That Damn Wind

I live in northern Colorado, truly God's country.  The climate is beautiful and mostly mild. We are known for skiing here in Colorado but you may not know that our beautiful (yes they do belong to us) Rocky Mountains are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike more in the summer than winter.  Just one of the many divergent facts about our state.  For example, these interesting yet contrary weather facts;  Because the season is upon us we may as well put it out there, if you live in Colorado your Halloween costume MUST allow for a snow suit beneath however we can usually play golf in January!
 
I live in such a beautiful place, with a lovely climate overall, except for the dreaded WIND!  I swear, other than Wyoming I have never been in a windier place than northern Colorado.  Do I hate the wind because when it blow-It Really Blows-in more ways than one! We are the healthiest state in the nation and rarely allow the weather to inhibit our lifestyle. If it was 20 degrees below zero, we hardy Coloradoans would dig into our closets of custom, high tech outdoor gear-which we spend millions of dollars on annually-suit up and sally forth to conquer nature.  If it was103 degrees we would head to the cool of the mountains, raft a local river or take a swim in a nearby lake. Only over the last 20 years has air conditioning become common in Colorado.

Just to be clear, I am a pretty hearty gal myself.  I grew up in the midwest where, in the summer months the humidity and temperature are often the same number.  When I was in school we had lots of snow days and used them all and then some. So what is my problem with the WIND?  Really, it is only the wind after all.  I don't have to shovel it, it does not cause traction problems or heat stroke, frozen pipes or frost bite.  It seems kind of whimpy to complain about the wind but really, it makes me crazy.

The last couple days the wind has been relentless.  I thought a cottonwood in my yard might actually break yesterday. While I was out on appointments, I witnessed the largest flag in our community tear off it's flag pole.  Now we are not talking a simple over sized highly patriotic flag.  Nooooo.  This is a superhuman huge flag that more than spans the 4 lane highway above which it waves and upon which it fell just as I was driving by. Did I say relentless?

Turns out, it is not my fault that I have been cranky! Great! I thought it was about my hair being a mess and dirt in my eyes-but a little research shows that there is an actual scientific reason for my bad attitude. It seems the increase in positive ions in the atmosphere, a result of any weather change (keep in mind I am not Mr. Wizard) ACTUALLY does make people feel, well, not themselves.  Anxiety, irritability, even migraines and depression are common.

I can't tell you how happy I am to hear about this.  Now I am not an extreme sufferer, thankfully, but in retrospect, I can see That Damn Wind has affected me for years and indeed has driven people throughout history to acts of violence and desperation.

Good to know. As for me, I am working in the office all day and may not even let the dog out if it helps me avoid the 50 plus mile per hour gusts.  When it finally does subside, it is almost as if a calm has falls upon my little community-which I guess in a way it does. At that point I will retrieve my lawn furniture from my neighbor's yard.

Food is Love-Squash Soup

I love to cook and am pretty good at it-at least according to my friends, family and palate. The process of cooking a fabulous meal or a pot of soup makes me happy because I know it will be met with real appreciation for both the product and the effort.  Food is Love will be an ongoing segment of my blog so watch for some yummy stuff.

I eat almost everything and so am open to food ideas that others may turn up their nose to.  I implore you to step out of your comfort zone and give a different idea a try.  I have often had a friend or family member tell me, "I have never liked (insert some seemingly hideous food) until now.  You have changed my mind about X".  I love that! Having made that statement, I will admit right here that lots of folks will tell you right off the bat, "I don't like squash". Okay, but I am putting this up anyway.  It is the perfect autumn dish and is a quick soup to make-which many are not.  By the way, though I rarely meet a recipe I don't like, I almost never make it according to direction.  I like to get a "feel" for it and adapt along the way.  Some of you are like that, and some measure every drab.  For those that adapt, be my guest, for those that don't, not to worry, we are making soup, not souffle-meaning, nothing is critical.  Relax and enjoy the ride.

Julia's Squash Soup

5 lb. butternut squash-seeded, peeled and cubed-about 2/3rds into 1# pieces and 1/3rd into small dice
2 large or 4 small leeks-white part only, split, washed and sliced thinly
1 c half and half
8 c. chicken broth
3 whole red peppers-roasted and diced small ( if this is daunting or you are short on time, you can
      substitute jarred)
1 #14  can of petite diced tomatoes-drained
1/2 t. nutmeg
1 t. curry powder
1 T sugar
juice of 1/2 lemon
1 T butter
salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot lightly saute the leeks in butter for about 5 min, until somewhat translucent and fragrant.  Add the large pieces of squash, and broth.  Bring to a boil and reduce heat.  Simmer over low heat for approximately 30 min.-until squash is soft.  Using a hand blender -or this can be done in batches in a regular blender-blend the soup until smooth.  Add the balance of the squash, red peppers, tomatoes and seasonings to the pot.  Simmer over low heat until squash is tender-about 20 min.  Finish with the half and half.  Adjust thickness of soup to your taste-with broth or milk.  Makes about 10 cups.  YUMMY!  If you want to "lighten" this soup, decrease half and half.  If the thickness of the soup is not your style, feel free to further thin it with broth.  Some folks just don't like the texture, thinning will make a big difference.

I don't like to call out "number of servings" because of course, that depends on many things.  I won't quote calories or fat because I am a cook not a nutritionist.  I believe in moderation in all things.