Well, it finally happened. We got a taste of spring. It was almost 50F and the sun was warming everything up. We decided we needed to be outside and to have an outdoor fire. Oh, my, it felt good. The sun was warm and the air was warm and the snow was melting as fast as it ever could. We loved it. We wait all winter to be able to do this and today was the day. Yippee.

Update on Jenny Lane

All the sheet rock is up. It was a big push to get it done but now it is. I am still sneezing but I hope it will be done soon. It was a big push to get it all done, especially on Tuesday when the guys had to finish the laundry room. It is beginning to look like it will be a room when it is finished.

We are ready to have this project pulled together. At least we have the washer and dryer working but It isn’t the best scenario you could ask for. I can’t even tell you about how they had to cover up the supports and make them look normal. It’s going to be something when it is done.

Walking and Exercise This Week

We went for a good long walk in the woods because the weather actually started warming up a little bit. Until today when it got really warm. We found this footprint on the trail and were very curious as to what animal might have created this track. My thinking is that it might have been the bear out looking for some food a little bit early. The stride made it look like it was a rather large animal. My brother says he thinks it was ‘big foot’ – well it’s as good an answer as any of the others. The rest of the week I was on the exercise bike and my crowning glory was a 19 mile ride on Friday. Oh my it felt good. I miss the outdoors when I exercise inside but I feel I am very lucky to be able to exercise no matter what the weather.

Cooking This Week

We have had some wonderful meals this week. Somehow we managed to find some recipes that were super and we were all interested in making them. Katie made the most fabulous pizza for dinner last Sunday. In our house, for the last two and half years, Sunday night is pizza night. We haven’t missed more than one or two nights. This one was absolutely fabulous and we have decided it is now our very favorite. The recipe is from Half-Baked Harvest. Check them out.

However, the recipe I want to share is absolutely wonderful and so easy to make. Once again the Soup Lady is creating in the kitchen. This recipe is full of good stuff for you and it tastes wonderful. Here is the recipe.

Quick Cauliflower Coconut Stew

I made this for us for lunch this week and I couldn’t get enough of it. I hope you will give it a try. You won’t be sorry.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 medium head cauliflower, stemmed and cut into bite-size florets
• 1 jalapeno, stemmed, seeded, chopped
• 1 cup chopped kale
• 2 teaspoons ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon cumin powder
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 can full-fat, unsweetened coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Preparation

1. In a medium stock pot, heat the coconut oil for 30 seconds on medium heat.
2. Add the cumin seeds and stir until they start to sputter. Then add the onions and cook for another minute, and then, add the tomatoes, stir and cook for a few more minutes until the tomatoes soften.
3. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir together. Cover the pan and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to keep from burning.
4. Ladle the soup into 4 serving bowls and enjoy! Leftover stew can be stored in air-tight container and saved for lunch the next day.