I’ve been very busy this week getting ready for Passover.  A few days ago I got an email from a neighbor asking if anyone knew where she could find horseradish.  Now, as I’ve written about before, I planted a horseradish root a few years ago.  So I happened to know the answer to her question.

This morning she showed up at 9 a.m. sharp, and soon afterwards another friend showed up with a whole bunch of children in tow.  We dug and dug, and then we dug some more.  When we were done, we had enough horseradish for everybody, plus some fragrant, green onions.

It was such a great way to get ready for the holiday.  Passover is also known as the Festival of Spring, and being in mud up to my knees was a fantastic way to be reminded of that.  When I came inside to write my post, all I could think of was how impossible it would be to eat that horseradish fast.  Not just that, but it would be impossible to eat any meal quickly at which strong, fresh horseradish is served.

Right now the horseradish is soaking in a big tub to get all the mud off.  Tomorrow I’ll scrub it well, and then I’ll place it right in the center of our Seder Plate.

Meanwhile, I came up with 9 more ways to slow down.  It’s one of the most valuable things we can do for ourselves.  Remember what Sue Monk Kidd says about slowing down and appreciating the world around us.

1. Dig it up yourself.
2. Put it in a crock pot.
3. Eat it at a table with your friends.
4. Use a cloth napkin.
5. Invite people over to eat with you.
6. Turn off the television, and the radio, and the computer.
7. Before you pick up your spoon, take a deep breath or say a blessing of thanks.
8. Put down your fork between bites.
9. Eat at a table, and not in a moving vehicle.
10. Chew.

Happy Holidays to all, and best wishes for wonderful meals prepared with care, and enjoyed at leisure surrounded by loved ones.