The All-New What's For Dinner Thread!!(recipe index in OP)

Well I cleaned most of the day then Marisa and I went shopping. She grilled chicken for herself and Kady and salmon steaks for Buddy and me. Dinner is kind of haphazard because it is now pouring. Buddy is at teh farm adn will probably be home soon, the guys who were coming at 6 will not be able to work in this mess.

Sheryl- I'll tell Marisa what she is now responsible for :confused: I hope the Dr's can find some way to take that pain away. It sounds horrible.

Lauren- I am so sorry. :hug:

Gregg- that slaw sounds so good! i wish I saw that recipe a few hours ago, now I have to wait for the next opportunity.

Kat- try to keep cool while waiting for Kyle to pitch and stay safe on teh road.

Glynis- the girls look as though they are having a ball. Poor Katie, when Dan went to England he was disappointed with some of the food. He ordered Shepard's Pie, one of his favorite foods. Imagine his surprise when it was not Mom's but the original version :rotfl: They had been limited in what they could order, this was when there was the mad Cow scare and beef was not sold anywhere.
 
Once we finished lunch we reviewed our options. We could stay in town and tour Hall's Croft (the house where Shakespeare's daughter, Susannah lived with her husband), or we could walk the 2 mile walk to Shottery to see Anne Hathaway's cottage. We knew there was no way we could make it to Mary Arden's farm, so we didn't even put that into the equation. We all voted on the walk to Anne Hathaway's cottage.

It was a beautiful day, and we were all in good spirits! The walk to the cottage is completely paved with signs pointing the way, and so off we went! In some places, the path is very narrow, and you can only walk one at a time. I went last, with Katie right in front of me. She was stretching out her arms, running her fingers along the wooden fences. I said, "Be careful, you don't want to get a splinter." She threw me "the look" and said, "I won't, mom." She dropped her arms and brushed her right arm into some weeds which turned out to be stinging nettle! Instantly her forearm blistered from the wrist to the elbow. She was so brave, though! She didn't want anyone else to know, so she kept quiet and just clutched her arm to her side. We had purchased a bottle of water, and she held that against the blisters as we walked.

Finally, we came to the cottage.

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We wandered through the grounds which were gorgeous! The trust has planted a maze a few years ago, and in another 5 or 6 years, it will be a great place to be! There's also a garden where every plant or tree mentioned in Shakespeare's plays has been planted.

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The girls posing in a willow "cabin" like Shakespeare mentions in "Twelfth Night."

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They still thatch the roof of the cottage, and have an exhibit set up showing how it is done. Surprisingly, it's very similar today as it was hundreds of years ago. It is incredibly expensive, though. Thatching a roof today would cost upwards of 10,000 dollars American. We went through the cottage, and again had a very conversational docent. It was interesting to learn that this cottage has been in the Hathaway family up until the early 1950's when the family sold it to the Shakespeare trust. So, most of the furnishings are original to the house. Including a canopy bed said to be Anne's. Tourists during the 1800's were told about a "courting bench" that Will was said to sit on with Anne while they were courting. The owner, who consented to give tours, would allow tourists to carve pieces of the bench off the legs as a souvenir. However, after the Trust purchased the house, they dated the bench at 1750. There's no way Shakespeare ever sat on the bench, but what an enterprising owner, huh?

We spent a bit of time (and a lot of money) in the gift shop. Katie and I went to the bathroom so she could wash her arm and see if that helped. Nope! She was still in pain, but determined not to show it. She was doing so well, no one even noticed anything was wrong.

As we began our walk back to Stratford, we crossed a small river and found a family of ducks, just resting on the bank.

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We watched them until they all went into the water. It was so cute! We waited on a bridge that we decided would be perfect for a game of Pooh sticks. Unfortunately, we couldn't find any sticks, so we pressed on towards Stratford. The walk back seemed to take less time. As we entered Stratford, we realized that it was after 5:00 so we wouldn't be able to see more than the outside of Hall's Croft.

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This was where Susannah lived with her husband John. It is a really large house. He was a doctor, and well respected in the community. After Shakespeare died, Susannah and John moved into New Place with Anne, but kept their own home for John's practice.

Since it wasn't yet 6:00, we decided to see if we could get into Trinity church. Luckily, the church is just across the street from Hall's Croft.

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Part of the cemetery. It's so old, and creepy! Very cool!

We were in luck! Trinity was still open, and so we went in. We paid our fee, and were told we could take as many pictures as we wanted! Hooray!!!
So, here you go:

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Katie by Shakespeare's grave

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Shakespeare's grave complete with curse: "Good friend for Jesus' sake forebear to dig the dust enclosed here. Blest be the man that spares these stones, and curst be he that moves my bones."

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Anne's grave

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Grave of Thomas Nash, Shakespeare's grandson-in-law

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Grave of John Hall, Shakespeare's son-in-law

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Grave of Shakespeare's daughter, Susannah Hall

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Shakespeare's corner in Trinity Church

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Font that is original to the church. It is believed that Shakespeare was baptized in this font. On the wall to the left are copies of the register that show Shakespeare's birth and death.

While we were looking around, the docent informed us that he was going to lock up, but we should feel free to look around. He would let us out when we were ready. It was really cool to be there!

Once we were done, we wandered along the Avon river toward the theater complex. We had some fun watching the swans, and the rowers on the river.

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Main theater of the RSC. I wish we could have seen a show here, but it was not to be!

We still had a couple of hours before our train ride back to London, so we decided dinner was in order. As we walked along, we could smell fish and chips. They smelled heavenly, but we couldn't find anywhere that sold them! Finally, we stopped some people who were carrying fish and chips in take away, and they gave us directions. We got to the place, and it was a tiny little hole in the wall restaurant. There was a window for take away, or you could go in and sit at tables. In we went! We all ordered fish and chips and sat down to eat.

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This was huge but incredibly delicious! Katie and I split a dinner and we couldn't finish!!! At first Katie wanted tartar sauce, but I told her that when you are in England, you eat like the English. We smothered the fish and chips in malt vinegar, and the girl was in heaven! She even said it was better than the Cornish pasty! We ate slowly and people watched until it was time to head back to the train station.

We were early for the train, so the girls spent some time writing post cards and just looking through the photos we had taken today. The train came, and off we went. The 2 hours zipped by, and we were back in London by 10:00 p.m.

It was a fabulous day! I put some cream on Katie's arm, and off we went to bed.
 
Here's a pic of Alexis showing off her crown!

And she did an very good job taking my pic, so here's my silly Nana picture.

Great pics!!

I spent the morning looking up medical terminology. I got the MRI & Xray results in the mail yesterday. I don't have a followup appt until the 17th.

From what I'm understanding, there are very minimal problems in my lower spine. So my 1st question there will be why have I had low back pain for almost 20 yrs & why do I have pain & numbness down my leg & foot? :confused:

My neck is another story. Mutiple problems all over the place. disc bulge at C3-4, bone spurs at C4-5, bone spurs, narrowing of the spinal canal, displacement of the cord at C5-6, and disc herniation at C6-7... I have no clue what the dr is going to recommend! I don't think they do spinal transplants do they?! :confused3 ;)

Ouch. I hope your doctor has a plan to help.

I have always wanted to try this. When you get a minute, can you share the recipe? TIA.

My plans for the weekend are now up in the air. My Uncle passed away last night and I am unsure when the wake and funeral are going to be. We were going to a party on the 5th...I told Tom to still go as I think he can miss the viewing if its on this day (this was not a really close relative...if that makes sense). Andrew will be by his dad's tomorrow.

I'm so sorry :hug:



Dinner is supposed to be chicken and rice with chipotle poblano sauce - new recipe. We ate a really late lunch so I'm still stuffed and DH is going to play basketball and hit a bar with some friends, so I thought we might eat around 930 or so. We're late night owls in my house anyways.

We have NO plans tomorrow, and I'm sorta glad. I have quite a bit of work to get done because we leave for camp 8am Monday morning and my laundry is piling up. My dad may come over but that's it.
 

Our TJ Maxx has some reasonable HM/HSM purses. :confused3

Thanks for the suggestion. Have a great trip!

Laura- my standard birthday gift is a make your own gumball machine (I get those at ACMoore) or a make your own bird house kit (I get that at the local bird store- yes we have a bird store.) For a "trendy girl" I went to Stop and Shop and got some fun hair stuff, travel brush

Thanks! Caili would love the birdhouse kit.

Laura, Alexis really enjoyed a jewelry making kit someone gave her. She would also be thrilled with anything HM, she also loved a HM jewelry/makeup set she received. Ugh blue lipstick, but she thought it was the greatest!

Another great idea. Everyone has had great suggestions...I knew I would get some ideas here! I'll let you know what I end up getting.

Great pictures of you and Alexis!

I hope you get some answers and solutions when you have your consult with your doctor. Maybe the lower back pain is associated with the neck problems.

My Uncle passed away last night and I am unsure when the wake and funeral are going to be.

I'm sorry, Lauren.

I made ravioli w/ spinnach inside and it cooked unevenly.

Did you cook it until the ravioli floated? Generally, once the ravioli floats, it cooks another minute. It can also cook unevenly if you put too much in the pot at a time, or if the water isn't boiling properly and it sinks and sticks to the bottom.

Glynis -- Love the trip report! I am reliving my London trips reading about yours.

Dinner tonight was grilled lamb chops, grilled summer squash, broccoli, and bread.

I probably won't get a chance to check in until late tomorrow, so Happy 4th everyone!
 
Hey guys - I have a question. I've been doing the treadmill for about 1 1/2 weeks now and I just weighed myself for the first time since I was at the gym last Friday and I've lost 5 lbs. Is that normal, is it water...????????:confused3
 
Hey guys - I have a question. I've been doing the treadmill for about 1 1/2 weeks now and I just weighed myself for the first time since I was at the gym last Friday and I've lost 5 lbs. Is that normal, is it water...????????:confused3

That's fabulous!!!

I've found that the first week or so I tend to lose a goodly amount. After that, it tends to slow down, as muscle is being built.
 
/
Hey guys - I have a question. I've been doing the treadmill for about 1 1/2 weeks now and I just weighed myself for the first time since I was at the gym last Friday and I've lost 5 lbs. Is that normal, is it water...????????:confused3

first of all...YAY FOR YOU!!! i wish i could lose that much in a week..and second..sure that can certainly be normal..i know the first time i got back to working out and watching what i ate i lost like 4 lbs off the bat..alot of it may be water..but also you are increasing muscle and burning off fat..GOOD JOB! :thumbsup2

Glynis..i LOVE the england report :)

Happy 4th to everyone..and thank you for all the " have a good trip(s)"..it will be a quickie to the nation's capital..but i am looking forward to it :)

Back next week with more cooking to share i hope! ;)
 
Hey guys - I have a question. I've been doing the treadmill for about 1 1/2 weeks now and I just weighed myself for the first time since I was at the gym last Friday and I've lost 5 lbs. Is that normal, is it water...????????:confused3


That is wonderful! I did not have a big loss the first week so I am no help.....but I did not exercise either. You are doing so well. Marisa actually gained a little when she started working out. I say working out because those girls take power lifting :eek: My DSIL told her to expect that but she was still a little upset.
 
Gretchen, I forgot to wish you & Kenny a Happy Anniversary!!!!

Thanks. Tomorrow we are going to a day spa for massages and then out for dinner. I believe in stretching out the celebrating for as long as possible. :laughing:

I don't know what the doctor is going to suggest, but those issues in your neck sound painful. I hope whatever he is able to do brings you relief.


My plans for the weekend are now up in the air. My Uncle passed away last night and I am unsure when the wake and funeral are going to be. We were going to a party on the 5th...I told Tom to still go as I think he can miss the viewing if its on this day (this was not a really close relative...if that makes sense). Andrew will be by his dad's tomorrow.

I'm sorry for your loss. :hug:



Went on a "field trip" to the Farmers Market today, got LOTS of squash. I got zucchini, patty pan, a light green squash and this kind of orangy yellow one. Plus I got eggplant and beets. Going to have some roasted veggies for dinner tonight.

Yum. I love squash. It's one of my favorite veggies of summer.


We have NO plans tomorrow, and I'm sorta glad. I have quite a bit of work to get done because we leave for camp 8am Monday morning and my laundry is piling up. My dad may come over but that's it.

You are a brave woman to do the camp thing. I don't think I have the stamina for it. How many campers will you be responsible for?


Another great idea. Everyone has had great suggestions...I knew I would get some ideas here! I'll let you know what I end up getting.

Please do let us know. I seem to have been in a rut in the gift buying and I have loved the suggestions everyone has made.


Hey guys - I have a question. I've been doing the treadmill for about 1 1/2 weeks now and I just weighed myself for the first time since I was at the gym last Friday and I've lost 5 lbs. Is that normal, is it water...????????:confused3

:cool1: :cool1: Congrats to you!!!!!! :cool1: :cool1:


That is wonderful! I did not have a big loss the first week so I am no help.....but I did not exercise either. You are doing so well. Marisa actually gained a little when she started working out. I say working out because those girls take power lifting :eek: My DSIL told her to expect that but she was still a little upset.

As my trainer at the gym says "the pounds are just a number on the scale, the inches are how you look" Tell Marisa that 5 lbs of fat takes up a lot more room than 5 lbs of muscle so she could weigh more and look smaller.


Glynis Like everyone else, I'm loving the trip report and pictures.
 
Lauren, here is the recipe you wanted. Kenny loves this even though he thinks it is really rich.

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

2 cups crushed pretzels
1 ½ sticks butter, melted
3 tablespoons sugar
1 brick cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip, thawed
2 (3 oz) packages strawberry flavored Jello
30 to 32 oz frozen sliced strawberries

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Mix pretzels, melted butter and 3 tablespoons sugar and press into bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Bake for 8 - 10 minutes until crust is set and allow to cool completely.

Cream together cream cheese and sugar. Fold in Cool Whip. Spread on top of cooled crust.

In a large bowl, dissolve Jello in 2 cups of boiling water. Add frozen strawberries and allow to partially set. (To about the consistency of egg whites). Pour on top of cream cheese mixture. Refrigerate until set. I usually let it sit overnight since it seems to take a long time to fully set.
 
Tonight we are going to my grandmother's house for dinner :)

Have a great Fourth!
 
Good Morning! I am really tired and loopy again today and cannot sleep so please forgive me if I miss something.

Thank you all for the condolences. The wake is scheduled for Sun and the funeral on Mon. I will go Sun...I have a follow up to my biopsy on Monday so I cannot attend the funeral.

Sheryl, I meant to tell you yesterday, that I love the princess pics of you and Alexis. She is a beautiful little girl!

Glynis, Great pics. Now I want to go to England!

Gina, Have a great trip! I have been wanting to get to the DC area for quite some time. Tom's Dad is buried in Arlington so I think we should get down there soon. Maybe when my cousin moves back from Germany. He is a Colonel in the Army and I believe he is schedule to come back in a couple years to work in the Pentagon.

Kathy, That is wonderful news on the weight loss! Yes, it is perfectly normal to lose a bit more in the first couple weeks. :cool1:

Gretchen, Thank you for the recipe! Sounds yummy!
**************
I was too tired to cook last night so we ordered in some Italian. We will have the london broil, potato salad and corn on the cob that I was supposed to cook yesterday.

Happy
4th of
July!!
 
My Mom made a new ice cream cake recipe last night. It was a huge hit with everyone....and boy it is so darn easy!

Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
2 boxes of Ice Cream Sandwich
Lg Cool Whip
Chopped Heath Bar (You can substitute nuts, reese, choc chips, etc)

9x13 pan layer one box of ice crean sandwiches, 1/2 of cool whip then topped with candy pieces. Repeat. Leave half of the candy aside to top cake once it is removed from the freezer to serve.

Chill at least 4 hours (She made hers the day before). Top with remaining desired candy and serve.
(DF thought it would be good with coconut and almonds, like an Almond Joy his favorite)
 
Kat, Thanks! Have a great trip! Good Luck to Kyle. Have you talked to Wendie?

Ann, That sounds yummy!
 
Thanks. Tomorrow we are going to a day spa for massages and then out for dinner. I believe in stretching out the celebrating for as long as possible. :laughing:

I don't know what the doctor is going to suggest, but those issues in your neck sound painful. I hope whatever he is able to do brings you relief.

Thanks! and enjoy your day!!:goodvibes

Good Morning! I am really tired and loopy again today and cannot sleep so please forgive me if I miss something.

Thank you all for the condolences. The wake is scheduled for Sun and the funeral on Mon. I will go Sun...I have a follow up to my biopsy on Monday so I cannot attend the funeral.

Sheryl, I meant to tell you yesterday, that I love the princess pics of you and Alexis. She is a beautiful little girl!


Happy
4th of
July!!


Lauren, Sorry you're not feeling great & again for your family's loss.:hug:

Hope you are able to have a good weekend!

I've decided to make Sangria to take over to my Aunt's barbecue today. Tomorrow we might have a few people over to barbecue at our house.

Happy Fourth to Y'all!!!
 

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