Well Portland is showing it's true colors today. Rain. No need to whine about it, that what happens every now and then here. Like people who live in the East, I am from Massachusetts and nothing irritates me more than the people i hear complaining about the cold, the snow....you live in new England. its called WINTER..it happens every year. so in fact that if i didn't then you could complain. If i lived in Florida and it snowed eight inches then yeah..i get it. but every year you can count on snow, cold and yes sometimes ice and power outages. that why they sell candles, flash lights and heavy socks..So back today, it is raining and I am lucky enough that I don't need to go out, if I choose not to. See that word..CHOOSE. we make choices, no need to cry, bitch or complain. it is the choice you make. own it. live it. 
I decided to sit here by my wood stove and make a pot of chili, listen to some great christian music and read.
If your hankering for some chili, wishing you were here....then here is my recipe.
Simple Beef Chili
1 lean steak, 2 TB olive oil,1 large onion chopped. 2 Zucchini chopped, 2 big tomatoes chopped. salt and pepper, spices to taste 
So i sliced and cubed up the steak, browned it in the olive oil, then added the onion, zucchini and let brown getting all yummy. i added the tomatoes last with spices sprinkled on top. covered and letting it simmer. smells pretty yummy to me.
so lift your spoon say a prayer and hope yours comes out as good as mine did. 
If i knew how to post pictures i would post a pic it really looks great, hope it taste as great as it looks.