Oliver's Musings on Snow

Are you serious?  It is 6 a.m..  There is almost 23 inches of snow on the ground.  The snow is still falling.  The wind is howling and.......you want me to go outside?  I'm only 23 inches tall at my shoulder.  This will mean only my head will be above the snow!  A treat?  I'll get a treat?  Hmmm, what kind of treat?

  I did go out.  It was not a pleasant experience.  I got a super treat.  They kept saying "Good dog Oliver"!  I am a good dog.

My view from the bedroom.  That's my "chasing squirrels" tree.  I don't know where those squirrels are at the moment--enjoying all those nuts they stored I suppose."

The hydrangea tree that I love to sniff in summer.  I don't think those are blooms.

A view from the porch.  I wonder if my mailman friend will come today.  The paper carrier didn't.  He's probably stuck on Lakeshore Drive.

My bird buddies headed south quite some time ago.  I don't think they plan on returning anytime soon.

Where's the gargoyle?

This is my "after what I've been through I deserve to be snuggled down in these pillows" look.  It's working!

Keep warm my friends, especially those of you who find frequent trips outside necessary.

Tortellini Salad

The mayor called a little while ago.  He said for us to stay in and keep our cars off the street--driving or parking.  He said to keep safe but if we needed help to just ring him up.  Actually, it was a recorded message.  Those messages have been very helpful in past emergencies.  Oh, now we know not to put out our garbage either because it won't be picked up!!

So, I say "Hello my pretties.  I have a job for you.  I want you to turn yourself into a salad that will remind us of summer."

And, like all obedient and colorful peppers and tomatoes, they did.

Tortellini Salad with Sweet Peppers and Cherry Tomatoes 

8 ounces of dried tortellini filled with pesto cooked according to package directions

1 cup of assorted sweet peppers thinly sliced into rounds

1 cup of cherry tomatoes quartered

1/4 cup minced red onion

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan

1/4 cup Italian Parsley

Mix all together in a large bowl.

Dressing:

2 Tbsp white balsamic vinegar

4 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 garlic clove, peeled and minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Whisk all dressing ingredients together.  Pour over the tortellini and mix well.

Allow to set at room temperature for at least an hour or several days in the refrigerator.  Bring to room temperature before serving.

Turn up the thermostat.  Don a short sleeved shirt.  Bring out the lemonade.  Oh, first close the curtains so that your eye isn't drawn to the vast swirling whiteness outside.

ENJOY!