This former Californian has a bad case of the winter sleepys. Getting motivated to exercise, or do anything, when short, freezing cold, winter days are begging you to curl up on the couch with a blanket, a book, and a hot cup of tea takes massive effort. Add a pandemic where no one wants to have fun and you realize that slow drift to sleep every night with the potential of a fabulous dream is probably the most exciting part of your day. This is not a good sign.
I’m forcing myself to walk, even in the freezing cold, which is lovely on a gorgeous day like we had last week. I still love winter, even though it did dare to rain, then freeze then snow on top of it creating actual hell on earth for me and Topper.
He just wobbles toward me, silently mouthing “Why are you doing this to me?” One morning I watched him walk in circles for 15 minutes in the freezing cold, waiting for him to pee, only to realize he relieved himself on my living room rug before I picked him up to take him outside.
I’m convinced this is a test like the ones old witches used to play on people in fairy tales to see if they were nice or not. If I lose my temper, karma will come back to me soon enough.
Nevertheless, we all have to keep moving forward. At least we have delicious food to look foward to! I’m re-posting an older blog with a recipe I put up for The Best Split Pea Soup a few years ago. It’s not beautiful, but is scrumptious, hearty, and will keep you warm, plus give you the energy to go shovel snow, or hike up a hill. Just give this recipe a try, you won’t regret it. Here’s a link to the split pea blog: It Ain’t Pretty But, Man is it Good!
Please let me know how you tackle the sleepy’s. I can use a little advice.
And if you’re not a follower of my blog, please take a moment to scroll up on the top right of this blog and become one. Or scroll down on your cell phone to the follow prompt and follow from there!
Now, I’m off to bed. YES!
The Best Split Pea Soup
Sort and rinse peas in a strainer. In a heavy 4 quart pot, saute celery, onion, garlic and carrot until tender, but not browned.
Add rinsed peas, ham bone, potato, pepper, water and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, reduce heat. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the pan, until peas are very tender, about 2 to 3 hours. Remove ham bone, cut meat from bone and discard bone. (Some people like to puree their soup — I like mine chunky. The split pea police will not be checking on you, so do what you like.)
Place chopped ham back in soup pan. Remove bay leave before you serve it. You can add a dollop of sour cream if you like, but it’s good just as it is!