Snow ~ Side Story ~ Try It Recipe Update

 

The photo pretty much depicts the recent snow storm.  We did get a slight bit of sunshine yesterday.  I think we got about 3 inches.  My husband finally got to use his drivable mini snowplow (he bought it from an auction a few years ago and never needed it).  He walked in the door that day giggling that he was happy to finally try it out on snow.  Ha!  I have to say it worked perfectly.  All those years I joked he was a collector of such do-hickies, but it sure came in handy for us.

However, I did hand shovel the side patio to get out to tend the hens (there is a side story to this) and get the mail that particular day.  There was 2 foot drifts to get to the coop, and I slipped slightly on the underlying ice (which I didn't see until I shoveled).  Anyway, when I put my right foot down to catch myself, it shot pain right up that already beat up leg.  

I put in a call to our main doctor, and the nurse called me back.  I, and I have no idea how, missed her call.  I think ice packs will ease the agitated leg, but we'll get better advice when the nurse calls me back.  FYI - spikes are back on my boots for the winter.

A big fat squirrel out digging for whatever he/she can find.  An odd sight for winter time.  

I cannot wait for the garden this year.  The cucumbers in the stores are not so good lately.  We have been making very good at keeping the grocery list to fresh fruits and vegetables, and focusing meals on what's in the freezer and pantry.

The temperature remains in the teens, and this is what the egg stand looks like today.  I am thankful they are laying again, but it is very slim pickin's.

Side story about the slip and not falling, and going out to tend the hens.  I get an email almost daily from an old friend (been friends for years).  I mentioned my slip, and shoveling and ice, and her response (no kidding), was to butcher all of my hens, and start over in the spring!!!!!  Just to avoid a slip on the ice!?

It was like she thinks I am a hermit and never needs to leave the house, because I do not "work" outside the home.

I could not believe a good friend would come up with that solution.  Not one bit.  I need new friends, but most winter activities here are in the evenings when my husband comes home from work.  I don't have the equipment for zoom to do  online type meetings (book clubs, Bible study etc) either. 

 Anyway, I was absolutely shocked that all the years I've known her, and that was the only response?  I was just keeping up with recent news, and felt she could have cracked a joke about bubble wrapping me or some other response, but I'm still shocked. 

Okay, off my soapbox.  Thanks for listening to my winter time banter.

I worked a teensy bit on my new project and hope to share soon.  My husband is even happy about it.  I think anyway.

We tried the slow cooker ground turkey stroganoff and it was delicious!  Oh my!  No cream cheese in it.  I used arrowroot powder to thicken it, and made it a comfort food meal with homemade mashed potatoes and extra wide Amish noodles.  I roasted garden green beans from the garden to go with it.  I know it's a sugar spike (potatoes and pasta) for the hub's, but it is about once a year that I make mashed potatoes vs. sweet potatoes.  The recipe is online with Kroll's Korner called Slow Cooker Ground Turkey Stroganoff (use that homemade condensed cream of mushroom for a healthy version).

I never thought about it until I just mentioned mashed potatoes, but those mashed potato squash we grew last year would be absolutely delicious with this too.  Note to self for next year's garden.  Insert happy face.  I have a few small squash left (totally forgot about them). 

Have a fantastic Wednesday.  Find the sunshine in your winter day, and prayers for the people in CA (fires) right now.

Snow ~ Side Story ~ Try It Recipe Update © January 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart