The What's For Dinner Thread - August '09(recipe index in OP)

[Nancyg56]

QUick update- Buddy has an appointment tomorrow morning at 9 AM. I am in shock that he is going to be seen so quickly. I am off to pick him up so that we can head into Hartford to pick up the MRI.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

QUick update- Buddy has an appointment tomorrow morning at 9 AM. I am in shock that he is going to be seen so quickly. I am off to pick him up so that we can head into Hartford to pick up the MRI.

Nan, that is great news! I know your in shock about going so soon but just think tomorrow the appointment will be behind both of you & Buddy can settle in & watch some "Tree Man" t.v.

 

[TigerKat]

Hey y'all! Thanks for all the prayers and good thoughts! After a really rough start this is turning out to be an awesome vacation!

Haven't caught up but wanted to check in and see what news we had on Buddy. Glad to hear it's good news but continued prayers coming to you both Nan.

Lauren - I'm so glad you called me this morning, I'm keeping Riley in my prayers and like the others have said, don't beat yourself up on this, there's nothing to feel guilty about.

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous so far. We move to Portofino Bay Hotel tomorrow, really looking forward to it. I have to say I LOVE SSR, it is a stunning resort and our room location is .

I don't think I have ever laughed as much on a vacation in my entire life, we have had a total blast. I also have a new fave restaurant - Citricos is unbelievable...the Crab Gateau appetizer is the best thing I have ever eaten and the Veal Shank is awesome. Just love everything about this place!!!!

I hope to get back on and update on US/IOA and Portofino Bay!

Hugs to everyone!!!!!

 

[Aimeedyan]

I have to go to the car delearship as soon as I get off of work. We test drove a new car yesterday and now I want it. LOL We shall see.

Woo-hoo! I have new car envy - what are you looking at?

QUick update- Buddy has an appointment tomorrow morning at 9 AM. I am in shock that he is going to be seen so quickly. I am off to pick him up so that we can head into Hartford to pick up the MRI.

I don't think I have ever laughed as much on a vacation in my entire life, we have had a total blast. I also have a new fave restaurant - Citricos is unbelievable...the Crab Gateau appetizer is the best thing I have ever eaten and the Veal Shank is awesome. Just love everything about this place!!!!

I hope to get back on and update on US/IOA and Portofino Bay!

Hugs to everyone!!!!!

Glad your vacation from hell turned a corner and that you're enjoying yourself now.

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

Okay, my stomach has been off ever since Sunday night. Trying not to think it was something I ate at CG--because it was SO good! Blaming my upset on the BW Bakery (b/c it was really upset before I left yesterday). Just feel blah. Now to get Emma off to school. Have a great day all!

I hope you feel better. It might be a virus since it's lasted so long.

Quick update on Riley...

The doctor said what happened was not caused by trauma but a couple of underlying things. His eyelashes grow inward and he does not produce enough tears. This caused an ulcer and then a rupture. He is 100% blind in this eye but the doctor says there is a chance that the eye can be saved. I am going to pick him up later and will have him on strong meds since the infection and pain is really bad. Then he will be re-evauluated next week. Please send good thoughts that he will not have to have the eye removed.

I am in a better frame of mind so may be able to post later. Charlene is coming to accompany us to the vet. It is an hour away and she does not want me driving.

Hugs to all. Thank you!

I'm glad you're feeling better about it. I hope your dog feels better soon!

I hope he's feeling better and that its nothing serious. My allergies have been acting up something fierce the last week or so, so hopefully thats all thats wrong with Alex.

Ooooh...my allergies too! I've even been getting bloody noses...I think from my sinuses.

Morning, all! I'm happy to report that things are back to normal around here! Mary and I are both fine, today, and no one else is reporting feeling yucky! Hooray!!!

I'm glad you're back, but so sorry Riley is having eye issues. Is Riley a Shih Tzu? I have one, and you know their eyes have lots of problems. My vet even went so far as to show me HOW to pop it back in since it's likely to pop out at some point. They are very prone to ulcers and other issues. Nothing you did!! I hope he will be able to keep his eye and that he finds some pain relief

I have to go to the car delearship as soon as I get off of work. We test drove a new car yesterday and now I want it. LOL We shall see.

Oooh....what kind?

Hey y'all! Thanks for all the prayers and good thoughts! After a really rough start this is turning out to be an awesome vacation!

 

[liamandcaili]

Nancy -- That's great that Buddy can be seen so quickly. Good luck tomorrow!

He has 5 tests this week

That's a lot of studying. Good luck to him! The bug we have had here has been a really congested chest cold. Liam has been well enough to go to school, but his cough sounds bad.

Ellen -- I hope you get a good deal on the car.

Kathy -- Great to hear from you! I'm so glad the vacation got a whole lot better!

Glynis -- I'm glad your family is feeling better.

Ooooh...my allergies too! I've even been getting bloody noses...I think from my sinuses.

When I start getting bloody noses, it means I have a sinus infection. If you are having bad headaches too, you should see a doctor.

Robin -- Somehow, I knew you weren't one to use mixes, but my neighbor had just been talking about them before I posted here and then you were talking about TJs. Out of curiosity, what do you like to buy there? I have one near me, and I have been in a couple of times, but I got overwhelmed and left without buying anything.

 

[Nancyg56]

Kat- I am also glad that your vacation is looking up! Please have a wonderful time, looking forward to more updates!

Ellen- need car info..................

My sister called and told me that Mike emailed the Dr last night. I think between Buddy;s Dr calling and asking for him to be seen ASAP and Mike asking that he get buddy in the stars aligned for him. Gail was complaining about Mikes planning ability, she was annoyed with him tonight , and I had to tell her that as far as I am concerned he is walking on water in my eyes.

We had a hair raising ride to Hartford and back, Buddy is a tyrant on the road lately , but we have his MRI CD and the ultrasounds as well. I am fortifying myself with a glass of merlot, my head is spinning after the last few hours with him

Dinner went right down the drain. We went to see Kady at her gymnastics class and then went to get Bud's truck so he had sandwiches and ice cream and I had a green salad with poached eggs and a toasted English muffin. I wish my salads topped with eggs looked like Becky's

 

[liamsaunt]

I have not read back yet, just wanted to pop in pics before work. Sunday's popovers, no pic of the chowder

Monday proscuitto/brie baguette

Last night's black bean soup and chile quesadilla

 

[Disney Ron]

Ok girls, did you see the baptism dilemna thread??? I am having the same situation. We are having Emma's christening on November 1. Just my family alone is 42 people. ( 27 adults and 15 kids) Imagine if I had to add my IL family to this, their loss. Not only is my house small but so is my budget. Do you think I can do sandwiches, cake and drinks for close to $200? I do not want to depend on anyone else to bring anything. My DM can not attend a family party without bringing food. ("she loves to feed her boys!") So I am sure she will fill in as much as possible without me even asking.

Another thoughts, or tips...I have been very stressed over the whole thing.

 

[liamsaunt]

Ann, are you saying that you don't want to invite your husband's family to your daughter's baptism party? Maybe I am reading wrong, but if that's what you mean I don't know how you could do that without causing a huge rift. It's family so they should be able to forgive a crowded house. Maybe it will be nice enough to have part of the day outside too--if its one of those crisp fall days. If I am missing some element of your dilemna I apologize.

And yes, I think you can do sandwiches, cake, and drinks for a big group for $200--as long as you keep it simple, shop the sales, assemble the sandwiches yourself as opposed to buying everything made, and don't offer alcohol.

Nancy, let us know how Buddy's appointment went!
Kathy, I can't wait to hear what you think of Portofino! LOVE that hotel.
Glynis, I am glad that your family is feeling better.

WFD: I think chicken parmesean. But if my mood changes it will be shrimp and sugar snap peas.

 

[Disney Ron]

Ann, are you saying that you don't want to invite your husband's family to your daughter's baptism party? Maybe I am reading wrong, but if that's what you mean I don't know how you could do that without causing a huge rift. It's family so they should be able to forgive a crowded house. Maybe it will be nice enough to have part of the day outside too--if its one of those crisp fall days. If I am missing some element of your dilemna I apologize.

And yes, I think you can do sandwiches, cake, and drinks for a big group for $200--as long as you keep it simple, shop the sales, assemble the sandwiches yourself as opposed to buying everything made, and don't offer alcohol.

Becky, I don't have to worry about the other side of the family because they have chose not to be in our lives. Sorry, I had mentioned that previously just to much to get into. Unfortunately, a rift already exists. It will just be my DSS & DSD and her family from DH's side. I would love to extend it to aunts, uncles, cousins and friends but I just can't do the numbers that would involve.

DM just called she is already planning on bringing party pizza, homemade pototo salad, deviled eggs, homemade chicken salad, shrimp cocktail and mini hotdags in a blanket. Gotta love her!

 

[liamsaunt]

Ann, I figured I was missing something. I would not worry at all about not inviting extended family and friends.

How nice of your Mom to bring so much food! Everything sounds delicious!

 

[FormrCastMbr]

Good Morning! Just wanted to check in quick. Riley is home, tired and not eating too much. They treated his eye agressively and I am now giving meds and eye drops throughout the day. I feel so bad for him...hopefully the meds etc work and they will not have to do surgery. If they do surgery, I doubt we will go on out trip. I just cannot leave him then. If its just the drops, my sister can do that. Her husband stayed here last night since he was working in the area and helped me clean the eye and put the drops in. I hope that I am doing everything right. His eye looks yucky and will be clouded over now for good. Ok, I am babbling and crying so I will stop. It is hard not to be upset over this but then I feel bad...Andrew's friend lost his father yesterday...I won't give the details but it was a horrific event (suicide) and I am worried about my dog who will still be here but without sight. I should be ashamed but I guess its normal....OK, therapy session over.

Ann, you could definitely do it for $200...I read somewhere that as far as drinks, offer things like iced tea and lemonade. The mixes are cheaper that buying sodas, etc. That is great that your Mom is helping out too.

Nancy, Please let us know how the doctor goes...wishing the best!

I am so far behind but still trying to get unpacked and the house in order (I hate this) for open house on Sunday. I am seriously thinking of getting a cleaning lady since I cant get as much done with the baby. I still have to go through the attic and just cannot get to it. UGH!

I wish all of you the best! Have a great day!

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

DM just called she is already planning on bringing party pizza, homemade pototo salad, deviled eggs, homemade chicken salad, shrimp cocktail and mini hotdags in a blanket. Gotta love her!

You will be fine for $200.........plus Mom's dishesIf you need some help we can chat about it...

Laura, you just made me want chicken parm tonight!

Nancy, waiting & praying until we hear from you.

Lauren, waiting for a Riley report

 

[Aimeedyan]

Ok girls, did you see the baptism dilemna thread??? I am having the same situation. We are having Emma's christening on November 1. Just my family alone is 42 people. ( 27 adults and 15 kids) Imagine if I had to add my IL family to this, their loss. Not only is my house small but so is my budget. Do you think I can do sandwiches, cake and drinks for close to $200? I do not want to depend on anyone else to bring anything. My DM can not attend a family party without bringing food. ("she loves to feed her boys!") So I am sure she will fill in as much as possible without me even asking.

Another thoughts, or tips...I have been very stressed over the whole thing.

Oh, I definitely think it can be done with $200 - esp with the loot your mom is bringing! The alcohol will kill your budget if you let it get out of control. I'd be tempted to do 1-2 drinks. Maybe beer and a premixed sangria or cocktail. If you have to do alcohol at all. In my family, it depends on what side of the family as to whether or not alcohol is "allowed" or "expected." Order a cake from Costco - super inexpensive and tasty - and the sandwiches will be fairly inexpensive, too, if you buy the meat/cheese/etc at Sams/Costco.

Don't stress!

Good Morning! Just wanted to check in quick. Riley is home, tired and not eating too much. They treated his eye agressively and I am now giving meds and eye drops throughout the day. I feel so bad for him...hopefully the meds etc work and they will not have to do surgery. If they do surgery, I doubt we will go on out trip. I just cannot leave him then. If its just the drops, my sister can do that. Her husband stayed here last night since he was working in the area and helped me clean the eye and put the drops in. I hope that I am doing everything right. His eye looks yucky and will be clouded over now for good. Ok, I am babbling and crying so I will stop. It is hard not to be upset over this but then I feel bad...Andrew's friend lost his father yesterday...I won't give the details but it was a horrific event (suicide) and I am worried about my dog who will still be here but without sight. I should be ashamed but I guess its normal....OK, therapy session over.

Poor Riley I would be upset, too. He's your baby.


Another Wed here. Darn day seems to come back around every week! It's pouring rain so my kids will be wired tonight; we may run in the gym some. How spiritual is that

Dinner will be whatever I can find.

My beer cheese soup last night was

 

[Disney Ron]

WFD- grilled ribeyes, corn, & spanish rice.

Thanks for the replies my friends. You are making me feel like it is possible to stick to the budget I set.

DSD is moving into their new apartment this week. Her husband did not get into the military. He was unable to pass the physical due to a prior medical condition. I feel bad the military route fell through. I know it would have been great for their family in the long run. Just another curve ball in life, I wish them well with all the future holds.

 

[Rogue26]

Ann- I think you can definatly do it for under $200. I would just make a few big italian subs (if you like them) and really plan it out. Sit down and make a checklist. Last year Thanksgiving cost me over $300 for 12 people, and we would have had just as nice a time if I didn't spend that much. This year I'm determined not to do that again.

Aimee- Does your church have a gym!?! Sorry your soup wasn't the best. I hate when you have a certain taste in mind and it just doesn't come out.

Laura- I don't buy a huge variety from trader joe's, I just stock up when I go- it's 40 minutes away. We also don't have a great selection and Star and Stop and Shop, so for us Trader Joe's is great. I get their brand cheerios and shredded wheat, fritos (so good and I don't like regular fritos), cheeses, bread, frozen sweet potato fries, canned jalepenos, wasabi mayo (the best on hamburgers), mostly staples. I really like their bbq sauce and it doesn't have corn syrup in it, neither does the yogurt. I try to get something new to try each time I go.

Lauren- I don't think you are doing anything wrong, your dog is your family, anyone with a dog understands that. He'll be okay, his little nose and ears will just work extra hard.

Tonight we are having sweet and sour chicken in the crockpot, I hope it comes out better than my last flavorless try at crockpot cooking. The recipe is really easy so I'll post it if it comes out good. Have a great day everyone.

 

[Nancyg56]

Good Morning!

Ann- I think you can make your budget stick. I agree that sandwiches that you make, iced tea and lemonade and coffee and maybe chips would be a good base plan. Honestly, if anyone offers to bring something you could tell them an appetizer/snack food or maybe a sweet to supplement the cake. I am like your Mom and always off to make or bring something so I imagine that there are several in your guest list whop like to contribute to the food. I would not offer alcohol, it will add up way too fast. If you feel you need to get the boxes of wine from the store, they are big and they won't break the bank. They are not bad either.

FWIW- a simple meal like the ones that are discussed here is my favorite. For Kady's Communion I made sandwiches and soup and that was the best party we have had in a long time.

Robin- I hear you on the Thanksgiving $. I am hosting about 25 people this year and then who knows who will be here for pastry and coffee. My Holiday spending is very expensive. I will be honest, I started telling folks who offered to bring something that they could bring wine if they wanted. I never mind the food money but the alcohol adds up

Lauren- I feel so badly for Andrew and his friend, that is such a hard thing to even cope with. I think that worrying about your little pup is not wrong, it certainly does not diminish your compassion for that poor family.

We are getting such good news! The tumors on Buddys spine are not adding to the pain, they have been there a long time. The Dr is ordering genetic blood tests though. He needs to go for a bone scan and another MRI. He has carpal tunnel! The Dr sadi he needs this taken care of, the right side is pretty bad. He still needs the neurosurgeon but I cannot remember why, it was information overload this morning. No matter what, we are thrilled with what it is not. I will schedule the two Dr's that he is being referred to this afternoon and will wait for the office to get back on the other tests. I am one grateful woman this afternoon!

 

[Disney Ron]

Good Morning!

Ann- I think you can make your budget stick. I agree that sandwiches that you make, iced tea and lemonade and coffee and maybe chips would be a good base plan. Honestly, if anyone offers to bring something you could tell them an appetizer/snack food or maybe a sweet to supplement the cake. I am like your Mom and always off to make or bring something so I imagine that there are several in your guest list whop like to contribute to the food. I would not offer alcohol, it will add up way too fast. If you feel you need to get the boxes of wine from the store, they are big and they won't break the bank. They are not bad either.

FWIW- a simple meal like the ones that are discussed here is my favorite. For Kady's Communion I made sandwiches and soup and that was the best party we have had in a long time.

Robin- I hear you on the Thanksgiving $. I am hosting about 25 people this year and then who knows who will be here for pastry and coffee. My Holiday spending is very expensive. I will be honest, I started telling folks who offered to bring something that they could bring wine if they wanted. I never mind the food money but the alcohol adds up

Lauren- I feel so badly for Andrew and his friend, that is such a hard thing to even cope with. I think that worrying about your little pup is not wrong, it certainly does not diminish your compassion for that poor family.

We are getting such good news! ... I am one grateful woman this afternoon!

Nancy, so happy to hear good news!!!!!!! Keeping prayers coming.

----
I think we can get by with small amount of beer, and soda. My family are big Diet Coke people. I have only heard back from one SIL so far, she generally is not one to bring something to a party. I am sure the others will offer to bring a dessert or picky.

 

[EJ4Disney]

We are getting such good news! The tumors on Buddys spine are not adding to the pain, they have been there a long time. The Dr is ordering genetic blood tests though. He needs to go for a bone scan and another MRI. He has carpal tunnel! The Dr sadi he needs this taken care of, the right side is pretty bad. He still needs the neurosurgeon but I cannot remember why, it was information overload this morning. No matter what, we are thrilled with what it is not. I will schedule the two Dr's that he is being referred to this afternoon and will wait for the office to get back on the other tests. I am one grateful woman this afternoon!

Oh my, Lady, that is just plain wonderful news!! I told you that everything would be alright. I just knew it. Praise the Lord!!! Give Buddy sandwiches on white bread tonight!!!!!!! You both need to celebrate.

Glynis ~ I am so glad you had such a good time at your Dad's and that all of you are feeling better.

Lauren ~ You don't need to feel bad. Riley is your baby. I am so glad to hear that things are better tho. Hugs to A's friends family. How sad.
I posted back a bit but you may not have seen it as you were getting ready to leave for WDW. Jay got your package and really appreciated it. Thanks so much - you are the best.

Aimee ~ Please stay away from the hospitals. We don't need you getting sick. Please take care of you!!

Janice ~ Thanks for the chuckle - I PM's you. Thanks!! I hope Alex is feeling better.

Laura ~ thanks for asking about Matthew. Yes he is feeling better. It will take some time but I do see him stronger and smiling again. He wants nothing to do with Ali and I guess I don't blame him. Only time will tell. Again Thanks!

Ann ~ I think $200 for Emma's baptism will be very doable. You are so luck to have a Mom that helps like yours does. I hope it is a beautiful day.


Well Ladies, I am the proud owner of a 2010 Cadillac CTS. She is soooooo pretty - Leather seats, Platium Silver and loaded. It will take me a bit to figure it all out. My old Cadillac had alot, but this one just has a lot more. I love that "new car" smell. I wish they could bottle it.

It is still raining here. We have already gotten 1 1/2" of rain. Oh Man the farmers are SO MAD!!! We really will be picking corn in December. The bad thing is the soy beans. If we get too much more rain the crop will be gone. Not good - as this was a bumper crop this year. Oh please let the sun shine - SOON!!

WFDT ~ It's date night, so probably either a Ruben or Hot Beef Sandwich for me. I have no idea what Doug will have.

Make it a great day my friends.