leder legends

  I received an unusual plant for Christmas. T was 2 inches tall and had two stems. 4 weeks later, it is about 12 inches tall and has produced 3 beautiful flowers on each stem.  The best part is that I have not had. To do anything to it except put it in a sunny spot.   I never knew that waterless amaryllis was “a thing”! Apparently the bulbs are coated in wax which maintains the moisture inside the bulb...enough water for it to bloom !  Amazing! It is a one-time wonder though! I have to toss it when it’s done blooming. Some people have posted on you tube that the wax can be removed ... I’m going to try it of course! 

I burn the ornamental grasses in the winter! Easy clean up! Besides it satisfies my inner pyromania! Start Finish  

  It’s cold outside AND inside! We sleep with the windows open even when it is VERY cold outside! This morning our bedroom was a balmy (brrrr!) 48 degrees F.   That’s a first for us! The temperature outside was 10 degrees!  We sleep well under a down-filled comforter!  Cozy! U

  Traditions are long-standing activities perhaps of a nation, a culture, a family etc. They are meaningful and shape our lives.  Our family has been shaped by many and various traditions that have been passed on by our families and friends in different countries.  We were born in The Netherlands, raised in Canada, lived Latin America and have been friends with people from many places.  So many traditions seem to revolve around food! So who are we when we eat oliebolen and kroketen, on New Year’s Eve and arroz con gandules and pernil con Christmas Eve, and a rosca de Reyes on Epiphany? Ham at Easter? Hot dogs, corn on the cob and watermelon on the 4th?   https://www.amsterdamtourist.info/eating-drinking/famous-dutch-food/

  A  quiet evening.  A few friends came over around 8:00 so I had lots of time to get ready!   The house was ready too! Plenty of food and drink. Olie bolen were made in the garage! Ready to toast the new year!