Autumn in the Midwest

I snapped some photos of some gourds and pumpkins at a local garden center.  I've never seen so many different looking gourds!  I thought they were very interesting and they put me in the spirit for Fall.

Look at those stems!

I think the lady working there thought I was crazy.  Along with snapping pictures of gourds, Kevin and I bought a few packets of seeds to plant for the cooler weather.  We are planning on planting mixed greens, rhubarb, and basil (in a pot inside).  Here are a few pictures of Kevin's garden work so far

Soon to be radishes and green onion

Garlic!

Lastly, our new compost pile

On the menu tonight is Black Bean and Sweet Potato Soup. I just got over a cold and this is the perfect cure-for-the-common-cold-soup! My friend Mary-Margaret gave me the recipe.

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Soup

2 tsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 sweet potato, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 1/3 c. water (I use beef broth)
1 15 oz. can of black beans, rinsed or 1/3 of lb. of dried black beans, cooked
1 can of diced tomatoes
2 tbsp of cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp of chipotle chile
2 tsp cumin
juice of one lime or two, why not?

Sautee chopped onion and sweet potato. Add garlic, chili, chipotle and cumin and cook for 30 seconds. Add water and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook at a gentle simmer for 10 minutes. Add beans, tomatoes & lime juice. Bring back up to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in cilantro and you're done!

The hostel has been a little slow lately, but tonight Kevin has volunteered to make a "bus-stop run", which means he will be picking up a guest from South Korea at the bus stop! That should be fun.

 Happy Tuesday!