lately

the sky here is just so blue.

the air is crisp and clean, as only country air can be.

I wake up every morning and I'm filled with Christmas morning giddiness.....that view out my window!

I have even got out of bed and peeked out a few times in the middle of the night--the stars live here! I wish you could see them. millions and millions blinking down.

spring is coming, I see it. feel it. smell it.

there is a faint smell of local dairies in the air.....I love a good dairy smell, don't you?

the ground is thawing, mud is squishing.

our house! it's coming along........a bit here....slowly there.

I have my kitchen together, and starting to find my way around.

I've cooked two nights in a row--a miracle! chicken tacos. black bean, bacon, and butternut soup.

the sound of my mixer twisting and turning, made it officially home. chocolate chip cookies out of the oven, straight into happy bellies.

monday morning we will slowly work our way into homeschool. a bit this week, full swing next week. so exciting and just a little bit terrifying at the same time.

this week I will get out and run some more! there are too many trails here and my feet are just begging to get dirty.

I got out my camera this week! another miracle.

a few scenes from around the house

my favorite cookies.

I think I post a picture of these every few months but we just love them so much. want better chocolate chip cookies? move to higher elevation. they are chewier and more crisp.....so good! if that doesn't work for you, add a sprinkle of kosher or sea salt to the top as they come out of the oven.....mmmm..... (recipe here)

we love guacamole. 

out of limes? try juice from a lemon, an orange, or do like Summer and use apple cider vinegar!

an easy throw-together soup. recipe below.

Black Bean, Bacon, and Butternut Soup

......something you throw together when it's five o'clock and you didn't plan anything for dinner....

6 strips of bacon

1 small onion, diced

1/2 butternut squash, peeled and cubed

5 garlic cloves, minced

2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained

4 cups chicken broth

pinch of red pepper flakes

dash of nutmeg

salt and pepper to taste

chopped cilantro for garnish

Saute bacon until crisp, remove from pan. 

In bacon drippings saute diced onion and squash until both begin to soften

add red pepper flakes and garlic

salt and pepper to taste, continue to cook veggies

add beans, broth, and nutmeg

bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low. crumble bacon and add into pot. simmer until squash is tender (the longer you simmer, the more the flavors can mingle)

top with chopped cilantro and enjoy!

I'm feeling so inspired these days....this new environment combined with spring air is filling my giant head with all kinds of ideas. I've had thoughts of where I wanted to take this blog and changes that needed to take place, and I feel that now is such a good time to make them happen. I have not forgotten about our One by One Project and can't wait to get going on it again with you all. Posts will be sporadic for the next little while as we continue to get settled, but I promise good things to come (think......baby chicks:)

see you soon!