Back Porch Musings: ~Table for Two in Yellow & Blue~

Stop by Susan’s Between Naps on the Porch for beautiful tablescaping around the land of blog, each Thursday.

Foodie Friday is a fun event, each week, at Designs by Gollum.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

1.5 pounds very lean ground sirloin

2 eggs (beaten)

1/4 cup chopped onion

Dried or fresh Oregano and Basil, to taste.

1 garlic clove (minced) or garlic salt/powder

3/4 cup dried bread crumbs (plain)

Spray cookie sheet, mix ingredients and form meatballs. Baking at 375, about 40 minutes.

While the meatballs are baking, place 2 15 ounce cans tomato sauce and one 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes in a dutch oven. Add Oregano and Basil to taste and simmer. When the meatballs have baked, add them to the sauce and continue to simmer.

Cook spaghetti (al dente) in boiling water. Drain and toss with about 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. Serve with meatball sauce, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese and basil.

While I prefer fresh herbs, I didn’t happen to have any on hand, here at the lake. I used dried herbs, crushed between my palms to release the flavor.

I served this dish with crusty bread.

There are a variety of recipes for meatballs. I tend to make mine, in this way, most often. However, I am apt to mix it up a bit, if the mood strikes me right.

Enjoy!

It started with the blue and yellow bouquet, I found at Trader Joe’s. I added the blue birds, cobalt glassware, white dishes and blue and yellow placemats and napkins; giving our table a sort of French Country look.

Gifts~

Before leaving for the lake, Monday morning, J had an appointment with his Urologist, in Saint Louis, for his 6 month check up.

As many of you know, J is a Prostate Cancer survivor. The appointment went well.

While we were waiting, a couple came into the waiting room and sat across from us. J asked the gentleman about the cap he was wearing. The man was so pleased and proud to tell us about the cap. In the end, the conversation was a beautiful gift we accepted with much gratitude.

You see, the man we met, is retired military. The cap he was wearing proclaimed him a three war veteran.

At 82, Mr T. was an exuberant storyteller and enjoyed telling us about his military experiences, beginning at the age of 17,When he enlisted and served in the Army (Pacific, where my father served), during World War 2. Later, Mr T. joined the Marines and served in Korea. He served 22 years, including service in the Air Force, in Vietnam.

Mr. T. was to have surgery this week. Our thoughts and prayers are with him.

Because of this soldier and others like him, we are able to enjoy this beautiful lake place and much more. Thank you for your service and to all those who still go in harms way, protecting our freedom!