Snow Day 2!

A comparison shot- the picnic table, day 2:

Sophia and her new dog, Rocco, came over to shovel my driveway. What a nice surprise when she called to offer to come over. I'm lucky to have such great friends. (Rocco is a lab/retriever mix. He was being trained to be a service dog, but failed the program because he was too friendly. He loved tromping through the snow.)

Tried to measure snow fall, but I did this while still standing inside so I think these underestimate the actual total.
9 inches outside the back patio door:

15 inches outside the side laundry room door:

All this snow makes me think of getting ready for Christmas. In case you need some decorating ideas:

Snow Day!

Beef Stew

Yummy! Leftovers!

It's been awhile since I've posted a recipe. Mainly because Eric has been kind enough to cook for us the past couple of months. I found this recipe for beef stew from a recipe book I bought in my mom's hometown of Jackson, MN. (Created by the Jackson Women of Today). I made some modifications and we both really liked how it turned out. So, here's my version. Enjoy.

Beef Stew
1.5 - 2 lbs cubed meat (stew meat)
6 carrots
4 stalks of celery
1 small onion
6 red potatoes
4 small (5.5 oz) cans of low sodium V8
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
2 T. Minute Tapioca
Sprinkle of basil
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

Combine and stir. Bake 2.5 hours at 375 degrees.

(Disclosure: The recipe I was following called for baking for 3 to 4 hours at 300 degrees. I arrived home a little late from a friend's house to let it bake that long. I also baked it in a Dutch Oven with the lid on. The pot's going to be a bear to clean, but I think I would do it the same way again. The original recipe also called for a bay leaf, not basil. Whoops- we liked my error, though.)

Missing Minneapolis?

The flight pattern of NWA flight #188 on Wednesday. AKA, how to overshoot an airport:

Hippity-Hop

Eric called me on his way to the airport on Saturday morning to tell me about a bunch of hot air balloons above Chatfield Reservoir. I could see some of them from our front step. (Not to be confused with the Jiffy-Pop "weather" balloon seen flying over the metro area last Thursday. I say sic Social Services on those wacko parents.)

My latest crafty project: a bunny rabbit from the "knitted toys" book by Zoe Mellor. When I went to buy more yarn from my favorite yarn shop (A Knitted Peace), the clerk told me about another knitted toys book that just came out: "itty-bitty toys" by Susan B. Anderson. I bought it too- has some super cute paterns in it as well.


Eric avoiding having his picture taken:

Eric agreeing to have his picture taken:

Happy Monday to all!

Jeani's Baby Shower

Our winter weather- chilly over the last few days. This afternoon, the sun is shining.

Eric knocked the snow off of some of the smaller trees to prevent broken branches:


Tea at The Brown Palace. My mom and I both really enjoyed attending Jeani's shower. It was especially nice to catch up with my Aunt Debi.




(Colette: Jeani's friend who is a graphic designer decorated the box that she put her gifts in. She made the edges of the block and the letters on the sides out of cardboard. Lots of exacto knife use, which made me think of all the time you spent on projects. She was planning to make three different boxes, but realized making one was a big enough project.)

Cousin John stopped by to help transport the gifts home:


Parents are staying in town for an extra night- the weather in Wyoming is not conducive for travel. In addition to enjoying their company for an extra day, our fridge is now sparkling clean, thanks to my mom.

Versus

The World Series I want to see:

vs.