LYDIA WEBBER

Bran and I lucked out this year. Some of our very best friends, the Shippits, have graciously let us be apart of their garden this year. We spent last night tilling the ground and installing a few raised beds. It was a beauty night. The kids were close by but they really fended for themselves. Sneaking pops and marshmallows and fun stuff like that. Kirsten lives two houses down so she took a little break to make coffee. It felt so homey when she walked over with a pot in her hand.

I’ll be scrambling a bit the next couple days. Lots of loose errands, emails, jobs, etc to tie up before Bran and I go away on Monday. AHHHHHHHHHHHH! I don’t know where to begin! Seriously – I don’t. We’re headed to Kauai. A couple years ago I saw a few blips about the island and became a little obsessed. The furthest south I’ve been is Denver (I’m not counting Mombasa when I was six). And “hot” holiday destinations have never been my first choice. Anyway. Somehow we’re going. I’m sure Bran could think of 20 other destinations he’d rather go. Bless his heart.

Our last trip was to Vancouver island on our honeymoon. As ecstatic as I am, I feel a little bashful about this trip. It’s a privilege to travel like this. I’m looking forward to a completely different natural environment. Green mountains and warm waters. A break from the internet connection. I’ve loaded up The Hobbit on audio book. I’ve never listened to a book before but we’ve got two layovers and I think it will be fun. I’ve been trying not to think about it too much – I just get too amped. See you soon.

This recipe popped up in my reader this morning – Cardamom & Sunflower Muffins from Green Kitchen Stories. I had everything except the cardamom. A quick google search told me that it is food sacrilege to substitue anything for cardamom – but I did. You can feel pretty good about these muffins. The “flour” is ground nuts and seeds and they are sweetened with honey. And like they mention – these muffins are very light. I could eat four or something.

A few notes:

-I forgot to toast the sunflowers. I will next time but all went well regardless.
-I used my coffee grinder. Chop the walnuts into small bits before grinding.
-My cardamom substitution was 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground cloves, 1/2 tsp ground ginger.
-They taste bang-up with jam. I’m going to add a slice of cheddar next (trust me!).
-I used the four leftover egg yolks to make aioli.

I’m so bad at the writing part of blogging. I think about everything I could say, get overwhelmed, and then write very little. It’s kind of like every essay I ever wrote. April has been full but I’ve never felt “busy”. I just despise that word. I don’t want my life to be repeatedly described as busy. But a full life feels different in my mind. It’s balanced. There’s permission to take time for yourself and do things good for the soul. I think I’ll go into motherhood with the best intentions for this …don’t rain on my parade people. I need to have hope! Also – I’m not pregnant.

So – April has been full. Both sets of parents have visited us on weekends. We went to Saskatoon for Easter. We house-sat for two weeks. We stayed with Jason and Ashlyn this past weekend and visited Brownfield. We’ve had people here for supper(s), went there for supper(s), and went out for supper. New jobs have come my way. My camera was lightly used. For a moment I wasn’t even sure I’d post these shots – maybe because they’re just life snaps. Nothing that would land on the pages of Kinfolk. Surprise – my life isn’t one rustically-styled dinner party after another. Don’t get me wrong – I enjoy beautifully curated content …but I want honest everyday photos too. Note to Mum: I thought your Easter table was lovely.

It’s been a few months since I decided to leave school and freelance (in various avenues). I’m still learning how to live this way and be healthy. Let me explain – I’m a homebody. But prior to freelancing I had to go places for school and work but now I don’t. So there’s been occasions where a few days pass and I haven’t been outside! I know – gross! Mostly a dead-of-winter thing. The last couple weeks have been steady with computer work so I decided to saunter through my neighbourhood this afternoon. Kicked things off with a coffee and maple walnut muffin at Elm cafe. Then I sunned my face by the river valley and it helped.

Bran and I took a little trip with Dale and Kathleen this past weekend. We borrowed a relative’s log house and kicked back. Things that happened: the wood stove was stoked, Dale got really sick but powered through, books were read, movies were watched, toured Pine Lake by car, played the card game “Bang!”, and went outside – as seen below.

I’ve never experienced such a non-winter in my life. These photos are between November and Today and were taken on my iPhone. Locations such as Edmonton, Saskatoon, Brownfield, and the open road. These are chronological so you’ll notice the flip flop in weather. Also notable: the awesome and effective winter boots Bran got me for Christmas, my little Christmas tree, Saskatoon’s blazing skies, that time Claire, Taylor, and I bought monogrammed mugs, heart-shaped buns, tough babysitting at the Hardie’s with that wood-burning stove, an awesome goat, and opening a new bag of coffee beans this morning. *Aaand this post took forever to make.

There’s a new gal in the Webber family – Elsie was born on February 10th to Jordan and Becky. She’s their fourth! Bran and I went to the farm and spent a few days together with the family. I witnessed a goat give birth at a neighbouring farm …cutie kid goats everywhere! I left the birthing shots out in case you were worried. And as usual, the pictures explain themselves…

My ‘little’ (6’2″ ?) brother Ian is coming for supper tonight. I was humming and hawing over what I felt like making and then I thought – why NOT a summery meal in the middle of February. Sounds just about perfect…

Super simple chopped salad. Tomato/cucumber/white onion/cilantro. Chopping it all into tiny cubes is the key. Dressing is a couple glugs of white vinegar & salt+pepper.

Sweet potato fries.

I’m trying this method – found through Pinterest.

To hold the burgers – buns from the Italian Center.

Rounding out the meal.

And some apple crisp. I do not skimp on crust and cut large apple wedges to keep things crisp.

Mandarins from the Italian Centre. Somehow they have the best ingredients for the least expensive prices.

Oatmeal Cake with Coconut Walnut Topping. Dinner with wonderful friends.

River valley walk.

And coffee goes well with a walk.

Above average temperatures.

Brandon.

Home.

So February? That’s so close to spring so we’re pretty much on the cusp of summer now. I’m bringing out some old shots from last year. Nothing too inspiring has been seen around here the past few days. It’s just me – at home, sitting at my desk, making meals, and blowing my nose. I’m looking forward to a couple weekends away this month. I used to hoard my evenings and weekends when I had more of a typical schedule for work/school. But now I’m pretty happy to get out/get on the road…