I’m Back

Just wandering through my blog and feeling sentimental. I do miss writing. 

Christmas 2020. We’re all getting older; growing up. Family times are treasured. Today we gather, post quarantine, as we’re all determined to escape the raging Covid-19 pandemic. 

We’re preparing a scrumptious dinner tomorrow night; we ALWAYS eat well when we get together. Vern’s Place, a local treasure, traditionally during the holidays offers for purchase restaurant-quality Prime Rib roasts. We’re excited to prepare this 10lb. beauty. I can remember only one Christmas where Prime Rib was the entrée. As then, we’re making Popovers, too. 

Snow is in today’s forecast, and we’re excited about it, hoping JE’s family arrives here from Omaha before it really accumulates. 

Kids are excited to be together—talent show plans are already in the works. Hoping to again watch Hamilton on Disney-Plus.This is a musical worth viewing again and again. 

Slovak Bethlehem 

        

We’re so pleased that mom, MIL, grandma, GG has been steadily recovering from Covid. She’s gradually gaining strength and cognitive skills. Just back to being able to feed herself and initiate conversations. 

Home

I’m happiest at home. 

Simple truth. While our new-build condo is not completely decorated, it’s comfortable. It already reflects our taste, our lifestyle and our history as a couple and a family. Children and grandchildren recognize and appreciate the familiar and the comforting. Our space is perfect for us now. I awaken every morning feeling like I’m home. We’ve just been here 3 months, but we’re home. 

Turning Seven

We flew to Omaha to see our Fun Kids and to celebrate LC’s 7th birthday. We’re talking pizza an chocolate-chocolate 🎂 cake.

We watched the kiddos take their final swimming lessons of the summer and were quite impressed with their progress. Even the 7- year old easily jumps off the diving board.

Paddle Boarding

Who’d of thought? Almost 69 years old and I’m taking up a new sport.?! After renting boards at Santanka on Horsetooth Reservoir  with DIL and two younger girlies l, and on Lake Boyd in Loveland with LG, I ordered an inflatable through Amazon. I’ve decided that this is a very good way to enjoy water, and it’s a good upper body workout. CA, on the other hand, has decided it’s a bit rough on his knees and has chosen kayaking.

Chicken Spinach Enchiladas

Chicken Spinach Enchiladas
(350º oven)


2 - 3 oz. Baby spinach
1 - 1/2 T. Jalapeño (diced finally)
1/2  15 oz. carton  Ricotta
1/2 C. Chihuahau cheese, grated

12 oz. Chicken breast, grilled  (small dice)
4 - 5  8" Tortillas (La Tortilla Factory, white corn)

1. Roughly chop baby spinach, then thoroughly mix first 4 ingredients.
2. Lightly fry tortillas; pat dry with paper towels.
3. Arrange filling down the center of each tortilla; sprinkle chicken dice on top.
4. Roll tortilla as snuggly as possible.
5. Place in an oiled baking dish. Pack as tightly as possible open-side down.

Jalapeño Cream Sauce

2 - 3 T. Butter
2 - 3 T. Flour
1/2 & 1/2 (amount required for thickness of sauce desired)
1/2 T. Jalapeño, finely diced

1. Melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour.
3. Continue whisking as you add 1/2 & 1/2.
4. Whisk until smooth. Add more liquid if necessary.
5. Stir in jalapeño.
6. Pour sauce over enchiladas.
7. Bake for 30 minutes or until top is lightly browned.
8. Serve with brown rice and avocado cream sauce.

Avocado Cream Sauce

1 Avocado, peeled and mashed

1 - 2 tsp. Fresh lime juice

1 - 2 T. Milk

Mix together with fork until smooth.  Drizzle on top.