A Second Look--March 26, 2014

Where I live, there are a few robins that hang around all winter. However, I still get excited when I see a flock of them for the first time in the spring. When I was a kid, spring wasn't officially here until the first robin arrived. Well, it's here! The robins are out in full force. While watching them this week, I saw a robin tugging a worm out of the ground. Now that's a picture I've seen everywhere--in cartoons, greeting cards, books, and now I've seen it for myself after all of these years. It's was an exciting moment. (Sometimes, it's the little things. :) ) Also, there are a few more crocuses blooming and guess what? We had more snow.

Here's what I saw this week during my Second Look.

This was one of many robins that were visiting. It was a windy day, so notice the ruffled feathers.

A few more crocuses have been popping up here and there.

This crocus came up in the middle of the grass where a squirrel had planted it.

 

One foggy morning, I saw these deer grooming each other. Usually, I just see them eating.

This tufted titmouse has its tuft down.

We got a few more inches of snow yesterday.

Thankful Sunday--March 22, 2014

I am thankful for orchids. 

Yesterday, Ward and I visited a greenhouse that was full of orchids. Not only did we appreciate their beauty, we were thankful for the memories they brought of Ward's mother. She grew up in Central America where orchids were native, and she always had a special fondness for them.

Food Waste Friday and True Food Confessions-March 21, 2014

It's time for Food Waste Friday, when the Frugalgirl encourages us to post pictures from the previous week of wasted food from our household. This accountability hopefully will help us to be more careful with our food and maybe save some money. Also, I am using this public forum to encourage us to eat out less which includes better meal planning. You can follow how we are doing in this endeavor by reading True Food Confessions. (Thanks to Jo from Simply Being Mum for sponsoring FWF this week.)

This Week's Food Waste

 None

 It was touch and go for a while with a bag of lettuce, but I managed to eat it all before it went the way of slime.

This Week's True Food Confessions

I know the weather is getting to be an old theme on this blog, but here it goes again. Last week when I was shopping, a package of zucchini caught my eye and I had to have it. Why? Because it reminded me of summer when there is always a boundless zucchini crop. Sort of the "think it and it will come" idea. Combined with broccoli, it made a delicious casserole that served us for two dinners and two lunches. This has been a favorite recipe in our family for many years.  It contains zucchini chunks, eggs, cottage and shredded cheese topped with bread crumbs. I usually add another vegetable like broccoli or asparagus to give it more flavor. This recipe comes from Jane Brody's Good Food Book. Here's a link.   Zucchini and Cheese Casserole

A Second Look--March 19, 2014

Spring is officially here tomorrow and if I look at things objectively, it really is spring outside--meaning the plants are putting out new green leaves despite the fact that they keep getting covered up with snow.

Once again, we had a lot of variability in the weather this past week. The weekend saw temperatures in the 60's followed by rain and snow the next couple of days. Although we haven't had another heat wave, the snow is melting.

Here's what a saw this week during a Second Look.

Saturday was windy and warm with temps in the 60's.

Sunday and Monday the snow came.

By Tuesday much of the snow had melted, especially under the trees. Other places still had a few inches.

The snow was deep enough around the area of this fungus that I was glad I had my boots on.

I guess there's a reason they call these snowdrops.

Another crocus. My count is now up to two.

It really is pretty.