It is raining outside and chilly, a rather gloomy sort of day but I like it.  It is a day perfect for a log fire in the fireplace, a steamy mug of homemade hot cocoa, friendship tea, or a cup of Starbucks coffee.  My sister Pinky is coming over in a while and we are going to make our way to the local Starbucks for a nice cup of coffee and some knitting. 

It has rained like this for three days.  If it stops, this weekend we…er, my husband…is going to trim our bushes and do the final lawn mowing of the season.  We also plan to put in our winter storm windows and make some homemade root beer. 

I realize that I am long overdue for a post, so I shall share some pics from a day out with my sis. 

My sister Pinky and I went to the Missouri Botonical Garden to see the Glass in the Garden exhibit.  Glass is one of my favorite art forms, and it was a wonderful day to spend outdoors.  A picture is worth a thousand words, so I shall share some instead of prattling on.

Most of the glass was displayed in the Climatron, which is very warm and humid.  Due to this, my camera lens kept fogging up and I did not get very many decent pictures.

I had a better time in the Temperate House.

Then back outside…

I even managed to navigate the above walkway in stiletto heels without a mishap. 

And, being a knitter, I just had to take this one:

There were so many more pictures that I wanted to take, but my camera batteries died too quickly.  I plan to go back again when the leaves are in their full fall glory and hopefully get some autum color pictures.

Knitting content coming later.  I finished a shawl, and will photograph it after it is finished blocking.

My husband and I took a long weekend trip to the Ozarks to visit Branson, MO.  The drive there was absolutely gorgeous with a clear blue sky and fluffy white clouds.  We sat in the car holding hands like two newlyweds and anticipating the things we would see and do over the weekend.  

We arrived Thursday afternoon, relaxed at our hotel, ate barbeque for dinner, and then met a young friend who is attending College of the Ozarks, where we spent the evening playing games and sipping Starbucks. 

On Friday, we slept in and relaxed in our hotel before going to an early lunch followed by some shopping at two of the three outlet malls.  I really like Liz Claiborne bags, and my husband was very generous and let me have not just one, but two new handbags!  I also found a great faux wrap sweater on sale at the Gap Outlet. 

After shopping we enjoyed a nice seafood dinner before seeing a show and returning to our hotel.

Saturday was a very busy day.  We went to Silver Dollar City for the Festival of American Music and Crafts with my in-laws and niece.  I saw some very well done corn husk dolls, and bought a kit to make one.  It looked like a fun project to try on some cold rainy day.  During lunch we saw a cowboy doing a demonstration with longhorn steers which was very interesting to watch. 

We also enjoyed browsing the many shops, eating the homestyle food, fresh baked goods, and riding rides. 

Another thing we enjoyed was watching the musicians and craftsmen.  Inside the pottery shop, I watched one of the potters working at the wheel.  I could not resist picking up another mug as a souvenir.  (I have several, but I like that they are each unique.)  We also met Violet Hensley, a woman who is about to turn 90 and has been making violins since she was 15.  She is currently being filmed for an NBC special.  My husband had the opportunity to play the violin along with her.  He also took the opportunity to play and sing with the Homestead Pickers, Silver Dollar City’s resident musicians who play, sing, tell stories and jokes.  His father was so pleased. 

We had a terrific time and arrived back at our hotel very tired.  On Sunday, we enjoyed another gorgeous day driving back home.  No matter how great the trip is, it always feels good to be home.

We made it home safely from our long weekend, and I will post details and pictures later this evening. 

Until then…

My husband has been begging me for two weeks to share my recipe for “Galactic Cowgirl Coffee,” so share it I shall.  There really is no coffee in the drink, and name was given by a college friend of mine (she thought it was catchy) to a homemade hot cocoa drink with a peppermint stick added as a holiday treat.  So I shall share my recipe for my mom’s homemade hot cocoa mix with peppermint (optional), a.k.a. Galactic Cowgirl Coffee.

Hot Cocoa Mix