3 seemingly unrelated events

1. Lately I’ve been making soup. I’ve never really been much to write home about in the kitchen, nor have I historically enjoyed cooking. However, this winter I started saving all manner of bone and veggie scrap and freezing them toward future broth. I’ve found the process somewhat zen-like and, as it happens, I generally love soup. Each batch of broth is unique, and its flavor depends on what food scraps have been put in the freezer bag since the last batch. I am not interested in keeping track of the ingredients to form some kind of recipe, as I enjoy the surprise each time. I will say that I seem to get the most desirable outcome when there is a mix of game birds and chicken, some kind of bell peppers, and the butt of a celery stalk. Of course onion and garlic are included as well. I made one batch of broth that included the bones from an order of chicken wings, and that was fantastic. Of course we should always use as much of our food as possible, so this helps me with that goal as well. I am curious to see if this trend makes it through summer.

2. Last week I was in Duluth. Banjo and I were playing a duo show across the bridge in Superior, WI and I got a quick visit to my favorite town. Chloe, the dogs, and I rolled in on a blustery afternoon and after a quick soundcheck we met the other Dave at our favorite place to eat up there, The New Scenic Cafe. I had their “wild” game platter which included a quail, duck confit, and venison sausage. It was very good. They have some great wine there too and it’s right across the street from the Mother Lake. Lake Superior was steely and cold. To anthropomorphize, she looked angry. Spring is messy all over Minnesota, but near that lake it can be downright dramatic. Dave and I played a fun set at a small bar called The Cedar Lounge, and it was lovely to be there. The next morning, Chloe took our dogs out when they awoke much too early in our hotel room, and came back reporting gale force winds outside. I checked the forecast and in Duluth the high was predicted to be about 35 degrees and we were in a winter storm warning. For context, in Minneapolis the very same day, the high was 76 and the sun shone like a golden god. I thought about this as I looked out the window at the dark waves and it made me happy. With how temporary everything feels in our short lives, to know that no matter what’s going on in the news or at home or at work, Lake Superior can still muster up a quality tantrum, gave me comfort. The lake moves on a much slower pace with its goals taking centuries instead of minutes. Everyone near it adjusts their day to its mood. We are tiny ants. That’s power, my friends.

3. A couple months ago, I started taking horseback riding lessons. I have ridden a few times in my life, but always on guided trail rides mounted on tired and pacified horses. Each time I took one of those touristy trails I would say to myself, “I really like this feeling. I would love to learn more.” So, I finally decided to give it a try. I’m learning how to groom, learning about the tack, and learning Western riding technique. I got my horse to canter for the first time at my last session and now all I want to do is ride horses every day. If you’ve grown up with horses, I envy you. Learning anything brand new as an adult is humbling, but once you get over yourself a little bit, also fulfilling. I still look like a greenhorn up on that horse I’m sure, but I’m getting the hang of it. The horses are teaching me patience, breathing, and a softer view of life. I love being around them.

Thanks for checking in. Trampled gets busy here again in April after a month off, and I’m excited to play some shows with the guys. I’ve been sneaking in a little songwriting lately. When I get some time to sit and flesh something out, I’ll give you a sneak peak. Till next time, take care.

-Dave