a focus to an ordinary february

“If winter comes, can spring be far behind?” ~ Percy Shelley

Meanwhile, at the Winter to Remember, we are bird watching. After losing Scruffy we decided to put up a bird feeder in our front landscape and we have enjoyed watching all the different birds. We were inquisitive to how many would share our hospitality during the deep freeze. The Cardinal Pair did not disappoint!

I am trying new recipes with “clean eating” in mind. There are a couple new soups that I’m proud of but just forgot to photograph. One that rated five stars is Zuppa Toscana. Guacamole has also become a favorite at the snack table.

Oops. The last photo was a new recipe I found in December and have made it a half-dozen times called Dutch Baby. It is oh so easy and oh so yummy. Picture it served with warm blueberries in the center and drizzled with maple syrup. O-me-oh-my-o-DutchBa-by-o!!! Think puffy custard-like baked warm pancake. Then think here comes uninvited Mr. Calorie, you know the little guy who sneaks into your closet overnight and sews your clothes tighter? Or do not think, which is pretty much the same as inviting the entire Calorie Family to take up permanent residence.

In the beginning of January, Chuck and I joined a local gym. He swims while I go to the workout room. A first for me is trying the elliptical. I’ve found I like it and am up to 35 minutes. I’m doing the recumbent bike for 20 minutes and then using 4 different circuit machines. It is almost an hour total. Before I leave the impression that I’m all the “gym fitness guru” – I’m NOT. My levels are all easy-going to moderate.

There is tremendous incentive for me to increase my stamina. In about 148 days Danae and Geoffrey are expecting a baby into their family. In case you hadn’t already heard, July 2 Chuck and I are going to be first time grandparents! It is my goal to push that baby stroller in the heat effortlessly. We are excited to meet Baby Kudlo! By the way, there is only one baby. They are going to wait until delivery to find out if baby is pink or blue.

We were down in Nashville ringing in the New Year when I keyed in these verses in the notes app on my phone.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. ~2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Freedom. Purpose. Reflection. Transformation. Glorious.

Pretty wonderful words to contemplate. Quite a mountainous challenge in this still newish year.

Couldn’t resist. The stamina, as the rest of me, is a work in progress.

As I put my finishing touches on this post, we are under another winter storm warning here in Ohio. If, by the time you read this, you braved the blustery weather to pop in to my world, thank you, bloggy friend. Life is better when it is shared together.

I like your company, whatever your weather.

margi

monkjo@live.com  For comments, questions, or prayers needed.