Barb's Next Adventure

Wednesday, December 10

Happy Hour topics of interest

Yesterday, we started talking about favorite recipes from years past. It is rare to go home without some tidbit of interesting information. Butch and I lived in Nebraska for a few years and became acquainted with Runzas. I was told and believed that Mrs B of Nebraska Furniture Mart fame was the origin of that dish. Well, I decided to check my facts, something we all need to do these days, and I was wrong!

Here is the straight story followed by the recipe. Enjoy!

No, Runza was not started by "Mrs. B" (Rose Blumkin of Nebraska Furniture Mart fame); Runza was founded by Sally Everett (née Brening) in 1949, adapting her German-Russian family's bierock recipe, while Rose Blumkin founded the Nebraska Furniture Mart in 1937. While both are iconic Nebraska figures, they are separate founders of different iconic businesses.

And here is the recipe:

Runza Casserole

2 lb Hamburger

2 onions, Finely Chopped

4 C. Cabbage, Shredded

Salt & Pepper, To Taste

2 Refrigerated Crescent Rolls or

Crescent Dough Sheets.

1 lb Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded

[Note: One of my standby recipes. One that Butch was always happy to see on the table. ]

Brown hamburger and onion, drain. Put cabbage on top of the meat and let it steam for a few minutes. Add salt and pepper. Using one tube, spread the crescent roll pieces over the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan. Spread the hamburger/cabbage mixture on top. Add a layer of cheese. Using the second tube of crescents, place it on top of the cheese. Bake in a 350°F oven for 35 to 40 minutes, covering with foil for the last 10 minutes to soften the crust

Here is the original Runza recipe. Years ago in Nebraska, there were Runza stores. I hated to see them go.

https://myfarmhousetable.com/nebraskas-homemade-runza/

Saturday, December 6

Living alone.

The latest AARP Bulletin and Magazine are filled with good articles. I loved the article about living alone. It resonated with me. I am surprised to find out that I am liking it. And before you get shocked by that, I am 100 percent certain that Butch would have felt the same had it been him here instead of me. It is something we talked about on more than one occasion. We both agreed that life was easier when we both took charge of our best assets, well aware that we would miss each other beyond words. Many times, I have tossed the ARRP bulletin aside, not giving it another thought. Not this month!

Thursday, December 4

Warning signs of a Cult

Six years ago...

I love it when I run across one of these photos that were posted in the past on facebook. We both liked to play shuffleboard, but we just did not have time for everything.

Tuesday, December 2

When you turn 80

I often said that when I turned 80, it was a change unlike any other. Turning 70 wasn't a big deal. I barely gave a minute's thought to it. 80 was different. So when I stumbled upon this YouTube video, it opened a door I had not opened before. I think those who are already there will recognize it, and those who have yet to be there will enjoy the look of what is to come.

https://youtu.be/ipUNDBSI9Jw?si=oxGej_fYOTAbugjP

Monday, December 1

After the Storm

Iowa was hit pretty hard with a snowstorm this Thanksgiving weekend. Keri sent me some photos taken at their home in Jefferson.

I take pics now and then while on our morning walks, and then I forget to post them.

Here are some of them...

There are crops growing beside the park, and this is on our walking route. These are workers taking care of the crop (kale?). I noticed, while taking this by, I am guessing the foreman. It was not a pleasant look, so I only took this one shot.

Meeting up with Renie.

This was a foggy morning, and that is a photo of the sun.

By the way, it's after 3:00 AM, and I was having trouble sleeping, so I decided to make better use of my time than staring at the ceiling thinking of oddball stuff. If something doesn't make much sense, chalk it up to that.

I think I will go back to bed now and try to get some more sleep.