I’m writing this week’s column on November 15th. I usually like to write my columns a couple of weeks in advance, because, well, one just never knows, and I would hate to miss my deadline. Why, we could have a freak power outage here in the ADK that lasts for weeks on end. My computer might crash, again, and our miracle-computer-fixit-guy Colden Hippeseley could be on vacation in the Bahamas . Or, I could lose my precious writing fingers in a freak food processing accident. I could go on and on. I just like to be prepared and in control, so sue me. Which brings me to the real subject of this week’s column: mean people who skoff at my controlling, uber-prepared ways.

See, according to the National Weather Service, yesterday (Nov. 14th—a Sunday) was supposed to be the last “nice” day for a long, long while. We’re talking highs in the mid-50’s, with no rain. So, Big Daddy E. and I set out to do what any logical, self-respecting (totally fictional) Upper Thendara Heights Neighborhood Association homeowner would do: decorate for Christmas. Well, after hanging about 6 trillion feet of garland and pretty twinkly white lights on our front porch, filling our flower boxes with fresh greens and festooning our front door with a festive wreath, some of our precious neighbors (not naming names here, folks, but their last name does happen to rhyme with “Zangworthy”) actually had the nerve to stand smack in front of our house and give us a hard time. Because we decorated before Thanksgiving, and everyone else in the hood still had pumpkins and scarecrows and pilgrims out for display. I won’t be around when said neighbors don their houses in gay apparel (we’re going out west for a while), but I surely will feel smug upon my return to Spruce Drive, hearing all their moaning and groaning over frostbitten fingers and numb toes. Hah. Should have listened to their little control freak/common sensical redheaded neighbor, after all. Some people never learn. (Oh, and Mr. and Mrs. “Zangworthy,” if you’re reading this right now, you KNOW how much I adore you both, right? I’d totally give you a kidney. This is just the price you pay for being in the Neighborhood Association.)

Onto more super simple and easy dinners for your busy holiday weeknights. The first recipe this week is from my friend Mona in Omaha—Mona’s Mac and Cheese. Who in their right minds doesn’t love a little mac and cheese, I want to know? This one comes together in a snap, and your kids will just love it. The tomatoes and Parmesan add a slightly different Italian flavor, but if your kids hate tomatoes, like mine did, you can always leave them out. Next is another “comfort food” recipe for your crock pot. This Creamy Pot Roast over Noodles could not be any easier to prepare, and if your family is small, like mine, you’ll have leftovers for days. Enjoy.

MONA’S MAC AND CHEESE

Serves 6

1 14.5 oz. box elbow or shell macaroni

1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup sour cream

1 15oz. can diced tomatoes, drained (optional)

1 tblsp. butter, melted

1 tsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. garlic powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 13x9 inch casserole dish. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Stir in all remaining ingredients. Pour into greased casserole dish and bake until bubbly, about 30-40 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

CREAMY POT ROAST

OVER NOODLES

Serves 6

4 to 5 lb. chuck roast

2 tsp. garlic powder

2 tsp. salt

Freshly ground pepper

2 large carrots, chopped

2 celery ribs, chopped

1 yellow onion, sliced

3/4 cup sour cream

3 tblsp. flour

1/2 cup white wine

Hot cooked noodles

Rub roast with garlic, salt and pepper; place in crockpot. Add chopped carrots, celery and onion; cover and cook on low for 10 hours. In a small bowl, mix sour cream, flour and wine; add to crockpot 30 minutes before end of cooking. When time is up, lightly shred beef with two forks (should come apart very easily). Serve beef and sauce over hot cooked noodles.

Happy eating.

Please send all recipes or comments to P.O. Box 111, Old Forge, NY 13420, or e-mail them to lnwillard@hotmail.com.