| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Jun 18 2014 : 04:20:18 AM
“Oh, what a beautiful moooorning! Oh, what a beautiful day!”
I, my friends, am a morning person. I wake up cheery, perky, singing, chatty… I don’t care whether it’s raining or shining or snowing or blowing… It’s a brand new day! Carpe Diem!!! Unfortunately, I’m not surrounded by morning people. My guys, no matter how late they get to sleep in, are grumpy and slow moving, and gruffly fumble their way around until heading out the door to work. <Sigh> It’s enough to suck the joy right out of a girl! I just keep a song in my heart, though. Once they’ve gone on their less than merry way, the day is all mine. Why waste a good start to all that grumbling and bumbling?
My MOST favorite way to start the day is when we’re on long trips and driving from the wee hours into day break. There is just nothing like dawn… especially when it’s being ringed in by U2’s album, “Wide Awake in America.” Pretty much any song will do! ;) Ah… The sunrise, the open road, the mountains, the farmlands… Tell me again… Why do I live in the city???
Unfortunately, that’s not the way every day begins, but mornings still hold that special something for me. A nice, hot cup of coffee or tea, a slice of hot multi-grain toast slathered with homemade jam, The Good Book and some time in prayer and reflection are the perfect start most days. Life really is good. Sometimes we just have to make happy-morning-wake-up-moments like this happen, that’s all.
On the weekend, especially if I know it’s going to be a busy one, I try to get up earlier than the guys to make some homemade goodness in the oven such as my famous blueberry or pumpkin muffins, so that the irresistible aroma will waft its way up the stairs and tickle those grumpy noses that are still snuggling and hiding under the sheets. Somehow, that always seems to beckon the boys to wake unto a better frame of mind! They’ll come downstairs saying “OooooOOoooo! Muffins!” and suddenly they’re smiling… and miraculously the dishes even make it into the dishwasher all on their very own! LOL!
Some weekends my son and his buddies have big sleepovers. They like to play tactical airsoft gaming, so the night before they’re congregate here, playing Risk or video games and watching movies late into the night (or, should I say, early into the morning). The next day I’ll get up early, maneuvering my way through this stinky bunch of snoring boys strewn all over the first floor furniture and in sleeping bags on the floor. Seeing them like this makes me laugh – they’re so funny with their mouths agape and drooling, arms flipped every which way over their heads, their bodies twisted into pretzels. How in the world do they sleep like that?! ANYHOW... I like to make them a huge, hearty breakfast: a smorgasbord of pancakes or waffles with topped with real butter and real maple syrup (most of them have never had that before breakfast at Miss Nini’s – can you believe it?!) and toppings as far as the eye can see. They love it, and devour everything with such gusto that I affectionately refer to them as “the locust.” As a consolation to the cook, they all make sure they leave me a single pancake on a plate along with a few morsels to adorn its top. They’re good boys. I’m exhausted when all is said and done, but it’s quite satisfying to see all the happy faces and receive all the appreciative hugs and kisses on my cheek. This past week, two of his friends made a point of telling me they miss me, but I know it’s really my pancake breakfasts they miss… And crazy me, I actually miss their loud, raucous laughter and stinky feet. ‘Guess it’s time to pull out the griddle!
And if we go to Mass on Sundays (vs. Saturday afternoon or evening, which works much better for me), we love having breakfast with my son’s godmother afterward. It’s just such a lovely time, a special time – just the four of us laughing, catching up, discussing current events… Sometimes we go to a favorite restaurant; other times we just come back to the house for “coffee and…” It doesn’t really matter where we go or what the fare… it’s just about family and the fellowship… and the love.
So, this morning, I’m sitting here, content and grateful with my coffee. My dog is lying peacefully at my feet, all cool and comfy in front of the fan, dreaming of chasing butterflies. She lets out a deep sigh of satisfaction. Gently rubbing her graying ears, cheek and muzzle, I look up and notice the sun peering through the rain clouds. Its light has split into a rainbow on the wall as the sunlight passes through the crystal cut glass on the front door. Its vibrant, cheerful color makes me think of all of you, and I wonder:
How do you all like to start your day?
‘Sure wish we could enjoy a cheery morning moment together in person! Ah, well... Since we can’t, here’s my favorite blueberry muffin recipe for you to enjoy with your loved ones:
Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins
½ c. softened butter
1 c. sugar
3 eggs
2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
½ c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
3 c. fresh or frozen blueberries lightly dusted with flour
Additional sugar for topping
Oven to 375 degrees.
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until well blended.
Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Add to mixture alternately with milk. Add vanilla. Fold in blueberries.
Grease muffin tins or line with paper baking cups. Make sure you grease the top of the tin, too, to prevent muffin tops from sticking.
Using an ice cream scoop, fill batter high into each cup. Sprinkle generously with sugar.
Bake for 25 - 30 minutes.
Makes 1 dozen.
If you make them, think of me, okay? And smile knowing that YOU make ME smile, too!
May all your mornings be glorious!
Hugs –
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| 8 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| nndairy |
Posted - Jun 24 2014 : 08:13:51 AM
Good Morning Ladies (even thought it's almost 11 now). I too enjoy the morning, but mine isn't quite so poetic. I put the water on to boil as I'm getting dressed and take a cup of tea out with me to start the morning milking. Even though I have to keep working there is just something truly wonderful about watching the sun come up and hearing the birds wake up. It is so peaceful first thing in the morning - especially since the flies are still sleeping too! There aren't many cow tails smacking me in the morning unlike during the evening milking. Some mornings it's tough to get up and going. I might even be a bit on the grumpy side. But, once I'm out the door... It's just like Peggy said - I can't help but rejoice in the beauty of creation and the Creator!
Thanks for the beautiful pictures Peggy! And thanks for the recipe Nini. You have a wonderful way of writing. Have you ever thought of writing a book? I would love to read it!!!
Heather
Farmgirl Sister #4701
http://nndairy.blogspot.com/
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| LadyInRed |
Posted - Jun 18 2014 : 11:29:22 AM
Hi Nini...I love how you write...I was right there with you...turning up my nose at the stinky feet and snoring
boys...as we climbed over them to get into your kitchen!!! *giggle*
I love Mornings and Late Nights too. I know most people are usually one or the other but I have always loved the Joys
of both. Since I retired I never get up early enough to see the sunrise like when I worked...but I climb out of bed
embracing the day...hours before my hubby gets up. He gets up slowly and I can barely talked to him until he totally
wakes up. I usually start my day by getting dressed and taking my dog out for a twenty minute walk...which I love because
it is fun to watch the Neighborhood wake up too. I always have my cell phone with me...so, I take time to take pictures
of flowers, wood, metal...what ever catches my attention that day. I will post a couple here. Then I come back home and
make my hubby and me a Smoothie. That is our breakfast every day. And then after that I get on my laptop...many times go
out on my Porch sit in my favorite Red Wooden Rocking Chair and connect with my Farmgirl sisters, FB friends and family and friends here, there and every where. I love to sit out on The Porch with my Scotty Terrier and a good cup of coffee or
tea and just breathe in the day as I connect with people, God and myself. I also love to sit out there for my quiet time
with The Lord and to pray. But on cold or really rainy days...I sit at my dining room table and do the same things.
Right now I have K-Love Christian Radio playing in the background on my laptop as I type to you ladies. So, I am being
spiritually uplifted even as I chat with friends. I can't think of a better way to start the day.
The dog went back to sleep and hubby still isn't up yet...but I have had an amazing start to my Morning and It is good
to Be Alive!!!
Let us Rejoice in The Beauty of Creation and The Creator!!! And anticipate The Awe and Wonder of Each and Every Day!!!
  
Love and Hugs,
Peggy
Farmgirl #1326
http://ladyinredsite.blogspot.com
Life is too short to knit with ugly yarn!
Leave Your Cares Behind...Join Us On The Porch
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| danyel |
Posted - Jun 18 2014 : 08:09:00 AM
Love your start to the day Nini. How lucky those young men are to have had time in your home and from the sounds of it in your kitchen. I have actually heard the birds chirping that last couple of weeks as I went to opening a bedroom window at night. I am not a fan of air conditioning, makes me ache. And I agree that the day goes so much better for me when it is started with some time alone with my best friend. As for the blueberry muffins, I will need to try your recipe, blueberry muffins are my daughters favorite. I did not have a real good recipe. I will let you of the taste test.
I still work outside the home, so my mornings are varied, my days off are my favorites. I enjoy a cup of tea with my toast and peanut butter with my own canned jam on top ( favorite for me is strawberry rhubarb) Time on a bible study, prayer and then off to tackle everything that has become undone since my last day off. And I get some computer time, to check on Mary Jane farms, that is a great break.
Enjoy your morning.
Danyel
farmgirl sister 4202 |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Jun 18 2014 : 07:40:26 AM
Good morning, girls! Thank you for sharing!
I do like to sit on the back deck with my coffee and watch the birds some mornings. Our birds here in town are probably over friendly, but I just love them. Some of them will even congregate on the railing and "talk" with me until I throw them some crumbs of bread! The other day, I saw a baby cardinal and a baby blue jay in the mix! SO neat! Although we live in the city, we live so close to the woods and the farmland that we get all sorts of beautiful birds out here. And guess what? THEY'RE "morning people," too! LOL!
Have a wonderful day!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| kysheeplady |
Posted - Jun 18 2014 : 06:09:21 AM
Good morning Nini!
I am right there with you, I wake up early sit on the porch with a nice cup of coffee and watch the sheep grazing in the pasture. Of course this is only on my days off, which as of late has been to few.
I love to wake up before the sun is up and watch it awaken the yard and everthing around it. How it dries up the dew drops on the leaves and grass, it's beautiful rays peaking through the trees.
I could go on and on ... but, I must get to my garden and get to the weeds.
Thank you for such a wonderful "wake up call".
All the late risers don't know what they are missing ...ENJOY your day.
Teri
"There are black sheep in every flock"
www.whitesheepfarm.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/whitesheepprimitive |
| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Jun 18 2014 : 05:47:11 AM
Nini, I am a morning person too, although not as early as you !! Lol!! I love a cup of coffee on the back porch with the birds singing and the day all fresh and new!
Winnie #3109 |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Jun 18 2014 : 04:45:23 AM
Good Morning, Linda!
Yay! I hope you like them! Enjoy!
I think I'd be out on that balcony right with you! What a lovely start to your day!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| prayin granny |
Posted - Jun 18 2014 : 04:30:36 AM
Well Nini I have saved this recipe and hope to make some too!!
Early mornings are my favorite!
Love to sip coffee on my balcony if weather is nice!
Hugs to your day!
Linda
http://grannysbirds.blogspot.com/
Country at Heart
'For I know the plans I have for you......'
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