~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!

Morning mist, October 7, 2009

 Remember, there is still time to sign up for my 400th post giveaway. 

The giveaway closes, Monday October 12 @ 7:00AM, CDT. Click the image to add your name.

CAMERA NEWS

I’m still awaiting the return of my Canon. A technical delay, is what I am told.

These photos were taken with a Kodak EasyShare (point and shoot).

STORYTELLERS

A view from the "back porch" at our weekend place at Lake of the Ozarks. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When I first thought of writing a blog, I wondered what I could possibly find to talk about! I enjoy sharing news of family, friends and our home. These will be subjects of most of my entries.

Home is not always about the dwelling. Yesterday's entry and today's, have subjects which mean home to me, also.

I've personally known several gifted storytellers. Three are included here.

My Grandad told good stories. He had a dry wit that made us laugh until we cried. I loved to sit beside his chair and listen to wonderful tales of his boyhood, growing up in our beautiful Ozarks.

When I was in my mid 30's, Mother remarried. My stepfather was wonderful. Charley grew up deep in the "hills and hollers" of the Ozarks. Listening to delightful stories of the old days, told while sitting on the front porch or at a campfire beside the Piney River, meant so much to me.

We have a friend who is a gifted storyteller. He's a southwest MO native. We could listen to him for hours.

Theirs are life stories, told with beautiful southern Missouri accented voices, that seem to make the story come to life.

Many times when the storyteller is gone, the story is lost. I'd like to think there are those still telling of the "old days". Family life stories passed from generation to generation. I try to remember to tell my children and grandchildren some of the old stories and some of my own.