As predicted we have snow here this morning. There’s about 3-4″ on the ground at the moment, but it’s still coming down– half-heartedly, but it’s still snowing.
The schools are closed, less because of the snowfall, more because of the icy road conditions. I’d planned to venture out to Kroger this morning, but I looked in our freezer + pantry, and have decided that I have the makings for Thai Chicken Curry, so that’s what’s going to be for dinner.
Safer to stay in, you know?
I’ve cooked more this month. The most interesting dishes I’ve made so far are Split Pea & Ham Soup + African-style Beef Stew. I like anything that combines a bunch of ingredients, allows them to get to know each other in a pot, and then provides us with leftovers.
Preferably freezable.
Like the current weather conditions.
[What a card! She must be from St. Louis. Very old joke, that one.]
In other news, I’m not doing the A To Z Challenge this year. However, a few bloggers who I follow are doing it. I made a list of these intrepid folks who’ll be writing almost daily in April.
The list is at the end of this post should you like to follow them, too. And perhaps proffer a few comments on their blogs to show your support. Just ‘cuz that’s what friendly bloggers do.
N’est-ce pas?
So with that observation and/or challenge, depending on your point of view, I’m going to go start some laundry, curl up with a book, and have a winter-like day, on the first full day of spring.
What’s up with you today, my gentle readers? Tell me in the comments below and I’ll live vicariously through you.
Oh, also– if I’ve left anyone off my A To Z Challenge List let me know in the comments and I’ll add you to the list.
+ • + • + • +
My List Of A To Z Challenge Bloggers To Follow
+ • + • + • +
Half the folks aren’t at work – almost always the result of closed schools. I sense a lot of in-home nesting today with the kiddies. ALL of your meals this month have been great (as they always are). Looking forward to Thai Chicken Curry.
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Zen-Den, no one is out and about here in the ‘hood. Not even the walkers with their dogs. Thanks for the compliment about my cooking. I try… with varying results!
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The Thai was to die . . . for.
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😊 Well said!
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I’m flying home to Ohio today after a trip to sunny California. Let’s just say I’m not thrilled to be returning to a new round of snow. Ugh.
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Carrie, I hear ‘ya. I like winter and snow when it first starts, but now it’s overstayed its welcome. Sunny CA sounds nice to me right now.
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As my daughter was supposed to take the SAT today, but is instead home due to snow…..just saying. Not sticking here yet, but the worst is supposed to come in a few hours. Wish I had something fun to tell you except I really need to finish portrait of a lady by Saturday for book club….
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LA, oh dear! How awful to have your SAT put off by snow. The anxiety of waiting to take that test is enough already without dealing with a delay. I read Portrait of a Lady in college. Don’t remember much about it, which is more of a commentary on my addled brain than the book. Good luck with it.
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It’s funny. I was a lit major and always an avid reader. Though, as my kid navigates ap lit and Lang, I find I don’t remember any of the books!! They rescheduled the test for April 24th I think.
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I understand. I read so many books in such a short period of time, all to satisfy English major college requirements, not my own curiosity. Hoping for the best for your daughter.
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Thanks. She presently chilling, which is a good thing!
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Hi Ally, Thanks for the A-Z shout out!
African Beef Stew sounds intriguing – any chance we can persuade you to put the receipe up?
All the best,
David
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David, I’m a by gosh and by golly cook, but I’ll give you the gist of how I make African Beef Stew. It’s more about the flavorings than the original recipe [that I cannot find, but here’s an online one that looks similar to it].
Throw some cubed beef, sliced potatoes, diced onions, [celery if you have it], sliced carrots, peas, [mushrooms if you like them] together in a crockpot. Using something tomato [soup, diced, stewed] as your base, make a sauce to pour over the ingredients in the crockpot by mixing together red wine, dissolved beef bouillon, peanut butter, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY African Berbere Seasoning [be careful, very hot].
This seasoning is spicy and has a distinctive flavor in the way that Indian curry has a distinctive flavor, but it doesn’t taste like curry. It tastes like Berbere.
Pour sauce on stuff in crockpot. Cook mess for 6-8 hours. Enjoy stew straight up or on top of rice.
I buy Berbere at Penzeys : here
To make your own Berbere, something I have never done: here
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Thanks Ally! I suspect I might have to tuck that recipe away for a bit, until I can find some willing guinea pigs…But I like your style of cooking!
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Thanks. I’m more of a conceptual cook rather than a recipe cook. If you make this, let me know what you think.
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Ashley makes that stew, minus the beef and it is delicious. She lived in West Africa where a spicy peanut paste tomato sauce blend was very common.
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Margaret, no kidding! I mean I knew she was in West Africa, but I didn’t know about the rest. The stew is spicy, but oh so good. I’m sure that I’d like it vegetarian-style, too. An idea…
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We have the snow now and it’s coming down like a sale at Walmart’s. Again I’ve had to cancel plans but instead of grumping (which I just did) I’m going to write some posts and dig into some ancestor research. We have minestrone soup for today. Perfect (?) for the first full day of spring.
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Kate, it’s stopped snowing now. It looks pretty outside in a dreary gray way that I’m sick of seeing. Do you have a blog dedicated to your ancestor research? I’m beginning to realize that some people do, as a way of saving the stories– and as “cousin bait” [a new-to-me term]. Minestrone sounds delicious.
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Still snowing! (sick of it too) No I didn’t start a blog on the research. Not sure how many people would be interested. I do occasionally post observations here but not specifics. “Cousin bait?” New to me too.
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I don’t know that anyone would care about my family stories, either. But I’m seeing more blogs dedicated to such, and wonder if there’s a trend now that the Boomers are getting older. If I ever get back into genealogical research, keeping a blog might keep me interested, regardless of other people’s interest.
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It’s like a public journal too so you can reference things.
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Good point. I’d like that.
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Slaving away at the day job. No snow here but it was a wet, dark and cold commute this morning.
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Jill, this first full day of spring is not living up to its potential imho. Too gloomy, if you ask me!
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Snow, Snow, staying in too… enjoy!
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Solitaire, thanks. You enjoy your snowy day, too. Let’s hope it’s the last one for a while.
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Enjoying today, sunny and warm!🌿
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Same here. It’s like this week’s snowstorm never happened.
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We got about 3″ of it as well. And, of course, very brisk (20 mph) NE winds. SIGH. I had to put off the grocery store last week, so unless we want to have ice and condiment parfaits for dinner, I am headed out into it to resupply.
Enjoy your warm day, and if I send out the Distress Signal, release the dogs!
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nance, there’s no wind here, almost at all. It’s oddly still outside. I hope that your grocery restocking mission goes smoothly, allowing you to dine on something more sumptuous than condiment parfaits. A funny image to think about, a sad dinner to serve.
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Let’s strike up the band
You’ve come up with a dandy plan
With dinner well in hand
And laundry bandying about
You can relax with a good book and . . . Chill!
As for me ~> time to tackle the taxes today.
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nancy, yes this is a day to chill, because of the chill. I don’t envy you doing your taxes, so I’ll not live vicariously through you today, if that’s ok with you. 😊
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Sorry to hear you are getting hammered with more snow. That isn’t a happy start to spring 😕
The temperatures are below normal here, but at least we’ve been having sunny skies.
Enjoy your quiet time with a book, and your Thai Chicken Curry sounds wonderful.
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Joanne, I’m ready for some sunny skies. I don’t mind cold, and can convince myself that I like snow– it’s the icy roads with gloom that get to me. Keep your fingers crossed about dinner, I have most of the ingredients on hand and will improvise or “forget” the ones I don’t have. 🙄
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Now you’ve just described most of my meals 😉
I hear you about the icy roads. That’s the worst part!
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Yes they are. And I’m tired of dealing with them, so it’s inside recess for me today!
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Maybe your friendly robin will pay a visit and provide some entertainment!
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Deb, I think that dude is hiding in his nest out there in the tree. He’s stopped attacking the windows, and I suspect he’s trying to stay warm. But if he shows up again I’ll try to start a convo with him.
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I’d invite myself to dinner, but I’m staying off the roads here in Pa., too. A coworker made it in to work, but I told the boss yesterday this girl doesn’t drive on snowy/icy roads only to have to take an hour to drive the normal 10-minute ride home in blizzard-like conditions. I brought work home with me, though, so… I’m doing some of that, too. I might bake a cake, which I sometimes do on snowy days.
Thanks for the A to Z shout out! Mucho appreciated. I think in a couple of weeks I’ll think myself crazy for signing up… but then how will I know? hahahaha
Stay warm!
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Tara, I like your idea of baking a cake. Smart girl. I’m sure I have the ingredients for one here, and heaven knows I have the time today.
I look forward to what everyone writes for their A To Z Challenge posts. I may not get to all 26 letters, but I like the whole idea of this challenge. I hope that by sharing your names, some other bloggers will find you, too. Best of luck!
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I get the feeling you’re not a Betty Crocker baker like I am. God bless Betty and her box mixes. If you make cakes from scratch, I’d DEFINITELY invite myself to dinner, ya know, when it’s not a blizzard outside. :-0
I think this challenge will be fun and, yes, challenging. I’m curious to see others’ posts as well. Thanks for the well wishes!
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Tara, if I bake a cake it’s usually a snack cake from a recipe. Nothing fancy and layered. Just something sweet and flavorful. For the heck of it.
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But from scratch, yes? I admire people who bake from scratch. It’s a talent!
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It’s how I grew up. My mother was a good baker and showed me how it’s done. I don’t do anything complicated anymore, but a snack cake in a 8×8″ pan I can manage.
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My dad baked from scratch. As of yet, I haven’t discovered I inherited that gene. 🙂
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Not to worry. Boxed cakes are good, too. Whatever works, ‘ya know?
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Stay safe and warm as winter throw hopefully its last strike. I like cooking for leftovers also. 🙂
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Judy, I’m more bored today than worried about this weather. The snow will melt quickly at this time of year. There needs to be a club for all of us leftover enthusiasts!
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That looks like a LOT of snow to me. Of course, we don’t generally get much here, so I’m no judge. I hate the ice! I agree with your evaluation of good recipes; I enjoy a variety of ingredients and always have many left overs. I will go visit some bloggers-I’m glad to see that others are still blogging.
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Margaret, I’m so over snow at this point. Just let this stuff melt, and give me spring already. Recently I’ve found a new bunch of bloggers who are into it. Like you said, glad to see others doing the bloggy thing. Let’s just hope they’re friendly. 😁
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I’m doing the challenge, but maybe didn’t make the director’s cut list, as i do it on WordPress and don’t tweet it or FB it….? No worries. You don’t even know my name…
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Embeecee, I’ll update this list later today or tomorrow– and add your name to it. As far as I’m concerned Embeecee is your name, so not a problem there. Do you have a theme?
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No theme this year…although I am toying with an idea or two. I didn’t have one last year either, and ended up doing a virtual tour of tiny Utah towns…so maybe something like that again (or not)…;) Thanks sweetie!
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Sounds like a plan! Or enough of one… 😉
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We had some rain yesterday here in “sunny” California. I like to put together a bunch of stuff and let them meet in the pot as well. It is soupy kind of weather. Thanks for including me on your list of TBF A to Z’ers. I am honored.
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Janet, I know that it’ll be sunny again in no time, but today I was so ready for spring– but got winter. I’m looking forward to reading what you write for your challenge, so of course you have to be on the list.
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lots and lots of snow here today. took the dog to the vet and now we are in for the rest of the day. once the dough for my rolls comes out of the bread maker I’m heading back out to shovel… again! I posted pictures of our winter wonderland on my blog today
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teacherturnedmommy, I’ll check out your pics. Sounds like you have it worse there than here. But I still want to reserve my right to complain about our snow! 😉
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Ok I believe that any snow at this time of the year is worth complaining about. the calendar says spring… right?
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YES! Exactly. And I’m so ready for it. 🌷
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I have a hard time posting every week let alone every day! We also make stew type concoctions that last us all week.
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JT Twissel, the A To Z Challenge is just that– a challenge. I did it one year, am glad that I did, but I won’t lie– it’s work to do it. That’s why I support anyone who tries it. Who doesn’t need a cheering section?
Yes, I’m find that as I *age* I prefer to make one meal that lasts a while, then forget about cooking for as long as possible.
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I left the Boston area this morning, after a meeting to try and beat the snow to CT. Looks like I won by several hours, it’s not here yet. I’m finishing lunch and then a bit more work – not as nice as curling up with a book.
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Dan, I’m glad that you got home safely, considering what a mess I hear is headed your way. Maybe after your work, you can find a book and curl up, too.
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Let’s hope. Thanks. I think our storm has fizzled out
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*yay* for you!
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I hope there’s been maximum enjoyment in your snow day. And given your culinary prowess, I trust today will include some hot chocolate as well. Everything is always better with chocolate. Here in Chicago, I’m happy to report that although it’s cold, the sun is shining and we are snow free. Yay! Two days ago I spotted my first robin of the season and unlike your scary specimen, mine seemed to be serenely contemplating the neighborhood.
Thanks for the A-to-Z shout out. I’m looking forward to a crazy-but-good April.
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Deborah, you make a good case of hot chocolate. Drinking it would be medicinal, not an indulgence. 😉 Our robin has calmed down now that it’s snowy outside, so maybe he’s remembering how nice it is to stay home in the nest instead of attacking windows. Dumb bird.
I’m looking forward to you, and everyone else, doing the A To Z Challenge. I did it once and that was enough. However, I know that you’ll shine through the whole thing.
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Cool today ..52 compared to 72 yesterday. It’s also very windy here today. Your kite would fly away! I’m watching the little guy today. He’s keeping me very busy and entertained. No nap!
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Beth, that’s quite a temp drop. No wind here, kind of eerily still outside. But there’s snow. Hope that you’re not too worn out keeping up with a toddler, in the wind.
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Meant to say that I loved your snow picture! Watching C again today. And another day of no nap. I’ll sleep well tonight! He’s busy but so much fun!
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Thanks. I took that picture while standing in the driveway in my jammies as the snow fell on me. I’m nothing if not a determined blogger! Sweet dreams tonight.
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Brr! I lived for 20 years in Washington, DC, so I still out of habit check the weather there on a regular basis. Friends there were “celebrating” the government being closed so they could do pretty much what you’re doing — cocooning. It’s hard to fathom FOUR nor’easters this year, good grief. Stay warm! – Marty
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Marty, I feel for the people on the east coast who’ve had so much snow this year. I’m just complaining here because I’m tired of snow– but I know that what we have is nothing compared to what’s going on in the east. And with that admission, I’ll get back to my cocooning. 😊
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I ADORED ‘School Snow Days’ (both as a kid and as a teacher/administrator)! They were always a bit like winning a “mini-lottery”!
Call me crazy….but I too am taking part in the “A to Z Challenge”. What have I gotten myself into?!
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Donna, I like your description of snow days: “mini-lottery” is perfect.
Ok, I’ll add your name to the list. Do you have a theme? And as for your last question… you’ll soon see! Best of luck making it through the alphabet.
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Thanks, Ally – My theme is “April Adventures’! That way ‘A’ is already covered.
Hope there is not a word limit….or else my plan is toast!
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Sounds great. I look forward to reading what you write. Have fun.
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Dogs and I stuck inside. It might not be snow but it’s pouring.
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camparigirl, that’s what I’ve heard on the news. You’re being flooded, and we’re be covered. Kind of worrying, but there you have it. You stay dry and we’ll stay warm. Deal?
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Thank you for sharing Ally! Much appreciated. I hope we won’t have snow in April!! 😄
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Miss Andi, no snow in April? I’m so with you on that point. Fingers crossed.
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I’m sorry for all your snow, Ally. It’s not likely, but I’m hoping we don’t see anymore this year. I’m with you on the one dish meals. I’ve roasted an awful lot of vegetables this year, too. I put them in and on everything. Cheers!
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Elen, even since I wrote this post this morning the snow has melted some, and the streets are clear. I’m betting this is the end of it for the year. I love roasted veggies, but haven’t done that in a while. Good idea!
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We’ll keep our fingers crossed.
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Thank you. 😊
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Must be really old since I am from St. Louis and didn’t notice the reference. Guess I’ll just get another soda out of the icebox and enjoy the freezable but non snowy weather we’ve had all winter instead…
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It is a really old joke based on the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. People, like in the 1930s & 1940s, used to say that someone who was funny was a “card.” Slang, you know?
So if someone said that to you and you were a smart alec, you’d add “must be from St. Louis” referring to the baseball team. Goofy humor, but I remember hearing it as a kid.
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OK, I’m aware of the card reference now, just didn’t realize it was supposed to be referencing the baseball team. I’m always interested in language regionalisms and thought maybe this was something that slipped by me…
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Like I said, it was goofy humor, but considering my mood yesterday, it seemed like the right thing to write.
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You folks toward the east seem to have really been hit by the snow this year. We expected to be but have had another almost snow-free winter (mind you there is still time to get a spring blizzard). It’s going to catch up with us one winter. I hope that you are already melting and the crocus are breaking through the slush. After all, you have robins arriving and they should know when spring is.
I’d never heard the Cards joke. But then, I was from the other side of the state.
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Zazzy, it’s been an odd winter. In late February we had a weekend with 70ºF temps, which is unheard of around here. Then *boom* it’s cold again with snow. It seems so tedious to me. However, today the snow has melted on the streets and the sun is shining. It’s still cold out, but not depressingly winterish.
That joke is one I heard growing up. I don’t know its origin, but I threw it into this post because it floated into my brain as I was writing. Sometime I go stream-of-consciousness here.
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I for one am entirely sick of the white stuff. Bring on pollen season. It’s just as effective at keeping you inside, but with none of the missed school days.
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Allie, I agree. I’m allergic to just about every pollen outside my door in April [and August] BUT if I’m staying inside at least I want to look at something pretty outside. Late winter snow is never pretty. No more snow, please.
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Sorry to hear that you are still experiencing snow… Mother Nature must be a little confused. Your Thai Chicken Curry sounds wonderful! And, that you have all the ingredients on hand is very impressive. I LOVE leftovers, and fortunately, my husband does too (I had a friend whose husband refused to eat leftovers… I have no idea why she didn’t leave him). Growing up here in coastal SoCal, we never had snow days. We did have Hot Days (usually in September and sometimes in early October) when school was canceled because temps reached over 100F and there wasn’t air conditioning.
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Janis, it’s one day later and 90% of the snow has melted. Late winter snow storms are disruptive, but not like the ones in December or January that stop things for days. I’ve never heard of Hot Days, but I can see how you’d have to have them.
I don’t understand people who won’t eat leftovers either. It wasn’t a choice in my house growing up– leftovers were dinner. And they still are here. I wonder why your friend stayed with him, too.
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I don’t think we got as much snow as you. The Mister cleared my car, then Moo cleared my car, and then I cleared my car — it kept snowin all morning. I drove the kids to school and then I, too, stayed home and made things in a pot. Life is good when it’s cold and you have well-melded meals.
I’m busy, but mostly in my head.
It’s nice you give a shout out to the A-Z bloggers 🙂
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joey, our entire world just came to a halt with this last late season snow storm. It was trippy. This neighborhood just stopped. However, the blogosphere seemed to go wild, so I had that to keep me entertained.
Yes, I like the A To Z Challenge, more because other people are doing it– less when I was doing it. So much work…
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I’m not doing A to Z this year, either. It was fun the past two times, but I think I like the more freeform month-long challenges better.
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Akilah, I know what you mean. If I were ever to do the A To Z Challenge again I’d not have a theme, instead choosing each letter’s word as I went along… turning the challenge into something freeform and in the moment.
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