La Nina

It's official. According to NOAA, we're entering a La Nina weather pattern. Oh goody, a wet and cold winter for the Northwest.

My new Christmas candle has a nifty light sensor, and it came on yesterday afternoon at 1:30. (Note the little monk, raising the bottle.)

November is passing quickly.  Other than Thanksgiving to look forward to, it's my least favorite month. After daylight savings time ends, the darkness closes in and the air has a sharp dampness that is so peculiar to the Pacific Northwest.  You would be amazed how cold 45 degrees can feel here. The relative humidity hangs at about 80%, so the sky is usually murky with fog and mist.  Depressed yet?

We should be used to it but the sudden darkness makes many people feel anxious and tired.  Daytime light helps maintain our circadian rhythms. That is a scientific fact.

Scientists measure solar radiation in units called "Joules." In Seattle during June and July, some days had nearly 30 Mega Joules reaching the surface. Even cloudy summer days have about 15. This month, we've had days with only 3-4, leading to afternoon naps on the sofa. Wine time followed by dinner becomes the highlight of the day.

Traditional Chinese medicine believes the food we eat affects the body's balance of yin and yang. During different seasons, we should eat certain cooling or warming foods to combat the changing weather.  

I bought a box of papadums at a grocery store in West Seattle-- they're kind of hard to find.  Basically, these are dried, paper thin wafers made of lentil flour, eaten as a snack or appetizer with chutney and Indian relishes.  

There's microwave method on the package but I doubt it works. You really have to fry them in hot oil for a couple of seconds and they instantly turn brown and puff up. A bit of trouble, but worth it.  Despite being fried, not greasy at all.

Spicy pork curry made with some leftover pork tenderloin I stashed in the freezer.
A hot food to warm the yang.