My Voting Experience

I voted yesterday!
 It was amazing to exercise that right, it was my first time.  I was expecting to have to wait in line at the polls, but that wasn't the case. Our precinct had only three voting booths and Sam and I got right in.  Since it was my first time I wasn't familiar with the process so Sam brought home a sample ballot and I looked it over. He told me when I am done filling in the ballot to fold in and put it in the box..... Well, when I was done, I folded the ballot before I stepped away from the booth, I looked around for the drop box and didn't see one. Then I saw what looked like a copy machine with a sign with a large red arrow "put voted ballots here" so I did. This lady stands up and says LOUDLY, "Your not supposed to fold it!" I looked at her and said "OH" and looked beyond her to the line of people waiting to vote, staring at me and my folded ballot! Ugh. So I quickly unfold it while the lady says, "I don't know if it will take it." But much to my delight it took it!  Then I hurried out of the building, excusing myself passed all of the waiting voters, red faced I'm sure.

It was 35 degrees this morning!  And the first day this year that I wanted to just stay in bed under the covers where it was warm.  But I got up anyway.  When I was thinking about what to make this week I wanted all comfort foods. Things that warm the soul. So I am making a couple soups and some things that bring comfort to my family. The fish dish is a new recipe, but it looks really good, and I have fish I need to use up. I am trying to use up everything I have in the freezer. Twice a year I take inventory of my pantry and freezer and make meals using what I have. I totally blew my grocery budget last month, so this is a good month to use what I have and stay out of Wal- Mart as much as possible!!!! I will just need to go to the store and get potato bread cause its just the best bread for split pea soup, milk and some fruit and I am set for the week. Yay!

Split Pea Soup (I didn't make it last week)
Lemon Basil Chicken with mashed potatoes and veggies
Red Chile Enchiladas (homemade sauce) with Pinto Beans and Spanish Rice
Sausage and Fish One-Pot (Rachel Ray)
BLT with fried green tomatoes and homemade onion rings
Italian Wedding Soup
Chicken Cacciatore

Pollo alla caccitora or  Hunter-style chicken (cacciatore) is one of my favorite meals. It is a hearty meal  with tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, herbs, wine and chicken braised to tender perfection. Serve it over al dente pasta and you have a good wholesome meal. My kids like it too!!