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.