A Winter Morning and a Bored Woman

Have I mentioned that it's a bad thing when I get bored? Trust me, I get into more trouble when I am bored. Just wait, you'll see what this morning's mayhem was. But first, winter decided we needed more snow. About 3 inches worth...

This picture was taken from the comfort of my own kitchen.

And a little later...

Braving the cold and the snow, I ventured outside to take these pictures.

Oh look, there's my favorite old barn again.

A chickadee and a tufted titmouse visit the bird feeders. Hmm, I think I need to fill them again.

And now, on to the mindless mayhem...

I have often wondered at Sandra Lee's claims that it is super-simple and inexpensive to put together a lavish tablescape. So I decided to put this to the test this morning.

Inexepensive? Well yes, considering I already had all this stuff lying around the house.

Super-simple? No, as it took me an hour to gather everything, replace my regular centerpiece, arrange the live plants, the silk ivy, the ribbon and the ornaments artfully around the table. Then I had to put out the plates (including the totally useless dessert plate) and find the napkin rings for the napkins. Rats! I forgot the name cards. However will my family know where to sit without them?

But, according to Sandra Lee, I am now the smartest thing on the block and I know I will be rewarded with cries of "What in the world did you do to the table?" And, "How are we going to eat there now?" Not to worry, dear family. Your meal is homemade and will be ready to eat - once we can actually find the table.

My daughter Kelley decided to add to my tablescape. After she stopped laughing at her crazy mom, that is. She added votive candles that if lit could set the entire thing on fire.

Kelley then changed the napkins, added salad bowls and the much needed place cards. See, this is Kelley's seat. The crisis has been averted.