After laying in bed for 10 days in the hospital, I was more than anxious to get home. I was able to get up and the therapists made certain to take me for a walk occasionally but not a lot to see in the corridors although we did take a stroll through the healing garden a couple of times. One of my nurses even thanked him for taking me outside to walk for a few moments during his 12 hour shift. In all I can’t complain for the attention of everyone and quick response to my call light. Leah came on Tuesday and stayed until Friday evening. I have a feeling she was glad to be here so she could go to the fair. All day she said we had to bring in some entries and together we were able to put together an exhibit. She made bread, brought some flowers and pears and took care of the entering. She insisted I had enough doilies, afghans, etc. to find and enough to enter. All in all we had about 25 entries and received a ribbon on all of them. On Thursday and Friday we went to the fair to eat and look around a bit. A couple hours later I was more than ready to go home. Saturday Mary brought me a pork burger and malt and later picked up our entries. Our fairgrounds are easy to get around on with the wide sidewalks, paved roads, handicap parking, and buildings fit with wheel chair entry. It was good to go and see many who we don’t see more than once a year or so.
This morning I was watching TV and wondered what people did years ago when confined to home. Television may get old after a while but it is good to hear voices and it surely makes the time go faster. I was disappointed to have some hour long programs start on the half hour so I missed part of them. I also have a new line up with many more channels so I have to keep the channel listing close by. I did get to watch several programs I didn’t have before. This week will be different again now that the Olympics are over. It was interesting to hear them sing our patriotic songs in another language.
The Indiana girls started school last week and Texas began this Monday although the teachers had preparation for a week prior. It’s nice the kids in this area have a few days after the fair before they have to settle down for class room again. State fair begins this weekend and many of the 4-H members will be exhibiting there. Good luck to all of them.
Thank you to everyone for your cards, phone calls, concerns and prayers during this time. I won’t be putting in a full schedule at the office but it was good to get out of the house for a few hours.
Pasghetti Pizza
l (14-16 oz.) spaghetti (broken into pieces), cooked according to directions
Beat together: 2 eggs and 1/2 cup milk
Add:
l cup mozzarella cheese 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Brown:
l pound hamburger, crumble and drain.
Combine everything together. Put into greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake 15 minutes at 400º.
Topping:
Spread 32 oz. jar spaghetti sauce over the spaghetti. Sprinkle l-1/2 teaspoons oregano, then 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese. Top with 3 1/2 ounces pepperoni. Return to oven for 30 minutes. Let stand at room temperature for 5 minutes before cutting.
Garden Casserole
2 pounds eggplant, peeled 1/4 fresh basil
5 teaspoons salt, divided 1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup olive oil 1/2 cup grated Romano
2 medium onions, finely chopped cheese
2 medium zucchini sliced l cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 thick2 garlic cloves minced2 tablespoons butter, melted5 medium tomatoes, peeled
2 celery ribs, slicedl cup (4 ounces) shredded
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley mozzarella cheese
Cut eggplant into 1/2 inch thick slices; sprinkle both sides with 3 teaspoons salt. Place in a deep dish; cover and let stand for 30 minutes. Rinse with cold water; drain and dry on paper towels.
Cut eggplant into 1/2 inch cubes. Transfer to a large skillet; saute in oil until lightly browned. Add onions and zucchini; cook 3 minutes. Add garlic; cook l minute longer. Add the tomatoes, celery, parsley, basil, pepper and remaining salt, bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in Romano cheese.
Pour into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Combine crumbs and butter; sprinkle on top. Bake, uncovered, at 375º for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese. Bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. 12 servings.
Apple-Oatmeal Cookies
3 cups oatmeal 2 egg whites
3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon maple extract
l teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup cored, peeled and diced
l stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter Macintosh apple
Softened
Heat oven to 350º. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Combine oatmeal, flour, spice and salt. In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar, egg whites, maple and vanilla extracts until smooth. Stir in oatmeal mixture and apples.
Drop 1/4 cup scoops of dough onto prepared baking. Cool 3 minutes on sheets. Remove cookies to a wire rack and cool completely. Drizzle with glaze.
Maple Glaze: Combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar, l teaspoon maple extract and l tablespoon water. Stir until smooth. Drizzle over cookies.
