I am trying to work on getting more exercise as I seem to have become quite sedentary this winter. More than usual maybe because it has been so cold but also because of the amount of snow we have had. However, as things start to warm up a bit it is getting nicer to go outside. This week the dogs and I did a walk every afternoon for about a half hour after I did a routine on the treadmill. This was an increase for me and they certainly liked it. Then on Friday we got to go back out to the Rail Trail and it was wonderful. There were only three snowmobiles that passed us which was even better. The trail is pretty good but it is difficult to walk on it because of the chewed up snow. But we didn’t care. We ran into a couple of friends and walked with them for a bit which made it very pleasant for all of us. On Saturday we walked the Proctor Dog Walk because the snowmobiles were on the trail everywhere. It was like a highway and they were speeding which made me nervous even though the dogs are ok around them and stay to the side. We ran into a large group of folks who were walking with their dogs and we ended up following them for part of our walk. It was fun to hear the skiers up on the hill and I was able to watch a little bit of the racing while I walked. It warmed up quite a bit as we walked enough that I undid my jacket and took off my hat and gloves. I knew then that it was March. When I got home Katie and I sat out in the sun for about a half hour. Glorious.

We have quite the pile of snow in our driveway after the additional five or six inches from this past week. Percy seems to appreciate being able to sit up on top of the pile and observe the world around him. It appears that he really loves to catch snow balls so we have been playing that game when the snow warms up enough to make snow balls.

A March Recipe to Share

Time to look at slightly lighter meals as spring works its way into our area. I noticed that the trees are getting redder every day now. I’m thinking that it must be maple syrup time as the nights are cold but the days are above freezing. My mind says it’s time to move away from the hearty but heavy stews and meat loaves of the winter and move into some lighter fare. Saw this and will be making it this week.

Creamy Avocado Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad
from Half Baked Harvest

Ingredients
Dressing

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1/3 cup mayo
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon dried chives
• 2 teaspoons dried dill
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• salt and black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons buttermilk, plus more as needed

Salad

• 1 pound short cut pasta
• 1/2 cup salsa verde
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 cup cubed cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cubed spicy cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1 head romaine lettuce, shredded
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro
• 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 avocado, diced
  
  Instructions
  
• To make the dressing. Combine all ingredients in a glass jar and whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Thin as desired with buttermilk.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the pasta to al dente, according to package directions. Drain.
• In a large bowl, toss together the hot pasta, salsa verde, and chicken. Pour over the dressing and toss well to combine. Add the cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, and bacon. Toss, then top with avocado.
• Serve warm or cold. Enjoy!
  Creamy Avocado Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad | halfbakedharvest.com

And here is a little color to cheer you up! A good friend is moving this week and she gave these flowers at church today to say goodbye and thank you to the community. They really made me smile, I hope they do the same for you.