ham and potato soup

Just in time for St. Patrick's Day . . .

Ham and Potato Soup
Serves 4-6

Ingredients
2 large potatoes peeled and diced
2 stalks celery diced
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 cup diced cooked ham (or corned beef)
28 oz chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground white or black pepper, or to taste
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk

Directions
Combine the potatoes, celery, onion, ham and water in a 4 qt crockpot. Cook on low 8 hours until potatoes are tender.

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Stir in flour and cook, stirring constantly until a paste forms, about 1 minute. Slowly stir in milk as not to allow lumps to form until all of the milk has been added. Continue stirring over medium-low heat until thick, 5 to 6 minutes.

Stir the milk mixture into the crockpot, and cook soup on high just until heated through. Be sure not to let it boil or the milk will separate. Stir in salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

draining stones

I learned about draining stones from Betsy at My Five Men.

Mine are not as charming as hers but I love the look and the way they work.

bathroom

kitchen

Betsy said...
Corners ~ they aren't anything special...just a handful of small stones from my yard. The soaps and brillo pad last longer that way.

crochet dish cloth

To crochet this dish cloth use 100% cottton yarn
I like Peaches and Cream Brand

Start with a chain of 27
Single crochet in second chain from hook and in each chain across (26 stitches)
Chain 1, turn, single crochet in each sc across (26 stitches)
I go through both loops at each end but only
in the front loops for the middle 24 stitches

Change colors as desired
Repeat rows until dishcloth is square
Weave in any loose ends

For a different look make dish cloth only 22-24 stitches square and then crochet another color around the border (2 single crochets in each corner)

No counting or patterns to follow so it is a fun
project to do in the car or while watching TV.

I have experimented with crocheting in front and back loops
to make a pattern but I now find I like the "plain look" best.

I like to give them away in groups of three,
one for the sink, one for the drawer, and one in the laundry.

paralympics

Last week these inspiring young men came to my school for our "closing ceremonies" of the Elementary School Olympics. They are members of the United States Sled Hockey Team and will be playing at the Olympic Venue in Vancouver on March 20th.

Their stories inspired our young students. One lost his legs in a train accident, one was born with cerebral palsy, one broke his back playing hockey in high school and the last lost both of his legs when he was hit by a car while changing a tire.

The Paralympic Games are a multi-sport event for athletes with physical and visual deformities. The Paralympic Games are held every four years, following the Olympic Games, and are governed by the International Paralympic Committee.

meteorological spring

Even though spring doesn't officially begin until March 20th,
I learned today that March 1st begins the meteorological spring
{because the coldest 3 months are behind us}.
So . . . welcome Spring!

[actually this garden is still covered with snow but I love looking at it]

wake-up call

My husband is out of town so I slept on his side of the bed last night. After having trouble falling asleep I decided to sleep in a bit. I awoke and saw that it was only 6am so decided to sleep another hour. When I awoke later it was still 6am.

Hmmm . . .
As you can see, I was looking at the electric blanket setting.
He has no clock on his side of the bed!

market bags

Due to weather conditions, all schools
are closed today, Friday, February 26.
All after school and evening activities
are also canceled.

An un-expected snow day . . . . .

I think I will make some Market Bags. Over the past year I have made 80+ pairs of these bags to give as gifts. It has been awhile since I have made any and it will be such a pleasure to pull out those lovely fabrics and get started.

Maybe you would like to make some . . . directions are posted here.

lemon-roasted chicken

Lemon-Roasted Chicken
Serves 8-9

Ingredients
8-9 boneless chicken breast halves
6 cloves garlic, smashed

4 Tblsp olive oil
2 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian Seasoning)
1 lemon thinly sliced (8-9 slices)
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions: Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a large bowl or bag toss together chicken, garlic, and olive oil. Spread chicken breasts on a large parchment lined baking sheet. Season with oregano, salt and coarse ground pepper. Put one lemon slice on each breast. Roast chicken, until cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes.

I love this recipe as it makes delicious and moist chicken. I usually serve a few pieces for dinner and then freeze the rest to use in other recipes or on a Caesar Salad.

checking in

My husband is out of town and my very sweet 84 year old father-in-law
(who lives 100 miles away) just called to be sure I was doing okay.
No, he is not Richard Nixon, he is the other
gentleman, and he truly is a gentleman.

calendar

The calendar by my desk at home is from Cambodia.

A sweet gift from my daughter and her husband who live in there.

One of my favorite blogs, homespunliving, posted a link for an adorable calendar to print from a blog named a number of things. Alice was very kind to share her beautiful artwork - a whole year's worth in a handy calendar. I printed one for my desk at work.

I just love how one blog, leads to another then another then another . . .