Spontaneity led us to Savannah (again) and Hilton Head

 

 

Spontaneity is a way to add some easy joy and spice to life. I have always been a bit spontaneous by nature, especially as it relates to getting in the car and going somewhere. I love exploring and seeing new places. Sometimes the kids will balk as we get into the car but they are always happy when we start our adventure. These journeys can be an hour or many hours from home - that doesn't matter. What does matter is that it is something new and gets everyone out of their daily routines. It allows for conversations in the car, reconnections to occur and time for all of us to just be. I was so worried that when we got a puppy that that aspect of our family life and really of me, would end.

 

This past Sunday proved that concern wrong.

 

When we woke up that sunny day, Kel suggested a trip to the beach in Savannah. Savannah has a special place in our hearts. One afternoon in DC many, many moons ago, when Sosie and Sage were a mere twinkle in our eyes, I called Kelley up at work at 3 p.m. on a Friday and asked him if he might want to drive as far south as we could in one evening. After a little "what!!!???" discussion, we set off at 7:30 p.m. that evening. See, I really wanted to see a palm tree and the sun rise. Well - we saw the palm tree but it was raining so the sun rise was not meant to be that day. Kelley and I spent Saturday day and night in Orlando and set back for DC on Sunday. We had a glorious stop and lunch in Savannah. From the day, we have always wanted to return.

 

So, Kelley suggested such a return on Sunday. It was after 9 a.m. already and by the time we got to Savannah it would be late morning, long day in the car, we were hosting a cocktail party the next day, all the reasons NOT to go rattled in our brains.  Then, we stopped listening to those reasons and rallied. We got the car packed, kids dressed, dog belongings packed (which felt so like packing for a baby) and then the day really began. It felt incredibly freeing. We had lunch in Savannah at this amazing spot recommended to us where Chappy was welcomed with a treat and bucket of water. Bringfido.com - Thank you, Susan, for both recommendations!

 

Did we go to the beach then? Did we drive home? No - we decided as a family to go further on to Hilton Head! The obligatory ice cream was purchased and the walk on the beach was windy but divine. The walk was cut short as no pups were allowed but it was too windy for the beach anyway. Chappy was so amazing on our adventure - a true Connolly. We came home that night, tired, but sated. It was truly a beautiful, fun, wonderful day - one for which I was incredibly grateful.  

 

 

Time to put on Riptide by Vance Joy and get cooking.

 

We are going to cook Vegetarian Chili Verde from the kitchen of my beautiful friend, Becke Drake.

 

Vegetarian Chili Verde

Serves 6

1/4 cup olive oil

1 cup chopped onion

1 14 oz can white beans, drained and rinsed

1 14 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 10 oz sweet potato, small dice

2 chopped carrots, small dice

1 cup chopped red bell peppers

4 large cloves minced garlic (I used 3)

6 large tomatillos pureed (for 2 cups puree-or use canned or frozen) (I used TJ tomatillo salsa)

2 large poblano peppers, diced (I used 1)

2 jalapeno or Serrano peppers, minced (I omitted)

2 T oregano

1 T cumin

2 T chili powder

1 14 oz can hominy, drained (I also rinsed a bit)

1 cup vegetable broth

1 small can diced green chilis (I forgot but really think it will add something)

1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped (she says optional - I think adds a ton)

juice of lime (This isn't on the recipe but I think would add a nice touch)

 

Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Add onions, hot and sweet peppers, carrots and garlic.  Cook until onions are translucent but not brown.  Stir in oregano, cumin, chili powder.  Add tomatillo puree, broth, sweet potato and beans. Simmer until veggies are cooked through, about 1/2 hour. Add hominy and cilantro and simmer 5 minutes more. 

 

The chili should be a bit thick, if not smash some beans against the side of the pot.  You control the heat. This chili can be made mild or spicy!!

 

Serve with corn bread. (You can also serve over brown rice or with a simple romaine and onion salad with apple cider vinaigrette). We added cheese on top. Kids devoured this meal.

 

 Enjoy and have a very happy day, everyone!!!