Springtime

The weather here has been beautiful for the last four days. It was so nice to go out this morning without a jacket or sweater. I love this time of year. There will be some more cold days but spring is definitely here. We were at the window this morning and saw three pairs of bluebirds. They were so pretty. Evidently they were building nests because they were collecting grasses.

When I was teaching one of my little kindergarten boys expressed the weather at this time of year the best I had ever heard. We were out on the playground on a March day and he came running up to me and said, "It's nice out here today. It's just a little bit cold and a whole lot warm." Hope wherever you are, your days are the same.

Good junking day.

Beautiful day today. It was in the 60s and felt wonderful. My sister and I went junking and found lots of goodies. Pictures tomorrow. We went the scenic route through the forest because I love the hills so much. The sun was setting when we came home and the sun was bathing the bare trees with a golden touch. It was beautiful. Reminded me of one of my favorite Psalms. "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help? My help is from the Lord."

Even though it is so warm there were still large icicles hanging from the cliffs along side the road. I'm sure that many places will have piles of snow for some time yet.

We went to Hobby Lobby and picked up some goodies there and then on to Peddler's Mall in Richmond. I found lots of items to play with. I will take pictures tomorrow and share with you.

New soup recipe

Friday was soup and sandwich night. We have one about two or three times a month. I tried a new soup from Taste of Home's Heartwarming Soup Book. I love this book. We have had so many delicious soups from it. This recipe was sent in by Brenda Thomas of Springfield, Missouri, and I must really thank her because my family loved it. My son-in-law walked in and asked what smelled so good.

Pasta Fagioli Soup

1/2 pound Italian turkey sausage links, casings removed, crumbled
1 small onion, chopped
1-1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cups water
1 can (15-1/2 ounces) great northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces chicken broth
3/4 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup fresh spinach leaves, cut into strips
5 teaspoons shredded Parmesan cheese

In a large saucepan, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain and set aside. In the same pan, saute onion in oil until tender. Ad garlic; saute 1 minute longer

Add the water, beans, tomatoes, broth, macaroni and pepper; bring to a boil. Cook for 8 - 10 minutes or until macaroni is tender.

Reduce heat to low; stir in sausage and spinach. Cook for 2 - 3 minutes or until spinach is wilted. Garnish with Parmesan cheese. Yield 5 - 6 servings

This is a thick delicious soup that is very quick to make. I forgot the Parmesan cheese for the top until we had already emptied the pot but it was still yummy. Sorry that I didn't get a picture but it disappeared too fast. This one is definitely a keeper for my soup file.

Forecast for the Day

Forecast for today.

Early morning will involve light housekeeping with periods of cooking. Flashes of inspiration will follow and may be accompanied by burst of creativity with a 50% chance of accomplishment. Later today a front will approach that will bring small whirlwinds whose energy will require constant monitoring. The atmosphere will become calmer as night approaches and some additional blogging may appear.

Hope it's a good one for you too.

Venture over to firecrackerkid.blogspot.com for a rolling pin dough bowl keep giveaway. If you like country or primitive you will love this little rack.

Also, Imasleepybaker.blogspot.com is giving away 2 Le Creuset square baking dishes. They are 5 inch and 9 inch and are beautiful.

I always bring my hibiscus in for the winter and it rewards me with lots of lovely blooms. They don't last very long so I have to enjoy them while I can.

I collect rose bowls and have quite a few of them. I love to float one large bloom in them, sometimes a lily, a rose, a spider mum, or at this time of year one of the hibiscus blossoms. They add such a bright spot on a winter day and make me think spring is near. I actually saw three robins today. They are back! They know spring is really on its way, even if they are predicting snow for tomorrow. Unpredictable March has arrived.

Here is the picture of the chili. I hope this works.