It's my birthday!

My mom, sister and brother-in-law gave Stan and me a day cruise from Hilton Head Island, SC to Savannah, GA for my birthday. It was a special Paula Deen cruise. We boarded early Thursday morning in Harbour Town Marina. This picture is us on the banks of the river in Savannah. We took a bus tour through the city making several stops. We ended up at Uncle Bubba's restaurant for a late lunch and then back to the riverfront to catch our boat back to Hilton Head Island.

Uncle Bubba and Me

I met Uncle Bubba, Paula Deen's brother, ate at his restaurant and had my cookbook signed. The food was delicious and he was very gracious, in an "Uncle Bubba" sort of way. :)

Wednesday Thoughts

I have a friend in ICU and he is only 30. I have a friend fighting for our freedom in Iraq. I have a friend who continues to adjust to life after loosing her husband in an accident. I have a sister who is awaiting a court date to know if their adoption appeal will be accepted. I have a friend struggling daily with cancer. I have so many others in my life having daily struggles. And yet, I find myself focusing on me and what I want, little things that really do not matter. I pray today for God to "turn my eyes from worthless things..." (Psalm 119:37a.) and to help me to love the Lord with all my heart, soul and mind and to love others. (Matthew 22:37-39)

Tutorial Tuesday

I have decided to post a favorite, free tutorial each Tuesday. The tutorials will be sewing or craft related. This Tuesday is from one of my favorite blogs, Allsorts. Her blog is so colorful and it makes me happy to visit. The Criss-Cross Coaster tutorial is great for beginners. I have made several sets of these for giifts. You just slide a stem ware glass bottom into the middle open seam for a substitute of wine glass charms. Adorable! The links is here:

http://allsorts.typepad.com/allsorts/2006/11/crisscross_coas.html

Once you have checked out her Criss-Cross Coaster tutorial, check out her new pictures of her studio on the main page. It will definitely inspire you.

Recipe Monday

I have decided to post a favorite recipe each Monday. This week I will start with one of my husband's favorite soups, Vegetable Beef Soup. I was given this recipe by my friend, Rita. With the cold, snowy weather yesterday, this is what Stan requested. It is also low in fat and delicious.

VEGETABLE BEEF SOUP

Boil and drain 1-2 pounds of ground chuck or brown 2 pounds of stew meat in olive oil. Place in large pot.

Add to large stock pot:
1 46 ounce V-8 juice
1 can beef broth (I use low-fat, low-sodium)
2 cans Progesso Hearty Tomato Soup
1 can drained, diced tomatoes
1 tsp. or more minced onion (my family likes onion so we always go with more)
Veggies of your choice - potatoes, butter beans, corn, okra, peas, carrots, etc. Use fresh or frozen veggies and not canned.
I also put a teaspoon of sugar to cut the acid of the tomatoes.

Cook until potatoes are tender and veggies are done. This makes a huge pot of soup. I freeze half immediately and I have a meal to take someone in need or for a busy night where you need a quick dinner. This has a wonderful flavor and it is low in fat and nutritious. I serve with crackers or cornbread.

This is the view this morning as I looked out my back door. Stunning.

Sunburn and Snow

Stan and I have been in Hilton Head Island, SC for the last week. This is a shot taken from our balcony on the second morning there just after sunrise. Beautiful! We had a wonderful time. We came home with rosy cheeks and sunburned shoulders to SNOW! That's right. I just can't believe we have all this snow. What a body shock. In it's own way, it is so beautiful but I will always prefer the warm sandy beaches and the roar of the Atlantic crashing onshore.