life of a foodie on a beautiful fall day....

There is nothing like experiencing the seasons through the eyes of a foodie. In spring, the fresh peas, and greens, then all summer long with berries, summer squash, corn, and beans, oh....so good. Late summer brought me lots of tomatoes, and peppers, cabbage, apples, and squash.

This week's vegetable is cabbage, a big beautiful gift from a friend. So yesterday I found some cooked brown rice in the fridge, as well as some of my fresh tomato sauce (Italian style - with garlic, onion, carrot, and bell pepper). Added some ground beef (from our local farmer), an egg, and made the filling for cabbage rolls. Oh, they were wonderful.

Today I took the rest of the cabbage, sauteed it in butter with an onion, some paprika, salt, and pepper. Once it was soft, I added chicken stock, and let it simmer. Paired it with fresh out of the oven whole wheat bread, and my lunch was AMAZING.

The hubby just came home with a bag of apples from a local orchard, so the rest of the week I will make some apple pies, crisps, and sauce.

I just love the harvest.

the crazy backpack lady....

One of the perks of giving up my high profile corporate job was the commute. I used to drive 20 miles to work. Now I walk 12 minutes.

I LOVE my walk to and from work. On days when I'm working all day, I even walk home for lunch and back. On short days, I get about 25 minutes of extra exercise and fresh air, and on long days - almost an hour! I get to see sunrises, and sunsets, and beautiful clouds. I clear my head, work my heart, and breathe.

I wear a black leather backpack, taking in it my calendar, wallet, etc., and using it in case I pick up any groceries to bring home.

So every day, I can be seen around town, walking to work (or to school, or the library...I walk everywhere!)

Yesterday at work there was an unfamiliar face in the store, asking questions. I chatted with her, talking about the store, about Pittsville, etc., and explained that I walked to work.

She exclaimed "do you wear a backpack??? I've SEEN you!"

It was then that I realized I had become that "crazy backpack lady" who walks everywhere.

And it made me smile.

Could be worse things I guess!

absent....and being thankful.

I know that I've been absent, and for my faithful followers, I apologize! Life has been so hectic these last two weeks - with working a lot, football games, and canning all that amazing produce from my garden! I have several post ideas floating around, but all need photos, so they will come, sooner than later I hope!

This week I am so grateful for the beginning of a new year of Bible Study. The amazing group of (BS as we affectionately call ourselves!) ladies is so good for my soul. And we are brutally honest, discussing where we fall short, where we feel we can do better. I'm amazed at how open we all can be, showing a more vulnerable side of who we are, letting down those tough exteriors.

I have a lot of Blessings in my life, you are all aware. I am not quiet about being thankful for all that God Blesses me with. While I will not name these ladies, they know who they are, and I hope that they get as much from our weekly sessions as I do.