Life....

Las Vegas is over and Sarah's phone situation updated so now it's back to life.

I had a birthday and was spoiled!! A lighted palm tree was one of my cool gifts. I haven't put it up outside quite yet, but if the weather starts staying warmer it will be going up.

When we were in Montana they had a propane firepit on their deck which I expressed I thought would look great on my deck. Guess what will be on my deck now!!

A unique airplant, which is quite cool, found its way to me along with six other plants. I got treats, coffee mugs, cow printed Hey Dude and money for nails. Kyle got me flowers and so did my lil Soraya both were from Carol's Cedar Cellar. Carol does such an amazeballs job and the flowers last for weeks!

Yep, I was spoiled!!

After that it seems that everyone thought they should take a turn with medical stuff.

Kyle had his second nose surgery and I don't think it has been much fun for him. I will say the dogs and I have enjoyed having the king sized bed to ourselves.

Normally the dogs sleep elsewhere, but since Kyle has to sleep in the recliner elevated they get to be my bed partners. It didn't take long and we developed a new routing and they know where their "new" bed is.

Mom decided she should wake me up at 2 a.m. for an ER visit. She is good and has recovered from her sickness. Brandon had a doctor visit and he is good as well. Sarah's tooth decided to cause her some pain and she is still dealing with it. She will have it fixed soon.

I didn't want to be left out so I added a tooth to the mix, as well.

I start my yearlong process with it in June. I can't say I'm looking forward to it and the cost for one tooth is astronomical!!

Hopefully, it all slows down. Oh wait, we will be taking mom for the consult for her shoulder surgery!

Nope, it's not going to slow down anytime soon!

Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1 cup uncooked white rice

1 packet (1 ounce) dry ranch dressing mix

1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup

1 cup beef broth

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.

3. Stir in the uncooked rice, dry ranch dressing mix, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and beef broth into the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Mix well to combine.

4. Pour the ground beef and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and tender.

6. Remove the foil from the baking dish and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

7. Return the casserole to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.

10. Enjoy this delicious and comforting Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole as a hearty main dish!

Joke of the Week

WALK OR RIDE you must decide.

Little Johnny had just passed his driving test and inquired of his father as to when they could discuss his use of the car.

His father said he'd make a deal with his son,

"You bring your grades up from a C to a B average, study your Bible a little, and get your hair cut. Then we'll talk about the car."

Little Johnny thought about that for a moment, decided he'd settle for the offer, and they agreed on it.

After about six weeks his father said,

"Son, you've brought your grades up and I've observed that you have been studying your Bible, but I'm disappointed you haven't had your hair cut."

Little Johnny said, "You know, Dad, I've been thinking about that and I've noticed in my studies of the Bible that Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair, Moses had long hair, and there's even strong evidence that Jesus had long hair."

"Son did you also notice they all walked everywhere they went?"