Spicey Sausage Minestrone

Tis the season for SOUP!  Unless you're in Mexico, of course.  And I do have a couple followers from there - shout out to Shelley and Penelope!  This is an easy soup and a good alternative to the standard Chili.  Here's all you need:

Boil 2 or more carrots and 2 or more celery stalks (optional), and about 2 cups pasta (I like small shells or rigatoni noodles) in water and when tender, add 1 lb browned and drained spicy ground sausage, 1 can of diced tomatoes, and a 46 oz can or tomato juice.  Italian seasoning to taste.  Also can add salt and pepper, oregano, basil.... Oh yeah, I really like to add some crushed red pepper to give it an extra kick!  Heat till bubbling and serve in your cutest Goodwill soup bowls.  Then cozy up to the fire and play a mean game of Rummikub.