HAM CHOWDER RECIPE

I received this recipe in a recipe exchange several years ago. It has become a family favorite on a cold wintry night!

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Ham Steak (I buy a lean slice located near the Canadian bacon)

1 cup water

1 cup chicken stock

2 cups cubed potatoes

1/2 cup diced celery

1/2 cup thinly sliced carrots cut in half

1/4 cup diced onions

2 cups whole milk + extra

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

2 T butter

1/4 cup flour

salt/pepper to taste

In large pot bring water, chicken stock and veggies to boil. Simmer until veggies are tender. In smaller saucepan, make a rue with butter and flour. Cook flour about 1 minute. Add 2 cups milk, stir until thick and then add cheese. Stir till cheese melts. Add mixture into larger soup pot. Add cubed ham, simmer (do not boil) till hot and steamy. I do not like this soup to be very chunky so I dice everything pretty small. Except for the potatoes... I cube those... but on the smaller side. Add extra milk for desired consistency. I don't like mine too thick, so I always add a little more milk.

GO SAINTS! FLAG FOOTBALL

Daniel playing as center for his flag football team! Go Saints!

GO WILDCATS!

For fall athletics at school Brad chose to play football. He played wide receiver and was on the punt return team. Not such a great season for the Wildcats 7th grade B-Team! Brad hates losing, so when asked if he will play again next year... "I doubt it, but maybe!" He is now in off-season training and will start track in the spring. Too bad they don't offer baseball in middle school... that is his sport!

ROADTRIP TO LUBBOCK, TEXAS

We started our November off with a road trip to Lubbock, TX to meet up with the D'Amico's and check out Sam's life! We welcomed the 8 hour drive as it allowed us to spend some much needed time together! We met up with the D'Amico's, walked around campus and saw all of the beautiful architecture. Above is a picture of Daniel, Sarah and Brad in front of a wrapped statue. It is Raider tradition that if the paper starts to unravel from the backside that means Tech will win the game. That evening, we cheered on the Raiders to a victory at a sold out TT/OSU game 56-20.

Aggie Tom had a hard time with Tech's football chants and traditions. Even though you can't tell by this picture, he was SO out of his element! He just loved hearing

"Another - Red Raider - First Down" all night long... NOT!

A BEAUTIFUL BLOOM

Cecilia (aka mom) brought me a cutting from her Night Blooming Cereus plant. Several weeks later we were surprised with this beautiful bloom that lasted for only one day!