MARCH MADNESS

What a month this has been. I've seen a few in my day; never one like the March we are at the end of!

This cartoon is hanging up in the hallway at the office. A month ago, it would not have meant much to anyone, but we all get the punchline now don't we!

March is supposed to be the month we kick winter to the curb. We normally take a communal interest in the weather: March goes in like a Lamb - out like a Lion. Feels more like there is a panther called COVID-19 around: dark, silently stalking and ready to pounce. 

There is a sense of waiting for the other foot to drop. You can't trust anyone within 6 feet of you, in fact you can't even trust yourself! On March 11 in Ontario, we had 137 confirmed cases. Today, on March 29 we have 1324 confirmed cases. We have a national Quarantine Order in place with stiff fines and jail time for those who don't take it seriously. Gatherings of 5 people or more are prohibited. We are all working hard to stomp out this wild-fire virus. 

Yet, the most amazing things are happening. Community is growing in the midst of isolation. Some friends of mine read stories live on Facebook. A couple of nights ago I got to watch a very animated version of "Green Eggs and Ham" - thanks Lockwoods!! There are little surprises left on doorstops - flowers and food. Our Healthcare workers are serenaded with a cacophony of banging pans, hoots and thundering ovations. We acknowledge the "little guy", those working gas stations, groceries and truckers. 

I snapped this pic stating the church is "closed til further notice." But let's be clear - the church BUILDING is closed, not the church! 

The church, the Body of Christ, is still alive and well. The Fruits of the Spirit - Love, Joy, Peace, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Self Control and Patience seem to be growing exponentially! 

At the beginning of the year, a few of the ladies at church were praying, asking God for a Word regarding the year ahead. One was "Reboot" another "Courage". Mine was "Transition." Of course we thought these were personal, not universal! 

We are all in this together. Let's continue to encourage, support and watch out for one another!

TRYING TO KEEP THINGS NORMAL

I don't think I've ever written something that everyone in the universe with the ability to read can relate to - until now. 

The coronavirus or COVID has now spread its tentacles into almost every part of the earth, including here in Canada where I live. As of right now in Ontario the stats indicate a steady rise in confirmed cases. The government is putting stringent measures in place and along with good health practices we are encouraged to self quarantine or social distancing, regardless of whether symptoms or travel play a part. Our borders will likely be closed within the week. Toilet paper has inexplicably become a hot commodity and many community events are being cancelled. I work in Healthcare and I can expect health screening before I walk in the door and quite likely I will soon be asked to work from home. 

It's a Mad, MAD world right now. 

A few years ago I blogged about living a mundane life. How we carry on with our day-to-day routine and as boring as that may be, it can be a gift. 

Well, right now, boring, mundane, normal sound pretty good to me!  

Yesterday, my neighbour hung up some laundry. Just looking at that line of flannel was a memorable, normal comfort.

Spring is still coming, COVID or not. On my morning walk the Robins, crows, red-wing blackbirds and doves all raised their usual morning chorus.

My daffodils are well on their way!

Nothing has changed with my morning coffee routine:

Me, coffee, a blanket and slippers, a cat on my lap and a dog at my feet. All very normal.

So I wanted to encourage you all, in the midst of the chaos and feeling out of control, find the normal things to ground in. Feel free to post pictures of your regularly-scheduled life, not the ones of empty shelves where TP should be. 

We are all affected by this virus and our lives will likely be different when we come out from underneath it's grasp.

But in the meantime, let's try to keep things normal. Much love - stay safe

I THINK I'M TURNING VEGANESE I REALLY THINK SO

We are presently in a meat-free/dairy-free zone at my home. This is to get a better handle on some health issues, mostly for Sheldon, but I'm with him in solidarity!

No Beef
No Turkey
No Ham
No Chicken
No Pork
No Bacon 
No Cheese No Wonder it's Dark!

Okay, so I'm not cutting cheese or dairy out. My sense of solidarity only goes so far. 

But I have been trying a lot of new recipes and working with things like Tofu and Tempeh. The Tofu was pretty good; I'm "meh" on the Tempeh.  

This Coconut Curry Stir Fry Noodles with Glazed Tofu was a hearty meal. 

The key is using extra firm tofu and making sure you suck out all the extra liquid before the glazing! I didn't completely follow the recipe (used different noddles), but pretty close: 

https://healthynibblesandbits.com/coconut-curry-stir-fry-noodles-glazed-tofu/

I made a Cauliflower Chickpea curry:

Basically, cauliflower and chickpeas prepped in coconut milk. I added a smattering of raisins and apple for a bit of sweet.

Tried my hand at a rice bowl for the first time!

Roasted beets, squash and asparagus with beans, rice and garnished with radish and cucumber.

You can never go wrong with Avocado Toast - that's just comfort food right there.

And speaking of comfort food...have you ever lightly roasted Gnocchi? Oh, man, oh man...

I doubt I will ever completely cut out meat, but we are well on our way to a more plant-based diet, at least more often.

I think I'm turning Veganese, I think I'm turning Veganese, I really think so!