Monday Night

I had a bunch of errands to run after work (including getting more mulch and the hook for the gnomes) and didn't get home until almost 6:30 PM.

Installed the hook and the gnomes, then got the pitchfork and headed out back. Laid out the tree trunks to define the new garden in front of the back wall, then began pitching the last year's leaves (in a big pile by the compost heap) into the space.

Back gave out after about 20 minutes, but it's a start. I figure a little bit every evening and I'll get 'er done!

Decided I needed good, old-fashioned comfort food for dinner (after all the exotic meals of the weekend). So I "semi-homemade" some pasta and sauce, Here's how I did it:

Sauted 1/2 of a sweet Vidalia onion (first of the season, God, I love these onions!); 1/2 pound Portobello mushrooms (Manager's special - $2.00 off, but use it or lose it); one green pepper and three cloves of garlic, (minced).

I browned 1 pound of hamburger, drained the grease and added the above ingredients. Then I added a jar of Classico Traditional Sweet Basil and a can of petite diced tomatoes with basil.

Set that all on simmer while I made Penne pasta, cooked "al dente." I froze half the sauce and used the rest on my pasta, served with shredded Parmesan cheese.

Watched some TV and took a pain pill for my poor back.

And, that's me, up to date.