A Potpourri of Christmas

Look what opened at my house this morning! I know that we've all seen these beauties in bloom, but when you take an ugly bulb and put it in a little soil...and this appears weeks later...it's so special to each of us. So, please excuse another picture of an amaryllis. I have four more in the basement...so hang on...there will be more coming. Yesterday I visited Mona at http://wsprsweetlyofcottages.blogspot.com/ like I do everyday. She has posted the most unusual Christmas tree. It is so clever (why am I surprised by this creative lady?) that I thought you would like to see it. She has decorated it with china plates and hand painted spoons. Beautiful!! Why don't you take a peak today? Look at her beautiful pictures and listen to the Christmas music....it will put you in the mood for Christmas.
We have had our snow and now the cold weather sets in. I am looking out the window...right now, at the frozen beauty. So is the cat...she is in the same place as yesterday. I have a confession to make...the cat is a metal window decoration. She looked so real in my black and white picture yesterday, that she fooled some of you. Take another look. Sorry I didn't mean to.
I am going to be busy in the kitchen today. I'm making some Christmas breads to give away to friends. Lemon bread, pumpkin bread, and cranberry bread. Do you do this too? What are some of the recipes that you use? Does anyone have a recipe for a sugar free quick bread...that is yummy? My daughter doesn't eat sugar...so I am looking for a recipe. I'll show my lemon bread all decorated on Saturday. Cookie baking starts next week. This year...four different kinds. Thumbprints, cut outs, toffee bars, and peanut butter kisses. Oh, I forgot...Brandy balls. Maybe I can make one kind a day. I always say this and then I get into the swing of things and figure that the kitchen is messed up...just keep going Balisha.
Yesterday was spent doing part of the "Christmas Clean" as I called it years ago. I do a room a day. Top to bottom cleaning. I always start with the rooms that no one sees..computer room, bedrooms etc. I save the living room, and kitchen for last. Yesterday during the snow, I did our bedroom, the dining room, the front hallway. I guess I can forget cleaning today...
The sun is out making shadows on the fresh snow in our yard. I'm going to turn on some Christmas music and get busy...Have a great day!
Balisha