What? Monday Again?

This past weekend has been a blur of activity! And suddenly it is Monday again. How does that happen? It was a very good weekend, just very busy! Friday night we spent baking cookies and getting ready for Kirstin's 2nd Blood Drive that she organized for Saturday. We had trays of yummy homemade cookies for those who donated (and those who couldn't donate!)

She had a good turnout in spite of the crazy cold weather!! (The high today was zero degrees!!) Who wants to give blood when it's THAT cold out? 36 people came, which was great. Both of her brothers did a great job recruiting their friends to come give. Aaron even came home from college and brought his roommate with him! I was able to give, but barely. It took 3 attempts at my blood pressure to get one that was above the requirement. (I have very low blood pressure). I spent a little time in the 'recovery chair' afterwards when I mentioned being a little dizzy.....

Sunday was filled with church, dinner, a LONG game of Phase 10 and, of course, the SUPERBOWL!

Had a small group in for the game. Half Bears fans; half Colt fans just to keep thing even!!

I had no real vested interest in the game...but decided to cheer for the Bears. (Steve chose the Colts). He was right.

Sumo didn't really care who won... he just loves being a part of the action!











Lots of time in the kitchen this weekend. For Sunday dinner I made a family favorite:

Penne with Tomatoes and 2 Cheeses


6 Tbsp Olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
1 tsp minced garlic
3 28 oz cans Italian Plum Tomatoes, drained*
(*I use regular Italian style tomatoes with basil. I chop them in a food processor first.)
2 tsp. dried basil
1 -1 1/2 tsp. dried crushed red pepper
2 cans low-salt chicken broth
1 lb. penne or rigatoni
2 1/2 cups packed grated Havarti Cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil

1. Heat 3 tbsp oil in heavy large Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic. Saute until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Mix in tomatoes, dried basil and red pepper. Bring to a boil.
3. Add broth. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium. Simmer until mixture thickens to chunky sauce and is reduced to 6 cups - stirring occasionally. (@ 1 hour 10 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook pasta. Return to pot and toss with 3 tbsp oil.
5. Pour sauce over and toss. Mix in Havarti. Transfer to 13 X 9 dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan.
6. Bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees. Sprinkle with fresh basil, if desired.


Not much on the knitting front. I only knit about 4 rounds on a purse I am working on. That's it! Hopefully this week I can cast on my next pair of socks. Speaking of socks, I am now an official 'LOOPY GROUPIE'!!! This is an exclusive club for people who have ordered 6 times from the Loopy Ewe. I wanted to share all of the fun goodies that Sheri sends... but didn't want to spoil the surprise for anyone who has not yet achieved this fun status. I can show you the fun items I ordered tho. The first is some yummy yarn from All Things Heather. (Phlox). But it is the stitch markers of Sister Louise and Brother Black Bart that I am really excited about. Aren't they the cutest? Sheri can't keep them in stock, so I snatched them up as soon as I saw she had them again! Yep. I really need to squeeze some more knitting time in!!