Taking Winter By Storm

Today, as the new snow falls softly outside this morning,

 I am brought back from my reverie, winter has arrived!

Snowfall is expected to be about ten inches today. Bare branches are etched in glittery snow. Daylight hours are very short. The garden fairies have long fluttered away. We love to spend more time at home, settled in, a fire blazing, surrounded by rich warm pillows, heavier curtains, lap blankets and things of comfort that invite nesting. The gray and sweet cocoon of winter nights are drawn snugly around us in our little New England Village.

Sweaters, scarves, garments of warmth and rich texture are pulled from closets, like old friends to keep us warm.

Another cup of coffee, a good movie, thoughts of chores or housekeeping abandoned for the day.... and I'm just fine with that.

...but at this moment, I just want to absorb the peacefulness of a sleeping, purring kitty around me

Estelle's Best Banana Bread

1/2 cup butter

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 cup very ripe banana (3)

1/2 cup sour cream

1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350. Butter a 9" x 3" inch loaf or 4 small ones.Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, beat well. Stir in dry ingredients. Blend well. Add bananas, sour cream and vanilla. Stir well. Pour into pans, bake 1 hour or until toothpick comes out clean.