Coffee Talk

If we were having coffee today, I would start off by telling you that I have started taking my coffee with coconut oil. It makes me feel fuller for longer, therefore keeping me from snacking before I have my lunch (sometimes!) I have also stopped putting any sweetner in my coffee (in fact, my second cup is now black) and I don't really miss it. It is funny what we do just because it is a habit (for years I took milk in my coffee) but once the habit is broken, it doesn't seem so bad. 

I am sure we would talk about the current climate of COVID, as it is something that you really cannot avoid, but I don't really want to focus on that; do you? 

Instead let's talk about our gardens. Do you have one? Mine is kind of small this year. Due to my studying and then the arrival of COVID (I guess it's unavoidable), I ordered plants online and then from a local nursery, but both got planted late and I have not been the best mother to them. I did set up a drip system and I was weeding a lot in the beginning, but in all honesty, that has gone the way of the dodo. Okay, maybe not the dodo, but definitely the black rhino. However, I did get my first tomato a couple of weeks ago and now have picked about six of them and have several more on their way. Also, I have green beans, peppers and lettuce. However, my asparagus, beets and squash decided not to come out and play this year. I think next year, if I am not studying, I will revamp the garden, fertilize it (something I have not really done), add compost, etc. and actually care for it. 2021 is going to be a busy year (hopefully!) 

What book are you reading? I am listening to Becoming Clementine, a book about a WWII woman pilot who joins the resistance in France. I am also reading The Paris Orphan, a book about a WWII woman who becomes a war correspondent in France. I did not do this on purpose, reading two books surrounding the same theme, and to be honest I think I am getting confused from time to time about what woman I am reading about. But both are good so far! Due to COVID, I have been driving to work instead of riding the bus/BART, and so I have been listening to a lot more audiobooks. Last month I think about 50% were audio, when generally it is more like 20%. 

What else is going on in your life? It took me a while, but I finally met up with my parents for a socially distanced visit. My brother and I slept in a tent in the backyard and we had dinner and breakfast outside. It was so nice to see them after 4 months, but I am still wary of bringing something bad from the crowded Bay Area to them in their small town. 

I am also trying (as you can see here) to get back into journaling and blogging a little. I try to do 5 or 10 minutes each day in the morning while my brain is still fresh. I also have a planner (paper) and I have been trying to keep my days more organized. Also I think it feels good to plan something, even if it is just a grocery list or a day working in the yard! I am definitely missing that. 

I bought a dehydrator. I have been wanting to make my own backpacking food for years but never did get around to it, but this year is the year! I have only made dried zucchini so far, but I plan to try to dehydrate entire meals at some point. Have you ever made a dehydrated meal?

What else is new with you? Tell me something interesting!