Winter + Chocolate + Heart Melt

I have missed being part of the Hodgepodge group the past couple weeks so it is good to rejoin

Joyce @ From This Side of the Pond

for

1. When did someone last suggest you 'chill out'? Or, when did you last tell someone (or want to tell someone) to 'chill out'? Or, when did you last tell yourself to 'chill out'?

I really can't recall a time that I experienced any of these.  However, I was being a bit critical of something the other night and had to apologize for that, so maybe that qualifies for telling myself to "chill."

2. What most recently caused your heart to melt?

Face-Time  with our youngest granddaughter the other night.  She melts my heart anyway, but just seeing her and hearing her tell about things going on in her life at eight, really melts my heart big time.  I miss being with her and all our grands.

3.  "An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered." G.K. Chesterton  

Your thoughts? When did you last experience either an adventure or an inconvenience? How did you see it at first, as an adventure or an inconvenience?  Does it feel the same in hindsight?

Last week a friend of mine and I had planned to visit a small town in another state a couple hours away and because the weather was so nasty, we decided to not go.  This change in plans was a real inconvenience because I had really looked forward to the day and she would not be able to reschedule this week.  But, Hubby helped me turn this inconvenience into an adventure by agreeing to go with me this past Monday.  We had a great day together and the "adventure" will be the topic of a future blog post.  Stay tuned!

4.  A Wendy's Frosty, root beer in a frosty mug, or a frosted chocolate cupcake...of these three, which one is your favorite 'frosty' treat?

Hands down a Wendy's Chocolate Frosty!  Love it!!!

5. Would you say your life so far this year has been more like a circus or a symphony? Explain why.

A symphony!  Life is good.  Because my foot is healing well, I've been able to go back to the gym and return to Handbell Choir and Sanctuary Choir.  We have spent time with friends.  Hubby and I have enjoyed doing things together that is important to both of us. The Lord continues to bless richly for which I am most grateful.

6. Since it's a 'snow day' here, what's your favorite song containing the word 'white'?

"White Christmas" is the first that comes to mind.

7. If you had to leave the city you currently live in, what would you find the hardest to leave behind?

I would miss most our home.  God gave us this house eight years ago and we love it.  And of course, I would miss our friends.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Hubby and I enjoy a good salad and I found this recipe the other day in a cookbook given to me by a dear friend for my birthday - The New Southern Table by Brys Stephens.  It is super quick, easy, delicious and good for you.

Kale, Apple and Pecan Salad with Black Benne Dressing

I did not make the dressing but used one of our favorites that we get from Whole Foods.

Dressing:

3 Tbsp. Apple cider vinegar, 1 med. shallot, Kosher salt, 2 Tbsp. honey, 3 tsp. Dijon mustard, 3 tsp. black benne seeds, 2 Tbsp. olive oil

Salad:

1/2 cup toasted pecan pieces plus more for garnish

In a large bowl toss 24 ounces kale, stemmed and thinly sliced and 2 apples cut into matchsticks, (I used one large Honey Spice) with the dressing and garnish with pecans.  I also used toasted sesame seeds.  Season to taste.

I served this salad the other night for guests with Lentil Soup and cornbread and it was a perfect first course.

Enjoy!