Remembering how to relax.

I'm a little (okay, a lot) tardy in publishing today's post, I know. I spent today in a slight state of slow motion, savoring the residue of the most relaxing weekend I can remember in a very long time. I realized at some point this weekend, that I actually could not remember the last weekend (or weeknight for that matter) when I simply relaxed at home, flopping on the sofa, watching television, or just vegging. I have been in a constant state of motion, and projects, and problem solving, and stress, for a pretty long stretch of time. For such a long time in fact, that it became habit, to not just relax. Ever.)

Anyway.

We were hit with a nice, heavy rainstorm on Saturday, complete with high winds and thunder. I realize that this might not thrill anyone but me, but I have been longing for a nice heavy rainstorm ever since I arrived here a little over a month ago. I was in heaven. Perfect weather for staying in, cozying up on the sofa, and just enjoying being home. (Yes, I am an incurable romantic, so, if you live in the pacific northwest, don't even try to convince me that I will eventually tire of this weather.)

And....What could be better than staying in and enjoying this fabulous weather, than a meal of the most fabulous comfort food I've ever had? (and that I didn't have to cook, I might add) Mmm hmm. You got it. The boyfriend (I love saying that, even if it does cause him to roll his eyes at me) braved the storm, and the thunder, and arrived with all of the fixings for the perfect rainy night meal. It was a pork fennel stew, and what made it extra yummy, was that there were two kinds of olives in it. (He shared the recipe on his blog today, so you can simply click here for it.) Sooo good...and even better by candlelight, and shared with someone special. (Oh, and just so you know, this stew was even better two nights later, when I reheated the leftovers for my dinner tonight.)

Suffice to say, the yummy stew set the entire tone for the rest of my weekend, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I still remembered how to relax and enjoy a day at home, simply hanging out and doing nothing.

I hope your weekend was equally fabulous.

Comments

[angie falgout]

I like this post! So happy for you.
~Angie~

[Jen R]

You deserve to relax! Enjoy it!

[Pam]

Lovely. I am giving the recipe to hubs. My son and I both live for rainy windy stormy days to sit back and just be. Sounds delish.

[Deb @ Retreat]

I just noticed your tag for posts about 'the boyfriend'.... hilarious! Can I steal that?!

[Kristin]

I am LOVING the stew. It looks so hearty and warm and inviting. :)

[Cheri Peoples]

I am so happy for you. I just wanted you to know that I had a new visitor to my blog and she was talking about her town Camos...anyway I e-mailed her and told her all about you. Yes I am a STALKER--um I mean follower... and she thanked me for the info on you and your blog and I am sure she will be by to visit you.

cheri

[Janelle]

I love getting the recipes and the beautiful pictures! Sounds like just a perfect evening in.

[Kathleen Grace]

Oh, ho, and he cooks? Well better and better! I'm glad you had a wonderful weekend:>)

[kathy]

My kind of weekend!
Best,
Kathy

[Diane]

Tracey I am sooo with you. Love love rain snow and any reason to cozy up with my guy(hubby)and get cozy in our log cabin with the fireplace crackling glass of good wine music and our books and mags. We might be one of the few who don't have a television and really do love it. I'm so happy for you. How is baby moose doing with his new move? are you in your new place yet?

[Cathy Miller]

I LOVE how happy you are. I must confess I worry about you, but now-no worries!! And I love a good thunderstorm/rainy night too!! Congratuations on making excellent decisions!!

[Tina Schiefer]

Tracey, glad to hear that you are in a place of bliss.

You sound happy, happy, happy and finally content.

I have to admit after a hot summer, the Fall storms are wonderful, but after living up near Olympia, WA (1992-2001) I DID truly get sick and tired of the gloomy, wet weather.

I moved there from So. CAL and said the same thing to all my friends - "I'll NEVER get sick of the rain!", but....

Now, I'm in So. Oregon - 1/2 way between both and get the 1/2 way weather!!! I've truly found home - 5 years and counting....

Cheers!

[Karen]

I think the best thing about our wet weather is nice warm fires! And baking of course! I'm going to have to get that recipe, sounds great. The only thing better would be if the lights went out, only b/c here, they don't usually stay out for more than several hours! Glad you're settling in and getting that winter-time feeling!

[Missy]

I discovered at great Oregon Pinot Noir - Foris. Loved it. Great to relax with a warm meal and a glass of wine - yum, LUV Fall!

[Beverly]

You deserved that weekend of relazing. I too love rainy days. Always my excuse to stay home and sew. We don't get that many here, though. Yummy stew. Never thought of olives in stew. How blessed you are to have a special someone.

[Carla]

Sounds like life's treatin' ya pretty well right now, Tracey! We all need a vegging weekend from time to time. Your's was much deserved for sure!

[Kathleen Gauthier]

I've often wondered how you keep such a pace. I think I need my down time more than most. So nice that you now have time to spend with your adorable "shopping buddy" and enjoy the rain!

[seanymph]

Your bf recipe inspired me to go grocery shopping for the ingredients and try it. I think Ill make it today. It sounds heavenly.