Rainy cozy day!!!

Well, yesterday was nice during most of the day so I rushed outside to get some work done before the storms arrived.  I watered my plants under the eaves as unless it REALLY blows they don't get much moisture.  I then went in the back yard and started working on (weeding) the North East flower bed.  I got it about 1/2 done before my arms gave out.  It was about 85 degrees F so if you were working you got very warm.  I raked up the mess and then planted some flowers in the trough and called it quits for the outside work.  I planted some perennials with annuals hoping the annuals would fill in while the perennials had a chance to get started.

 I tried to blog and read blogs yesterday but the Internet kept going up and down so I finally called them and indeed it was them and not me...PTL!  They must have fixed it because all is working well today.  It put me in a bit of a bind though as I depend on the pc and my tablet for the  weather but I had batteries for my weather radio so I turned it on instead.  I usually only turn it on when I go to sleep.
I went uptown for some mulch, softner salt and a few other essentials, came back home and hunkered down while the clouds moved in.  I finished the foot of my sock but I was so tired I could barely keep my eyes open.  I had done my chores, the cat girls were in the basement and I fed Nitty and Annie but by then the storm had blown in and they couldn't go out which they usually do after supper.  I feel so bad for them but they will turn around when I open the door and they see the rain coming down.

 I had my pj's on by 5:30 and I heated up my Vermicelli Soup with Tomato and Basil.....this soup is phenomenal!  I could not believe how with such few and simple ingredients you could make something taste that good! I am sharing the recipe with you here so you can see for yourself if you so desire..........mind you...I did not have fresh basil so I used dried and I used good old Kraft Parmesan cheese as that is all I had.  Tessa Kiros, the author of Apples for Jam, says this is her 'crisis saver' whether you are tired, sick or just don't feel like cooking this is a great 'go to' recipe.  It is also quick, inexpensive, easy and you usually have these ingredients on hand.
 So here it is:
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Vermicelli Soup with Tomato and Basil by Tessa Kiros from the book Apples for Jam
7 cups water or broth
1 Tablespoon of tomato sauce
4 basil leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons of salt (optional )
1/4 (of a 16 ounce package) vermicelli or angel hair pasta broken up
olive oil (to serve)
grated Parmesan cheese (to serve)
Directions:
Put the water (or broth), tomato sauce, and basil leaves in a pan and add 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt (this shouldn't be necessary if you are using broth).  Bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat for 6 to 7 minutes before adding the pasta.  Cook the pasta until a few seconds before the package says it will be ready (it will continue cooking in the hot broth) and then immediately remove the pan from the heat.  Ladle into bowls, diving to the bottom of the pot each time to make sure that everyone has a fair helping of pasta and broth.  Drizzle a little olive oil over each bowl if you like, but definitely give a good sprinkling of Parmesan (about 1 very heaping Tablespoon for each bowl).  Serve immediately.  Serves 4-6
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 Tessa also had a recipe for Cranberry syrup that you could use over pancakes, ice cream and even use with water or sparkling water for a refreshing drink.  I may try this with some other fruit as there are no cranberries, not even frozen, at this time of year.
Her chapters are divided into colors.....I'm on the Red Chapter...can you tell? LOL!
More treasures came in the mail..........this is a book that Joyce of Ruby Moss Cottage had a giveaway for and since the giveaway was over I decided to order it 'used' and I am so happy!  It is by Tiff Fusell (Dottie Angel) and Rachel Blondell (Ted and Agnes).  I can't wait to delve into this book.....right up my 'granny' alley!  If you like this style you would love Ruby Moss Cottage podcasts too.  Tiff does not blog anymore at Dottie Angel but the posts are still out there and you have to be invited to Rachel's blog and her blog where she sells things is no longer in business or she has moved.  But if you Google either one of them there are plenty of 'pins' on Pinterest and people have somehow 'archived' Ted and Agnes blog posts before she went 'private'.

I also received this awesome book that Katie of Inside Number 23 mentioned in one of her first podcasts and I put it on my  'never ending book list'  back then.....did I mention I love bees and all things botanical?  You can visit What Delilah Did here

It's a rainy, blustery day here on the homestead.....a perfect day for curling up with these inspirational books.....just as soon as I clean the tub, do some ironing, make that pie and pay some bills......yeah....right after that! LOL!
I hope you are having a wonderful Friday full of accomplishment in whatever you endeavor!
Happy Trails!