Will you be seeing snow from the arctic blast?

I took this photo in early December while we were in the mountains of North Carolina for a wonderful stay. We arrived (no snow) to chilly temps and a weather advisory, possible snow, especially in the higher elevations. Well, we were pretty excited. We weren’t going to be driving anywhere for the next few days, so what better time to enjoy a major snowfall?

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The Periwinkle by Joseph Fidler

watercolor painting, painting of a cottage with cedar shakes, dormer with six small windows, fireplace, large door, many trees, rocks in the foreground
The Periwinkle 2009 by dad (Joseph Fidler)

I’m sure i’ve posted this painting in years past. But to go through 13+ years of posts (the first ten years daily) seemed a bit daunting. I was thrilled to find this tucked in one of our cherished books. It’s actually a card (I’ve saved every one he’s sent).

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Striking Color on a Chilly Day!

plants in a planter, green, red and purple leaves, sun shining through the leaves, sunny day

It seems as if part of the world is freezing and the other part is burning. Thoughts (and any help you can provide) go out to those in the path of this fire – this appears to be a nightmare of the worst kind. I’m certainly not going to complain about cold weather (definitely cannot complain in Charleston, SC, but it is chilly here). On a brighter note:

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BOOK: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah!

Book on table near window, The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, cover of book shows mountains and a winding road, horse sculpture and lamp in background

I bought this book back in October. I’ve been saving it for two conflicting reasons. 1. Nearly everyone says this is one of the best books (if not, THE best) they’ve ever read. However, when I skimmed the synopsis it dealt with some hard topics, I wasn’t sure I wanted to delve into that territory just yet. And reason 2. Because I knew if I read it, it would be over. No one likes this book to end, so… But, I did read it – and ohmygosh, it’s akin to being on a roller coaster. The highs, the LOWS, and EVERY emotion in between. But in the end, what I remember most of all is the true love and kindness of people, despite their conditions, a community coming together. Which is the sentiment that won out overall.

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Citrus in the Sun – this is January in Charleston, SC!

Potted green plant, looks like oranges, orange fruit, a type of lime, sunshine in january, charleston sc

Believe it or not, these are not a variety of oranges. They’re limes. I don’t recall the name on the tag, I’m thinking they may be mixed with orange/lime? Interesting, hmmm? When I saw how the sun was hitting the fruit I had to take a quick snap. You see these mainly planted in large (gorgeous) containers. We’ve seen them at a few places we’ve visited. Stunning for sure!

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Book: The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner- Coming Soon!

book on table, christmas decoration, stack of books, lamp, the griffin sisters' greatest hits book, jennifer weiner author

Coming Soon Book Alert! Jennifer Weiner has a new book coming out April 2025. The image was an Advanced Reader’s Edition, so it’s not the actual cover – you can see it now, it has been released since. I love book reviews, and rely on them to see if a book is something I’m looking for (or not). I don’t read any spoilers, and I don’t even read the back of the book or the description completely – I don’t want to know anything, but I do – It’s complicated, ha.

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A Quote for the New Year!

Sending HAPPY NEW YEAR wishes to you and yours – can you fathom that it’s already 2025? I have an inspiring quote for you for the New Year… so take a peak and keep it in mind (I didn’t write it). Here’s hoping 2025 is everything you hope it will be. Wishing you nothing but health and happiness this coming year. Now, if you have a minute, read the quote – I think it will put you in a good frame of mind for 2025 and all it brings. #inspiration

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A Sunrise Treasure!

Mountains with sunrise in the distance, early morning fog, treetops, and swirling dark blue clouds

Sunrise. Sunset. I love them both equally. How magical it would be to have an amazing view of one or the other. “If I had my druthers” as my MIL will say, I’m not sure which I would pick. I love a sunrise. I love to pop out of bed as I did in this image above. But, I also love a sunset. We were visiting…

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Sound advice in time for the new year…

Chocolate wrapper on a table, quotes from Dove, be your own hero, holiday thoughts

Just in time for New Year’s goal setters – sound advice from a chocolate, ha ha. I love the dark chocolate Dove pieces. It’s always fun to see the message inside the wrapper. I thought this one was apropos for the time. It’s so true, “Write your own fairytale, and be your own hero” – I would update it to say “Help others write their fairytale where they are the hero” too many words to fit I’m pretty sure.

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The most delectable Christmas Cookies in all the land!

Christmas Cookie Tradition (older photo)

If you’re looking for a super special Christmas cookie recipe – look no further! This is a recipe the entire family can join in on. Everyone can display their artistic abilities (or not, ha ha) – either way, the cookies will taste the same – Out of this world delicious. As a family, we always doubled the recipe for the cookies, not sure if we did for the frosting, there is plenty!

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Picture Perfect Just Like A Postcard!

Whoa! The unspeakable beauty of the mountains is undeniable. We arrived in Western North Carolina on a sunny but cool day. As we were having lunch in Saluda, NC I saw a weather alert pop up – possible 3-5″ of snow in elevations > 3,500. We were at 5,000. Here it is in all its glory. What a magical time to be in the mountains…

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