Last week when the snow was fresh, I visited Butchart Gardens, known for its wonderful array of flowers during the spring and summer. Shades of black, white, and dark green allowed the architecture of the garden to stand out. And how beautiful is the red of the little bridge in the Japanese Garden.
On Mary's IG page she posted a parsnip and apple soup that sounded intriguing. It's hearty, faintly sweet, and with some sourdough bread is a lovely meal for a chilly day.
I've been playing with watercolours again. It's so much better to paint in the evenings than to watch or read the news. I saw the book above on Catherine's blog and ordered for myself. It's in French and easy to read, with some great ideas. I'll share some of my little paintings in another post.
Each day is precious, even those of February, and I don't want to wish them away as I long for the sun's warmth and new shoots springing from the soil. Rather than merely enduring these days, I'm focusing on embracing what this season has to offer. Simple, everyday things.
A kale salad might not seem very appealing, but I learned from somewhere that the trick is in massaging the cut kale with olive oil and a bit of salt. Working the kale with my hands before adding apple and radish slices makes the kale softer and not so chewy. Since the oil is already on the greens, I add a bit of white wine vinegar and toss everything together. A sprinkle of candied pecans or other nuts on top. A good winter salad. Grated carrot would be good in place or in addition to the radishes.
On our trip across Canada in 2023, we stopped in Knowlton, Quebec, home of author Louise Penny and of Brome Lake Books. I bought the journal above there and when I open it to write, I remember that very rainy September day wandering around Knowlton, eating a cozy lunch in the bistro, and browsing in the bookstore.
So there you have it - just a few very ordinary things that I'm delighting in lately.
I love reading your new posts first thing in the morning as I start my day. Always good to be reminded of positive things on a bleak grey day. Happy Wednesday to you. B x
ReplyDeleteIf your words "So there you have it", the beauty of February right before your eyes and you captured it well! I like the way you are embracing your cold, snowy, wintry days!
ReplyDeleteOh what lovely things you have here for us 💕
ReplyDeleteThe Japanese bridge is like from a fairytale.
I like February. Cold weather, warm soup and a fireplace.
Except in Helsinki it's not particularly cold now and we have no snow to speak of.
Watercolours, pens, journals... it's all good ❤️✏️📗📚
Love that first phot. The bridge is so inviting and the snow makes it picturesque.
ReplyDeleteYou went to Brome Lake Books? Oh, how I want so desperately to do that! Did you read that Louise has bought the building next door and it will be a coffee shop, not to compete with the other merchants (so just pastries, coffee, tea, etc.). I'd love to do that! And your photo of the Butchart Gardens bridge -- stunning. I will have to check out that book. I need some new inspiration!
ReplyDeleteIt seems that there is beauty to be found at the Butchart Gardens, even in snowy winter. The red bridge really stands out.
ReplyDeleteI think I learned that kale massage trick from Lovella (MGCC) and have been making kale salads quite a bit. I usually add carrots and craisins. I like the apple idea. Will try that next.
The soup looks good and sounds like an interesting flavor combination. I have de-activated my IG account so I can't check for the recipe there. I do miss Mary's blogging and hope all is well with her and Bob.
Your journal is really pretty.
Your journal would immediately inspire me to open it and write! Such a pretty cover. I don't think anything could inspire me to enjoy eating Kale! But Winter salads are always enjpyable. Your photo of the red bridge made me think of an Impressionist painting. It's good for the soul to rejoice in the little things.
ReplyDeleteThe ordinary things are so lovely - the older I get the more I appreciate them. The journal you bought is beautiful. Do you write daily in it? I journal often, but not every day; I also embellish the pages with washi tape, tickets, beautiful pictures, pretty much whatever I like. I'm always on the lookout for beautiful journals, but my favorite ones are the lined Leuchtturm1917 journals. Whenever I'm in Germany I get a couple (much cheaper than over here).
ReplyDeleteButchart Gardens are lovely in all season 💗
ReplyDeleteThe little red bridge in the snow is such a charming photo! It would look sweet in a little red frame, I think. February does seem to drag on and maybe that's why it is the shortest month. The calendar creators had a little sympathy for us, here in the North, maybe. The watercolor and journal book covers are lovely and inspiring. The soup and salad sound delicious and I like the tip for the kale. All so perfect for a cold winter day. x
ReplyDeleteYou have found lovely things to enjoy in February. I'm looking forward to seeing your little paintings. I like the spot of red in the midst of the snow. Great shot.
ReplyDeleteLorrie, your photos are always so lovely and the way you enjoy each season is outstanding and inspiring. The snow is coming down outside and getting deeper by the hour . . . I do think that it is beautiful, but I do not look forward to getting out there tomorrow and clearing the driveway. I need a good dose of your enthusiasm :)
ReplyDeleteA pop of red is always so lovely in a snowy landscape. I made corn chowder yesterday with toasted baguette -- just what was needed on an overcast day. I love kale salad but don't usually make it at home since my husband is not a fan. At first I thought you were gonna say that the feathers were your first watercolor. :) It is such a pretty cover. Warm wishes, Tammy
ReplyDeleteOrdinary but lovely and yummy !
ReplyDeleteHave a cozy weekend !
Anna
When my daughter stayed on your island during 3 months she told me that she was living close to the garden. I haven’t started to use the book for watercolour yet, but I am impatient to see your paintings! Here it is very cold, no snow but -4 C and very cold wind .
ReplyDeleteI wish you a Happy Valentine !
Hoi Lorrie,
ReplyDeleteI really love this blog of yours! That little bridge looks amazing in the snow. And actually, you encouraged me with your words—saying that *every day is precious*, even in February, and that you don’t want to wish them away. I found that really beautiful, so thank you.
Something else: your kale looks delicious! That’s quite different from the *boerenkoolstamppot* I had to eat as a child, haha. I eat kale every two weeks, but with sweet potato, pepper, salt, and chicken. I just steam the kale quickly in the microwave.
Wishing you lots of fun with your paint and beautiful books—who knows how much you’ll enjoy it! Have a great weekend, and see you next time! 😊
I think I feel about July as you do about February: not my favorite month, but, even so, there are delights to be found if I look for them. I look forward to seeing some of your watercolors!
ReplyDeleteI totally relate to your feelings about February. In the words of Taylor Swift, "All my mornings are Mondays stuck in an endless February."
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that each day is a gift, so I'm trying to enjoy what February brings...even the back-to-back snowstorms...