This is not the kind of weather little dogs or old ladies like to get out in. Ted and I were talking about the sun last night and how impossible it is for me to stay grounded without it. We settled on an island paradise as the perfect place to live which is a far cry from where we are. The weather reminded me of Laura Emerson's bean soup. She is the best cook that I know and her bean soup is something I make in cold weather. Here goes what I put in the pot. Whatever kind of ham scraps that I have in the freezer that are lean. As many different kinds of beans as I could assemble. navy, pinto and black beans. You can use 7 or 8 different kinds and this just makes it better. A can of tomatoes and a can of green Chili peppers. Season with 1/4 teaspoon chili powder, l fourth tsp cumin, 1 tsp salt, ltsp pepper, one fourth teaspoon of basil, 1 fourth tsp marjoram. You can adjust seasoning to your taste buds. I put everything in the crock pot and let it simmer from the time I get up until I am ready for a late lunch. I forgot to say add garlic and minced onion. I don't particularly like corn bread but I serve it with this because Ted loves it. It is great on a cold blustery day and great comfort food. You can make it soupier with beef broth if you like. Laura's pies are to dream about. Her apple pie is a poem. I know some of you have had the privilege of dining with her and they are superb! Just ask Jeremy.