Scenic Winter Fun and a Great Dessert

These 2 things really do go together..

This is the beautiful dessert and treat bowl that I got as a Valentine's Day gift from Sweet Peggy. I was inspired to create a delicious dessert to inaugurate it. I baked an almond pound cake, sliced and layered it in the bowl with almond custard, strawberries, pineapple and toasted almond slices... a "Taste of the Tropics Triffle".

So delicious, it smooshed together as it sat and was actually better the next day and day after that!

Feeling just a tad guilty from such indulgences, we figured it was time to try out our new snow shoes. We first drove east to a new trail system through the woods, but it is SO new, that the small area for parking was not plowed out.... not discouraged, we turned around and went near the airport to an area called French Rapids.... it was perfect.

The Sun was shining, it about 18 degrees was just right for our activity, not crispy cold or warm enough to be sweatin'

The frozen Mississippi behind Peggy, forms pond areas and back-waters. We stayed near the shore and walked the curvy shoreline. Woodpeckers were high overhead tapping and chirping for us in the tall birches and pines.






As we climbed up off the frozen ponds, we found an old fencepost that was perfect for setting our camera and grabbing a cozy photo shot.











This picture does not truly illustrate the length or steepness of this hill.. There was just a little breeze, the views were gorgeous and we liked the traction of the metal cleats under our feet.










I am near the top of the hill, with the ponds of the Mississippi behind me... clear air and just beautiful... the Sun felt warming and I think we got a little burn on our faces... felt good!

Heading away from the river for about 1/4 mile before hooking back up to the trail, we followed 3 big deer, keeping just ahead of us, spinning around to see where we were and then disappearing, as we got to an old back woods road. Their footprints just vanished, that is one of the things we love about the deer.. almost magical behavior.

Getting home and warming up with a cup of coffee, we were amazed by the continuing big blossoms on this plant we keep in the kitchen window.

We've had it a long time, and it has decided, perhaps because of the fertilizer in the water we've given it, and the Sunny window, that it is time to show-off. Peggy carried into our "Sun room" for this. Our other house plants are doing okay, but this one is thriving.

We are almost finished packing, Scooter and Charlie will check into their "Hotel" this evening, and we are about off to Sunny Florida.

Fun in the Sun, no matter where we go, really living and enjoying the Blessings in our life!

Peace!