Continuing On

After placing the very ugly meringue on top of the pie mixture, it had to bake for 30 min. -- now we're looking at 5 o-clock--it still had to cool before serving time less than 2 hrs. later!

Meanwhile, back to the meat mixture which was to be cooking for 45 min. Oh well, I could start on the cheese mixture--eggs, ricotta--not enough of that! so add in some cottage cheese! Oh yes, and an extra egg for good measure! Oops--need to cook the noodles! Thankfully, that doesn't take long and the meat mixture is finally done--in time for me to take the pie out of the oven--it's 5:30 now! and let it cool--no way it's gonna be cool enough and "set" enough by serving time so--nearly straight from the oven into the freezer!!!!! Makes the freezer more efficient you know!

Now to construct the lasagna--layer of noodles, layer of cheese mix., layer of meat mixture, top with mozzarella and repeat--but I don't like the way the layers look! why do they end with the meat mixture on top?! So I add another topping of cheese and put it in the oven. I'm exhausted! Have to sit down for a minutes and still have to get his gift together!

Luckily, my husband, has been very helpful in getting the table ready and it really looks nice complete with a fresh tablecloth! Wow!

A quick 10 min. break--got the gift together!--check on the pie still melting things in the freezer!--and start wondering about an appetizer--why didn't I pick up some avocados?! Oh well, imitation crab bits to the rescue--of course, no cocktail sauce--have to make one up quickly!

And then the guests arrive--Jenn, Benjamin and Jeff! Jeff looks spiffy in the new shirt and tie Jenn gave him for Christmas and is now clean-shaven after relieving himself of the beard he tried to grow over the holiday break. Does he look 39? Hadn't thought about it until now and I'd have to say no. He looks shiny! And like he feels good! Perhaps a touch of gray but that's hardly noticeable after a fresh haircut he'd treated himself to that day. His hair has gotten so dark! Not the blond boy I brought home from the hospital on a snowy January day!

Speaking of snowy January day--lasagna was always a good choice in Illinois when the temps could easily be in the teens or near 0 at this time of year--not so good to have the oven on when it's near 80 outside! But finally, everything was ready after Jeff opened his (approved of!) gifts.

I was a little nervous about the pie--but let it continue to sit in the freezer--as it turned out--another mistake. When I showed the browned barely-there and clumpy meringue to Jennifer she comfortingly told me that it will all ultimately look the same once it's in our tummies! Bless her!

Ok--the lasagna wasn't so bad--but I did taste the freezer burn--never do that again! And the pie? Well, of course, it had gone from being too hot to being partially frozen and quickly beginning to melt as it barely held up the candles put on it while we sang the traditional birthday song! But I must admit, it did taste good and our guests were happy to take leftovers home!

Lessons that should have been learned years ago? Don't rush and prepare ahead! Much of this could have been avoided if I'd started earlier--even the day before! Even at my age, I still forget perspective!

Meanwhile, on to other projects! Some deep down straightening with a goal to rid our possessions by 10% or more by the end of the year! The living room has been gone through and today I'll hit the back entry way/laundry room. The incentive of a group garage sale at the end of the month is helpful.

And then there's committee work and the SETA convention for which were hosting a couple that will completely involve the week end of the 18th-20th.

Oh--and there's a baby to be born and a couple of birthdays coming up.

BTW--we did end Jan. 7 with a call to Aunt Ruth in Indiana whose birthday is the same date--72 min. later we determined she is fine and as strong as can be for one in her mid-80s. Thanks again to Dad who was able to talk at length with her so I could doze for a bit!

Peace!

Carol