Friday, February 28, 2014

February 2014

Normally, I love February.  After all, it's the month we celebrate LOVE, CHOCOLATE and MY BIRTHDAY.  However I have to admit, I'm ready to move on.  For being a short month, February has seemed way too long!!

After reminiscing and looking through a few photos, I realize it was also a month full of fun and warm moments.

Here were some of the highlights.

The month was full of snow, ice and cold.   This did give the opportunity for some photography practice.













I felt so sorry for these little guys but they seemed content with the food and the company.









Wonderful Husband's family is of Czech descent and enjoy a card game they call "Hank."  It involves an amended deck where certain cards are removed.  My mom could never remember it's name and when we planned to have a party, would always referred to it as the Bohemian Card Party.  :)  We hosted one of those Bohemian Card Parties the second weekend in February. 





Thoughtful Mother-In-Law took me out to brunch at Erin's Coffee Shop on my birthday.  Erin's is located in Winfield, Missouri and our breakfast was just delightful!  I had the most wonderful open-faced egg sandwich with Hollandaise sauce!!  I forgot to take a picture but here is the cover from their Facebook page.

Cover Photo



The next day, several of us joined other retired teachers across Missouri and traveled to Jefferson City.  Our purpose was to inform our legislators about issues and concerns regarding Missouri public education and our retirement.  We also enjoyed meeting and sharing with many others from around the state.  Our group's membership numbers over 22,000 and over 700 made it this year to the annual event.








Isn't our Missouri State Capital beautiful?



Valentine's Day was another cold day but we ventured out to try a new restaurant in downtown Troy, Sami's On Main.  Wonderful Hubby had lamb shank and I had prime ribThey were both great.  We went home and shared some chocolate cream puffs that I made.  These actually turned out wonderful and were relatively easy to make!  What a nice surprise!!

 
 
 
 
Here are several photos of some of my tables and dinners this month.
 
 
 
 
 

 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beef Bourguignon
 
 
 
 
 
Chocolate Truffle Cookies
 
 
 
 
 
The last weekend of the month, we enjoyed a slight reprieve from the winter weather while attending the Chocolate Wine Trail in the Hermann area.  Temperatures that weekend were in the 50's and 60's.  Here are a few photos from the event.  If you want to see the whole post, you can click here.









February was a pretty good month.  Even with all the wintry weather, we were able to make a lot of warm memories. 

Now it's time for March.  The weatherman says it may come in like a lion with 4-8 inches of snow, some sleet and freezing rain and temperatures near zero but hopefully we can expect it to end like a gentle spring lamb.




Thanks for stopping by! 





 
Linking to:  Seasonal Sunday

9 comments:

FABBY'S LIVING said...

OMG!...such amazing Winter photography, you are so talented and I just love it! I know that all the photos, my bloggy friends share of the hard Winter is difficult to endure, but I miss it so much cause I'm from NY and for many, many years I haven't been in a Winter season in my home town...wish I was for a couple of weeks, that's it! Your tablescapes are gorgeous with the beautiful Winter dishes. Cards are fun specially indoors in the cold season. You two are a lovely couple and you are very pretty and happy belated birthday!!!
Thank you for your sweet and kind wishes on my anniversary.
Hugs,
FABBY

Tammy Setzer Denton said...

Loved your winter wonderland photos, especially the ones of the buds encased in ice. The closeups of the birds are pretty amazing as well. I love your dining efforts. I'm going to have to put more energy into my table settings now that I have someone to dine with. ;) For the last several years, it's been an accomplishment to just sit at the table! Loved the napkin rings. I also like the Bohemian card game reference. I think Bohemian sounds so much more exotic than Czech. Keep writing and posting because I'll keep reading!

Rosemary and Thyme said...

Wow, those poor birdies. I can see them shivering... Your photos are spectacular and your table settings are lovely. Thanks for visiting my blog.

Janet

The Tablescaper said...

You have been busy! The bird shots are exquisite, as is your state capital but in an entirely different way.

Great to have you at Seasonal Sundays.

- Alma, The Tablescaper

deb @ frugal little bungalow said...

What a fun post with so much variety. Love your snow shots and then what a nice view from the table by the window! :) Though it looks warmer by the fireplace !! :)

Unknown said...

I had to come see your mantel--it's gorgeous! I really liked the window you had for Valentine's Day--wish I could find one like that. I also loved your tablescapes! :)

The Charm of Home said...

Happy belated birthday! The birdies look a little cold in the photos. Your Beef Burgundy looks delicious!
Sherry

My Garden Diaries said...

How in the world did I miss this post !!!! Your photos first of all are stunning!!!! Wow did you just capture the most beautiful nature shots! And that card game sounds like a hoot! Being a former teacher it is always fantastic when you band together for a common cause and yes your capital building is stunning!!! Though I think your tables are stunning!!! You have such a knack for setting not only a beautiful table but you set a mood!! Your February though cold looks pretty warm and lovely to me! Here is to march friend!!!! Happy weekend to you!! Nicole xoxo

Sharlotte said...

Wow, you indeed have had a busy, busy month! I too am glad that it's March and we're hoping for warmer weather. I loved looking at this post: the photography was gorgeous - just love those little birds! And your tables, so pretty! Happy, happy birthday this past month!