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Saturday, January 9, 2010

A Wonderful Day

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       ( May I first say that I hope our days of extreme cold- for the Rio Grande Valley- were not harmful to local citrus growers and families who face more challenges than others.)

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        Yesterday was a wonderful home day for me- even when the electricity went out due to the freeze.  I began my day by going to the grocery store to get ingredients to make this.

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     Which added to my pleasure because I got to use this.

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        No, it isn’t Le Creuset or some other expensive brand of enameled cast iron pot- but quite frankly, I didn’t care because it was a deep red color ,and it was at Ross- for a lot,lot less. It works beautifully.

        After the chili was made-

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        I served it in these-

(Note:  by that time in the day, I had also been to the public library, because I had a feeling we would lose power, and I wanted a good book to read by candlelight. My husband was also home from work, and he was gathering up more wood outside for the fire.My father had also stopped by to check our weather preparations and get a bowl of chili to go.)

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        These bowls and plates are part of a set from Dolores Hidalgo, a great place to visit for talavera, which is a great day trip from San Miguel de Allende. 

        I loved them because of the lime green.

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        I put the cheese in a cobalt blue Fiesta bowl from a set of Fiesta my mother gave me years ago.

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        What kind of cheese? This-

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        We lost power around 9:00 pm, but our stomachs were full, the fire was burning,  a million candles were burning, my book light had new batteries, my husband had all of his flashlights at attention as he napped on the couch, and I had a great book.

        I was in heaven.

26 comments:

  1. Sounds like a very cozy night. I so wish I had a fireplace. Have a great weekend.

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  2. You were quite the Girl Scout, so prepared! Isn't it funny how color can make all the difference in your mood? Your red pot, the green in your bowls, the contrast of the cheese against the cobalt blue? The same meal cooked in a stainless steel pot in white bowls just would NOT have had the same cozy feeling. Not the mention a crackling fire and stack of books. Heaven indeed.

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  3. Oh, the chili sounds so good and I can just taste it. Love the pretty new pot and the talavera dishes are just gorgeous. Hugs, Marty

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  4. What a perfect evening. Presentation makes such a difference, doesn't it? It just makes everything taste better. That was a really beautiful post. Makes me want to curl up in front of the fire with a good book.

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  5. It does sound like the perfect day. I hear a sigh of contentment.

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  6. Hi Laura,
    We lost our power also...we had a nice meal and fire, but I sure could use a book light...I bet I will have one very soon, why didn't I ever think to buy one until now. Duh!

    I am glad the citrus groves survived.
    Stay warm,
    Lee

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  7. The Chili looks delish!
    Your right....it is so cold here in Texas! I
    am so glad the citrus farmers crops will be okay.
    My husband is a rancher/farmer and I can relate when you loose your whole crop.
    BTW...I really enjoy visiting your Blog. You have such a sweet soul.
    Enjoy your weekend.
    Blessings....julie

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  8. Sounds like a wonderful night!

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  9. Love the fire...the chili and your beautiful dishes!!!

    Enjoy!!!
    XOXO
    Cathy

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  10. Laura, a good bowl of chili sounds perfect for this cold winter day. I so admire talavera dishes from Dolores Hidalgo. We have a few from our trip to San Miguel many years ago. Thanks for sharing! Hope you can stop by HFTS. I'm sharing some special chocolates today for Pink Saturday.

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  11. Oh, my heart be still that chili looks sooooo good! Love chili. My hubby and I were married for over 2 DECADES before he "confessed" to me that he didn't even like chili. Bless his heart. He didn't want to hurt my feelings because I love to make chili. I was amazed because he loves anything spicy - he is Hispanic and raised on menudo and chorizo so I assumed plain old chili would be one of his favorites.

    Isn't that sweet that he didn't want to hurt my feelings? All those years of choking down food he didn't even like. That's what I love about him, his kindness.

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  12. Sounds like the most perfect evening that we all need from time to time! Love, love those dishes! Lovely. Wish I had a bowl of that chili right now...

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  13. What more could a woman want? Good chili, a warm fire, a good book... who needs electricity? Enjoy your day and stay warm! Hugs, Ganky!

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  14. Laura... you've made me hungry and wanting a fireplace... I can take care of the hungry.. but it's too cold to go and sit by the outside fireplace...

    happy weekend... Dixie

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  15. That's how I make my Chili, Laura, and my mom before me. My husband says it's the best chili EVER! and I think so too! Those spices are hard to beat! I love mine with saltines crumbled inside the bowl! Yum yum.
    Debra

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  16. This post - oh so envious! Chili and warmth and a good book! The Best!

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  17. it's amazing how much better things go when you plan ahead...the chili looks yummy...love the dishes...

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  18. You were well prepared. Chili looks good. I just posted on some soup I made from a mix - actually good.
    Stay warm.

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  19. Good planning! Perfect evening. :o) I love to be so be prepared for times like that, so you can enjoy them to the fullest.

    MmmmmmmMmmmmmmmm - and I do love chili, a fire, family, and great book with candles.

    ~Faith

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  20. You created such a cozy inviting picture! We've had a winter for the record books. I really haven't complained once. I'm trying to find those cozy/get away moments in the midst of it all! Thanks for this post!

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  21. How wonderful that your dad stopped by for a bowl to go.

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  22. Doesn't it feel good to have a great day like that!!! Your serving pieces are so pretty and the chili looks so good. Have a great weekend...julie

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  23. Aloha,
    Ok , where to begin? first...thank you for walking me through a perfectly perfect day that could of been totally Lemons, but you made "sweet Lemonade" Well divine chili but you get my drift;)

    You have inspired me on a few levels...Mahalo
    Secondly,I am a Ross lover...my kids hate it , they think it rivals the thrift store...they are all (4) teenagers and shopping snobs!! thats ok, I'm sure I will bump into them at Ross once they are paying their own light bill!
    Thanks for sharing a perfectly enchanting evening. I miss the crackle of a fire, not a lot of fireplaces in Hawaii
    Aloha wishes for a peaceful Sunday
    Brandi

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  24. Sounds like a very peaceful day...yummo on the chili!~~~ Thanks for joining my blog~~~ I look forward to following yours too....PLEASE save those orages~~~~! Faye
    carolinastitcher.blogspot.com

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  25. Do you want to share what book? All sounds great.

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