a prayer, a recipe, and Idol...

First of all, there was yet another horrible apartment fire in Starkville this afternoon (click here for more info). To my understanding, at least 32 apartments were destroyed. Mandy and I drove to take a look when we heard about it, and it was a devastating sight to say the least. When I saw dozens of firemen risking their lives and people crying because they just lost their home or couldn't find their pets, all I could do was stop and pray. I did hear that there were no fatalities. Praise God. I can't imagine losing my home and all of my belongings. When saying your prayers tonight, please remember any victims involved.

Secondly (and on a slightly more cheerful note!), I have a recipe to share! Anybody looking for a good meal for summer? This is one of my favorites, and it's SO EASY. Forgive me if I've posted this recipe in the past. Even if I did, there's probably a good chance that you didn't copy it down the first time. My suggestion is that you do it now. You'll be glad you did!

I fixed this just tonight. For some reason, I always start craving this when it gets warm outside. I dunno.

Anyway, here you go...

Tomato-Basil-Asparagus Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

1 16 oz. pkg. bow tie pasta

1 lb. asparagus, cut into 2 " pieces

1 c lemon vinaigrette (I always have trouble finding this. I usually just use Fat Free Italian Salad Dressing! It gives the salad a great taste without the extra calories!)

I pkg. fresh basil, chopped

1 pint grape tomatoes, halved

salt and pepper to taste (I also love lemon pepper!)

sliced grilled chicken (it's optional really, but I prefer it!)

Directions:

Cook pasta according to directions, adding asparagus last 3 minutes. Drain and rinse under cool water. Stir together vinaigrette and chopped basil. Pour 3/4 c. over pasta mixture. Stir in tomatoes, salt and pepper (don't forget the lemon pepper!), and chicken. Cover and chill for 1 hour. Toss with remainder of dressing.

How easy is that?

This recipe makes A LOT of servings, and in my opinion, it tastes better the day after it's made! I like it because I live alone and I can eat on it for several days! Perfection.

MSKS, do some research and check on the WW points for this meal. I mean, it can't be THAT many points, right?

And finally, (before I crash for the night), my report on tonight's performances on AI: BEST NIGHT SO FAR THIS SEASON. Last week, I thought I had decided my favorites, but after tonight's performances, I have no idea what to think. I LOVED Crystal (as always), Katie (fell in love with her after tonight's performance) and Lee (I may be in love with him actually). We'll see what happens tomorrow night!

Goodnight, dear friends!