Frog Season

Jeanie and the neighbor kids have been busy catching frogs. They spend hours down by the pond getting all wet and muddy. Once they catch as many frogs as they can, they let them go for next time. (My washing machine died. It's nine years old. I'm off to find another!)

I Saw Stars Yesterday

Danny came walking home from the bus stop sporting these shades. He bought them from his classroom store. They have life skills at school. They have jobs they have to do. Some include selling popcorn at lunch or selling carnations during Valentine's week. They earn a "wage". With this "money" they buy stuff from the classroom store. He has come home with some pretty "cool" things!

Orrin Jon

Danny tries for the Guinness Book of World Records

The other night Danny came up from the shower. Dad started asking him if he even washed up as he was down there for two minutes. I was busy in the kitchen and Dad was busy in the basement. I asked Dad if maybe he just lost track of the time and perhaps Danny was in the shower longer than he realized. Well.......I guess Dad didn't lose track of time. Danny taped this entry into his Guinness Book of World Records. I guess he figured there should be a "fastest shower" entry and he won it!

It must be Spring

because Danny is out shooting baskets again. His Special Olympics basketball is done. I didn't get a Spring newsletter so I'll have to find out when swimming starts. It should be about now.

Oren....Orin Jon

I forgot to ask how to spell his name.....Sara and Jon had a little boy late last night. Oren Jon. He was 6 lbs 13 ounces. Mom and baby are doing fine.

Flat Will and Flat Nikayda go the U.P.

Will and Nikayda's classes read the book "Flat Stanley". I think it's about a boy that got flattened and then went on adventures. Molly and Jeanie have to fill out some paperwork on their "adventure" they took with Flat Will and Flat Nikayda and then send them to Will and Nikayda's teachers. (Will originally sent Flat Will to Danny but he refused to do it! He said, "It's for babies! The eighth graders will laugh at me.")

Spring

This picture was taken at 7:30 PM. Still in short sleeves. We did a little rock picking, raking and Wade finished the walkway last night. Today is another beautiful day. High 60's. It is still March but we will take these days as they come. I plan on hanging sheets on the line today. Something I haven't done for a few years.

Taking Pasty Orders

I am making pasty Thursday. Call or email (or comment) if you want to order. $3.50 each.

Amanda's Shower

We lucked out and had dry roads on our quick trip to the U.P. It was fun to be there for Amanda's shower. Thank you Kristin and Joanne for hosting it!! She received lots of nice stuff and now only has to wait five more weeks for the little one!

Sara's Kids

I stole these from Sara's facebook. Will must have been at school. (Phew....I found something to post. I was tired of opening the computer to my profile!)

Self Portrait

Amanda tagged me on the self portrait. I was going to copy her and put a picture of my belly like she did but I'm afraid mine looked almost like hers so I scratched that one!

Another rainy day here but I'm not complaining. I'd rather the wet than the white stuff!

March 6, 1976 - 33 Years Later

Wade's New Toy

I'm not sure what I think about this new toy. Especially when I hear them talking about the difficulty of keeping the front wheel on the ground! I guess I'd rather see a dirt bike over a road machine!

Asparagus and Parmesan Pasta Toss

I got this recipe from Auntie Ria. We loved it. She added the Italian sausage. You can omit meat or add chicken or shrimp. I cut way back on the crushed red pepper. I only put about 1/4 tsp and it was hot enough for us! Maria doubled the tomatoes, I didn't but I did double the recipe although it does make quite a bit. I used stewed tomatoes as that is what I had. Ria's tip with the sausage was to use kitchen shears and cut them into bite size pieces. I did roast the red peppers but don't think it was worth the trouble. Next time I will use the jar.ASPARAGUS and PARMESAN PASTA TOSS

2 roasted red bell peppers (can use the ones in the jar)
1 lb uncooked mosticolli
Cooking Spray
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 links chicken Italian sausage
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
1 tsp. crushed red pepper (or to taste)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp dried margoram
1/8 tsp oregano
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
1 can diced tomatoes-14.5 oz
2 ¾ cups asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces
½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain. Heat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Cook Italian sausage until almost done, add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add mushrooms and cook 4 minutes or until liquid evaporates. Add bell pepper, crushed red pepper and next 5 ingredients (through tomatoes). Bring to a simmer, cook for 7 minutes. Add asparagus and cook 4 minutes or until crisp tender. Combine with pasta and top with grated parmesan.

Finished Project

Gretchen found this pattern for me to make her a hat. Unfortunately for her, it was too small. Jeanie was pumped as it fit her. This was my first cable project and cabling IS as easy as everyone said. Right now I'm knitting a scarf for myself. Hopefully I'll get it done before spring gets here.