Leaving the Winter Blahs Behind!

 I have been feeling remarkably uninspired these past few weeks.  Between, the constant rains, the depressing news coverage and the inability to really get out and see friends, I have definitely been suffering from a bit of the winter blahs.  Last week however, I decided it was time to shake myself off and get myself moving.  The sun came out a couple of days ago which helped to boost my mood.

I tried a new recipe for Italian Orzo soup. There's nothing like homemade soup on a chilly winter day.  It turned out pretty tasty so I shared a couple of bowls with my mom and my 90 year old neighbor who has no family living in the area.  We try to look  out for her.

 

With the coming of the sun, the Inspector and I also decided to get out and try a couple of different spots along our local walking trail.  First, we found a trail head a few miles north of us. It was pretty quiet, just lots of bare winter trees and cold blue sky.  Still it was good to get out after a few weeks of hibernating.

 

We ventured out another day, driving south to the town of Snohomish which is where the Centennial Trail begins.  We found this area by the town library to be a very popular spot for both walkers and bikers.

This part of the trail took us along some of the old railroad tracks and into the town of Snohomish which has always been one of my favorite places to meet a friend for lunch or to wander through the various antique shops.

 

 

We stopped in the local bakery to pick up a couple of scones to take home with us.

Like everywhere else the local restaurants have to improvise with makeshift outdoor eating areas.  Even so, we thought it was still a bit chilly to be sitting outdoors so we just kept walking.

During the summer when all the "demonstrations" were taking place in the big cities a large group of protesters came to this little town to make mischief.  The citizens came out in force, armed and ready to protect their homes and businesses.  Our youngest lived just a few blocks from here and said it was a pretty unnerving.  He and his friends stayed up all night watching their home.  Happily there was no violence and no damage done in this community and so we can still come and safely enjoy this family friendly little city.

After picking up our treat from the bakery we made our way down to the river.

There is a nice little walking path that goes along the river from one end of town to the other.  By this time, however, my hip was telling me it was time to turn back and head for home. 

 

Here we were back at the library which is just left of the trees.  Next time we will head up north to Arlington to pick up the trail there and see what we can see. We are turning the page to the beginning of a new month.  Come rain or come shine, it's time to send the winter blahs on their way!