Reading Again

I started to check out library books. Michael said it is a good sign that things are getting back to normal for me. I agree somewhat. I have my moments but I am reading again. Last year I read close to 150 books. And this year so far I have read only 17 books.

I am reading....
Into the Wilderness (Wilderness #1)by Sara Donati

It is a historical fiction using some characters from the Last of the Mohicans - very loosely using them. But it also have cameos from 2 characters from Outlander series which is one of my favorites so that is why I am reading it.

And then I have a couple other books - a decorating book, cookbook and just a few others like that.

Bringing Back the Pack

When I moved to Omaha, I was starting 5th grade so the Richman-Gordman Zooland animals weren't for me as I was a big girl. But I remember them. And remember my sisters playing on them. I think it is great that the Omaha Children’s Museum has brought them back together.



Video Promo: http://www.youtube.com/user/OmahaChildrensMuseum

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. Michael coming home tomorrow
2. getting a bunch of filing done
3. getting a little relief from a long cycle of my migraine
4. ice packs
5. poached eggs and toast

Peppery Beef Strips

I have a few of those recipe cards that you get in the mail. They send them in hopes that you will agree to a monthly subscription of them. I will at times save some of them. This recipe is one I saved and made this week.

Ingredients
1 lb lean beef steak
1/2 Tbsp dried oregano
1/2 Tbsp dried basil
2 Tbsp coarsely ground pepper
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch*
8 oz linguine
1 cup julienned carrots

Directions
Slice steak into 1 4-inch-thick slices. Mix oregano, basil, pepper, olive oil, garlic and green onions in a shallow dish. Add steak; toss to coat. Heat water for pasta. Dissolve cornstarch in broth. Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak; stir-fry for about 3 minutes. Remove steak. Stir broth mixture into skillet. Boil, stirring continually, for about 1 minute. Return steak to skillet. Add carrots; cook for 5 minutes. Drain pasta and add to skillet; toss with steak and vegetables. Serve immediately. Servings: 6

* The recipe card left off cornstarch on the ingredients list but not in the directions so I just did a guess on the amount. And it seemed to work good.

NOTES:
- I was out of green onions so I just used some finely grated onion
- I used Top Round Steak - thinly cut
- Added some left over red and orange bell peppers maybe 1/2 of one all together
- Added some red pepper flakes to give it some heat

We liked it and it is something that we would like to have again but I think I would add a little more broth and cornstarch. It soaked in to the pasta quickly. But otherwise it was good. It was a nice change of flavors from traditional stir fry.

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Chores

A Note from the Universe:

You know, almost anything you feel you "have to" do, like cleaning and washing, can become a chore, even a drudgery; while those things that remain optional, like Disney World and Twister, can seem far more inviting, even fun.

So, Darby, as you go down the path of life, particularly when it seems you must force yourself through the motions, it just may help if you pause and give thought to the countless souls who'd give most anything for the option of even your "chores."

Life... it can sometimes be like one of those really, really "good problems," huh?
Tallyho,
The Universe

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. Notes from the Universe
2. And Daily OM as they always seem to give me the words I need
3. sharpies
4. balsamic vinegar salad dressing on fresh greens with tomatoes
5. Mad Men

Plumbing Problems

It feels like we might get ahead and then something happens that causes a set back. A very big plumbing bill was the thing that set us back today. It is amazing that a very tiny split in the pipe can flood the yard.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. decorating inspiration all over the web
2. eye drops for my allergies
3. the pretty calendar my sister's sent me for Christmas - every month I am delighted by the images that appear
4. all sorts of music
5. autumn coming!

Enchilada Sauce

I have always used enchilada sauce from a can. But I realized I didn't have a can in the pantry the other night when I was going to make enchiladas so found a recipe that looked pretty easy. It ended up being very easy and good. It is a keeper as the saying goes.

Easy Enchilada Sauce
Adapted from Emeril Lagasse
Ingredients
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon flour
2 tablespoons chili powder (original recipe calls for 1/4 cup)
2 cups chicken stock
10 ounces tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt --- left this out as tomato paste often has so much salt

In a medium saucepan over medium heat oil, add flour, smoothing and stirring with a wooden spoon. Cook for 1 minute. Add chili powder and cook for 30 seconds. Add stock, tomato paste, oregano, and cumin. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and cook for 15 minutes. The sauce will thicken and smooth out. Adjust the seasonings - such as adding more chili powder if you want it more spicy. Serve on top your favorite enchiladas recipe.

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Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. Phone calls with 2 girlfriends this week - I really need to have the time to catch up with them
2. Michael installing new memory into my computer so that isn't so slow
3. Grapes - they were on sale and so good
4. Waterproof mascara
5. My therapist