Rambling Thoughts: More Snow, Nowhere To Go, My Day Will Be Slow

/ Ally Bean

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

Emily

Tara

Janet

David + Deb

Lisa

Deborah

John

Andrea

Embeecee

Donna

Widow Badass

Isa-Lee

+ • + • + • +

101 thoughts on “Rambling Thoughts: More Snow, Nowhere To Go, My Day Will Be Slow”

  1. 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.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. 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….

    Liked by 1 person

    • 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.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. 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

    Liked by 1 person

    • 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

      Liked by 1 person

  5. 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.

    Liked by 1 person

    • 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.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. 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!

    Liked by 1 person

    • 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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  9. 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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  10. 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.

    Liked by 1 person

    • 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.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. 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!

      Liked by 1 person

    • 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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  14. 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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  15. 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…

    Liked by 1 person

  16. 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.

    Liked by 1 person

    • 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.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. 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

    Liked by 1 person

    • 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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  19. 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.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. 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.

    Liked by 1 person

    • 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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  21. 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!

    Liked by 1 person

    • 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!

        Liked by 1 person

        • 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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  22. 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

    Liked by 1 person

    • 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. 😊

      Liked by 2 people

  23. 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?!

    Liked by 1 person

    • 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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  27. 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…

    Liked by 1 person

    • 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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  28. 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.

    Liked by 1 person

    • 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.

      Liked by 1 person

  29. 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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  30. 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.

    Liked by 1 person

    • 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.

      Liked by 1 person

  31. 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 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • 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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  32. 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.

    Liked by 1 person

    • 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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