Wrapping Up A January Week

January is growing on me. As a teenager sitting in Physics class, I remember thinking how long January felt. After the excitement of the holidays, January felt endless, boring, and cold. Older and wiser now, I still think January feels like a long month. Now, however, I totally embrace it. After the excitement of the holidays, January feels comforting, unrushed, and yes, still cold. Now, though, cold weather means cozy and calm. It means evenings spent inside, with warm throws, books, and movies, and home-cooked meals. I miss my morning walks and swimming outside, of course. There will be time for that soon enough. Now I live in what is, not wanting what will be.

This was indeed a January week. Deceptively sunny, yet the air was cold! I stayed home for the most part, venturing out Tuesday morning for a haircut and color. And some Dunkin coffee, of course. Shorter, because, why not?

This pretty much sums up my week.

Mocha has recovered beautifully from her teeth removal surgery. She is back to normal, and I am relieved. Oddly enough, fewer teeth have not impacted the decibel of her bark. 

Favorite meals this week included a new recipe and an old favorite.

This is a new chicken recipe, and we loved it. It's delicious and so easy. The marinade is only fresh garlic, olive oil, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. For the link, click HERE.

Flynn requested lasagna, not just any lasagna, though. Grandma Flo's lasagna. Steve's mum made this, and I know I have shared it before, but I'll share it again in case you missed it. 

Grandma Flo's Lasagna

Ingredients:

1. One pound of ground beef
2. One onion, chopped
3. Salt and Pepper
4. One large jar of your favorite Pasta Sauce 
5. One box of lasagna noodles
6. One package of WHITE American Cheese slices
7. Grated Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

1. Brown ground beef with salt, pepper, and onion.
2. Drain all fat.
3. Add pasta sauce and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain.
5. Spray the bottom of a 13x9-inch baking dish.
6. Cover the bottom with a thin layer of meat sauce.
7. Layer noodles and cheese slices, followed by meat sauce.
8. Cut each cheese slice into 3 strips and put one on each piece of noodle.
9. Layer until the pan is full.
10. Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese.
11. Bake according to directions on the lasagna noodle box.
12. Enjoy!

I hope you have a lovely weekend, my friends. If you are in the path of the winter storm, stay safe and warm! Here, we have forecasts for tons of snow, a dusting of snow, some ice, dangerous amounts of ice, rain, sleet, you name it! It is what it is, right? We are prepared either way. Thanks for reading, and see you back here Monday!

And in case you need a smile, here is a picture that I did not draw of a little mouse drinking tea.

Happy Weekend!

Billie Jo