It was extremely cold here in west-central Minnesota last night and throughout today. I decided to stay home from church, because I just didn't think it was worth venturing out that early in the morning. Maybe there was a little selfishness in my decision too. Appreciated the extra hour in bed. I did catch the Catholic mass later on TV, and although I'm not well-versed in it, I appreciated the sermon (homily?) and the music from a small choir in the St Cloud area. It made my day feel a little fuller, as I usually feel I'm missing something in the week when I don't attend.
Along with my bottomless cup of coffee throughout a cold day, I wanted to make something good to go along with it. I decided on cinnamon rolls. I'm out of raisins, so tried a mixture of dried apricots from the freezer and cherries. I mixed in a little bit of ground cloves with the cinnamon, and I think it was a good result.
It was so chilly in the house this morning, so both raises were very slow.
For the glaze, I used powdered sugar, juice from the cherries, and a bit of vanilla. It was worth the wait, and will be good heated up again tomorrow morning.
Yesterday, one of my friends who visit often, stopped by and had a good snack of Scotch pine. I didn't have the heart to shoo him away (I'm pretty sure this is a male by the wider shape of the head), and I need to trim this tree up anyway soon. I get whacked in the face every time I try mowing past this tree. At least he hasn't touched the bark.
A few of the geraniums I overwinter in the house are budding and blooming. This is my favorite red one. It is a true red, not orange-red or burgundy, although I like them all.
This blue jay was a part of the entertainment this afternoon as he pecked out the raisins and citron out of a stale chunk of the Christmas cake. The squirrels will have the rest.
Have a good week, and stay warm.
Phil
