Preparing for bitter. . .

. . . bitter cold, but not quite yet!

Temp's have been pretty frigid lately. Mid-day temp's have been single digits with a few days in the teens. The news over the last few days have been full of foreboding about the temperatures to come. Much colder, very windy, frigid, frigid temperatures. Madison Schools and all other schools in the area have cancelled classes for Monday. Obviously just about the entire country is getting cold temps's but come Sunday evening and Monday the thermometer will read negative numbers. Combined with high winds the "feels like" temp will be 40-50 below zero and near 75 below in certain areas. That is beyond cold . . . but today, was unbelievably mild. Temp's were in the low 30's. Sophie and I headed out early for a run. We ended up running 5 1/2 + miles. I took my gloves off and unzipped my jacket and top. It was windy, but not that windy!

This afternoon we went snowshoeing at Token Creek. The location is on State hunting and fishing land, so there are no restrictions about taking our dog and Sophie loves the snow! We just don't go during hunting season!

It was so beautiful - protected from the wind - mild temp's - sticky snow - snow balls on Sophie.

On our way home, we made a quick stop at the grocery store. I needed carrots for our dinner. Another recipe from Jenna's blog: eat, live, run - Kicked Up Turkey Meatloaf, HERE. The grocery store was super busy. There were no carts or hand held baskets available when I came through the doors! it looked like everyone in the neighborhood was stocking up for the cold . . . and all I needed was carrots! But I can never walk out with just one thing, so I also picked up a 6 pack of New Glarus Cabin Fever, afterall, with a name like that, how could I pass it up.

Back home we prepared the meatloaf and then settled in to watch the last episode of 'orange is the new black'. If you haven't watched it, I love it! I could not believe how the season ended!!!!! Oh my!!!!!!

Back to the food: Todd took the first bite - oh, it is really good! I followed and said the same thing. There is a cup of cooked lentils in it, something I have never made. I realize they are just legumes - but I have never used lentils in anything I have ever made. On top, there was a wonderful glaze made with balsamic vinegar, maple syrup and ketsup that added a little sweetness to the meatloaf.

Enjoy the moments, even if they are freezing!

 

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Another New Year . . .

. . . To measure against . . . To enjoy . . . To live

We spent a quiet evening at home last evening. I made Turkey and Feta Stuffed Pepper - from Jenna's blog, HERE. They were really good. The recipe had enough filling for 5 peppers, so we enjoyed them again tonight. No pictures - we just wanted to eat them! Updated with a picture from Thursday evening when I ate the last pepper.  

They were very tasty and the feta really added some tang. I haven't made stuffed peppers for quite a few years and will be making these again.

Today we watched the Badgers play South Carolina in the Capital One Bowl. All the hoping and wishing that the Badgers would win didn't help! Another final game let down! Eventually they need to figure out how to win the final game!

At half time we made Buffalo Chicken Wonton's, yup, another recipe from Jenna's blog. Check them out here - they are great for a game! HERE. We have made these plenty of times before and they never disappoint. They are so good!

The cold weather has really settled in and is not giving us a break! Brrrrrr I think today's mid day temp was 10, but probably below zero with the wind chill. I was determined to get a New Year's Day run in, so Sophie and I headed out this morning for a little run. It was not even 2 miles - but a run is a run. This afternoon after the game we headed out to Token Creek for some snowshoeing. The trees helped to block the wind - Sophie had a great time romping in the snow, but had to stop to clean her pads and toes off constantly, they were full of ice balls. (I should have taken a picture of her feet) Sophie blends in so well with the grass and brush! She has a natural camouflage coat!

Enjoy the moments!

 

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