Mom and Vacation

Mom is still in the hospital but they moved her to a swingbed. She is doing really good and everything is moving in the right direction. She has had a few visitors and she definitely has enjoyed visiting with everyone.

It sounds like she may be going home tomorrow but her team is having a meeting to see what would be the best for mom.

I think she is ready to go home and get back to her own routine.

Vacation is SOON!

It is getting very close to VACATION TIME! I'm not sure who is the most excited out of all of us. I think I rank pretty high on the list. It is going to be so nice to go and not have the RTR with me. I can't remember how long it's been since that has happened but it's been a long time.

Don't get me wrong. It is nice to be able to go on vacation, even if I have to work. I get to set my own hours while I'm away and it has gone very well.

A vacation without work is AMAZEBALLS!

Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Ingredients

8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)

1 lb ground beef

6 slices bacon, chopped

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

1/4 cup ketchup

1/4 cup yellow mustard

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

1/2 cup beef broth

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Pickles, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet.

In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Stir in the crispy bacon, reserving a bit for garnish. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley, extra bacon, and chopped pickles if desired.

Joke of the Week

Is Romance Dead?

An elderly couple had finally learned how to send and receive texts on their cell phones. The wife, being a romantic at heart, decided one day that she'd send her husband a text while she was out of the house having coffee with a friend.

She texted: If you are sleeping, send me your dreams. If you are laughing, send me your smile. If you are eating, send me a bite. If you are drinking, send me a sip. If you are crying, send me your tears. I love you.

The husband, being a no-nonsense sort of guy, texted back: I'm on the toilet. Please advise.