hump day nuggets: little bits of the season in photos and words about the last week
I am seated to study my last week and stitch together my nuggets. I like blogging, obv, and I especially enjoy the nuggets. It’s my space to get real and look, from a curatorial perspective, at my life right this minute.
When combing through the last week’s photos, I saw a lot of play, food, lounging, and hunkering down. I like the phrase and I googled it, curious about the origin. Apparently it came from the Scots in the 18th Century. I am kind of Scottish. More Welsh and Irish but the family tree keeps shifting so who knows. Turns out my ancestors crafted some stories to cover history. Anyway, it’s in my blood to like this phrase.
Here, Alice hunkers down.
Hun´ker down (v.)
1. to crouch or squat; to sit on one’s haunches.
2. to settle in at a location for an extended period; also (figuratively) to maintain a position and resist yielding to some pressure, as of public opinion.
3. to take shelter, literally or figuratively; to assume a defensive position to resist difficulties.
Here, Ruby hunkers down.
1. to crouch or squat; to sit on one’s haunches.
:: Contemplative time arranging beads.
:: Joyous (and slightly dangerous) time teaching little sisters how to ride ponies.
:: I’ve tried a couple of times to capture Ruby when her papa comes home from work. So far, this is the only photo that *almost* speaks to her love for him. She squeals and crawls as fast as she can, her little knees audibly pattering across the floor.
:: Hilarious time experimenting with my new tripod. (Thanks mom and dad. xo)
photo directed by Margot and made possible by Tripod
:: And, even more hilarious time teaching Margot how to use her new camera. (Thanks Gramma Joan. xo)
2. to settle in at a location for an extended period; also (figuratively) to maintain a position and resist yielding to some pressure, as of public opinion.
We’ve been eating well. Simple stuff. Good stuff that highlights the flavors of the food we grew and preserved last season. I think I made the best chili I’ve ever made and, like every soup I make, have no idea what I did because I taste and add and taste and add until it’s good. It was good.
Oh the pressure cooker! Previously, we only used it for canning and why, why??! It cooks perfectly perfect beans in like 26 minutes (instead of 24 hours).
And, we are out of our tomato sauce which I just cannot believe but it’s true. Lots of pizza and pasta and soup and *poof*. Next year will be the year I preserve enough. I say that every year BUT this year will be the year. ha.
:: Tofu Peanut Udon Noodles ::
We make this, or variations of it a lot. Our whole fam loves it.
– a few tablespoons canola oil
– tofu*, chopped in smallish cubes (3/4 inch)
– udon or soba noodles
– two carrots, julienned or chopped
– one broccoli stalk, crown coarsely chopped and stem finely chopped
– 1/2 cup peanut butter (again, not talking skippy. We use Maranatha.)
– a few tablespoons water
– soy sauce
– bunch green onions, chopped
– peanuts, chopped
*We purchase locally made tofu. We also really like Surata. Fresh and firm are key.
Cut tofu slab in half length-wise and press water out. I use a clean dish towel placed under the tofu and then folded over the top and a few cookbooks on top to weight it down and squeeze out water. Let it sit for 10-30 minutes or really any amount of time will help. Cook noodles and set aside. Heat oil in skillet on high for a minute. Add tofu and cook until browned on all sides, flipping every five minutes. Mix peanut butter and water with a fork until it is liquidy and uniform, like the consistency of thick yogurt. Add carrots, broccoli to tofu. Stir frequently for a few minutes until veggies are bright. Add peanut butter water mixture. Add a bit more water if necessary. Toss. Turn off heat. Quickly add soy sauce and noodles and toss until just mixed. Don’t over stir. Garnish with green onion and peanuts. It’s also great with some kick. We like Sambal Oelek Chili Paste.
:: The weather has necessitated a lot of post-activity hot cocoa.
We make it ourselves with whole milk, cocoa and sugar. It’s an excellent way to have a delicious, special sweet treat without all that packaging, cost and extra sug.
3. to take shelter, literally or figuratively; to assume a defensive position to resist difficulties.
:: I am thankful Margot has overcome her recent, sudden fear of our chickens. During last weekend’s chicken chores she was all up in the chicken gossip like old days.
:: If you are considering making the switch to humanely raised eggs and meat, let our sweet hen, 16 Months, give you that last nudge.
I like to roam and be held. I like to flap my wings and cuddle with my chicken pals.
:: The cold, cold weather has made for super short adventures but we still adventure. Shortly.
Just the girls and me on a hike. Holy workout wearing Ruby and pulling that sled with Margot up hill in new snow.
:: A trip to our favorite sandwich shop.
:: It is totally worth the 45-minute getting-dressed session to be in silent, perfect beauty just minutes from our front door.
In the winter, even the trees hunker down.
In the winter, every little thing gets groovy and crouches, settles, maintains, takes shelter and resists difficulties. Wherever you are, are you hunkered down under the same moon, spinning on the same planet?
Happy hump day out there.
