The unexpected snow has given me more thinking time. Not wanting to risk a re-injury of my wrist, I am staying in for a couple days while enjoying the beauty from inside. A pine outside my window looks like a Christmas card with bright red cardinals within its snow-covered branches. I did go out a couple days ago to a Polish pottery sale with my family. Afterwards we had a wonderful lunch at an Irish pub with all the atmosphere of a jolly St. Patrick’s Day celebration. My shepherd’s pie was wonderful—the saucy hamburger with corn had a flavor of thyme in the most delicious gravy ever and was topped with a thick layer of mashed potatoes and melted cheese. Mmmmmm—I could dream about it. Now I have a Polish plate that I’ve filled with a spinach salad that contains cherry tomatoes, hearts of romaine, raw mushrooms, roman beans, venison and slices of smoked gouda. It’s dressed lightly with just a little olive oil. With all the flavors in it, it doesn’t need anything else. I have whole grain bread and water with it. With all the flavors in my meals, I’ve lost 5 pounds so far. It’s not a lot, but I’m not dieting. I’m eating wonderfully. Tomorrow will be one of my seafood days. All the movements of intense dancing seem to be whittling away my waist. Granted it’s just a little and no one else can see it, but I am definitely toning up my midsection. I’ll be ready for hip-hop soon. When the snow melts away I’ll be back outside and when my cast is off my wrist, I’ll be gardening. I will need a bigger herb garden this year for my cooking and more tomatoes for canning.