My Daybook . . . 2 of 12

Hello, February....A quiet, hopeful, reflective month filled with love—and sweet little joys like pink sugar cookies, conversation hearts, and delicious meals made for those we love.

Outside my Window - January was a very slow month for me, and honestly, a hard one. I really struggle with the lack of light, and it affects me more than I wish it did. The darker days tend to bring a heaviness that’s hard to shake. We haven't had had hardly any snow this winter, it's just been a very gray winter.  But today felt different. The sun was out, and it was almost 50 degrees. Standing in the sunshine, I could feel my mood lift. It reminded me how much I need light—both physically and emotionally.

On my Playlist -  Because it's the month for love!

On My Mind -  Like everyone else, I'm ready for spring.  Winter seemed very long to me, and I really needed to have a day out.  We did manage to take a short day trip in January. I didn’t take many pictures, but that’s okay. What mattered most was getting out of the house and being surrounded by nature again. It felt grounding and refreshing in a wonderful way—it was just what I needed!

It was a beautiful day, from the beginning of the day to the end of the day.

We found out earlier this month that my granddaughter and her husband are expecting a baby in August, and we were also thrilled to find out that they are having a baby boy!  Needless to say, I have been thinking of all the fun and cuddles I hope to have with this new addition to our family, even though it seems so weird to be a great-gandmother!

I'm Creating - I’ve learned I need something to do with my hands in the evenings while I watch TV. So, I picked up a cross-stitch project, and it’s been such a joy to watch it slowly become a beautiful piece of art. This particular design is called The Tree of Life.

I also want to crochet a baby blanket for the new baby.  This pattern is one I'm thinking of making.  She has some specific colors in mind, so I'll use the colors she wants.  This is an Etsy pattern... here is the link.  You do have to pay for it, but it's not expensive.  I also want to make her a white blanket to use for the baby blessing, or other special occasions. 

In the Kitchen -  On Valentine’s Day, we usually go out to dinner and have prime rib. This year, though, because of the price of beef, we decided to stay home and make something delicious with chicken. The recipe is delicious and inexpensive. I'll pair it with a green salad and rice pilaf.  For dessert I'm going to make peach cobbler with ice cream —it’s one of my husband’s favorites!  Don't worry, we'll have plenty of chocolate as well. ;0)

Peach-Glazed Chicken

•  4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thighs or tenders

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Peach Glaze

• 1 cup peach preserves (or peach jam)

• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)

• 2 tbsp honey (optional, if you like it sweeter)

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ tsp ginger (ground or freshly grated)

• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional garnish

• Fresh thyme or parsley

• Sliced peaches (fresh or canned, drained)

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Instructions

1. Season the chicken
   Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Sear
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook 4–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and mostly cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the glaze
   In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add peach preserves, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Glaze the chicken
   Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the glaze over the top. Simmer for another 3–5 minutes, turning once, until the chicken is fully cooked and coated in that glossy peach goodness.

5. Finish & serve
   Garnish with fresh herbs or peach slices if you like. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or with roasted veggies.

Remember - 

HAPPY FEBRUARY!!!

Hugs and Love,

Barb