Recipe for Friendship

Will's class created a Friendship Cookbook.  Each student contributed a recipe.  Below is Will's recipe.

In case you can't read the recipe card, it says:

Recipe for Friendship by William

3C kindness                           3 1/2 helpfulness

2tsp. love                              1/3tsp A sense of humer (humor)

1/4C laughter                         1/2C sharing

1/2C fun                                1 pinch hugs

Directions:  Mix love with fun.  Sprinkle in hugs.  Mix in sharing.  Pour in A sense of humor.  Mix well.  Mix laughter with kindness.  Cook in oven for 350 minutes.  Sprinkle on helpfulness.  Take out of oven.  Eat with a friend.

Reading Books

My goal of reading 35 books this year hasn't started off well.  With my new job, I don't have the time I once had to just kick back with a good book.  I only take a short lunch (30 minutes), so there really isn't much time to get into a book then, either.

I've found a solution, though!

My good friend, Sarenna, once mentioned that she 'reads' a lot by listening to audio books while on her commute to work.  She lives in California, where even a trip across the county can take a long time because of the traffic.  I don't know what it was that reminded me of Sarenna telling me about her habit of listening to audio books, but I'm sure glad I thought of it!

I stopped by the library almost two weeks ago, on my way home one Monday night.  I ran in, grabbed a non-fiction by Lisa Scottoline, and scurried back out.  I don't know if Gordon even realized I was getting home just a few minutes later than normal.

With a drive time of approximately 35 minutes one way, I managed to finish listening to the book in one week's time.  When I stopped at the library earlier this week to return the CDs, I grabbed two more books to listen to.  I'm hooked!

I love that I'm not stuck listening to radio chatter.  (One of my biggest pet peeves is all the talk in the morning -- just play some music!)

The book I'm listening to now is Honeymoon by James Patterson and Howard Roughan.  It's a murder mystery.  The story has many twists and turns, but I'm totally sucked in.  I mentioned to Gordon earlier this morning that I wish I could just get in the car and take a road trip -- I can't wait to hear the rest of this story!

If I can manage to continue 'reading' an average of one book a week, I'll meet and beat my goal of 35 books by December!

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day to you!

I hope that everyone has a special someone to share their love with.  Even if it's just a dog or kitty.  Everyone deserves to feel love and joy.  Especially on this day -- the 'Hallmark Holiday'. 

I don't care that some people think of Valentine's Day as a made up holiday, exploited by card makers and florists.  I think it's sweet to share one's love and romance.  Sometimes, old married couples need a gentle nudge to encourage them to show their love for one another.  

Snow in the Forecast

Al Roker just told America at large that New England is to expect a boat load of snow.  I knew this.  My local weather guy has said the same thing.  Except the local dude said we should get 15+" of snow.  Al tells me to expect 24+".

I'd love to just sit back and enjoy the snow, but I can't.  I'm worried about my commute home from work.  I work near the shore, which is more than a 30min drive from where I live.  I normally don't mind this time -- it's my time to 'read'.  I listen to books on CD while I drive.

The problem is that the storm is going to start early in the day.  By the time I leave work, the roads are sure to be scary.  Worse yet, I know that the closer I get to home, the scarier the roads will be.

I'm a wuss.  I hate driving during snowstorms.  I'd much rather stay home, curled up by the fire, with a big ol' cup of hot cocoa.

SOUPer Bowl Sunday

Today is our church's annual SOUPer Bowl Sunday celebration.  Most Sundays, after the church service, we enjoy coffee, sandwiches, cookies, and cakes, while sharing fellowship with one another.  Today we'll have a plethora of soups, chilies, crackers, and breads.

I'm very excited to get to share my newest favorite soup with my church friends.  It's a Butternut Sage Soup.  I've been making it often in these last few months.  It's delish AND Weight Watchers friendly.  (approximately 1PP per cup!)

Here is the recipe:

3lb Butternut Squash
1T olive oil (or non-stick spray)
1/4 cu. onion, chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, chopped
4 cu. chicken broth (or the equivalent of water & bouillon cubes)
1 tsp. ground sage
salt & pepper to taste

Roast the squash in a 400 degree oven until fork tender.  When cooled enough to handle, scoop out the flesh.  This should make approximately 5 cups.
Saute onion in a dutch oven, in olive oil (or non-stick spray), until tender.  Add the garlic and cook another minute.  Add squash and broth, along with the sage, salt, and pepper.  Bring to a boil.  Simmer, covered, for at least 15 minutes.
Blend in a blender until smooth.