Ecclesiastes 3:1: “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” is referencing the “seasons” of our lives; or perhaps for some of my generation, it cues memories of the song “Turn Turn Turn” by the Byrds–ahhh, good times! But for the purpose of this journal entry, I’m referring to the seasons of the year.
Glimpsing out at my world lately…you’ll see a sort of Dr. Zhivago movie-type view, but without the intrigue and adventure…!
The air is murky and the cold chill seeps quickly into the layers of sweaters and coats worn. Right now I dream of being here…
Where I grew up, winter, spring, summer and fall all seemed to hold their own special fascination; I never wished one away before the other arrived! As we get older, I guess it’s human nature for us to sometimes think that our lives will be better enriched with the essence of another time and season that’s just around the corner! As this winter lingers, I’ve tried to remember how my parents went about fostering their regard for mother nature’s personality fluxes! Days spent playing outside in the snow always seemed to end happily with my mom’s warm hands rubbing my cold fingertips as numb toes were placed over blowing furnace vents. To top things off, yummy homemade soup was often served for dinner. Reading or homework was done later while sprawled out by the living room fireplace. It seemed so magical then. I’m sure I’m romancing the memory a bit, but it still serves as a good reminder to do a better job at appreciating the unique qualities of each season, and to try and do things that will help make them more enjoyable for others too…including the winter months–ugh, that’s a tough call right now!
There really is nothing like the warm “comfort foods” of the winter months. More important is the special tradition of getting together around the dinner table. It seems like this is harder to do after your children are grown, but it’s something that my husband and I try to do, and find it’s well worth the effort, especially after being out and about in the cold weather!
I hope this scrumptious family recipe of Hamburger Soup helps you enjoy a bowl together with family members or other loved ones!
FAMILY FAVORITE HAMBURGER SOUP
1 pound hamburger and 1 cup chopped onion
Brown both together in a stove top skillet
Put hamburger in large soup pot and add:
1 cup cubed potatoes
1 cup sliced carrots
1/2 cup diced celery
1 cup shredded cabbage
1 large can stewed tomatoes
Small bay leaf crushed
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried basil
2 tsp salt & 1 tsp pepper
Add 1-1/2 quarts water and simmer approximately 1-1/2 hours
Enjoy a warm bowl of soup and maybe a new perspective on the winter season!
What I’m learning now is…
Winter really is over before we know it, as is every other season that comes and goes each year. They all hold favorite aspects we enjoy about them, along with the more unpleasant ones that we don’t particularly look forward to as much. Although it sounds cliche, what I’m learning now is that the quote on a plaque in my husband’s office states it the best…“Nothing is a waste of time, if you use the experience wisely.”
Share some unique activities you do to make the winter months more fun.
Hey, bring on the snow!
–Mary
February 7, 2013: Just thinking…and I bet you’ll agree, that a winter afternoon could be fun spent here with a cup of warm soup and a good book!
