Sidetracked Artist

I haven’t posted much so far this year.   We’ve had an eventful few months, but most of our day-to-day activities haven’t been caught on camera.   This not only makes for less interesting blog posts, but I lose track of what I intended to write about.   And, well, I’ve been sort of distracted by some recent events. Everything is OK with us, there’s just been a lot going on, and some of it has been private.   And some of it is not up to me to share; not my story to tell.   Not now, anyway, maybe later. I’ve been reading a great deal this year, mostly because it’s been cold and rainy here these past several months, and I’m more comfortable staying in where it’s warm.   Being out in the cold makes my hands and feet ache.   I used to enjoy cold weather.   I loved downhill skiing, but my body just isn’t up for that sort of thing any more.   Keeping my hands and feet warm has become a daily challenge involving wool socks and slippers indoors and a long down coat, gloves, and warm boots

While most of the country basks in unseasonably warm weather, winter is still alive and well here in northwest Washington state. Look at that! Our weather forecast shows a sunny day a week from Friday! Something to look forward to. At least the light is returning.  During the darkest days of the year in late December, the sun didn't clear the horizon until eight o'clock and set at about a quarter past four.  When the sun reached it's highest point in the sky each day, it was still low in the southern sky, so darkness was descending in mid-afternoon. Now the days are a little longer and a little brighter.  Even beneath the cover of clouds, there is a brightness to the sky.  But it is still cold and wet, and I don't do well in the cold.  So for now, I'm staying inside near the fire with good books and knitting at hand, dreaming of warmer days. Cindy

We enjoy having homemade soup during this cold, rainy time of year.  I don't get too fancy with soup, and I don't follow recipes.  It's soup; no need to fuss! Lately, I've been making white bean and kale soup using canned white beans.  It takes about a half hour from chopping the first vegies to enjoying the first spoonful.  Of course, if I planned ahead, I could also make this soup with dried beans.  Dried beans are easy to work with and more economical, but planning ahead just hasn't been happening lately. To make this simple soup, drop a little oil and some chopped onion into a pot on medium-high heat.  Stir occasionally while chopping celery and carrot, throwing them in when they're chopped.  Saute for five or ten minutes, then add water or chicken broth.  Drain and rinse some canned white beans and stir into the soup.  Chop some kale, stir it in, and cook the soup for about 20 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper. Optional additions:  ham, chic