Are we there yet?

(Photo in memory of the gorgeous tree that used to be across the street from City Hall on E. McCarty).

Who would have ever thought that temps in the mid 90s would feel like a cold snap? Seriously. It's in the 90's here today, and still 15 degrees cooler than it was one day last week. Our poor plants went into shock. Keeping a hopeful eye on the sky for some more of that pop-up, drop-in water in the next few days. It would be a nice break from carrying water up the hill in a watering can. Harold plans to lay down some kind of water delivery system so all we will have to do is turn on a faucet and get the water uphill the easy way, but that's probably going to be a next-year project.

I really feel for the poor lawn guys who rely on mowing yards to make a living, or at least supplement their income. I haven't heard a lawn mower in a long time around our neighborhood. So I say, bring on autumn, baby! I love it. Everything about it. I'm just not a hot-weather person, never have been. I really don't mind cold weather and bundling up and all that stuff that accompanies winter. To me, not being able to get out and about because I'm "snowed in" is a cozy confinement. Just cook up a big pot of Plaza III Steak Soup (recipe below), or some spicy chili and watch it weather outside over a steaming bowl of whatever. NOT cozy...being literally driven inside because it's so hot your eyebrows burn off the second you open the front door, it's too hot to touch the porch railing when you go up and down the porch steps, or sitting on the carseats leave weird tracks on your skin.

I have a lot of friends who are of the exact opposite sentiment. So for those people I say, enjoy this weather for a little while longer, because my turn is right around the corner!

Plaza III Steak Soup

1 lb. Ground beef or leftover cooked steak cut into cubes
1 stick butter or margarine
1 cup flour
1 can diced tomatoes
2 qt. water
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced onions (I substitute onion powder as hubby won’t eat cooked onions)
1 cup diced celery
1 10 oz. Pkg. Frozen mixed vegetables
2 Tablespoons beef base
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Brown beef; drain. Meanwhile, parboil onion, carrots and celery for about 2 minutes in 1 quart of water. Melt butter or margarine in large pan or dutch oven. Blend in flour to make smooth paste. Gradually stir in the other quart of (cold) water to make a thick liquid. Gradually add to the pot containing the boiled vegetables & other quart of water. Add all other ingredients, bring to low boil and simmer until meat and vegetables are tender. Recipe says do not salt, but I always add salt to taste. I also add about a teaspoon of Kitchen Bouquet for added rich color and flavor. Wonderful served with hot, buttered bread right out of the oven!