This morning it was -13 with a wind chill of -25. Yes it’s been a bitter chilling winter. We have had a leak in the pipe for our Pioneer Princess cook stove it’s wood fired. This morning we had to let it cool down so Bruce could repair the pipe. All winter long we have been cooking our meals in it. Mostly Bruce which is a wonderful change. For the last four years I have participated in the Pantry Challenge on Instagram or YouTube. It is on other platforms as well. This year I didn’t participate because I have come to the realization we cook from the pantry everyday of the year. Plus one of my YouTube followers said to me one day “you need to find what brings you joy” that message really hit me hard. She was right!!! I have been always taking care of everyone else and putting myself last. However cooking and gardening do make me happy but as an artist I really needed to find my joy again with my art work. With even more decline of my back problems to be able to function in a day I have to take care of myself by sitting more than I ever have in my entire lifetime. Although I will do gestural paintings I will stand for those paintings. Get the energy moving. So last year in November I started painting again after a four year hiatus. It has been PURE JOY! It has made me feel so much happier and freeing. Thank you Suzanne for your wonderful comment it made me seek out my painting again. So that’s why I didn’t participate this year in the pantry challenge. Several had asked me why. I want to spend my time making my art. It really is what feeds my artistic soul. I enjoy that I have met so many people thru my art journey.
This is one of my go to recipes see the video below where I have made the macaroni and cheese recipe. I do like to try different ones. My family loves this one.
We had some of my homegrown 1,500 year old cave beans and dehydrated mushrooms and onions we grew that Bruce froze to help make meals faster. Homemade mashed potatoes.
Some of my home canned 1,500 year old cave beans. They are so delicious we add a little bacon grease and everyone loves them.
Cody made this for me for Christmas of 2025. I love it. It’s cherry wood from our land.
Homemade pizzas which is always one of our favorites.
I am longing for summer at this point. I am content however being in the warmth of San Diego made me feel so good that beautiful sun on your skin. This was one of my last tomatoes of the season before the frost came.
Making ketchup
In the garden it’s getting to be seed time. So I am ready despite the frigid temperatures. Kim and Jr and the family are heading back to New York and they sent a video this morning on how high the waves are and how much the wind is blowing with the snow storm coming in.
This tomato weighed almost two pounds German pink I think that was the tomato. I grow so many tomatoes it’s hard to remember all of them but I pretty good at knowing them. I keep the seeds to for the next year.
I have been growing these for quite a few years now which is one of my favorites. Of course Bruce would tell you otherwise that there isn’t a pepper I don’t like. Definitely a pepper head. My son Jr. is the same way. Makes a mama proud.
I love a fresh meal from the garden
It was my birthday meal
Homemade chili
Homemade gluten free cornbread
Homemade hamburger buns my family loves them
This is a gluten free chicken pot pie that is so delicious makes me want it now.
Salmon is a staple here. We top it with all the many pestos we make each summer.
Fajitas and stir fries are huge around here. Especially when we have a lot of peppers. We usually always have them as we freeze them and freeze dry them. Bruce does all the cutting.
Oh my goodness I want this again. I can’t find that cookbook I used too many. Yes head hung low it was so good. I will try to find it’s here but my library is busting out of its shelves.
French toast are one of my boys favorites.
Tomorrow these little guys will have their two year old birthday party along with their sister Briar her Christening. I can’t wait we are to arrive at the Catholic Church tomorrow morning and then right after church is the Christening. Then we head to Cody’s house for the party. Alexis and Garrett with Ledger and Riggs are coming too. Can’t wait to see everyone. Sending love and positive vibes. Have a wonderful weekend. I have spent my Saturday painting while Bruce worked on the hearth trying to get it all repaired so we can be back in that wonderful heat and cooking. As you may know I have been in a few challenges the 30 day sketchbook challenge which today made 24 days only 7 days to go. It feels good!! I have enjoyed it throughly. The 100 day challenge which started on January 22, 2026 and will end on May 02, 2026. Maybe too much????? One shall see.,… much love ❤️
Thank you, 
Salmon is a staple here. We top it with all the many pestos we make each summer. 
Tomorrow these little guys will have their two year old birthday party along with their sister Briar her Christening. I can’t wait we are to arrive at the Catholic Church tomorrow morning and then right after church is the Christening. Then we head to Cody’s house for the party. Alexis and Garrett with Ledger and Riggs are coming too. Can’t wait to see everyone. Sending love and positive vibes. Have a wonderful weekend. I have spent my Saturday painting while Bruce worked on the hearth trying to get it all repaired so we can be back in that wonderful heat and cooking. As you may know I have been in a few challenges the 30 day sketchbook challenge which today made 24 days only 7 days to go. It feels good!! I have enjoyed it throughly. The 100 day challenge which started on January 22, 2026 and will end on May 02, 2026. Maybe too much????? One shall see.,… much love ❤️
Dawn Gallop
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