Hello and Welcome to My Cozy Corner. It’s been a long while, but I’m finally back. After COVID, a concussion, and another tragedy, it has been a long couple of months.
On December 29th, I had to face my worst fear; life without Mr. M. He died as the result of a fall. He had had many health issues over the past several years which led to the fall. His body could not withstand one more thing. As I am writing this, I am still somewhat dazed and not believing this has really happened. I’m putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward the best I can.
One of the things I’ve learned through all of this is that anticipating what might happen leads to an inability to move forward at all. Taking one day at a time and dealing with one task at a time, moving forward one step at a time, keeps us moving forward. I’m learning not to try and look too far ahead. A good lesson for all of life.
I’m learning that some tasks are a good distraction (like blogging), but I must be careful not to allow those things to keep me from facing and completing the more difficult tasks. At the moment the estate is the most difficult thing I need to deal with, but there is always something in life. I’m trying to learn to do the worst tasks first.
I’m learning to be careful how I comfort myself. Most of my very favorite comfort foods are also high in calories. I lost 16 pounds when I had COVID in November, but every ounce of it is back! Mindless TV (Hallmark movies) is also a nice distraction, but I can’t let it keep me from taking care of business. Another lesson for all of life.
I’m learning new habits and routines. Days are not bad, but evenings are hard. I find them to be easier if I change the routine from what we enjoyed together. I still have a glass of wine in the evening, but not at the same time or with the same music as we always enjoyed together. Maybe someday.
Since I am wintering at the moment, I don’t have gardening to immerse myself in, I have been doing some things in my house. I’m turning “our” bedroom into “my” bedroom. I need a place of quiet solitude where I can retreat from the world. I’m using soft colors and flowery accents. It’s a work in progress, but a lovely distraction.
I haven’t done much cooking lately. Friends have overwhelmed us with kindness, including food and gift cards. While the family was all together, my daughter in law made this wonderful soup, and has given me permission to share it with you.
Super-Delicious Zuppa Tuscana
1/2 pound of bulk, mild Italian sausage
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
2 slices of bacon, cut in 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 large onion, diced
1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1 quart of chicken broth
2 large potatoes, thinly sliced
1 Cup of heavy cream
1/2 bunch of fresh spinach, with the stems removed
Brown the Italian sausage in a Dutch oven, along with the pepper flakes. Remove and drain the sausage. Cook the bacon in the Dutch oven. Stir in the onion and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth. Add the potatoes and cook until tender. At the very end add the spinach. Cook for just a few minutes.
My son baked Brazilian Bread Balls to go with the soup.
Brazilian Bread Balls
1 Cup milk
1/2 Cup vegetable oil
1 tsp salt
2 Cups Tapioca flour
2 eggs
1 1/2 Cups of grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella are both good)
Using an ice cream scoop, place the dough in balls on a parchment lined baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. When you put the rolls in the oven, reduce the heat to 350 degrees. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes.
Winter is still here, and I am still “wintering” . This is a good time to take some time for yourself, away from the world and contemplate life!
Until next time,
Helen
PS I did my best to edit this, but Mr. M was my editor so you may see more typos than usual. My apologies!
My Quiet Place 