Ghost Town

Slowly, the DFW metroplex is turning into a ghost town. I had to get out yesterday, and drive around. A lot like you do when you've had a good rain - got to go look at all the water. Well, I guess I had to go look at all the empty parking lots. And, they certainly were. I drove by a shop with a hand-written closed sign. And, me being the artsy weirdo that I am, it intrigued me. And, so I started looking for "Closed" signs and photographing them. In a way, I think it's the modern-day equivalent of holding onto a newspaper from 1963.

I'm not done photographing this event. I keep reeling, wondering, what's going to happen next. Dallas went on a "Shelter-in-place" order last night. It goes into effect at midnight tonight. By the end of the week, I'm sure the entire metroplex will be. When this starts leaking out into the country-side, the entire state may.

I'm listening to the news this morning. I'm thinking - THIS is why we study history. The government seems to be working incredibly hard not to have an economic event like The Great Depression. I did some studying on virus/outbreaks of the past.

All I have is questions that can't quite be answered just yet.

Why do most viruses begin with China?

Because of that fact, do the Chinese people have a greater resistance to these diseases?

The Western Hemisphere's population is much more spread out than the Eastern Hemisphere. That could do one of two things. It could take longer for the virus to spread, prolonging our situation. Or, and here's what I'm hoping for- large viruses have a habit of dying out, unexpectedly- perhaps, it will just die out when it has to try to survive longer. That is good news for the people living in more rural America - given that people stop acting stupid...

We also have summer coming. I hear that viruses don't do as well in heat. I've never been more ready for summer!

I can't help but be incredibly interested in this situation. As a lover of history, I find it fascinating. There are times in life where the path of the world changes. This is one of those times. September 11th was one. This is one. There will be laws and mandates that change things forever. I also think it's a great thing that this has affected the entire globe. Perhaps it'll bring a bit more unity - only if Trump quits calling this "The Chinese Virus." What is that?

Side note- It's so fun being shut up inside my apartment, alone, wondering when the next atomic hot flash will come along and soak me to the skin. A lot like periods - WHY IS THIS EVEN A THING? UGH. Sorry - I digress, again.

I'm trying to keep a good attitude. Keep myself busy and entertained. But, sometimes it gets a little rough.

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

It can be hard to only see the rough stuff right now. To shelter in place, and sit in a corner, feeling sorry for yourself. I encourage you, don't give up. We are going to get through this. We are going to be okay, regardless. In the meantime, keep looking for ways to do good to people. It can be a struggle, always trying to do good. We can grow weary. But, we are called to continue, as we have the opportunity. There are opportunities out there, for every single one of us. I hope you are able to find a few chances today. Maybe you can even use this recipe here.

Pasta Fagioli Soup

I know, I know - another soup. But, it's so good! Just like Olive Garden! And, it makes quite a bit. I bet it freezes well. Truly.

1 cup small pasta shells

3/4 cup dried great northern beans

3/4 cup dried pinto beans

3/4 cup dried kidney beans

1/4 cup dried, minced onion

3 TBS dried parsley flakes

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp dried rosmary, crushed

1/4 tsp dried, minced garlic

1 bay leaf

Dash crushed red pepper flakes

You can put all of these in a jar, with a seasoning packet in there. You could even deliver it to your neighbors - all they would need is a few other ingredients, and they have a meal - on you! If you separate the spices and beans, make sure you bag them separately. It'll last for three months like that, in the jar.

Additional Ingredients:

14 cups water, divided

1 can (28 ounces) dieced tomatoes, undrained

3 medium carrots, chopped

1 celery rib, chopped

1 tsp salt

Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Directions:

1. Sort and rinse benas - Set pasta aside.

2. Place beans in a Dutch oven; add 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil. Boil 2 minutes - remove from heat - cover and let stand 1-4 hours, or until beans are softened. Drain and discard liquid.

3. Return beans to pan. Add contents of seasoning packet and remaining water (8 cups). Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 1 hour, or until beans are tender. Add tomatoes, carrots, celery and salt. Cover and simmer 30 minutes longer, simmer occasionally.

4. Stir in pasta. Cover and simmer 5-10 minutes, or until pasta and carrots are tender. Stir occasionally. Remove bay leaf before serving. Garnish with cheese, if desired.

Yeilds about 14 servings. Perfect for sharing. I know this recipe takes a while, but, what else do you have to do! I hope you can use this to help others, or it can help you, for a while. Maybe these ingredients aren't flying off the shelves as fast as the others.

Reach out. Be kind. Love.