Elephant Seals

I didnt get too far on the silk, regretably. I just cant get better, try as I may? I will be phoning the doctor today and whining about just that. This is a mighty nasty strain of Strep.

I did mangae to get out for a bit yesterday. I needed a change of scenery and to feel human a little. So I bundled up, packed my arsenal of meds...and Walt took me to see our Elephant Seals mating, birthing on the beaches here. Its quite the site! If ever you get the chance to come see, you wont be disappointed. Here are a few photos Walt took of the awesome gatherings.........

FEMALE:
(shes so purty)

MATING:


Mister Territorial:
Lil feeding going on:

OLD BULL:HANGING OUT With Babies:

Silk Day

Dupiani to be exact. A restoration job, what else? lol Got any tips? I am destroying beautiful draperies and turning them into a quilt.:::OY VAY::::
I really wish that I was at ROAD2CA with all my buddies:)

The backing (to be re used) is a thin muslin beige, the drape, a heavy khaki. Customer just wants a simple Asian panto, put onto a queen 3 panel.

Questions before I begin...........

Needle size

hole filling, cause they arent going away

ironing.... press vs steam vs iron

thread type, I have chosen a blend, So Fine. what u think?

Batting, maybe the QD Wool blend? ( she wants a bit of a loft)

Head examination..........why do I take this stuff on anyway?

I am re cooperating, froggging these drapes, wishing I could just hang them in my bedroom...lol they are gorgeous:)

Any tips working with this, are appreciated:)

Yes, that really is KLEENEX in the background.. owwwwwwwww

MM-The Bucket List Review_ update!!

Hey, I like it when MM comes right after Sunday Matinee's! Walt and I used to be avid matinee-ers... I dunno why we stopped. Its good inexpensive fun. I had a difficult time deciding over the Bucket List and Charlie Wilson's war, then I looked up at the times and sure enough, I had no choice.

Good call! It was a great movie~! The reason is because it surprised me in a few places! Normally, we can just sit there and tell you the outcome, but this one, I was bawling my eyes out over not what you would think. ( the cancer) Literally, I had my whole face stuck in Walt's arm as not to SOB OUT LOUD, like so many others I heard. What a great thing it is also to hear audience applause after the credits begin to roll.
Morgan Freeman's voice works on me like a tonic, and Jack Nicholson is...well.... him? I'm certain that everyone who comes out of the theatre is making a bucket list of their own. The trouble is, mine is getting so long! Good news is, there is more there than travelling, but Blima? get a suitcase out! Lets roll!
** I forgot a VERY important mention!!! This movie debuts John Mayers new song... "SAY" ( what u need to say)... which... WHENS THE CD COMING????????

MM's


For safe driving in scary conditions, and answered prayer.
For my quilting community, what on earth did I do to deserve such good colleague's...
For a website in which more work comes in!
For UGG slippers to warm my Popsicle toes each day
For the strength and tenacity of my husband.
For my Moms good fingernails:)
For a huge, loving, totally dysfunctional family.

Pork~N~Beef Black Bean Chili

I was asked to post my chili recipe via email....and it made me hungry to whip some up too... Thanks Karen A, Im supposed to be having an underwear day today!

While unconventional, that I use 3 meats, black beans, and red as opposed to bell peppers... this dish is second to none in my book of chili con carne. I’d take the pepsi challenge on it :::wink::: I cook with a few secret ingredients of my own, pork being one of them, especially bacon starts, and the other you KNOW is wine:)

I do love to make soups/beans.. in fact I have a pal that used to "show up" whenever I made a pot of beans... it really got to be eery after awhile.. now I make beans, and I guess I'm too far away, because I keep checking the driveway, and she isnt here? ::sigh:: (H?)
My Dad makes a mean chili too with Venison and pinto, I’ll save that for another time.

Pork~N~Beef, Black Bean Chili
2 Tablespoons olive oil

1 pound ground pork

1 pound ground beef

1 pound beef steak, cut into 1-inch cubes or smaller
6 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups water

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 Tablespoons NM chili powder

2 teaspoons oregano

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

3 6-ounce cans tomato paste

2 teaspoons sugar (splenda)

3 cups diced tomatoes (fresh)

3 cups diced onions

3 cups diced red bell peppers
3 cups canned black beans, drained & rinsed. ( or go put on a pot!)

1 cup chopped fresh cilantro ( or less, depending on your fondness to this herb)

2 cups (about) beef broth
Grated cheddar cheese
Sour cream dollop

*Avocado diced

Heat olive oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground pork and ground beef and sauté until brown. Add cubed beef and garlic and sauté 5 minutes. Add 2 cups water; bring to slow boil. Add cumin, NM chili powder, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 10 minutes. Add tomato paste and sugar and simmer 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, onions, and peppers and simmer about 30 minutes.
Add black beans and cilantro to chili. Add beef broth ½ cup at a time, until thinned to desired consistency. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. In fact, I prefer day 2! LOL- Excellent for freezing.
Serve Hot with a dollop of sour cream and cheese sprinkled atop chili.

Mine and Walts: add diced avocado on top, and argue over who got more chunks.

My cornbread is a delicious compliment with this dish:)

**CHEFS NOTES:

I sometimes substitute with Kidney beans.....But“black” is my favorite way.

Spirit Food

I made it back from the funeral trip in less than 48 fast furious hours. Whoa.... This morning I feel lie an R. A. G. G. M. O. P. P. rag mop! BUT;.. I must also tell you that it is just good medicine for me. More and more I am learning that this is just a MUST for me! Here's how I know............
The 300 miles there was a gruelling dense fog scare.... almost ran out of gas and was nearly accosted by an attitudnal pimply faced disrespectful teenager.
The 300 miles return home was a sunny, pleasant ponderings of visits with distant relatives and my friends and family....added things to my bucket list.... viewing avocado orchards, new foothill greenery, and man this jeep is a little spitfire of a vehicle.
When I began, I was still "pissy'. Pissy calls pissy.. ( if I were living by the SECRET EH)
Upon my return, I had been fed. Fed some heart food. Enough to fill me up for awhile. As you may or not recall in earlier posts. They are the air that I breath. So..... thats all that I have to say about that.
If one can enjoy a funeral, I guess I did. I felt a celebration of my Uncle Smiles life. He was loved by many, and lived a full life indeed. I visited with many relatives that we unfortunaley only see on these types of occasions. I soaked up every bit of it from a table of my closest family members.(when I wasnt up "workin" the crowds...lol) My neice and nephew ( Matt n Jackie, sis kids) were wide eyed at this gathering, I thought it funny and asked why they were so amazed. They had no answer, so I made up a reason and told them that I didnt want ANYONE in black at my funeral, get a pen, write it down. They, along with my kids have been instructed that every guest there must look like a flower. Smiles on faces, and celebrate my life. PERIOD.
What a snapshot in my mind of my Mothers side of the family. Eleven siblings, less one. A group shot of all of the cousins gave me such pause. I barely slept that night replaying all of it over and over again. I laughed at the sea of dark skinned family, and my daughter spotted in the center, a light skinned blond. LOL. I had aunts and uncles asking me if THAT blond was biological, because they THINK she looks like me....LMAO. My Grand daughter Avi was a perfect angel, only spilling her drinks twice... thats not too bad right?
I held my sisters hand as we said goodbye to Uncle Smiles together. We looked at the faces of our cousins(Smiles daughters, our ages) and I whispered that I fear we are next. My parents did well, but noticeably the weakest of the family too. My biggest wake up call mortally, speaking was watching how all of those Aunts and uncles were not the healthiest they could be, and upon further investigation they had all contracted the same dreadful disease my Mother and grand mother has. Type II Diabetes. Prevalent on the maternal side of the family, but also in Hispanic decent. I personally have it on the paternal Italian side as well. If this doesn't smack me stupid, (read SMART) nothing will.
I had two, count em two coffee chats with pals!!! What good spirit food THAT is! Avi and I watched TV in bed together where she repeatedly said.. "Nonni? Do you love me?" ( her new thing)... if she only knew.....lol I was going to bring her home with me, but she contracted what I think is the same nasty chest cold her Papa Bear has.... grunt.
Well, I've bent your eyes enough for a Sunday... took us all to church me thinks...lol I shall go make a list... a days list, a shopping list, and yes, a bucket list. I've got stuff to do!

Happy Birthday Sis!

My Sissy... I guess she will Always be 6 years younger than I..... grunt. Kelly is nothing short of good fun to be with, chat with, cry with. Not one other person on earth shares what we share as sisters. We are bonded by that alone eh? Gifted in many ways, this woman is to be admired for her sweet spirit and loving heart. Ok, she has a green thumb too, and I dont....lol I wish soooo much she would just take a half a liking to quilting so that we could share even more. I gave a slight nudge with shiva stix at Christmas... we shall see....LOL She has always been incredibly creative.. and had an interest in textiles too!

Happy Birthday Kelly! I love you!

Lifes Short, Travel Much II

So, I spent the day on this ponder food. ( ok, I spend many days on THIS particular subject) I gotta tell ya, I went everywhere in my day dreams while quilting a black n white & red all over king yesterday! LOL. I decided I needed a list. Now most of you post UFO lists for a blogabout. Nope... No can do.. that cabinet is too scary for me! I'd rather go places, see things! Hmmm, maybe I can do both? We will call it UFO Daydreams. ( while making money ...) I'm not sure how that can work, but I'll ponder that. I find it quite hard to save 20 bucks let alone trip monies. I know the grass isn't really greener, and I'm oh so happy here at home, but its so..... dare I say... educational? to expand my knowledge by discovering new places. ( oh sheet I'm rambling) Just some pressing travel thoughts:

1. Italy. I wish to bounce around from city to city. Marvel at the Vatican, wiggle my fingers in the water from a gondola, and be kissed in the Tuscan moonlight. Smell the muskiness of oak barrels in the wine cellars of Sicily and watch the sun set on a foreign sea. Oh yeah, and bring home those beautiful linen fabrics!
2. Alaska. how huge ARE those glaciers? Whats the deal on those Inuit Indians anyway? God knows I love a harvest moon, but I'd love to watch the midnight sun.
3. Mexico, Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa. And deep in the Gulf of Mexico.Is there a sign where the pacific meets the Atlantic? LMAO!!!! I want to see Walt battle a Marlin with a giant belly laugh going on. Feel the warm wind and see right through the baby blue waters. This should be in the number one spot up there...lol
4. Maui.And I'm almost there! WOOHOO!! I cant wait to stick my toes in powdery sand! Is it like California at all? Can I see through the water there? To actually feel a tradewind is a mystery to me, and will I like warm rain? Do real flower lays smell good around my neck? Will it compete with my perfume? Will I ralph on the road to Hana? Why DO people want to see the Limburgh gravesite anyway? AH! I cannot wait to taste their kind of cooking! Is there Sushi second to none? Hmmmmm I dunnooooooo

Truly, I could go on and on with just trips inside the states, but I gotta go to work!!! Maybe there will be a travel III?

Have a good Thursday! Tomorrow will be a travel day for me...LOL ( I saw u laugh) Its a familiar route unfortunately... The funeral for My Uncle Smiles. I wont be gone long, just hugging my Mom, and kissin the kids... saying all the usual things to the distant relatives like " we gotta get together more, and not just at these kinds of events". Grunt. Not thrilled, and I hate wearing black. I loved Ronda in her blue... WTG girlfriend... Maybe I'll do color instead... maybe teal...... hmmmmmm

Life's Short, Travel Much

I cant wait to see THE BUCKET LIST, with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. I like them both, and I WISH I would have thought of that GREAT title!! While I was quilting away yesterday, Fox news in the background all day listening (NOT) to the NH Primary returns... I began to ponder this bucket list. I wont be the one to say that I need to sky dive before I die, or any other super adventurous thing like bungee jumping...lol I will however stand up right now and say that there are ALOT of places I need to SEE ( and not on the Internet) before I die! Last night (while watching NH primary returns) I was secretly squealing like a pig at the pictures on TV where I had actually been!! Yep yep yep... I saw the highway in which I drove with Blima across those states, shopping and visiting quilt shops along the way. Damned good fun. Dragging home rocks from wherever I am...( ssshhh) Sometimes this wasnt easy I tell you! **Side note** Leaving all those rocks in our yard in the valley wasnt easy either!!!
I cant wait for Hawaii next month, just to Know that I can cross that off of my bucket list! I am THIS old, and really haven't ventured out much at all! When my Sis and I were growing up, we didn't get much further than camping locally. When my kids were growing up, well, children learn what they lived eh? Dumbass....Maybe people get so busy raising kids that they forget all that there is to see out there? We get so wrapped up in everyday life that it becomes the norm, and I dont think its beneficial to the kids at all. Bummer news is that there are no GO BACKS in parenting. If I had one, I'd take off every chance I could. See what there is to see. Further than Yosemite or the Bay area! My son James has been everywhere, and loves to regale us with stories about the colleges he visited. ( light concert shows)
So, how does one afford these "trips"? Do you sacrifice everyday amenities to save for broadening your horizons? Live in a smaller cheaper home? Ya cant go the make more money round because that just keeps you home working more.... Pondering.................
We are trying for Italy in 2008. My paternal ancestors homeland. The verdict isnt in yet, but I intend on clipping coupons for a little insurance. Those wierdo light bulbs sure help the power bills... Why do I have to sleep anyways? I could quilt more...lol
Now that I've given you my days ponder food.... I will go to work on that bucket list... you can too K? Its fun!

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT: only 14 of all our country? tsk tsk tsk....

California (home sweet home, and still haven't seen it all? Ok, almost all)
Oregon
Washington
Nevada
Utah
Arizona
Texas
Idaho
Vermont
Maine
New Hampshire
Mass-Boston
New York (I need a go back)
Missouri
------------
Montreal (second Home)
Toronto
Niagara on the Lake
-----------------------------
Juarez Mexico
Encinada and Tijuana Mx

But!!!!! The Heart of Life is Indeed Good!

When you have a future chef in the family....

When the teaching of the value of a good cuppa coffee has been learned...........

When family and friends is A # ONE on your invitation to your kitchen list.................

When you just gotta be happy for those that you love ................

Aviana loves her new Gourmet kitchen! Now I'll be shopping for a sewing machine! LOLOL

Sing it with me would ya.........

Pain throws your heart to the ground

Love turns the whole thing around

No it wont all go the way that it should

But I KNOW the heart of life is good.

MM-Uncle Smiles

Marvelous Mondays gratefulness....es.....

*For the safety of my friends and family in this storm
*for the lifeline via this computer
* For my Uncles love in my childhood, and my children's childhood.
*For SLO Roasting Company, Morning Fog Lifter Coffee.. damn good!
*For an incredibly smart, loving, intuitive dog companion
*For a very strong foundation to carry me through the rough spots of life.
* For that Chumbawomba song... "I Get Knocked Down" (but I get up again, and your never gonna keep me down)


January 7th you guys, and it continues on. I really detest bummer blogs... but what you gonna do when crap keeps hitting the fan? I guess this one isn't so bad, just sad. A cold hard fact of life that brings mortality into the front of my mind. So is this the time (midlife) when I must begin to attend funerals of my older loved ones?) Its not so hard to take as a heart wrenching untimely death, but sad none the less.

My Uncle Smiles died last night, ending his battle with illness. He was a paratrooper in the Korean War and raised his family pretty close to us. They didn't call him Uncle Smiles for nothing either. Always happy with a Sammy Davis Jr kinda grin on his face, ai infectious laugh, and a twinkle for me in his eye.

As a child he adored me (or led me to believe that he did! lol) Whenever he saw me he would yell "what a beautiful girl he was looking at... I ran to his arms where he would lift me to his knee and begin the lifelong game of "Kiss me right here".(while pointing to various cheek/chin locations) A game which I carried through to my children, and now I will my grandchildren... and I better get Sarah going too:) He played the very same game with my daughter and it warmed my heart to see him yelling across a room just how beautiful THAT girl is. I wish that he would have been able to see Aviana and play "our" game too. I will miss you Uncle Smiles, and you live on in my family.
This is a recent photograph of my Mom and her beloved brother, taken last summer when Uncle Smiles had been hospitalized.

What Do YOU Do In The Face of Anxiety?

Well, I want to know what in blue blazes is going on in the universe since December 26th!!!
There has been more grief, more peril, tradgedies, weathermakers, Family DRAMA, in 10 days than I can almost handle? When I list it like that, and THINK... I guess it could all be worse. But I dont like being caught off guard.
Pulling out all of the stops to make things better for everyone over here. I am reeling about the above mentioned. Did something happen to upset the whole world on that day? 2 days ago I cooked until I feel into bed. Yesterday I stuck my nose into a quilt and didnt come up for air. Today, I have spent purging all of the upstairs closets in hopes that order could be restored in some way to life around the world. I have 4 hefty bags for Goodwill industries, 2 trash bags filled, everything that was removable washed, and a damned clean and desanitized sicky bedroom! I'm fixing to boil some eggs and bang some cupboards, cause thats just what I do. I opened the freezer to take out some veal, thought I'd do an Osso Bucco.. but then found my self teary eyed over the treatment of baby cows?????? WTF??
I have a leg of lamb just screaming to be turned into a tasty dish. I want to take it over to friends who are suffering.. be it a memorial, or a tree through the home. I want to make some cookies and take a plate to anyone who will have it and say....." HERE! I love you! Dont worry, its all better now!" I suppose this is how I console myself. Much like my Rudy when stressing walks mindlessly back and forth across his perch chanting " Its okayyyy, Its Okay Rudy... its OK!" Its pretty silly I'm certain, but its a coping mechanism eh? I could be shopping right? Hmmmm Theres a thought.....
Oh, where was I? Yes, I better go find my apron, and some hormones... with a side of wine. That ought to do it.
Be safe and feel better friends & family, I'm trying to as well:)
Visit HEATHERS BLOG TO SEE PICS OF HER TREE DEVASTATION.

A Stich In Time Saves My Mind

Is the best darn saying in the whole world, doncha think?

Thanks to all of you cheerleaders. The verdicts in, the sun came up, and the world still turned, and yep.. I'm still kicking. Thats all I have to say about that.

We are expecting a terrible storm here. I keep going outside and looking upwards, nothing yet? I ventured out awhile again ( dangerous) and wore my new Hoodie. ( TY Blim) I have a terrible time with chronic ear infections, so I'm quite careful to cover them. ( and you thought I just really liked my mop head didnt you?) I finally finished that seaturtle wallhanging. I am not sure why it took me so long to tell you the truth. I guess I couldnt find my Mojo?

I have had a wild ride for a few months, so Im not surprised. I think I need to regroup and make a plan. Or a list, or something. Hey, this seaturtle makes me think about Maui..................sigh

The borders are sea shells and seagrass, while the body is water and hidden little fish. The turtle body is textured, as is inbetween the turtle shells. Im nt sure how big this will go when clicked. I cant see a darn thing here...lol I used pale blue so fine thread inside, and verigated rainbows in all of the green spaces.

Have a good evening, and thanks again, keep sending the cheers:)
LYG

2008 New Years Reaffirmation

http://www.theleadershipmovie.com/

They won't care how much I know, until they know how much I care.

GOETHE

Wishing you and yours the happiest of the next 365 days.

Welcome to 2008. Enjoy!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Today isn't so happy for some eh? I grieve with my friend who has lost a grown son. I cannot even imagine how painful this is, but still a piece of me aches with her. What worse pain could there possibly be? I know that we arent to ask WHY, for it is not for me to know... but I'm asking anyway. Please hold this family in your prayers with me today.

Tamale Time Day 3....spent

Ok, so my calculations were off... spank me...lol We are done, stick a fork in us, we are done! Yield 22 dozen, after munchin on these things for 3 days...not 40. I dunno what happened? maybe we made bigger ones? Who cares? As I said in the original Tamale Time... it isnt really tamale time anyway, its time spent with family, fun and not fun... and of course...the gift that CANNOT be bought. I so enjoyed this time, and mucho memories made.. ( hmmm a song)

Heres a load the trunk picture...........
And we must'nt forget the PITA PUP pictures of Ginger and Lucy... snatch n grabbers.... yep...Pita pups.
Ginger is SUCH a ham....affectionetly known as Ms Fussy Britches:)
Now I will clean up, and get back to work, yep yep yep... STILL 3 quilts to go. How did I ever think that I would be quilting while tamales were going on? What is today anyway? I'm lost....

Tamale Time Day Two

One would think that Mom was doing all of the work from the photographs, but let me tell you, its just not true!!! This is a HUGE undertaking, and frankly, Im re thinking the whole thing! Day two we now have 13(of 40) dozen cooked and packaged, and a long way to go! I would chat longer, but Moms got Hell's kitchen opened and she chews mine and sis behind for coming within 6 feet of the computer... Help meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

MM-Tamale Time Day One

And What A Marvelous Monday it is!! Guess you know the gratuities this week eh?

And you thought cutting tables was for fabric did ya? Well, I gotta tell ya, there isnt any room left in the house, we needed to wonder out here into the shop! lol I think we scared Walt.. he is hiding somewhere in the house watching football? Im not happy that this pic came out blurry, cause there was but one:( But I guess Ill take it.


40 pounds of masa all prepared and ready to manipulate:)


40 Pounds of Pork roast, cooked, shredded, de-fated.

2 tubs of Hojas soaking in hot water ( that was a challenge being our kitchen faucet decided to die this morning and Walt had to install a new one!



we are tired, yet energized, havent solved any problems yet. Too busy dishing the dirt...lol Just know this.. If you arent here, you're getting discussed!
Here we go!!!!!!!!!!!!

* For Handy dandy hubbies who can install really cool faucets with squirters that reach across the room! LOL
*For Tamale time with family
*For 1004 MP3 Files to listen to!
*For morning Fog Lifter coffee
*For Happy customers who make me smile:)
*For Chritmas pics of my babies cause I cant be there to sit with santa too
*For recipe memory, thank God menopause hasnt stolen that too!

A New Tradition at G's House

In years past Santa has always "outdone" me in the spending dept. This year we discussed how we need a new tradition. We agreed that from 2007 on, we will purchase a trip for ourselves, and wrap the tickets:) It has been difficult to say the least, not to shop for him because I know the little things he has been whining about. But I have stuck to it, because we both want so much to travel. Theres a pretty box, thin and small stuck into the branches of our tree to keep reminding me to be good. The box hold tickets to Maui, for a week to celebrate Valentines day, and I am tickled pink! We will be travelling with our good friends Heather & Kim who so graciously invited us to their condo. I cant wait til we begin discussion on next years trip!!
Here's the bummer.... he is sooo fun at Christmas, I will miss that part! Last year there were several boxes for me to unwrap, and he said Gina.... We are going to play Deal Or No Deal. I had to choose, and keep choosing and this went on and on until all the kids and I were squealing like pigs! I passed on a beautiful Whale pendent, a watch, a flip flop diamond pendent.......I went to the end, last box, no more deals, and there sat the most beautiful pair of diamond studs, and I made the right deal! ( all of the others had to be returned to the store. A real tease this man is.. but a great Santa!
Now why am I telling you this? Well, I suppose because I really love traditions, and encourage my grown kids to make things happen in their new families, and also because I am pleased that tomorrow begins a very fond tradition of ours. Tamale Time, which you have read I am sure. My family will arrive afternoon, and I am soooo not ready, but I will be? I have many pots ready, tools and towels and aprons.. ( I should have made us some cute ones eh?) I just bought 40 pounds of pork roast, and there are tubs all over for soaking Oja's. I'm getting excited!! I have Vince Gill's Christmas music all programmed in so Mom can groan over it ( she calls him a whiner). I have snacks and yummy coffees for me & Sis. I am not finished with my customer quilts, and frankly, I dont know when I will be? But I'm still giving it hell over here ( sucking down coffee as we speak). So, for the next several days I will be in and out and hope to share some pics of our mess with you.
Tradition!!! TRADITON! ( sang in my best Zero Mostel voice, while stomping my foot!)

Happy Birthday Heather!

Here's to hoping that you're knowing, I'll be thinking of while I'm sewing! I love you, enjoy the funny, and have a wonderful day!

Italian Sausage and Tortellini Zoupa!

Its cold here!!! Whats going on??? Makes for good soup days, and I do love soups! (ACTUALLY, IT WAS A GOOD EXCUSE TO GET OUT OF THE SHOP FOR AWHILE U KNOW? lol
This was delicious and hearty, give it a try!



1 lb Italian sausage (sweet)(costco)·
1 TBLSP Olive Oil
1 large onion, chopped·
4 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced ·
1 cup sliced mushrooms
6 cups beef broth ·
2 cups diced Roma Tomatoes (may use canned)
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce ·
1 medium Zucchini, sliced ·
1 bag (1lb) baby spinach
1 large Carrot, thinly sliced ·
1/2 cup dry red wine · ( dont forget to drink remainder of bottle while cooking)
2 tablespoons basil ·
2 tablespoon oregano ·
1 1/2 cups (about) purchased fresh cheese tortellini ·
Parmesan cheese, freshly shaved or grated if preferred (I have a ribbon shaver, its a fun toy!)
salt and pepper to taste, altho check for salt first.


Directions Remove Casings (skin) from sausage. Sauté Italian sausage in heavy pot over medium-high heat until cooked through, breaking up, simmer about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer sausage to large bowl. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon fat from the pan. Add Olive oil, Add onion, mushrooms and garlic to pan and sauté until tender & aromatic, 5 minutes?Add wine and scrap down the goodies. Reduce for about 2 minutes. Return sausage to pot. Add beef broth, tomatoes, tomato sauce, zucchini, carrot, spinach, basil and oregano. Simmer until vegetables are tender, 45 minutes. Add tortellini to soup and cook until tender ,10 minutes. Season soup with salt and pepper, to taste. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese in individual bowls and garlic bread.
MANGIA!!!!

Self Improvement Books

I should stick to my quilt technique books! I dont know why I do this to myself! I am reading another self improvement book, and I gotta tell ya, I have NO TIME for this ride she is taking me on! I dont WANT to go talk to my little girl self right now! We have really ( little G n me) talked the whole life thing out about a dozen times! I dont want to meditate and relax body parts! I have chit to do!!! But WHY cant I put it down? ( ok, take it out of my ears if u will) I found myself going to bed early, to get into a comfortable position, to do yet another mental exercise! Its not mental exercise that I need! ( well, depends on who u ask eh) I am all for improving myself, extending myself, broadening my horizons, forgiving the little girl inside me, but sometimes I just get up and say OH SHUT UP, give that crapola to your Father, and get on with the business of living a happy life! I suppose at the end of the day when I rationalize this, I can say that I receive little different things from each book that I read, that I had not heard before. For that reason, I keep on reading. I wish to always improve on myself. Mom's words ring often inside me. "If you don't use it, you're gonna lose it." Also, I am of the mind that we humans have really not used all of the brain power that we possess. But why must I spend a lifetime looking for those parts? Its taken me this long to get to where I am today, I'm kinda running out of time, u know? OK, so I need a self help book on why do I always feel like Im running out of time?...sheesh... never ending isnt it? So as I mentioned in an earlier post, I am listening to Audible series. Living An Empowered Life, by Denise Lynch. A good read, heard it all before, her voice is a powerful sedative all by itself, and I will go the distance with her, but frankly, next book I read will be on how not to outlive my money or something.. give the little Gina a freaking rest!

( Culture Warrior, Bill O reilly was better, albeit, not self improvement?) ( hmmm, maybe?)