Sourdough crepes

I have been baking less loaves of bread, but more tortillas, crumpets, pancakes and crepes.  The recipe below is based off this one from Cultures for Health.  Everyday, you're supposed to use it, or discard some, which I certainly wouldn't do.  If I can't use it daily, or we are headed out of town, it goes in the refrigerator.

Bubbly sourdough starter.  I've been keeping it in a larger jar.  And still make these at least once a week.  They are vegan.

S O U R D O U G H  C R E P E S:

• 1 cup sourdough starter
• 3 eggs
• 2 T melted butter
• 1/4 t salt
• 1 T honey or sugar
• 1/4 c milk (to thin batter, often I omit milk, if my starter is not too thick to begin with)

Put all ingredients in a bowl and blend well (I use my immersion blender).  Heat skillet (mine is 8 inch) to medium and pour batter to just cover bottom of pan, tilt pan to make sure it spreads around evenly.  Let cook about 30 seconds, until edges curl a bit up (so you can get a spatula under) and bubbles appear, then flip and cook 20 seconds, then slide onto a plate.  I like mine with jam and yogurt.  My kids like them rolled up with cream cheese inside. Makes 8 crepes.

P.S.  Don't try to make them perfect, the 1st one is always imperfect, and they are eaten rolled up, so you can hide any torn edges.

My mom shared a story with me this week about the family in France, that helped shelter Jews during the holocaust, and later started making jam.  I've liked this Bonne Mamam before, now even more so.

Less than a week ago a bit more fresh snow.  Last Thursday, the local schools had their 3rd snow day.

I went for a walk last night while one daughter was in dance class. 

We got Legos from my sister!  She had a special person made with freckles and red hair to look just like him!

I finished my sweater!  I've worn it a couple days and it's cozy and fluffy.  However, it's now 60 F and the snow is melting and this wool is too warm.

We planted seeds, in pots so we can bring them indoors if there's a frost.

Chunky yarn

I bought this super chunky yarn a year or two ago.  Finally, a sweater that's almost ready to wear!  And our current weather has been freezing all day, so I'm ready to wear it, although working on it warms my lap.  

We went sledding a few times this week.  We're almost to the end of The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe.

We also brought snow indoors.  

Tastes good said the little one.

Variations of love

You can see how much snow we got!  Probably six inches.  I thought it was really neat how it is on the steps, below:

Poor little guy.  I just had to share that video.

I'm currently reading a book called In His Image by Jen Wilkin.  In it, the four different types of love in Greek are defined and explained.  Eros, philia, storge and agape. In the English language there is only one word.  Eros is romantic love.  Philia is brotherly love.  Storge is family love, like that of a parent for their child.  Agape is Godly love.  In the Bible, philia is referred to 54 times while agape is mentioned 259 times!

I might even say I LOVE snow or chocolate.  But that's not exactly the right word.

We are dipping strawberries in chocolate.  What do you do to show your love?

Narnia

The icy creek in the woods is a new playground for us.  Getting wet and muddy, learning about gravity and the water in its different states hands-on lately.  A hike with George's Godmother one day.

We started reading The Chronicles of Narnia aloud. I felt it was appropriate for the woods and snow.  Finding animal tracks.

 Rabbit, squirrel, deer, cats, dogs.  

Hot tea or hot cocoa with stroopwafels after...

This has been a lovely winter, full of ups and downs, but this snow has made it all the better.

Surviving

• sickness
• hunger
• cold or heat
• proper clothing
• water to bathe
• love, emotional support

That word means "remaining alive" which is something that I take seriously as I read this book filled with stories of life in a labor camp.  It's amazing that Father Arseny survives.  Lately, I've felt like I'm just surviving, because been sick and whiney kids who need their noses wiped, chores undone, BUT our basic needs are met. Reading this has been so good for this time in my life.  It puts things in perspective and makes me grateful for all I have...

Beautiful avocados!  

Cara cara oranges! And my diffuser bracelets.  Currently putting rosemary and bergamot on them.

And really hugs, showing we need other people and their care, in my home AND shines through in this book as several hardened criminals befriend Father Arseny after he shows them kindness.

Our teenage daughters have much to talk about lately:  job issues, finances, saving, debt, college, and overall life goals.  I am grateful to listen and talk with them as they find their path.  I feel like it's something that's never clear, we just have ro keep walking...

Thoughts

Going through my mind right now...  I've made the choice to step back from social media. It's healthier for me right now.  Political stuff makes me upset.  Wasted time.  Quality time.  Family + friends...even making new friends recently.  Praying and acquiring personal peace.  That's my focus and goal. 

We celebrated Nativity this past week and I have this little icon on the table near oranges a friend gave us and cedar logs my husband cut up to put candles in...giving us warmth and light!

Fancy herbal tea with mugwort and chocolates from one of my sisters.  I've learned that "wort" means "good for" or "to heal" and I've been using St John's wort and am interested in using motherwort.  Have you used it?  As tea or in a capsule or another way?

My bracelets fit as anklets for a two year old!

Looks like he's floating, doesn't it?  I hope you have a great week!  Please, share any experience you've had with herbal remedies.