etc.

More Florida pictures here, if you can stand it.

An official snow day! I’m surrounded by white and rather enjoying it (especially my fragrant hyacinths).

Working from home means brewing good tea in a sterling silver strainer. Civilized!

Hells bells, it’s been 10 days! A busy 10 days, to be sure, with a conference in there somewhere, 1 presentation, 1 panel, the launch of an exciting programme at work, and some preliminary preparation for 6 upcoming presentations. Whew! Next week is all about dotting Is, crossing Ts, and getting some last minute to-dos off the list before leaving for 9 days in Florida! A vacation/trip in February is a rare treat for us, and with the bitter cold in these parts over the past few weeks, it’s a welcome respite.

I’ve been sitting on this list of household/crafty to-dos for months, it’s time to put them out there to force myself into action. After Florida.

• make window snakes for several windows (like this lovely one).
• caulk the holes in the porch (the holes are invisible but still allow in an alarming amount of moisture).
• hang shelf in kitchen (the mister bought a lovely little shelf from a garage sale about a year ago; it needs a coat of paint and as soon as it gets one, it’s going in the kitchen, where it will hold tins of tea).
• get pictures/stuff on the walls (I’ve been planning this for as long as we’ve lived in this house (31/2 years) but I’ve never quite mustered the courage to tackle the massive (and daunting) expanse(s) of white walls. I think I’m finally ready).
• quilt a couple of throw rugs for the kitchen and bathroom.
• make a lap quilt for use on the couch in the basement.