Saturday Meanderings
This is the last Saturday in January. Unbelievable. It doesn’t appear that 2024 will be passing slowly. What a gray, wet and gloomy week here in Phoenix. Of course, we always love (and need) the rain, but the sun has been absent for days now. Hope you are enjoying the weekend. Thank you for joining me for another Saturday Meanderings, where we chat about all good things this week.
Barrett-Jackson
On Sunday, we spend the day at the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction. Widely regarded as a barometer of the collector car industry, this auction has evolved over the world’s most sought-after, unique and valuable automobiles that are sold to a global audience ‒ in person and on live national and international television.
Really. It is quite an astounding eventswith cars ranging from futuristic prototypes to antique relics. I had my eye on a Land Rover Woody Electric D90~which is a blend of classic and modern. The wood is inspired by the 1940s woody station wagons with the design staying true to the classic Land Rover shape. I actually thought I could see myself driving this….and then we checked the price. $325,000. Choke. Heart attack. Oh well. A gal can dream.
One SUV even has a Nespresso machine with 2 insulated cups and the pods built into the back seat console…now that’s what I need!
This event runs from January 20-28th and if you haven’t been, you must do it at least once! More information here.
Baby Chicks
We are the new proud parents of 15 baby chickens. With only 5 mature chickens and one duck currently in the hen house, it is time to raise another flock. Due to their size and the cold weather, the little chirpers are in a cage on the breakfast room table, equipped with a heat lamp, food and water.
They are at the eat.sleep.poop stage so the cage needs to be cleaned daily. Our cat, Donovan is VERY interested and we are hoping he gets bored with their presence quickly. The chickens will stay inside until they are about a month old.
It must be feathered friend week because look who is out by the pool on one very rainy afternoon. It’s that time of year where the ducks pick their partners and baby ducklings will soon follow.
Valentine’s Day decorations
It’s is time to get rid of the winter decor by the front door and just adding this bit of pink makes me happy. The sweet blush cable throw is an old purchase from Target, but here is one from Macy’s that is very pretty and on sale for$23.99.
The heart pillow is again from Target (no longer available), but I actually prefer these blush pillows from Amazon, as they are pretty but not seasonal.
A new front door wreath is on its way and once it’s up, I’ll take pictures.
Slowly adding a few heart touches here and there around the house. Do you do any decorating for Valentine’s Day?
Queen of Hungary’s Water
Have you ever heard of Queen of Hungary’s Water? Some say that it was created for the aging Queen Elizabeth of Hungary by an alchemist in the 1300s to restore her youthfulness. According to the legend, it reversed her appearance so much that the 25-year-old grand-duke of Lithuania asked for her hand in marriage when she was 70!
Even though I would like to make my own (12 different herbs steeped in vinegar for 4-6 weeks), I find one from Karen’s Botanicals out of Taylorsville, Georgia.
Here is the description from Karen’s website: It is a wonderful all-purpose, ph balancing cosmetic lotion, which is safe to use for those with sensitive skin. Queen of Hungary’s Water works by restoring the natural acidity to skin, and problems such as dryness, itching, flaking, inflammation, and acne are greatly improved when using this product on a regular basis. Karen’s Queen of Hungary’s Water is based on the ancient recipe from eastern Europe, this vinegar extract is full of summer flower blossoms and herbs harvested at their peak of summer power.
I received my bottle of it this week and I’m looking forward to trying it. Not that I’m looking for a 25 year old suitor, but it would be nice to naturally improve the effects of my aging skin. You can buy this from either Amazon here or Walmart here. Both are priced at $18.90 for this 4 oz. bottle.
Two Classes in February
This week I sent an invitation to a spontaneous Valentine Cookie Decorating class that will occur next Saturday, February 3, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (may end sooner) here at Bella Terra. As of yesterday, I believe I have only one or two spots left. So if you are interested, please reach out to me first to make sure there is still availability at [email protected]
The All Things Lemon class will occur on Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to noon. In this class we will learn how to make Preserved Lemons, Limoncello and a lemon surprise (to be determined). Depending on the weather, we will gather on the outside, covered back terrace so seating is limited. Now is the perfect time of year to use all the freshly picked lemons and learn new recipes together.
Giveaways in February
Since February is the month of love and friendship, I will be conducting a few giveaways as a thank you for all your support. So make sure you check back to see what goodies are in store for you.
What Are You Reading?
Elin Hildebrand
When I read that Elin Hildebrand (known as the Queen of Beach Reads) is retiring from writing in 2024 (according to a statement made in 2021), I decide to read every single one of her 33 books. The setting for most of Elin’s novels is Nantucket. I just finished Summerland, The Identicals, and Barefoot.
My reason for liking most of Elin’s books is that I seek a book that is written well, smart, fun, and engrossing, but not too heavy, too serious or dark. Perhaps it’s my reason to escape all the horrors going on in the real world.
Reader’s Digest has a list of Elin Hildebrand’s books in order which I need to reference and mark as I go.
Nita Prose
Number #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list and a Good Morning America bookclub pick, I so enjoyed The Maid by Nita Prose. As described on Amazon, “A Clue-like, locked-room mystery and a heartwarming journey of the spirit, The Maid explores what it means to be the same as everyone else and yet entirely different—and reveals that all mysteries can be solved through connection to the human heart.”
So when The Mystery Guest: Molly the Maid Book # 2 arrives, it is an easy decision to download this one. From the reviews, “Nita Prose shines with the return of Molly the maid who is one of the most memorable, endearing characters I’ve ever read. From page turning suspense, to laugh-out-loud humor and moments that are deeply heartfelt, The Mystery Guest has it all! This book is a knockout.”
Amy Harmon
My friend, Christine is reading A Girl Called Samson and is thoroughly enjoying it. Downloaded, it is on my list to read. Here is a review, “This is a thought-provoking, deeply moving read in which a patriotic woman, forbidden from serving her country due to her sex, defies all odds to do it anyway. Harmon’s riveting narrative allows Samson’s bravery, both on and off the battlefield, to soar from the pages of long-forgotten history.”
What are you reading? Please share as I know many of you are always looking for great book recommendations.
Have a terrific weekend. We are hoping for blue skies and some sunshine. Whatever you are doing, stay safe and warm!
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It’s been raining heavily for days here in Louisiana, but our crawfish farmers really needed the water, in return we need the crawfish, lol. Awww, cute little baby chicks. We are thinking about raising chickens, but are unsure how our German Shepherds will react. I don’t think our sweet girls realize exactly how big they are. My husband and I recently found out we both have some Scottish ancestry, so I have been reading all books about Scotland’s history. Hope you have a full and fun class!
Crystal, my daughter has a German Shepherd but she has worked hard at training him not to chase the chickens (or worse, catch them). We, too, always need the rain here so we love to see it fall. There is alot of Scottish history and I’m sure you have read (or are reading) all the Diana Galbadon books..some of the longest, most difficult but fabulous reads ever.
I can’t even imagine having an SUV that has a Nespresso machine with insulated cups and pods. Now that is pure luxury! I wish I lived closer so I could come to your classes. They look like so much fun. Those baby chicks are just the sweetest. Jugs.
Kim, there must be a way to retrofit that Nespresso machine in the car, right? So looking forward to seeing you at the end of the month!
So sorry to hear Elin Hildebrand will no longer be writing. I to have read many of her books. I’d say she is one of my favorite writers. They are easy read books
Claudia, Elin made that statement in 2021 so who knows if she will change her mind? They are easy reading books…just my style!
Just read all short stories of Irish author Claire Keegan ! Also Rick Bragg’s The speckled beauty
Share the love that animals bring to us humans , rescue love from your local shelter.
Sharon, thank you for the book recommendations.
Love your posts and suggestions, would definitely be there for the Valentine’s baking if lived closer.
Finished reading, Finished reading Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, A Bakery in Paris, Before we were your’s, and Quiet, enjoyed all for different reasons, and am drawn to books with a lot of texture to them.
Bev, thank you for all the great reading recommendations. I am adding them to my list!
You ARE SO FUN to read…thanks for the smiles!!! franki
Franki, SO happy you are a subscriber and I look forward to all your comments.
I just finished The Mystery Guest. It was a great read!
Wished I lived closer to partake of your classes as they sound quite interesting. Enjoy your weekend!
M, well if you are ever nearby let me know. I am hoping the classes are a start to gathering people together to learn, laugh and make new friendships!