My Little Corner of the World - A Favorite Place

I know I need to post a new recipe soon. We've been eating some good dinners, but not really the kind I want to pull out the camera for. Last night it was some arm roast. Tough meat made good by a slow-cooker, soy sauce, and beef bouillon. But for now, because fall is here and I'm enjoying its arrival, I want to write about a favorite place of mine.

I like to refer to it as the grove. It's really just a couple rows of trees with a pathway inbetween. I went and visited it today and lamented the falling leaves all around me. It's only sad because once they are all gone, my special place becomes less secluded and colorful. Besides that, it really is wonderful to experience a gentle fall breeze that sends leaves whirling around you. Very magical.

I'm not sure what the original purpose was in planting these trees so far away from the house, but it does afford some peace and quiet (not that I get that often when walking out there with the kids). Usually when that happens I walk through and think about how nice it would if I were alone.

I wish the picture I took gave it justice. It is such a pretty place when the sun is shining, and you can see its rays peeking through the leaves up high. There's also marjoram that has found a home all along the sides on the ground. I always appreciate how wonderful and soothing it smells. Before we had a dog, there were a lot more deer that went through the property. I assume they would bed down in there because we could see large places where the marjoram had been flattened down.

So, I like to go walking through this place when there is time. If only I could slow my thoughts down more and listen to the One who speaks thoughts of truth and peace into my life. I would need a much longer path to walk or a bench to sit down on and really spend some time to let the clutter in my mind and heart fall away and experience a stillness that doesn't come easily.

Gluten Free Chicken Chili Soup

We used to live in Northern California where summers were HOT. I remember walking out of the house at 9:00 in the morning and feeling my mascara begin to melt. We also had the air conditioning running nonstop some weeks. Summer weather stayed a little too long, and fall didn't really feel like it had started until November. I don't miss that at all!

In September, things really do begin to cool off here in Oregon. Today will reach the mid-eighties, but by 5:00 there will be a wonderful breeze stirring up . I love fall. I love the cool air, the falling leaves, and the signaling of change. It makes me long for cozy evenings (whatever those are with two little ones), pumpkin pie, and of course hearty, one-dish suppers.

One recipe that is fast, hearty, and a crowd pleaser is my Chicken Chili. I originally made this recipe from a Better Homes and Garden cookbook featuring meals made with chicken. I've since changed a few things to suit our taste. This is a naturally low-fat meal, but I won't lie and tell you it's just as good without the cheese, avocado, and sour cream. Sorry, you know it's true. Pair this up with skillet cornbread and you'll be glad this makes up a sizeable pot.

Gluten Free Chicken Chili Soup

Make sure all your ingredients are gluten free!

1 pound ground chicken

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, chopped or crushed

1 can small, diced tomatoes - add liquid

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 can tomato paste + 3 cups water OR

1 can tomato sauce + 2 cups water

1 teaspoon cumin

1-2 chicken bouillon cubes (Herb-Ox is gluten free)

Cook ground chicken in 2 tablespons olive oil along with 1 medium onion diced, and 2 cloves garlic. Add the remaining ingredients and add more water if needed. Serve up with cheese, avocado, and sour cream.