What's Goin' On...

Outside my window: Still dark. Sitting in front of a crackling fire as the temperature outside right now is a freezing 13 degrees.

I am thinking: That I'm anxious to get on my treadmill desk----but I cannot update my blog there---I can't type and walk at the same time---at least not for any length of time.

I am thankful for: A great guy that cleaned my car while I was out-of-town.

From the kitchen: I made a pot of chili on Sunday. After all the rich foods on the cruise, I just wanted something simple. Talking about simple, here's another recipe I made at the farm. Really easy and so good. I found it here but have changed it up a little.

One Pot Pasta

16 oz. linguine

14 oz. can diced tomatoes

3 cloves garlic

2 big sprigs of basil (I just bought one pack)

1/2 tsp. red pepper

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1 tbsp. chives

2 tbsp. olive oil

2 cups beef stock

2 1/2 cups water

salt and pepper

1/2 cup parmesan

In a large pot, combine all ingredients except the cheese. Bring to roaring boil. Reduce heat to a low boil and cook for nine minutes until pasta is cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Sprinkle with cheese before serving.

It's really good and has a little "kick" from the red pepper.

I am wearing: Still in my nightgown but getting ready to put on my workout clothes.

I am hoping: To get my car inspected and a slew of other errands done this morning before meeting my friends to see Wolf of Wall Street.  We're trying to see as many of the academy award nominees as possible before the show. Some we've already seen and some we've already missed. Movies don't stick around very long these days.

I am reading: Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter. I'm really liking it, but my Kindle is acting up. Last night I could not access the internet to download my new book club book. Today, it seems to be frozen. I've tried turning it off, but nothing is working. I CANNOT go without a book!! I guess I'll be using my phone until I figure it out. Thank goodness for the Kindle App.

I am busy creating: I'm still working on my needlepoint tree topper, but I plant to start knitting and crocheting some boot socks. I've downloaded a couple of easy patterns. I'm going to try them both and see which I like better. I'll be sure to share when I get the done.

I'm bummed: That my Kindle has let me down!

I am hearing: Morning news on the tv.

Around the house and garden: There definitely needs to be some organizing in my scrapbook room. I haven't even unpacked from my trip to the farm. Then I'm going to sort out my room.

In other news: Things are progressing nicely for the wedding. It's going to be a simple affair. Stephanie is really getting excited and so are we. Nicky is a great addition to our family.

One of my favorite things right now: I'm pretty sure you can guess---my treadmill desk.

I appreciate: my remote car starter on these freezing days.

I regret: I'm going on our annual ski trip tomorrow. Since I don't ski anymore, all I do is the same stuff I would normally do at home. Staying home alone for 4 days would give me the chance to really get some things done. I think this will be the last year I go out to Colorado.

Something extra to share: Chris and I got all kinds of great stuff from Paula Deen.

 Large mug, umbrella, cooler cup, bottle opener, magnet, skillet, tote bag, calendar, autographed photo, autographed cook book, Christmas ornament, salt and pepper shakers and 4 large bottles of assorted spices and mixes.

The salt and pepper shakers are cute and look perfect right on the window sill. You can almost trick yourself in to thinking they are part of the outside landscape.

But, my most favorite thing of all:

This adorable "butter" Christmas ornament!! I just love it. Such a perfect memory of our trip---although, the dishes she cooked on the cruise did not contain any butter! She's really watching that these days.

Y'all have a good one!!