Hello, Spring....uh...spring ? Are you there ?

 

 Lordy...today is the first day of spring, but spring is hiding out somewhere, because it is 27 degrees with a wind chill of 13.  I just went out to feed the chooks and let them out, and they looked at me like I was crazy.  The wind is howling out there, and it is COLD.  This is a picture of those persnickety hens around this time last year. They look so raggedy right now from moulting and being winter weary that you wouldn't recognize them. And of course, they're fully grown.  

 A few years back (maybe 3)  I took pictures  out back on the first day of spring. There was about 4 inches of snow covering everything.  At least there's no snow today, lol. 

 Yesterday was a bit warmer and actually was sunny all day and the temps got up to 47.  I spent most of it on a whirlwind cleaning tour. I can actually see the top of my desk.  I still have some things left on my list from yesterday, and I may or may not get those done today.  I need to go out for a bit and leave the comfort of my warm house, but I'll be quick and efficient about it and get myself right back here.  

 I need to bake bread today.  I need to plan a supper that will give me some portable leftovers for tomorrow night, since I have PT and we have discussion group at 7. Not much wiggle room there.  Last night we had leftovers for supper, so I freed up some space in the fridge.  Tonight I'll fill it back up again. lol

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  We don't waste much around here. Every now and then, something gets lost in the back corner of the fridge and turns into a mysterious science experiment, but not often.  When that does happen, it just goes straight into the compost bin. We don't eat much meat, although consumption has been on the rise this winter. It just feels more...necessary in the winter time. (And believe me, I know that is not a fact. lol )  That will change as the weather gets warmer and the produce starts pouring in from the garden.  It seems to be a part of our cycle. In the summer, although we will randomly have some bbq'd ribs on the grill, and  eat a little more fish from our pond or the local park, mostly we will eat a plethora of veggies and veggie combinations, cold soups and mega salads.  Cold soba noodle dishes fit right in there too. Any vegetable stuff that starts getting a little outdated I re purpose into soup or I feed it to the chickens or I just compost it. Nothing wasted.


  It's starting to look like the beginning of a new canning season. My cupboards and pantries are starting to show bare spots where food jars USED to be, lol. This is good. I was just thinking too, I need to check the butternut squash in the back room. Maybe that will be supper tonight...a thick stew made with butternut, red onions, black beans,  and kale.  Served over fresh cooked quinoa (because I don't have any leftover) with a nice slab of warm buttered bread on the side, fresh out of the oven.  That stew and quinoa will make a nice wrap for tomorrow's portable supper.  Add a little peach salsa to it and maybe a  drizzle of sour cream (not much though).  Voila !  2 meals in one. 

  Ah, garden time. I can't wait. Here are most of the things we'll be planting this year :

   Kale, beets, spinach, chard, carrots, potatoes (3 kinds), tomatoes, edamame, cabbage, lettuces, radishes, onions, garlic, cucumbers, squash (3 kinds), green beans, sugar peas, sweet potatoes,  lima beans,  lemon grass, rosemary, sage, oregano, thyme, parsley, basil, purslane, anise hyssop, cilantro, jalapenos, bell peppers ... is that all ??   lol  Maybe, maybe not.  Will we put some melons in this year ??  How about strawberries ?  We have a time with those and the rabbits and deer, who sneak in at night and help themselves.  The Irishman says --where?? where will we possibly put them ???   LOL   You know my answer to that question.


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  Okay, I need to get busy. Plenty of stuff to do today, and plenty of time to do it. Make a little bread, cook up some dried black beans, polish a few household things, and whip up a little culinary magic. Oh..and don't forget to leave time for that new book I'm reading !!  Afternoon tea and feet up time !  That's a winter / early spring luxury...before long there'll not be time for that.


  Happy Spring Dreams, wherever you are.




Bon Apetit!