Heading over to Beth's

[KarenSews2]

The taco casserole is hot out of the oven, and the apple pie is still hot, too. Mmmmm. I think I will be dining with Beth and 2 of the girls. Fun. I'll report in when I get back home.

Oh yeah, I'll have to stop on the way to get some vanilla ice cream. Ya can't have my warm apple pie with no ice cream, fercryinoutloud! (I think it's a law...)

[lucille]

The taco casserole is hot out of the oven, and the apple pie is still hot, too. Mmmmm. I think I will be dining with Beth and 2 of the girls. Fun. I'll report in when I get back home.

Oh yeah, I'll have to stop on the way to get some vanilla ice cream. Ya can't have my warm apple pie with no ice cream, fercryinoutloud! (I think it's a law...)

Well 'onya' Mrs Sews2. I'm hungry and its just past brekky time. Laws! your a law unto yaself. Looka at ya gramma (and look at mine).:D Say "HI" to Beth and co. from downunder.

[hoops]

I hope you had a wonderful time together! I know the food was good, i was drooling just reading about it, and i know you are a great baker ( or so i've heard)
peace
hoops

[KarenSews2]

I had a wonderful visit with Beth, Olivia and Michaela. Verlann was sleeping, and Clare was having an overnight at school. Beth looked good, but moved much slower that I'm used to seeing her move. All 3 seemed really appreciative of the "grub." Olivia kept saying, "Oh, I missed you! Thank you very much!" They really dug into the casserole. Michaela said it was a bit too spicy, but Olivia said it was "just right."

After we ate, the girls went outside to play while Beth and I chatted. They bounced on the trampoline, and showed me some stunts on the zipline. Fun! They decided it was time to come in for dessert, and washed their hands even before being told. The pie and ice cream were a HIT! It has been decided that I'll have each of the girls over (separately) to show them how to make a pie. That will be fun!

After dessert, each of the girls played piano for me, and did quite a nice job.

Michaela gave me a crayon self-portrait, and I received a special rock from Olivia. They are such sweet girls.

Beth was telling me how far she's come, and how much better she is. All she's been through is so scary!

A nice evening with my Rudie friend(s).

[dragonlady]

It's so great that you guys live so close!!! Sounds like a wonderful evening.

-di

[Beth]

Karen outdid herself. Her casserole was very tasty and satisfying. And it was so welcome. I was really grateful that she came for a visit with FOOD! The pie was also gorgeous and delicious. Michaela and I had some for breakfast this morning. Even beyond the good food, I was grateful for your company, Karen. It helped me to feel a little more connected to the world that has been a bit beyond me for the past six weeks and which I miss and am desparately trying to get back to step by step. Not great news from the surgeon today, and PT that was rough, not the best day, one of those Days Like These. But last evening, Karen is a good memory that consoles me and carries me to look at the horizon this evening. I have much for which I am deeply grateful.

[hoops]

That Karen is a sweet heart. Thanks for helping out our Beth. still sending rudie vibes, Beth
peace
hoops

[Bat]

What a nice thing to do, Karen! I know Beth and girls really had to appreciate that gesture of good will and kindness...above and beyond!

Glad you're getting better, Beth, little by little...gotta expect a few steps back once in a while, but they're hard to take. Meanwhile, you've come a long way, and still have a way to go to get back to your old ebullient self again.
I wish you the best and hope you get lots of nice surprises along the way back!
Hugs,
Bat

[DaveM]

Beth can move slowly? I don't believe it!

So glad to hear that a good time was had by all. Laughter is of course supposed to be the best medicine, but food is probably not too far behind. Especially Rudie Food.

[Mary6906]

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg317/Mary6906/My%20stuff/_laugh-chickensoup1.jpg

[Cricket]

Mmmmm. Taco casserole sounds good. Any chance you'd share your recipe or is it secret? We made up one last month - it kinda missed the mark though. I need to work on the recipe.

Continue getting well Beth!

[Bat]

There is a difference of opinion, however:


http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2425811490049175094hTdUJs





http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg317/Mary6906/My%20stuff/_laugh-chickensoup1.jpg

[Mary6906]

Ok, as long as we're on a roll here.... ;)
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n145/alternati/ChickenCartoon.jpg


http://funny-stuff.audio4fun.com/images/funny-pictures/frog-chicken.jpg


Now I return you to our regularly-scheduled thread!

[hoops]

you are a twisted woman Mary...and I LOVE you for it
peace
hoops

[KarenSews2]

For those of you who requested it, here is the recipe for Taco Casserole.

First, here's the story of how I got it:

I was judging a choir contest in southern Indiana. We didn't start until after lunch, and I wasn't sure we would be given lunch, so I ate a light lunch before I got there. Well, they did have lunch. I wasn't really hungry, but the casserole looked so good, I decided to "try a little." It was delicious, so I had a little more. I started asking who had made it and if I could get the recipe. I was told Mrs. Firestone made it, and she'd probably be happy to give me the recipe. Later, she came in, and although her married name was Firestone, her maiden name was likely Gonzales or Hernandez! I hit the jackpot, because this little Hispanic woman was quite happy to send me this recipe!

Taco Casserole

3 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 envelopes taco seasoning
2 10 oz. cans diced tomatoes with chilis
1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
1 head lettuce, diced
16 oz. chunky salsa
2 c. shredded cheese (I use Mexican blend)
tortilla chips

Brown ground beef and onion, drain. Add taco seasoning, tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Let simmer at least 10 min.
In casserole dish (I use 9"x13") put beef, then layer lettuce (I don't usually use the entire head), and lightly crushed tortilla chips. (there was no exact amount of chips. I just put several handsful to make a nice layer.) Top with salsa, then cheese. Bake @ 350 F until cheese melts.

I like to serve it with sour cream, and sometimes I'll put some sliced black olives in before the lettuce.

You can control the "heat" by your choice of tomatoes/chilis and the salsa.

Sometime I'm going to try adding a layer of refried beans! MMmmm

It's really good, and reheats very well.

Let me know what you think after you try it!

[Bat]

Thanks for that, Karen...it sounds absolutely wonderful! Black beans on the side would be great, too!

[aspiemom]

Thanks for the recipe, Karen. Sounds yummy! I think I'll make it this week. Rudie vibes still coming to you, Beth.