Today I’m sharing our March Mountain Moments. This is a recap of what happened in the month of March, in and outside, of our mountain kitchen.
Where Did Normal Go?
March started out normal and good, but then it turned into scenes from the Twilight Zone and now the whole world feels like it’s going to hell in a handbasket.
I just want to go back to the days before Covid-19 or the Coronavirus ever existed!
I’m sad… I’m worried… I’m mad…
What was that I needed from the store again?
I’m grateful… I’m blessed… I am hoping…
I struggle to make sense of it all. Mostly, I’m just tired. When is all of this going to end?
Deep down I was hoping we wouldn’t live long enough to see the world with such pain, sadness, confusion, and uncertainty, yet here we are.
David and I are not sheltered in place every day. We are still able to work our full-time jobs. We are blessed to have jobs. There are so many people that don’t know how they will pay their bills.
However, going into the city every day isn’t safe. Although I’ve been given access to work from home a couple of days a week, David cannot. I tell you it’s not easy dealing with all of this. There have been days when it feels like we have to choose between our health and a paycheck and that really stinks!
I guess it would be easier if we could just go out to eat a nice dinner or take a vacation, but none of us can escape this reality. It gets harder to witness with each passing day.
As I struggle to find words of grace and wisdom. All I can say is that this pandemic really sucks and I hope it will all be over soon. So for now, we will keep washing our hands raw and try to be as safe as we possibly can.
Oh, and check the grocery store aisle whenever possible for rolls of toilet paper and paper towels. Why is it all gone?
This is a time for looking out for each other. There’s never a time for being selfish and hoarding, especially now. What is wrong with people?
Fun While It Lasted
Before the Coronavirus took over our lives this month, David and I had some fun weekend adventures. Here are a few pictures from our outings.
We miss hanging out at all the local craft breweries, wineries, and restaurants. Until things return to normal, we will try to support those that offer pickup and delivery. We hope and pray they will survive this difficult time. These pictures make me happy and sad at the same time.
(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT): Mussels from Osteria 510, Front Royal, VA
Harp on Tap at the bar in Nana’s Irish Pub, Middletown, VA
Oyster Roast at Ridge Runner Farms and Brewing Company, Maurtown, VA
Calamari, Steak with potatoes, and lasagna at Woodstock Cafe, in Woodstock, VA
The last lasagna lunch of the season, Naked Mountain Winery, Markham, VA
We Appreciate Your Patience!
Since the Coronavirus took over our daily lives I have a really hard time finding the time to write. I haven’t been able to concentrate and my mind is all over the place.
We’ve been sharing a lot of updated recipes lately, but I want you to know that we are still working on new recipes for you. I have a list a mile long and I am determined to get them composed to share with you.
David has been learning the new smoker and we have enjoyed several delicious meals from it. I’ve even got him taking detailed notes!
Recipes we are fine-tuning:
- Smoked Pastrami
- Fried White Perch
- The Blonde Italian Caesar Salad
- Smoked Beef Short Ribs
- and more!
Stay tuned…
TOP RECIPE OF THE MONTH
COMMENTS OF THE MONTH!
“Tried these enchiladas today and they were delicious! I actually had all the ingredients. Thank you, take care.”
Carol (Comment & 5-Star rating on Cheese and Bean Enchiladas)
“I just made the tuna steak for dinner. Compliments to the chief. We totally enjoyed it. Thanks.”
Lesa (Comment on Pan Seared Lemon Pepper Tuna Steaks)
“I just made these tonight and they were excellent! One question though. The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of butter, divided. But in the directions I only see the instructions for using 1 of the tablespoons for the buns. What is the other tablespoon for? I did not see any mention of it. Thanks for posting great recipes.”
Terrie (Comment on Pepper Jack Black Bean Burgers)
‘TIS THE SEASON!
Brown Butter Tortellini with Toasted Garlic and Asparagus
This simple spring pasta dish of Brown Butter Tortellini with Toasted Garlic and Asparagus is rich with nutty brown butter that packs big flavor.
Savory Bread Pudding With Ham Asparagus and Mushrooms
A savory bread pudding loaded with smoked Virginia ham, fresh asparagus, portobello mushrooms, Gruyere cheese, and croissants, soaked in rich custard.
AROUND THE MOUNTAIN!!
David and I have been going on walks down our beautiful mountain road again. We’re both trying to stay healthy.
Working out on the elliptical 2 to 3 times makes it easier to walk our mountain road. Neither one of us is gasping for breath and walking it doesn’t take it’s toll-like it use to years ago when we tried to walk it some.
Since David’s scare with his heart last month, he has been feeling really good. We are unable to physically go into the doctor’s office since concerns spreading and catching the coronavirus. He had a phone-in appointment with his cardiologist’s office yesterday. He’s doing well and has been pretty much released. He is to keep taking his prescribed medications and make an appointment if he has concerns.
The scenery is gorgeous and we don’t have to worry about “social distancing”. We are so blessed to live in a place we love so much. I couldn’t imagine having to go through a quarantine living in any of the other places we lived except for Bull Run Mountain.
MARCH MOUNTAIN VIEWS
That’s all of the March Mountain Moments. See ya next month with more moments from the mountain.
Stay well, look out for one another and stay healthy!
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Paula Somers says
I’m glad to hear you all are okay. It is a strange time we are living in now, but it helps to keep busy. My hubs and I are fortunate to be newly retired and we don’t have to go out. Busy with getting the garden ready, reading, quilting, etc.
The Mountain Kitchen says
Thank you Paula! Keep busy and stay safe!
Patrons of the Pit says
Boy, you said it. It will eventually pass. Just feels like forever right now is all. Glad you guys are doing well for the most part tho. And I must say if you gotta hunker down somewhere, your little piece of paradise ain’t a half bad place to do it.
Today I started making my Mount Rushmore of Post Pandemic Activities. There is this restaurant a few miles away that makes the best carrot cake I ever had. It comes in one pound hunks! Boy I could go for a slice of that right now. So that makes my short list of things I’m gonna do when this is done. A Twins game with a polish sausage in one hand and a manly beverage in the other, is another. Still working on other ideas. It’s fun to dream.
Anyways, ya’ll take care out there, and keep them recipes coming!
And hey to David. I like your new pit, dude!
Blessings
PotP
The Mountain Kitchen says
Thanks, man! Much worse places to be for sure. I know we are making a long list of post-pandemic activities also. A lot of them are things we are going to already miss out on. David Got the smoker back in December, it’s a beast and requires A LOT of wood! Check this company out: “Texas Original Pits”. It was delivered via Freightliner… no joke! Stay safe and well!