I have come to the conclusion that I spend my life worked up over trivial matters. I’m completely O.K. with this in general; however, this tendency actually rules my life at times. Take, for instance, Friday morning. I spent what seemed like hours searching for my red pen. As a homeschooling mom, I utilize a red pen quite often and I am very fond of it.
Now, I have several dozen around the house waiting for use. But, on this particular morning I could not locate even one. I was beside myself. I needed to correct papers and I could only manage this with my red pen. My children offered me several other options but I could not push past my own stubborn resolution to use that red pen.
This entire event paralyzed my morning. Oh, somehow I managed to correct papers and move the kids in the right direction. At some point I transitioned into my packing mode since we were heading out in the early afternoon for a weekend in Michigan. But when I look back on Friday morning, all I can recall is that search for the elusive red pen. I think I’m going to switch ink colors next week several times just to shake up my life. I obviously do not get out enough.
We did manage to make it up to our northern Michigan home by Friday evening. It is beautiful up here. Fall is definitely peeking through the trees. The leaves have not actually started changing colors yet. However, there is an edge to their appearance, a dullness to the foliage, that warns of the coming of fall.
The air is crisp, but not yet cold. It inspires that “everyone needs a sweatshirt around the campfire” feeling.
My garden definitely is hinting of fall. That is because it really is just a pumpkin patch punctuated with sunflowers. The pumpkins are looking beautiful. This was such a low maintenance garden. I love it. Now, I have sunflowers for the kids to gather into bouquets and pumpkins for fall decorating. It’s just another trivial matter, but it’s lovely.
Fall also brings a transition in the kitchen. Think chili, French Onion Soup, stews, pies, and breads . . . . Below, I’ve shared my recipe for chili. It is a terrific meal for this time of year. Besides being warm and delicious, the perfect compliment to crisp evenings, it is easy. This particular recipe makes a large quantity, allowing for convenient leftovers. This can be so helpful on long schooldays. It is easy to reheat and makes a terrific after-school snack. It actually gets better as you reheat it. So enjoy!
Chili
2-3 lbs hamburger (extra lean)
1 large minced onion
4 cloves minced garlic or equivalent garlic powder
2 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes
2 28 oz cans tomato sauce
2 6 oz tomato paste
5 16 oz can red beans (or substitute Northern white beans)
4 tbl chili powder
2 tsp crushed basil
1 tsp ground pepper
½ cup Merlot or equivalent red wine
In a large Dutch oven, brown hamburger with garlic and onion. Cook hamburger completely. Drain liquid. Add all remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Simmer for at least 45 minutes or up to 3 hours. Serve with grated sharp cheddar cheese, diced onions, and French Bread.
“Yet He has not left Himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; He provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” - Acts 14:17
