Thursday, February 17, 2022

The BEST Homemade Lasagna!

 
Oh my gosh! This is the best lasagna! I made it last night, so I could freeze most of it to have when my Son and his partner come to visit next week! This is the recipe I used, but I "tweak" it somewhat! Instead of using the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, I use a 24 oz. jar of Tomato Basil Sauce [of your choice] and for the tomato sauce, I always use the "El Pato Mexican Hot Style"! It just adds the perfect amount of "kick"!

I also use "brown sugar" instead of white sugar. And for the pasta, I use Mueller's and I only use 8 noodles...the recipe calls for 12, but that's too much for me. Of course, once you make it, you can decide how thick you want your pasta layers. 

I also stir some fresh chopped basil into the ricotta cheese, along with the parsley and egg

And for the Mozzarella cheese, I like using shredded...it seems to get everything covered better! I also find using very lean ground beef works better...not as much grease, especially since the Italian sausage has some good fat it in! 

And one last tip! Before you drain your pasta noodles, toss about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the pasta water into the meat sauce...the starch from the pasta water will thicken up your sauce good and keep it nice and firm when you start making your layers! Last, but not least, ENJOY!!! It's so good!!

Of course, like most pasta dishes, this is even better the 2nd time around!

love and peace always ~ Kathy

"People who love to eat are always the best people" ~ Julia Child

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

I live in the woods!

 
Oh my gosh! I had to share this! Both of our little ponds are alive with calling/mating Wood Frogs and the Hawks are taking full advantage of the love sick amphibians, like this unsuspecting female that ended up being a quick snack for this gorgeous bird. And yes, nature is cruel, but it's the way of the world! 

And just another "perk" of living in the woods, Iris tried to bring this animal spine inside! I have no idea what it was, but I'm suspecting a Squirrel...and since I've seen a Bobcat, two Foxes, several Coyotes and a Bear on the cameras lately, finding small animal bones on our property does not surprise me at all! Of course, Iris is disappointed!


But, I have to say, I love seeing the wildlife on our property!

I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day!!! This is my latest little drawing from the prompt "Goldfish" --- but while I was drawing it, I started thinking about my daddy. He was a huge Pink Floyd fan and not a day goes by that I don't wish he was here.

love and peace always ~ Kathy

Monday, February 7, 2022

Earthing, Grounding, Meditation...

 Sometimes, even in the forest, there can be background noises to interfere with your practice. Whether it’s forest bathing, earthing, grounding, or just trying to have some solitude. I have found starting off with a mantra and a mala 📿 can help curb those background sounds and keep you focused. And I always make sure I have one of my wooden malas with me in the woods. Nature can heal us of so many things. Get out there! 🤗💕🌳

love and peace always ~ Kathy

Today's mantra: I am alive in stillness...I let things come and go

Sunday, February 6, 2022

Spring is on the way!

 
While everyone else is awaiting "Punxsutawney Phil" to see his shadow, or not, I know it's time for Spring when the Wood Frogs start their calls! I've got it timed perfectly! They always dig out from under the leaves and make their way to my tiny little pond when there are a couple of mild days and rain in the forecast. I knew they would be showing up this week and I was not disappointed. But, I'm not the only one excited about the frogs showing up...the Owls and Hawks are, too! It's their once a year little treat and easy pickings from a pond full of "love sick" frogs! 

In just two more weeks, my little pond will be full of tadpoles! Stay tuned! Happy Spring!

love and peace always ~ Kathy 

“If we can discover the meaning in the trilling of a frog, perhaps we may understand why it is for us not merely noise but a song of poetry and emotion.” ~ Adrian Forsyth

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Earthing, Grounding, Shinrin-Yoku

 Is there some snow melt in my future? I hope so!!! Time for some much needed shinrin-yoku [forest bathing] today! I need some Sunshine!!! How about you? 

 Happy February! love and peace always ~ Kathy