Downy Woodpecker visits.

Today was bright and sunny, but terribly cold.  It still didn't stop this adorable Downy Woodpecker from feeding from the suet cake even in the 7*F cold this afternoon.  We're into a deep freeze right now but hope to see warmer temps later this week.  Tonite is another cold one dropping to around 9 below once again.
Note to my viewers:  If you click on the picture, it will make it larger.

Here's one view of the lovely bird showing his red head.

 

Another view.

 

This is a side view.

 

And this one shows his markings best.  Its nice to see him visiting once again.  It made for a sweet Valentine's Day for me.

For the rest of my friends, this is for you....

 

 

 

 

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY FROM ME TO YOU!

Covering My Bird Feeder.

I have a flat tray feeder which gets covered in snow and wet with rain as the weather changes.  I always have to clean out the old stuff and add new seeds because of this.
A few years back I covered my hummer feeders with inverted plastic plant pot trays to keep off the rain which diluted the sugar-water as it filled the little holes.  They worked fine so that light-bulb moment happened again.
I hurried out to buy a pot tray to try.

By putting a tiny hole in the top center, I slipped it over the hanging hook.  This is the largest one I could find at the store and I think it will work pretty well.

 

It keeps the snow and rain from covering this tray now.  The little red peanut butter jar cap in the feeder I fill with bird gravel and grit (from the pet store) so they have something to use to 'chew' their food.  When the ground is covered with snow, they can't find grit easily which they need for 'chewing' at meal times. 

 

And I got a surprise myself last night. 

One view of the vase of flowers I got from my kids for Valentine's Day.

 

Another view to see more of the pretty flowers included.  I have to admit they were a complete surprise.  I'm thrilled and the smile on my face goes from ear to ear.  Thank you kids.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

We're having a bit of snow today.  So far I measured 4 plus inches with more falling.  My little corgi is enjoying running around in the fluffy white stuff.

The trees look like they are frosted.

 

The flower bed is coated and the Monarda from fall are looking like blossoms of white snow on their tall stems.

 

The bird feeders are covered once again with snow.  I have been out there once brushing off the snow for the birds, but I see they are covered again.

 

My little darling, my corgi Penny, is loving every minute of it.  As long as she can dash thru the snow she loves it.  With her double coat she isn't bothered by the cold or the snow.  The snow just sits on top of her fur so she's safe in snow.  Her only problem is getting lost in it when it gets too deep because she has such short legs.  That's why her buddy, my son's Golden Retriever Daisy, is such a great pal.  She always breaks trail for my gal and the two blonds enjoy their ventures outdoors together.

Today is a nice day to stay inside so I made homemade pizza and sent some upstairs to share.  We all love homemade pizza.

Yesterday I went to my friend's house to show her how to use her Johnny Apple Peeler which she ordered.  She loves making her own applesauce and this kitchen gadget makes short work of the process.

I hope you are all safe and secure during this snow.

Oven Cooked Hard Boiled Eggs

Funny calling these hard-boiled when they are actually baked.

Preheat your oven at 350-degrees F.
Place an egg in each round of a muffin tin.  You can make one or a dozen as you need.

You don't have to grease them or use cake liners, just set them in the muffin round.

Bake at 350*F for 30 mins.

Plunge the muffin tin under cold running water to cool down the eggs.

Then I lifted the eggs when they weren't as hot and put them in a bowl under the cold running water to continue cooling down the eggs.  It was easier for me to handle by transferring them.

Sorry the photo isn't clearer.  These centers are beautifully hard-cooked but the glare of the overhead lights spoiled my shot.  Anyway, they are perfectly cooked on the inside.  No more wondering if you've boiled them enough in the water on the stove. 

If you have the time, this is a good way to get perfect hard-boiled eggs, by baking them.

Enjoy!

I Love my Johnny Apple Peeler by Victorio

I bought this apple peeler mainly to peel potatoes.

I like to see how things work which makes it easier for me to handle them.  This is one of the videos on youtube which was clear as to its usage.

I have trouble with my thumbs these days so peeling anything, especially potatoes in the numbers I need them for mashed potatoes and for potato pancakes, has been a trial.

I bought this apple peeler because I knew it could be used for potatoes as well.

I highly recommend this for peeling.  Its made this chore much easier and faster for me.

I found that lopping off the small narrower ends of the potatoes to fit on the prongs evenly, works best.  Also taking your time and turning the handle slowly so the cutter can do its thing without bouncing about.

This is a kitchen gadget I plan to use often.

Have a Good Day!

Yikes! We got 8" of Snow!

I really wasn't expecting this.  When I checked my weather site last Friday, there was no snow in site, just some rain.  Well, we got the rain but after one day of sunshine, we were hit yesterday with 8" of the white stuff.
My little dog had to lunge thru the snow to go out for a minute.  Luckily her big golden retriever cousin broke trail for her last nite for their evening outdoors visit. 

This morning I refilled the feeders and had to bring in the bird waterer to dump the frozen ice cakes and refill with warm water. 

Now I have to go out and fill one of the troughs with some grit/gravel so the birds can 'eat' their seeds.   The poor things have a difficult time here in Maine during the winters. 

I watched a cooking show, The Kitchen, yesterday and they showed other uses for the good old waffle iron.  I was amazed but then thought about it and wondered why it wasn't thought about sooner. 
How about using those leftover mashed potatoes.  Mix in a beaten egg, or maybe some sour cream and a few chives or green onions and drop four ice cream scoops into the quadrants to cook.  Looked tasty and was from the smiles on the guests' faces.
Then there are the womelettes.  Just mix up your favorite omelet mixture and pour onto the waffle iron. 
Have a nice apple hanging around?  Slice it about a quarter inch thick or more into rounds, sprinkle on some cinnamon, put 4 rounds on the waffler iron and cook.  Mmmmm,  another tasty treat.
And those packaged cinnamon rolls.  Place one on each of the 4 quadrants, lower the top and cook.  Put the topping in a small dish, add a bit of milk and powdered sugar and stir then place on the heating waffle iron lid to warm.  When the rolls are done, top with the warmed topping.  Mmmmmm another good one.
If one thinks of it, there are probably many other things one can make on their waffle iron so it doesn't just sit on the shelf waiting to make only waffles.  It can become a very useful kitchen tool these days.
                                      Have a Nice Day!

 

Its mighty cold here in Maine.

We're starting off the month with cold days.  This week our daytime temps will be in the teens but it'll warm up a bit the end of the week just before the snow is expected.
Good thing all my favorite TV shows return this month.  It makes having to stay home and indoors a much happier place.
I received my apple peeler which I will try for the first time when I buy some russet potatoes this week.  I'll post my results then. 
I'm sure it'll be nice having that chore so much easier and faster.

Nothing exciting happening here in cold country.  The dogs go out quickly for their nature calls and come right back indoors.  They aren't in any hurry to spend time outdoors. 

I keep the feeders full for the birds since the seeds freeze during the night and they need fresh warm seed they can eat.

I made a big pot of turkey rice soup with the last of my turkey yesterday.  I love hot soups in the winter and this was very good.  Shared with my family.  I also made homemade hamburg/pepperoni pizza which went down well.  Today I have to return books to the library and run a local errand or two. 
I hope everyone is snug in their homes and finding some way to enjoy their short days of winter.