I woke to a frost-covered world this morning, white and glittering. My breath rose in ethereal puffs when I pulled on Bear’s flannel jacket and hustled outside to let the ducks out for their morning feed. My nose and fingers were numb by the time I was done, and I was so glad to get back in the house and huddle under a blanket with a hot cup of coffee.

By mid-morning the frost was gone, melted away by brilliant sunshine, and I happily strode through the golden fields with the goats, laughing at them leap over puddles and streams from our recent storms to gorge themselves on a particularly leafy clump of bushes.

sunny fields

Although it’s might cold in the mornings and evenings, I love this time of year. The world has shifted and the rich sunshine streams right through my kitchen window, flooding everything with light and warmth.

raisin buns

Afternoon is my favorite time to cozy up inside, keeping an ear open for squawks or bleats that tell me an animal is making a ruckus and needs attention. I brew apple maple tea and indulge in reading, writing, dreaming, and planning.

After being very sick for most of the past year, it is lovely to emerge from my cocoon with the strength and energy to follow through on some of the things I’ve only been able to dream about:

Like start an Etsy shop to sell some of the wood-burned items I make. It’s not finished yet – I’ve only just put it up today and have more items to add – but I’m too excited to wait so click here if you’d like a sneak peek.

wood burnt spoons

And write a book. That’s too secret to talk about just yet, but I’m in the process of writing it and hope to have it ready within the next couple of months. I promise to tell you all about it just as soon as I can. xo

You’ll also see a few changes around this space soon. Good, happy, inspiring ones to reflect the good changes in my life and heart. I can’t wait to share them with you.

In the meantime I will share these Spiced Raisin Buns with you. I make the dough in the bread machine so they’re easy as can be. I wish you could pop over for a visit this afternoon. We’d pull our chairs into the puddle of sunshine aglow in the kitchen, butter these beauties and talk for hours or just close our eyes and snooze in the sunlight. I’d love that.

spiced raisin buns

How about you? Do you have any lovely plans simmering away in your heart and imagination? I’d love to hear about them.

Cheering you on always. xo

Bread Machine Spiced Raisin Buns

Ingredients:

1.5 cups water
1.5 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 cups whole grain flour
1.5 cups white flour
1/2 tsp each of ground cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom
2 Tbsp milk powder
1.5 tsp sea salt
1.5 Tbsp raw sugar
2 tsp yeast
1 cup raisins or currants or cranberries

Directions:

  1. Pour water and oil into bread pan.
  2. Add flours, spices, and milk powder.
  3. Make slight well in center of flour mixture, add sugar and top with yeast.
  4. Lock bread pan in machine, close lid, select Dough setting and Start.
  5. At first beep add dried fruit.
  6. When second timer goes, remove dough from machine and place on floured surface.
  7. Preheat oven to 375 F (200 C)
  8. Knead dough well several times then divide into 12 pieces.
  9. Shape each piece into a ball and place until nearly touching on baking sheet covered with baking paper.
  10. Cover and let stand in warm place for 30 minutes or until dough has doubled in size.
  11. Uncover and bake for 20 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
  12. Brush with butter or drizzle with glaze. Serve warm or at room temperature with lots of good butter.