Just In Case...

you're tired of turkey. I made this Black Bean Soup last week and LOVED it. So quick and easy and a refreshing change from what I usually make.

Black Bean and Salsa Soup

1/2 an onion

2 cloves minced garlic

2 (15oz) cans of black beans, drained and rinsed

1 1/2 cups chicken broth

1 cup chunky salsa ( I used a can of Ro-tel)

1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

4 tablespoon sour cream

Saute the onion, then add the garlic until fragrant. Mix in beans, chicken broth, salsa and cumin. Simmer for 10-20 minutes, until all flavors are well mixed. Use handheld blender to mix. I left it a bit chunky and it was great!

Enjoy!

5 things...

ahhh, Thanksgiving week! Turkey and stuffing. Pumpkin and apple pies. So without further adieu:

1. I'm thankful for my husband. We've known each other since May 1985!! He's my best friend. Don't know what I would do without him.

2. I'm thankful for the two spirited young men in my life. Matt and Ryan make my life. oh so interesting and exciting! They're good kids! Raising boys is a glorious adventure that I wouldn't miss for anything!

3. I'm thankful for my family. They keep me grounded and know when to make me laugh. Each and everyone is so very different, but that's the way it's suppose to be, right?

4. I'm thankful for my friends. They get the brunt of my complaining. From the days of "Play Group" to the "Middle School Years," my friends have been there as support to me, showing me that I'm not alone in this road of Motherhood.

5. and last, but so not least! I'm thankful for my Internet friends. Your constant creativity inspires me every.single.day. I'm so glad that I'm part of this amazing community!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving...enjoy your preparations...and try to relax in the upcoming weeks.

A Trip to the City...sans kids!

The inside of our hotel.

I have to apologize, I did not carry my big camera. Just didn't want to lug it around with all the shopping bags that I was carrying. So we all have to make due with iphone pictures.


the '09 retirees

We had a relaxing two days away, although I think it was hard on my husband to be back amongst the people that he really admired. His old firm really does give out the perks! It is hard to give that up....but then again, he is spending much more time with his family and that's the best perk yet!

One of the highlights of our trip was hearing an ex-president speak. Are there rules for posting pictures? I'm not sure, so I won't write his name. He spoke for an hour and was quite interesting. Can you figure out who it was?

30 rock--oh, how I love that show!

We had a wonderful dinner with my sister at Becco. Nice little Italian spot on restaurant row. I give it two thumbs up!

The Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center

The boys survived and really did quite well with my mom. They knew we needed this time away so it was a win-win for everyone!

ice skating at Rockefeller Center

Back to the old grind and on to Christmas shopping. oh joy!

and what's a trip into the city without seeing the naked cowboy!

We Went For a Walk

The weather was perfect for a late autumn walk with a good friend. Ryan with his and me with mine.

We explored the house at the end of the lane. How could someone leave something so precious.

An outhouse for an art studio.

Barns that use to house animals.

An old family plot...discussions about the families that came before.

Discoveries to bring to the science teacher.

Old trees planted years ago...all in a line.

It felt like a walk to another time and place.

Break A Leg!

We'll be spending the weekend at the hockey rink and at the school auditorium! Matt's in the opening scene of "The Music Man!" Break a leg Matt!

We are beginning to feel better around here and I hope to be back to the living next week. Happy weekend everyone!