A little Spring sun-shine, cookies and Simon

The last week has been a bit of a blur with a new baby joining the family. To say the least I haven't been home most days and don't plan to be around much this coming week, either. It's March break here, too, so Riley is home from school and we can take them all out to lunch.
It's all fun and a time I will cherish.
So, Sunday I stayed put and got caught up on some things around the mouse-house. 
It was a gorgeous day so I couldn't stay in for too long.   I did take a run out to the local nursery just to look around as the greenhouses are filling up fast with spring plants. And, I was looking for a special addition to the mouse-house entrance door-way. It was long past the time to take down my Merry Christmas sign, ya, I know.... :-b, and show off a little spring lovin'. I also had to wander around taking down Christmas wreaths from some of the surrounding trees. Geesh!

Here's my new welcome sign. No words; just lots of sunshine. :)
I hung it just to show you but it will come down until the batons are added to the mouse-house first.We ran out of time late winter to finish the side of the  building.

A sun-flower sun-shine.

It will take us a few weeks to complete the exterior and then maybe by then we'll have blue-prints in our hands for the addition of the house. 

I am so ready for a normal-sized home. 

And so are the cats.

The retired-guy would be happy in a tent.

Meanwhile, I'll try to stay calm. Living through construction is not my 'cup of tea.'
I wish I had a little calming hide-away to crawl into when the need arises.
I guess I could join Audrey if necessary.

                                                  "As if!"

 

               That's white hair you see on the back of her legs. She has quite the bloomers; spots of white from her under-coat.

Simon surfaced again this afternoon. It's a muddy mess at the old pump where he has been hibernating but at least the snow is leaving.

 I have only seen him once since Christmas and I expect he will stay out now. He looked very thin and was scared off  quickly by a grey squirrel. He went right back in his hidey-hole; poor little guy. I left him some peanuts and sun-flower seeds.

Here's a good cookie recipe for my new readers. 
I have posted this before as it is a great tea or coffee cookie. Not too sweet...just right.

         Applesauce Oatmeal Walnut Cookies 

1 3/4 c All purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp powdered cloves
1 c unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 c butter
1 c sugar
1 egg
1 c rolled oats 1 c walnuts (or raisons)
Measure together the first 5 ingredients
Mix together in another bowl the butter, sugar & egg. Cream together.
In another bowl, combine applesauce and soda
Blend into creamed mixture, alternating with dry mixture. Fold in oats and nuts
Spoon onto parchment paper on cookie sheet.
Bakr 18 - 20 minutes at 350 'til golden. 

Enjoy!

We had many red-breasted finch arrive this morning. So cute.

 

hugs, Deb