An un-sunny day... Outside.. Full out sunshine within.

Well, when the first words from Mama are, ”Order propane. It's $1.49 a gallon, and it's 47° this morning...," I knew it would be a baking/cooking day. I just didn't have all the plans made... First, since she's the only one cold, we switched on a little furnace plus her own personalized electric fireplace... It was a Christmas 2012 gift, well worth its price! Dark day, clouds and mystery, magical recuperation... I've been needing a day such as this!

Then I had my usual morning rituals... Musing, lighting candles, watching Pioneer Woman... And a couple phone conversations with some good friends. I discovered a couple of friends shivered their happy way to a St. Louis Cardinal baseball game. Momentary self-pity, I must admit.

Then... One awful, ......awful lunch of leftovers. Everyone has that now and then, I suppose. So I vowed to wow my mom for a little special supper, just for us two. I made home made bread, using the bread maker through the dough cycle. It is sooo much better than baking the whole way in the machine. I can't explain why, but just try it if you are at all unhappy with your bread machine loaves. After the bread goes through the Dough cycle ( right before the last rising), turn out on lightly floured parchment paper and knead just a few strong times. Pat into a rectangle and roll into a loaf. Lightly score the top with a sharp knife, one long, light gash lengthwise. Spray with olive oil spray. Spray parchment after shaking excess flour into trash and place lightly on top. Cover with thick towel. Set on stove top that is warming to 350°. After about an hour (mine only took 45 minutes, but my stove was already baking cupcakes...) bake on bottom rack with plenty of space at 350° for 30 minutes. Let cool before cutting

Made spaghetti with semi-homemade sauce, and a fruit jar of iced tea with lemon.

And made German chocolate cupcakes... Mom and I like to leave the frosting off... Or maybe a little half 'n half Nutella and creamy Skippy peanut butter.

There. That should teach them to go to a Cardinals game!  Just kidding. I'm very happy they had that opportunity.  I was invited, but there was no way to go without a lot of walking. Just a no-can-do, and that's that! I have lots of opportunity to do fun outings with these dear friends... 

Then a few minutes playing with some of the Paris elements in my dressing/bathroom.

It's getting late, and I'm ready for "cozying in" for a little nighttime television... 

Hugs and Whimsy!