Finally thawing out!

Tastes like ice cream!

Both my hubby and I are from the north originally (Michigan and NY, respectably).  We have never seen the likes of what took place this past Tuesday here in Atlanta (well...except for here in 1982).

I know many in the northern and midwestern states are laughing, "how could that be?"  Next time it happens I hope those who are laughing happen to be here visiting and enjoying our Southern hospitality...they won't go home laughing that is for sure!

Fingers are being pointed, and in some instances rightfully so.

1) The weather model was updated in the wee hours of the morning...in plenty of time to change plans for school children.

2) If the children had been kept home, more parents would have stayed home as well because obtaining last minute child care is difficult...thus less adults on the roadways.

3) Trucks (Semis)...forbidden inside the Perimeter (actually they are unless making deliveries, but many were anyhow).  Required to have snow chains.  If not, pull your rig over!  You have a warm cab to sleep in, you most likely have provisions for at least 24 hours,  let's face it...you spend your life on the road!!!

None of us will EVER take snow/ice in Atlanta lightly again!!! (forecasted for next week by the way).

When my girls first started driving I made them emergency kits to keep in the car.  We will all be getting new ones.  My oldest was stranded on the highway for 8+ hours...thankful to have a cup and TP in her truck (just stating the facts mam!)

I do have to give credit where credit is due...administrators, teachers and bus drivers who made the best of a terrible situation need to be applauded!  They don't get paid enough for their usual duties...this was WAY beyond the call of duty!!!

Our district was one of the few back in session today (however, we questioned that...two cars slid off the roadway in front of our neighborhood and ended up in ditches and the high school parking lot looked like a skating rink last night!).

We are looking forward to the 65 degree weather forecasted for tomorrow.  Yes, welcome to Atlanta's crazy weather!!!

TGIF!!!

Snow Ya'll

This has by far got to be the craziest year for weather!  It was almost 70 just a couple days ago, and now this...

Our outdoor bar area has already received a dusting.

The pond has ice!

This is the back porch...

Most schools were in session today, many scrambling now to send kids home early.  The roads are dicey in many spots (particularly our overpasses like Spaghetti Junction).  And, the slip and slide has begun...so many accidents already.

My oldest had to run home this way for a doctors appointment earlier and is just praying she can make it up the hill at her apartment complex north of town.  Not fun!!  While she hates having to take a day off from teaching, today was the day as they are sending those kids home 2 hours early.

To my fellow Atlanta bloggers, be safe.  Praying all get home safely that were out and about, or at school and work.

Ron-this is a dusting...I am sure you are experiencing it today! LOL

Diana-go  ahead and laugh...hubby and I are both from the North.  Our neighbors will be calling us to pull them out, run to  the store, etc!

Snow is one thing, but here in Georgia were prefer ice! NOT!!!

Family-Style Frankfurters with Rice and Red Beans

While on a recent trek to Target (or as we like to say in our family Tar-jay), I was pleasantly surprised to stumble upon this cookbook.

With its beautiful glossy pages and a price point under $14, it instantly found its way into my shopping cart.

So, while hubby and I were deciding on "what's for dinner?" I stumbled upon this recipe...

Quick, easy, hearty meal...SOLD!

This dish could not have been easier to prepare, and the fact that it only takes one dish had me sold (I am usually the clean up person).

Family-Style Frankfurters with Rice and Red Beans

Makes 6 servings (however, this is super filling so maybe more)

1 TBS vegetable oil (we used olive oil)

1 onion, chopped

1/2 green bell pepper, chopped

2 cloves, garlic, chopped

1 can (15oz) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (15 oz) Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 pound gluten-free beef frankfurters, cut into 1/4 inch thick pieces (or regular if you do not have to worry about being GF free)

1 C uncooked instant brown rice

1 C gluten-free vegetable broth (or other if you do not have to worry about GF free)

1/4 C packed brown sugar

1/4 C ketchup (even though I have a sensitivity to tomatoes, I was okay with this small amount)

3 TBS dark molasses

1 TBS Dijon Mustard

1. Preheat oven to 350*F.  Spray 13X9 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. (we eliminated this step by preparing everything in our dutch oven).

2. Heat oil in large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper and garlic; cook and stir 2 minutes or until tender.

3. Add beans, frankfurters, rice, broth, brown sugar, ketchup, molasses and mustard to saucepan; gently mix. Transfer to prepared baking dish (unless using a dutch oven).

4. Bake, covered, 30 minutes or until rice is tender.

During the cooking process. Beautiful color!

Really thickens up.  This is a stick to your ribs kinda meal!!!

So good, and so filling!!!

Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.  Thank you to everyone for all the sweet well wishes for our oldest's birthday.  She had a wonderful day, and is back hard at work teaching another semester!  

I just recently made some changes to our Master Closet and hope to share the details soon!

24~Happy Birthday to My Oldest

So many reasons to celebrate!  24 years. How did that happen???!!!

While your entrance into this world was not the easiest (ha, mom is posting about your almost 24 hour entrance on your 24th birthday, seems fitting!), you were a fighter from the time your took your very first breath.  You wanted to be sure everyone knew you had arrived!

Over the next 20+ years, you have continued to let everyone know you are here, here to make a difference.

You sought out those with differences and special needs from the time you were able to understand they had differences.  Although, you would prefer to consider them equal...as you would say, "we all have some kind of challenge to face in this lifetime."

Your dad, sissy and I could not have been more proud of you this past year as you quit a very good paying job (the job you started the very day after your college graduation), to pursue your passion for teaching.  And, not just teaching anyone...but those you had a big heart and a passion for that started many years ago...those with Special Needs.

And, after teaching just one semester I can see you made the right decision.  Your students, the athletes that you coached, and your peers adore you!  You are truly making a difference in the lives of many young people.  Some whom you are their only source of encouragement!

We could not be more proud to call you our daughter and sister!

Happy Birthday Elie!

Love,
Mom, Dad and Sissy

P.S.  Toby and Kylee Too!!!