Roseau Times-Region - Serving Roseau County for over 100 Years - The Official Roseau County Newspaper

I was thinking the other day on how pre-COVID-19 a lot of people used to wish they could have a break. A break to stay home and 'get things done'. I for one am one of these people. I always wish I could have a week or two off with no distractions to get stuff done.

For example my new kitchen cabinets are sitting in my garage and how nice would it be if I could stay home and get everything done with no interruptions.

Well, as much as I would like that, unfortunately the RTR workers don't get a break from working to 'get things done'. It's great to have a job and be able to work, especially with how long the closures keep extending with several types of businesses. I mean who wouldn't like to go buy some new summer clothes or get a haircut!

My thoughts are that continuing to extend businesses closures needs to come to an end before the businesses won't be able to afford to open up again.

I think it should be left up to each individual whether or not they feel they are safe shopping at the business. It should be our decision, our choice. But that's just my opinion.

A funny that came out of the stay-at-home order that I never thought I would live to see/hear the day is my aunt Bev and her naps.

We were talking one morning a few weeks into the stay-at-home order and she told me how she was ready to go back to work and that she can't even nap anymore! What? She lives for her naps! Auntie Bev unable to nap anymore was something I never thought I would hear in my lifetime.

I think it's safe to say this 'break' has enabled people to catch up on projects and NAPS!

Another funny is my parents. They were both getting tired of traveling to Grand Forks for dad's radiation treatments. They were home just for the weekend and then gone all week and living in a hotel room.

They both just wanted to be home. Well I think it's safe to say that the stay-at-home order has gone on long enough where they are ready to do something, anything. Staying home ALL the time isn't as great as they once thought it sounded.

Speaking of dad, he is doing well, feeling great. He will have his re-check at the end of June to see what the radiation treatments did or didn't do with the tumor. In the meantime he gets to enjoy being home!

I did teach him how great steaks are with marinade. I think it's safe to say they will use marinade when they grill from now on.

Kickin' Cajun Dirty Rice

Ingredients

1 pound Ground Beef (75 to 80% lean)

1 medium green bell pepper, chopped

1 package (5.7 to 8 ounces) Cajun-style dirty rice mix or you could use a different flavor if this isn't to your liking.

1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained

Directions

Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add Ground Beef; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 3/4-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Pour off drippings.

Stir in rice mix (of your choice) and water amount indicated on package directions, omitting oil or margarine; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook according to time indicated in package directions or until rice is tender.

Stir in tomatoes. Cook until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Joke of the Week

Kickin' Cajun Dirty Rice

A senior citizen drove his brand new Corvette convertible out of the dealership. Taking off down the road, he floored it to 80 mph, enjoying the wind blowing through what little gray hair he had left. Amazing, he thought as he flew down I-94, pushing the pedal even more.

Looking in his rear view mirror, he saw a state trooper behind him, lights flashing and siren blaring. He floored it to 100 mph, then 110, then 120. Suddenly he thought, What am I doing? I'm too old for this, and pulled over to await the trooper's arrival.

Pulling in behind him, the trooper walked up to the Corvette, looked at his watch, and said, "Sir, my shift ends in 30 minutes. Today is Friday. If you can give me a reason for speeding that I've never heard before, I'll let you go."

The old gentleman paused. Then he said, "Years ago, my wife ran off with a state trooper. I thought you were bringing her back."

"Have a good day, sir," replied the trooper.