Topic: how about drinking?

Nov 21, 2020 08:56PM ChiSandy wrote:

IL has had>10K new cases/day every day for the last week, except for an 8K new case day last Monday. (They're now counting "probables"--symptomatic people awaiting test results--as "cases," but the count is still distressingly high). Positivity rate is going down, but deaths & hospitalizations are rising. Some "collar-county" suburban hospitals have fewer than 20% of their beds--not just ICU beds--available. The entire lobby at Rush is a COVID testing/triage center now. Thank goodness Holy Cross canceled all elective stress tests, so Bob didn't have to go in today, just read EKGs & echoes & do telephone consults.

Took Heidi to the vet today for exam, rabies shot & "mani-pedi." Her regular vet is booked through the first week in Dec., so she saw a different one--who marveled at what good shape she's in for 15 yrs. old, and how plushy her coat is. (I love that Heidi loves to cuddle at bedtime). It seems like ages ago since we were allowed to wait in the clinic--ever since March we've had to wait in our cars outside the front door and communicate by cellphone. I nearly got gored trying to get her into her carrier--Bob was able to hold it still so I could stuff her in there.

Cracked the Drouhin Beaujolais Nouveau with takeout Tex-Mex tonight. Not as acidic as the Dubouef, a bit more tannin & body, about even with the fruitiness. But it's $2 more expensive, so Dubouef it'll be. (None of our usual faves, much less those top-rated by Wine Spectator, are available in the Chicago area this year).

Nov 22, 2020 08:37AM goldie0827 wrote:

Saw the doctors yesterday, DH has to do rehab, 2x a week. I'm hoping he's ok to just drive himself. Not dizzy any more, and drinking Smooth Move tea as suggested by our primary and follow up with him end of December. Probaby upper and lower scopes at that time. Tomorrow I head out early for my first infusion.

Cami LOL, you are Loving Old Peckerette, as NM fixed that one! Sounds like you guys have TG day planned. You always laugh when I mention Wacko, you make me laugh when you reference FF.

BabyGirl, you can be Kooky, we don't mind.

NM, did you get Ms Sadie figured out? As to why she was underfoot. Hoping yesterday wasn't too stressful at work. I'm probably bumping into you as I type. I will refresh before I post.

Jazzy, glad all is going well on hte workfront for you. Do your cleaning gals wear masks? Bringing JUST the turkey would be a good thing for sister, SIL and her MIL. So sad for those in homes that can't see their loved ones. No plan B if the treatment knocks me out. Hoping it doesn't! If it does, the biggest problem will be driving home. Once I'm home, all will be ok regardless.

NM, I know you will experience that a lot at work. And POOF, there you are! This is the DON that is doing the bullying? To employees or to patients? Either way, that's horrible. People like that SHOULD NOT be a nurse PERIOD! OMG, how sweet that Sadie summoned you to the bedroom and was even gracious enough to give you a pillow. She SOOOO loves you.

I got my winter lettuce and kale in the ground yesterday. I little late, but that's ok. Been really warm here too, just like Jazzy. I'm lovin it! DH managed to change the oil in my FJ yesterday. It was a struggle, but he got it done and I stayed right there with him, getting anything he needed. I still have work out in the garden to do, will try abnd get more of that done. I never get it all done and end up still doing it in the spring....oh well.

Nov 22, 2020 10:51AM camillegal wrote:

Nov 22, 2020 12:19PM Jazzygirl wrote:

Good morning again friends- hope everyone's Sunday is going well. I was out early this morning to get my weekly groceries and a few other errands done. Trip to the ACE Hardware too to get some house things done. I love that place, they replaced a battery for the Subaru I could have never done on my own and when the next one goes, I am going there to have them replace the second one. I found most all the food I needed for my turkey veggie lasagna I am making for Thanksgiving. They had some small frozen turkeys but will do one of those another time. Then nice thing about the lasagna is that I will have squares of that to freeze for meal options when I get home from work. Less of an issue with work from home, but more so when we go back on site.

I was supposed to do a telehealth late this morning to do a med review which is part of my current health plan's offerings, and usually we do by phone every year. This year they contacted me to do it by a telehealth visit and said it could be done on a weekend, but never got the link for the visit and when the woman called to confirm (I missed the call), it is listed as restricted so no number to call back. I was told to call the main number if I had any issues and they are closed? Well, I am not trying again, my insurance is about to change and know this org is contracted to do this and they guy was really pushing me to do this this weekend, but their process sux. Ironically enough, I have been listening to the issues with the telehealth visits in the clinics at my new job all this week and how difficult it is to get this to work the way it should.

NM- a culture that bullies it's workers is not a good one to stay in. The other healthcare organization I did a lot of work for here had some of that behavior and it gets old fast. I talked to a friend yesterday who still works for them and has sustained huge losses of friends and colleagues in this pandemic and is really in a bad place emotionally. On top of that, they are just berating her endlessly and know the person who is doing it and once of the most incompetent people they have. In the time of pandemic, people are so terribly stressed and it helps nothing. Sounds like you got some good info to make choices about your next steps with your work. Take care of you sister!

Goldie- PT for your DH sounds good and yes, hopefully he can drive himself to get some support and grow stronger. And yes, the cleaning people wear masks when they are here. I hope your trip to PHX goes easily this week. I was thinking last year we had a snow storm for Thankgiving but it's pretty dry out here for us, and probably for you.

Cami- I think you need a kitten. Does your household have any pets?

Where is Teka?

Okay, since I am a foodie, what is your favorite Thanksgiving food? I have lots, but a particular favorite that is probably more from the northeast is mashed turnip. We always had that for our dinners growing up and found some at one of the local health food stores and going to make some today and have it for the week. It is a root vegetable (I am a fan of all of them), but really love the taste. Here in NM, they also use red chili instead of gravy on mashed potatoes and turkey. It is actually pretty good.

Nov 22, 2020 07:56PM illimae wrote:

Stuffing is my favorite too but my absolute love is the full loaded after thanksgiving sandwich. I make mine on toasted white bread with mayo, turkey, gravy, stuffing and green bean casserole. It’s usually too big to bite and mushes out the sides but I just love it!

One guest dropped out because his son tested positive for Covid, one is coming on Tuesday and our friends that we always spend thanksgiving with arrived yesterday. They been careful before arriving and still sit 6 ft away, plus we open the windows most of the day, weather has been good for that.

Saw more donkeys the other day and the wild birds are finally adjusting to our presence.

Nov 23, 2020 05:29AM NativeMainer wrote:

Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Monday Monkey Day! Yesterday was a totally lazy day. Never even got dressed! Seems like I do that a lot lately. Anyway, planning on having a talk with the Administrator today, hoping changes will follow. I just realized this is Thanksgiving week, somehow I thought there was another couple of weeks to the holiday!

Trying something new today, grocery pick up. I put in an order on line, have my time reserved, will be picking up after work. We'll see how it goes. One of my cousins has been doing this for a while now, and my brother and sister in law were doing it even before covid. I did notice that I spent a lot less than I usually do, didn't realize how much impulse buying I've been doing.

Silly Sadie says Hi to everyone, and reminds everyone that the holiday is special time to spend with family and loved ones in whatever way makes sense during the pandemic.

Goldie--sounds like DH is getting better, managing to get the oil changed. The rehab will do him good, I bet. Yes, it is the DON that is doing the bullying, but she is not the only one. So far, only to staff. I'm not sure why Sadie was so underfoot the other day other than she was picking up on my being upset about stuff at work. She never stops surprising me. Praying the first infusion goes well.

LOL about hair color!

Cammy Cat--aw, pretty kitteh, here's a kiss for you!

Oh, my, Omaha Steaks! I've gotten those from time to time and they are GOOD! I hear you about the work thing. I tried to keep it to 8 hours. You better be eating, lady.

Jazzy--insurance stuff is so crazy. Don't blame you for letting the telehealth thing go. Telehealth stuff CAN work, but it takes a lot of behind the scenes work to make it go smoothly. My favorite Thanksgiving food is the combo of hot turkey, mashed potato, squash, all with butter and hot gravy, with cranberry on the side. I know, not one food, but I love the combo. Yes, I love the leftover or day after sandwich with all that on a slice of bread and smothered in gravy! I can't imagine red chili on anything, let alone everything! All those hot peppers make my tongue blister.

Chi--Happy Engagement Anniversary!

Illi--I'm not so crazy about the green bean casserole, but I never encountered that until I was an adult. Sorry about the guest who had to drop out. Hope the son has a mild illness.

Celia--I'm hoping for change at work, which often requires some work before calming down. But the job is worth making an effort to fix the problem. Still holding to my timeline, though.

Kiss

Ingredients

• 2 ounces gin
• 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth
• 3/4 ounce Dubonnet Rouge
• 1/4 ounce Luxardo maraschino liqueur
• Garnish: apple slice fan*

Steps

1. Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass filled with ice.
2. Stir until well-chilled, and strain into a cocktail glass.
3. Garnish with an apple slice fan.

*Apple slice fan: Stand an apple upright, and cut a chunk from the side, being careful to avoid the core and seeds. Lie the apple chunk face down, then halve it so that the apple flesh is exposed. Cut four thin slices from the exposed side. Place the apple pieces together, pierce them with a cocktail pick about one third of the way from the bottom. Then fan them out and place in your drink, resting the cocktail pick on the rim of the glass.

From <https://www.liquor.com/recipes/kiss/>

Nov 23, 2020 08:51AM camillegal wrote:

Mornin ladies,

Smooth travels today Lori and easy infusion for you.

Oh my fav is stuffing without a doubt. An Les really makes it good.Then yams, but the green bean casserole is getting tiresome, broccoli an cheese casserole has gotten to the top of my list. Jazzy I've never ever ha mashed turnip so I have no idea how it tastes. And since I don't like turkey no sandwich involved. Drink is root beer, well at least it has beer in there. I'm ordering desserts so way to many, I can't help it. I want a buffet of food like regular TG. Personally I like to graze for hours, Oh and I got a couple of appitizers, I know way to much and my kids will have a fit not cuz of the food cuz I probably won't eat much. I i have 1/2 cup of mac an cheese yesterday, jello and a breakfast burrito AND my ice cream at nite. see I'm eating.

Jazzy Joey and I would love to get a cat, but crazzy lucky is a nut plus the cat would have to many people to cling to an it wouldn't be mine alone like my other cats were. Cuz they lived with me alone and I came first evn after we moved here.

Celia u have everything planned out an it all seems good. U'll see it'll be fun.

Illi sorry about ur guest an stupid covid, but .better finding it out now then not at all. Hope all goes well with him.

Kim I really think Sadie feels more for u than u know. They do say our furbabies can tell us exactly what's going on and anxiety is an easy one for them. That's why she deserves so many belly rubs, u r thanking her.

Check in later ladies, have a good Monday, it well be a short week.

LUBS U ALL

Nov 23, 2020 09:05AM karen1956 wrote:

Several counties in Colorado are RED - but the governor added another color higher than red and it is Purple!!! No stay at home order yet, but restaurants close at 8 and no indoor dining, outside dining only 1 family that lives in the same household at a table. Gyms at 10%, last call at 8pm. I feel for the restaurants. We rarely eat out so personally does't impact us, but the owners and staff at restaurants are hurting. I do hope people will order take out. Other than the grocery store and DH occasional run to get beer, we social distance. I'm working remotely till January. I'm hoping my accommodations or a flexible work schedule will be approved for second semester - only 2 days/week in a building and no more than 2 buildings/week (I work 4 days). Both DH have underlying health conditions for worse case scenario if we were to get Covid, but not higher risk to get it. Plus the unknown long term risks scare both DH and me. We get out and walk at least 3 times/day but otherwise spend most of the day behind a screen.

I think stuffing (homemade) is my favorite - plus green bean casserole. But with just DH and me, no green bean casserole, cranberries as I'm the only one who eats it and too much for one person. I will make yams, stuffing and he smoked turkey legs and wings plus a pumpkin pie which will probably only get half eaten. I really miss the days of cooking for a household of people and company.

DH took the week off and I'm off so we are going to take advantage of day hikes in the area.

Have a great day. Stay safe and stay healthy.

Nov 24, 2020 05:25AM NativeMainer wrote:

Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Twofer Tuesday! Waking up to a chilly ayem with quite the breeze and talk of wind chill factors. Brrr. Didn't get a chance to talk to the Administrator yesterday, going to try for today.

Covid cases are skyrocketing. Maine CDC won't be following people through the entire illness anymore, there will be one contact with info and education, then referrals to social services if more help is needed. More cases at the big local hospital now than there has been all summer.

Cammy Cat--I like the idea of grazing for hours off a buffet of Thanksgiving foods! I would still eat way too much, but it would be over the day and not just at one meal, so probably more comfortable, right? Glad to see you are eating. You are probably right about Sadie knowing what's going on with me more than I do myself sometimes. And I give her belly rubs just as often as I can! I hope I'm giving her a good life.

Librarian--glad you had a good trip and a good visit with good talks. I've never heard of pineapple, cheese and ritz casserole, it sounds intriguing! Care to share the recipe? The roasted pumpkin sounds like a fun idea, too!

Karen--my goodness, adding a color to the top of the risk spectrum is frightening! I'm surprised there isn't a complete shutdown at that level, but I'm sure the governor knows what is best to do. Hope your work situation stays the same next semester.

Chi--LOLL at the minks committing suicide! Too funny! Sounds like your get together should be pretty safe. Glad to hear the case count is slowing down, hopefully your area has turned the corner on this wave.

Pass The Turkey Cocktail

You will need:

1 ½ oz. Wild Turkey Bourbon

2 oz Apple Cider

1 tbs Cranberry Jelly

1 Sprig Fresh Sage

1 Sprig Fresh Thyme

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle sage and thyme with apple cider.
2. Add ice, top with Wild Turkey and cranberry jelly.
3. Shake well, strain over ice in a glass rimmed with turkey jus and breadcrumbs.

From <http://www.sweetpaulmag.com/food/pass-the-turkey-cocktail>

Nov 24, 2020 08:55AM JCSLibrarian wrote:

Pineapple Au Gratin

2 large cans of pineapple chunks, drained

1 cup sugar

6 tablespoons flour

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated

30 Ritz crackers, crushed

1 stick butter, melted

Mix all except Ritz crackers and butter in 2-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle crushedRitz cracker crumbs over top. Pour melted margarine over crackers. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Serves 6 or more.

I usually cut the recipe in half and use tidbits rather than chunks. It is sweet and is served warm. A nice balance to the many savory dishes at Thanksgiving.

Goldie - I am so sorry about your experience at the infusion. Fingers crossed the second infusion goes better. Also sorry you are back on the road again. Maybe Thursday and Friday you can read, rest and watch Netflix.

Gotta get busy!

Nov 25, 2020 05:14AM NativeMainer wrote:

Good Morning, Loungettes! Happy Hump Day!Happy Turkey Day Eve!

I didn't get to talk to the Admin yesterday, we started to a couple of times but urgent things came up. I know he will make sure we get a chance to talk today. If he doesn't I will. I need to make this conversation happen so I can decide what I am going to do work-wise, sooner than the middle of January. It's getting too hard to go to work wondering what kind of day it's going to be.

Sadie has been making very good use of her very cold, wet nose this ayem, nudging me under my arm and begging for ear scratches. Boy, her nose can get some cold when it's cold outside! In the teens overnight.

Goldie--oh, my, how horrible to have the D hit like that! I hope the regular doses will be less disruptive on your systems. Seems the hot turkey sandwiches are a fan favorite all over! When I was growing up Mom would roast a turkey with stuffing on Christmas, getting up really early to put it in so it would be ready by lunchtime. Then she would make gravy and Dad would carve the turkey. Piled up paper plates and put a loaf of bread on the counter next to the stove and everyone helped themselves when they got hungry. That way Mom didn't have to cook all day and we still got a hearty, hot meal. Oh, yes, there would be pies, too. My brother and I would make sandwiches if we didn't want to stop playing or whatever we were doing, Mom and Dad usually made up a plate like a regular meal. I still remember picking a piece of turkey meat off the carcass every time I walked by it!

Librarian--thanks for sharing the recipe! Silly, me, I saw Au Gratin and assumed there were potatoes in it!

Karen--Why can't people do the mask and distancing thing indeed? Just too self-centered these days. The problem is, those people don't end up suffering the way the people they infect and the families of those who die do.

Turkey and Sage Cocktail

Ingredients

• 20 fresh sage leaves
• 4 ounces Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin butter (see note)
• 1/2 ounce lemon juice, from one lemon
• 4 dashes Angostura bitters

Directions

1. 1.
   Reserve two sage leaves for garnish and muddle the rest gently in a cocktail shaker.
2. 2.
   Fill the shaker with ice. Add bourbon, pumpkin butter, lemon juice, and bitters. Shake until well-chilled, about 20 seconds.
3. 3.
   Strain evenly into two coupe glasses and float a sage leaf on top of each drink.

From <https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2013/10/turkey-sage-cocktail-pumpkin-bourbon-drink-recipe-thanksgiving-cocktail.html>

Nov 25, 2020 06:44AM camillegal wrote:

Mornin ladies,

Lori I'm so very sorry that infusion took so much out of you, hopefullu the next and the rest won't be so bad. But on top of that that stupid ride u have to do, makes it worr I think, just the thought of it. For sure u have to rest this week end no matter what. How do u feel today??

JC I was curious about the pineapple cheese thing too. Sounds interesting and I never heard of it. I t must be good tho. Glad u had such a good time with ur friends, that's what friends are for.And roasted pumpkin??? Another dish I never had.

Karen purple is a new color for me on this thing. I wonder if anyone knows consequences this is all new piece by piece.BTW can u freeze the rest of the pie in pieces, then u can have a piece when u feel like it.I know utake caution with ur hikes but it's good to have them.

Sandy it's good to order as much as u can <well I think so> an nice u'll have Gordy and Leslie over too. U certainly have good taste so I'm sure everything will be great for all of u to enjoy.

Kim how could u possible say u hope ur a good mommy to sadie??? U 2 are a team and u've given her the best home possible that's why she loves and takes care of u so. An I enjoy sending rubs cuz I'm jelly u get so many in. I would enjoy her so much.

Leslie's stuffing is pretty normal, she fries really chopped up onion and celery first and cooks it, then ads Italian sausage <out of casing> all chopped up and broth an adds stuffing mix <no sage>, that's all I know that she does actually. I haven't made it in so long I've forgotten.It seems like most of us like that the best, green been casserole Mey, I prefer broccoli and cheese, green beans have been one forever and tired of it.But I also like yams with syrup and butter and marshmellows too.An that's so easy I can stil make it.I don't eat turkey, never liked it, but everything else is good. I used to make <when we were about 30 people> a huge mashed potatoe casserole that could be made ahead of time and that was good, well everyone liked it anyway. I used to make as much as I could the night before and throw everything in the oven <I had 2 ovens> so it wasn't that hard on TG. But now we use paper plates to even make it easier, there's still dishes to wash anyway. We are ordering most of the dinner so now it's even easier. I remember my dad saying grace, for being an atheist he really did a good job or my mom would kick him, she was famous for that and knuckling arms <that hurt>.That's the cruelest thing she did. I don't know how we did it, it was always a sit down dinner and everything was hot a nd ready and so many people. We always had it at my house <my parents actually, but I lived alone with my kids and they moved> I told u I was spoiled, and I'd put the dining table in the living room with all the boards and a small table in the dining room <kids> no one sat in the kitchen tho but it was great and fun. My dad took care of the turkey tho. And everyone brought food. Oh I'm thinking of those days this morning, bittersweet. I'm so thankful for the family I had it was wonderful. OK nuff of that.

I hope everyone here has a happy Thanksgiving Eve and feels good.

LUBS U ALL

Nov 25, 2020 09:07AM Jazzygirl wrote:

Good morning ladies- just quick hello to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday and long weekend!

Nov 25, 2020 03:24PM mistyeyes wrote:

Hello all - 'wild sweet potato' here.

I am getting hungry reading all about the posts about food. I keep trying to think of my favorite, but I love all of it and keep changing my favorite every few minutes. I am making Thanksgiving dinner and my kids and grandchildren will be coming and they will bring some food. My mom will come and fix a plate to go for her and my dad. Last year she made a plate for the guy across the street, so she probably will do that again, he does some yard work and odd jobs for her.

I took next week off and I am so excited about being off. We have been busy and I am getting burned out. In my head I have so many things I want to get done, I never can do all the things I think I want to do - sometimes it is just because I am tired or lazy and just want to hang out at home and rest. I am hoping to get a big chunk of my Christmas shopping done.

Goldie- sorry the 1st treatment was rough, hope the following ones will be easier. You and your husband have had your share of health woes this year.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all and wear stretchy pants so you will be comfortable eating all that food!

Nov 26, 2020 06:53AM NativeMainer wrote:

Good Morning, Loungettes!Happy Turkey Day! Waking up to rain and sleet this ayem. Its supposed to change over to all rain shortly. Got some snow yesterday and overnight, now have a nice pretty coating on the ground and trees.

Sadie says Woof to everyone!

Cammy Cat--Sadie says to tell you that the belly rubs you send are just about the best ever! I think she's trying to make me jealous so I'll give her even more! She is such a Silly pooch, and really knows just how to manage me. It seems like everyone has a favorite stuffing recipe. Mine is my grandmother's.I have a copy of the recipe in her own handwriting that I treasure. It's a typical, old-fashioned one:

Stuffing

Tear up old bread into pieces, enough to fill a largish cooking bowl. I use the blue one.

Add a small, left over boiled potato

Butter, the size of a walnut

Medium onion finely chopped

Mash together with your hands, sprinkling with water as you go

When soft and mushy add poultry seasoning until it turns gray

Cook in the turkey, squirting hot juice into the stuffing when you baste the bird

Goldie--Didn't get to the Admin yesterday. We tried to get together privately a few times, but always got interrupted by a crisis or emergency. Oh, my, hot roast beef sandwiches, those are sooo goood, too! I never realized people put sausage or nuts in stuffing until I was in college and a bunch of us were comparing upcoming Thanksgiving dinners at home! There is an amazing variety of ways to make stuffing! And then I learned it's called dressing in some areas. I grew up hearing about making Turkey and all the dressing, meaning turkey, stuffing, mashed potato, gravy, squash, carrots, rolls, cranberry sauce, and pies for dessert.

Jazzy--YES!That looks like FUN!!!

Karen--chocolate chip pecan pie?WOW!

Misty--I have the same problem with choosing a favorite, I think it's the combination that I love the most. So nice of your Mom to make up plates to take to people.

Chi--Chilly weather, warm company, what a wonderful turn of phrase!

The Turkey's Wattle

Ingredients

Ingredient Checklist

• 2 1/2 ounces rye whiskey, preferably Wild Turkey Rye 101 proof
• 3/4 teaspoon St. Elizabeth allspice dram (rum-based allspice liqueur)
• 1 ounce chilled apple cider
• 1/2 ounce Simple Syrup
• Two 6-inch strips of orange zest
• Ice
• 2 ounces chilled ginger beer

Directions

In a cocktail shaker, combine the whiskey, allspice dram, cider, Simple Syrup and 1 of the orange zest strips. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well, then strain into a chilled ice-filled collins glass. Stir in the ginger beer and garnish with the remaining strip of orange zest.

From <https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/turkeys-wattle>