So...whats for dinner?
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Thank you Monica
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for you Nance!
Laurie, I loved the fireplace you posted on Facebook! Assuming that the one you got is similar.....very cool.....and will be a wonderful addition to your backyard "resort".
You are a good friend to prep for drop-ins given your back pain. I want you to get better! Hope you can get the crock pot to do most of the pulled pork work for you. And maybe the boys would like to do the "pulling". That's the most labor intensive part.
Yes, I'm hoping for no OT this time....and a win would be really nice, but boy do those Blackhawks have stamina!! Go Bruins!
This morning I picked up this wonderful 90 year old woman from my UU church to have coffee at my house. I have known her for many years, and served on an important committee together twenty years ago, during which time we got to know each other well and developed an affinity..... but since I rarely went to church during my crazed recent working years I rarely saw her. This year we reconnected, and I was determined to have her over for coffee, fruit cup and banana muffins. What a great morning we had! She is also a BC survivor, a writer, editor and artist....... and wonderful role model for aging. It was a lovely morning.
For dinner, I made turkey cutlets with a fresh mushroom onion balsamic sauce, along with braised kale and my "go to" cuke salad.0 -
Mom's air conditioner has been replaced. $5800, which is a decent price for what was installed.
Mom is participating in an Alzheimer's disease study. The doctors follow as many people as possible, for as long as possible and do a ton of tests in hopes of finding an easier way of diagnosing the disease than autopsy. After she dies, they do an autopsy and then see if any tests show any predictive "powers". Today was one of her testing days. For 95, her mind is in pretty good shape.
Dinner tonight is Hamburger Soup.
Also, I got a "garage sale" kerosene stove today. It is a single burner one that is strong enough and just the right size to hold either my large boiling water canner (for Jelly) or pressure canner. There isn't enough room between the stovetop and the microwave oven for the canners, so I needed to try something else. The kerosene stove, once it's going, doesn't stink at all, and it puts out a LOT of heat, so I'm hoping it will work out well..outside...as it does smell until it warms up....0 -
Eric, good for your mom, who is impressive in her longevity and generous to participate in this study. Wishing you a very Happy Father's Day weekend!
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Finally....gorgeous day here! Only marred by the discovery that my beautiful kale plants were eaten right down to the bottom of the stalks.
I immediately assumed it was the ground hog guy, but as I was inspecting, saw our adolescent bunny run back under the shed. He must have a very full tummy!! So much for kale salad tonight.... So I gave all my plants a good sprinkle of hot pepper flakes...we'll see what happens. I wouldn't mind if I lived in a rural area....but we must have our own little nature preserve in the center of my town. Off to sit in the sun with my shotgun....;)0 -
We have more rabbits this year than we ever have had. My dogs died two years ago and ever since then this place had turned into Wild Kingdom. I even had a rabbit sitting on the front porch one morning munching on my potted geranium. So far they've eaten my parsley (two kinds) basil, dill, cilantro, cucumbers, water lilies, all of my zinnia seedlings and one yellow squash plant. We have four apple trees that we never get an apple from because the squirrels eat them when they're golf ball size. The deer eat everything else. The deer visit all hours of the day and night. I'm going to start naming them. We just caught a marauding raccoon that had been wreaking havoc on the bird feeders during the day (we bring them in at night) and another one took it's place the very next day. I feel like I'm under seige.
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Neighbor has told me she has a family of jackrabbits living on her property. And her DH keeps a large garden. Haven't seen any around in several years. Drought has eased just a bit this year. But we've been fighting with a skunk living under the shed that stores my hay. I've lost my patience because have found it every evening in the goat yard so poor babies are getting locked up WAYYY early. I think DH needs some target practice. Article in paper about the large increase in copperhead bites this year. DH ran over small one with mower or weed eating. I don't go out of backyard except in boots and not even in backyard at night unless in boots.
Anyone have a favorite kind of supermarket olive oil? I just bought some Olivari which has a cute pop-up spout. I mostly just use for stir fries and for chicken saute so not a big user. The bottle I just emptied was a Bertoli. I went yesterday to the holy grail of supermarkets Central Market. They do have an olive oil bar but as usual I was in a hurry. I need to spend some time and get a primer there. Bad thing is it backs up to the coffee, another weakness. They had taste testing out all over. I also have Misto I need to wash and put some oil in. I do have to go back week after next to Ft. Worth for eye dr. appt. I was very good and restrained my purchases yest. so I feel I deserve another trip, right???
Have a tray of peppers/onions slow cooking in oven. I just baggie them up and use when I want a flavor boost. Tonight is Hebrew National hotdogs, about the only ones I will buy. Tomorrow I think is pork ribs in crockpot with fresh green beans. Should have done ribs in oven today; only 86 degrees, cloudy with little showers around.
Michelle - hope the "boost" makes you feel better 'n better for your trip.
Eric - we have a single burner propane stove just for power outages. One of these days I know we'll have the ice storm of the century. I (well DH did) have used it only once but it made coffee at the most opportune time. Wow, $5800. That sounds like a price for condenser air. Didn't know "swamp coolers" were that expensive. Or is it just the electric usage that is less? I remember the 1st whole house AC parents bought about 1959; living in Albuquerque. Wonderful.
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Michelle -- hope your 'boost' went well!
Loving the rabbits! This is the score: rabbits one, Nancy zero
Go rabbits go! Nancy needs a lot of company!Dinner tonight... Cream of mushroom soup, salad, maybe some ciabatta rolls..
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Swamp coolers are much less expensive, both to purchase and to operate...but they don't work so well in July and August when it's both hot and humid.
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Bobo, you are so twisted lol!
Luv, we have copperheads too. We see at least one a year. They like to hang out in our mulch pile where it's nice and warm. I don't worry too much about them but I never reach into a flower bed without gloves and "beating the bushes" first.0 -
I am sitting here watching a doe eat the leaves off my apple tree. I give up.
I also have a green tree frog living in the spout of my watering can. Him, I like.0 -
Nancy - Hmm, the neck of your watering can must attract some nice dinner for him. I have one of those green frogs that lives along the ledge of the patio. He croaks randomly during the day. I saw another brown frog a couple weeks ago. The fireflies sadly are not as numerous as are the toads. I had a family of toads that would camp out on the storm shelter and eat bugs attracted to the arc light. It is one of those with the concrete top above ground and dirt surround. The toads learned to do this as we had the shelter built after we moved in. Sadly none in the last few years have adopted this trick. Gutsy doe to be eating out in open at midday. And I know you're not having much if any drought. Makes me rethink planting an apple tree where I lost an old plum tree last year. Would love an apricot tree. Fig tree died to the ground again despite frost cloth and tarp. I long for figs. $6.99/lb at Central Market. I bought 4 and must eat them at that price. They also had huge apricots $3.99/lb. I bought 2. DH eats neither of them. He got black plums at about the usual grocery price.
Went outside to check yard after 15 minute downpour about 25 minutes ago. There's an owl hooting off in the distance and though it's cloudy certainly not dark/gloomy.
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Regarding the snakes and "creepy crawly" things. I *still* tend to walk with my head down to make sure I'm not going to step on a rattlesnake and I still check my shoes before I slip my feet in them (scorpions).
In the city we don't have much in the way of 4 legged critters that eat in the gardens. My competition are the birds eating the grapes and pommegranites and little grey moths that lay eggs that turn into armies of caterpillars that eat the grape leaves. Netting "fixes" the birds and I use BT for the caterpillars.
At the "old" house, the neighbor had a bug zapper that killed lots of bugs. A toad would sit under the zapper and "snag" the freshly cooked bugs as they fell to the ground. The toad was HUGE!!!
While I'm thinking about it....The hamburger soup recipe.
2 pounds ground beef.
2 table spoons of olive oil.
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon basil
1/8 teaspoon seasoning salt
1 packet of onion soup mix.
6 cups boiling water.
1 eight ounce (by weight) can of tomato sauce.
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
1 cup celery, sliced in lage chunks.
1/4 cup of celery leaves
1 cup carrots sliced in large chunks.
1/3 cup dried split peas
1 cup elbow macaroni
Parmesan cheese.
For what it's worth, my dutch oven handles this recipe with ease and makes for a low cleanup meal.
Brown the hamburger in the olive oil. Add salt, pepper, oregano, basil, seasoning salt onion soup mix, boiling water, tomato sauce and soy sauce. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Add celery, celery leaves, carrots, dried split peas and simmer for another 20-30 minutes. Add macaroni and simmer for another 30 minutes. Serve with Parmesan cheese sprinkled on the soup.
If I'm feeling ambitious, I'll make some cornbread to go with this.
My mom gave this to me..it was one of my dad's favorites. Sharon and DD like it too.
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Luv, I am very taken with costco's Kirkland brand tuscano evoo. It's the most expensive of their several house brands and they didn't have this one for a while (much to my great disappointment) but they have had it recently. It's still under $12 a liter here. Before I found this one, I had been using a Greek oil from trader joe's that I really liked. I can't remember the name, but it's the only Greek one they carried. I tend to like the fruitier oils, so it may not suit you.
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Eric- Your soup sounds so good!
I am laughing at all the critter stories! We don't have many arounf here that I notice- but we don't have a garden either, just herbs. Although we are supposed to have a garden but I don't think it's going to happen this year. DH worked till 2 and We met friends at a local park and played a long time. Kids are pooped which is great. We have friends coming by for the game to watch out side and eat pulled pork and my orzo pasta salad with cucumber, tomato and feta. The fire pit did not get finished today, but DH got a nice start. Lacey- It is not as impressive as the one I shared to win for free on facebook. But it is all natural stone and is around four foot in diameter pit with a liner. Dh is very happy. We are putting it about a foot from the pool and near our patio set and bar. Hope everyone had a good day! Time to scrub the kids feed them and toss them in bed to watch the game!
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YUM. Eric and Laurie I'll be right over for dinner. Both hamburger soup and orzo salad sound delicious. I may go put some orzo on which I do have and make it into something though no cukes. How about broccoli or zucchini? No feta, not DH fav. but have Parmesan. I think it might work. Oh and one leftover hardboiled egg from potato salad 2 nights ago.
Had a delicious pourdown and maybe a bit more coming. 82 degrees and gulf coast humidity. Need to bathe dog, oh joy. Have kiddy pool set up outside for that.
Nancy I'll look for the olive oil at the Target supercenter. Don't have a Costco card; think DH would strangle me. Or alternatively look at TJ's week after next. Looks like I need to make a super list for that since I have no FW appts. in July until one in late August.
Enjoy the hockey playoffs. Guess I might watch even though my beloved Stars are not in it and the Texas Rangers look pitiful.
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Boys are asleep and my SIL, nephew, his girlfriend, my brother , his girlfriend and her sister are headed over to watch the hockey game. I guess it's a family affair. Dh " pulled the pork" (sounds dirty!) And we are ready to go for the game! I hope I stay up for the whole ting and I hope for no OT. I learned my lesson the other night staying up too late and I will not do it again. Come hell or high water by 12 I am in my bed! Lacey- I will be watching for you on facebook as we watch!
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When I had my garden, I called it the all you can eat buffet for the rabbits around here! Sometimes they left me some to eat too. Eric, I think your mom must be something special. and soup? that sounds great, it was only about 60 here today. Laurie, I hope the game was fun. To all much love.
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Happy fathers day Eric, you're a great dad. And to all those single moms out there who are mom AND dad to someone, here's to you too!
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Sounds like we need a recipe for rabbit stew!!
Happy Fathers Day Eric! Hope you take this day to do something special for just you.
Nancy hope the smiles helped you out....:)
Ate out last night Chicken piccata oh yum my favorite.
Went to Amish market yesterday and got some of their homemade butter...on toast this morning...what a difference, but it was pricey. Tonight I will get the grill going if we are home and feed my DH some steak, with grilled corn on the cob and either a pasta side or maybe some orzo salad if Laurie wants to share how she didi that?
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Carrie, they did, see? :-D
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Thanks everyone. My mother in law stopped by with a card.
I made, by request of DD, more aebleskivver while Sharon was working on next year's physics class lesson plans. So there we were, Sharon at the table, making notes, me at the stove, cooking, and we're having conversation about orbital mechanics (Keppler's Laws).
I haven't decided if we're weird, or not....although DD has most likely made up her mind about this. :-)0 -
And how about a side of woodchuck stew!! When I went to bed very late last night, my kale plants ( the ones generously left by the critter yesterday) were still standing. By the morning every last one was gone with a clean cut to each! I'd like to send that animal to the store so I can have some kale for my smoothie! Guess they didn't mind the hot pepper flakes at all......
I'd love the orzo salad recipe too.
DH and local DS are out hitting a bucket of golf balls. DS brought over marinated turkey tips and a couple of Omaha steaks. I marinated a ton of veggies and made a salad...also making roasted potatoes with rosemary. Trader's lemon tart for dessert. Getting some exercise in so I can eat guiltlessly.
Have a good day everyone!0 -
This thread moves so fast it will be impossible to catch up! I've been gone for a month on an extended vacation out west. Had a fabulous time...saw many wonderful sights...and had a lot of good food to eat! I came home with about 8 extra pounds to show for it, so tomorrow it's back to my green smoothies and salads until I'm back to normal. I tried to eat healthy, but there was just too much temping food on the road. The tex mex and chicken fried steak at my cousin's in Dallas, along with the biscuits and gravy for breakfast every morning didn't help, but it was worth it...yummy! We tried to eat something that was unique to the area we were visiting, and that included a lot of bbq, red meat, seafood, soul food, etc.
Hope everyone has had an exciting summer so far, and welcome to any newbies that might have joined while I was away. I will try to catch up over the next few days.
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Kay I loved watching your travels via facebook. So glad you had such a great time!
Eric- Happy Fathers Day to a wonderful Dad and DH!
There is a rumor that a trader Joes is currently being built in my town.... we shall see...
The orzo pasta salad- orzo, cucumber, tomato and feta. Use an italian seasoning packet and for the vinegar portion use balsamic instead of regular vinegar. It is light and tasty. Love it. Lacey- Whats your go to cucumber salad?
DH finished his Fathers Day gidtof his fire pit and it turned out great. Poor guy worked all day on the damn thing. I didn't know it would be so much work! Back to business tomorrow with the boys. I need to rest up for the next hockey game!
Dinner tonight was left over orzo salad, corn on the cob and grilled steak. I am thinking chicken cor don bleu for tomorrow if it rains.
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The go to cuke salad is ridiculously easy...and no oil so practically no calories!
Slice a peeled cuke (seed it if you like) or two, (or three of the small persian ones), add diced red onion or sliced scallions. Dressing is just red wine vinegar with sugar and fresh ground pepper to make it sweet and tart (I use stevia in it these days). I add whatever herbs are handy....dried tarragon, or oregano, or basil. If I want to stretch it a bit, I add fresh diced red or any other color peppers. Sorry, no measurements just do it by feel/ sight! You could also use balsamic for a nice flavor, but it would be brown....maybe the golden balsamic would be nice to try.0 -
Lacey- Sounds good! Thanks for sharing I will try it when the cukes come in!
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Laurie, I'm envious now that we know for sure there will be no veggies growing (surviving) in this backyard. Not sure I have the energy to create an elevated garden with chicken wire. I might just come steal some of your cukes! Guess that would make me the woodchuck!!
I just can't get over how much of a land/garden protector our little deceased schnauzer was for those fifteen years. Even so, I will not be getting another dog at this point.
Kaara, glad you had a great trip! Scary to see how far off the healthy foods wagon we can fall while traveling. Am sure you will be cranking up that Vitamix in no time!0 -
Happy Father's Day to Eric and all the DH dads.
I had a wonderful family day at my younger sister's house today. Our other sister was there with her dh and two of my brothers were there with their wives. Plus a nephew and his little girl. A niece and two of her children. And my mother. The menu was heavy comfort food: baked ham, grilled smoked sausage, red beans and rice, potato salad, mashed potatoes and rolls. Enough carbs, you think?! Dessert was cake and ice cream.
It was kind of a farewell gathering for dh and me. We leave Tues. heading north for the summer. First we'll go to IL to dh's sister's house and on to Park Rapids, MN, for July and August. The same little resort where we stayed last summer.
Last night we ate out at a nice little Italian restaurant. I had a special that was very good. Panfried speckled trout topped with artichoke hearts, fresh mushrooms and lump crabmeat in a light lemon sauce. A side of green beans and a salad of romaine, cherry tomatoes and blue cheese dressing.
Tomorrow I plan to transfer the refrigerator contents to the rv refrigerator and turn off the house refrigerator. So we'll eat take out for dinner or go to a local restaurant.
It's kind of strange transitioning from house to rv. I'm almost there!
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Carole: Have a safe drive and a wonderful summer. We'll look forward to hearing from you if your time allows.
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