Poor JoePa!

JoePa was injured in Penn State's game against Wisconsin last Saturday. As a coach on the sidelines, you probably think you are pretty safe. Not in this case...

"Penn State's feisty 79-year-old head coach was listed in good condition Monday at Mount Nittany Medical Center, one day after an 80-minute procedure to fix a fractured tibia, or shin bone, and two knee ligaments torn in a sideline collision during last week's loss to Wisconsin.

Team doctor Wayne Sebastianelli said Paterno was expected to make a full recovery after several screws were inserted into the injured leg, which was also fitted with a temporary brace. Paterno might be able to put weight back on the leg in about six weeks." (Quote from AP writer GENARO C. ARMAS

Poor JoePa! I'm so thankful he will make a full recovery but what is on my mind today (and maybe every Penn Stater's who truly bleeds blue & white) is...what will Penn State be like when JoePa retires or worse, dies? JoePa has put Penn State on the map, so to speak. What an icon. He gives to the school, he gives to the community...he expects great things from his players...high academic standards AND ethical behaviour (ok, so maybe that one can be disputed)...he is an all-around great coach. A few years ago, people were calling for his retirement saying he was washed up and no good any longer. Last season he proved them all wrong. Then he lost senior players and this season has been rocky but he's rebuilding and there's promise in the team. Go State! Go Joe...and recover well so you can show them all it's still in you.

And now for the epicurean part of my post today...a recipe no domestic goddess (or god!) should be without!

Aunt Cherie's Carrot/Onion/Potato Casserole

1 or 2 potatoes
3-4 carrots
1 onion
Parkay squeeze margarine
Pepper
Kosher salt

Wash and peel carrots & potatoes. Peel onion. Slice all to about 1/4"...a mandoline comes in handy for this! The idea is to have vegetables the same thickness so they cook evenly.

Layer into glass baking dish. Start with carrots sliced on the bottom. Dot with butter (or margarine) then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add onions layer. Dot with butter (or margarine) then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add potato layer. Dot with butter (or margarine) then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add a tablespoon of water. Microwave for about 18 minutes.