I've often heard children say, "There's nothing to do today". I beg to differ. I'd like to inspire you to do something. Anything. Read. Bake. Hike. Fish. Plant. Sail. Climb. Play. Reach. Move. Laugh. Dream; and take time to sit with me on The Old Granite Step.

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Happy New Year

Happy New Year from The Old Granite Step!

Auld Lang Syne 
Robert Burns, 1759 - 1796
 
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
     And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
     And auld lang syne!

     Chorus: 
     For auld lang syne, my dear,
     For auld lang syne.
     We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
     For auld lang syne.

And surely ye’ll be your pint stowp!
     And surely I’ll be mine!
And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
     For auld lang syne.

We twa hae run about the braes,
     And pou’d the gowans fine;
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit,
     Sin’ auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl’d in the burn,
     Frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
     Sin’ auld lang syne.
     
And there’s a hand, my trusty fere!
     And gie’s a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll tak a right gude-willie waught,
     For auld lang syne.

   

Saturday, December 27, 2014

A Christmas walk at the shore; Sachuest Point, Rhode Island


We took the same walk on last Christmas Day; the snowy owl was here.  He left several weeks ago this year, perhaps due to the impending warm weather.  Snowy owl or not, there is a lot to see here and with the temperature just shy of 60 degrees, it was a wonderful afternoon for a Christmas walk.  Located in Middletown, Rhode Island, Sachuest Point is a National Wildlife Refuge.  There is no charge to enter the park.
Make sure you check the hours if you'd like to go into the Visitor Center.

There's a lot to learn here!

We were here in the late afternoon and the changes in the light were beautiful.

Solar panels sit behind the visitor center.  A nice sustainable touch.

A pine tree rests on the waters edge.

The rain on Christmas Eve day left it's mark on the trail. 

The deer were grazing quietly while keeping an eye on us at the same time.











Many others took advantage of the gorgeous weather.

A very scenic spot to fish.



The light was quickly changing.



Sakonnet Point Lighthouse can be seen in the distance.

As dusk came upon us it cooled off a bit.





The moon became visible.  Serene.













Two visitors on the observation deck.



Looking back towards Middletown and Newport.

We couldn't have asked for a better sunset.

Take a walk this Christmas weekend; the fresh air feels great!










Wednesday, December 24, 2014

1965....It was an Easy Bake Oven Christmas!


That's me in the red dress and yes; that's my Easy Bake Oven.  We used to celebrate Christmas Eve with my maternal grandparents and all of the aunts, uncles and cousins.  It was the age when everyone dressed up for the holidays; little girls wore velvet and little boys wore ties!  It brings back many wonderful memories.....

As for that Easy Bake Oven box, it was part of the family long after the actual oven was gone.  It held Christmas ornaments for many, many years!

The Old Granite Step wishes you and yours a very 
Merry Christmas!

Monday, December 22, 2014

The Winter Solstice


Solstice

noun
1.  Astronomy.

  1. either of the two times a year when the sun is at its greatest distance from the celestial equator: about June 21, when the sun reaches its northernmost point on the celestial sphere, or about December 22, when it reaches its southernmost point.

  2. either of the two points in the ecliptic farthest from the equator.
2.  a furthest or culminating point; a turning point.

This photo was taken on a wintery December day about fifty years ago, in a small Connecticut shoreline town.  The solstice causes me to reflect on the buildings in the photo which are all, unfortunately, gone now.  The peace emitted by this lone image is strong.  We can only imagine the stillness that inspired the photographer to snap the photo.  So at this time of the Winter Solstice, take a moment to enjoy the tranquility of a winter's night that will only be a memory tomorrow.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

A Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe from my Mom

This is a good old-fashioned, tried and true sugar cookie recipe.  It's a great project for the kids on a snowy (or even rainy) afternoon.  You're never too old to make cookies! 

Saturday, December 6, 2014

A view of the Quabbin Resevoir

Several weeks ago, before the snow started to fly, we took a short hike through the Federation of Womens Clubs State Forest so that we could enjoy the view of the Quabbin Resevoir.  From this vantage point, the view is absolutely stunning. 

Thursday, December 4, 2014

A vintage portrait; decorating the Christmas tree in 1965



Having looked everywhere locally this past weekend for replacement bulbs for our Christmas tree, I long for the good old-fashioned bulbs.  LED bulbs aren't the same as far as I'm concerned!  Do children still make paper chains in school?  And of course the tinsel in 1965 was a lead hazard.  Surely there must be a wonderful substitute.  In any event, it is a wonderful memory!



Saturday, November 29, 2014

Making apple cider on a snowy afternoon!


Several months ago, when the leaves were rustling on the trees and the breeze was still warm, we bought a cider press.  It was something we had talked about purchasing for a while so when the opportunity arose, we did it. 

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Homemade cranberry sauce; it's very easy to make!


I've heard people complain about making cranberry sauce.  It's runny or it never jelled.  If you follow the simple recipe on the back of the cranberry bag, it's actually very easy!
It doesn't matter what brand you use. 

Rinse.

Pick off any stems.

Bring sugar and water to a boil.

The sugar will dissolve and the mixture will look like water.

I love the different sizes and colors.

Once the water starts to boil, carefully add the cranberries.

Stir occasionally and boil for 10 minutes.  You'll see the cranberries start to split.

Wait for the mixture to return to a boil, then start your 10 minute timer.  Do not over cook.

The cranberries have begun to turn to jelly.

Pour into a bowl and let cool at room temperature.  Cover and refrigerate.  That's it. 

Done!  Time to watch the snow.

Use cranberry sauce on your Black Friday turkey sandwich. Enjoy!

Author's note:  Ten minutes after everyone was done with dinner I realized that I forgot to put the cranberry sauce on the table!  Guess what we'll be having with dinner tonight?!