The Deck is Finished

We have completed out "outdoor room" as Dan would call it. We did some painting and sealing and then we put up a track and put shades up. It is going to be so nice. Thanks to some help from our friends Ron Hock and Jim Nelson.

Alfredo Penne Pasta

This was the easiest and most delicious pasta that we have had in a long time.

Ingredients:

Whole grain penne pasta
1 Jar Ragu Alfredo Sauce
1 Cup of diced ham or chicken or shrimp
1 Cup shredded Italian Cheeses
1/4 Cup butter
1 Cup broccoli (optional)

Cook pasta as directed on the package. Spray casserole dish with Pam and mix all ingredients together. Bake covered with foil for 40 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove foil and cover with another half cup of cheese and bake for 10 more minutes.

I prepared this ahead and so I only mixed half of the sauce before refrigerating. I added the other half just before putting it into the oven.

Texas 2010

We have been pretty busy since we arrived in Texas this winter. We are getting ready to put shades around our deck for privacy and to keep the sun out. We have purchased all of the materials and so far have the frame built and painted and have sealed the deck. It already is looking better.



Besides cleaning and getting things set up here we have spent a lot of time with our winter Texan friends and just last night went to a spaghetti dinner. I must say it might have been the starchiest dish I ever had. Next week it is back to the 2 for $20. at Chili's.

This past summer when I cleaned our basement out I found a couple of puzzles that I had not worked and decided to bring one with me. The Omaha Buck's gave me a stow and go so I can roll it up when I am done with it for the day. It works very well. Here is my finished puzzle and hopefully I can find another one to work as it was a great pastime in the evening.

Merry Christmas from the Rio Grande Valley

We have arrived and have settled into our home away from home. Here are a few pictures of our Christmas here in the valley.

Our little fiber optics tree.


Our outdoor lights.


The Christmas parade

A weekend with the China Sisters

We have finally met a few of the people that traveled to China with Cindy and Craig when they went to get Katie. They are a remarkable group of people and family. We are grateful for the time we got to spend with them. Here are just a few pictures that we took.

Grandma Myra and Jordyn


Grandma Mary and Sadie, Lanie and Ava


China Sisters Rock: Sadie, Lanie, Ava, Katie, Jordyn and Iris


Happy Families


The Isabel's from South Korea

Christmas 2010

We were planning to leave for Texas the first of December and so we had our Chrismas on Saturday of the Thanksgiving weekend.

There was Carmel Apple French Toast for breakfast. Craig did a little hunting. We all went out and grabbed Dan's 500th cache.





We spent a wonderful evening opening gifts and snacking on goodies brought by everyone.

Bowling Day

The Friday after Thanksgiving we did our early morning shopping and then decided to start a new tradition. We went bowling. Three teams and lots of fun. We followed this day with pizza at Godfather's.

Our Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving day with our children and grandchildren. There was lots of food and games and visiting. It was a wonderful blessing to have everyone here.

44 years of family

It is Veterans Day.

Thanks to all the men and women who have served our country to give us the freedoms that we enjoy everyday.

Vincent Francis Seiler


Ronnie Allen Buck


Then


And now

Getting ready for an early Christmas

New Windows

We recently replaced all of the windows in our little house. It is so nice.

Quilt Retreat

This is a picture of me cutting on my crazy quilt. This is one of the pictures on Adel Quilt Shop blog.

I have attended my annual quilt retreat and had a wonderful time with two wonderful people. Thanks for the fun Fran and Joyce. This year we rented a town house and loved it. We have decided it is the only way to go. Our project was a crazy quilt and was a great project and a good learning experience.

In our town house.


The Crazy Quilt


Fran did not make a hat for the retreat and so the night before I whipped up this creation. You are looking at one of the winners.


Joyce won on pajama day. Sexy Mama


Of course we could shop