We are expecting lots of days of rain, and I am always shocked by how much our life here depends on clear skies to keep moving. No soccer for either kid, Curran bikes the neighborhood every chance he gets and that can't happen. The dog gets stuck inside and the general darkness goes from feeling cozy to sad after a day. Everyone in our family is in a better mood with outside activity, and it's interesting to watch the shift when it can't happen. We are mourning the loss of a dear friend this weekend with his Celebration of Life, and I see Braden in unique weather, so it also feels fitting.

For the gloom and still the weekday hustle, there is soup! It's a shortcut version, as there are some recipes who ask you to make the broth from scratch to start, so make sure you use the best store-bought version you can find. I have been using the Better Than Boullion concentrate mixed with some bone broth (just bought the one from Costco) and it feels rich and satisfying. We also LOVE this pasta! The photo doesn't do it justice, because it was textured with those delicious crumbs and the hint of salty anchovy in the stir-fried broccoli and then a fresh and herby winter pesto. I know many of you don't love olives, so I suppose you could skip them, but it all worked together so well. We'll probably plan that meal for Valentine's dinner. A salad of course, and something tex-mex-ish because the kids love that. Hope there is something here for all.

Stay warm and safe and enjoy your people this weekend. Thank you for being here! xo - S