January brings so many changes. Here, we've only just started having
real cold winter weather and it will most likely stay chilly until spring.
I feel comfy. I feel satisfied. If I get my mobility back I am ready to
work at much that requires attention inside the cottage.
The garden is on hold until spring. The last 'leaf collection' by the city
will arrive soon and Bob has raked and blown millions of them down to
the curb. Living in "The City of Oaks" is hard work once autumn arrives.
Bob has replaced that chore by starting on his major downsizing
'paper chase' and the shredder is working overtime!
Yesterday's visit to the hospital pain clinic went well. If the lumbar spine
injections work I should start to have relief from the terrible nerve pain
down my right leg in a few more days. Fingers are crossed!
Many thanks to everyone who sent good wishes and kind tips on how
to handle chronic pain.
This is my favorite tea blend made my super friend Jeanne on her
farm in New Hampshire. Many of you know this delightful, creative
writer and photographer from my visits to Tahilla Farm, a most
beautiful place, and from the many years I've followed her blog
when ex-pat Jeanne and her family lived in so many fabulous
countries around the globe.
I saved much of the tea Jeanne shared with me last July when we last
visited - one of only two trips away from North Carolina due to COVID -
because I love hot tea on these winter afternoons and I knew
this would be a favorite. It brings back memories of Bob and I sipping
it iced, at the farm, on a hot summer's afternoon with Jeanne
and her charming husband Mr. H.
Yes, out come the favorite nature books at this time of year - along with
cookbooks specializing in winter warming soups, veggie stews and
bowls - all making for interesting reading and menu planning.
My latest go-to cookbook for plant-based recipes is Laura Wright's
The FIRST MESS loaded with fabulous food for any time of day.
Laura also has hundreds of amazing recipes on her blog HERE.
Yesterday we enjoyed Weeknight Root Vegetable Dal (from the
cookbook) and was delicious. There are so many dishes I want to try
that my own "COVID stuck in the kitchen much of the time days"
will never be boring thanks to Laura!
Before I leave here and get moving on long overdue comments on your
blog - just a quick look at the wildlife this morning outside the window.
Because Bob melted the sheet of ice on the fountain, and scattered extra
peanuts along the porch rails for the hungry birds, two squirrels decided
to move in and grab breakfast! Love them/dislike them but understand
they're hungry too!
Note the gleam in its eye as I'm knocking on the window and
shouting - stubborn little devils.
We replenished the nuts for the birds!
Have a great Saturday dear friends.
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