Snow, Sweet Potato and Grass

It is quiet here this evening. The kids and parents are off to the Apple Store, and getting something to eat, no doubt.

I just finished the most delicious sweet potato I've ever eaten. While my supper's chicken legs and thighs were roasting, the potato was their neighbor baking away. It was beautiful and perfect when I split it open. Butter, salt and pepper were all that was needed. The two small chicken legs were a plain and simple treat, as well. A tribute to locally raised fare they were flavorful with only a touch of salt, pepper and a whisper of cayenne while they roasted in a pie plate. The apple, celery and pecan salad was the perfect addition.

It's funny how simple stuff can be so comforting. The sweet potato came from Landis Supermarket that had its beginnings in Telford 76 years ago. The link takes you to its history. It's my favorite bigger store. The celery, apple and chicken came from R & J Farm Market on Allentown Road, Souderton, about 4 miles from here. No web site, but they can be found on Facebook. We get all our milk from them. They get the glass bottled milk from a small dairy over in Bucks County that doesn't add the hormones and such truck. R & J raises and butchers the chickens themselves. They must be a smaller breed since they are in the 2 1/2 - 4 lb. ranges. Really, really good eating. Two of Aidan's fresh-made, chocolate chip cookies rounded it off.

Aidan, our champion cookie maker.

The cold is really and truly here with single digits this early morning and a howling wind. Toby is surviving well in his duct tape, blanket igloo. Thank goodness for his kitty heating element, too. Between episodes of wind this week, I took a walk or two.

Austin and Twyla.

Wind.

The deer went through ahead of me.

Behind me...

...ahead of me.

Another afternoon while getting the mail across Ridge Road and a view of my home. Yes, we do have to cross the road to get the mail. Sometimes, the post person pulls into the driveway and sticks it behind the storm door if there is a box too large for the mailbox. They back out onto Ridge Road. Scary, but everybody does it.

Then, a few minutes ago Carol sent along proof of the rain Tucson is getting; actual grass is growing! Soon their horses will have a happy taste. I'll bet they'll love it as much as I loved my sweet potato.

Montana is paying attention over his gate.

My cousin is visiting in Florida, grass is growing in Tucson, a new baby great-grandson is in Utah. Maybe a road trip is calling. I'll listen...