My Daybook ~ March 2

 Outside My Window…there are limbs from our orange tree scattered across the backyard. I began to ‘excavate’ my ’sacred/happy’ place in the backyard this weekend.

I am thankful….for the insight being provided by my re-reading of ‘Simple Abundance’.

From the kitchen…actually quite a bit has been going on in there. I did make the baked spaghetti. It was awesome!!! Then I made a new recipe I found at Mennonite Girls Can Cook for meatloaf. It was out of this world delicious. And of course it made THE BEST meatloaf sandwiches the next day.

Baked Spaghetti

16 oz. spaghetti noodles, cooked

2 (24 oz ) jars Ragu Traditional spaghetti sauce

2 lobs. ground beef, browned

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup all purpose flour

1/4 cup grated (fresh) Parmesan cheese

1 pkg Good Seasons Zesty salad dressing dry mix

12 oz. evaporated milk

3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Combine spaghetti noodles, spaghetti sauce and ground beef in a large bowl; set aside. Melt butter in a sauce pan over medium heat; add flour, Parmesan cheese, Good Seasons mix, stirring constantly until smooth and bubbly. Add evaporated milk and one cup cheddar cheese; stir until thickened.

Pour half of spaghetti noodle mixture into a greased 13 x 9 casserole dish and pour the cheese mixture over the top. Pour remaining noodle mixture into dish; top with remaining 2 cups of cheddar cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 - 30 minutes. Serves 12.

By Far The Best Meatloaf

Ingredients:

1 1/4 lbs lean hamburger

1 tbsp broiled steak seasoning

1/2 cup dried bread crumbs

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup ketchup

1 cup grated cheese

1/3 cup milk

Topping:

1/4 ketchup

1/4 cup BBQ sauce

2 Tbsp brown sugar

Mix all ingredients well and shape into loaf. Place into a 9 x 13 baking pan and make an indentation along the top of the loaf. Cover meatloaf completely with topping. Bake at 350 degrees for about 60 75 minutes depending on the shape.

I actually doubled the recipe so I would have some left over for sandwiches.

 I am creating…an updated the original of hair extensionsHousehold Notebook.

From the learning rooms…definitely absolutely nothing going on there. Miss Sam was so completely under the weather for over a week that she couldn’t even read (her eyes hurt so bad). Today we hope to get back into the swing of things…but still taking baby steps as her energy level is still not up to par. So today it will be reading her lessons and math. I took out grammar and vocabulary today.

I am going to…have an early dinner with a colleague today before heading to class tonight.

I am reading…Inkheart by Cornelia Funke. I am really enjoying it. I must admit however that it does get a little bogged down in details so I do ’scan’ quite a bit. However, the story line is interesting and the characters are quite engaging.

I am hoping…to get my taxes done today. I made an attempt yesterday but our Brighthouse server was having mega problems due to the high winds we were experiencing. Thankfully we didn’t experience any of the snow that many of my blogging friends are dealing with today.

Around the house..I got rid of another chair in the front living room and replaced it with a live plant. Now when you walk into our home it finally appears as spacious as it did the first time I walked into it and fell in love with it. I’m starting to set the plans in motion for the ‘re-do’ of our bedroom.

One of My Favorite Things…is hooking up with blogging friends and in real life friends through Facebook. It has become an awesome tool in re-connecting and staying cthe tips of washing duvet coversonnected with people who make my world a happier place.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: catch up from last week.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing…

 

The beginnings of my ’sacred/happy’ place. There is still quite a bit of raking to do.

Today’s ‘Around the Square‘: is Organized Home. Not only do they have a vast amount of resources to peruse as we all head into a spring cleaning frenzy. I also love (and use) the printabthe suggestion of washing duvet coversles they have available. If you need to feel inspired with spring around the corner…go over there and take a peek at all there great suggestions for getting and keeping your home organized.

Today I am grateful for: the flexibility of my counseling job.

Today I am going to simplify my life: by updating all the information in my Household Notebook and adding additional info that I am usually on the hunt for….like non-reimbursed medical expense sheets that I need for my taxes!!!!

Samantha’s Corner:

Dear Sam,

It’s 10.23 in the morning and you are still sleeping. I never thought I would be a parent that would indulge this type of behavior. However, I never thought that I would be the parent of a child whose internal clock is set in ‘night owl’ mode. Ever since the day you were born, getting you to sleep before midnight has ALWAYS been a struggle. And so what kept you up until all hours of the night last night???

Drawing this:

 

However, it is time to get up and get started on your day even though your ‘muse’ keeps you awake into the wee hours of the morning. Perhaps your ‘muse’ can help with your school work????

Love, Mom

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