Mark – dude, you don’t ski, do you? ;) I think you’re right about the recipe, it looks like nothing special, but winds up being incredibly satisfying. It’s a tough balance to strike – when to ramp up the work outs versus when the body needs more rest. I think I’m starting to gauge it fairly accurately though. Oooh, I’m sorry you’re sick, dear. I hope you get better soon. xxoo

Katie – most definitely on a cold day :)

Amanda – I need to remember that, to always have soup components on hand in winter!

Kristin – I’m so glad that you finally found Brunswick Stew after all these years!!

Abby – wow! I guess I’m not too surprised since a good portion of the South claims to be the home of Brunswick Stew ;) I’m just glad they’ve all got it because it’s soooo good!

Cindy – girlfriend, you need to come out here for the serious pow. I love the Sierra, but it’s called Sierra concrete for a reason ;) Oh darn, none of my books have instructions on how to cook bear. Gah! ha ha ha.

Kevin – thanks hon!

Susan – oh, you sneaky girl! Thanks for the award :) Now I have to think about whom to pass it along too!

Tartelette – thank you. Your words always make me feel better!

Chuck – oooh, Whistler. That’s a nice place to ride! Let me know if you’re ever in my neck of the woods. I’ll take you to some good mountains!

Maja – I’m sure you could substitute a pea or bean for the limas. Anything that gets somewhat mooshy :) I do love the flavor of limas though. Hopefully one day you can get your hands on some, just for fun if not for anything else!

Joanne – it’s funny how so many of us hated foods as kids and now we can’t get enough of them as adults? :) Thanks!

Woolly – Maybe you don’t like chicken soup? The main thing for me is homemade chicken broth. If it isn’t homemade, you’re already a few points down. If you want something with a kick, try green chile stew (with chicken). I don’t normally post recipes to request, but if you’re good… I may post a recipe for a soup this week before my next chemo (otherwise you’re SOL and you’ll have to wait 10 days after chemo for anything remotely coherent on the blog).

Rebekka – thanks :)

Shell – thank you! I hope you give skiing a try, it’s seriously fun stuff ;)