A Short Tour and Saturday Night Supper

We can finally leave the house by the front door or walk through the garage to the driveway and street. Richard went outside with salt and a heavy shovel and managed to crack through the ice. A couple of hours later he could manage to shovel the ice away.

And now for the tour (all photos taken from the sunporch -- the yard is not navigable, yet)...


What looks like snow is actually all ice. The sign says, "Garden Tours 50 cents." The birdhouse/hat had silk flowers around the brim that are probably adorning a squirrel's nest -- they just disappeared about two months ago.


This is our patio just waiting for a barbecue and at this time of year I don't need the umbrella to shade me from the sun.


This is the sun room. If you look closely enough you can see Azrielle (BIG black kitty) on the far chair enjoying the toasty warmth.


This is a clivia that is about to send up a bloom cluster. In about a week this should be in full bloom. The flowers are bright orange.


This was tonight's supper -- macaroni and cheese. The recipe follows:

2 cups cold milk
3 tablespoons of butter
3 tablespoons of flour
1 tablespoon whole grain or brown mustard
1 tablespoon onion powder
4 tablespoons of chopped parsley
1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces of shredded cheddar, smoked gouda, or Havarti (or a mix of your favs)
4 ounces of Velveeta (I know this seems pedestrian, but the stuff really melts well!)

1 pound cavatappi (De Cecco makes these -- they're like an elbow macaroni that is longer, twisted, and totally out of control. If you can't find these, use a macaroni that will hold onto the sauce -- like shells or penne rigate (with lines))

1/4 cup Italian-flavored bread crumbs
1 large baking dish sprayed with butter Pam

Preheat the oven to 375.
Place butter in a saucepan until melted. Add flour and whisk until incorporated. Add cold milk and cook until thickened and bubbling over medium heat. Whisk frequently guarding against burning. After thickened and bubbling, over low heat add mustard, freshly ground black pepper, onion powder, and chopped parsley. Add cheese, whisk until cheese has melted. Remove from heat. Taste for seasoning.
Boil macaroni, drain, and pour into prepared baking dish. Pour cheese mixture making sure it is evenly distributed. Sprinkle bread crumbs across the top and then spray them with butter Pam. You can also drizzle olive oil or melted butter if you prefer. Bake for 35 minutes. Let sit for about 10 minutes before serving.