Hello 2019!

This week's reading: The Lifegiving Table - Sally Clarkson and The Minimalist Home - Joshua Becker

Happy New Year! 2019 is already off to a rollicking start. Last Sunday afternoon, Nathan and I had a much needed Sabbath walk in the woods. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, the skies blue, and the conversation deep. Conversating continued over a cup of tea once we got home before we went out to mess with the chickens. Their pecking order squabbles, food begging, and bedtime rituals are always amusing to watch. We also spent some time working on taming some of the new members of our flock. Speaking of chickens, we had four eggs laid in one day this week! It's been months of one egg here and there, and now the freeloaders are finally deciding to earn their keep! Might be able to sell some eggs again soon.

The following Tuesday we had a fancy date at Soby's, one of the restaurants the farm delivers produce to each week. We were treated to one of the best seats in the house overlooking the city lights and right above the kitchen where the wafting aromas were salivating. The wait staff were friendly and impressively efficient. The chef also spotted us and came to chat briefly. While we were enjoying some pimento cheese, the chef surprised us by sending up a sample of the day's special--triggerfish, green beans, and some very spicy rice. (As far as fish goes, it was probably the closest to chicken I've tasted which is a compliment from this non-seafood eater.) For the main course, Nathan ordered the bacon-wrapped tenderloin and I had the southern plate of vegetables. Per usual, we sampled each other's plates liberally. Since we were stuffed to the gills, we decided to order dessert to-go--the red velvet cake was just as good the following day.

On the not so fun front, I probably have a new food intolerance. Precisely what it is, is still unknown, but I have suspicions (gluten among them). In a few weeks I'll be tested for celiac, and starting February 1st I'll be on an elimination diet with a 12-week cleansing phase. o.0 Yikes! But really, a ton of veggies and fruit probably is a healthier way to eat in general anyways. The re-introduction process will end come summer, here's to hoping I can still enjoy ice cream when the hot weather arrives! Even if it is gluten, we have been slowly baking our way through a paleo cookbook titled, Every Last Crumb and everything has been outstanding and sometimes better than their glutenous counterparts. Exhibit A, last weekend's cinnamon rolls.