Lehman's Country Life

With everyone getting snow, I feel guilty. It’s warm and sunny here in Colorado – 68 yesterday. Our time will come, though, of that I’m sure. We do get some real blizzards now and then, too, but it’s been a few years since we’ve had a serious one. That was when my kids were little… well, bear with me while I reminisce for a few moments?

We lived in an old farmhouse that we heated with wood. We also had a wood cookstove and were pretty much prepared to handle power outages and weather related problems.

I remember that it was one of those Colorado afternoons that promised snow, but since the weather had been pleasant, we weren’t expecting anything much. It started snowing late that afternoon. The kids filled both wood boxes, and we fed the animals and made them cozy for the night. By the time we finished outside, it was beginning to snow sideways as the wind became stronger. We had to protect our eyes and faces to walk against it.
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By Melinda Hill

As the holiday season approaches I often need to stop and remind myself that the focus of the holidays doesn’t center around the preparations and the details but on the fellowship with family and friends as we celebrate the spirit of the season. As we gather to give thanks for our blessings, please keep in mind those who are less fortunate, those who are pending job loss, those who have lost loved ones, those who can’t be with us and then, put the rest of life in perspective. For all the joys we cherish, there are sorrows that burden us, and if nothing else, we just need to be mindful of those around us who are struggling during this time and offer a helping hand. 
    As you plan gatherings, remember to include foods for those who are trying to avoid putting on a few extra pounds through the holidays. Again, from our friends in Extension at the University of Kentucky, Janet Tietyen has the following tips for us to use.

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For my mother and me, it’s become a pre-Christmas tradition to make natural evergreen swags, both for our own doors and to give as gifts. It’s fun, aromatic, easy on the pocketbook (if you don’t believe me, check the prices for live greenery arrangements at your local florist) and the results are absolutely stunning. If you happen to have holly bushes and pine trees on your property, simply cut several fresh branches/sprigs when you’re ready to start (or ask your friends and neighbors if you can visit their yards). If your family buys or cuts a live Christmas tree, you can use the stray branches you cut off the bottom to make the tree fit in your stand.
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In our busy lives today we try to fit so many things into each day; tending family, keeping a home, working. It is no wonder Time has become another factor to consider in our lives. So where do we start to have fun with the holidays, use our time well and not be expensive?

I always seem to start in my kitchen.  Simple baked items can be very decorative and lots of fun!  I have always depended on a basic Sugar Cookie Dough – it can be easily made at home or affordably purchased ready-made at the market.  Turn a group of youngsters (or just the young at heart) loose with sprinkles and frosting and you are bound to get some fun results.
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When you decorate for the holidays this year, why not adorn your backyard with some edible treats your feathered friends (the wild birds) will love? You’ve seen those expensive edible wreaths covered with seed in catalogs and wished you could have some for your yard. Why not make one if you have chilly winter weather? They’re simpler than you think. The Seed Pine Cone Wreath works in any weather – up to 85 degrees. And there’s always a Bagel Wreath!
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