Daughters

This has been the week of the girls. After hunting last weekend, we met the oldest in Sacramento for lunch. We had a great time eating, catching up and laughing. I am so glad her schedule meshed with ours! It would have been so fun to see her hubby, also, but we will see them both in July at his sister's wedding. I can't wait (I LOVE to dance at weddings and I have permission from my daughter to make a fool of myself, it is her in-laws after all!).

We had the second daughter, her husband and two little people over for dinner the next day. We went to the park with the dogs and her family, to play. Strawberry shortcake for dessert!

Fourth daughter and her boyfriend (my nephew, no blood: they are step-family), met us as the nursing home to visit her grandmother on her 91st birthday. We had a very fun visit, telling jokes and keeping my husband's mother company. Big news was shared in the parking lot. More later when I have permission to share.

Third daughter came over for dinner last night. We don't see her nearly as often as the other three because of choices she has made that have presented some difficulties. We call, email and invite often but she is very busy and doesn't come over as often as we would like. She will be having our third granddaughter in August. Baby shower planning is in the works. We had a yummy dinner that she liked well enough to copy the recipe. That spells success in my book.

Here is the recipe:

12 to 16 oz rotelle pasta
3 zucchini cut in 1" cubes
2 red bell pepper cut in 1" chunks
1 red onion cut in 1" chunks
2 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
3 T olive oil
1/2 tsp pepper
salt to taste
1 pint red and yellow small tomatoes
1 Cup fresh basil chopped
1 T red wine vinegar

In 450 degree oven, roast zucchini, red pepper, onion, garlic, oil, salt and pepper. 35 min stirring once. Toss tomatoes with basil and vinegar. Cook pasta during the last 10 minutes of the vegetables roasting. Save 1/4 C of pasta water after cooking pasta to toss with all the ingredients. In large bowl put drained pasta, roasted veggies and tomato mixture along with reserved pasta water. Toss and serve hot.

Last night I added cooked chicken and grated on some Parmesan cheese. We had french bread along side and it was an easy dinner.