What a gorgeous week we have had. It couldn’t have been better weather and the temperature was perfect for getting out and walking. Wyke and I were both better so out we went with Bean tagging along. I hope you all enjoyed some outside time too. No update regarding Jenny Lane except to say we are really enjoying the house without any disruption at the moment. Just waiting on the glass doors for our bathroom shower. Come winter we will be doing a lot of painting of trim.
Lots of Walks
Finally after 10 days I was feeling well enough to get out and resume my walking routine. Wyke’s ear was much better as he was to have the drain and the stitches taken out on Wednesday so we were once again ready to go. Almost every day was perfect. One day started out with rain and dark clouds but we waited until about noon by then the clouds were dispersing and the rain had stopped. We managed to get out there five times which was just wonderful for all of us. The first day I was pretty slow and very tired when I stopped but it didn’t stop us for going out again the next day and the next. This is really what I love about fall in New England. The trees are now the bronze or rust color of the oaks and the yellow of the beeches nestled in are the green pine trees. Sunny or cloudy it is beautiful.
Car Update
Last week I mentioned the trials we were having in getting Libby’s car. It was a comedy of errors but eventually, by mid-week, we had heard from the dealer to say he was going to make the car drivable. I left a few more messages but eventually heard early Friday morning that we could come and get the car. It’s not just around the corner but rather a two hour drive there to get it. Another perfect day so we headed off to the Northeast Kingdom. The car was indeed ready for us. Lovely shiny and oh so clean. It still needs a part and we are working on that but it is drivable. Our young lady came home after school late on Friday night and there it was waiting for her. You can see by her expression that she was delighted. There is always a story!!!
John’s The Chef
While I am out walking the dogs and myself, John is often back in the kitchen cooking and many times baking chocolate chip cookies. This week he made a wonderful pot roast and a big pot of chili. Wonderful meals for the fall. One of my favorites is chili and I prefer to make it with ground turkey but you can certainly use ground beef if you prefer it. Here is a delicious recipe to try from The New York Times Cooking.
Turkey Chili Recipe
INGREDIENTS
Yield: 6 servings or more
- 1tablespoon olive oil
- 2pounds ground turkey, white and dark combined
- 2cups coarsely chopped onions
- 2tablespoons chopped garlic
- 1large sweet red pepper, cored, deveined and coarsely chopped
- 1cup chopped celery
- 1jalapeno pepper, cored, deveined and finely chopped
- 1tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped, or 1 tablespoon, dried
- 2bay leaves
- 3tablespoons chili powder
- 2teaspoons ground cumin
- 3cups canned diced tomatoes
- 2cups chicken broth, fresh or canned
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 215-ounce cans of red kidney beans, drained
- 2cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1cup sour cream (optional)
- Sliced lime for garnish (optional)
PREPARATION
Step 1 Heat the oil over high heat in a large heavy pot and add the turkey meat. Cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes, chopping down and stirring with the side of a heavy kitchen spoon to break up any lumps.
Step 2 Add the onions, garlic, sweet pepper, celery, jalapeno pepper, oregano, bay leaves, chili powder and cumin. Stir to blend well. Cook for 5 minutes.
Step 3 Add the tomatoes, chicken broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.
Step 4 Add the drained beans and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes longer. Serve in bowls with cheddar cheese, and sour cream and lime wedges, if desired.
