Merry Christmas My Egg Noggin' Bloggin' Friends

Every year I make my Christmas cards. I am sending you my egg noggin' bloggin' friends, an electronic version.

Hope you find time away from the rush 

to enjoy the spirit of Christmas 

and "CHILL."

Single Serving Egg Nog

3/4 cup whole milk

1 egg, well beaten

2 ounces your favorite CHILLed liquor (rum, bourbon, brandy, cognac, kahlua ...)

1 rounded tsp confectioners (powdered) sugar or other sweetener

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Ground nutmeg

In a small bowl beat the egg. Add the milk, liquor, sugar and vanilla. Whisk until well combined. Pour into a CHILLed glass and sprinkle with nutmeg. Then enjoy and CHILL yourself for awhile.

After the rush, I certainly owe some of you a much needed visit. That puppy Mojo is also keeping me busy! I do find myself already longing for the garden and I am certainly planning new beds and plants to try in my head - no visions of sugar plums here! I really can't wait to get back at it. Enjoy your holiday everyone.

Bloom Day: December, 2009

There certainly is not an abundance of blooms around here. The 50 mile an hour winds that brought in Winter blew most away, among a few other things. But inside, cozy and warm, a few have decided to peek through.

A traditional Poinsettia.

An African Violet.

I have four. Two are in bloom, and two are not.

The one above belonged to my husband's grandmother. I spotted it during her funeral "party." I unashamedly asked for it. I had lost my own grandmother's violets during my move to Colorado. This way, I still have a violet from one of our grandmothers. It is special to see it happy and blooming.

But the biggest bloom here in my garden right now is PUPPY LOVE! I am proud to introduce you to Mojo, my newest friend and lucky charm. He has a "taste" for plants, but I am confident he will learn the difference between edible and admirable. He will be a great gardening companion.

Bloom day is hosted (and created by) Carol at May Dreams Gardens.

Let's See A Show of Hands

Now that the weather is turning here in the North Country, the hands are drying up and becoming chapped.

(photo taken from Burt's Bees web site burtsbees.com)

My favorite remedy has always been Burt's Bees A Farmer's Friend Hand Salve. It works especially well in the summer after a long day in the dirt, too. A little gooey going on but after several minutes it absorbs well.

I have also read good reviews about Badger Balms. I think I just have to try their healing balm that is certified organic. I prefer natural products just as I prefer a natural garden.

(photo taken from Badger's web site badgerbalm.com)

Both would make for great stocking stuffers. Let's see a show of hands - what is your favorite remedy?