It's A Big Big Day In The Capitol

What a day, what a turnout, what a country we live in. A country smart enough to reelect a president who seems to have our best interests at heart. Not big interests, our interests.

We didn't go down to the Mall. We watched from home and shared in the pictures posted from our friends who braved the crowds.

We braved our trainer and a visit from the oil company representative quoting me a price for putting in a new burner.  Can you hear me scream?

We also began the painting of the back bedroom untouched for the 4 years our last "short term" renter was with us.

It was a sunny day and the cats lounged around on the drop cloths as we listened to an eclectic mix of music ranging from opera to country to go-go.

Cats lounging about aren't a great help and once again neither was I. I have never found the Zen of painting.

After painting the baseboards and attempting the windows I was sent out of the bedroom and found my way into the kitchen where I did what I do best :cook. 

I cut up about a pound of tri tips into 1/2 cubes and with a sprinkling of S&P I browned them in batches with a splash of olive oil.

Then I added a chopped onion, several cloves of garlic, a carrot, a zucchini and browned them along with cumin, chile powder, paprika, a bay leaf and a sprinkling of crushed red peppers.

 

When soft I added the beef cubes to the pan and poured a half bottle of ale and let it reduce halfway. Then I added a 28oz. can of Cento tomatoes, crushed by hand and 2 cans of black beans. I brought it to a boil, turned it down to low and let it simmer away while I watched more of the Inauguration and bugged GG to let me see how the room was coming along.

Finally I was able to bribe my way in with a bowl of dinner. 

I love this time of year. Cold brings out the slow cook in me, and lazing around in kittens.

And the room? Still under construction.

But coming soon. GG promises.