Some of the things I wanted to do over this break rely on nice weather, and it has been anything but. Not like the deep snow and icebox temperatures of the northern tier and New England, but still, off-putting as far as yard work for Texas. On the other hand, I could pack the contents of my upright freezer in cardboard boxes and set them on the table on the back porch and they'll stay frozen for the brief time it takes to defrost. As I prepare to cook for company, I find walls of icy buildup in my way, and I didn't defrost this fall.

I gave some of the freezer contents to a friend when I realized dietary shifts would mean those foods will go uneaten by me. I might as well pass them along and make space. And I know there are some ham hocks in there somewhere - it's split pea soup weather and if I buy more, the ones I already have will meet them at the door as I bring in the groceries.