Social media has gotten me in a funk lately. Everything we post is validated by how many likes or comments we receive, whether we acknowledge it or not. The whole point was to find some kind of connection-- but now I feel even more alone. I want to post something for the sake of self-expression and not because someone else likes it. But we inevitably get caught up in all of that. So I'm back here on my blog.

For the last couple of days, I have been doing kitchen prep work, mostly in solitude. This is punctuated with work days where it's busy from the moment I step in until we leave. Orders in, orders out, making messes, cleaning up. No time to talk or communicate or reflect on anything, and too tired at night to even eat. Also working as a nurse a few days a week. Funny how you can go a whole day talking to so many people and it can be just as isolating as being by yourself. Usually this does not bother me. But lately, I feel like I'm missing something. My sister left after staying a while and although we are very different, I miss her presence, company, and conversation. We had a talk about how important it is to have people in our lives who we can really talk with, how meaningful it can be to share ideas and thoughts with likeminded friends. Too bad my schedule is the opposite of every one I know.

I was able to take a weekend off recently and went upstate with a couple of friends. It was just what I needed and a highlight of the fall season! Yeah, I know. I don't get out much. It took a while to get out of the city, as there was a lot of traffic and also an incident with my friend's dog. But once we stepped out of the car at the farm stand off Route 28, we knew it was going to be a great weekend. We cooked, took long walks, looked for constellations at night, slept by the fire, went treasure hunting at the local antique shop, and ate at the best diner. Hopefully, will get to do all of this again soon!

This winter and holiday season I've had the chance to slow down and rest. Still working hard on market and prep days but since permits are still pending for the storefront, there's not much else we can do but wait. I don't like to plan too much for the future-- never know what's going to happen-- so trying to stay focused on the present.

Cooking and in the kitchen a lot, which makes me happy. 

Below is homemade clotted cream (not the greatest looking thing in the world, but so delicious!) and afternoon tea complete with fresh baked scones, jam, and earl grey. Fancy!!! 

I'm enjoying winter for the most part, but I do wish I canned and preserved more food throughout the year. Let's all try to make more things ourselves this year instead of buying manufactured products from far away places. Let's aim to conserve a little more, buy fewer things, and produce less waste. Sound good?