Batch Cooking

   On Thursday I made a vegetarian lasagna from some (very ancient) noodles I found at the back of a cupboard. It was so good and, after two meals, the rest went in the freezer. Yesterday I used some (also very ancient) rice which I bought to make sushi years ago, and four Italian sausages, to make cabbage rolls. They were also very tasty and I will have a couple again tonight with the rest going in the freezer. 

   Both these meals are very labour intensive and I usually don't have the time or incentive to spend hours slaving in the kitchen but, with all the time in the world to kill, it was an excellent way to pass a quiet afternoon! I figure for two afternoons work and some garlic bread and a green salad, I probably have created 8 meals.  

The recipe is from "Lidia's Mastering the Art of Italian Cuisine". I used rice instead of the day-old bread.

This is the leftovers, ready for the freezer. Half the recipe made 8 cabbage rolls.

Out In the Garden

   Hurt my left hip (again!) while gardening yesterday so no exercise today, not even a walk. I tend to forget I'm on the downward slope to 80 and don't take reasonable precautions. I did manage to cut the back grass - its first cut of the year - and prune a couple of bushes today, neither of which required bending which is when the pain occurs. 

   Other than that it has been a quiet, restful day. My big excitement was placing an on-line order at Bulk Barn, the first time I have attempted it. Seemingly, it will be ready for pickup tomorrow after noon, but I have my doubts as the order included flour and yeast which are in very short supply hereabouts. They will call me if anything is unavailable. Still, no big deal if there are missing items. I will just do without.

    It has been a gorgeous day today, quite the best day this year so far and I was outdoors for several hours. Even took off my sweater while cutting the grass! Good times ahead!!

Captured on my walk a couple of days ago in my local park. So pretty!

Roll On Spring!

   We have had unseasonably cold weather all week with strong winds from the north so it has been back to winter coats and gloves. It has been sunny which is cheering but not warm enough to sit outside or work in the garden for any length of time. When will Spring truly put in an appearance?

   It's been almost a week since my last shopping trip so I am using up leftovers, slightly "past their best" vegetables, and items from the freezer. It feels good to see stuff used up and I am saving a bunch of money! Also I have hardly bought any gas for the car since the pandemic took hold.

    Speaking of which, we haven't reached our peak yet - still seeing more cases and deaths each day - so we have been warned that a return to normal is still some way off. The worst cases are in the long-term care homes - it is quite tragic how many have been affected and more each day. So glad I am isolated from all that danger. I will definitely wear a mask when I go shopping later this week and go early in the "senior's hour".

Another puzzle completed!

   

Isolation

   The days seem to pass in a blur. I am continually saying (to myself, yes I have started having conversations with myself) "Where has the day gone?" or "It's surely not dinner time already?"

   One thing I have noticed is that my daily walks, which are a life saver, seem to be getting shorter. I am quite happy to get home after 40 minutes and amuse myself indoors or in the garden. Perhaps I am adjusting to the imposed isolation by becoming more self-reliant. Perhaps it is just that the weather is a bit more pleasant. Whatever the reason, it is just as well I am happy with my own company as we enter our fifth week of isolation.

   Last Friday's visit to the grocery store was quite traumatic. Not that it was crowded or unpleasant in any way - the store does all it can to accomodate its customers - it was just being in such close proximity to other people. This is the only place I wear a mask and compulsively clean my hands with sanitizer. I can almost see the virus lurking everywhere! 

   We are heading for another 28 days in isolation but I am well stocked with books and puzzles. I have rediscovered my library of CD's (I am currently listening to Enya who is very calming) and am practicing my crochet, so have plenty to keep me busy. Stay safe, stay well everyone!