Rodeo Ramblings

On Saturday, Rick, Jenna, Jonah, and I went to the Ft. Worth Stock Show Rodeo. We left early because of the road conditions. We had no problems getting there in time for the 2:00 show and got a great parking place.

Jonah seemed to love it all. As always, he took it all in and asked lots of questions. He even rode a horse (his parents couldn't believe that one).

I just love that rodeo. My parents took Marilyn and I probably almost every year. Memories were triggered once again as I entered the grounds....the buildings, barns, smells, cowboy hats, flags, food, and .....

As we took our seats in the coliseum, one special memory came to my mind. I don't remember the year, I just remember sitting in that same area and Minnie Pearl entertaining the crowd during the show. I remember thinking as a little girl how HUGE that place was and how high up our seats were.

Once upon a time that WAS a big arena. That was pre--American Airlines and Texas Motor Speedway days.

As I sat there though I thought about what was going on in Jonah's little mind as we took the steps up to our seats, sat down, and gazed down into the dirt-filled rodeo arena for his first (and hopefully many more) stock show rodeo(s).

Our "Winter" Break!

Who says our little school district didn't schedule a winter break? We certainly have gotten one whether scheduled or not. Today is our fourth consecutive day of no school because of bad weather! That's incredible for our area! (It all started on Monday night with sleet.)

People keep asking if I have gotten bored yet. That's a big NO WAY!

Tuesday I spent reading on "The Patriarchs" bible study as well as the bible (doing the "One Year" plan). I made a pot of soup and cornbread for dinner as well as cooked some meat in the crock pot.

On Wednesday, I cooked a roast and the trimmings then did some reading. I had to cancel our ladies' bible study that night (sniff).

Yesterday, I made two buttermilk pies, a chocolate pie, and a banana pudding. WAIT...I didn't eat all this. I was cooking for Justin's birthday meal and was to deliver dessert to a friend. Justin and the kiddos ate lunch here with me, and then Jonah stayed the afternoon to entertain Elly and me. Keelie made some amazing chicken fried steak and gravy for the birthday meal last night. Marilyn added some yummy potatoes.

Last night, after we went to bed, at some point it began snowing. It continues as I type. This morning I have just done laundry. The fire is still going, and I am enjoying God's blessings.

Happy Birthday, Justin.
We love you!

Cinnamon-Pecan Rolls

I made these this week. I got the recipe from one of my Southern Living Magazines. I highly recommend them. They are W.O.N.D.E.R.F.U.L.

(Jerry.....I ate one for you!)

Ingredients

• 1  cup  chopped pecans
• 1  (16-oz.) package hot roll mix
• 1/2  cup  butter, softened
• 1  cup  firmly packed light brown sugar
• 2  teaspoons  ground cinnamon
• 1  cup  powdered sugar
• 2  tablespoons  milk
• 1  teaspoon  vanilla extract

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan 5 to 7 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through.

2. Prepare hot roll dough as directed on back of package; let dough stand 5 minutes. Roll dough into a 15- x 10-inch rectangle; spread with softened butter. Stir together brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over butter. Sprinkle pecans over brown sugar mixture. Roll up tightly, starting at one long end; cut into 12 slices. Place rolls, cut sides down, in a lightly greased 12-inch cast-iron skillet or 13- x 9-inch pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and a cloth towel; let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 30 minutes or until doubled in bulk.

3. Preheat oven to 375°. Uncover rolls, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until center rolls are golden brown and done. Let cool in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes. Stir together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla; drizzle over rolls.

Let Me Know

What do you enjoy doing on a snow day?... at AnswerGarden.ch.