunate to actually be watching when Harriet laid egg #1, and then I was lucky enough to see both #1 and #2 pecking out of their shells in real time. now they've grown to fat little fuzzies and will soon start getting their first feathers. here's the web address.I don't know how to post it as a link, so you can just copy and paste it into your web browser, then click on "camera 1" when the website opens to watch it live.

<cite>dickpritchettrealestate.com/eagle-feed.html</cite>

what a beautiful picture of Mt. Vernon. maybe we can go there some day ( and meet Hayfield!).

I hope all of you are doing well today. have a beautiful & peaceful day y'all.

[SleeplessinSD]

THANK YOU MOCHAHONEY! I did as instructed and am able to see the magnificent video! So hard to believe those fuzzy little white babies will grow to look like their Mama.....I have to run a few errands, but I'll be checking it out later and often to be sure. Darn, I should have done this sooner; oh well. Yes, let's all meet at Mt. Vernon and take a tour with HAYFIELD!

[cindyinfl]

Hi Helen.

An umbrella policy is a liability policy that insures you above & beyond the limits of your other policies (i.e. homeowner, auto). It will also cover some situations not covered by your primary policy(ies). If & when the insured is liable to someone, the primary policy pays up to the limits of that policy. Any additional amounts would be paid by the umbrella.

It is just another layer of protection since this world has become so sue crazy. Luckily, we have never been sued & have never had to use the policy, but is there if need be.

It is sooo cold here! Hope you are having a good day.

Cindy

[cindyinfl]

Hi again ladies. Since it is so cold here (a couple of lone snow flakes fell), I decided to fix a comfort food soup for dinner. This is so good, and tastes like the "real thing"

COPYCAT PANERA BROCCOLI & CHEESE SOUP

1 tablespoon melted butter

1/2 medium chopped onion

1/4 cup melted butter

1/4 cup flour

2 cups half & half cream

2 cups chicken stock

1 cup fresh cut broccoli

1 cup julienned carrots

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

8 oz. grated sharp cheddar cheese

Saute onion in 1 tablespoon melted butter. Set aside..In a large pot, whisk together remaining melted butter & flour over medium heat 3-4 minutes.

Slowly whisk in half & half & chicken stock. Let simmer about 20 minutes...

Add broccoli, carrots, & onion. Simmer over medium/low heat about 25 minutes, or until broccoli & carrots are tender.

Add nutmeg & cheese. Let cheese melt before serving.

Delicious! Happy eating.......

Cindy