Monday, November 2, 2020

Hiking A New Park, Cookies & Looking Ahead


 Weekend Diaries & More


Hello everyone!  I hope your week is off to a good start.  This week I'm focusing on the following scripture:

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 
John 14:27

I'll start today's post with a look at our Sunday "drive" which took us to a river park here in Asheville. 


This is the French Broad River Park which is a fairly new park that continues to be developed. It now includes a riverfront walking and biking trail that we walked part of today. 


We parked in the park and then walked across this bridge to gain access to the walking/biking trail.


Here I am on the walking trail. The bike section is right beside this trail and all is separated from traffic which is very nice. There were people, but the area is so wide that it is easy to stay socially distanced. 


Almost 40 years ago, when we first came to Asheville, this is not an area of town that I would have wanted to spend time in. It's right next to the railroad tracks as you see here and is undergoing a lot of renewal. The old warehouses located nearby are now artist studios and there is lots of renovation and new construction of homes in this area. I haven't been down to this area in awhile and I was surprised at all of the growth and the completion of this walking trail. It reminds me of my trip to Pittsburgh three years ago when I walked on the trail at their river park in the old steel mill area. I have to admit that I'm not a fan of all of the hotel building and renovation of our downtown that attracts so many visitors year round now, but I am impressed with this river walk area. 


Now, how about some cookies?  I'm going to share some baking with you that I did a couple weeks ago and the recipe is easy and delicious!


I have a big sweet tooth (unfortunately) and I'm always on the lookout for a cookie that is a little bit healthier than the store bought variety. This peanut butter recipe is so easy and uses ingredients that many of us have on hand. Made with honey, instead of sugar, and whole wheat flour, rather than white flour, I feel like I'm able to indulge in a healthier treat. 


The recipe is not my own. It came from Julie Wunder over at Running In A Skirt. Be sure to check out her blog for lots of great recipes for healthy, vegetarian and pescatarian food. 


It was super simple to mix the wet ingredients and add it to the dry ingredients and stir it all together. 


For me, the cookies came out more as a drop cookies so mine aren't as pretty as Julie's but they are delicious!


Mine came out lovely and brown on the bottom...


And with more of a soft, chewy consistency in the middle. I devoured a few while warm with milk. Mmmm...yummy! Be sure to check out the link to get Julie's recipe. 

Looking Ahead

You know, here we are in November already, and I'm starting to look ahead to the holidays. I know that the holidays may look a bit different this year for folks but they are still seasons of thanksgiving and joy and, in terms of Christmas, still thankfulness for Christ's birth. I'm already excited to think about Christmas decorations and I've watched two Hallmark Christmas movies so far, so I'm getting in the spirit! I'm looking through some of my Pinterest images to get inspired for decorating.



How cute is this Christmas tree in a teapot? (credit to just-christmas.blogspot.com for this pic)


And I love sleigh displays. This one with the wreath is especially lovely. Looks so simple and yet festive.  Remember, these images are from Pinterest. I'm not taking credit for these Christmas images. (credit to faded charm for this pic)


Oh wow! Look at this beautiful tree with blue lights. How gorgeous with the white lights surrounding it and snow on the ground.  (credit to outdoormagic.tumblr.com for this pic)

So, are you like me?  Looking ahead to the holidays?  Baking any cookies?  Taking any walks?  Let me know what you've been up to in the comments.  And be sure to have a good week ahead!

Until Next Time,
Debbie

8 comments:

Karen said...

Such a pretty area and a pretty day for hiking! Being outside in nature is such a blessing! Usually at this point I have a freezer full of frozen dough for various types of Christmas cookies. This year I have none because of all the hours I've been putting in on my house. Not sure what my baking will look like this year. I'll do it, but may have to scale back. My timing on the house got kind of messed up this year, but it is what it is and on I go! I enjoyed seeing your Christmas pictures, even though I'm not at all ready for that yet. Ready or not, it's coming though!

Sharon said...

What a lovely post, Debbie. You find such nice places to walk and be outdoors! Those cookies sound wonderful. I have been watching some reruns of Holiday Baking Championship lately on the Food Network, so I'm getting in the mood for some holiday baking. I don't do nearly as much baking these days because I also have a sweet tooth and have to watch my intake of sugar, but your cookie recipe just might be the answer to that issue for me.

Debbie Styles Life said...

I'd love to hear more about what you are doing with your house, Karen! I know how all consuming working on a house can be. Hopefully though, you will still have some time for Christmas baking!

Debbie Styles Life said...

I hope that you enjoy some Christmas baking this year, Sharon!

Karen said...

Debbie, I'm getting ready to sell my house and move to single level living for the future! Thinking ahead, and I'd like to move sooner than later and start a new chapter of life. I painted every room except the bathroom, which I had already done, painted the basement and stripped floors and got new carpet. Refinished some furniture and have been purging a lot of belongings so I won't have to move them! I'm in the process of packing even though the house is not on the market yet. I'm keeping busy!!

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

Love your scripture quote and the day in the park was beautiful

Debbie Styles Life said...

Wow, Karen. I know that is a ton of work painting the whole house and refinishing furniture also! Good luck as you make this transition. Will you still be in the same area? I know you will enjoy one level living. Take care and be well.

Iris said...

I'm playing catch up with blogs. It was a seriously busy week and it's easy to fall behind. That said, "I" enjoyed your walk in the park. It looks really lovely. Loved your hat!

I enjoyed the Christmas ideas you posted. I do love Christmas and the decorations that go with it. I'm currently enjoying my fall/Thanksgiving decorations - though they're pretty scant compared to the Christmas ones.
Grace & Peace, Iris
www.IrisOriginalsRamblings.com