snow squirrels

Not much wildlife in a city, even a small one. However, we do have entertaining squirrels! Three arrived at the feeder this morning, but when I finally decided to try to capture some with the camera, only two were in the vicinity. Eventually one scampered up to the feeder and the other stayed on the snowy ground picking up the dropped kernels. 

 It didn't matter how much snow was falling, these critters were intent on feeding. This one was so focused, I wondered if it had gone into mini hibernation!

It finally moved.

 After a bit, the one on the ground skittered up and there was a quiet skirmish for the corncob. The first one climbed further into the locust and the other claimed the fairly cleaned off cob. It wasn't quite as graceful, although I give it points for agility!

I'm hoping Jon will take some winter photos for me. I took these through the windows, Jon is more sneaky and patient. However, my February baby is not exactly thrilled with snow and winter when it needs worked in. He needs to take some time to play with the weather and his camera. He always ends up with amazing pictures! 

The gift of food-

This is perhaps one of my favorite Christmas scenes from this year. Jon had a box of crackers when he was at the computer and stuck them on the shelf overhead. Each time I looked at the holy family next to a box of Cheez-Its with a football, I laughed. 

I decided to make tree shaped biscuits for Christmas dinner instead of rolls. I was a bit skeptical cuz they looked more like arrowheads than trees. Thankfully, they were yummy no matter what they resembled! 

After Christmas, I wanted to use the air fryer to make egg rolls. These things are so easy and incredibly messy. I finally discovered the absolute best way to make good circles. I fry one side in a non stick pot and flip it into the large non stick frying pan. (this was the first one, it was not as well shaped as the rest!) 

 When I was done cooking the sugarless crepes, I fried up the coleslaw/chicken/soy sauce mix in the big pan. From there, I wrapped the mix inside the pancake and glued them shut with paper mache paste (thick mix of flour and water).I did coat the outside with butter before folding them up, I think I'll use a more oil based oil next time.

 They aren't as large as the ones I've made before. They needed to fit inside the fryer! They also were not very uniform in circumference.

 Only one 'popped' open a smidge while they were cooking. I think, next time, I'll make the bread part a tad thinner and add the aforementioned oil as a coating. They didn't 'fry' because it used hot air. Nonetheless, it was a successful experiment.

An air fryer is an absolute wonderful kitchen item to have! I am so glad the guys got me one for Christmas and I'm incredibly glad there was a spot in my kitchen that seemed made for it! Jon says it looks like a professional hair dryer, I wonder if I should call it Frenchy? 

(from youtube)

Post Christmas!

 This is a post with a great many pictures. Today is the 11th day of Christmas, so I reckon that I can still share ones from December and the 25th! First is a brilliant sunrise from early in December.

There weren't as many decorations put up this year. I was too tired. Although, it sure made putting them away easier! Above the kitchen window were bright colors and a friendship ball in a mug- I love different things that remind me of others. 

Socks are always fun. Those get opened up while we eat our traditional cinnamon rolls, or even before! (this is a fuzzy green car wash mitt. It reminded me a bit of Muppets!) 

 The box is from mom's house. Steve liked it and I decided to give it to him for Christmas. I  put some beard accessories inside.

 Mittens, with the glowing eyes, is watching Jon build a Lego Bobcat sort of contraption. I don't think it is possible to have a non Lego Christmas! There has been a definite change in Lego through the years. In the 70's, our bricks were just that. Today, Jon's newest box has several items specific to this kit. Tony told me about a store/place where you can buy bits and bobs that have been lost over the years. Brilliant idea!

 Jon and I had researched and determined which of the air fryers out there was the best buy and most accessible on Black Friday. I had hoped the guys had purchased it and was so thankful they did~ I even used it on Christmas Day! Fun, fun, fun! Mine is black, not purple.

 Jon's workplace had them choose numbers and grab a gift with that number on the tag. Oddly, Jon's gift was an incredibly soft camo lap blanket! He had a yellow and black and camo Christmas this year!

 Moses trying to sit in a bit of cardboard from the air fryer!

 Steve brought his mom down for dinner and she got to open her presents.Steve  helped.

 She really liked the calendar made with photos of animals from Alaska and Oregon.

 I had an idea for a Christmas dessert that looked well in theory, but not in the glass dishes! Chocolate angel food cake with an ice cream I'd mixed using the ingredients from the December DQ Blizzard of the month. Candy cane bits, chocolate bits, vanilla ice cream, and a splash of chocolate sauce. With whipped topping.

We also played an interesting game I'd picked up from 'The Moose is Loose'. It was cute, not entirely competitive, but definitely easy and cute.

We are always glad to hear from Tony. Christmas Day night we had him on speaker phone so we could all enjoy talking to him.

Advent calendars are always a big part of Christmas for me. I have one just for the Advent Sundays and a couple for the days leading up to Christmas. I saw this Hot Wheels calendar and suggested Steve pick it up. It had at least 6 or 7 cars and several odd bits that went with them or the scene. They were not very easy to get out, but he used his pocket knife! The most unusual find behind a numbered 'door' was the red character. We aren't exactly sure if it is supposed to be Santa or just a regular elf.

It was a nice low key Christmas. One of the best sorts to have!