Welcome Spring (especially on Saturdays)
We are a few days into spring, and it finally almost looks like it. The first of the crocuses are blooming, a sure sign that there will be a spring. The first daffodil is getting ready to bloom. This is like that first deep wakening breath after a long winter’s rest.
I am continuing to read “Ordinary on Purpose”. I’ve learned so much about experiencing life as it is, not as the ideal we are so often deluded into believing is real. Some things, like status and material wealth are just not that important. It harkens back to my old hippy soul; the days when we were living on missionary support.. Maybe it’s true, life really does cycle rather than being linear.
I had coffee last week with a young mom friend who is in exactly that place I was in all those years ago. Her youngest son (age 9 or so) had just gotten his first pair of brand new jeans that no one had ever worn before. We lived on hand me downs at our house and were grateful for it. No one knew or cared. Somehow over time as there has been more money available, I have lost track of the importance of keeping it simple.
Over the last few months and years, I have come to once again enjoy the quest. The hunt for the best bargain possible. Not only does it make financial sense, it makes sense for the earth. Why use more of earth’s limited supply of materials when we can re use.
The latest treasure hunt has been for containers for plants. After reading the garden magazine that I mentioned last time, I am going to up my game a bit in the back yard. I bought seven containers for $17 at the Goodwill near me. That would be the cost of one anywhere else. They are going to hold dirt and plants, they do not need to be new. I picked containers that would look nice and be fun, even if they were not flower pots. They don’t have drain holes so I will put stones or corks in the bottom to avoid root rot. I discovered that Goodwill is 50% off for seniors on Wednesday. Check the one near you to see if they have a senior bargain day.
This Saturday we are supposed to have a special visitor. I found a three year old cat at the local shelter in need of a home. I need a little buddy right now. Hopefully we are a good fit.
Saturdays are busy with projects and Saturday evening my thoughts head in the direction of rest and Sunday sabbath, so dinner on Saturday needs to be simple. We have soup a lot in the winter, but in warmer weather we turn to other light meals. Here is this week’s fare:
Easy Stromboli
1 pkge of pie crust (two crusts)
Deli meat (I used ham and smoked turkey)
Shredded cheese (mozzarella is traditional but cheddar is good too)
Good quality mustard
Italian seasoning
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. Lay out the pie crust and spread with mustard. Layer with meat then cheese. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and repeat layers. Roll up the stromboli and place seam side down. Dampen your fingers and pinch the ends of the roll so the contents don’t leak out. Brush with olive oil and bake until golden brown.
My Quiet Place 