In my last post, I mentioned how excited I was that we were about to get some snow... now I know many of my readers don't care for snow at all, but you know how much I do LOVE the snow. Last week, the snow began to fall. It hasn't been a whole lot, we perhaps have about 8", but still, it has arrived!
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| We've had very unusual visitors in our home! I've discovered four butterflies fluttering around our home! |
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| I think they may have come in with the wood that we bring in to burn in our woodstove. I also think that all the warm weather we have had may have confused them! |
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| As the snow has fallen, I walk every day, enjoying the beauty around me. |
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| Our little home looks so cozy with its warm blanket of snow! |
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| Our writing group held a belated Christmas party. We had a large windstorm come through on the day we were to have our Christmas party, and it got rescheduled for January. |
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| We had such a good time together, sharing our favorite Christmas stories and playing the Christmas exchange game. |
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| They gifted me with this beautiful mug. It says, "God made rainy days so gardeners could find time to read". I love it! And yes, we still have our Christmas tree up. I will probably start taking things down this week. I have been enjoying the lights so much, though! |
| A dear friend and blogger shared her chia pudding recipe with me. Oh my! Have you tried chia pudding? It is SO good! And full of good things. I can't have much dairy, so a milk alternative works really well for me. Here is the recipe... CHIA SEED PUDDING 1 cup milk (any kind you like) 1/4 cup chia seeds 1 tsp vanilla 1/4 cup cacao powder (or cocoa powder) 2 tbsp sweetener to taste (you can use honey, maple syrup, etc) or 1 dropper Stevia liquid (which is what I used) Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl for 1-2 minutes until well combined. Let sit for about 5 minutes. This lets the chia seeds absorb some of the liquid. Then mix again, cover, and place in the fridge for 1-2 hours or overnight. Serve with your favorite toppings. Our current favorite is a handful of blueberries. |
Coconut Milk is rich in MCTs and lauric acid, which fuels your body and supports brain health. Its natural electrolytes (magnesium, potassium) aid hydration and muscle recovery.
Chia Seeds are loaded with fiber, omega-3s, and plant protein, which help regulate digestion, stabilize blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and support strong bones.
Cacao Powder is high in flavonoids that enhance heart and brain health, improve circulation, and uplift mood through natural serotonin and endorphin support.
Stevia adds sweetness without calories or blood sugar spikes, making this pudding perfect for low-carb or diabetic diets.
We have been learning a lot of wonderful things as we have attended the Cardiac Rehab classes. I love to learn and know more about the body, its functions, and ways we can eat healthier, but still have food taste good. That is really important to us. So, I will probably be sharing more of these recipes in upcoming blog posts, and may even consider writing another cookbook with those recipes in mind as I've made them in my own kitchen.
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| Walking is one of the best forms of exercise you can get! Riley and I walk at least once a day, and if Dan is able, he walks with us. Sometimes, if the skies invite me - I will walk as the sun sets. On this day - the skies were INCREDIBLE! I was so glad I decided to walk! |
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| Did you know how soothing it is to take your mind, filled to the brim with the day's activities, and let it relax under skies like this? Truly incredible! |
Since we are on the subject of walking, let's chat about it for a bit. Do you walk regularly? We know that walking is a powerhouse when it comes to exercise—it boosts heart health, strengthens muscles, improves mood, aids digestion, balances blood sugar, and supports longevity with minimal joint stress.
I started walking every day back in 2017, and it has been a consistent pattern in my life ever since.
Here is a video that I made several years ago when Annie-Girl and Riley and I were on a morning walk. I hope it blesses your heart! Have a blessed and wonderful week!
I began walking with my dogs. They are great motivators and will lovingly remind you when it is time to walk! Annie-Girl was such an incredible walking companion, and I miss her so much. She was our German-Shepherd/husky mix who passed away a couple of years ago. Her enthusiasm for walking was key to keeping me on my walking routine.
I always say that walking is healthy for both my body and soul. The exercise restores my mind, as well as brings health to my body. Walking will strengthen the heart, improve circulation, and regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It is recommended to walk at least 15 minutes after eating a large meal, as it will aid in digestion! I have found this to be very true!
Walking also boosts your energy. After coming home from a walk, I am energized to tackle projects that I have been putting off. Whether you walk at a brisk pace or just leisurely stroll, walking daily contributes to a stronger body, a clearer mind, and a longer, healthier life. Have you experienced the joys of daily walking?
Many of you are long-time readers of my blog and know that walking is like life and breath to me. I know that not everyone has the best area to walk in. But if you have a good neighborhood or place to get out and enjoy, I encourage you to try. It could be the best thing you've ever done for your health :)
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Your photos are just stunning! I love the wide open areas and gorgeous skies.
ReplyDeleteWe've had a bit too much snow but I really do enjoy the beauty of it.
I walk a lot but in this weather it's on the treadmill in the morning and then several time a day doing laps in the basement. I work to get 14000 steps in daily. I'll be happy when I can get back outside.
The snow and icy roads definitely make it more of a challenge in the winter. That is awesome that you get 14K steps in on the treadmill! Now that the days are lengthening, we know it won't be too long before spring arrives! Blessings to you :)
DeleteThat has got to be very tough to have to drive to be able to enjoy an outdoor walk. Walking in the snow and ice definitely is more of a challenge! Spring is not too far away now with the days lengthening!
ReplyDeleteHooray for those 8 inches. Folk around here are hoping for some good snowpak. Walking is so beneficial and I hope to return to that mode of exercise once my Plantar fasciitis is healed. You are fortunate to have safe walks outside your door. That is so nice. Beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteYes, we are grateful for all the snow we are getting, and hope for more! I hope your plantar fasciitis heals up as well. I have not had it, but I know it is very painful! Blessings to you dear friend!
DeleteI enjoyed all of your photos Marilyn. I used to walk a lot at the lake in N. Idaho. Here, not so much. Living in the middle of a big city isn't conducive to walking. Plus we live in a condo now in a very busy area. I'm glad that Dan is feeling up to walking with you sometimes. Prayers continue for him and for you.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and hugs,
Betsy
Your beautiful Winter photos brighten my day!
ReplyDeleteLove your home...it is so pretty in the snow.
You are looking bright and cheerful, I am glad to see you are enjoying
the blessings of each day.
Sending hugs
Your photo of riley on the path looking back with the gorgeous yellow sky is gorgeous! So is your gorgeous pink sky above the snow. I love the photo of your home with the long shadows on the snow in front. Goodness, all this changing weather has even confused the butterflies!
ReplyDeleteMarilyn, I was just telling my vegan daughter (who has her own apt) that I would love to try to find a recipe for Chia pudding and here it is!!! Thanks for including this. May i copy it? I would have to use unsweetened almond milk, I gave up dairy milk 17 years ago, beef in 2014 and pork in 2015. I do not miss it. I use cacao powder, maple syrup or honey in my baking all the time! I use chia seeds in protein smoothies I make as well. I also use ground flaxseed in place of eggs for most of my baking.
ReplyDeleteI love the snow too but here in eastern NY we had it for December and now it's GONE! I would love to get at least 4-6 inches soon so that I can use the snowshoes I bought from a friend.
I walk every day, even in the rain sometimes. The only times I don't walk outdoors if it's been freezing rain or temps are below 15 or above 85 as it aggravates my arthritis in my neck. I do love to walk in the snow though and my fave temps for snow walking is 25-32 degrees. I power walk 4 times a week and leisure walk the other days. I love walkign and have been walking my entire life! I even had to walk every day to school growing up in central NY from k-12. I lived 1.3 miles from my high school. because we lived in the village we didn't qualify for the bus.
I really enjoyed your post.
I lo
I love walking as well. I don't go out for a walk in the winter (lazy) and the days are so short and so much to do along with kids schedules. But once spring comes around I like to listen to my audio back while I walk around our neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteWalking is one of the best exercises we can do. When the weather is good, Danny and I will go to our city park and walk as long as possible. We also have a treadmill in our finished basement, but we much prefer to be outside in nature whenever possible. We would do this in our neighborhood, but the hills aren't friendly to those of us in our 70s. Loved your video, too. Blessings, Marilyn!
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely photos, Marilyn. I do love snow but see it rarely here on the coast. I keep hoping that we will have a week or so of it every winter. Walking is my favourite form of exercise. I love hiking with my husband in the summer and when winter rains ease up a little.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos of the snow - but OH it is so cold. It's freezing here - but no snow yet.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
If I miss a day walking I don’t feel right. Walking restores my spirit! Have a great week, Marilyn.
ReplyDeleteHello Friend, I too love to walk. I walk daily. I love that I have my little dog to go with me.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the recipe. :-)
A belated happy new year to you, Marilyn. Your vistas are awesome, I love that your writing group celebrated together, and you're motivating me to get outside yet once again. Bless you.
ReplyDeleteHi Marilyn... such gorgeous gorgeous skies! You always have those there it seems..... what a Blessing! I always love seeing that you posted as I know there will be beautifiul photos too! How fun to have the writing group to visit with. Thank you so much for the Chia Pudding recipe. I printed it out and am going to try it. I just saw a video on YouTube that drinking chia seeds in water at night, with some lemon and honey, is very good for sleep and everything else! I know they are very healthy in many ways, and I do have some in my cupboard I used to put in my smoothies. Don't know why I forgot about doing that! I'm going to try that pudding today! I love the idea of you sharing other heart healthy recipes too... that would be wonderful. I watched your video and was fun to walk along with you, hear your sweet voice, and witness that unusual and stunning sun with rainbow occurrence. How rare is that? I've never seen one! Now I can say I have! I try to walk almost every day, but definitely not as far as you do! I'm luck to walk a few blocks, but the fresh air always uplifts my spirit, eve if it's a misty and gray day. Even though I live about 20 miles from the actual ocean, I can walk outside in the morning and just smell the ocean! I love that.. and THAT always invigorates me.... I've heard that walking along the beach and waves is so good for the soul.... I will do that more often as the weather improves too. My kitties usually walk along with me which I really enjoy! xoxo Marilyn
ReplyDeleteCute cup from your party. I do like to walk although I haven't been doing as much since it has gotten so cold. Also I have arthritis throughout my body now, my one knee is very bad and the arthritis in my feet is so bad now that it is making my bones turn all kinds of ways, which hurts badly after too long of walks but we do like to get out to the parks we have around us. I love when God blesses us with those lovely sunrises and sunsets :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures as always, Marilyn! You live in such a pretty place. :) So glad you got snow!
ReplyDeleteI love to walk too; wish I could do it more often. We're on the go a lot. I just love God's sunsets! There's only a few places that are nice looking here, so seeing a sunset or sunrise is always a treat. :)
Loved the video, Marilyn! Beautiful sun halo/rainbow!!! And your voice is so calming and peaceful to listen to. Thank you for the post!
God bless,
Valentine
With an invitation like that, how could you say no? Gorgeous! I walk on the treadmill in the winter, unless it's in the 40s, then I'll venture outside. I don't love the treadmill. I try to listen to or watch something interesting or fun, but there's nothing like walking in nature. I agree, it feeds the body and the soul!! Have a wonderful week!!
ReplyDeleteMarilyn, your views are gorgeous. I would never tire at looking at all of that beauty. The skies are so beautiful. Walking is so good for us. I walk our dogs around our property everyday. Happy midweek.
ReplyDeleteI have tried chia seed pudding, Marilyn, and do love it. I’ve been soaking chia seeds, along with oats and ground flax seeds to put in my sourdough starter.
ReplyDeleteYour views are something that I never tire of. I can see why you live walking and basking in all that magnificent beauty!! I’m so happy that all is well at your home.
Hello Marilyn, your photos are absolutely stunning! And you have such a lovely voice and smile (referring to your video). Thank you so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAs I'm sure you know we walk almost every morning! I find it's the perfect way to start my day.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting to have those butterflies in your house!!
I love watching snow fall. It's so peaceful and beautiful too ( also inconvenient, I admit).
Marilyn... another comment.... I made the Chia Seed Pudding. It never did set up very well in the fridge, even overnight. I thought it was a bust at first..... but........... thought I could use it in my smoothies even if a little runny, and then this morning, I had a bright idea, and drizzled some of it over a sliced banana! It was REALLY good that way! So I'm going to be using this recipe over and over again. The chocolate flavor really adds to the taste combined with bananas! Marilyn
ReplyDeleteYour outside photos are just gorgeous, I enjoyed them so much. We don't have snow here, but I did live in Canada for a short while and experienced living in the snow. Like you, I loved it. I can't walk because of health issues, so I do my walking through my walking blogger friends!! They always share great pics.
ReplyDeleteOlá, Marilyn
ReplyDeletePassando por aqui para conhecer o seu blog, lugar encantador. É uma bênção encontrar com os amigos, faz um bem enorme. Estou fazendo pilates duas vezes por semana e preciso voltar as caminhadas, pois é muito importante para a saúde da mente e do corpo. Um forte abraço.
Marilyn...your photos look as if they could be scenes in the Hallmark movies. Absolutely stunning views all around you. I love it!! I can understand how a walk through all of this beauty would be something one would want to do everyday. This walk along with talking to God..wow!!! Thanks for sharing all of this with us.
ReplyDelete"God made rainy days so gardeners could find time to read" ... what lovely words on your mug.
ReplyDeleteYou have shared some beautiful photographs, thank you.
Keep on walking and enjoying your January days.
All the best Jan
OH, I enjoyed the post so much! I am so sorry I am so late in getting to read it and comment. I'm so amazed at the butterflies in your home! That is the neatest thing. Butterflies mean so much to me since Mom died. God has used them to minister to me and remind me of her. Your home surely does look so cozy, warm, and inviting in the snow! I love reading about your walks. You are so faithful! And the chia pudding looks amazing. I just bought a big bad of chia seeds the other day, and then I got kind of spooked on using them from something I read online. I think I will try your recipe, though! Yes! I would love it if you did a recipe book on healthy options! That would be wonderful! I am continuing to pray for you and Dan and believing God to continue to bring you through this deep trial, in Jesus' name. Sending much love to you today, dear friend!
ReplyDelete