Our Own Chili Cook-Off

Every year around this time we host our own Chili Cook-Off. The coincidence of it is, that we always win (though we're probably a little biased in our voting!) And to top it all off, there was peach cobbler for dessert!

It's just one way we're surviving until the spring thaw. 

Turning 5

...is a big deal!

Today is Emma's birthday! It may have been cold outside, but our hearts were warm. We had a nice romp through the snow, and she played with her favorite fox squeaky toy Felix. Plus to top it off, a piece of birthday apple pie! Which sounds delightful to me, I think this year I will ask for birthday pie myself, instead of the-ol-stand-by-cake - good thinking Emma!

She's a bit of golden sun on any day, no matter the forecast! 

Love you Emma.

Spring at Last

I can hardly believe spring is finally on our doorstep. It's been a very long Michigan winter. And although it doesn't seem much more springy outside, we've officially bid farewell to winter.

Something Cicely Mary Barker (who channels spring with her brush, like nobody's business) seemed perfect for the occasion. I love this odd little snail parade of hers! I can just hear them saying, "Spring - that away."

A Happy Springtime to you!

Corned Beef & Cabbage

Wonderful things about St. Patrick's Day (2014 edition):

-Tradition

-Family

-Waking up first to put green on & pinch everyone who slept in
-Thompson's Family Teas Irish Breakfast Blend

- Corned Beef & Cabbage
-4 Leaf clovers, I've stumbled across over the years
- Irish Soda Bread
- Potatoes & Carrots
-Frosted Brownies (not necessarily Irish, but very good)
- & John Ford's classic "The Quiet Man" to finish the night off

Happy Saint Patrick's Day, my lovelies!

Cardigan Caribou, or Pack Just the Essentials

Cardigan Caribou, or Pack Just the Essentials   11"x14"  Acrylic on wood

Cardigan Caribou and his friends are on a little trip. Of course they've packed just the essentials in their little blue suitcase, and his large trunk with "C.C" initialed on it. He is fondly known as C.C. to his comrades! 

I fancy he's strumming out this little tune on his trusty uke.
"Roll Along Prairie Moon" by Mr. Al Bowlly

They've stuffed away bread, jelly, peanut butter, books and a ukulele. Badger keeps occupied with making sandwiches and passing them out, but mostly he eats them himself. 

Rats of course are another essential this group brought along, though it may seem a bit curious to the rest of us. These little fellows are particularly mischievous. Example: See rat stretching for a "borrowed" juice box above. Prints of this can now be found in the shop.

It seems delightful to pack such silly essentials! I'm looking forward to a picnic like this myself. Now if only C.C. could be there...