A much-needed visit.

Waiting on Spring

There is nothing nicer (in my books) than to share a bowl of home-made hot soup with a friend on a cold, wintry day. Which is just what I did today.

I took a break from packing and animal-related chores and headed over to visit with my good friend, Barb. Barb would remind you of Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa. She cooks like a master and to share any of her wonderful meals is a delight for the taste-buds. She has an infectious smile and is always interested in how you are doing. Her kitchen is filled with wonderful aromas as you step through her door. And what a neat kitchen it is. You are instantly taken back to a time when cooking hearty meals was part of a normal day. Spices line the many shelves while herbs flourish in pots along the window-sill. Jars are filled with fresh treats for tea-time and tea-cups sit close to the kettle.  It is a busy, functional room with lots of personal touches. I told her that walking into her kitchen was like getting a big 'ol hug. Which I immediately got. :)

After a hot cup of creamy coffee, we enjoyed a big bowl of home-made pea soup with home-made bread. It was so delicious. And one of my all-time favorites, home-made date-squares. We chatted up a storm by the fire while watching the snow fall through her living-room windows. A beautiful, peaceful afternoon.

Barb plants a huge garden every Spring in her spacious back-yard. She grows every type of veggie along with plump, juicy grapes. I took these photos a few years back when her gardens were at their finest. Not only did I have a delicious meal with her but I came home with a bag full of healthy, organic produce.

Would you say this woman has a green thumb? These photos are a delight for the eyes as I sit here looking out the office window at the snow coming down.

We have a lot more snow today than we have had for awhile. It has been a cold winter so far but not nearly as much snow as last year. Let's hope February is a bit warmer as we start to dream of Spring.

Stay toasty,
Deb