Joyful Living
Contributed by Linda Pelton
Winter played a huge trick on us this year! We had very little snow and lots of longer lasting ice! However, the sunny, clear bright days were appreciated and hopefully will lead us into an early Spring. February is my impatient month! I start planning ahead. Today I shopped in the Garden department of a store and oh my that was inspiring! There were hundreds of seed packs on display!
Actually, I plan to Winter Sow this next week or so. Empty gallon jugs are cut almost in half with holes cut into the bottom. Add 4 inches of Miracle Gro garden soil, not seed starting soil, then generously sow plant seeds in each. They become mini greenhouses. Leave the cap off, water and seal with duct tape around cut area. Mark with good quality permanent marker. Set them outside in a secure place that gets sunlight against a fence or building is good. You can search online for more fun details too! Even in Alaska! I am trying some hardy vegetables and lots of flowers. They will take a while but worth waiting for plant starts. Just playing and fun too! I hope to have a very good garden this year with produce to share too!
I have this year's Milepost guidebook. Since we are getting longer daylight hours I will be checking into it for some adventure trips, new places to experience and enjoy! I love picnicking just about anywhere! I keep what I call my Chuck Box handy with picnic supplies. I like to be ready for an opportunity around the area or for a weekend off exploring! In the meantime, I am enjoying cozy times. I like afternoon "Tea Time" (herbal) and evenings with a great fire crackling in the woodstove to watch and enjoy. In the kitchen playing around making comfort food, Smells so good cooking!
One I like to make is Santa Fe Stew Drain a can of Hominy, Black Beans, Pinto Beans into a big pan add an untrained can of diced tomatoes. Stir in some Salsa and some Onion and Garlic Powder. Simmer with Beef Broth adding chopped cooked Beef or burger. I like to serve it with hot, buttered slices of Cornbread.
I bake my Cornbread in my cast iron skillet. It's good to invite Family and Friends over to enjoy with you. A dinner and game night maybe. Just be sure to enjoy each day and find beauty in it! I never get tired of the beauty this amazing area offers!