Monday, August 30, 2010

When It Rains, It Pours...

Three days into the start of the school year, and I awoke with a sore throat.

Not the kind of sore throat one gets from talking all day to five year olds. No. This was *that* kind of sore throat. The "I'm about to go down for the count" sore throat.

I made it through Friday. Barely.

As soon as we walked in the door I told The Offspring that they could eat what they wanted, watch what they wanted, and play what they wanted...as long as they were quiet and didn't disturb me.

Unless they were dead, dying, or bleeding, of course.

I took a hot bath, put on my pajamas, and got into bed.

I think this is a new record.

I usually make it at least a month before falling prey to the kindergarten germfest.

Whatever this is, it's kicking my arse. Hard.

The entire weekend was spent on the couch in a NyQuil induced stupor.

It's all a little fuzzy.

A House marathon was on. Not the best thing to watch when ill.

I got sucked into Man, Woman, Wild.

The Offspring were equally enthralled. The Boy is a survivalist in the making. The Girl would surely perish.

All my weekend chores were put on hold.

Laundry continues to sit in the basket. Dust is evident on all surfaces. The bathtub still has a ring.

Maybe I'll get to it later this week.

Maybe.

I made it through today.

Despite feeling spent, I came home and decided to make a pot of chicken soup. The kind with loads of vitamin-rich vegetables, flavorful broth, and a hint of lemon.

My body was calling for such a meal.

Let's forget that it's 90-something degrees outside with oppressive humidity to boot. Sometimes you crank down the a/c and go for it.

And since I was going for it, I baked some muffins to accompany our soup.

I love these muffins.

Whole wheat oat muffins: They have a subtle sweetness, but are still neutral enough to stand-in for a dinner roll or slice of bread with dinner.

I always make a large batch. Plenty of leftovers for breakfasts, snacks, and such.

Simple Oat Muffins

2 2/3 c whole wheat flour
1 1/2 c oats
2/3 c sugar
4 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
2 eggs
1 1/2 c milk
1/2 c oil

Preheat oven to 400*.

Mix the flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.

Mix the eggs, milk, and oil. Add to the dry ingredients and stir until just moistened.

Spoon into baking cups that have been lined or greased.

Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden. Remove from pan and let cool on a wire rack.

Enjoy!

School is upon us. Make sure you give your hands an extra wash and double up on the vitamin C.

Weekends should only be spent on the couch by choice, yo.