Snow., Hospital, Busy Busy,

Saturday night, Matt was off to bed and called me to look out of the window - everywhere was white. A couple of hours later I looked out again and it was snowing like mad and there was a thick white cover everywhere, including the trees. I couldn't believe it. I thought we were heading to spring. The previous snow had just about disappeared everywhere except for the odd melting pile where snow clearance had mounded it up. Now we have it all to do again.

Friday I got papers from one of our local hospitals about going in next Friday for a cardiac catheterization at noon. Depending on what they find it could turn into an angioplasty which would mean I stayed in over night. They keep talking about responsible adults to drive me home and possibly to stay with me overnight once I am home. Easier said than done. I have arranged for drivers, but staying overnight? Matt will probably manage,  but his health is not too good. They talk about giving my companion a pager and updating maybe 3 times. Matt wouldn't have a clue how to use one. Not sure I would either mind you.

So now it is Monday. Sorry you haven't heard from me since last week. I have been in a bit of a tizz but today managed to make a number of phone calls which permitted me to calm down. Had to go see the family doctor this morning and she gave us a couple of prescriptions - long way to go, but... came home and had lunch then went to fill up, $1.22/litre approximately. and finally used my car wash ticket I have had for a while. Nice to have a clean car for a change. I have still got to take it back for the emergency brake cable but not sure when I will do that as we are having a busy time right now. Foot nurse tomorrow, endocrinologist on Wednesday if I can find her, was driven there last time. Nothing on Thursday at the moment.

Not been able to get hold of the physiotherapist, think he is due this Friday, but obviously we won't be here.

This afternoon I found myself a recipe for Marinara Sauce in the Instant Pot so that is what I did. We then used some over spaghetti for supper. I didn't stick to the recipe so much as I was looking for the times to use. I didn't use the red pepper flakes as it is an all purpose sauce and not everything I use it for is spicy. Tasted OK and was quite easy to make in the Instapot.

Basic Marinara for the Instant Pot

This marinara sauce tastes like it's been simmering all day, but you'll have a savory, rich dish on the

table in under an hour

2 Tbs olive oil
1 cup diced onion
1 Tbs minced garlic
1/4 cup dry red wine
1 28 oz  can diced tomatoes
1 28 oz can whole peeled tomatoes
1 Tbs dried basil
1 Tbs dried oregano
1 Tbs dried parsley
3/4 tsp sea salt
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 pinch red pepper flakes
1 bay leaf

1. Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot(R)) and select Saute function to heat the pot. Add olive oil and onion; cook until onion is translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in red wine and simmer until reduced by half.

2. Pour diced tomatoes and whole tomatoes into the pot. Bring to a simmer. Stir in basil, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf. Press Keep Warm. Close and lock the lid. Seal the vent. Select Manual function and set timer for 10 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the pressure to build.

3. Release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid. Discard bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce.

Source: allrecipes.com

Have a great day