Memories
Hello and welcome. It’s a snowy day out there! Grab a cuppa and settle into a cozy chair and let’s chat a while.
We are the sum total of our experiences and our memories. I believe that we choose what memories we want to hold close. You know that I am an avid reader. In addition to the books that I have shared with you, I read two magazines, cover to cover, every month as well as a number of blogs and Facebook pages. I think I could probably read every waking hour for the rest of my life, and still not get caught up. Those of you who have heard me complain about Mr. M’s stash of books, are probably rolling your eyes right now. But it brings me to my point; some of my happiest memories are being read to. If you want your children and grandchildren to be readers, read to them. Of course, there are other events that have shaped me, but this is one of the best habits that came from my childhood. I encourage you to take a little quiet time and explore some of the memories of things that make you who you are today.
What are you doing to pass these cold, gray, January days? I am itching to get back into the gardens, but since all good gardens begin with a dream, I will take this time to dream. It is my habit at this time of year to get out the graph paper and begin to diagram how I want the gardens to look. I’m also working on some projects inside my house. There is painting and wallpaper that will need to be done later in the spring, but I have a lot of preparation that needs to be done now.
There is a puzzle on the dining room table, for just such days as this. I have been knitting for the homeless shelter and doing some paper craft projects. All of this is in the hope that it will make the dreary winter days pass faster.
What have you done just for you? I have had the good fortune to have lunch out twice this week. One of my favorite treats! Do something nice for yourself every week, because I’m going to keep asking!
Winter food is the best! I love the smells coming from the kitchen on a cold winter day. I made granola bars this week. These are so simple to make and so friendly for those of us with food allergies. The bananas are all the sweetening they need, so they are healthy too.
Gluten free, Dairy free, Egg free Granola bars
2 bananas
1 1/2 C. Old fashioned oatmeal
Added goodies to your taste: nuts, seeds, raisins, other dried fruit, chocolate chips.
Place the bananas in the food processor and process until smooth. Add the oatmeal and whatever else you would like and fold in or process again. place in 8-inch square pan prepared with cooking spray. Bake 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Cut bars (8) while they are warm but place them in the refrigerator and do not attempt to remove them from the pan until they are thoroughly chilled.
I’m not a big fan of breakfast so one of these is perfect with my morning coffee.
Make it a good week! Thank you for the gift of your time.
Until next time,
Helen
My Quiet Place 