What did you do this last week? I made some hats, did some scrap booking, walked, read, cooked, watched an inaugeration (discovered I cannot spell inauguration correctly the first time I type it ever), was inspired by a young poet, and then wasted spent a whole lot of time looking at Bernie Mitten memes. One of my favorite is this one:
Back to the inauguration, though. I clapped, I got a little teary, I felt a giant sense of relief. I admire Amy Klobuchar and enjoyed seeing her leading and smiling. I watched history being made as VP Harris took the oath (and cringed as Justice Sotomayor mispronounced her name). I was in awe at the enormity of President Biden's very old family Bible (and was afraid someone was going to drop it). And then Amanda Gorman left me speechless with her words. Amazed, I found myself wanting to try writing poetry. Maybe next year.
Book 4
Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace - I thought I had somehow missed this classic as a child but as I read it, I had a vague recollection of having read it before. It was really a very sweet story of 2 little girls who are best friends. They have imaginative adventures in a time that seems much simpler, in a town Deep Valley which is a fictionalized version of Mankato, MN. I am going to also ready Betsy-Tacy and Tib this year. Maybe I'll continue with the series some other time.
Hats 1-6
Last Monday I turned in 3 hats and saw some of my knitting friends whom I haven't seen in 2 years. Sometimes my job gets in the way of the rest of my life, so I had taken time off from baby hats for awhile. I happened to meet Helen as I was going into the community center and she was coming out. She somehow recognized me with my hat and mask on, so we chatted briefly. I should tell you that the group I knit with is called Knitting Grandmas (and friends!) and when I am not there, the average age is about 75. Helen is a dear soul who always tells me her memory is not as good as it used to be, and her hearing is getting bad, and oh, yes, her back hurts. She always remembers my name and chats with me (even when we are supposed to be quiet) and when we used to gather, she would save me a seat. Today when I walked in with 3 more hats in hand, I was running late and the other hats were already packed but at least 4 ladies recognized me, called me by name and acted as if they had known I would be there and they had been waiting for me. It is good to be remembered. Also, I love people who pronounce my name correctly.
Scrapbook 1-6
I spent a good part of the weekend working on my scrap book, completing 6 pages. That doesn't sound like a lot but I am pleased with the pages, so that is something. Here is one page I did, working on Glacier/Yellowstone trip from 2014.
Recipe Four
Another new recipe this week - it was a quick one, an everyday type meal. I liked it but didn't LOVE it, and I would make it again, probably with 12 oz of pasta instead of 16 and maybe a couple of tweaks to the recipe. It was a recipe I had pinned a while ago and found again when I search for ground beef recipes - Jen Around the World posted the recipe. I am retyping here with some modifications I made.Easy Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
1lb lean ground beef
4 t minced ginger (our store was out of fresh ginger so I subbed in dried ground ginger)
6 cloves garlic, minced (I used 3-4, I think. Actually E browned the beef and added ginger and garlic.)
1/2 C low sodium soy sauce (make sure to use low sodium or I think it would be way too salty)
1/2 C beef broth (I might consider using water vs. broth next time, as it was bordering on too salty)
6 T hoisin sauce (do they make this low sodium? Might not be a bad idea to use that version)
1/2 t red pepper flakes
1/2 t black pepper
1 box (1 pound) linguine noodles (Jen Around the World did not say what size box - I guessed)
4 green onions, diced for garnish (did not add these)
Toasted seasame seeds for garnish (forgot all about these)
Brown the ground beef with ginger and garlic until cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces. Drain any fat.
Meanwhile, cook noodles according to instruction. "Be sure to salt water well so your noodles soak up that flavor" (I would skip this in the future - see above notes about saltiness).
Combine the remaining ingredients (except garnishes) in a small bowl, then pour into ground beef.
Let the sauce and meat cook together for a couple minutes to allow beef to absorb the flavors.
Drain noodles and then add to the ground beef mixture. Mix thoroughly and cook for a couple more minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
Top with green onions and seasame seeds.
Makes 8 servings (or 6 bigger servings).
It was ok as leftovers but is best eaten the same day, I thought. And I definitely didn't want to eat it 4 nights in a row, just because the noodles get a little rubbery the longer they sit.
That's all for tonight, friends. I am tired. Someday I'll get some more reflections of 2020 in here. I really want to tell you about some of the reading highlights from last year. Maybe next post.
Fifty for 50 Tally
Books completed – 4 (4 more started)
Recipes tried – 4
Blog posts published– 4
Miles walked in January –39.2
Miles walked year-to-date –39.2
Scrap book pages completed –6
Hats donated – 6
Hours volunteered – 0
Until we read and eat again,
Hallie
