Snowflakes and Rain Showers

It was a dark and stormy afternoon - we have those now and then in Washington. :-) I got home on lunch break, pulled up the shades to let a bit of light in and there were snowflakes! Stuck there by my roommmate Robyn. :-) Aren't they cheery?

I've been bed-ridden so much lately that I simply had to post some pictures of my beautiful Washington. Just looking at them makes me FEEL like I've been out and about. :-)

Dairy country. That's Mount Baker off in the distance

Nooksack River

Nooksack Falls

Sigh. I feel better already. :-)

Sometimes in the middle of winter I crave summer. I know you couldn't tell from all the hot, sunny photos I've been posting lately. :-) Well, I've also been craving summery foods, light, bright and packed with flavor. Like this noodle salad.

I picked up some lovely mung bean noodles - something I'd never cooked with before.

I love how they go all glassy and silvery when they're cooked.

I added scallions...

...cilantro...

...plump mandarin orange segments...

...and some thinly sliced yellow bell pepper, then made a quick vinaigrette of freshly squeezed lime and orange juices, sesame oil and a bit of kosher salt and pepper.

It suited my craving beautifully. :-)