Where my heart is

This week I was reluctant and heavy hearted to return to the office.

But not before baking a lemon pie.

(Yes-I bake from scratch. Just in case anyone is wondering)

 Someday...I will stay where my heart is.

The Girasole Lady

Yesterday was a baking day. Pumpkin Spice bread with a citrus glaze. YUM...

 Early this morning a layer of sun between the fog.

The Girasole Lady

Winter Solstice

Today is Winter Solstice.
The winter solstice, the time of year when the Sun reaches its southernmost extreme in the sky, occurred today at 3:38 p.m. PST.

The Sun will now begin to rise 1 minute earlier and set 1 minute later each day until Summer Solstice in June. It may not seem like much, but accumulated over days, weeks, and months it makes possible the long Summer days I love. Every minute counts to me, as the majority of my time each week is spent inside my "office" occupation.

Yesterday I went with Tonya to take Grand baby for a healthy check-up. More shopping and enjoyed lunch out.
Today was spent doing some crafting, wrapping presents, and photo shooting at Tonya's home. I was more company than help-so I just loved on my Grand baby♥ 
2 more well spent days.

 "In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer."
— Albert Camus

The Girasole Lady

"Sometimes I have loved the peacefulness of an ordinary Sunday. It is like standing in a newly planted garden after a warm rain. You can feel the silent and invisible life."


— Marilynne Robinson

The Girasole Lady

Parsley & Sunday

Today is Sunday. Bliss day number 4.

Friday (day 2) was spent with my precious Grand daughter, and a visit with her Mama too. Not much activity, just a lazy rainy day.

Saturday morning found me shopping, again, with my youngest, Beth. We spent the morning together creating some wonderful holiday memories. Do I dare tell... we ate at In & Out Burger at 9:45AM!! That's right breakfast burgers. Never in my entire life have I eaten a burger for breakfast, let alone at a fast-food eatery. What can I say-I felt daring! We laughed, and happily ate our breakfast together. 

The afternoon was spent at home with ALL my girls. Chatting, eating and warm drinks enjoyed together. Saturday's are the official "family" day together. It is the time all the little chicks come home to roost under Mama's wings. I have been know to cry when we miss a Saturday together.   

Sunday is not even half over yet. The early morning was spent cleaning the barn. I feel horse happiness when the barn is clean with fresh pine shavings, and I know the horses are dry and snugly warm. Our horses really like to sleep lying down.

There is more rain and wind today, but I am OK with that. For the first time in a long time I am not fighting with the weather, just letting it be. I would imagine because my schedule for the next week is mine, and that feels great. It brings overwhelming contentment to my spirit.

It appears that Parsley is not in the least bit affected by freezing cold, rain or wind. Thank you Parsley for setting such a fine example.
The Girasole Lady

11 Days of Bliss

For 11 days I am on vacation from my "office" job. Yesterday was my first day of  the vacation bliss. While others may find their bliss in some far away place, my perfect vacation is being right here at home.

Yesterday started with a fire in the wood stove and a good cup of tea.
It was very  frosty outside.

Mother Earth blessed us with lots of sunshine.

There was horse keeping chores to be done.

A little exercise.....

Barn cleaning...with the most special little helper.

Even the Horse Shoer came and gave the horses a trim, I will say they were more than long overdue for a trimming.
The day wrapped up with a hearty spaghetti dinner, and some evening Christmas shopping. Yes-this is the first attempt of the season to begin the holiday shopping!
The day ended just like it began, in front of the warmth of the wood stove.
As for today...well, we shall see what is to come.

The Girasole Lady

With pomp, power & glory the world beckons vainly,
 in chase of such vanities why should I roam?
While peace and content bless my little thatched cottage,
and warm my own heart with the treasures of home.
-Beatrix Potter-