Thanksgiving Break

Why is it called "break"? I didn't get much of a break this past week. I ended up doing more laundry and cooking than I usually do because of the boys being home and Thanksgiving. I had to read/grade many papers, and we did a little Christmas prep.

However, we did try to put a little fun/leisure into our week. Wednesday was my birthday (35 again, can you believe it!!). We went out to dinner and my husband and kids got me a necklace and earrings. Very generous and beautiful. Thursday evening we watched the G.I. Joe movie--actually a little better than I expected. And today, Sunday, I went to Trader Joe's with my friend Kelly and her daughter Kim. I hadn't been in about a month. It was great to stock up.

I have enjoyed reading everyone's Thanksgiving blogs as well as the other blogs too. I sympathize with the stress and craziness most of us are going through. Work hard, prioritize, eat well, get plenty of rest...we'll make through finals.

I am very thankful for my family, my health, my job (and my husband's job), our house, our friends. I need to keep a positive attitude and not let the little things get me down. And tomorrow (Nov. 30) is our 24th anniversary. My husband is my best friend, and I am so blessed to be married to him.

Chuck is Returning in January!

One of my favorite TV shows, "Chuck," was slated to return for a 3rd season in March. But great news--Jan. 10 will be the 2-hour season premiere. This show mixes comedy, action, a little drama, and a little romance all into one well-written, well-acted hour.

If you haven't seen it yet, check out episodes on NBC.com. It's a great escape from the stresses of everyday life.

To Dad--Happy Birthday

Tuesday, Nov. 17, would have been my dad's 73rd birthday. However, he passed away in January 2003. I just wanted to take a moment to remember him.

We didn't always see eye to eye

But I knew he loved me and was there for me.

He was a stern disciplinarian, but I knew right from wrong.

He lived for his grand kids, giving of himself generously for them.

a military man, a Republican, a proud American

He loved to play golf, watch CNN, and go fishing.

Family and friends meant more to him than money and things.

He preferred simple home cooking to fancy food.

Biscuits and gravy for breakfast, steak and potatoes for dinner.

He drank regular black coffee, none of those flavored or espresso drinks.

Fried chicken and breaded pork tenderloin sandwich were also favorites.

He showed me so many places in the world

and my home changed multiple times.

But I appreciate all the opportunities he gave me--

He made sure I went to college (there wasn't much of an option).

There I met the man I married--and Dad welcomed him into our family.

Thanks, Dad, for all you did for me. I miss you.

Veterans Day

Veterans Day--not the usual holiday. We didn't do anything special. I didn't even leave the house. This holiday is not one we celebrate with gifts or going to a parade or making a cake. We should, however. My husband is a veteran, 20-year career in the Air Force. My father also spent 20 years in the Air Force, so I am familiar with the military mission and lifestyle. I appreciate all those who have served and are serving in the armed forces. Seriously. It's a tough career choice.

My husband did get to work at home today with the holiday. He works on the base as a defense contractor--still serving the military in some way. I spent time grading assignments and completing online courses. Yes, I still have to take learn--my education is never complete. I have a little more to do finish the 3rd in a series of courses.

As this day winds down, I think of all those who aren't home with their families, enjoying a quiet dinner and relaxing in front of the TV. Stay safe and thank you.

Soup, Soup, and more Soup

What's your favorite soup? Do you make it yourself? If not, who makes it?


With the cooler weather, I have been on a soup craze. Every weekend, I make another pot of soup. Sometimes it's a creamy soup, a chowder, a chili, or even a chunky soup that's closer to stew. I have a few favorites, but I also am trying new recipes.


One of the first fall soups I made was Chunky Chicken and Chorizo Chili. It's got ground chicken, cooked (smoked) chorizo, peppers, onions, beans, tomatoes, and a bottle of beer. I don't even like to drink beer, but it adds a great flavor to the chili.

A favorite soup is Stuffed Pepper Stoup (named by Rachael Ray--thicker than a soup, thinner than a stew). I use 3 peppers of various colors (bell peppers, not spicy ones). Instead of rice (that you might use in stuffed peppers), the recipe calls for orzo, rice-shaped pasta. And there is ground beef, a large can of crushed tomatoes. Top each bowl with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.


Another soup I made I wrote about in an earlier blog--harvest creamy corn choup. It was fantastic. I will make that again soon. And I also shared about making Caldo Verde, the Portuguese soup. That was an experience because I had to use 2 pots. Most of it then fit into the crock pot to keep warm, but there was enough for a crowd plus leftovers.

This past Friday I made Creamy Chicken and Dumpling Soup. What's great is the chicken pieces are put in near the end, so they cook gently in the broth (and don't get tough). And the dumplings are potato gnocchi (not the frozen kind; look for packaged), so I did not have to make them myself. My husband loved this soup. It was so quick and easy to make and very tasty.

I can't wait to make more soup, but I'll be out of town this weekend. I guess Monday night I will have to get my "soup fix." Which one to make? I'll think about it and let you know.

By the way, I am not a Soup Nazi. Have another bowl. Here's some bread. There's plenty of soup for you!

When will allergy season be over?

I have dealt with a stuffy nose for more than a month now. It is aggravating. I don't have what I consider bad allergies, but this fall whatever is in the air is bothersome. At first, I took 12-hour decongestant at night, so I could sleep. However, after a couple nights, even that did not work well. I kept waking up unable to breathe clearly, which meant I couldn't sleep.

A friend of mine recommended Breathe Right Nasal Strips. She said they really helped with stuffiness. So, I went to Target and bought a package. I did look silly wearing the strip, but who would see me except my husband? Immediately after putting the strip on my nose, I could tell a big difference. That night I slept so much better. And I could breathe, really breathe, all night!

Now I am hooked. For the last 2 weeks I have used these strips and have gotten good sleep, restful sleep. Anyone with a little stuffiness, try them. I have bought only the name brand. My friend said the generic brand did not stick as well. I don't know if I want to go a night without them. We'll see how long the stuffiness lingers.