grateful

Thanks to all my friends for an awesome weekend.  I am so grateful to have you all in my life.

In the Happy Documentary, researchers discussed that one way to increase happiness is to keep a gratitude journal. I've been keeping one off and on, and there seem to be some recurring themes.... mostly, my DH, my awesome friends, my dog, where I live, and breakfast.  What are you grateful for? 

springing up

Hey, when did this happen?  We've had a series of tantalizingly warm days (interspersed with snow), and the bulbs I planted in the fall have decided it's spring.  Look at them, they are coming up everywhere!

In addition to tulips and irises, we are hoping to start a vegetable garden this year.  We are thinking something manageable to start, maybe something like this, that we can expand on in the future.  I've been trying to read planting guides and tips, and DH made this movie for our 4 year plan for the backyard, which made me incredibly happy.

There's definitely a hint of spring in the air here.  What about where you are?  How are you with plants?  Any garden tips to share with a newbie? 

Be sure to enjoy your green things and have a happy st. patty's weekend!  

gluten less rosemary bread

Yeast-risen, chewy crust, light center, flavorful, gluten less bread.  Just the first step on the road of one of my big life goals baking without gluten.  I am working from this book, which I love.  I sit in bed and read it like fiction. Concurring gluten free, one recipe at a time! And from here... to sandwich bread ... baguettes ... bagels ...  nann, and then ... my own gluten free bakery!  The world!  Probably not.  But I couldn't be more thrilled about this bread.  Come over, I'll make another loaf.  We'll dip it in clam chowder, drink some wine, and I'll take you through the finer points of xanthan gum and the importance of liquid to flour ratios at altitude.  Still interested?  I love you.

hiding inside

Outside: Clear, sunny, and cold cold cold
On the needles: Chevron baby blanket for Jen's little boy coming in May, wow
Reading: The Help for my inter-continental book club, which I avoided for a long time but am really enjoying
In the oven: gluten-less Rosemary Bread making the house smell amazing, plus soup

Hiding inside as much as possible, being a hermit, doing lots of homework and grading.  My dog is getting antsy   Perhaps this weekend we will go outside? Perhaps.

What about you ?  Have you left the house lately?