Happy 235th Birthday Marines!

Happy 235th Birthday Marines!

This day 20 years ago was my first date with C. :-) A lot has changed in 20 years, but the places we've been and the wonderful people I've met have been a blessing.

I love you C! Thanks for the adventure's during the last 20 years!

Simple dinners

For several years my eating has been void of dairy, wheat, soy and sugar due to health reasons. And when I tell people that I get the strangest looks, usually with the comment "then what DO you eat?" I've posted some of that here before, but wanted to share a simple dinner.

Turkey stir-fry. Easy-peasy. Cut up turkey breast into bit size pieces and lightly cook, just until center is just a bit pink. Add a sprinkling of soy sauce (organic is best) and some garlic and already cooked rice. At the last second toss in some spinach (since that's what's in season right now, otherwise I like to green beans or peas.) Stir it all up with a dash of salt and pepper and add the finishing touch of fresh toasted walnuts! Viola! A tasty, filling and most important, nutritious meal.

I am a simple person. I like simple things, and most of all simple meals. I actually think complicated meals can create more problems (and stress) than necessary.

Something I read recently from a book Unplugged Kitchen (a favorite of High Desert Home). Viana La Place says in regards to simple cooking "It's like the difference between walking and driving. Driving may get you there faster. But walking opens up to the scent of a flower, observations of the veining in a green leaf, and the sheer joy of moving your body." She likens simple cooking to this way of life that many of us have lost touch with. We don't need all the fancy gadgets and electrical hoopla to make a good, nutritous meal.

I get rambunctious now and then, pulling out a recipe book to try some exotic recipe or plan for a fancy meal one night. Being that it's God's plan that actually happens, not Dee's, I run around at the last minute trying to cut corners or better yet trying to MAKE the meal happen. Frazzled, hurried, and hap-hazard the meal is served...at 7:00pm.

"Many of us suffer from mental stress and physical fatigue...a little pounding in the mortar might help you feel better...not in an agressive manor, but in a calming, rythmical way." Another gem from the book Unplugged. A calming rythmic way. How can creating a masterpiece with 16 ingredients, cook this, blend this, cook it some more, strain this, add this, and then bake for 2 hrs be calming and rythmic. It sure isn't to me.

Simple. Nice, but simple. That's me. Hmm, now if I can get my home in that state I'd be a happy girl.

Peace be with you!

Out and about

Last Saturday we went to Amish country (Sugarcreek, Charm, Berlin) mainly to go to Keim Lumber. If you live near, or are any where in the area...it is worth the trip. I have never seen such a beautiful lumber store. Handmade doors, flooring amongst several other hardware norms.

We are preparing to renovate our bathroom and our contractor had us go to look for "inside" doors. While they are all beautiful, we have opted to use the door that we will lose when we combine 2 rooms. Our home is 87 yrs old and all the wood and doors are original. We are trying to keep it that way.

So, since we were there, I went ahead and got my chicken for the next many weeks, and made a stop at the bulk food store. The buggy in the picture is the norm there. Actually this day, there were also many "mini" open buggy's that ladies where driving with a donkey. Unusual, but still there were many.

Thought I'd share the picture. It's snowed here for the first time this morning. That time of year. Don't forget to turn your clock back!

Peace,

Dee

Seasons

The cooler temperature and shorter days are the first signs of the changing seasons. Then there is also the desire of my body to slow down, stay inside (for the most part), and find a quiet peaceful routine to settle into for the winter. My body is also wanting more sleep.

I don't know much, but I do know, from my own experience, it sure seems like God knew what He was doing when He created the eb and flow of seasons and days. There is a reason we have the seasons. Our food is grown accordingly as well. It is so important to eat with the seasons and give into the needs of our body during changes. For me, that is the need for more rest and changing our meals to more warm and wholesome meals. And our days. Shorter days, longer nights. Morning, afternoon, evening. These all represent a time and a rythm. I am still working on a rythm for my home, but it's getting fine tuned as I go. Progress not perfection.

Fall creates a sense of crisp excitment for me. I never got to play in fall leaves growing up, so you know what I do three times a week when I go for my walk? Play in the leaves! Sometimes if C is with me I love to grab a handful and throw them at him...then run like crazy! It is a great time of year.

This is our tree. It's one of the last ones to change colors.

Our neighbor's tree, a true sign the season is changing.

My puppy! (I know, he's 4 he's not a puppy! But he will always be "puppy" to me.)

Me with Molly, my girl. Doing the final clean out of the herbs in the garden. She likes to come in and wonder around my garden while I work. Sometimes comes up close to see what I'm doing. I found out she likes the smell of Basil, but not the taste! Oh, you should have seen her face crinkle up when she tasted the Basil. "Ick!"

Molly, my garden helper, cuddler, hugger, and friend.

There are a few things changing that fits right into our seasonal changes. Here are a few:

*The garden is preped and ready for spring, sanz the carrots, spinach, kale and garlic.

*The clothes are changed out in our closets to reflect the changing needs of the season.

* The basket with all of our gloves, hats and scarves are out and by the door.

* The cars still need winterized.

* The patio furniture still needs covered.

*Our bathroom renovation is just opening up for serious consideration. We were waiting for winter since it's an inside job. But oh what a job it will be. More later on that.

*Menu's are changing to reflect the fall harvest: parsips, broccoli, potatoes, sweet potatoes, winter squash, carrots, apples (ooh..I have a great recipe for apple crisp that uses honey rather than sugar!), pomegranetes, and nuts. Mmmm. I think Hot cocoa should be on there too.

Happy Fall ya'll~

Dee