Wednesday, 18 January 2017

Bits & Bobs.....




Okay...here we go...another bunch of Bits & Bobs from the past few weeks...

We had taken Miss V for lunch, last time we visited the cottage. There is an old Diner in one of the towns close by...she really got a kick out of the stools and retro decor...

The Succulent platter I made for my son, is still going strong! I still have it here at home, as when he was last here...Christmas...we thought it too chilly to transport it that day...I am taking excellent care of her!

Off topic here...but...I think this Summer, I am really going to get into some serious Succulent plantings...They just make me smile...and... this...is ...a ....very... good thing!!



Don't you agree??










I don't know what I would do without Strawberries in my diet!! I think I go thru at least 3 containers a week!!

I always pair them with whatever Berry is on sale that week!! The Blueberries have been so plump and juicy the last few weeks...Love them for breakfast with some Greek Yogurt!!

Must make a Blueberry Breakfast Cake very soon!!

I also consume a LOT of other fresh fruits...nothing better!!

Except of course....my downfall in the evenings...chips...enough said!!
 





Our cottage drives, always encourage me to take lots of photos while in the car...there is something about barns and farms that really excite me!! Some of them are just so beautiful to look at...you just know that somebody takes great pride in their property...and it really stands out!

Oh yes...Miss V and I made a wee Snowman a few weeks back...isn't he adorable??

Unfortunately the next morning he was melted... 




Soup has been on the stove every week around here...this is my favorite. Skinny beef/veg/barley...I freeze half...and I usually eat the whole pot myself!! Great for lunches...The boyfriend devoured my ham/split pea...delish!!

 

More gorgeous farms...the bottom one almost looks like Summer...the grass is so green...beautiful!!

 


Another of my thrifty buys....for Miss V....this sweet Elephant...$1...just like brand new...well...actually, it still had the tags on it!!
I have left it at the cottage, and she will be so surprised to see him when we take her for a visit again!!

And just look at that green grass down at the cottage...

Such a mild Winter for us here in Southern Ontario...

This week has been rain...no snow at all!!

The Lake was more frozen last week...near the shore...but still wide open from there...very unusual for this time of year...

 







On the way home, we passed by this Handsome guy...

I actually got out of the car to take this picture...he came right up to the fence to meet me...

I must remember to take a few apples next trip!! 








And when we got home, my potted Hyacinth bulb had opened up in the afternoon sun.. 

Gorgeous!!






My Winter arrangement is still looking gorgeous on the front steps...

I will save all those pretty sticks and things for next year...

I usually make my own arrangements, but my daughter gifted me this one this year....

And...

It looks beautiful!


My post would not be complete, without my monthly Moon shot.

I took this the other night...it has been so cloudy since then,that I have not seen it again. Not even sure if it has gone yet. Love love love the Moon♥️


Hope that you are all well...and not recovering from any Ice Storms...we have been very lucky here...just rain.

Temps on the rise again for the rest of the week...

I have been doing my fitness thing...enjoying that a lot...gets me out of the house!! And the boyfriend and I are walking when weather permits. I am exceeding my 10,000 steps every day so far...YIPPEE for me...hahaha!

Dinner tonight  is beef stew, that has been simmering since this morning. We had Roast Beef last night, so I used the leftovers to make stew. I think we will have a Greek Salad too...and perhaps a toasted Parmesan cheese bun...
Oh my...I am getting hungry! I better get off this computer, and go and get things organized!!

Thanks for all your lovely comments...greatly appreciated...

Have a great week my friends...

                Cheers!  :o)

                     linda ♥️

 
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50 comments:

  1. Betsy Brock18 January 2017 at 14:10

    You are so good with your steps! I only average about 7000-8000 a day if I'm just at home doing my usual stuff. I hit the 10,000 about once a week! Oh well....maybe if I went to fitness class, eh? lol.
    Love succulents, too! I have several doing well here but none of them are hen/chicks, which I just love. Maybe this summer....

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    1. Linda18 January 2017 at 16:55

      Yes...the fitness puts me over...and the walks.
      I also get a lot at the cottage, and the beach in Florida...
      You must get some Hens and Chicks this Summer!

      Delete
  2. NanaDiana18 January 2017 at 15:27

    Good for you for all your healthy habits!!! I don't get strawberries at all here this time of year. They are always awful--and have no flavor.
    I have never really grown succulents although my mother had a lot of them. She had a whole wall full of hens and chicks.
    Hope you have a great week- you got some wonderful shots of farm and buildings here. xo Diana

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    1. Linda18 January 2017 at 16:58

      There was about a week there after Christmas where the Strawberries were dry...and pricey!
      The price came down in the new year....and they are delish again!
      Love the drive.....with the rural shots!
      Enjoy your evening."

      Delete
  3. Unknown18 January 2017 at 15:52

    I should try succulents. Maybe I could keep them alive!
    Beautiful photos of your cottage trips. They always look like paintings to me.
    So mild out! Not that I have been out... but very strange weather for this time of year.
    I love those retro diners. The décor is such fun. And they usually have great grub!

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    1. Linda18 January 2017 at 17:00

      Very easy to grow...hardly need any care!
      Very strange indeed...
      I sure hope you are healing well Suzanne...take care!

      Delete
  4. Laurie18 January 2017 at 16:13

    Seeing your moon reminded me....last week, I went outside to take a picture of the moon and got locked out of my house. I looked for a spare key in our hiding spot and it wasn't there. No one was around and my phone was inside so I couldn't call Cliff. The only thing I could do was to wait until Cliff came home from work. It was getting cold, too. Luckily, I only had to wait about 5 min before Cliff drove up. Lol!

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    1. Linda18 January 2017 at 17:38

      Oh Laurie...this could only happen to you! Lucky that you live in the South!
      Did you get a picture at least? hahaha!

      Delete
    2. Laurie18 January 2017 at 20:05

      Lol! I did, but nothing compared to yours.

      Delete
    3. Linda19 January 2017 at 14:54

      Try zooming in...works like a charm!

      Delete
  5. Pamela Gordon18 January 2017 at 16:39

    A lovely post Linda, and great photos too. You sure are having a mild winter in your area! We might get a few cm. of snow tonight to pretty things up. Hopefully I can get some pics. Take care!

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    1. Linda18 January 2017 at 17:39

      Thanks Pam...yes, a very mild winter, except for a few frigid days.
      I will look forward to your pretty photos!

      Delete
  6. Anonymous18 January 2017 at 17:22

    i always love your bits and bobs posts!
    and this one is delightful in every way. xo

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    1. Linda18 January 2017 at 17:40

      Thanks Dear...slim pickin's for photos this time of year...bring on the heat! hahaha!

      Delete
  7. Country Gal 18 January 2017 at 18:23

    We seem to have a lot in common for berries and Greek yogurt YUMMY ! the moon I have always loved I studied it a bit years ago and have a fantastic big book that you would love all about the moon with wonderful info and photos in it showing all its phases and what it all means and I love barns to . It has been mild and snowless here to looks the same as in your pics that are lovely by the way . I haven't tryed growing succulents maybe I will give them a go this year they are cute . I haven't taken may photos either but I haven't been out looking hard enough either lol . Miggs and I love our walks I could walk for hours and just get lost in the beauty and sounds of nature . I am soo looking forward to warmer sunnier weather . Thanks for sharing , Have a good day !

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    1. Linda18 January 2017 at 19:28

      Yes...love that combo, Elaine!
      And the Moon too...it fascinates me...I have read over on your blog, when you post stats...
      You will love succulents...and you can bring them in , in the Fall...
      So nice that you get to walk everyday...and in such a beautiful place.
      I will be in the sunny south soon..can't wait!

      Delete
  8. coffeeontheporchwithme18 January 2017 at 19:58

    I love berries, too. I have them almost every day. I cannot believe those pictures with the green grass!! Such a huge difference and we are maybe three hours apart! I love your moon pictures - I don't even know how you get such detailed shots. Good for you, doing all that walking and fitness! -Jenn

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    1. Linda19 January 2017 at 07:16

      My camera has an great "ZOOM" on it...it works like a charm!
      Green as green can be down at the cottage...guess the warmer lake waters are keeping things fresh1
      have a great day Jenn!!

      Delete
  9. Lynne18 January 2017 at 20:43

    Good for you on your 10,000+ daily steps!
    Loved your pictures . . .
    Your Winter arrangement is beautiful!
    Seeing your strawberries reminds me of a cake they baked on The Chew today,
    I must look up the recipe.
    Frozen Blueberries have been my "go to " treat this week . . .
    Different weather here for January . . .
    Loved seeing the moon!

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    1. Linda19 January 2017 at 07:17

      I use all my frozen berries to make gluten-free crisps! Kids love them...
      Off for our weekly drive today...tomorrow supposed to be rainy...:o(

      Delete
  10. Patricia18 January 2017 at 20:48

    Oh those Ontario farms and barns - I love them so much! I am surprised at the green, as I thought you were under the snow and ice. I have been re-potting succulents, they are so forgiving, but some of mine have died in the heat. I am so impressed with you 10,000 steps. How do you count them? I've had a few pedometers but lost them quite quickly. Pretty sure I never hit more than 7,000. Great post, gorgeous strawberries!

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    1. Linda19 January 2017 at 07:19

      Aren't the barns beautiful!! Love seeing them...I like when we take a bit of a different route...see all new things!
      I have a Fit-Bit...counts the steps and tells me calories burned and minutes spent on exercise...love it! you should get one!

      Delete
  11. Tanna19 January 2017 at 04:54

    Such wonderful bits and bobs! The barns are so beautiful... and that horse! He is ruggedly handsome in an amazing way. I, too, have been caught by the succulent bug. LOL! Bravo, on your exercise!! I'm visiting with the boys in Ft. Worth this week... less exercise, more snuggles. ;) Back after it next week. blessing and hugs ~ tanna

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    1. Linda19 January 2017 at 07:19

      Oh Tanna....snuggles are waaaay better than exercise! Enjoy!!

      Delete
  12. Linda 19 January 2017 at 05:48

    I must join a fitness class...haha been there done that. I'll just keep walking the dogs and the malls till the weather gets better. Trying to catch up to you...only 5,000 steps on a good day.
    That's a cute soda shop you stopped at. One maybe for our vintage car club.
    My succulents have taken off too since I plated them last mothers day. We are in snow country and between all the snow and ice lately I'm ready for some hot weather....cute post Linda

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    1. Linda19 January 2017 at 07:21

      I have been there and done that many times too Linda! hahaha!!
      The diner is in Dunnville Ontario...check it out!!
      No snow here...I will be in the warmer weather very soon!😎

      Delete
  13. La Table De Nana19 January 2017 at 06:14

    You have a great eye Linda:)

    I love diners that look like that..we stopped at one near..Jay Peak once "en famille"..
    Love the snowman..I love succulents too..have not been lucky here with them..funny story..I wanted one..bought one all potted up and asked Ben the owner..how do I water it as it is planted in a rocky vermiculite..he said you don't it's artificial..and I don't need glasses Linda..anyway i was too shy to put it back and brought it home:( Lucas asked me the same thing! But I KNOW.

    it's not a Christmas tree..so I can't forgive it.
    Good for you and the exercise..
    I've been making jams..lol..

    Pretty pretty Miss V.

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    1. Linda19 January 2017 at 07:31

      The artificial succulents are fantastic!
      When Erika was a floral designer, she gifted me 3 in small pots..still love them!
      I have them in my bathroom, where I could not grow anything!
      Ohhhh...jams...pray tell what kinds?? This was the first Fall that I did not make any...don't know why!! They sure are delicious...I make the easy peasy freezer jams...
      enjoy your day...we are off for a drive!

      Delete
  14. Unknown19 January 2017 at 07:37

    Have I told you lately that I find your photos/ subjects very comforting? :) Yummy food, plants, animals, moon, family, farms! And especially little Miss V. Super cute photo of her in the diner, by the way. Didn't mention yesterday that I'm flying to see my NY cuties this aft. Back Monday, hope to see you at Tuesday's class. Enjoy your cottage drive and take care.

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    1. Linda19 January 2017 at 07:51

      Thanks so much Hester...makes it all worthwhile! Love taking photos, and sharing them with my friends here.♥️
      Have a wonderful weekend with the wee ones...you are lucky to get to see them so often, considering where they live.
      See you Tuesday!! Bright eyed and bushy tailed!

      Delete
  15. Kathy19 January 2017 at 07:37

    Always glad to see your Bits and Bobs post. So many lovely pictures. The arrangement on your front step is beautiful! And it's holding up so well. The snowman was cute. Too bad it melted so quickly. And that hyacinth must be scenting the whole house.

    Hope you have a great day! Stay warm.

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    1. Linda19 January 2017 at 07:52

      Yes...first and only snowman of the year!! Perhaps we will get to make another one.
      Still unseasonably warm here...which is just fine with me!
      enjoy your day Kathy!!

      Delete
  16. Linda19 January 2017 at 09:42

    We had the ice storm, but all clear now and some rain coming down today. Love fruit and we have a new Eggsquis restaurant in town and their fruit crepe is so chock o block with fruit, it is delicious. Of course the downfall is the whipped cream on the side and the layer of custard inside :) Whatever snow we have is rock hard but there is so much green grass showing. I've got a couple of boxes to drop off at the thrift store so will have a good look around and I'm sure I'll find something. I love succulents too and have lots of plantings and arrangements throughout the garden. The seeds are coming out as are the seed catalogues, giving us something to dream about.

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    1. Linda19 January 2017 at 12:16

      Yes...I remember all your hens and chicks...love them!
      Do you grow a lot from seed???

      Delete
  17. Notes From ABroad19 January 2017 at 09:49

    I think I need to come stay with you, for a few yea...mont...days .. yeah, days :)

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    1. Linda19 January 2017 at 12:16

      Oh wouldn't that be fun!! Just let me know Candice....

      Delete
  18. Birdie19 January 2017 at 10:18

    I eat a lot of soups and stews then have them all week for lunch. Yum!

    Do succulents last inside all year long?

    If you are doing 10, 000 steps you can enjoy a few chips.

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    1. Linda19 January 2017 at 12:18

      I bring in a few, as I have lost them when I leave them outside...they are in nice planters, so I don't mind bringing them inside for the winter...
      Thanks...and I do...enjoy them! hahaha!!

      Delete
  19. Eddie Bluelights19 January 2017 at 13:04

    My word you are a busy gal . . . . and all those steps . . . you must be very fit . . . :)

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    1. Linda19 January 2017 at 14:59

      Hi Eddie....
      Busy as a bee...🐝....not fit!

      Delete
  20. Melanie19 January 2017 at 13:13

    I love succulents, but I can't manage to keep them alive! I've tried different places in the house (different lighting), I don't water them often, I use succulent potting soil. Don't know what the trick is! Berries...my favorite fruits. I usually don't buy them in the winter since they're seasonal and I don't like buying fruits from other countries, but the other day when I was shopping, they had organic blueberries on sale and I couldn't resist. I use them in my plain Greek yogurt (sweetened with a little bit of pure maple syrup), too. And then I put a few raw almonds in the mixture. Yummy, healthy breakfast.

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    1. Linda19 January 2017 at 15:04

      I am stumped there Mel...you have a green thumb...not sure why they fade for you.
      The ones I buy are usually from California...our berry season is pretty short here, and VERY pricey too! But they are pretty darn delicious ..I must say!
      Love the maple syrup trick...yummy!

      Delete
  21. Amy at love made my home19 January 2017 at 15:27

    A lovely mix up catch up kind of post! The snowman is just adorable!!! Miss V is so grown up now, I just cannot believe it!!

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    1. Linda19 January 2017 at 16:42

      Isn't she just beautiful? I can hardly believe it either Amy!

      Delete
  22. Gloria Baker19 January 2017 at 15:57

    Send you love and hugs!! Beautiful shots, how is the lovely miss V?? I miss you in facebook :)

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    1. Linda19 January 2017 at 16:43

      And to you Gloria...Miss V is great...taking drum lessons! I do not miss FB, but I miss talking to you...

      Delete
  23. baili19 January 2017 at 23:05

    oh dear your little angle is cutest child i saw !!!


    loved being here and amazed with marvelous photos and very lovely sharing .
    this gift for miss V is sooper adorable .
    soup looks inviting!
    loved your views and the mr handsome guy so cool!

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  24. Blue Grumpster21 January 2017 at 12:14

    Plump blueberries and some Greek yogurt... I was just telling the Missus how much I crave a bit of Ben and Jerry's blueberry yogurt ice-cream stuff thingie. Okay, I don't remember the name but I do remember the taste! Heaven!

    Have a great weekend, Linda!

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    1. Linda21 January 2017 at 13:29

      HI Blue...
      hahaha!!
      I think it is called Ben and Jerrys Blueberry yogurt ice cream stuff!!
      You have yourself a great weekend too!!

      Delete

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