Open That Bottle Night

 

And here we are with another wine holiday. Open That Bottle Night is a newer holiday, created to encourage people to drink that special bottle they have been saving. Sometimes, people don't know which occasion to toast with that wine, so the creators invented a day for those people. What a better time to participate than on a night made specifically for that.

So I opened a bottle of Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon. And of course I ate cheese with it.

If you have an unopened bottle, go ahead and open it up. Even though the day might have passed, life itself is a special occasion. Drink responsibly.

Netflix and Chili

 

I make a good chili. And this batch was the best one I ever made. We all devoured it.

I served it with rice, corn, and kale. It was a fantastic balance of so many good, nutritious foods. I felt super after eating it.

I load my chili up with lots of kidney beans. I also put in giant chunks of garlic, and I use cilantro. I know some don't like it, but I love it. I like to stick my snout in a bunch of it and take a big, deep whiff. Good stuff.

When I am cooking, I like to taste it for spice and when it is ready. But I tend to pick out all of the diced tomatoes. That is my favorite part of the recipe. I could take a bath in a big pot of stewed tomatoes.

Steamed kale goes great with most dishes. It so full of nutrition, people should be eating it every day. Lacinato is my favorite. Now I want to eat some kale!

National Tortilla Chip Day

 

I do like tortilla chips on their own, but like them even more when I make tortilla soup.

Yes, I made a giant pot of my special tortilla soup filled with tons of veggies and lots of spice. It is so good.

I top with shredded cheese and diced avocado. Crumbling crunchy chips into the hot broth makes such a delightful mouth experience. It is nutritious, filling, and is such a comfort.

I was a bit surprised to see this bag was as big as I am! But my household was able to take it down in about two days. Now I am left with avocados to make guacamole and no chips for dipping. Time to get more!

A Walk in the Park

 

The weather was so nice today that I wanted to visit a park.

I rode in the swing which is so much fun.

I climbed a tree.

I also climbed this structure that looked like stacked crates.

There is this little ride-on that rocks back and forth.

I had the playground to myself so I did a lot of exploring.

This is a small bridge, I only wish it crossed over water. I do like to watch streams, creeks, and rivers flowing.

Whee!

And now, a selfie with the bear.

This reminds me of the bear at Redwood Creek in California Adventure. I really miss that place.

This was a much-needed outing after staying inside for so long. I liked the warm, sunny day. I want to get out again, it is very good for my soul.

Sweet Potatoes!

 

"Sweet potatoes!" Sounds like it could be an expression of surprise, doesn't it? January 22nd is Cook a Sweet Potato Day.

Sweet potatoes aren't my favorite, so I made them as a part of a sheet pan of veggies. I like to pair them with greens because they complement each other well.

I peeled and chopped a sweet potato. They kind of look like chunks of colby jack cheese.

I have a scrubber to clean the skin and get all of the dirt out of the nooks and crannies.

Look at the size of that thing! Sometimes these potatoes are so big, they could feed a few people. Sweet potatoes have many health benefits. They are high in fiber and protein, low in fat, and have no cholesterol. They are a good source of B-6, and an amazing source of vitamin A.

California, I Love You

 

Today we celebrate National California Day all across the US.

You all know I love California with all my heart. It is how I got my name.

I buy many books I find about California. I use them as travel guides. I especially enjoy the ones about what makes California so unique, and any to do with paranormal and/or supernatural lore.

California has 58 counties, and I have been to all but two of them. They are on my list to visit one day very soon.

Check out Fun Facts About California

And here is a fascinating California trivia tidbit: The highest and lowest points in the continental United States are within 100 miles of one another; Mount Whitney is 14,495 feet and Bad Water in Death Valley is 282 feet below sea level.

Time For Cherry Pie

 

It is winter and we are still hibernating in place. So I stayed in my pajamas all day.

Today started with muffins and it ended with pie.

I like cherry pie, but only in small bits because sometimes it makes my mouth turn inside out. The tartness is delicious, but can be intense.

Doesn't that look like a tasty crust? That's my favorite part of this pie. I like it just slightly undone, where it is still a bit white and flaky. An overdone or burned crust just isn't that pleasant.

I don't know yet what my next pie will be, but I do like a cream pie.

Mmmmuffins

 

I am enjoying a mini blueberry muffin on this National Muffin Day.

I am also munching on a big chocolate chip muffin. Such a yummy way to start the day.

I like how moist they are, fluffy, lightly dense, and the right amount of sweetness.

I bake many of  my own muffins, but nothing beats a bakery muffin. The chocolate chip ones are my favorite, but I also really like a good cream cheese muffin.