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Thursday, January 29, 2015

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


11 comments:

  1. You deserved a little break in all the stuff you have going on! Glad you had such a fun afternoon!

    That last photo is amazing! She certainly knows what she's doing!

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  2. OMG - are those beans she grew? I can imagine climbing up to meet Jack at the top!
    I love kitchens like your friend's - sounds all warm and snug, the true heart of the home - and it's lovely to have people who make you so welcome, and feed you so well!

    Happy weekend sweet Deb - stay warm.
    Hugs - Mary

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  3. We only have 4" of snow this morning but, it is melting already, thankfully!

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  4. What a great break to take with a good friend, good food, having a good time together.

    That last photo is amazing.

    Have a great weekend ~ FlowerLady

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  5. Your friend definitely has a green thumb.. I am glad you had a great time... I am hoping the weather warms up in February.. Have a happy Friday and weekend ahead!

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  6. Well that garden is absolutely gorgeous. And it sure makes me miss spring. I had a lovely lunch with a friend yesterday and she made white chicken chili soup. It was so good I'm craving some this morning. I'm designing my kitchen right now and I sure wish Barb could give me some advice!

    Cindy Bee

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  7. Your friends sounds like a wonderful person . I love home made soup and bread then a sweet treat after with a cuppa tea and wonderful chit chat and laughter YUMMY ! We got snow all day yesterday and high winds over night into the morning sun is shining hope the winds die down soon ! Thanks for sharing , have a good weekend !

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  8. I'm surprised grapes would grow in this area.

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  9. What a wonderful visit! I love pea soup and sharing food and great conversation is a friend is a perfect way to spend an afternoon!
    hugs,
    Linda

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  10. Good grief, look at those grapevines! It is fun looking at someone else's garden this time of year. Ours is covered in snow. Pet the kitties for me.

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  11. Sounds like a wonderful friend, and a lovely respite from all your work. Nothing like comforting, homemade food shared with a good friend.

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