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Snow Day

The weather predictors admitted that they were taken by surprise by the snow storm.  Travel four miles down the hills to the south or the west of us and there is only an inch or two covering the ground.  Travel north or east and you'd be gaining elevation, so I would guess it is more.  We have 16 to 24 inches.  During the cleaning up of the walkways and driveway, I honestly had to ask myself just how much longer we will be able--and willing--to keep up with the maintenance required by home ownership, especially a home in this kind of winter climate.  My brother now lives six months in North Carolina and six months in Vermont.  The wisdom of that is dawning on me!  Well, no, we can't afford two homes and I'm here complaining about the upkeep on one home, so I guess I'll just have to keep  looking for other options.

Mike dragging the snow blower.  When he gets done, the street plow will roar by and push the road snow back into the driveway...just to make him mad.
The house smells good at any rate.  I made a beef stew in a red wine sauce that simmered all day.  I even got out for a walk to the little store in the village.  I bought a bottle of red wine when I bought the beef ribs the other day, but hmm...it disappeared.

Just in case you are planning to do a little cooking, I will share these tips from Martha Stewart and the card character, Maxine.   Now I just love Martha Stewart, bless her heart, but this is kind of funny.  (It has pictures of Martha and Maxine having this little debate, but copying and posting the pictures--readers here know my computer skills--or lack thereof.)




Martha says:  To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes

Maxine says: Buy Hungry Jack mashed potato mix. Keeps in the pantry for up to a year.
***
Martha says: When a cake recipe calls for flouring the baking pan, use a bit of the dry cake mix instead and
there won't be any white mess on the outside of the cake.

Maxine says: Go to the bakery!  Hell, they'll even decorate it for you!
***

Martha says: Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting it in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.

Maxine says:  Celery?  Never heard of it!


Martha says:  Cure for headaches: take a lime, cut it in half and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away.

Maxine says: Take a lime, mix it with tequila.  Chill and drink!  All your pains go away!
***

Martha says:  Don't throw out all that leftover wine.   Freeze into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces.

Maxine says: Leftover wine???????  HELLO!!!!!!


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Comments

  1. LindaDecember 7, 2010 at 8:26 PM

    I've always wanted to live in Vermont but now I'm too old for that. I love looking out the window at the beautiful snow. Never had any desire to shovel it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. marciamayoDecember 8, 2010 at 6:59 AM

    Marth and Maxine balance each other out quite well.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Arkansas PattiDecember 8, 2010 at 7:32 AM

    I too always thought winter in Vermont would be so pretty and wonderful. Totally forgot about all the work and worry.
    Florida seasons were too boring, Arkansas is just right.
    LOVE Maxine.

    ReplyDelete

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