I need to walk more; today, a good long morning stroll with a friend was very enjoyable. A few days ago, I bundled up, put some grippers on the soles of my boots and headed to the lake for a bit of a ramble and a breath or two of fresh, cold air.



If the sun just happened to be shining, so much the better for taking a few ☀Sunlit Sunday pictures.




There weren't many people around, just some parked cars with those inside looking out on the chilly day as well as several workers clearing up the branches and tree limbs that has fallen during the December ice storm Without a wind, the crisp day was beautiful and bright.



On another sunny note, a big, brown envelope came in the mail , courtesy of Carol from Art and Sand. Carol enjoys creating things and decorates her charming home with vibrant colours; her blue shutters, colourful garden and painted furniture speak to me, as does her husband's artwork that hangs on their walls.

Hearts are throughout Carol's home. When commenting on her post, Home is Where the Heart Is, I mentioned the lovely heart/floral garland that was only partially visible. Soon afterwards, I received an email from Carol saying she had made it with the intention of giving it away and wanted to send it to me. What a surprise! It arrived on Valentine's Day.




Look at the details on each heart. The garland came with the two tiniest clothespins I've ever seen.



I can imagine it hanging in a few different locations, but opted to put the garland in the guest room. The room also houses my laptop and the sewing machine I intend to use more regularly; this string of prettiness can act as some "hearty" inspiration to do so. Thank you, Carol. 

Finally, another bright spot in the week was the arrival of this foster girl, Claire. I'll share some more photos and a little of her story in a day or two, when you'll be able to see her lovely face.

Let's move along to your posts.

My bearded friend and I want to thank you for participating. He's rather wise looking, don't you think? A friend's sister took up woodcarving while living in Saudi Arabia, years ago, and I was the fortunate recipient of one of her pieces. He's a calming influence. The poor fellow doesn't have a name. Brother Something-or-Other, I imagine. Feel free to leave an idea.





As the sun highlighted my cookbooks, I realized that it has been awhile since I've browsed through them to get a new recipe. That book on the far left needs to come off the shelf and and actually get used, along with the manual machine that sits neglected in my cupboard, still waiting for its maiden pasta-making adventure. There are times when I come up with a decent idea, but I can be a bit shaky on the follow through.


☀ Note: 
Do you have any concerns or suggestions for me regarding ☀Sunlit Sunday and your experiences with it?

We're starting the second of 3 months for ☀Sunlit Sunday. Welcome!

My recent drive in the countryside came about after a less than auspicious beginning to Tuesday morning. I was all set to head to the dentist's office, but my car had a different idea. It refused to start after a frigid night. Calling to say I wouldn't be able to make the appointment, I was politely and cheerfully told not to worry about it and that, "You're not the only one."

One jumper cable boost later, and being advised to drive for about 40 minutes to recharge the battery (but better yet to have it replaced), I headed out. It was a beautiful, cold, sunny day, so I opted to take a spin in the countryside.


My wandering took me through a small village and past this old blacksmith shop. It was built in 1854 and is still looking solid and strong with its thick, stone walls in earthy tones of warmth. I carried on driving and, noting that the battery light icon was yellow, decided to head to a garage to show my car a little love and get a new battery installed. It was either that or get a horse and sleigh. There are felines and canines in my neighbourhood, but a member of the equine contingent would attract the attention of bylaw officers, I'm sure.


A day that starts off on a sour note can turn around. Sunny photo opportunities were found, upbeat personalities were discovered and my car was restored to good working order. As Willy Shakespeare wrote, "All's well that ends well." How was your week?

There was some sunshine this week and I liked tracking its route throughout my little house. In the afternoon, the bright rays pour into my living and dining room, just the perfect time for knitting a few rows or reading a good book. (Or contemplating the choices regarding replacements for an old water heater; the new tank arrives this Monday.)



For extra coziness, I can curl up under a soft, flannel rag quilt.

Sunshine came in a different form today. One neighbour cleared the fresh snow on the sidewalk in front of my house, so I popped out to thank him. I grabbed my shovel to do the driveway, and another neighbour came over to plow the base of it, where the city trucks deposit the snow as they clear the roads.

There may be grey cloudy skies overhead, but those two people were rays of sunshine to me.

*Please note that by adding your link you are indicating your willingness to initiate visits to some of the other blogs. Thank you.

Welcome to ☀Sunlit Sunday. Twenty-seven bloggers joined in last week; I hope you had the chance to visit many, or all, of them.

Sometimes, finding the bright side of a situation requires a bit of effort. The sun may be shining in the heavens, but grey clouds can mask the full power of its beams.

Even at midday, there wasn't a strong contrast between light and shadow. Everything appeared a bit more muted than usual.



The local Boys and Girls Club brightens up the lives of many children and has been doing so, as you can see from the sign, for over fifty years.

What "sunlit" find can you share? Everyone is welcome to participate.

(Thank you to those who follow the "My Little Home and Garden" blog and  Facebook page.)

First of all, I want to thank the twenty-two bloggers who participated in ☀Sunlit Sunday last week. I was delighted with the turnout and interested to find that we had (in alphabetical order) Canada, England, Greece, New Zealand, and the United States represented. There are plenty of people willing to celebrate the sunshine found in our current season.
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Secondly, I appreciate the time readers took to visit and comment on the linking blog posts. If anyone who linked last week has any feedback, feel free to share it in the comments or on Facebook.
 



(My plans to be out of town this weekend, as mentioned in yesterday's post, had to be cancelled; therefore, I'll be able to visit you soon.)

Welcome to Season 3 of ☀Sunlit Sunday. This link-up gathering was started in 2011 to help add a little sunshine to what can be, in this part of the world, a rather grey period from January through March.



Let's find those rays of light and share them here. If the sun doesn't cooperate, please remember that that you can contribute other things or ideas that brighten your week.




Whether you're snuggled up in a northern country or sunning yourself in a southern one, everyone is welcome to participate.


I'm looking forward to seeing some familiar participants as well as brand new ones this year.

Over the past eleven weeks, thank you for linking, for commenting on my posts, and for sending messages saying how you've enjoyed this meme.

I hope you'll consider following any of the linking blogs that appeal to you.

I would like to say that I was outside enjoying the beautiful day, but I found myself sorting through the guest room. I really do think that there must be a better place to put my big platter and roasting pan than under the bed.






Once I clear out the kitchen, some space should magically appear for them. Right?




One job leads to another, it seems, but it's nice to have the time to putter and feather my nest. I think the birds are more efficient than I am at completing the task.

The notion of birds nesting obviously brings on thoughts of the upcoming season, which leads me to an announcement about this meme. The final ☀Sunlit Sunday for this year will be March 24th, just a few days after the first day of spring.

I had plenty of things that needed doing at home, but a dose of fresh air to clear out the mental cobwebs and some time with a good friend took precedence. Wisely so, in my opinion.









I'm reminded of the following phrase from Anne of Green Gables: "scope for imagination".
 

I find that, for me, it makes a difference to look for the sunshine in any given week and to share some of it here. It reminds me that wintertime is my friend.

Do I hear some groaning in the background from those in my part of the hemisphere, or perhaps a chuckle from New Zealand and Australian readers who are in the midst of their summer? Work with me! Let's enjoy some pleasures of the season, whether the sun is in the sky or your heart.

Warm woolies, long underwear, mittens, tuques and hoods have a place in my world. Unlike chickadees, not all of us can get along with nothing but a fine display of feathers and a jaunty black cap for warmth.






I belong to a monthly hiking group. While exploring outdoors this week, we spotted rabbit and snowshoe hare tracks, those of a mink . . .