Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Snowbound!

Guess what it’s been doing all day?

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The photo above is a view out our back door to the barn in the distance and the next one is to the outbuilding where the Christmas decorations still remain.

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Now wouldn’t it have been easier to bring them in when when I suggested instead of waiting until there was 6” of snow on the ground with more to come?  Men!

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I wasn’t brave enough to venture outside so the above photo was taken from inside our summer kitchen looking out the window in a north-easterly direction towards the other two barns.  Looks like Mr. PQ will be doing some shovelling tonight.

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So rather than go out to dinner as we had planned…because today is my birthday…we hunkered down indoors close to the fire…

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and I baked a cake!

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My friend Ter’e who lives in Florida (no blog) sent me the recipe which I’ve been dying to make. 

What a mistake!

This is the most decadent pound cake that you’ll ever taste and if I’m going to put on five pounds eating it, then you all are too because here’s the recipe.  I dare you to try it!  *wink*

♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

Cream Cheese Pound Cake

1-1/2 C butter, softened at room temperature

1-8oz package cream cheese, softened at room temperature

3 C sugar

6 large eggs

3 C all purpose flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 tbsp vanilla

♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

Beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy.  Do not overbeat.

Gradually add sugar, beating well after each addition.

Add eggs one at a time, beating until combined.

Add vanilla.

Sift 3 C flour and salt together.  Gradually add to the butter mixture, beating at a low speed just until blended after each addition.

Pour batter into a greased and floured 10” bundt pan and smooth the top of the batter to even it out.

Bake at 300F for 1 hour and 40 minutes or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes.  Remove from pan and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.

Simply divine…especially with a hot cup of tea.

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December’s First Friday Freebie is done and I dropped off my postage stamp quilt at Donna’s yesterday to be machine quilted so here’s what I’ll be starting tonight after dinner…

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A pair of heavy socks to keep Mr. PQ’s feet warm while he tramps through the snow to fetch the Christmas decorations!  Hee!

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Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends.

knametag2

95 comments:

  1. Oh dear, how are the girls? Are they staying warm? :o) It's going to be near 60* and sunny tomorrow in Ohio! Happy Birthday. Enjoy your cake and thank you for sharing.

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  2. Happy Birthday! That pound cake looks sooo good! Hope the snow doesn't become too big of an inconvenience. It sure is pretty to look at if I don't have to be driving in it. :)

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  3. Happy Birthday! I pray your day and new year are blessed beyond measure!

    The cake looks delish. If I didn't live by myself I would be making that right now. You always post the best recipes :-)

    Blessings,
    Darlene

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  4. Wow what beautiful pictures. They would make gorgeous post cards. And you cake looks so delicious!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Enjoy your day :-)

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  5. Happy Birthday! And thanks for the receipe. I may have to make it for desert tomorrow!

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  6. Yeah that will teach him to listen to you!!! Happy Happy Birthday my friend 21 again!?!?!? I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw all your snow...please feel free to keep it over there I don't want any until Christmas Day. Linda xxxx

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  7. Hope you had a great birthday. You shouldn't have had to bake yourself a cake...but...pound cake is the way to go! It is definitely my favorite, but I never make it because I could easily eat the whole thing. YUM! Good luck with those decorations - we will see if mine come out on Friday!

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  8. Happy Birthday.
    I LOVE the look of your snow (even more than the cake) - as long as it stays white and crisp and even.
    Have a wonderful day - Enjoy :)

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  9. Happy, happy birthday dear friend may the year ahead be brighter, healthier and happier than the last. Now you really have confirmed something for me... men are the same throughout the world! They do thing when THEY want to and have the ability to give 'the' look that tells you so, but you know, you gotta love 'em ; ))
    Hope your day was just as you wanted it.
    huge hugs - Miche'le xx

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  10. Well, Congratulations, Happy Birthday and if it has to snow I can't think of a nicer person to receive it. Hope your DH has some of those heavy socks for the shoveling.
    Your blog is always so uplifting even when it is snowing. Lovely pictures of the barns. Cheers to you and being warm by the fire.
    Be always in stitches.

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  11. Happy birthday kaaren!!!!!! (Mine is on Sunday....we are nice people, aren´t we???? 8-))
    Enjoy the cake...it looks yummy!
    Let´s hope Mr PQ gets those decorations soon!!

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  12. To wish you a very Happy Birthday, stay in doors and enjoy that cake, yum! hugs from the other side of the pond!

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  13. Well if you have to bake your own birthday cake, it should be decadent!! Hope you're staying cozy and warm. Happy Birthday.

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  14. I'm going to enjoy YOUR snowfall because it's our first year retired in Florida and the air conditioner is on. What a show for your birthday!!

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  15. We had snow today too! And the crazy thing is that tomorrow it's supposed to be sunny and in the forties. It's true what they say about weather in the Adirondacks... if you don't like it wait a minute! That pound cake sounds so decadent... a good dessert for Sunday dinner. Thanks for sharing.

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  16. I love your snow pictures, we won't have any for a while yet. It looks so pretty, the downside is the cold and work that goes along with it! Happy Birthday, enjoy your day! I have to try the cake, it sounds sooooo good!

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  17. Wishing I could share a cup of tea (and maybe some of that cake) with you this afternoon by the fire Kaaren! Hope your birthday is peaceful and relaxing.

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  18. Happy Birthday Kaaren,

    We didn't get any snow this time, but east of us their school buses didn't run today. I guess we are just too close to the lake, but I'm sure our turn will come. The socks sound like a great idea. The cake looks delicious.

    Have a great day.
    Dianne

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  19. You got a bit of snow, I see, we have rain.
    A very Happy Birthday to you!

    Debbie

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  20. Do you have any idea how much you packed into that little post? :-)
    Oh my.......snow (I'm so envious)! Hope Mr PQ has a sled for hauling those decorations - lol. Yup, men!! Thanks for the recipe.....we love pound cake but I'm afraid the wool socks would never be worn here. I put socks on 7 times last winter. Can't wait to see your next FFF.
    Have a wonderful birthday.....

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  21. Best wishes for your Birthday!! Enjoy your cake!
    Have you been tempted to tell Mr PQ 'I told you so' ?

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  22. Happy Birthday Kaaren... love the snow photo's just gorgeous... compared the the red dirt that surrounds me here in Aussie xxx

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  23. Your photos look so idyllic. I suppose living in the snow must be wearing but it looks so romantic to me speaking as I do from hot and dry Australia. Although we have had about 50mm through the night so now we are not experiencing our driest November since 1914 anymore. Our tanks are full and the gardens will be rejoicing. Having some rain makes one feel upbeat and alive. Love your blog.

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  24. Hola Kaaren!!
    un gran abrazo en el día de tu cumpleaños.
    FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS!!!!
    Cake, exquisito.
    Nevado se ve precioso y acompañado del calor de la chimenea, genial.
    Abrazos
    Lily

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  25. Happy Birthday! Your yard is beautiful with the snow. I live in Texas and we hardly ever have a really good one. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

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  26. Happy Birthday! Stay inside, enjoy your birthday cake and keep warm. ;-> Toni Anne

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  27. First Happy Birthday! Second, sorry about all that snow! Third, thank you and no thank you for the pound cake recipe. I am making one tonight. Thank You for the warm Thanksgiving wishes as well. Always enjoy your posts.

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  28. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I am sure you weren't planning on snow for your special day! And I agree, he should have brought the decorations in when you suggested. MEN!! LOL Thank you for the warning on that cake. I'll be sure to pass on this recipe. ;-)

    I hope you enjoy the rest of your day!! Big hugs!!

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  29. I am a new Follower to your blog! What beautiful pictures, it is hard to imagine it is snowing while we are enjoying Spring! Happy Birthday and can I ask, do you sell your pincushions? Kind regards, Ann ~ Australia

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  30. You are such a 'good wife'
    to knit your man wonderful sox
    just so he'll have warm feet
    while trudging out to retrieve those
    Christmas decorations. :*)
    I'm still tee-heeing ! ! !
    hugs
    Gerry

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  31. Happy Birthday Kaaren!! It is my birthday, too. I will have to make that cake sometime soon, but today I am making pies for Thanksgiving. We have snow on the ground, but nothing falling again until Friday--I hope. Luckily my Christmas decorations are just in the basement. I had just hoped to get some lights up outside before the snow came, but that didn't happen.
    I hope you will show your PS quilt when you get it back.
    Happy Thanksgiving to you!

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  32. Happy Birthday Kaaren !! Enjoy the cake, snow and snuggles... Positive energy coming your way... and thanks for the great recipe !
    *
    {Hugs}
    Karen

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  33. It is so pretty! Inside looking out is a good place to be. Happy Happy birthday!!!

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  34. Oh boy, that's a lot of snow in one day. Most certainly a day to cuddle up near the fire. Although not your original plans for your birthday, I hope you have a wonderful day! I may just take you up on that dare! The cake looks delicious. Blessings to you!

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  35. How amazing those photos are! We live in Australia and get no snow so I am constantly facinated by the picture pretty photos of bloggers living where snow falls. I guess it has it's pitfalls and is a lot of work but it looks lovely!xxBrenda

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  36. Happy Birthday Kaaren. You did say the snow was coming. It looks so pretty from the comfort of the fireside. Think I'll try your recipe sometime. I'll save it to my recipe book for now. Mr PQ is going to have to brave the snow to get those decorations sometime soon...poor guy :-)

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  37. It's beginning to look at lot like ...the C word! :o) Beautiful pictures! I can't imagine anything better than to be snowbound on one's birthday with a decadent cake! ENJOY!!!

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  38. Happy birthday Kaaren! Here's wishing you many more birthdays. I hope you have a wonderful day.

    *hugs*

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  39. Happy Birthday Dear Kaaren!

    What a wonderful suprise to enjoy on your special day. Your cake sounds delightful.

    My mom makes a similar one that is lovely and moist, but hers has some mixed fruits in it. I think it is a drained can of cocktail mix.

    Enjoy your evening with the fire, your home looks delightful.

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  40. Happy Birthday Kaaren! Keep warm and enjoy your special day.

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  41. Happy Birthday, Kaaren. Your pound cake looks sooo delicious. My son's birthday is Dec. 5, so instead of the Angel Food Cake with whipped cream icing he usually gets, I'm going to try your recipe. I don't see how anyone could resist it. Love the snow pictures. It's been cold enough to snow here on the west coast, but as usual, just rain, very heavy rain and wind. I don't mind. As they say, "At least we don't have to shovel it."

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  42. Very Happy Birthday & happy Thanksgiving.
    Men just don't think the same way we women do, but what would we do without them.
    We're sweltering in 30C heat down under, the snow looks wonderful.
    lyn.robyn.smith@gmail.com

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  43. Happy Birthday! Agreed with your comment about the Christmas decorations! The pound cake looks beautiful....enjoy! Looking forward to a week from Friday!!

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  44. Have a wonderful Birthday, Kaaren!! Your cake looks yummy! thanks for the recipe! Looking very cold in your corner of the world...but very beautiful!! Do I dare tell you what the temperature was here? No? Didn't think you'd want to know!! haha
    Take care!
    Paulettexo

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  45. Happy Birthday, Kaaren! May this year be your best ever!

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  46. Well, it was 71 here in Colorado today. We do know that the snow is coming. What a lovely site to see fresh fallen snow, so peaceful and quiet. Happy birthday. That cakes looks really good.

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  47. Happy Birthday Kaaren have a good one:) The fire looks very inviting and who would want to go out in the snow when you've got that mouth-watering cake:)) Your Barn looks wonderful in the snow, so picturesque!

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  48. Happy Birthday! I'm sure the snow is inconvenient but the pictures are beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

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  49. Happy birthday! And what a picturesque winter wonderland you live in!
    I'm going to try that cake! Thanks for the recipe!

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  50. Happy birthday, Kaaren!! I hope it is a wonderful day, though you are snowed in, and may you be blessed with many more to come. Cake looks yummy!
    Gerda in Alberta

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  51. Happy happy Birthday. May this be a year of many blessings for you and Mr PQ in your lovely home.

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  52. That is a beautiful looking and sounding cake. Definitely a special occasions one I think. Wishing you a very happy birthday.
    Love your snow pics. But those decs - so near but so far. lol.

    Take care.xx

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  53. Oh no...you did get the snow. Sorry those decorations didn't get inside before it hit.

    Happy birthday to you!!! Your cake sounds delicious. I can't wait to try it.

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  54. Well look e there....you did get snow and I bet he is wishing he would have brought those bins in! Happy Birthday...enjoy the snow and the fire tonight. Happy Thanksgiving...I know..its our celebration tomorrow...do you still celebrate it? or already have?

    Michelle

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  55. Happy Birthday to you,
    Happy Birthday to you!
    Happy Birthday dear Kaaren,
    Happy Birthday to you!!!!

    Gosh I'm sorry you got so much snow on your birthday, lol! Maybe we could look at it as the icing on the cake....which looks delish, by the way! It's my hubby's birthday tomorrow, he gets a huge turkey dinner with his cake. *G* Try to stay warm, hon!! That fire looks so cozy!

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  56. Happy, Happy Birthday! I'm always late to the party but my wishes are sincere. The fireplace looks so inviting...hope you curled up in front of it to enjoy the cake! Are the socks all done by now?
    Cheers!

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  57. Happy Birthday!! That cake looks way too tempting!

    I hope you have had a wonderful evening, all cozy and warm indoors.

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  58. HAQPPY BIRTHDAY! enjoy being SNOWED in !!

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  59. Oh my goodness! You ended up with snow and on your Birthday!! Isn't just like the weather LOL!!!!
    That pound cake cooks wonderful and easy peasy too!! Love the wool for the socks, I love making socks too, in fact where I work all the girls knit socks especially on night duty, it's quite a tradition no matter the time of year!!
    Hope you had a wonderful Birthday Kaaren, snuggly in front of the fire with your best guy, dog and cat, what more could a girl ask for!!!!!

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  60. Happy Birthday. Cake looks wonderful glad you have the snow and not me. Love your site and am looking forward to FFF.

    Sandy in Indiana

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  61. Happy birthday, happy thanksgiving and happy knitting.
    May this new year bring you good health and I am going to give that cake a go

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  62. Happy, happy birthday!!!
    What a great birthday surprise - snow! :)
    Hope your Thanksgiving is wonderful!

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  63. Happy Birthday. Yep it would always be easier if they (husbands) would just do what we ask when we ask, or at least with in a half hour! It would save them so much grief :)

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  64. Happy Birthday Kaaren! Look at all that snow! Enjoy your cake and I hope you get those Christmas decos soon.....

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  65. Happy, Happy Birthday!

    I envy your snowfall - sigh! :-)

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  66. Très bon anniversaire et bonne fête de thanksgiving

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  67. I want to wish you Happy Birthday!
    I can´t believe you have so much snow already, but I must admit it looks beautiful and it is a good thing that you have a nice, warm, cozy fireplace to spent your time inside.
    KATRIN W.

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  68. Happy birthday to You!!
    Happy Thanksgiving to all!

    Karin på Ösäter

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  69. I was thinking of you and commented on you last post about the storm, but I should have waited 5 minutes!! Happy Birthday! A snowstorm for your birhtday - lots of frosting! We got quite the dusting up here in Cape Breton, too!! Perhaps up to 20 cm! I'm not fond of snow, but I have to admit, it's pretty. Keep warm, keep you fingers busy, and have a wonderful day. Thanks for sharing the recipe. It looks delicious. ~karen

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  70. Hi Kaaren - Your photos are a reminder of what is coming our way any time now. As long as I am inside by the fire, it's a beautiful thing. The pound cake sounds yummy - may have to give it a try. Take care.

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  71. Happy Birthday Kaaren , the cake looks delicious and I know I will have to make it :-) We got at least 30cm.yesterday and still having snow flurries , it has gotten milder though so don't expect it to last. Enjoy your day and thanks for the recipe , really enjoyed your veggie casserole .
    hugs Sheila

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  72. Hello Kaaren and happy Birthday !
    Thanks a lot for sharing this yummy recipe of a so decadent cake ! I love it already ! ;-)
    Big hugs from France,
    Sylvie

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  73. happy birthday to you!
    now, what some people do to get there men in the mood for christmas!!!!
    snow, how did you do that!
    if i was mr.p i would lissen to my wife in future cose see what she can do!hahahhaha.
    again, i wish you both a happy day!
    greetings
    ps,
    the pictures are so lovely

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  74. Happy Birthday Kaaren (Even if it is a day late). I am having mine today 24/11 :)
    That cake looks very yummy! Hope you enjoyed it.
    Hope you are all tucked in beneath a warm quilt, including all the animals.

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  75. Oohhh, that looks like a postcard. Happy Birthday!! I have that exact recipe, and it's almost my very favorite cake. Enjoy!!!

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  76. Happy Birthday to you!!!! I cannot believe I've overlooked at least sending a card if not an email before you mentioned it! Not a good blog friend today...I'm so sorry I missed it!
    SNOW....keep it there please. :-)

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  77. Happy Birthday to You! Have a great day! We have about two inches of snow in Eastern Ontario(about one hour from Cornwall). Thank you for the recipe. Looks delicious! Thinking about you! Take care!

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  78. happy birthday there. we had a thick snow in winter (August) here in Christhcurch, New Zealand. after 10 years, it was the first time christchurch and other part of New Zealand had thick snow.

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  79. I'm reading this a day late. Belated Happy Birthday! I love a cozy fire on a snowy day. We woke up to some snow in Calgary this morning but it is gone already. I hope your Christmas decorations get brought in before the next snowfall. As my girlfriend says "Mans are bad"!

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  80. Happy Birthday, Kaaren! With such a lovely fire and beautiful decor, I think I'd be happy staying home, too! Hope Mr. PQ enjoys shoveling his way to the decorations and back ;>) The pound cake sounds deelightful - it's now on my list! Have a lovely time knitting while you watch the "activities" outside - lol!
    Cheers!

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  81. che bei paesaggi!!
    TANTI AUGURI KAREN, BUON COMPLEANNO!!!!

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  82. Oh, Happy Birthday, Kaaren. I hope you are soon able to get out of your house and get decorated for Christmas. I know you'll show us lovely pictures of your home. It's nice to have a fire to cozy up to. Keep warm, Kathie L in Allentown

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  83. Happy Birthday! And thanks for the yummy recipe! I can't wait to try it out! :0)

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  84. Oh, you did get snow instead of rain. It is beautiful!
    Happy belated birthday! I have that same cake recipe and it is my favorite pound cake to make.

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  85. Oh My Sweetie!!!!!
    Happy Belated Birthday!!!!! I had no idea.
    Here is your gift!!!!!! You and Mr. Darling PQ come to warm Florida for a week!!!!! Bring your shorts!!!!! LOL.
    The cake looks divine.................can you mail me a slice??????
    Love and Birthday Hugs!!!!!!

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  86. Oh gosh you have snow already, but you made it very cozy. Happy birthday.

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  87. Happy Belated Birthday! My eldest sisters birthday was on the 23rd.
    Those socks look like a great idea.
    I must get out my knitting needles.
    Snow looks great, but you can keep it.....

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  88. Happy birthday! (late but sincere!) Hope the snow doesn't get too deep before you can get out to the barn!

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  89. Happy belated birthday..and I made your cake...omg...delicious...truly delicious.

    Thank you for the recipe..

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  90. Happy Birthday!!!! I'd send you some of my snow, but I guess you don't need any more right now - LOL!

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  91. Belated Happy Birthday! Thanks for the pound cake recipe-it looks delicious and I am definitely going to try it.

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  92. A belated Happy Birthday. Same day as my middle daughter. I hope it was a good one and that you didn't eat a whole lot of that cake. I must admit though, I did have cake for breakfast the next day.

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  93. Happy belated Birthday! I hope your next year is filled with happy times and blessings.

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  94. Great blog...ohh that cake looks and sounds delicious!

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