How to Replace your Hard Drive

Assemble your tools: screwdriver to remove screws, replacement hard drive, and tape for mouth if things get out of control. Fortunately, tape was not needed. Unplug, unscrew and rip off the top plastic cover.

Unscrew the old one and plug in the new one.

Replace cover and plug back together.

Run recovery software disks for Windows. Wait two days for appt. with the help desk (that would be tomorrow at 10 am) to replace all the necessary software and totally re-image to actually be able to do necessaary work. Fortunately, I have enough programs on the Internet now that I could access several work programs and my online email and still be able to work. I don't know what I was worried about. I mean, if a guy can do it....and I even read the directions!

Use it Up Wear it Out Make it Do or Do Without!

Okay, maybe that's a bit extreme, but my 23 year old waterless cookwear has needed new knobs and handles for ages! The handles were so loose that we were constantly spilling food and scalding ourselves as they tilted and wobbled. And someone always seemed to catch me in the act as I tried to use the nearest knife to tighten them up! Voila! I finally went to the website and ordered new knobs and handles - since they have a lifetime warranty I only had to pay $35 for the shipping and my lovely pots and pans are as good as new! I believe they will last another 23 years.

No more spaghetti noodles going down the drain!

Conference Cinnamon Rolls!

Our traditional Saturday morning breakfast during General Conference is cinnamon rolls. I made these bags for some friends and delivered them today in time for conference!The recipe is so simple: mix together 5 cups flour, 2 T. yeast, and one yellow cake mix. Stir well (put in a plastic bag) and put into a cute fabric bag, tie with a ribbon and give with a gift tag containing the following instructions.
Easy Cinnamon Rolls
Combine mix with 2 1/2 cups hot water, mix well and let rise until double. Punch down, roll into a 15 x 10 inch rectangle and top with 1/4 c. melted butter, 2 T. cinnamon and 3/4 c. sugar. Roll up longways and cut into 18 slices. Divide between two 9 x 13 greased pans and let raise again. Bake at 350 for 25 to 30 minutes. Frost with cream cheese frosting, butter cream, or a thin glaze. Yummy!!!

Happy Halloween

I am going to make this cute little thing. I visited my favorite stamp store last weekend and there it was. I know it's frivolous and of no value, but it just called to me and I couldn't resist. Fall is my favorite season and October is my favorite month. I don't have time to start a new project today or tomorrow or this weekend, because I have other priorities that are much more pressing. But one day I am going to totally escape from my responsibilities and do this! Like most projects, though, I can make about 10 for the cost of making the one! Maybe I should make some extras!

Fresh Bean Salad

Last Wednesday I found yet another Farmer's Market by surprise in the parking lot of the Northway Mall. I stopped by Carr's to reward myself with a hot chocolate from Starbucks for getting all my nasty chores done before work. And because I'd had no breakfast and I was hungry. And there it was. I picked up a little bag of assorted baby potatoes and these fresh green beans. I didn't even know you could grow green beans in Alaska. The result is Fresh Bean Salad.
Here's my version:
Wash, sort and cut beans and then cook in boiling water for about 4 minutes or so. Cool quickly under cold running water.
In your salad bowl, mix together 2 T. golden balsamic vinegar (or more if you like it more tangy)
2 T olive oil, 1 T. fresh oregano leaves, 3 T. diced red onion or a shallot, and 2 t. grainy mustard. Mix well.
Toss green beans in with dressing and a can of kidney beans. I am not a huge fan of chickpeas in my salads so I left them out.
I served it with some fresh chickpea and pine nut hummus and Croccantini.
Light, yummy and plenty of protein!