We have entered the deep freeze of winter this past week. I am discouraged by single digit numbers and minus numbers in the wind chill factor but I am also encouraged because, believe it or not, the days are already longer. I come out of meetings or stores at 5:15 or even 5:30 and it is still lightish out. What a joy to know that we are entering into that new season of light.

Update on Jenny Lane

This was a huge week in more ways than one. We have the final major project in the house done. The master bath or as we refer to it, Katie’s bathroom. The efficiency of the folks that provided the counter top is truly amazing. They came in on Monday a week ago and measure (perfectly I might add) for the counter and then delivered in the next Monday which is this past Monday, and my goodness, it fit. The bathroom is gorgeous. Yes, we need some finish work done but it is minor compared to having a working toilet, shower and sink. Cabinets with tons of storage, a beautiful floor and the tile work is beyond beautiful. I just cannot take pictures that really show it off but Katie designed the bathroom and picked out all the tile and counter and floors and she did an amazing job. It is just beautiful.

Walking This Week

I walked on the indoor tread this week. It was miserable weather either with storm or cold. I have now decided that I am too old to push the envelope when it comes to being outside. Exercising outsides is not for the faint of heart. I don’t want to fall so I am not going out when I feel it isn’t safe for me to do so, especially with three dogs who tag along. The dogs are fine, they actually don’t want to be outside either. So, I have worked out a pretty good system on the tread and managed to pick up some serious miles this week. I am trying to do the 70 mile Challenge for The Nature Conservancy and I have a shot at making it despite the weather situation. It has been kind of fun to try and figure out some interesting combinations on the tread. So far so good. If you want to donate to The Nature Conservancy here is the QR Code. Any donation, of any size, is most appreciated.

The Family That Works Together…..

John and I and the three dogs and two cats had a very quiet week at Jenny Lane. Meanwhile, the rest of the gang were together in Dallas at the CCA Global Partners Convention that Katie was running. Both of her children were hired to help with various tasks. Not by Katie, but by one of their partners, who build the convention floor and take care of registrations. Jack has worked this convention for a number of years and now has a number of good friends who he enjoys catching up with. He worked long days but had a ball. This was Libby’s first time and she worked the vendor registration desk. What an incredible experience for them both and how wonderful that they could experience seeing what their mother is involved with at her work. This really brings the “bring your child to work” idea big time. How fun for all of them.

Cooking This Week

One of my favorite comfort foods in the winter was Apple Crisp that my mother always knew when to make. I really was hoping January was over but realize we have another 10 days or so in the longest month of the year. I don’t know why it is but it just is. So tonight I made Apple Crisp. I made up the recipe from what I could remember of my mother making it. We shall see if I remembered well.

The Recipe as I remember it, my brother and sister might not agree:

Apples, even old ones are ok but I used MacIntosh. Peeled and sliced.
Put the slices in a casserole sprinkling with cinnamon sugar and a little bit of lemon juice
To make the topping I took a stick of butter and softened it so I could beat it then added 1/4 cup of white sugar and 3/4 cup of brown sugar beating (I did it by hand) the whole time to make it creamy. Then I added a 1/2 cup of Quick Quaker Oats. Got it all mixed together and then patted it onto the top of the sliced apples. Put it on a baking sheet and put it in the oven at 350. This is what it looks like and to me it looks delicious. You can serve it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream or just as it is.