friday senses

a peek at our week:

seeing: snow is coming down AS WE SPEAK. Big fluffy flakes. We got so much last weekend and then it disappeared in just a few days. I'm getting really excited for snow this year--I'll be dusting off my snowboard in these next few weeks and returning to the hill.....it's been 9 years....it's going to be hilarious.

loving: The foggy mornings lately are my favorite. 

It's so fun driving the kids to school through the mist.

hearing: When Robby and I first met he played the guitar. He played and played and played and sang his little heart out.....it was all part of the "wooing" process. He's picked it up again and has been playing more and more. The kids lounge around singing Neil Young with him......it's the best.

anticipating: Thanksgiving of course! Family, fun, and mashed potatoes. 

Black Friday? No thank you, I'll be on a trail somewhere.

nervous gassing/feeling excited: 

I did it. I am officially registered for school. eeeeeeeeeeeeek. I start in January. I have some prerequisites to get out of the way and then eventually I will apply for a nursing program. I have been thinking about this for quite some time now, and the pieces are finally coming together. I am so nervous but I can't wait to get things rolling in January. Heaven help me.

running: in SNOW! Crazy deep powdery snow. Last Friday it snowed all night. I tossed and turned--giddy about Saturday's run. I love running in the snow. It's beautiful and challenging and so different than anything else. Saturday I kept thinking the storm would let up......and it didn't. The snow just kept coming down....so I just went for it. Charly was in heaven--the snow is like a drug to her and she just goes crazy. We blazed our own trail......but not for long. The snow was blowing so hard I could barely see. Next time I'll be out there with my goggles.

apologizing: A few of you have asked about a November calendar.....so sorry--November is almost done! We will see about December....

nerding out: Who will be seeing Catching Fire sometime soon? ME.

wondering: What kind of pie are you making for Thanksgiving? I'm going to make the same Buttermilk Pie I made last year for Christmas. Find the recipe HERE

souping: always making soup around here.

Chicken and Barley Soup

1 onion, chopped
4 carrots, sliced
5 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups chopped kale (or collard greens or chard), chopped into bite size pieces
2TBS chopped fresh thyme (you can throw in any combination of fresh herbs into this soup!)
1 TBS chopped fresh rosemary
1-2 chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces
1 cup barley (you could use any grain you have--maybe wild rice or bulgur)
6-8 cups chicken stock (less stock if you want it to be more of a stew)
juice of 1 lemon
s&p

saute' in olive oil: onion, carrots, kale, and chicken pieces until onions are tender and chicken begins to brown on the edges
add garlic and herbs, s&p. cook for a few more minutes.
add stock and barley.
bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat.
Let simmer on low for an hour or more.( I love it the longer my soups cook)

Stir in lemon juice right before serving.

top with parmesan cheese and some fresh chopped parsley and enjoy!

Happy Weekend!!!

let's see your #howweweekend

blogged 1 year ago: Pie and Other Things

blogged 2 years ago: The Unmentioned