Thursday, January 27, 2011

Memories...Pieces of the Past that Shape the Future

As a member of the OSU family, today has been a day to remember the 10 who died tragically 10 years ago in a plane crash returning from a basketball game. They will never be forgotten, and their mark they made on the lives of many will live for years to come. As with the anniversary of any family members death, memories rush back and flood your mind of the great times you enjoyed with that person.  It seems that the more time that passes, the better the memories.  Magically the good memories wipe away the bad and you are transformed to another time and place.  So today as I thought about these men and prayed for their families, I suddenly was back at OSU thinking about my own delightful experience in Stillwater.

I have been know to say the years I spent in Stillwater were the best years of my life.  I don't know that now I would say the best, but they hold precious memories and helped shape me into the person I am today. I think about the friends who would call at 9:00 at night to meet at Braum's for ice cream and take a study break. The others I would meet at Denny's at 4:00 in the morning to study for a test and drink enough coffee that you forgot about your lack of sleep.  The nights at Tumbleweed's and the breakfast that followed at Shortcakes.  The judging workouts in a meat locker...not so much for the cold, but the camaraderie that developed between the members.  The Monday's that my cousin Trent and I would watch Allie McBeal, eat dinner and possibly no-bake cookies, and simply catch up on life.  Memories that will always be near and dear to my heart and remind me of a much simpler time.

One of my favorite weekend getaways during college was to go to my Grammy and Papa's house.  I knew that they would let me sleep, Grammy would wash my laundry and cook anything I wanted, and Papa would want to catch up on all the "good gossip."  Grandparents have a way of making all things better and making you feel extra special.  As children, my brother would always ask Grammy to make Jam Mazetti for dinner the night we arrived.  Every time we went to their house, she always had this delightful casserole waiting in the oven for us.  A few years ago, I found Grammy's recipe in a cookbook she had given me while I was in college.  I knew I had to intoduce Jam Mazetti to my family. Tonight, in the spirit of nostalgia, I share this with you.  This chili type goulash is great served with a salad and garlic bread.

Days like today help keep life in prospective.  It is not about how spotless I can keep my house, but the time that I spent playing tractors in the middle of the floor with the Little Man, or the cartwheels turned on the lawn with Pickles that are important. These are memories in the making and will be cherished in the future.

Until next time, keep making memories and looking for the joy in the small details of life.

Sarah

Granny Flo's Jam Mazetti

2 pounds ground chuck
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 can sliced mushrooms
1 can sliced water chestnuts
1 pound cheddar cheese, grated
2 large (303) cans petite diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
12 ounce package large egg noodles

Brown ground chuck with onions, celery and pepper until no longer pink and vegetables are soft. Drain any fat that is in the pan. Return mixture to pan and add remaining ingredients except for noodles and mix thoroughly. Season to taste with addional salt and pepper.  Boil noodles as directed on package.  Combine all ingredients reserving 1 cup of cheese.  Transfer to a large casserole dish and top with remaining cheese.  Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until bubbly.  Remove from oven and enjoy. 

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