A freezing cold midwest winter day .... - 10:51, Sunday, December 21, 2008

Well praise God, we are mostly over the flu or so I hope & pray!! :)  The weekend has brought us very very cold weather...... near zero with lots of wind...... the kind of cold that when you step outside your breathe is taken away, kwim? Oh my..... this girl from the Pacific NW, just isn't used to these bitter cold midwest winters...... this is our 3rd winter, and I still don't feel I am acclimated to the winters......... maybe someday?  Can't wait for that woodstove to get installed.....it's coming......it's coming.......

Meanwhile, we continue to deal with furnace woes! Can you believe our furnace goes out in the coldest week we have had all year long? I woke up last night to use the restroom and as soon as I stepped out of bed I *knew* the furnace had gone out completely......... sure enough by morning, the house was down to the mid fifties. Dru was able to get it running, but again it's not running at full capacity...... just enough to keep us somewhat warm.....about 62 so I can't complain.....I have some space heaters we have plugged into the parlor and bedrooms and that helps immensely. 

We also are dealing with plumbing woes! I tell you when it rains it pours!  Dru is replumbing our upstairs bathroom as I type........ oh the joys of old homes! You know I love love old homes for their charm and history....... but oh one does need lots of love and TLC when working with one of these old homes. :)

I am crossing my fingers that we can get our plumbing problems under control!

Oh yeah, I am almost forgot -- my husband's truck broke down as well..... like I said when it rains it pours! : )  I am not worried about things -- God is in charge and He is more than able to take care of things.... but oh the timing! Oh well. I guess we'll really appreciate when that stove gets installed and working up a wonderfully warm heat!!

Meanwhile, I stayed home today and enjoyed a quiet day at home........ put on a good pot of lentil & italian sausage soup & made 2 loaves of wheat bread......... we enjoyed some Christmas flicks , including a new one that we absolutely loved: An Avonlea Christmas. We are BIG fans of Avonlea and we absolutely loved this movie!! It was wonderful!

I also made another family favorite & holiday tradition.  My camera is broken so new pictures to share with you all. :(    This is a fabulous recipe, and is wonderful good served with warm sauce & a cup of tea.

                                            Gingerbread & Lemon Sauce

2 cups white flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp ginger

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 cup butter softened

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup molasses

2/3 cup boiling water

1 tsp baking soda

2 well beaten eggs

1. stir together flour, salt, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger. Set aside.

2. Cream butter and sugar together, add molasses and eggs. Set aside

3. In a seperate bowl, pour boiling water over soda. Add other ingredients.

4. Beat well.

5. Pour into a well battered  9x9 pan and bake at 325 for 40 min. or until done.

                                           Lemon Sauce

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 TBS cornstarch  + 1 tsp cornstarch

pinch of salt

1 tsp grated lemon rind

1  1/2 cups water

1 TBS  butter

1/4 cup lemon juice

1. In a med saucepan stir together sugar, cornstarch, salt and lemon rind

2. Gradually add water and stir continually and cook until mix thickens.

3. Cover and cook on low for about 8 min. Stir occasionally.

4. Remove from heat and add butter & lemon juice.

Serve warm 

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Here's hoping each one of you enjoy a warm evening ~ this is a special week as we look forward with anticipation to the day we celebrate our Lord and Savior's birth! I have many things planned for this week and I am committed to not letting these problems with things at home breaking down get "me down" or rob us of the JOY that truly is in Jesus this time of year!

I pray each one of you finds your greatest JOY and strength in our precious Lord ~~~ He truly is worthy of our Praise!

Blessed be His name,

~ gloria ~