Out and About in February

I've been hunkering down a lot this month -- too much snow and cold (and it just doesn't stop). I'll look out the window and it may be large puffy flakes; wee, idly falling flakes or rapidly descending snow -- pure and simple, snow. The one thing that is constant is that it doesn't seem to stop. But that hasn't stopped me for getting ready for Valentine's Day.

Or getting about when need be. The other day I took my turn on our university theatre friends board delivering cookies to the actors and tech crew during their first tech rehearsal of "Cyrano." (Isn't that a good show for Valentine's Day?)

I spent a lot of my life in this building as a student; it's nice to give back. But I'll tell you -- I don't think anyone was arriving by bike!

Even Rick has been off the bike this winter. Instead, he is turning his attention to bread-baking.

He took a class at the renowned Zingerman's Bake House in Ann Arbor a couple of weeks ago and learned what he had been doing right and wrong!

I've been taking my turn in the kitchen, too. This is my potpie from the new "Sweetielicious" pie cookbook.

(I've written about this enchanting bakery here which has achieved a national reputation before. Here is Sweet Linda herself, signing my book and others that found their way into Christmas boxes!)

There is a story to this chicken pot pie. The night before was my friend Mike's memorial service. After, a number of us went to one of Mike's favorite restaurants for dinner. I ordered what was billed as the "all you can eat chicken dinner" -- it was a lemon herbed chicken with a side of pasta and a salad. I figured there would be leftovers. I didn't think it would be this much!

Yes, they didn't mention in the menu it was a whole half chicken. After the salad and pasta side, I had about four bites. Needless to say, the leftovers made for a great pot pie! (The leg and thigh are in the go-box and the white meat still on the plate. Bad blogging photo.) Ah, well...and the U.S. doesn't have a problem with portion control?

On another front, I haven't killed my rosemary yet, bringing it inside for the hard winter.

And I'm still trying to kick off icy snow yuck from the car. Almost broke a toe trying. Rick managed, but I know I softened it up for him.

 

I've been busy making valentines, too, and a gift for Rick -- but that's another post. Meanwhile, keep the candles burning and your hearts warm.