Wednesday Went By...

I shut off the alarm and went back to sleep on Wednesday (hey, it seemed like a good idea at the time), so I had to hustle to get to work on time!

I violated company policy and smuggled in my camera (strictly forbidden - too many concept vehicles, etc.) Why risk it? Because it dawned on me I didn't take a picture of the computer stools I got for Christmas from Joe and Riese (with some help, I'd guess, from Jyl and/or Jer - thanks to all).

So, breaking all the rules, I took two pictures of Riese's stool I'd brought to work (I'm such a rebel!) After my half day at work, I left (with my hidden camera) and headed home. But, first I stopped at CVS to get my other three prescriptions.

Back home, I took two pictures of Joe's stool and then posted them all. In my younger days, I always pictured me as a wise, kind and funny Grandpa with loads of grandchildren underfoot. Well, now I got two of them underfoot, anyway...

Seems wrong to keep stepping on their faces, though... Maybe I'm just a mean Grandpa...

I started the Wednesday wash and then checked the fridge for dinner options. I was gonna go with more stuffed shells when I noticed the thawed hamburger from last weekend's aborted Shepherd's pie. Oh, crap! Well, it's use it or lose it today.

I watched an old Western movie and then took a nap. At 5:00 PM, I started making dinner. I strayed so far from the original recipe, I think I'll just report on what I did, not what I was supposed to do...

I put a splash of extra virgin olive oil into my medium skillet (not because olive oil was important, it's just the closest oil I have to hand). To that I added a pound of hamburger that I broke up with a spatula. I did a medium dice on a medium -sized yellow onion (don't you just love the symmetry?) and put that into the hamburger mix as well.

I peeled the last of the russet potatoes I had in my "root cellar," (I guessing about two pounds), diced them and, filling the large saucepan with cold water and some salt, put them on to boil.

When the onions were softened and the meat browned, I added a couple of cups of frozen Meijer's veggies: peas, carrots and green beans. I put them on top of the meat and onions and added a lid to steam them.

Meanwhile I used a small skillet to cook two tablespoons of butter with two tablespoons of flour (making a roux) for a couple of minutes. Then I added one cup of beef stock (store bought) and two teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce. I whisked that until it thickened and then let it sit.

Then, I buttered my small casserole dish. The recipe doesn't call for that, but I think it helps with the cleanup...

I poured in the meat and veggies, added the gravy and thoroughly mixed it. By then the potatoes were done, so I mashed them with one egg and some condescend milk. I topped the meat and veggies with the potatoes, moved my oven rack to the second highest setting and turned on the broiler. I turned on the oven light and watched through the window until the peaks of potatoes started browning.

I pulled it out at that time and, letting it rest on the chopping block, took a picture for you.

Sad to say, the taste didn't measure up to the hype. Everything was well seasoned (I tasted it throughout the cooking process) but it was, well, boring... I think I really just don't like Shepherd's Pie.

I watched some lame TV shows and then went to bed at 10:00 PM.