Halfway To The End - Downton Abbey

 

 

 

Every episode I watch of this final season of Downton Abbey means that it is getting closer and closer to the finale. I anticipate that tissue will be required, but at the same time I am hopeful that there will be happy endings to celebrate. It seems that many storylines are heading in that direction, though you never know what the writers may throw at us, considering Matthew died in the Christmas special.

 

 

Every Sunday, I sit enthralled with both the story and the sights on my television. This season is especially fun to look at with the flapper fashions the ladies are wearing. The dresses, necklaces and especially the headbands that Edith and Mary have been wearing, are just so fabulous.

 

 

Without giving away any spoilers, I do want to comment on the last episode and what happened with Robert and the shocking dinner party scene. The foreshadowing of his health problems was keeping me on edge and I even asked my daughter who has watched the complete season to tell me if something bad was going to happen (she wouldn't). What did happen was so shocking and emotional, I almost couldn't believe what I was seeing. But, hopefully all will be well now.

 

 

Sunday nights in January and February will not be the same without Downton Abbey to look forward to. The sight of that beautiful Abbey with its rolling green hills, long drive and stately entrance will be missed and I can't imagine any new series that could have such charm and opulence at the same time. The upstairs, downstairs dynamic is what makes this series so special and these actors have created characters that we will never forget. I plan to enjoy every episode we have left.

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

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Spinach Enchiladas

 

 

 

A lot of people do Meatless Mondays and I think it's a great idea. In fact, I would love to try to do meatless dinners two or three times a week. It seems like a heathy habit to strive for and there are many ways to substitute for a healthy protein. And, with Lent approaching, meatless Fridays will be on the plan too.

I am an enchilada lover and when we eat Mexican food out at a restaurant, I almost always order some variety of enchiladas ( and a margarita too). I love to try Spinach Enchiladas, if they are on the menu and this recipe is one I made up to recreate this favorite dish at home and also help keep my meatless goal.

Definitely take the extra step and make your own enchilada sauce. I tried it with canned sauce and the difference is striking. You could really tell the difference. Also, I used corn tortillas, but have also tried this recipe using small flour tortillas and it was just as delicious, so whichever you prefer.

 

Spinach Enchiladas

1 can chicken broth (14 1/2 ounces)

1 can tomato paste (6 ounces)

4 tsp chili powder

1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained

6 green onions, chopped

1/3 cup sour cream

1/2 cup ricotta cheese

2 cups Mexican blend shredded cheese, divided

8 corn tortillas

To make sauce: whisk together the chicken broth, tomato paste and chili powder in a medium saucepan. Simmer for 8 - 10 minutes.

For filling: Combine spinach, onions, sour cream and ricotta cheese in a medium bowl. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheese.

To assemble: Spoon 1/2 cup sauce into a 11 x 7 baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Dip tortillas in sauce and spoon about 1/4 cup spinach mixture down the center of each tortilla. Roll up and place seam side down in the baking dish. Top with remaining sauce and cheese. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until bubbly. Top with sliced black olives if desired. Enjoy!

 

{Linking with these friends}

French Country Cottage

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Savvy Southern Style

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Have A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

Between Naps on the Porch

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Stonegable

Rattlebridge Farm

 

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January Ends

 

 

 

What a strange January it has been. First, it is a month that usually seems to drag on forever, but this year, seemed to fly by. And then there was our weather. No significant snow to speak of and warmer than normal temperatures made for an unusual start to our winter. We are usually in a deep freeze, surrounded by piles of snow and barely able to poke our noses outside, except to scurry to the car and back. Yesterday, on the last day of January, it was raining and close to fifty degrees. I went out in a light jacket and tennis shoes and any snow we had is long gone. Is this our new normal?

I am looking forward to February, because it always feels like a harbinger of spring, even though I know there is still a lot of winter still to survive. I look forward to the start of Lent and my 40 bags in 40 days project where I will be making big strides this year to get ready for a future move. It's time to let everything go and my mantra will be - is this something I want to move? That should be a good motivator.

Easter is early this year and that always makes it feel as if spring will be here before we know it. Valentine's Day will run into St Patrick's Day which will run into Easter. I even got a touch of spring fever yesterday and treated myself to a small bunch of daffodils, featured at the front entrance of the grocery store. They might look a little mixed up with my winter decor, but they fit my mood this week.

So, welcome to February. It will be a busy month, a hopeful month and as always, one step closer to spring.

Happy Monday!

 

 

P.S. Did anyone watch Grease Live last night? I thought it was the best live TV musical production yet and had a fantastic cast with lots of energy. Having the live audience and bows at the end made it seem more like live theatre and this musical theatre geek loved it!

 

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