Can It Be June Already?

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald 

Sorry, I missed spring. I got a new knee in April and have been miserable until just now. There were some wonderful things I didn’t miss however –  a friend came and whisked through my house one day while I was conveniently gone at rehabilitation. What a nice calm feeling to come home to a cleaner house.   

Another friend drove up from Casper with a meal that found it’s way to the branding the next day. I thanked her profusely, even though I didn’t get to eat it.  Nancy drove me to rehabilitation in Buffalo until I was able to drive myself. My daughter-in-law appeared with the new baby and a cake to celebrate. Diane brought dinner and cookies for the freezer – I snuck out and ate one a day until the sack found it’s way to another cow working.   

Friends checked in via text to ask how I was faring. I did enjoy the postings of cute baby calves, lambs and foals, and I was able to benefit from the good of spring from the comfort of the recliner.   

Our three-year-old grandson thundering into our room at daylight said, “Bob, the sun is up!”   

He crawled into bed with us and promptly slept again for a couple of hours. I can’t keep up with him myself, but Bob and the neighbors help out when he visits.  

My brother came through and cooked meals for us, too. He drove me to rehabilitation in his rented Tesla, but unfortunately, the station in Buffalo was a slow charge. We were able to limp into Sheridan and got charged up at the supercharger, but drove 69 miles an hour back to Kaycee, as we had to save enough charge to make it to Casper. My brother-in-law Tom came and shot the skunk in my yard.  

TV and bagged salads got me through – and drugs – I’m not going to lie.   Bob was keeping busy enough that he could sleep through the late night TV and the tossing and turning when I thought I was tired enough to sleep.   

But, enough about this – we are on to bigger and better things. How about a new recipe to try? This is an old favorite with a twist. 

Dump and Done Ramen Salad 

3 3-ounce pkgs. chicken-flavored ramen 

1 12 ounce pkg. broccoli slaw 

1 cup thinly sliced red onion 

1 cup frozen peas  

¾ cup corn kernels – fresh, frozen or canned 

½ cup sugar 

1/3 cup vegetable oil 

½ cup apple cider vinegar 

1 cup roasted, salted sunflower seeds 

Set the seasoning packets from the ramen aside. Crush the ramen noodles in a salad bowl, then add the slaw, onion, peas and corn and toss. 

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the sugar, oil, vinegar and ramen seasoning packets and microwave on high for one minute. Pour the hot dressing over the slaw mixture and toss.   

Refrigerate for three hours or overnight. Toss in the sunflower seeds just before serving.