Warm nails and a firetruck

So it like, snowed.

From the weather reports and bread aisle, there was some skeptical but tangible concern. But it was nothing outside of bitter cold (which continues I should add).

Anywho, I noticed the nails or whatever on the rooftop below held some warmth. And they made this pattern.

In other snapshottery of the day, here’s the thing I picked up at the antique store, an old metal firetruck:

Nature’s cooler

I keep catching myself staring at the woods thinking,
I grew up in a place like this.
I really really like it.

Why is it that I feel so much more appreciative now?

Maybe I’m becoming sensitive to the noise.
With the extra channels on the tv.
Piles of information tailored to push buttons.
The aisle of cereal.
Default ringtones across the restaurant.
The whir of fans from inflatable holiday lawn decorations.

Yes, I like the woods from time to time, just to shake all that.
As luck would have it, I spent some time there this weekend.

Trees and river in snow
Snowy driveway
Snow covered house

Janice Young and Cluxton Alley Coffee Roasters

In studiomate Tom’s words, “This is as close as I will ever come to a Diagon Alley experience.” He was speaking of our impromptu visit to Cluxton Alley Coffee Roasters in Northside.

Tucked behind Fabricate, follow the smell of fresh coffee, go in and grab a cup.
If Janice isn’t around, leave a dollar.
If she is, pick up some fresh roasted stuff for home.
Pretty simple and entirely excellent.

Bonus image # 1: Billy Mays has what you need. (Taken through the window of the new Fabricate location, which is awesome by the way, and I’m not saying that because they sell our shirts there. )

Second bonus image: Cookies at Take the Cake.

Tangled

I suppose I should stop apologizing for poor quality photos from the phone, as this day was all about taking a little time off and being totally laid back.

This meant not carrying around a big camera, and instead seeing that Tangled movie (to make sure it was kid friendly.)

It was indeed solid for tots, and quite enjoyable for old folks like me.

Rounded out the day doing a bit of shopping, wherein I snapped this image at the Antique Store.

Textured Vegetable Protein Chili

I’m not sure why it has taken me almost 40 years to add more recipes to my very short list of: Vegetable beef stew, cole slaw, deviled eggs, and grilled cheese.

I think I can now firmly plant vegetarian chili on that menu.

Don’t ask for the recipe. I just threw in a bunch of canned tomatoes and beans with spices and some TVP (which I’ve since learned means Textured Vegetable Protein).