It's Pretty Chilly Around Here

Seriously, it's been pretty cold for around these parts.

I was leaving to go to work when I noticed

something a little odd about our pond.

Ummm, there's ice on our pond.

That's never happened before 

(with the caveat "That I can remember).

Look at the poor little fishies.

I'm not sure if they are cold, 

it looks like they are asleep (hibernating - do fish hibernate?)

I think it's safe to say that you can't ice skate or

take your truck out on it.

It's only about 1/4 inch thick.

I know that it gets much colder in other parts of the U.S.,

but it's pretty cold for around this area of California.

I know I'm ridiculous thinking that the frozen pond is cool,

but give a girl a break, there's not much exciting stuff that

happens around our house.

A Very Short New Years Eve Recap

As you probably remember, I was sick on New Years.

The flu attacked me starting  Sunday and went through Thursday.

I did do my best to celebrate New Years though.

In fact, I went out and spent about $50 on

 little snacks. movies, and drinks.

Because I was confined to bed, Austin took over and

made some of the little goodies that I had planned

(Lexx was at her boyfriends house celebrating - 

so she was no help).

I did manage to drag myself out to the kitchen and 

get a couple of pictures before I had to go lay back down.

Austin with his spinach dip.

Yummy!

Austin also managed to throw a couple other things together,

but unfortunately I didn't get any pictures, AND I didn't get 

to taste them either.

Todd and Austin watching a movie.

Enjoying the nice cozy fire.

So that's all I can tell you about NYE

because I was asleep by 9 or 10 PM.

Hey...no snide comments.

It was midnight in New York!

Weekend Baby!

Not much is planned for this weekend.

I'm still recuperating from the flu/virus thingy,

but we are talking about possibly seeing a movie,

or maybe we will sit around the house watching dvd's 

all day and eating yummy junk food that Austin makes.

Spinach dip that Austin threw together for the family - nom, nom, nom.

Not bad for never making it before!

Austin - You're hired. 

My Bubbles

Via

I found this photo on Pinterest.

Those are frozen bubbles below the surface of Abraham Lake.

AMAZING and soooo beautiful!

I wish I had these amazing photography skills.

10 points if you can tell me what movie my blog post title came from.

It's a HIt

I found a recipe that my family loves,

and it is super easy to make.

It is Cornbread Casserole that I found here,

and I've included pictures and instructions below.

 

Cook your meat.

The recipe calls for ground beef but I used ground turkey.

Once the meat is cooked thoroughly, use taco seasoning.

While your meat is cooking put together the

cornbread, 1/2 can of cream of corn, and 1/2 can of corn.

I used Jiffy, but you can use whatever you like.

Pour the cornbread mixture in a 9x13 dish.

I used Pam on the bottom to keep it from sticking,

but again, do what you want.

 

Once the meet mixture is done,

pour this on top of the cornbread mixture.

It should look something like this.

I added olives and chopped chilies.

I can think of a number of things you could add,

but this was all I had on hand.

 

For the final step, you mix the second box of

cornbread together with the other 1/2 of the

cream of corn and corn and

then pour this on top of everything.

I added cheese to the top of casserole and

cooked it in the oven at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

It turned out pretty!

Am I right?

Almost to good to eat...almost.

 

Let it cool for a few minutes and then eat.

 

 

It was such a hit I only got 1piece of it.

When I went to eat the leftovers the next

evening it was all gone.

The best part, it took me about 15 minutes to

throw it together.

 

The family agreed that is one of their new favorites

because it has a sweet and salty taste.

Sweet from the cornbread mixture, salty from the meat mixture.

 

So what do you think, would you give it a try?

 

Mexican Cornbread Casserole

from

Copykat

2 boxes cornbread mix

1pound ground beef

1 small can chopped green chilies

1 package taco seasoning mix

1 can regular corn

1 can creamed corn

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Brown ground beef add taco seasoning per package directions; set aside.  Mix cornbread per package directions; to corn bread add 1/2 can cream corn and 1/2 can drained regular corn add 1/2 of cornbread mixture in bottom of 9x13 pan; On top of cornbread put meat mixture; remaining can of corn and cream corn over that; now add 1/2 of the cheese; add can of green chilies then top with remaining cornbread mixture and cheese all over top; bake 350* 35-40 min let set 5 min or so and cut into squares .

Todd's Contribution

All the Christmas decorations are put away,

and Ted is put to bed, but look what I found while cleaning up....

Todd's contribution to Christmas decorating.

Yes, it is a Scarecrow plant spike from flowers 

that we had for Thanksgiving.

What a goof!

So Thoughtful

As promised, I am doing a short post on

the sweet gift Todd bought me while

we were in Tahoe.

While at the Heavenly Shopping area,

Todd found a store that had several wonderful items.

While I was busy looking around,

Todd found something that he wanted to get

me and had the saleslady hide it behind the

counter until I left.

I continued on to the next store with Lexx,

and Austin stayed with Todd and played interference.

All was well with the plan until we got back to the car

and there was now place to hide the new purchase.

It ended up in my lap for a short time, 

but Todd still wouldn't let me open it!

The final reveal was at home, where I finally got permission

to see my new (and might I say) awesome gift!

SQUEE!

The picnic basket -

but wait, there's more...

Look at all this wonderful goodness! 

A cooler, blanket, napkins, plates, silverware, glasses, 

salt and pepper shakers and a wine bottle opener.

Look at the cute little salt and pepper shakers.

They are about an inch tall.

Some plaid goodness going on here.

On either side you have your wine glass and eating utensils.

Isn't this fabulous!

I can't wait for the weather to clear up so we can put this cutie to use.

In fact, neither could one of the salesladies.

True story:

The lady who checked Todd out, was really checking Todd out.

While he was paying for my basket ( his wife's basket),

the lady asked if he was married.  When he said, "Yes!"

The saleslady replied, "Hmmm, too bad, you have really good taste."

Back off girlfriend!

This one is taken -

VERY TAKEN!

Although, you can't blame a girl for trying.  He is absolutely wonderful.