What warms you on a cold day?

I don't know if you noticed, but it is darn cold up here in winter. On days like today, one gets a craving for a hot drink. Shaky Tree Coffee (5 W. 2nd St, Spencer) serves not only coffee and tea, but a darn tasty hot chocolate.

Theirs is made with chocolate syrup and steamed milk (or soymilk or water if you prefer) and can be topped with whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate. Yummmmm.

Barista Levi Lillie drinks a mini-hot chocolate.

Vintage Valentines

I love shopping at antique stores because I like finding things that no one else has. Mainstreet Mall Antiques (303 Grand Ave, Spencer) has two booths where you can find vintage Valentines for $1 to $3 or so. Very charming! Good for collecting or giving to your sweetie. There is writing on the back of most of them ("To Ivan From Mary Ann") but that just adds to the charm.

"Puss in Boots brings this Valentine that says if you'll be mine than I'll be thine"

Snowshoeing Along the Little Sioux

Snowshoeing yesterday along the Little Sioux River, right here in town. It was ridiculously cold, and a bit windy, but with the right clothes on it wasn't too awful. And the sun was even out for a little while!