Winter Days

Can you believe we are at the end of January? Two more months till spring, not that I'm counting!

I don't know what you all do in January but for us it's a month of cleaning up and clearing out. After we had taken down all of our Christmas items and corralled them into our back room, we then sorted through everything, including things that never made it out of storage. Two hours and several empty boxes later the task was done. We had a car load of stuff for donation and just as much that went into the trash...how did we get all that stuff?

You know it's time to sort through stuff when you have boxes that haven't been opened in over four years...I know this because we found boxes that were taped shut and dated.

I have lots of cupboards, drawers an closets to still go through but this was a great start for the new year. Getting rid of what we don't need or use has kind of been a theme in our lives in the last several months....simplify, simplify, simplify! 

Cooler indoor days means I am able to do a little more reading than during the warmer months. The Alice Water's book was a gift, as was the How Fargo of You, the others are books I've had and decided to read again. Morning and Evening is a daily devotional written by C.H. Spurgeon, and is one I use on a regular basis.

Colder weather also means lots of warm soups and stews and bread are being made in our kitchen. We haven't bought bread from the store in months because we've been making sour dough bread on a weekly basis. My husband has been a big help with this....he's got the technique down pat!

Our young son gave us a starter last fall and not only we have managed to keep it alive but we've also made some yummy bread in the process. 

We have also had the opportunity to do some *face time* with the grandchildren. I know there are down sides to technology but I am thankful to be able to *see* and talk to my grandchildren at the same time.

Thrifting and sending them the treasures I find helps me feel connected, and little treats are always fun to get in the mail.

So that's been what our winter days have been looking like.  The days have been a little slower pace than before Christmas but productive. Perhaps I shouldn't be counting down the days till spring but instead enjoy the different pace that this time of year gives us. How about you do you enjoy the winter months?

Braised Kale

Kale is a relatively new vegetable for me. I avoided greens in the grocery store because I wasn't familiar with cooking them. I liked spinach but kale, collards or swiss chard (or any kind of greens)...no thank you.

When we began getting our produce from our CSA, kale of all kinds was included in the baskets in the spring and fall, so I had to figure out what to do with it. Imagine my surprise when I found out how good it was, I love this stuff and from what I read it's full of all kind of good for you nutrients, a real super food.

Now I know a lot of folks that add kale to smoothies, it's one way of getting all the goodness from the kale without losing any of the nutrients but I'm not a big fan. I don't think I can get over the thought of drinking something green...just saying. I  love it braised though and this recipe is the best ever...it's got bacon in it how can you go wrong! I can literally eat this every day (and have been for the last week)

I have adapted this recipe so the measurements of the kale, apple, onion and bacon are flexible. I tend to be a "grandma cook" I measure by what looks good, not so good for those trying to replicate my recipes. This recipe would be a perfect Thanksgiving side dish. Try it, I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Braised Kale
4-8 cups Curly Kale, chopped with stems removed
1/2-1 sliced onion
1/4-1/2 chopped bacon (about 4 slices) more if you like
1-3 skinned diced apples (I use a tart apple like granny smith)
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (I like the cloudy kind)
2/3 cup apple cider (I used the spiced apple cider from Trader Joe's)
Salt to taste

I wash and trim the kale first, cutting out all the woody stems and ribs (if your kale is more tender you may not need to trim as much) I then chopped my bacon and brown in a large pan (I use a dutch oven because initially the kale is going to fill the pan before it cooks down). After I cook the bacon I add the sliced onion till it begins to soften. I then begin adding the kale, mix all together as it cooks down, a bit. I then add the vinegar and the cider, chopped apples and cook until kale is tender.

Did I mention this stuff is crazy good. This recipe is just a guideline, the only thing I keep consistent is the liquid measurements (because you can always cook it out) Bonus...this recipe makes your house smell delicious

Recipe adapted from Sauteed Kale and Apples from Allrecipes

Success

I'll bet you are wondering how our yard sale went...I know you are!

Well, you already know we were less than enthusiastic about having a yard sale, but I can happily say we were successful. None of the stuff we drug outside and set up on tables and bins came back into the house.

Now before you get too excited about how well we did, you must understand husband and I had made a pact, if it didn't sell, it wasn't going back in the house. When the appointed time for the yard sale to end arrived, we loaded up the wagon and carted what was left to the nearest thrift store. The car was full...no room for passengers and it felt wonderful...my definition of success.

I still don't like holding yard sales, and not sure if I will be doing another one anytime soon but this one provided me with a unexpected opportunity.

I met a neighbor who lived around the corner. She was looking through some of my cookbooks and asked me if I cooked,  I told her I did, but seldom used those cookbooks anymore. She suggested we get together and cook, she could teach me some of her dishes and I could show her some of mine. We talked grandchildren, and possibly getting together and walking in the mornings. Before she left we ended up exchanging phone numbers with a promise to meet up soon.  Just in case your wondering, something like this would be totally out of my comfort zone (making plans on getting together with a perfect stranger) but I am trying to be more aware of opportunities to share the good news of the gospel...maybe this will turn out to be one of those opportunities.

Our lives have been anything but predictable these last several weeks...God at work

Cooking Seasonally

Being a part of a CSA has taken on a whole new meaning to "eating your vegetables" for us. I've always thought we ate a lot of vegetables, then we started getting our weekly baskets from our CSA, I soon realized that I was mistaken on how many vegetables we REALLY ate.

The way our CSA works is you buy a "share" or a "1/2 share" at the beginning of a season. What you are seeing in the photo is "1/2 share" Each week I receive a basket of whatever happens to be ready for harvest and 1/2 dozen eggs...if the chickens are laying. (apparently the chickens don't lay as much when it's real hot or we have wide temperature variations, who knew?)

We decided to try this for a couple of reasons, first we wanted fresh local food, we wanted to do better with our food budget and the whole idea of getting weekly produce reminded my husband of the days growing up on his grandparents farm...back in the day, you ate what was growing out in the garden, days on his grandparents farm were good memories for him.

It's been about six weeks now and our eating habits are changing. Our meals are more "vegetable heavy" (a good thing, right?) and I have had to learn cook outside my comfort zone but we are loving it. I get an email each Thursday letting me know what's going to be in the basket on Saturday and I plan my meals accordingly. We see the same people week after week, often sharing stories and recipes, (what exactly ARE you doing with all your cabbage?) t's turned into more of an event than just picking up our produce.

I was told eating seasonally was a great way to get a wide variety of nutrients, you are always eating something different, this has been good for me, as I continue to try and rebuild my immune system. Another benefit is  my produce keeps for a longer period of time in the fridge because it's freshly picked, (with the exception of one lowly little turnip, I haven't lost anything.)

A CSA isn't for everyone, you and your family have to like vegetables, be willing to learn how to cook new things, and you have to be willing to cook at home most of the time. It has worked for us, but I have really had to keep on top of it, I'm always aware of what's sitting in my fridge, knowing there will be more coming on Saturday...I better get cooking. I'll be sharing recipes from my basket throughout the summer.

Black Bean Salad

This is one of my favorite summertime salads. It only takes a few minutes to put together, I usually have all the ingredients on hand, and because it has no mayo it's great to pack for a picnic.

This is what you are going to need to put this recipe together

Black Bean Salad
2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained (I only used one in the recipe I made today)
9-ounce can whole kernel corn, drained (I prefer to use frozen, but I didn't have any on hand)
1 cup chopped red bell pepper (you can use green pepper instead or you can use 1/2 cup red and 1/2 cup green)
1/2 cup chopped sweet red onion (I used the white part of scallions, because that's what I had on hand)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 large garlic glove, minced
1/4 teaspoon cumin

1. Place the beans, corn, onion and bell pepper in a large bowl. Sprinkle with black pepper and toss to mix well.
2. To make the dressing, add the vinegar, oil, brown sugar, minced garlic and cumin into a bowl and mix until sugar is dissolved.
3. Pour the dressing over the bean mixture, and toss to mix well. Serve immediately, or cover and chill until ready to serve.

This salad gets better the longer it marinates in the dressing.

This salad makes a great stand alone lunch for me, but I have used it with fish, chicken and anything mexican. I bring it to pot lucks all the time. Want to try something new for the summer, this dish is a winner.

Linking up with Living From Glory to Glory

Recipe adapted from "No-Time To Cook Cookbook"

Repurposing Old Items For The Garden

We had dinner with friends the other night and while the men were barbecuing, the lady of the house showed me around her garden. I love garden tours, don't you? One of the things my friend did in her garden was use an old headboard for a trellis for her ivy, pretty clever don't you think? I think I might have to look for one of these. I'll bet you could also use something like this to help stake tall flowers.

These rain boots were filled with Impatiens at the Botanical Garden's last summer, you'd have to make sure you poked some holes in the bottom so they would drain. They look like old black boots that were sprayed painted red.

These were also done up at the Garden's. I am not sure how the suitcases would do in the rain, these were under cover, so they weren't directly exposed to the elements.

This window is from the farm that my husband's grandparents lived in. We hung it up from the pergola and it makes the deck feel more like a room.

So many things can be found at yard sales and thrift stores, or better yet buried in your closets or garage. (and you'd be surprised how many curb finds are garden worthy)
This wrought iron piece was a reject from a friend, I'm not exactly sure what it's original use was for but I thought it was perfect for holding a couple of potted plants.

Hope I have inspired you, keep your eye out for things you could use in your garden.

               Linking up with Roxy at Living From Glory to Glory             

Winter Opportunities

I can hardly believe it is snowing again. The weatherman says it's going to end up being a rain event but I'm afraid the snow part is happening during rush hour, so husband will have to drive home in it.

This winter has been colder than I can remember in a long time and even though we haven't had as much snow as most, the cold weather has kept me a little homebound and a little restless. My first reaction has been to complain...I really don't like the cold and it's hard for me to "be still"  Complaining tends to be my default mechanism but the Lord has been convicting me about complaining AND that I don't always have to have something on my schedule outside the home to do.

I could should be thankful for these quieter days. I have time to read and listen to podcasts, time to finish some half done projects, time to try some new recipes, or just recharge physically. (I could even reorganize some closets although I must admit that's way down the list)

This is where the Lord has me, it's time for me to take the a hold of the "bloom where you are planted" quote and enjoy these quieter winter days

Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me  Psalm 119:133

Winter Produce

Doesn't this look yummy? Husband and I had the opportunity to purchase a winter basket from the CSA we joined that starts this spring. Don't know what a CSA is, we didn't either, but found out it stands for Community Supported Agriculture. This is how our CSA works, we signed up with the farmer in December (the CSA had only so many openings) paid a fee up front for the season (this gives the farmer money to plant)  once the growing season starts, we'll get a 1/2 basket once a week with whatever happens to be in season. Our growing season is long so we will start getting produce in early May and it will continue through Thanksgiving. We decided to try this because we are trying to contain food costs and eat healthier. Our goal has been to eat less processed food.

We are really excited about getting our first spring basket and a little intimidated. My husband is most excited, he says seasonally is how he ate when he lived on his grandparents farm, I'm the one who is more intimidated, my vegetable repertoire isn't that good but it's improving since we have started eating more seasonally. I have learn to cook (and like) braised kale, collard greens and brussels sprouts. Carrot parsnip soup and roasted beets are two of my favorite new recipes. I think I'm up to the challenge, but could someone please tell me what in the world do you do with a turnip?

Hope you're keeping warm...I am ready for spring!

Embracing This Season

Last fall I considered going back to work. I have to admit there wasn't a lot of thought process involved in the decision or much time spent in prayer, it was a more of a reactionary response to some events we were experiencing. (never a good thing)

 I went online, found a position that looked promising, put my application in and forgot about it. Fast forward four weeks later... I was called for an interview.... again without thinking.. OR praying about it. I agreed to the interview and a week later  I was offered the position and accepted it.

I now had a job but no peace....none. It seemed like the perfect position, the hours were flexible, and the compensation was good, but had I really considered all that would change at home? Had I considered the physical challenges? Had I really counted the cost of me going back to work?

The truth was I had enjoyed being home and it has been good for me physically. Last year was kind of a recovery year for me, so it was easy to justify not looking for employment after I lost my job but, I have been feeling so much better, wouldn't I be more of a help bringing in some extra income instead of staying home?

Now, I was praying about it, (better late than never) I was thinking about what I do at home, and what things would invariably change if I went back to work. The first thing I realized was that I needed an attitude change, there was still a part of me deep down inside that believed being a nurse was more valuable than being a homemaker, especially now that my children are grown.

This is familiar territory, I have been around this mountain before. When I first stopped working I made a list of how my time could be used now that I was home

• I can work my schedule around my husbands needs
• More available for grandchildren, I can go to events and be available to assist in care
• More available for Sister-In-Law's care, and many in the facility could use an encouraging word
• I'm friends with several young moms without moms locally
• More opportunities for hospitality
• Learning new things

I eventually declined the position I was offered a week after I had accepted it (before I technically started) I realized that what I was doing at home right now had more lasting value than what little income I could bring in. Is this permanent? I really don't know...life continues to change and there may yet be a time when I will find myself back out in the work force, but for now I am going to embrace this season of mine.

Meal of The Month

Need a gift idea for a birthday, or any other occasion? How about a new mom or bride to be? You might consider the gift of a meal a month. My husband and I wanted to give our children a Christmas gift last year that would keep on giving, so we came up with the Meal a Month idea.

We put together a book that featured three meals that my son's family could choose from each month. Each meal was complete with sides and dessert, if they did not like the choices offered that month they could  choose a meal featured in any of the previous months. They would chose the day they would like the meal delivered, with the only requirement being that they had was to give me a weeks notice so I could plan and do my shopping.

My youngest son lives out of state, so we had to adapt his book. He has three baked items to choose from each month, and the same rules apply, if he does not like the choices offered he can choose from a prior month and he needs to give me a weeks notice. Another rule that applies to him...the plastic cake containers must come home at some point so they can be reused, all his items are mailed to him

I made the book that featured the meals on line, using Walgreens photo processing, added photos of the grand kids in the kitchen and eating just for fun. You can do these books as reasonably as ten dollars. You could also use index cards for this, with one index card for each month featuring three meal choices. Tie all the index cards together with a pretty bow and you are set to go. As an added feature you can also add the recipe when delivering the meal. The most challenging part of this gift is coming up with 36 different menu choices (I ended up doing some repeats)

I don't know anyone who doesn't enjoy a meal brought to them, especially if their lives are busy, mobility limited, health frail or finances tight. Our families have really enjoyed this, maybe you'd like to try it too

                                      Linking with Pamela at a Sheltering Tree

Gonna Be Some Cooking Going On

Because of my job change I am now going to have more time on my hands...or at least that's the theory. (There are those that have their doubts) I get so excited when I think of all the different things I can now do, some of the projects I would like to tackle, but I wanted to get some feedback from my husband to see if there was anything in particular he would like me to do with all my new found "free time" first. He replied that he would think about it and send me a list...email of course...it is after all the electronic age. I was surprised by the following list that I received

     My Special List...things you can cook

•  Your special pizza                                    
• Special pasta sauce
• Home made bread
• Chicken pot pie
• Texas chicken salad
• Fajitas
• London broil
• Barbecue chicken
• Brownies

Got to love this guy, not exactly what I was expecting, wow I never thought about doing more cooking  It's not that I don't cook, but meals here, well they are kind of simple most of the time, anything that requires much preparation is usually reserved for the weekends. So you know what I am going to be doing with some of the extra time I have on my hands don't you.... I am going to be cooking...I started by making my special pizza.

Garden Treasures

We found this at a yard sale last year, it looked interesting. Thought it might be a plate holder, something you would use at a party to hold yummy treats, tried it but it didn't look right with plates so it was off to the garden and ended up on my deck

Stuck some flowers pots in it and voila, transformed into a plant stand

We did a bathroom redo a couple of years ago and when taking the mirror down broke the corner off of the mirror making it unusable for the bathroom but works pretty well in the garden

           The broken end is to the ground, so you don't see that it is damaged and makes it pretty stable. Helps distract from the fence.

Last but not least...could not resist showing off the hydrangeas, they are beautiful this year

Happy Gardening

Appreciating The Small Things

Had the opportunity today to do some things around the house. We had no real agenda, didn't have to be anywhere, we were free to do household chores at our leisure. Love these kind of days...               

I was able to transplant some seedlings and pot a geranium

                                              slice and dehydrate some apples

                                     bake a banana bread to take to Easter dinner

and make dinner for my husband and myself

I know this sounds like no big deal, and a year ago it wouldn't have been, but things have changed. I now realize what blessing it is to be able to do the simple things. I want to cultivate a heart of gratitude, to continue to be thankful for the things we so often take for granted...like being able to cook a meal, or work in the garden.

My desire is to be more aware of the blessings I receive each day, there is so much to be thankful for.

When thou hast thanked thy God for every blessing sent, What time will then remain, For murmurs or lament?   R.C. Trench

"Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men" Psalm107:8