January 20th

Teary and weary. That's how someone described his feelings today. I like that phrase. It describes one set of emotions. I could, of course, add so many more!

We wake up to happy, snappy cold and glorious sunshine! Good morning, new day!

Somewhere in there we eat breakfast. With the TV on.

It's a perfect day for baking (TV stays on!) and I reach for a recipe that makes use of one of the many squashes I'm keeping in the mudroom, leftover from my CSA deliveries. The recipe comes from pastry chef Nicole Rucker and has the lengthy name of "Kabocha, Olive Oil and Bittersweet Chocolate Cake."

First, you roast the kabocha squash:

Then you puree, sift, stir, mix and bake:

I''ll keep a small end for us and take the rest to the young family. Call it a January 20th cake!

But before I drive over with it, I have my weekly FaceTime meetup with Snowdrop.

Happy girl. I'm sure it's for all the reasons we are happy in life: warm house, caring people, good food, and sunshine pouring into your living space.

(A chance to also catch up with mom...)

Delivery time! I get a thumbs up for the cake. Or is it a sweet bread? A sweet loaf.

Very late in the day, I make myself a little lunch. I mention this because my cake people suggested that if you have extra squash pureed, set it aside for later: it's great spread on a piece of toast. And they are right. It is!

Later, toward evening, Ed and I go out to ski. One must! 

 

 

 

 

And we have the trail to ourselves. This is no surprise: the wind is absolutely fierce. Do I notice? Do I care? No!

When things begin to look hopeful, a cold wind slides into irrelevance. It just doesn't matter -- the day is that good!

(as the sun sets...)

 

 

 

Easy supper of eggs and smoked salmon. I have to admit it -- it's one of my favorite light meals. With asparagus maybe and also lots of sauteed mushrooms. And a salad. So simple, so good for the soul. On a day that also has, despite everything, many elements that are so very good for the soul.