Friday morning happenings . . . it's all go, go, go!!

Source: louboosandshoes.blogspot.com via Mary Beth on Pinterest

I've not a lot of time this morning as I have a hospital appointment to go to and I need to be there at 9:30, which is a bit early for us to be out and about. When we went the other morning for the blood test the traffic was horrendous! Morning rush hour traffic and the cars pouring into the hospital were just unreal. Everyone going in to work I suppose! You should see the bruise I still have on my arm. The plebotonist was in a bit of a hurry that morning, and I don't know why. There was nobody waiting behind me. In any case when I got home I noticed a large red lump next to the plaster and when I took the plaster off, it spread into a large bruised area about 4 inches in diameter. It still looks really bad, some five days later. That is the first time this has happened to me, although I have known it to happen to other people at different times. I have had to defend Todd's honour all week!! No, he didn't beat me! haha.

I was able to get a piece of work finished yesterday that I have been working at over a space of time. I wanted to present it in two ways.



This is the first way. (I don't know why the shading on her dress isn't showing. It's very faint in the pictures, but I can assure you it's there in real life!) This is the non-LDS version. Of course it's available as a print or a card. Then there is the LDS verson:



This version had the image of the temple on it. One of the things our church believes in is called the law of chastity. This means keeping yourselves pure in thought, word and deed, dressing modestly, and in keeping those intimate things between a man and a woman exclusively for marriage . . . keeping ourselves worthy to go to the Temple and to be sealed together with our mates for Time and all Eternity. This is something that is very sacred and very important to us and a great blessing in our lives. In any case this is a young woman looking towards the Temple where she hopes one day to make sacred covenants with her Heavenly Father and to be sealed together with her husband for Time and all Eternity. I think it would be lovely framed and hung on the bedroom wall of that special young woman in your life, so if you are interested, just let me know and I'll tell you how you can have it! (Either version! We all need to keep our standards high, whether we are LDS or not!)

Sorry for the brevity of my post today but duty calls. (It's nothing to worry about, just a follow up appointment from the problems I had last autumn. I am not concerned in any way.)

The recipe today is for a really delicious lasagne which has all the flavours of a delicious pepperoni pizza, except it's not pizza . . . it's lasagne! The recipe comes from one of those grocery store leaflets I think. It is copied into my Big Blue Binder and it is something that my kids always enjoyed. Todd's not overly fond of it . . . it's the pizza and pasta thing . . . he just doesn't care for either one, but he does eat it when I make it for the missionaries. I usually make it in two dishes so that I can freeze one if it doesn't get cut into.



*Pizza Lasagne*
Serves 8
Printable Recipe

If you like pizza, you are going to love this!

9 uncooked lasagne noodles
1 can (15 ounce) pizza sauce
1 can (14.5 ounce) tin of diced tomatoes with green pepper and onion, undrained
1 (15 ounce) container of ricotta cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese (8 ounces)
7 ounces sliced pepperoni
1 tin of sliced mushrooms, drained
1 (2 1/4 ounce) tin of sliced ripe olives, drained
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 TBS grated Parmesan cheese

Cook the lasagne noodles as directed on the package. Drain, rinse and then drain again. Set aside.

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Have ready a 12 by 9 inch baking dish which you have sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.

Mix the pizza sauce and tomatoes together in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring often, until heated through. Mix the ricotta cheese and Italian Seasoning together in a bowl.

Spread 1/4 cup of the sauce mixture into the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange 3 cooked noodles over the sauce. Spoon and spread half of the ricotta mixture over top of the noodles. Top with 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of the sauce, 1/3 each of the pepperoni slices, mushrooms, olives and green pepper. Repeat layers once.

Top with the remaining three noodles, sauce mixture, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, mushrooms, olives and bell pepper. Sprinkle the Parmesan Cheese evenly over all.

Bake, uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes, or until bubbly and golden. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting into squares to serve. I would serve this with hot buttered toast and a salad on the side.



There are Baked Potatoes Stuffed with Leeks and Cheese on offer over in The English Kitchen today along with a few other bits and pieces and some seriously fantastic cookbooks! Do hop over and take a look!

Friday ramblings . . .

Source: thriftingforvintage.typepad.com via Marie on Pinterest

I've always been somewhat of a people watcher. There is nothing I like more, in nice weather of course, than to plunk myself down onto a bench somewhere and just watch the people around me, or the people that go by. I like to imagine what their story might be . . . Everyone does have one you know. Some may be a bit more interesting than others. Still others may be a bit sad and tragic . . . but everybody has one.

Sometimes I will sit in the car while Todd pops into a shop (a man shop of course . . . like Halfords, filled with rubber tires and car parts.) Parking lots are wonderful places to people observe as well.

The stories that I imagine are always happy ones though . . . I would not want to visit tragedy upon anyone. Young people are the most fun to watch, especially young girls. Watching them takes me back to my own teen years and all the wonderfully giggly feelings that I had once upon a time . . . the teen crushes and dramas experienced . . . that feeling that everything was at once possible and impossible all at the same time.

Source: flickr.com via Julie on Pinterest

Elderly people are also quite fun to watch. I like to imagine what adventures their lives have held . . . and nothing is more tender or sweeter than old love . . . the sight of an elderly couple, who still take the time to treat the other with love and reverance . . . love is not always wasted on the young. Elderly lovers are a delightful sight.

The sight of young mums and toddlers can take me back instantly to all the rigors of young motherhood . . . the trials, the joy . . . the sticky little kisses and hugs. They are tender memories . . . filled with longing and sometimes regret. I expect that we all feel from time to time that we could have done better, and wish that we had.

At our RS Presidency Meeting the other night we were talking about the recent World Leadership Training and how we all need to step up to the plate and be more observant of the sisters under our care. Often a sister will appear like there is nothing wrong . . . presenting an "I'm ok, all is right with the world" face to all who she speaks to . . . but this can mask how she is truly feeling . . . I know I have been guilty from time to time of pretending to the world that all is ok, when really it isn't . . . and there have been times when it would have been really nice if someone could have seen through my prideful facade and given me a much needed hug anyways, or a kind word. Body language often tells a different story than a smiling face would have us think . . . or believe. We need to be more observant and caring, and to act more on the promptings of our hearts. I believe we will be blessed for doing so.

Source: sundayinbed.tumblr.com via Julie on Pinterest

I was sooooo exhausted last night when I went to bed. I don't really sleep well most nights. I spend hours and hours dreaming it seems, never really falling into that deep dreamless sleep we all need so very much. Last night I was tired to the point where I thought I would fall asleep right away . . . but in reality it took a while because I was probably really over tired! It seems odd to me that I can be falling asleep in front of the telly, so much so that I would be hard pressed to tell you what we are watching . . . and then when I hit the pillow I actually wake up! Does this happen to anyone else???

We are off to help teach with the missionaries this morning, which should be good. I hope I wake up before then! I am feeling quite tired again actually! I may even go back to bed, but not before telling you about this delicious recipe of course! I love pizza, but Todd does not. I don't think he actually even tries to like it . . . but, he will eat this casserole quite happily, which satisifies both my pizza craving and his desire not to eat it. ( ☺ Does that make sense? Probably not!!)



*Upside Down Pizza*
Serves 6
Printable Recipe

If you like pizza you will love this novel casserole, which has the pizza toppings on the bottom!

1 pound of extra lean ground beef
2 TBS oil, divided
1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped
1 small green pepper, peeled, deveined and finely chopped (optional)
1 clove of garlic, peeled and chopped
1 (14 to 15 ounce) jar of pizza sauce (Can use Spag bol sauce if you wish. I like the Napolina Tomato and Basil sauce)
2 large free range eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup of plain flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups (8 ounces) of grated strong cheddar cheese
2 medium spring onions, chopped

Preheat the oven to 220*C/425*F/ gas mark 7.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 1 TBS of the oil and heat til it shimmers. Crumble in the ground beef, onions, peppers and garlic. Cook, stirring for about 10 minutes, until the beef is browned completely and the vegetables are softened. Stir in the sauce. Heat to a boil, then reduce heat to low and keep warm.

Whisk together the eggs, milk, remaining TBS oil, flour and salt together until foamy.

Spread beef mixture into a 13 by 9 by 2 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the cheese. Pour the batter over top of the cheese. Sprinkle with the onion.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until puffy and golden brown. Serve immediately. Delicious!



Over in The English Kitchen this morning, a delicious low fat Big Breakfast Sarnie!

Having a list of dreams . . .

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

A wise man was known to be writing a book, but the years went by and he was still a long way from reaching the last page. One day, when he was very old, a young man asked him if he was not impatient to see it completed.

The old man smiled. “All my life it has been my ambition to finish writing my book, but an ambition realized is like a snowflake in a warm hand. Take away my dream, and what would I have left?”

When he died, his pen was still in his hand, the unfinished manuscript in front of him. It is said he was smiling happily.

If the story has a moral, it is this: Don’t take away people’s hopes and dreams. Often they are the most precious things in their lives.

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

When I first read this story, I thought how sweet . . . but then, when I really started thinking about and pondering the words I thought . . . how sad. This poor man was so wrapped up in pursuing his dream, that he never ever really accomplished it. All his life and his work was in vain.

I have hopes and dreams, and I have more than one! I find them inspiring and they do give me hope, and everyone needs that. I like to think however, that once accomplished, these dreams and hopes will be replaced with other ones. I have a list that I keep on the computer. It is called Marie’s Dream list. Yesterday I was looking at it, and I realized that, out of 12 items on the list, I have already accomplished four!!! To me that’s amazing, and it brings me even more hope! I’m a third of the way through my list! I think it is also something which is called a bucket list . . . or a list of things you would like to accomplish or see before you die.

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

I think if we keep our hopes and dreams realistic, then there is more chance of them coming to fruition. And what are hopes and dreams for, if they never have any chance of coming true? People do need hope, and they need dreams. These are often the driving forces in our lives. The things that keep us going. But if they can never be achieved, and always lie outside of our grasp, they might well end up being the very things that serve to bring us down!

I would inspire you all to make yourself a dream or a bucket list. Fill it with pictures of the things you hope for. Look at it often and visualize yourself living within the grasp of these hopes and dreams. I dare say that it won’t be too long before, like me, you are able to strike some of them off your list . . . as they will already have come true. The nice thing about that is you get to replace them with new ones, and not to coin a famous phrase or anything, but . . . “That’s a good thing.”

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

I am so late getting up this morning. I don't think I slept barely a wink last night. I spent the whole night in a dream state just below consciousness! Crazy dreams too! The last one I had was about crocodiles in ponds (In my father's bedroom) and baby mice, which were running about and getting eaten by cats. Not sure what it all means, but . . . they were white mice with pink eyes!! Crazy stuff!

Here's a tasty pasta dish that will have your family drooling and sitting about the table in great anticipation!! I also make another version of these which has a taco filling. Both are very popular!


*Stuffed Pasta Shells*
Serves 8
Printable Recipe

Pasta shells stuffed with a delicious meat and three cheese filling. It does make rather a lot, so I usually divide it into two casseroles and freeze one for another time. Be sure to cook your shells only to al dente (Still slightly firm). This makes them a lot easier to fill and means that they won't over cook during the baking.

24 uncooked extra large pasta shells
1 pound extra lean ground beef
fine sea salt, black pepper and garlic powder to taste
1 large jar (26 ounces) chunky spaghetti sauce
1/4 cup water
1 container of chive and onion cream cheese (8 ounce)
1 1/2 cups shredded Italian blend cheese (6 ces)
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 large free range egg
1 to 2 TBS chopped fresh flat leaf parsley to garnish, if desired

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Cook and drain pasta as directed on the package for al dente pasta. Set aside.

Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium high heat, seasoning with some salt, pepper and garlic powder. Cook until browned thoroughly, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Drain off any fat or liquid that may accumulate and allow to cool slightly, about 5 minutes.

Mix the pasta sauce and water in a large bowl. Place one cup of it into the bottom of an ungreased 13 by 9 inch glass baking dish. Mix together the cream cheese, 1 cup of the Italian cheese blend, the Parmesan cheese, egg and ground beef in a medium bowl. Mix well together. Spoon heaping tablespoons of the mixture into each cooked pasta shell. Arrange the stuffed shells over the sauc ein the baking dish. Pour the remaining sauce over top of the shells, covering them completely. Cover the dish with foil.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until bubbly and the filling has set. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of Italian Cheese blend. Bake for 10 minutes longer, or until the cheese has melted. Sprinkle with the parsley just prior to serving, if using.



Cooking in The English Kitchen today, Heuvos Rancheros! Ole!!

Poetry Saturday . . . My Cupboards

Source: emilyaclark.blogspot.com via Kim on Pinterest

My cupboards white are very fine,
I love them one and all.
Dressed up in coats of gleaming white,
They grace my kitchen wall.

Source: desiretoinspire.net via Kim on Pinterest

If only all my cupboards had
Been built down near the floor,
Instead of far beyond my reach,
I could have loved them more.

Source: countryliving.com via Kim on Pinterest

My cupboards all are good to see,
They are my kitchen pride;
Although they're much too high for me
I'm glad they're side by side.

Source: google.com via Kim on Pinterest

My cupboard shelves are broad and deep,
And long and high and tall;
Oh! How I wish that they were not
So high upon my wall.

Source: pinterest.com via Kim on Pinterest

One holds my precious dinner set,
One holds my pots and pans;
Another holds my mop and broom,
While others hold my cans.

Source: theinspiredroom.net via Kim on Pinterest

One hides my tarnished silverware,
One harbours all my food;
While at the top another hides
The things that are no good.

Source: tumblr.com via Mindy on Pinterest

My cupboards all are very fine,
Their beauty I adore;
But how I love the only one
That stands upon the floor.
~Ethel Adelaide Allen

Source: theblackapple.typepad.com via Mindy on Pinterest

Don't you just love all the pictures of these country kitchens that I have showcased here this morning? I sure do . . . oh . . . what one could do had they the money, time and resources! Some people are so very blessed!

I tried to find out what I could about the author of this poem here this morning, but came up really with naught, except that perhaps she was Canadian and wrote one book entitled, Hymns and Miscellaneous Musings.

As you know I am a big fan of Coronation Street. I've been watching it for yonks and yonks. I've grown up with it really. The big story line recently has been Carla Connor's rape by Frank and her affair with Peter Barlow. It all came to a head on Thursday evening and the affair came out. Of course Peter's wife Leanne was devastated and the show ended that evening with her getting in a cab and driving away . . . Peter's son, the cheeky little son Simon running after the car, crying and shouting to her . . . Mom, don't go or some such. Oh my . . . the look on his wee little face just broke my heart, and the tears came, and I found myself thinking back to the night before I left my marital home and was tucking in our Bruce for the very last time. He was 11 and I remember his little arms around my neck and him crying and begging me not to leave the next morning . . . oh how my heart broke into a million little pieces . . . I had no choice, or I thought I didn't at any rate. Even now . . . it remains as the single most heartbreaking moment in my life.

I found myself yesterday thinking . . . if you could go back to one moment in time, knowing what you know now, would your hugs last that little bit longer . . . mine would.



*Molasses Crinkles*
Makes about 4 dozen
Printable Recipe

Thick, chewy crackle topped cookies. A family favourite for many years.

3/4 cup shortening
1 cup soft light brown sugar, packed
1 large free range egg
1/4 cup molasses
2 1/4 cups plain flour
2 tsp soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
a small bowl of white sugar for dipping

Cream together the shortening, sugar, egg and molasses, blending well together. Sif the flour together with the soda, salt, cloves, ginger and cinnamon. Stir this into the shortening mixture. Cover and chill for about 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 190*C/375*F/ gas mark 5. Butter several cookie sheets. Set aside.

Remove from the refrigerator. Scoop out bits and roll into balls about the size of large walnuts. Dip the top of each ball in the bowl of white sugar to coat and place 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets, sugar sides up. Sprinkle each cookie with 2 or 3 drops of water. (This produced a crackled surface.)

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until just set, but not hard.

Remove to a wire rack to cool. Store in an airtight container.



Over in The English Kitchen today, Spice is Nice Plum Cake.

Wednesday Thoughts . . .

Source: imgfave.com via Marie on Pinterest

I cannot pretend to know a lot about American Politics. Having grown up in Canada and having experienced the Parliamentary System my whole life, it is somewhat of a mystery to me. What I have observed though is that it takes an awful long time to elect someone as President of the US of A. It seems to go on for several years before they actually are elected and it seems that almost as soon as one is elected, talk begins about the next one.

I do know as well, that although he is not a man I would have voted for, I was pleased a few years back when it became a reality that a black man became President of America. That showed the world that America had come a long way since it's earlier history. I didn't and don't agree with Obama on many levels, but that has nothing to do with the colour of his skin. I happen to have thought for a long time that Colin Powell would have made a great President. The colour of a man's skin should be irrelevant. Surely it should be "the best man for the job." End of.

Source: gypsypurplehome.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

I am watching with great interested this latest Presidential race, not the least because there is a Mormon man running for the head of the Republican Party, a man called Mitt Romney. Of course I am interested on a variety of levels, religion being only one of them. I am a Mormon, and of course this is a big thing to me.

What astounds me however is the number of people who are against this man, quite simply because he is a Mormon. Surely this shouldn't be an issue??? Surely it should not matter any more than it did that President Obama was black and had potential Islamic leanings??? (I know that this was proven not to be true, or at least I think it was.) Why should a man's religious background come in to it at all??? Why should it matter that he is a Mormon, any more than it should matter that he is Evangelical, Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, or an Agnostic or Athiest???? I would think that the most important things would be that he is honest, law abiding, upstanding, decent, a man of great integrity and character and that his policies and goals be what will be in the best interests for America and Americans???

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

I know I am a Brit/Canuck, and I don't really get a say in any of this, but the election of the leader of one of the most powerful nations in the world is a matter of interest around the world and to all peoples . . . I am willing to concede even that I am a bit biased because he is a Mormon . . . but I will also say that in having looked at all the Candidates, surely it is evident that America could do a lot worse than to elect a law abiding, man of character, decency and integrity, with nothing but the best interests of America and it's people in his heart and motives. A man who has maintained honesty and truth in all of his dealings, with no hint of scandal attached. A man loyal to his wife and his family and his country. A man who wants nothing but the best for his country because he understands that in working hard and providing the best for his country, he does so for his family and all the other law abiding, decent, honest and hard working people of America.

I think it's really sad that a Nation can pat itself on the back for having evolved enough to be able to elect a black man as President and then turn around and be against another man simply because of his religious affiliation.

Just sayin' is all . . .

Source: weheartit.com via Marie on Pinterest

Here is a delicious family comfort meal that my children always loved me to make when I was growing up. I loved it too, mostly because it only involved getting one pan dirty. I didn't have to cook the macaroni first, or fry the meat in another pan or anything. It all happened right there in the one skillet. A bit of cheese melted on top is a wonderful addition.



*Chili-Roni*
Serves 6 to 8
Printable Recipe

This is a real family favourite. I haven't made it in years, but when I did make it my children were always very pleased!

1 pound extra lean ground beef
2 medium onions, peeled and chopped
1 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp paprika
1 can (28 ounces) whole tomatoes, undrained
1 can (15 1/2 ounces) kidney beans, undrained
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce

Cook and stir the ground beef, onions and green pepper in a 12 inch skillet until the beef is brown and the onions are tender. Drain if necessary. Stir in the remaining ingredients, breaking up the tomatoes. Heat to the boil, then reduce heat to a simme Cover and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender. Serve hot.

Note: You can omit the macaroni and just cook uncovered vur about 45 minutes or until desired consistency. Then you have chili. Serve with cooked rice.



Cooking over in The English Kitchen today, some delicious Maple & Mustard Glazed Chicken Thighs!

Winter memories . . .

Source: flickr.com via Marie on Pinterest

One of the things I really loved to do as a child in the Winter time was to play out in the snow. We spent 6 years in Manitoba, living in a small town next to Lake Winnipeg, called Gimli, and it was very cold there in the Winter, with lots and lots of snow . . . but I can't remember ever feeling the cold. Perhaps children do not feel the cold like adults do . . . I am sure it was often -27*C or -30*C or even colder . . . with any wind chill added, that would have been very cold indeed. Our breath would puff around in the air about our heads like little chilly frozen winter clouds . . .

I do remember being bundled up within an inch of my life though, so much so that it was a wonder that I could move about with any freedom at all. There would be the ski pants, which were thick and insulated . . . the lining quilted and filled with stuffing of some sorts, probably wool . . . a thick wool coat, also lined with a quilted and stuffed lining. A thick wool cap with ear coverings would be on my head and a wool scarf would be wound about my neck and face . . . on really cold days only my eyes would be exposed, because . . . well, you needed to be able to see where you were going. I would have on my wool stockings (of course) and several pairs of socks and shoes and then my feet would be stuffed into these brown plastic winter boots, which were also lined and had wooley fur cuffs around the top of the insides . . . to keep snow from getting down into there I presume. On really cold days, two pairs of mittens were essentials to keep the hands from freezing. Thus attired, I would be set to go and could spend several hours outside playing with my friends.

Source: bonjour-celine.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

And play we did . . . oh what fun we would have, making snowmen and building snow forts, slipping and sliding on the frozen smooth roads which were pounded down to a lovely slippery surface by the many cars that would pass over them during the week . . . just perfect for sliding on. I can remember running as quickly as I could and then sliding . . . seemingly gliding across that smooth surface for miles . . . but it was probably only inches. You know children's imaginations . . . I remember one of the neighbors building his children a real live igloo in the back garden one year. What a magnet that was for the neighborhood kids. I can remember sitting inside it's icy coolness and looking up at the sky through the hole in the centre of it's roof. It seemed just like a magical place . . . all cool . . . and eerily quiet inside . . . the light tinted mysteriously blue . . .

The snow seemed to sparkle back then . . . it's surface glinted like a million diamonds underneath the light of the sun. It would get very hard on the surface and you could walk along it's hard crust without falling down into it. You could punch down into it if you tried really hard . . . which was a game in and of itself . . . I can still remember the sound that my boots would make when they punched down into it. It was a magic world . . .

Source: conversationpieces.co.uk via Marie on Pinterest

Often a neighbor would have built a snow slide in the back garden for all the neighborhood kids to use to slide down. This involved shoveling and stacking all the snow up into a huge mound. . .with one side angled at the perfect angle for a sled to slide down with some speed. That side would have been watered . . . along with a good length of snow in front of it, in order to get the most speed and length possible from such an endeavor . . . we lived on the prairies . . . there were no real hills to slide down. Improvisation was the order of the day. Once frozen solid it was like a huge icy slip and slide, that was just wonderful to slide down and across.

I can remember always envying the children who had what we called a flying saucer . . . a big metal disc sort of shaped like a flat bowl, with two leather or fabric handles at the sides to hold on to. Kind of like a big aluminium frisbee. These flew like the clappers and twirled you around at the same time! We had to make do with a flat piece of coloured plastic . . . I forget what they were called now . . . but I know that they were cheap and colourful. The exhilaration of sliding down was fabulous, and I can't remember there ever being any arguments. Everyone seemed to wait their turn and get along with each other.

Source: kevinandamanda.com via Marie on Pinterest

Other days we would go skating at the outdoor rink. In those days you could have an outdoor rink. There was none of the freezing and thawing that makes it almost impossible nowadays. The ground froze in November and stayed frozen right through to the spring. I lived on an airbase and long about the end of October the base would put up a fenced in area just outside of the school. It seemed huge, but probably wasn't much larger than about 3 back gardens . . . once the snow began to fall and the ground began to freeze, they would flood it with water, which would then freeze and provide the perfect surface for ice skating. They even strung electric lights across so that you could see at night. There were several covered shacks erected nearby, with seats in them so that you could put your skates on right on site . . . nobody ever worried about anyone stealing their boots. It just didn't happen back then. I can remember skating for hours on Saturday afternoons. It was so much fun!! All my friends would be there too.

It is no wonder there were not many overweight kiddies in those days . . . we all spent our days outside, winter or summer . . . playing and running and just moving about. Hot or cold . . . it made no difference. We very seldom were indoors. I can still remember how in the wintertime everyone's cheeks would be so red and cold when we came back in from playing outside . . . how the inside of our scarves would smell like wet wool . . . and the line my mother always kept up which stretched from the furnace in the utility room to the wall . . . which is where all the mittens and scarves, caps and extra socks would be hung to dry until the next time. Our heads would be all sweaty from all the exertion of play and extra layers of wool. It always felt extra warm and cosy indoors after having been outside . . . looking back with my rose coloured glasses . . . it felt like family should feel . . . warm and safe and right. I have no other explanation for it . . .

Source: fotocommunity.de via Marie on Pinterest

Oh, I have enjoyed going back in my mind and thinking back on those days this morning . . . thanks so much for humouring me. I would love to hear about your childhood winter memories. Please do share!

We were not in town for very long yesterday. All of a sudden my knees which have been doing so very well for these past 6 months gave out and I was in agony. It was all I could do to hobble back to the bus. I will be calling the Doctor tomorrow to get an appointment for more shots. I was in serious pain and still am today. I'm ok sitting, but it's when I get up to move that it starts . . . it's quite difficult going up and down the stairs . . . I kept the wheat bag on it all evening and in bed, and am going to go and heat it up again so that I can apply it once more. I have had a good run of relatively painless movement these last few months so I mustn't complain . . . hopefully a couple more shots will knock it back for a few more months. I do so want to go to my daughter's wedding in July, but cannot imagine being able to manipulate the airports and sitting on an airplane for the 6 hours it requires with knees like they are right now. I will be going on my own so Todd will not be with me. I will be staying off my feet as much as possible today!

Here is a delicious and easy supper that even my pasta hating husband enjoys, from time to time that is . . . he grumbles a little bit . . . but he tucks in anyways, and often has seconds. It's very simple to make and very tasty! From the Big Blue Binder, of course! (Only the best recipes are in there!)



*Cheeseburger Spaghetti Pie*
Serves 6
Printable Recipe

All the flavours of your favourite cheeseburger baked in a spaghetti crust.

For the Crust:
6 ounces uncooked vermicelli or spaghetti
1 large free range egg
1 TBS prepared mustard

For the filling:
1 pound extra lean minced beef
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
1/2 tsp seasoned salt
1/2 cup cooked real bacon pieces (about 4 slices)
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup finely grated cheddar cheese
9 burger slice pickles

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Spray a 9 1/2 inch glass pie dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain well. Beat the egg and mustard together in a large bowl. Toss in the cooked pasta. Toss together to coat evenly, then press the spaghetti mixture into the prepared pie dish, pushing the mixture up the sides to form a crust.

Crumble the meat into a large nonstick skillet. Add the onion and sprinkle with the seasoned salt. Cook over medium high heat, stirring frequently, until the meat is no longer pink. Drain well. Stir in the bacon and tomato sauce. Spoon this mixture evenly into the spaghetti lined pie dish. Sprinkle with half of the cheese.

Bake for half an hour. Top with the pickle slices and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake for an additonal 10 to 15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated and the cheese is melted. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting into wedges to serve.

I like to serve this with a nice tossed salad on the side and some crusty french bread.



Over in The English Kitchen today, a delicious Apricot Bread Pudding.

Ha Ha Ha . . .

Source: google.com via Suzanne on Pinterest

“There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.”
― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

Anyone who ever meets my eldest daughter Eileen, cannot help but fall in love with her. She is such a special spirit and despite any handicap she has had to learn to cope with, she is one of the most handi-capable and happiest people you could ever want to meet. She has the loveliest laugh. It peals out like aa church bell tinkling in the early morning air, inviting all who are within it's earshot to share in her love and zest for life.

In thinking about her beautiful smile and laugh this morning, I am reminded of that old saying . . . "Laugh and the whole world laughs with you." Indeed it is true, the sound of laughter echoing across a room can be quite infectious.

I have heard laughter described as being "God's Sunshine," and the happy times in life are what most of us like to keep in our mind and reflect back upon. Fun and light-hearted moments should be prescribed as a part of our daily lives, to be taken at least once daily and in company of friends. What a difference that would make in the world.

Source: google.com via Katie on Pinterest

The study of laughter is known as "gelotology," and people who study it are called "Gelogologists." (You learn something new every day!) They have come to surmise that there are many reasons people laugh . . . We laugh when we find something funny, and when we are embarrassed or when we want to avoid a difficult situation. We also use laughter to build friendships with people. For example, we are 30 times more likely to laugh in front of other people than when we’re alone.

It is also interesting to note that children can laugh up to 200 times a day, whilst adults, on average, only laugh up to 20 times a day. That could be why kids have more fun! They also say that laughing is good for your health. Have you ever heard the saying, ‘Laughter is the best medicine’? It has been scientifically proven that laughter benefits our health and our immune system, in particular. Laughing is good for you. It relaxes you and makes you feel good by releasing chemicals into your bloodstream.

Source: mybodypeaceofmind.tumblr.com via Danell on Pinterest

All science aside . . . I happen to think that laughter is just plain good all round. It brings joy into our lives and into the lives of those around us. It helps us to feel good and can get us through some very tough times. They say that the happiest people are those who can laugh at themselves. I like to think of laughter as a way for the soul to dance. There are some days I'm sure my soul must look just like Gene Kelley in "Singing in the Rain." And that can't be bad.

“A day without laughter is like living in darkness; you try to find your way around, but you can't see clearly.”
― Emily Mitchell

I have to say that we thoroughly enjoyed the film "War Horse." If you haven't gone to see it you really must. It was beautiful and very moving. I even cried at one point. It was beautifully filmed and the story was quite inspiring. If you only go to see one movie this year, I highly recommend this one. Tuesdays is cheap day at our local cinema. You get in for just about half price. The theatre was filled with grey and wrinklies, of which I guess I am now one when I really think about it! How did that happen???? I guess it kind of sneaks up on you! The only down side to our afternoon was the old man who sat down right in front of Todd and kept his stocking cap on throughout the whole movie. It was standing straight up and added at least 4 inches to his height. I kept hoping he would take it off . . . as any gentleman would . . . but he did not. Oh well . . . what can you do . . .

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone. Be well, be blessed, be loved . . . and . . . don't forget to laugh!!

Source: meggielynne.tumblr.com via Terrie on Pinterest

This is one of my favourite ways to prepare chicken. You can buy a whole chicken and cut it up yourself, or you can buy chicken already cut into pieces. The nice thing about the crumbs is that you can make up the whole batch and then only use what you need, storing the remainder in a container in the freezer. That way you have a chicken coating mix ready to use whenever you need it. It uses potato flakes so it is gluten free, which is great for anyone who is on a wheat and gluten free diet! (Note: do remove any crumb mixture which you plan to freeze before coating your chicken.)



*Crisp Oven Fried Chicken*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

The flavour and crunch of fried chicken without any of the hassle or mess!

1 1/2 cups of mashed potato flakes (dried)
1 tsp seasoning salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 cup of butter, melted
1 large free range egg
1 TBS water
3 to 3 1/2 pounds of chicken pieces, skin removed if desired

Preheat the oven to 200*C/400*F/ gas mark 6. Line a baking tray with foil wrap and then spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

Combine the potato flakes, seasoned salt, paprika, garlic powder and pepper in a large bowl. Add the melted butter and mix all together well. In another bowl combine the egg and water, beating that together well also.

Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture and then roll them in the potato mixture, thoroughly coating them on all sides. Place onto the prepared baking sheet, skin side up.

Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, until the chicken is fork tender and the juices run clear.



Cooking in The English Kitchen today, some delicious Plum Fudge Puddings!