“Wintery weather” is what the weatherman called for. And he sure got it.Its been raining cats all day chilly and nasty and miserable outside. And now its snowing… well “sleeking” as Thing Two called it. Having grown up in Alaska I am not NEARLY as interested in seeing the nasty stuff as she is. But it is pretty to see coming down. I only hope it doesnt stay!

This morning Steven and I went and had breakfast together at Waffle house. They make over medium eggs just the way I like them. Then we ran a couple of errands, including going to vote in the republican primary.(I LIKE MIKE) and have been snuggling watching movies and eating popcorn and smooching.. the kinds of things you do when the kids are out of the house and its “sleeking” outside.

For dinner tonight I put on a crock pot of  my famous beef stew.. well ok it isnt famous. But its so darn good and SO appropriate considering its nasty outside. I also picked up a loaf of Italian bread that I  plan to make into crostini.

Tonight I plan to take a bubble bath and snuggle into my bed with my man and some hot cocoa… maybe even  some more smooching? Hey, a girl’s gotta stay warm somehow!

 Michele’s Beef stew.

1 lb stew meat 1-2 inch cubes

3 big stalks of celery cut on a bias

4-5 potatoes peeled and cut into decent chunks

1 can diced tomatoes drained

7-8 mushrooms sliced

3 carrots peeled and cut on a bias about the same size as the potatoes

1 large onion peeled and cut into wedges.

2 cloves garlic minced (or 2 tsp from the jar)

1/2 tsp each of

thyme, rosemary, crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a kick), black pepper, and oregano

1 cup red wine

1 cup water

3 tbsp flour

1 tbsp salt

1 bay leaf

Set your crock pot on high and dump all the indredients except the wine, the flour, and water  into the pot. Toss everything together well and sprinkle with the flour. Toss well again. Add the wine and the water. Stir well, and cover. Cook for 4-5 hours. Remove bay leaf before serving.