Evolution and Getting Lost in the Weeds

 January has come and gone in a blink, yet not the whirlwind that typically accompanies such a passage of time.  I felt every minute of it.  I guess that comes from reflecting upon your goals and trying to determine which of the expectations that you have are real versus those you have simply put far too much weight on. As we look at how we have evolved in the last six years, and how we continue to, we have matured and learned that some of the ideals that we have staunchly lived by  maybe should have been less rigid, ebbing and flowing with the realities that we face.  It is so interesting how stubborn deep seeded some of these feelings dwell,  yet the same circumstance to someone else is trivial.  The type A me has just got to let it go. :)

Earlier this week I joined a planning committee for a local non-profit.  I had not sit in on a meeting like this before, so early in the goal setting process  that timelines for accomplishment were just being lain;  like the bricks of a foundation.  It was difficult for all of us not to not "get lost in the weeds" during the discussion, being so eager to put forth ideas and add some more bricks and mortar, before the base layer was dry. 


I read this article today and it was fascinating.  It wonders: have we ever left high school?  The discussion involves brain development, memories, and how we have evolved as social human beings. It goes further to hint at how we perpetuate our experiences, during this pivotal development time (15-25),  both in ourselves as we age and with our children. 

As January merges to February I see that our evolution must move forward by taking our past development with all of its rich lessons and giving ourselves permission to get out of the weeds and continue building on our solid foundation; journeying down our less traveled by road. 

Sunday Stuff

::  AAhhhchooo!  That is all we seem to be hearing today from Charles.  After years of allergies and different medications prescribed by his doctor for management, he began with a persistent cough 6 months ago queueing a new protocol.   The kid never complains...ever...which allows some time to go by, and I'll notice times when his symptoms are worse again, and this dry little throat clearing cough and seemingly more frequent episodes of wheezing are really bugging me.  So, why is he so miserable this weekend in particular?  Well he heads to the allergist on Tuesday and they want him 3 full days without any meds so he can be thoroughly tested.    Hmm we are now about 36 hours in, and he is walking around with a Kleenex box.  So, I guess the cocktail that he has been on is helping after all!  Hopefully, we will have some more comprehensive answers soon.

::  I received the beautiful felted stone from Julochka in the mail yesterday.  It makes a nice addition to my growing collection of smooth stones and sea glass.  It is so fun getting a little package in the mail with postmarks from Denmark.  Made me smile!

::  I really have been enjoying a few episodes of Extra Virgin.  I love the rustic Italian recipes.  I made the above linked take on a tuna salad sandwich today and it was appreciated by all.

::  We made some significant strides this morning on the barn project.  We re-organized much of the loft and cleared two large sections of the main barn, which are now designated for garden tools and recreational items.  Now we are loading those areas with all of the garden stuff that we have collected over time and had stored in the grainery.  As that empties out B will start construction on his new workshop.  A lot to do, but baby steps, and progress is being made.

::  With freezing rain moving in this afternoon, I think that I will curl up on the couch for a little while and watch a movie with the family, then put some rice pudding on to simmer for a late afternoon snack.

Illusions of Warmth

Light can be deceptive.  It's dancing color may give the illusion of warmth.  Today, the glimpses of late afternoon sun give a false sense of security.  The clear skies as the sun fades, set us up for chills ranging from -20 to -27 degrees overnight.  The kids and I did venture out on this icy day, and after a few short jaunts running in and out of stores, we headed for more permanent shelter from our 6 degree day.  What better way to spend the late afternoon, than cocooned with hot chocolate, candlelight, and good books to pass the time.

If you are interested in illusions, check this out.  I started it last night and it has been very entertaining.  Be safe tonight Wisconsin!

Silent Sunday ~ Take Flight

Cold Sunsets and Kale Brussels

Driving home from soccer tonight, I had to take a little detour to capture this amazing sunset.  I need to just keep my camera with me all of the time!  It is especially helpful when you pull off the side of the road quickly and put on your hazards.  Once the police officer who happened to be the oncoming car saw me with my window down and the camera, he just cruised on by.  The yellows and golds tonight transported me to the Sahara in summer, amazing since it's winter here.  But thankfully a balmy 40 degrees to melt the last of the weeks ice before the bottom officially drops out later tonight.  We have wind chills well below zero to look forward to the next couple of days.

This truly frigid air that is pending prompted us to make the decision to do the final harvest of our Flower Sprouts ~ Kale/Brussels hybrid.  So in the dusk, we headed outside to pick sprouts.  We planted them in August, and they have been in the garden all winter, and unprotected, AND they are simply beautiful as well as deliciously sweet.  Proof positive that we have had a trend of extremely moderate winter weather to spoil us, allowing us to reap some reward from this concerning pattern.  I hope that if these changed seasons keep up that it does not dull our senses to the reasons behind environmental changes.  We have heard speculation that the Great Lakes area was predicted to become the next great wine region.  If this keeps up, we may need to plant grapes.