Monday, February 16, 2026

February, Just Because

 Mia sent me a Valentine in the mail.  Haven't received it yet, but I am anxiously waiting.  

Jess and the kids sent me something too.  It will arrive tomorrow, can't wait.

We had a few days of light rain...and we had a foggy day last week - it was so lovely.

The forecast says snow this week....we'll see.

☃☃☃☃

I cooked many meals throughout the week.  Isn't this heart-shaped pasta cute?





If you remember my squash bake, I made a big pan of it.  I usually use green squash, but this time I used yellow, and added a little bacon (I took the fat off the bacon first).  Ingredients: squash, ground beef, bacon, garlic salt, pepper, onions, a little milk to keep it moistened, and a generous amount of cheese sprinkled on top.  Cook at 350 for 50 min. to an hour.



A simple baked chicken with Italian seasoning on top, and chicken tacos the next day.



My brother-in-law visited last week, and he brought me some more of his homemade chili.  It was ever so good.



A blog friend mentioned the crop tops on one of her posts.  I thought she was referring to the tube top (my mistake), which was popular when I was in school.  The tube tops were strapless, shoulderless garments that wrapped around you, covering the chest and back.  These elasticized tubes were popular in the 70's, and seen through the disco era.  I didn't have any crop tops in my closet, but I did find a picture of me wearing the tube top.



We are far off from Spring season here, but I cleaned my cups, and they're all ready to go.



Lent starts this Wednesday.  (The Lent season is the 40-day period leading up to Easter).  I am pleased that my children recognize this time, and my son actually reminded me that Lent starts this week.  Jess wants to make a gratitude journal she can reflect on and write in.  And Nel always acknowledges this time as well.  The color associated with Lent is Purple.





Love this.

And the simple beauty of one of the most precious birds.  I was surprised to see two at my neighbor's house - and for a short moment, three!









I wish you a week of smiles, just because.


 

27 comments:

R's Rue said...

I’d love a seat at your table. I’m awaiting snail mail too. You know how much I love it.

gluten Free A_Z Blog said...

The final photo is adorable and priceless! I love seeing hummingbirds and your got some great shots. That heart shape pasta is a good find and that chili looks delicious. Enjoy your Valentines

☘️ Debby said...

Oh, Sheri that last photo is precious.
Its been rainy down here and I figured you would have some snow. We might take a drive up to MT Shasta today, depending on the chain requirement back up on the 5. I don't want to get caught up in that.
Your cups are,so pretty and all those delicious food pictures. The hummingbird shots were fantastic. We have a lot of hummingbirds, too. I'm so glad we have them year round to enjoy.
Enjoyed your post as always. Have a wonderful week.

Carla from The River said...

Hello,
I love the fog photo Sheri, It is magical.
I also love the heart shaped pasta, how fun!!
We are having a February thaw, but I know winter is far from over.
We are to be in the 50's today, but back to normal winter temperatures later in the week.

photowannabe said...

This is such a delightful post today. I am all smiles, especially that last picture of your sweetie.
I love your springtime cups too. Pretty cups make everything taste better. I'm actually drinking from my old standby Christmas mug today. HaHa
I love the idea of a gratitude journal for Lent. That's the best focus for our minds.
Hope your expected treasures arrive n the mail soon. No mail today though ...
Enjoy the rain, snow or whatever this "storm" is suppose to bring in.
Sue

Hena Tayeb said...

That heart shaped pasta is so cute. Love the throwback picture of you. Our old snow still hasn't melted and we just got a fresh new layer.

acorn hollow said...

I love your lovely cups I have a box of them packed away.
The Fog always makes you think of a mystery novel. Your sweet grands are so sweet
Cathy

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Smile! Great photo!
Tube tops, I remember those. Feels like a hundred years ago. Good memories there. You could use them to make dresses by sewing in a skirt.
May

Ginny Hartzler said...

Oh my goodness, what is this bug on her arm? Such adorable photos of her. And you were an absolute knockout in your tube top. Of course, you are still beautiful. HEY, I just got finished getting my Easter mugs out a few minutes ago!! Great minds think alike. I love the purple wreath. And it is so hard to snap Hummers, they flit about so fast. So wonderful photos of them.

Debbie Nolan said...

Oh Sheri, You have hummingbirds already. Am so glad you shared this picture. Ours will not come until May. So surprising that they come even when it is going to snow. Maybe they travel down to the city to the 74 degree weather when you get your snow. I am sure your adorable family got you something special for Valentine's Day. The squash dish sounds so delicious. I think I need to stop by and help you eat some of that good looking food. Have a great week. Hugs!

Marilyn Miller said...

I love watching hummingbirds. So glad you have some to watch too. Your springtime mugs are so pretty in waiting. Not a huge squash fan, but that squash bake actually looks quite good. And love a foggy day, how pretty!

Chatty Crone said...

I can't wait until you get your gifts in the mail from both the girls.
You had rain - fog - and now snow. You get the four seasons all in one weekend.
I want those heart shaped noodles - where did you find them.
The squash looks great and the chili too.
Believe it or not I used to have tube tops too.
I can see you in that coffee and bookstore.
So, what are you or are you going to give up something for Lent.
Charolette is adorable!
I can't believe you have hummingbirds already.

R's Rue said...

Have a beautiful day. Love you.

Jeanie said...

That last photo. Save it forever and show it at her wedding shower someday! It all looks lovely in your world, and tasty, too! I hope it's a wonderful week for you.

LoveT. said...

I really like the photo of you in the pink top.

Your post today is filled with fantastic pictures, and the little birds are so pretty. The last one is the cutest!

Have a week full of laughter and beautiful moments!

CiNdEe's GaRdEn said...

Hi Sheri,
Lots of yummy food. Raining here and cooler temperature. No snow yet! I had tube top I borrowed from a friend. It came with a cute cover that tied in front. It was my favorite. I may have borrowed the it more then once. 😁 I am glad my friend was understanding. 😁 I had a couple crop tops too.

Shug said...

Love the last photo of this adorable chocolate covered face. so so cute. And so were you in your hot pink tube top...I remember those.. Girl...you are such a great cook...Everything always looks so good and my kind of food. How about those heart pasta pieces..I've not seen them. The color of purple is so pretty and so perfect for Lent. I love this time of giving up as well as giving from the heart. Spring is all around us which tells me we could have a very early Summer as well and a hot one at that. Hope your week is filled with all kinds of fun things Sheri.. Sending big smiles your way.

Veronica Lee said...

Your posts always bring such joy, Sheri.
The heart-shaped pasta made me smile, and that squash bake with the bacon twist sounds so comforting and perfect for those rainy and foggy days.
I love that your children mark Lent in their own thoughtful ways--the gratitude journal idea is especially lovely.
And those hummingbird sightings--what a gift to catch more than one at once! 🌹

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

Oh, my goodness - I loved to see your vintage photo in that tube top. Your hair was so long, and you were just gorgeous - still are!

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

Dear Sheri, as always, your photos are beautiful and heartwarming! Your meals look scrumptious, dear friend! Your photo with the tube top is gorgeous! You look amazing!
I love your mugs! And what a joy to see the hummingbirds!!!
Thank you so much for sharing, God bless you!
Thank you for your prayers on my behalf in relation to my health, I really appreciate it so much!

R's Rue said...

Just your daily good morning greeting. Hugs. xx.

Donna said...

Your grand is adorable! And I love your photo in the Tank top? Tube top? Never could keep up...lol
Have a happy weekend!
hugs
Donna

Louca por porcelana said...

Beautiful photo of you! Adorable Grands too! Your food looks delicious! Such happiness!

Susan said...

Wow, Sheri....That was another totally adorable post. So many parts of it made me smile. Now, I had never seen heart-shaped pasta. Never. Very unique. And the photos were all absolutely darling. Oh wow, the close up of that deer was a true winner! Not to mention Francesca! Love, love, loved this post. Hugs, Susan

The Happy Whisk said...

I love your banner of you make my heart happy, which fits in great with the last photo of this post. Wonderful. Love your tea cups too. And heart-shaped anything makes my heart smile ❤️

R’s Rue said...

Happy Sunday my friend. Stay blessed

handmade by amalia said...

Is there anything sweeter than a valentine from a sweet child? I love your mug collection.
Amalia
xo