Snowy Monday

So loved that I was able to get out and walk this morning.  The weather has been a bit of an impediment.  I really don't mind the cold - I've warm clothes and getting moving warms me up.  It's the fear of a broken bone on icy or slick surfaces that has had me on the treadmill.  How lucky I am to have one.  It's currently snowing, but warm enough out that I doubt there'll be any accumulations.

Love this, makes me smile.

So, I've learned a few things.  One of which is that steamed eggs are wonderful.  I don't really care for the green ring around the yolks when I hard cook them on the stove like I've done my whole life.  The Instant Pot was probably a waste of money.  I've tried doing meat in it and haven't really been happy. It was the last of the funds earned by walking when The Husband was employed - we got rewards for exercising and trying to be healthy.  So it isn't really a big deal, I didn't waste family money (though I really dislike waste of most any kind).  The Instant Pot just doesn't really fit my lifestyle. And why do I mention the Instant Pot?  Because that was really the only way I've cooked eggs for the last nearly 2 years.  The eggs peel so easily when cooked under pressure. But it's just such a hassle to get out, use, clean and then tuck away the Instant Pot.  Not my favorite.

But:  I read online about steaming eggs.  There's lots of proponents and only a couple negative comments.  But I was determined to try it.  And wow, I love it.  Picked up a little steamer basket at the grocery that just fits my pot.  The eggs turned out beautifully, were easy to peel and tasted wonderful.  I'm sold!!

Waffle Love, for sure.

Finally, finally, after far too long a wait and far too little communication from DMC the Cebelia Crochet thread arrived.  As I feared might be the issue, it was the wrong color.  Too many years have elapsed since I purchased the original two balls.  Then I was in a quandary.  Do I use the not-quite-matching thread and hope no one notices that it's different, and know that the next couple batches I order (it's w-a-y too expensive to buy all at once) will also likely be different shades of the same color?  Or do I just chalk it all up to a learning experiment, which it was, and just start over with a cheaper thread that I can order all at once?   I never really expected to master the pattern that easily and make such progress that I was ready to continue on with the tablecloth.

After agonizing over it, I decided to start over.  Am waiting for authorization to return the Cebelia. Hopefully DMC won't be as difficult with the return as they have been with the order.  Crocheting with thread instead of yarn for items such as a tablecloth, etc. is definitely a dying art.  My age is staring me square in the face!!

So, so pretty.

We spent Friday evening with some friends, ended up here for pie and ice cream (I finally cooked the pie I picked up for my birthday all those months ago) and it was lovely to sit and chat.  We talked about a locally originated eatery we pass all the time and haven't bothered to patronize.  But Saturday The Husband and I were out and spur of the moment stopped in.  Waffle Love it is.  I love their waffle.  We shared the chocolate stuffed banana cream.  I have never liked whipped cream, it just tastes like fat.  But after Saturday, I might change my mind for their homemade version specifically.  It was just wonderful.  I'm determined to head back and try their breakfast waffle sandwich.

Friday, The Husband had a call from our son.  Would we be home for him to stop by?  Of course-we always try to be available for our children.  He came bearing this sweet orchid.  I love the lavender color and the blossoms are so tiny.  Still don't know what compelled him to gift me this generous and thoughtful plant.  He hasn't ever done anything like that before.  But it's nice.  I love it.

I am reading a book that is different for me.  I heard about it somewhere and requested it at the library.  It's roughly 400 pages long.  I'm about 1/4 of the way through, if that. Normally after spending several evenings working on a book this length I would be nearly finished.  Not this time. The writing is absolutely gorgeous.  The kind that you have to take it slow and read every single word.  Can't skip a single one, they all contribute so beautifully (and necessarily) to the whole of the reading experience.  Don't know how long this will take, but I'm going to treasure this time.  I so admire those who can craft words into such loveliness.

We spent a couple hours this week watching training videos for our new calling - er - mission.  There's another bazillion to watch and we're already scheduled for a meeting (I'll have to miss yoga that day - drat!!) The general outline of our responsibilities is becoming clearer.  Mostly.  The implementation is still vague.  I'm hesitant.

And now, I've written so much.  I refuse to feel guilty about the length of this.  I write this for me - to sort of journal my very ordinary life.  And now that I've made it private again I sort of feel less inhibited.  Though, really, I loved knowing there were people around the world who read what I write - there must have been a least a teensy bit of interest or they wouldn't read.  But my enjoyment in this process was dimmed by comments from others.  So, now it's only available to a few.  Those loved ones who read it will always be kind, I just know it.

So grateful today to finally have a clear plan for my crocheting.  (I hope I'll have time to still do this with the new church calling.) So grateful The Husband has reached a resolution to his issues with his App, I know he's anxious to get it on the App Store.  Looking forward to having some guys come this week to swap the upstairs sofa, loveseat and chair with the downstairs sofa, loveseat and chair.  And so grateful today for the beauty in this world.  It was lovely to be able to share just a certain view with The Husband this morning for a minute.  Heavenly Father is really good to us.