Everything is a Photo Opportunity #25

There is nothing better than a sleepy kitty. Gary always looks completely blissed out when she's sleeping, and this picture shows her in one of her favourite windows catching some zzz's. I also love this photo because you can see green grass out the window, something I can't wait to see again.

1st Year Gryffindor Scarf: Finished Object

I remembered that I loved knitting, so in January I picked up my needles and started working on some projects. I finished a winter hat for John and have now finished a scarf for me. And not just any scarf, this is a 1st year Gryffindor scarf that allows me to show off my Harry Potter love in public. I have a long black coat which easily doubles as wizards robes, so I am not kidding around when I wear this scarf.

I recently wore it to my local library, and I planned my visit for when my favourite librarians were working. They are fun and sassy and are sometimes loud in the library, which makes them even more fun. We always find time to chat while I'm checking out books and they often compliment my coats (which are pretty much all hand me downs, but it still feels good). I walked in and they said:

"So what cool coat do you have today?"

"No new coat, but I made myself this Harry Potter scarf."

"On purpose?"

"Yep" and we all laughed.

I had my normal winter hat on and she said:

"Well I'm glad you have just a regular hat on..."

To which I finished: "Because otherwise I'd just be an adult in a Harry Potter outfit?" Pretty much.

We all had big smiles and then discussed how great it is to be fun and weird and to not have to conform to what "others" might think is cool. It is definitely very freeing.

I''m currently doing a re-read of the Harry Potter series and am halfway through book 7. I have taken to wearing my scarf indoors while I'm reading it (or outdoors while listening to the audiobook). Feels festive and good.

5 Days and Counting

I have been able to go on a walk for the past five days in a row. And not just any walk, a pleasant walk. The temps have been -5°C (23°F) or higher, and the air is nice and doesn't burn your face. I can stand being outdoors for longer than 7 minutes at time - it's amazing. Who knew I would come to treasure and be excited for a -5°C forecast? It's definitely been a crazy winter. Today is supposed to get up to a high of 5°C (41°F) so I can keep this walking trend going. I have really missed enjoying the outdoors.

Also awesome: I wore my running shoes to the grocery store on the weekend. I had to dodge snow and puddles in the parking lot, but it was so worth it and felt so good. I miss walking in runners. I will still have to wear my boots on my walks for a while yet, as the sides of the road are very wet and slushy. All the sun we've been getting has melted the top layer of the massive snowbanks. There's still a good two or three feet left to melt, but it's a start.

Turkey Club Sandwhich #FoodPicFriday

We got some take out from the Kozy Kitchen in Elmvale a little while back. I'm a fan of their turkey dinner, but John really enjoys the club sandwich. He orders it every time we go there so it must be good. We are going to be making our own club sandwhiches this weekend as I have a turkey set to go in the oven tomorrow. We are celebrating the 1st of March and the hope that is now returning to all us wintered-out folks. Spring is coming!

Easy Gingerbread Cookies

These are big, soft, fabulous gingerbread cookies. I realize I don't actually own any cookie cutters, so round cookies are the way that I roll.  This recipe makes about 15 large-ish cookies, which is the perfect number to have around our house. When I make these for a gathering or for gifting at Christmas, I double the recipe.

Recipe is slightly adapted from allrecipes.com.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup margarine, melted
1/2 cup molasses
1/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour

Method:
1. In a large bowl, add the sugar, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking soda. Stir to combine.

2. Add the melted margarine, molasses, milk, and vanilla, stirring to mix.

3. Add flour one cup at a time, stirring well to ensure it is incorporated. Chill completed dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

4. Knead the dough a few times on a well-floured surface. Make into balls and flatten, then place on cookie sheet. My flattened dough balls are about 3 inches across.

5. Bake in 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes. Be sure to check them, as the bottoms can turn on you and brown/burn really fast.

6. Cool on wire rack and ice with your favourite icing. I use a simple icing sugar and water (or milk) mixture that just adds a nice amount of sweet to the top of the cookie. Super yum!