Post-Olympics Post

What an exciting time it has been.  Mind you, we didn't have much time to actually watch any events, but we caught up on the news every day.  I've always been proud to be Canadian, but my chest just busted these two weeks.  Mind you, I'm for everyone who makes a great effort regardless of where they are from.  On my part, I am of Austrian and German descent, DH has roots in the British Isles, I've taught students from all over the world...I consider the world a huge village (I know that's idealistic).

We've been quite busy in the greenhouse.  Most of my sharing for today is on my  (click on its title)Weed it and Reap garden/greenhouse blog.  Please visit me there.

On the way in from the greenhouse, I noticed my St. Francis (aka St. Francis of the Snow).  He is waiting patiently for spring, so I can keep him company in the garden.

For supper today, I made my most (one of my most) favorite soups in the world: 
Kale and Chickpea Soup
2 Tbs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 c. cubed sweet potatoes
1 large sweet red pepper, diced
1 box (900ml) sodium-reduced chicken broth, or homemade
3 c. water
1 -19 oz. tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed
6 oz. Old Fashioned ham (I buy a thick slice at the deli), cubed
3+ cups well-washed finely cut fresh kale (or spinach)
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp rubbed dried sage

Cook onion, garlic, pepper and sage in olive oil, till onion and garlic are soft.  Add all ingredients except kale.  Simmer about 15 min. till potatoes are tender.  Add kale and simmer 5-10 min. till kale is tender.  The original recipe calls for 1/2 tsp salt, but I pass on that because of the sodium content of the ham and the broth.

Oops, almost forgot:  Madli's shawl is finished, but I can't block it because of the stuff all over for renovations.  Angel 3 is almost finished on the tree skirt.  Finished one sock in Bamboo yarn, summer rain color.  Varnished Baseboards.  Will likely put the Linen cupboard together tomorrow so I can take the rest of the Living Room apart and use the spare bedroom again for storage.