Daily Notes- December 14

The sun has gone away again and it's about 36 degrees outside.  Gray skies like the background of this Santa picture.  I like the older version of Santa, like this one.  Holding his lantern as he travels around to visit good little children.

I discovered a book by Mary Engelbreit in the blue trunk from the Attic.  For many many years I collected all things Mary.  Cards, calendars, books etc.  And in this Christmas book there are recipes and craft ideas.  Among them patterns for felt Advent mittens (25), Scottie dogs (Mary's favorite dog) and gingerbread men.   I have already cut out a Scottie Dog in black felt.  Riley gave the felt dog a good sniff.  I am considering white or red for the blanket stitch.  And Mary had a very good idea for the button eye.  A tiny black button on top of a larger white button for a most excellent "eye".  The Scottie will have a red collar.  And perhaps a bell if I can find one small enough in my jar of bells. Yes, Readers, I have a canning jar of bells. And jars of buttons.  And beads.  Which reminded me that it's been awhile since I pulled a card from the jar---- I just pulled SMILE .

My daughter called last night to mention she was enjoying my split pea soup (but it needed more vegetables) and wanted me to make lentil soup next with lots and lots of vegetables.  She eats soup for breakfast because it's difficult to get her percentage of vegetables- 50% or more of her daily food-- in the Winter.  Fruit is no problem as she likes oranges and bananas.  And soup is eaten hot which is something she wants on cold mornings.  I was going to make my vegetable soup--loaded with veggies but she wants lentil.  I think because it also ticks off the bean requirement of the Plan-10 to 40%.  Quite a few of the members of her CrossFit group are on the Plan and all are looking and feeling wonderful these many years.  And daughter has stopped having allergies she had eating a regular diet.

I usually eat the items on the Plan but I do eat bread, dairy and pasta.  They do not.  So I haven't enjoyed the good health and weight loss benefits they all enjoy.  Well, they do have one "cheat" day a week and eat whatever they want in any quantity.  Saturday.

I am making the vegan cranberry orange loaf again (but will add an egg I think).  I now have a vegan Mac & Cheese to try using cashews and nutritional yeast instead of dairy. Small steps and the VitaMix to make cashew cream (which was quite delicious in the carrot soup)

Now off to the grocery and then back to stitch my Scottie dog.