Listened to the show Saturday and it was not bad.  Lot going on this week on every level, almost too much if there is such a thing.   Mostly packing up two kids for college, and my gosh.  I ran out late the other night to pick up a fingernail clipper and a large plastic storage bin and socks.  Yes.  Socks.  Just before 10:00 p.m.  On top of three days of Gathering Miscellaneous Things, during which I  sprained a finger trying to shove a box into a too-small space.   Broke a shelf in my refrigerator by doing the same thing with a too-large bowl.  Shrunk the heck out of my daughter’s new wool sweater.   Burned my hair a bit when I bent over too close to a lit candle.

I think it might be a blessing, really, having a big mess of chores to do in the midst of such a mix of excitement and ache.  Good to have a task, something to bring focus.  Might be a blessing, too, that my son and I had words on Tuesday about how long the shopping was taking (he felt 20 minutes was enough, where I was hoping for a good two hours).   Might be a blessing that my older daughter and I didn’t have time enough together to look into each other’s eyes and see what we might see.  Might be a blessing that it hit our youngest daughter only yesterday that yes, indeed, her big brother and big sister are taking off and won’t be back til sometime in October.  Might be a blessing that there wasn’t much time to simply sit and think about how far away is far away.

I made their beds in before I drove away; one in an apartment on Sunday, one in a dorm room Thursday afternoon.  Seemed the best thing I could do, make those beds.  Felt familiar, and purposeful, and yes, it was a blessing.  Gave me a moment to gather myself a bit, and stretch, and wipe away a tear or two, and breathe.

Someone said far away is far away only if you never go there, and I thought about that on the drive home.  And I agree.  The world is a big place, and it’s my hope they see all of it they can.  In the meantime, they know where to find me.  I’ve got piled-up things to do, and stories to write, a load of new recipes to give a whirl.   I’m thinkin’ Mr. S might appreciate some help bringin’ in wood over the weekend, and our younger daughter and I are heading out to visit colleges today.  Blessings all ‘round.

It’s cooler now, outside, and I don’t see anything at all wrong with cooking a pot of stew over Labor Day weekend.  Especially this recipe.

Italian Stew

1 rib eye steak cut into 1 inch strips
1 large chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 T oil
2 cups water
1 ½ tsp salt
2-3 tsp chili pwd
½ tsp oregano
16 oz can tomatoes
1 can beef broth
2 cups uncooked egg noodles
1 red pepper, chopped (may use green)

In a deep skillet, brown meat and onions in oil.  Add garlic and stir. Brown a minute longer. Add remaining ingredients.  Simmer covered until noodles are done.

Enjoy!