MONDAY MORNING RECIPE POST - MUSHROOM SOUP WITHOUT CREAM

I found this soup recipe here at Allrecipes. We have made it several times and enjoyed it each time. 

Mushroom Soup without Cream - makes 8 one cup servings

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Ready in 1 hour

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter
1 cup peeled and sliced carrots
1 cup sliced onions
1 cup sliced leeks (optional)
1/2 cup sliced celery
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
2 lbs. sliced fresh brown or white mushrooms
6 cups chicken stock
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup chopped green onions, for garnish

Directions:

Melt the butter in a stock pot over medium heat.  Add carrots, onions, leeks and celery.  Cook and stir until tender but not browned, about 10 minutes.  

Stir in thyme and mushrooms.  Continue cooking until mushrooms are soft, about 5 minutes.

Pour chicken stock into the pot and season with salt and pepper.  Cover and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes.

Ladle into bowls and serve with green onions sprinkled on top.

Footnotes:

If you do not use leeks, increase the amount of the other vegetables, or add your favorites.  Dried thyme may be used in place of the fresh.  You can also add your favorite herbs in place of the thyme.

For a smoother texture you can puree the soup after it has simmered the final 30 minutes. This way might be a good plan when serving to children. I prefer to serve it as is.

Prepare some wild rice according to package directions and add to soup during the final 10 minutes of cooking, or after the soup has been pureed.

What did we think?  

First of all the house smells incredible while the soup is cooking, and for a long time afterwards.  It makes for a wonderful welcome home.

If you can get the leeks definitely add them.  

I doubled the recipe as we love soup and enjoy eating it for a couple of days or so, and then freeze for future meals if there is any left.

I used white button mushrooms.

If you want to turn this into a vegan/vegetarian meal you can use olive oil to cook the veggies initially, and substitute vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. 

I like mushroom soup but the only kind I have ever tried had cream added.  The broth in this soup didn't need cream, it was very good and the best non-cream mushroom soup I have made so far.  I wouldn't change a thing.

I did not puree the soup as I prefer it as is, but if you have fussy eaters, pureeing might make it easier to get loved ones to eat good nutritional food, especially if you have toddlers or older who hopefully will like the taste but don’t like certain veggies. I would however check with a medical professional depending on their dietary needs.

I also didn't want to make a trip to the store just to buy wild rice. I used white rice instead as I had a small amount left in the packet. It was an excellent substitute and even though I said I wouldn't change a thing, I may try the wild rice next time or even brown rice.

Another good garnish as well as the sliced green onions, would be a sprinkle of grated Parmesan Cheese. If you like sour cream, that would be nice also. I didn’t use either, this time.

I definitely looking forward to making it again, especially with the weather getting chillier.  

Thanks for the visit and 

enjoy your week. 

HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE - ODDS AND BODS FOR OCTOBER 25TH, 2026

“Good Morning Sunshine! 

“How are you today? I hope all is well where you are.”

I found my imaginary home.

It’s chilly outside. Time to light the fire. I love this cosy room. 

Here are three images of pretty art that I enjoy sharing with you. The moon with…

friends.

I thought this was very cute, two friends having a chat.

A few recipes:

I am sure many have a favorite salsa recipe.  Hubby not only found but made this one and it was delicious. We shared an avocado and put a spoonful into the cavity after we took the seed out. Most of the time we cut up raw veggies and used it as a dip. He advises to pay particular attention to how many seconds on that blender, so that you get it to your desired consistency. 

Salsa - Ingredients: 4 plum tomatoes - 2 Jalapeños, deseeded - 1 medium onion -1 full bunch of cilantro (called coriander in some parts of the world) - Juice of half a lemon - 1 to 2 garlic cloves - Salt, a good amount hubby says (depending on if it is good for your health or your taste).  Instructions: 1. Finely dice all the ingredients before putting them in a blender.  2. Add everything to a blender and blend until you reach your preferred texture.  3. Taste and adjust the salt if needed. 

Cheeseburger Soup - Farmhouse Favorites - Ingredients: 5 pieces

of bacon (cut into small pieces) - 1 pound of ground beef - 1/4 cup

butter - 1/4 cup onion, diced - 2 sticks celery, diced - 1/2 teaspoon 

minced garlic - 6 tablespoons flour - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup

heavy cream - 1 pound Yukon potatoes, peeled and diced small, and

partially cooked in boiling water (I add this because it doesn’t mention

this soon enough in directions, in my humble opinion) - 1-1/2 cups 

sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated - salt and pepper to taste. (Message on left: 

Hearty, creamy and packed with all the flavor of your favorite 

cheeseburger!) Directions: 1. Start by browning your ground beef,

 draining and set aside.  2. In a separate pot, brown brown your chopped 

bacon until no longer pink. Add butter, onion, celery and garlic and let 

it sauté for about 5 minutes.  3. Next, add in your flour and stir into the 

bacon and veggies until combined.  4. Then semi softened potatoes, 

chicken broth, heavy cream, 1 cup of cheese and ground beef into the

pot.  5. Stir well so that it thickens, then let it simmer for about 15 minutes.

6. Top with more Cheddar cheese, salt and pepper before serving. 

I am going to keep this recipe for when we have guests. We only ever eat pears straight from the fruit bowl, but this looks great for those special occasions.

Baked Pears with Goat Cheese, Honey and Cranberries - Intedients: 

4 pears, halved - 1/2 cup of goat cheese - 1/2 cup cranberries 

2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.  2. Place pears

Cut-side up in a baking dish.  3. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle cinnamon.

4. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until tender.  5. Fill with goat cheese,

cranberries and walnuts.  6. Drizzle honey on top.  7. Bake 5 to 10 

minutes and serve warm. 

I like these too and it would be nice to keep this recipe for those same guests over the holidays, at least for those with no nut allergies.

Maple Vanilla Candied Pecans - Ingredients: 2 cups pecans - 1/4 cup

maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - Pinch of salt 

Directions: Toss pecans with maple, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Spread

On baking sheet. Roast at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes.

I have four words for you today, and the first three are to do with the moon.  

Selenophile - (noun) - a person who loves the moon.

Moonglade - (noun) - moon-glade - the reflection of moonlight on 

a body of  water.

ZMoonbroch - (noun) - a halo round the moon which presages an

approaching storm.

And then there is this.

“Akiramenai” - origin (Japanese phrase) - Meaning: Until I get

there, I won’t give up. When things are moving slowly, remember

that each step matters. The door won’t open for someone who rushes,

but it will for someone who keeps knocking.

Wise words.

Here is a quote that is a favorite of mine. “We are the leaves of one branch, 

the drops of one sea, the flowers of one garden - Jean Baptiste Henry Lacordaire.

The Seasons Inside a Person - Not every winter is cold. Some people

carry it behind their smiles. Not every spring is filled with flowers.

Sometimes it begins with the day someone chooses to hope again.

There are people with summers in their laughter…warm enough for

Strangers to feel at home. And there are people who wear Autumn

so beautifully, letting go without making a sound. We spend our 

lives looking for the perfect season…only to discover that every

heart is learning how to survive its own weather. So be gentle. You

never know what season someone is living through - Aurelune - A

little universe of words, silence and souls. 

May someone always walk beside you. 

And remember…because we often forget when it comes to ourselves and need a reminder…

this very important message.

Never forget how amazing you are, for you are worthy and you are loved.

And so ends another positivity post.

Thanks for visiting and I 

hope your day is a great one.

(Thank you Pinterest for today’s inspiration.) 

SATURDAY MORNING AT THE BIRD BATH/FEEDER - WHO’S A PRETTY BIRD.

 

That’s how it’s going on a

Saturday Morning at the Birdbath and…

thanks for putting up with these two while they are having their diva moment. 

Have a great weekend!

ANOTHER OLD FAVORITE - ELK MOTHER AND HER CALF

 

You may remember this photo as I have shared it before, though a long time ago. We weren’t as close as it seems as we had a zoom lens on our camera, but still relatively close. However we were in a protected area at Lake Jackson Lodge, where we were staying for a few days. It had a great view high off the ground, overlooking the Grand Teton and between us, this large area of land where elk would pass through, and other wildlife. 

There were several people out there already, but still lots of space to comfortably take photos without being elbow to elbow. When I reached my spot and looked down, this mother elk and her calf were a sight to behold. I can’t remember how long I stayed just looking at them, taking many, many photos. And then I couldn’t move for the longest time. I was mesmerized! It seemed a very long time but eventually mama elk stopped posing and munching on the long grasses, ambled out of sight with her calf trotting behind her. 

There was plenty of seating, along with tables if you wanted to have a hot drink or a cocktail. I felt a bit chilled and ordered a pot of tea. 

If you want to take a look at the Lodge, you can copy and paste the following into your search engine.

https://www.gtlc.com/lodges/jackson-lake-lodge?

I borrowed this image from their website. The rooms were wonderfully rustic (we were last there in 2007 or maybe 2008). They were clean, comfortable, cozy and what a view! This was the same vacation where I saw the dawn rise listening to the wolves in the distance. I had awakened and wondered what I was listening to, and then I realized. I made myself a hot drink, grabbed a blanket, wrapped it around me and sat outside listening for what seemed a long time to them ‘talking’ to each other. It was misty out there and it felt magical. Our room was in the far left building, facing the mountain range. I added the red arrow. 

I hope all goes well with you and 

thanks so much for your visit today.  

A FEW HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

I am starting with these. My favorite house for Halloween decorations.

They always have a wonderful display. There are a lot of new ones here. Below is in the same front yard as above and the scarecrow would be to the left. The  scarecrow with the raven sitting on his shoulder is new. Their eyes light up. I am looking forward to going back at night.  

There are a lot of these balloon-type decorations, and I have noticed these are where the younger children live.

“Halloween is more a state of mind. I don’t necessarily do anything. It’s more of a private, year-round celebration.” 

~Tim Burton~

“When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam, may luck be yours on Halloween.”

“Author Unknown “

Lastly, a jigsaw puzzle from my iPad. 

That’s all for the neighborhood. I have more taken on our drive and I will share those in a few days. 

I wish you all a great day 

and thanks for visiting. 

A MOTH AND A BEAR - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20TH, 2026

We had a lovely time yesterday, starting late after 1.00 p.m. We were going to run an errand or two, deciding to stop for lunch and we enjoyed the drive. Not driving in heavy traffic on the freeway but that was later.  

Rush hour going home. This was a quieter patch. 

I had it in mind to see if we could take more photos of Halloween decorations in this quaint little town we have been to. It was not too far out of our way. But first, as we were rolling out of the driveway, I saw a dark shape at the side of our front door. Curiosity kicked in and I asked hubs if he would stop so that I could get out and take a photo. Whatever it was I knew by the time we got back, as has happened many times, it would no longer be there and my curiosity was zinging. 

The double vision that I have, has been corrected by my relatively new prism glasses. Hubs was amazed I had spotted it. I jokingly told him “I miss nothing!” and in a joking way he answered, “Oh I know that!” He knows my peripheral vision is excellent too and now, sorry for tooting my own horn but I am grateful that my vision was taken care of by one visit to the ophthalmologist. I know others are having their own serious eye issues, in our family and elsewhere, so not intending to make light of this by any means. I got out of the car to see this interesting creature.

Here it is! Google identified it as a Giant Leopard Moth Caterpillar. The photo below was borrowed from this website if you would like to learn more.

I read that several species of black, hairy caterpillars can be found in northern Virginia, particularly during the spring and autumn months. While many look intimidatingly spiky or fuzzy, most are completely harmless, though particularly sensitive individuals may suffer skin irritations. Our Giant Leopard Moth Caterpillar (Hypercompe scribonia) is the most strictly all-black caterpillar you will encounter in Northern Virginia. They are large, up to 3 inches long and densely covered with stiff, jet-black bristles. When they feel threatened, they roll tightly into a ball. This behavior reveals bright red or orange bands between the body segments. These caterpillars are harmless. Their bristles may be stiff but they lack stinging venom (though see previous red lettering).

I am hoping the caterpillar was heading up to the overhang over our door to find a crevice to pupate. It would be very interesting for me to see this process.  I found a great website here that tells all about our moth. It is called ‘Dave the Bug Guy’. Dave has excellent photos. You can just about see his front lens in the next photo. 

The other news I had today was that we have another bear moving through our area. It was seen eating out of someone’s bird feeder. We have been asked not to fill ours until it has moved on. The last sighting was a couple of years ago. At the time it was said to have been kicked out of the den by its mother. I am assuming this is the same situation. Nature’s way of telling the young bear it is time to move on and find a place of its own. As the weather gets colder I will resume feeding. Hopefully our young bear will find a nice safe place to hibernate for the winter.

In my next post I will have several photos we took today. Here’s a peek! 

Thanks for looking and 

take good care of yourselves.

A DINNER INVITE THAT LED TO A FAT LIP

I read a story about a parakeet flying through the doors of the Chicago O’Hare Airport recently. Apparently, the poor bird flew through the terminal, landed on people’s luggage and on people’s heads several times, and spent several hours near the Air France check-in line, according to the article. 

I can’t help but be sorry for the poor bird. It must have been very scared. People tried to catch it, but it followed the old fight or flight rule and did both. When it was chased and people tried to catch it, its stress increased and actually bit a few of those well-intentioned souls. Eventually one of the staff managed to throw her coat over it and she took the bird to a vet to make sure it was okay. Now it's being well taken care of and hopefully stress-free.

Advice given: “Trying to catch a loose bird may be an instinctive response, especially when it lands on you or your belongings. But chasing it can make the situation harder to resolve. Wildlife Illinois advises staying calm and quiet around the animal trapped indoors - Quiet? In O’Hare Airport? It went on to explain that yelling and chasing can increase their stress and make getting them back outside more difficult. Stay calm and quiet - again, in O’Hare Airport? The animal is already frightened from being in an unfamiliar place. Poor bird! 

I did not know that Chicago has Wild Monk Parakeets living in several Chicago neighborhoods. Two students from the university did a study and found that there have been bird sightings from 2002 to 2016, in 43 states. Of these, 25 species are now breeding in 23 different states.  Many of them were escaped pets, or their owners released because they couldn’t train them, or made too much noise??? For goodness sake, it's a parakeet! But many of these species are now living outdoors and have established populations.  

All this being said, the wild parakeet at the airport has not been identified at the time the story was published. Native to South America, Monk Parakeets have a long history in the pet trade and have lived in Chicago for decades. The Chicago University says a breeding colony established in Hyde Park (Chicago) in the 1960s and likely originated from pet birds released into the wild.  

So, with this interesting story in my head, having much sympathy for the bird, and being surprised that we have these exotic birds in the outdoors throughout the country, it reminded me of our one and only encounter with a pet Monk Parakeet. I can’t remember its name but I will call him “Pip” and not that 'ruddy thing'!  

When we moved here from California in 1990, we made acquaintance with a couple who invited us for dinner. We were new to the neighborhood and were very grateful. We arrived promptly, were invited in and it started off very nicely. I did notice a large bird cage on the other side of the room near the window but didn't really pay too much attention. I suppose I thought it might be decorative as it fit in with their lovely surroundings.

We sat down on a sofa chatting away when all of a sudden...

this bird - Pip - landed on Gregg's shoulder, coming out of nowhere. Gregg was so startled that he slapped at it, much to the horror of our new friends and Pip screeched and flew away, with them leaving for a few moments trying to find it, to make sure it was okay. Gregg and I were still wide-eyed and looking at each other. I whispered to Gregg before they came back, "You nearly killed it!" Oh dear, oh dear oh dear!

They returned, it was then explained to us that in the evenings Pip was allowed to fly around. It would have been nice for some kind of warning but neither of us remember them mentioning it. I suppose they thought it was safely tucked away in some other part of the house. We probably looked at each other because my heart was doing a drumbeat and I know Gregg's must have been too. He felt bad he nearly flattened the bird, but it was a complete shock and came out of nowhere. Not a good start to the evening. 

And so, we settled down again trying to get the conversation going before sitting down for our meal. Gregg was being shown a collection by the husband, and wife and I were chatting. Wouldn't you know it, our feathered friend turned up again this time on the bottom part of my arm. I definitely wasn't going to swat at the thing, and new friend said something like "Oh there she is, as I watched the bird hop up my arm a little bit at a time.

He was staring at me all the way up my arm, and then all of a sudden...

I couldn't believe it he gave my lip a good hard bite. Well, you know me and wildlife, I didn't swat at it like Gregg did, because we were new to the neighborhood for a start and I was trying to remain as calm as I could and not upset anyone further. His mama got off the couch, said something like "Oh you naughty bird, and took her away." For a few minutes I was on my own and I grabbed a tissue and dabbed my lip. A few spots of blood, holding handkerchief on my lip until she came back, and quietly tucked it into my pocket. There was no "Are you okay?" - nope! So, was not feeling too thrilled at all. My lip was throbbing and starting to swell. I could feel it. But we made small talk at the table, and I worked around the food.  Afterwards we sat back on the sofa, and made small-talk, and I was looking around I can tell you. 

I may have given Gregg the side-eye a few times, for starting this whole scenario. But it really wasn't his fault. I had just had enough, and my lip was playing the drumbeats in 76 trombones by that time. We left early, looking all around to see if flipping Pip was hovering. I was never more glad to have an evening end and get out of that house. We weren't invited again, and I'm sure they were worried for the safety of their beloved little Pip. Just as well! It took about a week for my lip to return to normal.

All in all, and to this day I bare no malice to Pip, we were after all in his territory and I was related to the man who tried to flatten him! When I read the story about the one in Chicago's O'Hare Airport to Gregg, we had one of those 'do you remember when' conversations. We had a great time going over that evening and we both ended up laughing.

So, there you go, that's the story of the dinner invite that lead to my fat lip.

Thanks for reading and I hope your 

week has started well.

(Illustrations requested by me in ChatGPT)