It Looks Cold Out There

Just a dusting and we're all acting as if it's a full-fledged snow day around here.  The kitties gravitated to the warmest spots in the house, and an unmade bed always seems to be at the top of Butterscotch's list.  I guess I wasn't quick enough with my morning chores.  I'm in snow day mode too.

Mollie's the smaller of our two cats and she seems to have trouble staying warm in wintertime.  Hubby gifted her (Butterscotch got one too) with a heated bed for Christmas and that's exactly where you'll find her at any given moment.  She had no interest until we put it on top of my cutting table.  Given the choice, the girls in this house always choose the sewing room.

Our monthly CSA pickup is scheduled for tomorrow so I emptied the veggie bins to make room for new.  With only a bit of chopping, three mason jars were magically transformed into colorful fermentation vessels.  Now they'll sit at room temperature while the beneficial bacteria do their thing.  This is all new to me, but I must tell you it's very exciting stuff.  I tend to over research before diving into something and there were no exceptions here.  Wild Fermentation, Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen, and Nourishing Traditions are wonderful resources should you feel inclined to learn more.

I Meant to Take Photos

I didn't want to believe it when I learned many folks find the topic of health and nutrition to be a little dry.  Gasp!  How is that possible?  I can't seem to get enough.  And so, I consider myself extremely fortunate to have a few women in my life who share the passion with me.  

I spent last evening chatting, eating, and sharing with one of those women.  She's that special kind of friend that, when in her company, an entire evening feels like only an hour.  The kind of girl that makes all her friends feel like they're the very best friend.  The kind of friend that leaves you with a smile and an extra skip in your step.  The kind of friend who cooks a delicious dinner for you, brings it over, and leaves the leftovers behind!

I meant to take photos but time flew.  Instead you see the aftermath this morning as the sun shines in.  There was no loss for words.  I can assure you of that.  We caught up on favorite blogs, new books, apps that we're enjoying, and all the other chit chat that happens between two friends.  I shared the first batch of candies made with my new silicone mold.  No scary ingredients in those little hearts, just a combination of whole foods that taste absolutely fantastic together.  

My heart and belly are full.

Grandmothers

We picked up a few things at our local health food store on Saturday. Other than the CSA, it's where we get most of our groceries these days. Hubby's a bit out of his element there, as he's just beginning to get his feet wet in this arena.  I picked up my Electric Lemonade (Kale, Apple & Lemon) from the cafe, while he went through the checkout line.  In the car he informed me the male cashier said our produce bags look like something his grandmother would have made.  Giggling now.

Nana (my grandmother) and Aunt Clara live in assisted living not too far from our home.  They married brothers many years ago.  Today they find themselves living under the same roof with seventy-some others and a beautiful retriever named Rusty.  Our visit this morning was a short one due to lots of interest in the inauguration that was playing on the big screen television.  Nana (she's the one in red) turned ninety-six last week.

Trying beet kraut for the first time today and really liking it.  It's fermented and packaged by a young couple in our area.  Mustering up the courage to begin making my own.

Crackers and Sunshine

Oh happy day!  The sun's shining.  Hello kitty fur all over the hardwood floor....how long have you been there?

Just like last year, this mild winter's been kind to our two rosemary plants.  I'm wondering if they'll survive until spring.  How wonderful that would be.  I slipped outside to get a few clippings.  It's pretty chilly and the wind's whipping around but it felt so good to be standing in the sunshine.  The kitties liked it too, for a short time on the deck.

These crackers were the highlight of my day.  They're made with almond flour and are bursting with the flavor of fresh rosemary.  I haven't eaten bread or crackers for a very long time so it's going to take a little willpower to pace myself with this plateful of gorgeousness.  Mindful eating, Laura.  Mindful eating.

A Ray or Two

The sun came out today and just like that it was gone again.  A tiny little shadow on the yoga studio wall was enough to elicit excitement.  Yes, yoga studio.  It's the gentle class for now.

There's a chill in the air that makes me want to crawl into bed for the afternoon.  Three pillows, a cozy comforter, an assortment of books, and definitely a cupful of something warm.  The thought is nice but it will have to wait until evening.

The quilt top is finished.  Sixteen different fabrics and sixty-four blocks.  I'm thinking about the backing and how I'd like it to be.  Perhaps soft gray Kona cloth with a sprinkling of Liberty for interest.  Most likely it will find it's home in this room above the fireplace.  There's a quilt there now that needs to be retired.

Dinner last night was scrambled eggs (courtesy of our winter CSA) and a braised kale dish on the side.  Sliced real thin, we hardly knew we were eating one of the most nutritious dark leafy greens on the planet.