let it snow

Let It Snow
Let it snow, but hold back the sleet and ice. The first bad weather of the winter, (actually it’s still fall), hit us like a ton of bricks. From the weather reports it’s hitting the whole country. We just got ours sooner.
By the looks of the local grocery store, the whole town believed the weather man. There wasn’t an open space in the parking lot, and there were no carts. Somebody said they knew they were busy when they saw a six foot 200 pound guy pushing a kiddie cart.
Deb and Jade had a whole day planned in Rockford with the hairdresser, lunch with Aunt Tracy, errands, and shopping. They got on highway 73, and smartly turned and came back home.
They had cabin fever and were not too happy. Not a lot of fun, but they were safe, and that made this grandmother and mother breathe a sigh of relief.
I had better luck the day before. I also had a day planned in Rockford. I had lunch with Judy and Bev, best friends from childhood. We don’t get together that much anymore. We tty to make a date during the holidays.
We talked about very important things; what are we going to order for lunch, are we having dessert or an after lunch drink, or both?
Then we started on who has the most aches and pains and where they are. We do become our mothers.
Strangely, none of us tried to outdo the other bragging about our grandchildren. We didn’t even take out our pictures. That was a first.
It really doesn’t matter what we talked about. It was good to be together again. I looked at my old friends (old in the best sense of the word). To me they didn’t look any different than when we were walking home from school, wearing our saddle shoes, poodle skirts and bat-wing sweaters. So what if now our hair is a slightly different color, our shoes are therapeutic, and the only bats are in our belfry. We are still best friends.
We had our hugs and good-byes. It was getting dark.. I was glad to get home. I was glad to BE home.
The next morning the sky opened up and instantly dumped snow and sleet that kept most of us in, except at the grocery store.
I was sorry my kids didn’t get their day out, but they’ll have another one real soon. As for me, I can wait another year.

Food and recipes were also subjects at lunch. Both Judy and Bev are very good cooks.
Bev has some Spanish genes. She makes a mean enchilada. Judy’s chocolate chip cookies are the kind you grab a handful of before she can slap your hand.
I gave this one a few years ago. It is good for a busy time like this. It can be made the day ahead.
Bev’s Enchilada Bake
you will need:
8-10 regular size tortillas (for a 9m x 13 pan)
4-5 cans mild enchilada sauce (do not use the powder mix)
1 ½ pounds ground beef
2 small cans slice ripe olives
2 cups regular shredded sharp cheddar
one medium to large sweet onion, finely diced
hot sauce
Brown meat and drain
cover bottom of pan with one can sauce
fill tortillas with meat, sprinkle meat with a little onion and cheese
roll up and place side by side in pan (two will go longways in pan)
pour rest of sauce over tortillas Be sure they are all covered with sauce.
Cover with the rest of the onions and cheese
Top with the olives
Bake covered at 375 degrees for 10 minutes
uncover and bake at 350 until sauce bubbles and cheese is melted 15-20 minutes
Serve with hot sauce on the side for the brave.
Enjoy