Christmas in Oklahoma Cold & Dry

The Cold......Coronavirus, Not Beer!!!!

Temperatures dropped, and that’s when I pulled out my double-insulated curtains, and wool blanket, to hang up on the inside of each exterior door.  I know this sounds strange, and we even have the proper insulation around each door, but this added process truly makes a difference on the temperature inside our rental home.  

Our son, Tank drives a 2004 GMC 3500 truck, and in the winter, when temperatures go below 20 degrees, he plugs his truck in to keep the engine block warm, so his truck starts up easily.  One problem we have; there are no electrical sockets outside on this rental home.  We have to pull the screen out of the kitchen window, raise both windows (double pane), and run a heavy duty, all-weather extension cord into the kitchen, in order to plug his truck in.  We have to make sure the window is blocked with wood, to secure the window, so no one can attempt entry.  Since the window is open about ½ inch, we stuff the opening of the window with heavy duty sponge, and place two sand-filled tube socks on the window sill, to prevent any cold breeze from coming in.  When the home you’re residing in is not yours, you have to make do with what you have, and this works for us.

For a week and a half, I’ve been fighting what I thought was a sinus infection.  I finally broke down and went to the doctor, and was diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection (corona virus), after having a culture taken.  The doctor gave me cough syrup to help with my cough; I sounded like a barking seal, and stated the virus must run its course, there was nothing else she could do to help me.  I took it upon myself to use hot lemon water with Manuka Honey to help clear my throat and chest.  To ease the congestion I used 1/2 Guaifenesin every 6 hours (chest congestion relief). 

It’s always nice to have a stash of this in your medicine preps, it works great.  Tylenol for fever, and I made sure to flush  my sinuses, using the netipot, with distilled sea salt water. I’ve actually started to feel human again. :-)

Since feeling better, I have started back at trying to be productive.  My intent was to make apple butter and can it, putting it up for future use.  I got so far as to peel and chop the apples, place them in the crock pot with all the spices, turn it on to cook for 8 hours, and then all of a sudden biscuits were made and everyone was helping themselves to my apple butter when it was done.  I guess I’m going to have to make another batch, can it, and put it away before everyone comes home from work. 

In closing, I would like to say be careful, stay warm, and safe, and love those around you.  Make sure to change your batteries in your fire detectors, and unplug your Christmas Lights when leaving your house, or going to bed. 

Something to Warm You Soul

Temperatures have been dropping across our country; sure signs of winter.  During winter, I find myself making hearty soups for dinner, to warm the soul.  Here’s one of our favorite soups; it’s a Tortellini Sausage soup.

Tortellini Sausage Soup Recipe

Turkey Sausage, Italian Style (approximately 4 links) removed from casing and browned in a soup pot with a small onion. Add 3 whole pieces of garlic, stir until meat is totally cooked and onions are translucent. 

Add 2 containers (approximately 2 quarts) of chicken broth

1 Can of diced tomatoes w/juice

2 Cups of water

3/4 Teaspoon of basil (dried)

1/4 Teaspoon of pepper (black) Red Pepper Flakes (place as many as you like to heat up the soup)

Salt lightly (because the sausage has salt)

1/4 Cup of parmesan cheese

8 Ounces of fresh spinach chopped in larger pieces (not killed….I mean diced).

Cook for 3 minutes or until spinach starts to shrivel then add

1 Package of frozen cheese tortellini (approximately 19 ounces), and cook until tortellini is cooked through (approximately 5 minutes).  Your tortellini will float to the top of the soup.  When this happens, it’s time to serve the soup with a little parmesan cheese sprinkled on top. 

This soup is great served with a loaf of Italian/French bread.

Bulldog Man rates this recipe with 4 paws!