Baby, it's cold outside.

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.

~Edith Sitwell

Was I the only one who shuddered when they heard the weatherman say ""with a windchill of 7 below"? It was with those words that I decided today would be a good day to stay home and enjoy the comforts of a fire, football and my new robe and slippers (or snuggi if I decided to actually put clothes on). I am not a winter person, period. I was so impressed yesterday when I heard my sister was at a soccer game in 10 degree weather, until my husband pointed out to me that it was an indoor soccer game. So much for my admiration...Of course weather like this meant a warm, comforting breakfast was in order, after all, this is the last official day of the holiday season. Even though Christmas was over a week ago, we all know that it is the Monday after January 1st that signals the return to reality. No more short work weeks, no more getting to play that imaginary card that allows one to be a slacker for just one more day.

Breakfast ended up being a nice pot of coffee and sausage biscuits and gravy. I used Mary's recipe (see the link to her blog) and added some crushed red pepper flakes to give it just a little kick. Even my mother would have been proud. While we were at the table a male and female cardinal landed on the bird feeder next to our deck. Their colors were brilliant against the drab brown of the woods and they seemed oblivious to the cold. Suddenly the day didn't seem quite so bad. Home is a good place to be.

Tomorrow we go back to our daily routines, we focus on new goals, new problems and are given a new chance to not make the same mistakes. I will be a grandma for the first time this year, hopefully we will know boy or girl by this time tomorrow..

The photo is from one of our trips. Stay warm and think warm thoughts!