The What's for Dinner Thread - August 2014 (recipe index in OP)

[franandaj]

Oh yeah, the mints were very cute! I saw the picture online. I have no idea how you would make something like that!

For dinner tonight we are having bacon wrapped flank steak and green beans.

 

[dgbg100106]

I use just a small dab of black. They turn out pretty. I did post the purple ones on FB.

I cant get to FB while at work... sad i know. Can you believe they block it.

I will check when I get home.

 

[dgbg100106]

Thanks, it's a simple website, but it does the trick. Most advertising in LB is "drive by" so once people see the sign they can look up the particulars before calling.
It's funny your comment about the rent. I know it's higher then in the Midwest. It's higher than Central California, but I saw a piece on the news about rents in Downtown LA and Santa Monica where rents for a one bedroom are $3000 a month! it made me think Long Beach was a bargain!

A friend of mine came back from vacation in ROlling hills, with a view of L.A., they rented a house for their stay it was amazing (in the pictures at least). I can't imagine what those houses go for.

 

[franandaj]

A friend of mine came back from vacation in ROlling hills, with a view of L.A., they rented a house for their stay it was amazing (in the pictures at least). I can't imagine what those houses go for.

Yeah that's part of Rancho Palos Verdes. I wouldn't even guess but they probably start at $5M. Houses in my atea easily go for $1M+, in fact there is a house in my neighborhood (I think it has the largest lot in LB) it sold for $5.2M and it's land locked, no view of anything.

So I got curious, you could get a home there starting at 2.8M, but it would only be about 2000 Sq ft. The ones with 5,000 Sq ft were up at $8M!

 

[dgbg100106]

Yeah... nice view and all but not my kind of house payment. Mine is enough as it is, Maryland/DC/Virginia (northern) is bad enough. I am so ready to move back to Texas, the house I can have there for this payment would be palatial.

 

[EJ4Disney]

Good Friday ladies,

I was swamped yesterday and didn't get in here. Pastor Anne has decided to take the office with 2 windows (I would to) and is a bit larger. So the custodian and I moved all the stuff - It had been used as a storage room into another office and then cleaned. I think she will like it better. But that took most of my day and boy was I dirty when I got home.

Alison ~ 3500 square foot homes with a decent lot go for 150,000 - 200,000 around here. And both of my girls have newer homes and didn't spend even close to 150,000 for them. I love to watch House Hunters and it just amazes me the prices. I always wonder what kind of jobs they have - there are young kids with budgets of close to 1 million. WOW - just blows my mind.

Brandi ~ How dare them block your internet - Dreadful I tell you, and oh so unfair.

Well this is the lull before the storm, so to speak. Last day of peace and quiet for awhile. Today is Ethan's 12th birthday and we are taking them out for dinner at the Marina, then the boys are staying the night with us. Elizabeth and Jay are playing in a golf tournament in Grand Island tomorrow. Then early tomorrow morning Lilly and Harper are coming, as Marty and Stephanie have a golf tournament in Broken Bow. So I will have all 4 grandbabies till Sunday. Then to top it all off Doug is playing in our Country Club's golf tournament tomorrow. We will either have a ball or it will be a hot mess. I have never had all 4 together overnight before - by myself!!

I am getting a bit stressed as I still need to hem my dress, do some alterations on Matthew's swimsuit, scan pictures, make mints, pack and I only have till next Tuesday to get it all done. Then to top all of that off, Pastor Anne wants to be in the office on Tuesday. Then I am off for the next week and I have a LOT to do here at the office before I can even think about leaving. Then - yep there's more - Doug (bless his heart) as been on call for 3 - YES 3 - weeks, as 2 of his men are out with health problems. I made it very very VERY clear that this is fine but he will NOT be on call next week - it's Wedding week. So that has really really been stressful also.

Ethan had his first game of the tournament last night. If they lost they were done, but if they won they would play on YEP Get This - Tuesday night!! And of course they won, so we have to fit that in also. But it was a darn good game. They were down 5 runs till the top of the 4th and ended up tying it and getting the winning run in the bottom of the 5th, with 2 outs on a full count. It was so exciting!!

WFDT ~ Pizza and salad!!

Make it a great day and a wonderful weekend.

 

[dgbg100106]

Ellen - I am tired just reading your post... Bless your heart, prayers and pixie dust that everything goes as planned.

Average rent for an apartment around here is $2500 to $3000 a month.
a 3000 sqft townhouse here is about $500,000, and a single family home 3000 sqft is about $850,000

Taxes here are off the charts too. It is crazy. if you get a place near the water, those prices double or even triple depending on the neighborhood

 

[franandaj]

Ellen - I can't speak for anywhere but Long Beach, but for $100K all you're going to get is a forclosed, distressed possibly townhouse. Most average properties sell for between $350-800K and that's if you want more than a bungalow. Most places are 2-3 bedrooms and 1600-2800 Sq ft. Larger houses are a rarity here.

It sure sounds like you'll be busy! I'll try to think of you at the wedding while I'm beginning my vacation! I know we just had one, but I'm so ready for another and especially one in nice cool weather! It's been hot and relatively humid here.

Last night we played a concert in Downtown LA. We planned to go to this "entertainment complex" for dinner after the show. We had been there a few weeks before and it was easy to park and no problem. However we didn't do our homework and some BET awards were happening at the Staples Center. They were charging $25 for parking and everthing was gridlocked. We ended up bailing on that restaurant and going to Acapulco near our old rehearsal church. We were dining with a friend who lives half an hour or so the other direction as we live, so we were trying not to have to go so far. It worked out OK and we had fun comaining and trashing folks in the band who have made decisions we don't agree with.

We had chips and Guacamole and margaritas. Fran got enchiladas suizas and I had their Mahi Mahi.

Tonight for dinner we are having fish kebabs. Although I may need to go to the store for some ingredients.

 

[dgbg100106]

We went to the Gem and Jewelry show this weekend and ordered my Anniversary band from the guy who made my wedding rings.
So we stopped at the Mexican food place that we ate it after David asked me to marry him, it was kind of neat, but we are about 90 days away from anniversary date.

Tonight for dinner, I have no idea what is on the menu it is meatless monday, so maybe a big salad.

 

[EJ4Disney]

It's Wedding week!!

We all survived the weekend and actually had a lot of fun. On the way to Church yesterday morning we were all singing and Doug looked at me and said, "You know, we couldn't ask for any better Grandkids". They were all just great. Not one fight, and only tears once. We were all in bed on Saturday night by 9:00 - we were all pooped!! Took them all out for breakfast after Church and when we drove down the road we realized the Kids were at the house waiting. The boys packed up and left first. As they weren't home for Ethan's birthday they were celebrating today, so Marty and Stephanie just stayed at the house till party time. We got the girls down for naps and we all dug in to the mints, and by 4pm we had all of them done in 3 different colors - Purple, silver and white. I was so relieved to get those done. Went to town for Ethan's party. We had pizza and salad and Elizabeth had baked a chocolate cake with peanut butter cream cheese frosting. OH it was delicious.

Tonight I have to get my dress hemmed and Matthew's swim suit taken in. Then wash and pack. I feel at this point - now that the mints are done that all else will be finished also. I got a call from Matthew this morning and he is nervous but excited. At this point all he really has yet to do is pack up his bathroom and kitchen and move it to their new apartment. He has to be out by Thursday, so he will be staying with a friend that night and then the Best Man and him have a room for Friday night. This is really happening!!! So excited.

Alison ~ I could use a margarita and some chips about right now.
I will be thinking of you as you leave for vacation. After all you and Fran went through last year, you both so deserve a year of fun. Have a great time!!

Brandi ~ What a neat thing to recreate. Good for you.

Hugs and love to all else.

WFDT ~ TBones (A Father's Day gift from Stephanie and Marty), sweet potatoes and tomato salad.

Make it a great day!!

 

[PrincessInOz]

I'm home and finally settled back into a routine.

Been MIA for a bit over here! We have been struggling to get Apartment #2 (vacated on 5/31) ready to rent and we're going to put the sign out today. I finished the website yesterday. I put it below in case anyone wants to take a look. It's nothing fancy, but it gets the job done.

www.longproperties.biz

That's the one I stayed in, right? It looks great! Hope you get it rented soon.

Things are starting to heat up here at the new job, so I getting more and more work.
I will be hiring my team soon, so that is always scary and fun.

Good luck! You'll be fine.

When I got to work this morning our phones are out of service. Found out the phone co. put in a new device last night and it messed everything up. They have worked all night trying to fix it. Poor things! It might be a really quiet day for me - YEA!!!

t's Wedding week!!

A quiet day....and then wedding week! What a great time you must be having, Ellen. Good luck with everything. I haven't caught up on FB yet, but I hope to see wedding pictures appear soon.

 

[PrincessInOz]

I had a great vacay. We hiked at least 5 km on most days that we were there in the mornings, and then rested in the afternoons. I caught every single sunrise and sunset in between the day....and we crashed every night.

If anyone would like to follow along yet another TR, this one has no Disney content in it, here's the link.

http://www.disboards.com/threads/tr-june-2016-uluru-a-spur-of-the-moment-start-30-06.3522938/

 

[Rogue26]

Not really sure how to post from my phone but I stumbled across this thread after a long time away, couldn't see Ellen's happy news and not wish her my best! Ellen, I hope you have a truly amazing time at the wedding and many years of happiness to them!

 

[dgbg100106]

It's Wedding week!!

We all survived the weekend and actually had a lot of fun. On the way to Church yesterday morning we were all singing and Doug looked at me and said, "You know, we couldn't ask for any better Grandkids". They were all just great. Not one fight, and only tears once. We were all in bed on Saturday night by 9:00 - we were all pooped!! Took them all out for breakfast after Church and when we drove down the road we realized the Kids were at the house waiting. The boys packed up and left first. As they weren't home for Ethan's birthday they were celebrating today, so Marty and Stephanie just stayed at the house till party time. We got the girls down for naps and we all dug in to the mints, and by 4pm we had all of them done in 3 different colors - Purple, silver and white. I was so relieved to get those done. Went to town for Ethan's party. We had pizza and salad and Elizabeth had baked a chocolate cake with peanut butter cream cheese frosting. OH it was delicious.

Tonight I have to get my dress hemmed and Matthew's swim suit taken in. Then wash and pack. I feel at this point - now that the mints are done that all else will be finished also. I got a call from Matthew this morning and he is nervous but excited. At this point all he really has yet to do is pack up his bathroom and kitchen and move it to their new apartment. He has to be out by Thursday, so he will be staying with a friend that night and then the Best Man and him have a room for Friday night. This is really happening!!! So excited.

Alison ~ I could use a margarita and some chips about right now.
I will be thinking of you as you leave for vacation. After all you and Fran went through last year, you both so deserve a year of fun. Have a great time!!

Brandi ~ What a neat thing to recreate. Good for you.

Hugs and love to all else.

WFDT ~ TBones (A Father's Day gift from Stephanie and Marty), sweet potatoes and tomato salad.

Make it a great day!!

That does sound like fun and having the grands there is the best feeling.

Getting those mints done was a great feat and you all pitching in makes it wonderful.

I saw the pictures on facebook and the wedding looked beautiful and lovely couple. Excited for them and the family on their new life together.

 

[dgbg100106]

I had a great vacay. We hiked at least 5 km on most days that we were there in the mornings, and then rested in the afternoons. I caught every single sunrise and sunset in between the day....and we crashed every night.

If anyone would like to follow along yet another TR, this one has no Disney content in it, here's the link.

http://www.disboards.com/threads/tr-june-2016-uluru-a-spur-of-the-moment-start-30-06.3522938/

The pictures are amazing, and and all the hiking made it seem like a adventure I am sure. Beautiful pictures as always

 

[PrincessInOz]

The pictures are amazing, and and all the hiking made it seem like a adventure I am sure. Beautiful pictures as always

Thank you. Hope you'll stick around for more!

 

[EJ4Disney]

Hello everyone - I have missed you!!

Thanks so much for the wonderful comments on the wedding pictures. The wedding went off without a hitch. When we got to the Rehearsal it was boiling in there as the AC had broke, but on Saturday it was fixed and cool. From then on it was perfect!! The kids flew out on Monday for Punta Cunta the Dominican Republic for a week long honeymoon. I know they are having a wonderful time. They took NO phones so I will be anxious to see pictures and hear how it was.

PIO ~ I am loving your pictures - they are stunning. You really have the "eye" my friend. Loving your report.

Not really sure how to post from my phone but I stumbled across this thread after a long time away, couldn't see Ellen's happy news and not wish her my best! Ellen, I hope you have a truly amazing time at the wedding and many years of happiness to them!

So good to see you my friend. Thanks SO much!! I have missed you - how is life treating you?

Brandi ~ Thanks!! I think getting the mints done was the start of everything else falling into place.

Alison ~ I know you are your cruise and I didn't get to wish you bon voyage. I hope you are having a great time, seeing amazing sights and making many memories. I can't wait to read all about it.

We got home early afternoon on Sunday as we wanted to get Cooper out of the Doggie hotel. I was so glad that we had another day as we were so tired. We spent 4th of July with Jay and Elizabeth. The boys shot off tons of fireworks and then we went and watched our town's display. We had a really nice day.

Yesterday was my first official day with Pastor Anne. She is a real gem and is exactly what our Church needs. I can't wait to see where she is going to take us.

WFDT ~ BLTA - Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato and Avocado sandwiches with potato salad.

Make it a great day!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Ellen - So glad the wedding went off without a hitch. You look stunning in that dress. It was a perfect fit for you!
I'm so pleased to read that you like Pastor Anne!!



It's Thursday here. Tonight, DH had something on...so DS and I treated ourselves to Gold Class seats at the movies. We saw Finding Dory and had a great time. We made a night of it and ordered food to come to our recliner seats. I'm so full that I had to roll myself out of the chair!
Work day tomorrow and I have another photography excursion tomorrow night. Looking forward to it!

Have a great day all.

 

[EJ4Disney]

Good morning ladies,

Wow, as Doug would say, it got real western here last night. All day we were warned that severe weather was possible. And at around 6:30 the storms started forming. About 55 miles to the West of us there were tornadoes, 80 mph winds and golf ball size hail. We watched this move East all night. Around 10 - and of course by now it is dark - it hit us. OH.MY!!! Needless to say we didn't sleep through it, but thankfully there was no damage but we got over 2" of rain. Today is suppose to be more of the same.

Thanks so much!! I'm glad you liked my dress. It was so comfortable and I really did get a lot of compliments on it. Now I need to go on a cruise so I can wear it again. That picture was taken at the end of the night. We were outside and had just sent the kids off. We were a bit disheveled but still having fun.

PIO ~ I have to say it again - I am loving your trip report. Your pictures are beautiful.
I haven't seen Finding Dory yet, but I hope to soon. I think it is great that you and your boy went together. Great memories.

WFDT ~ It's golf night so Doug will eat at the Country Club and I might just have a salad. It's too hot to eat much of anything.

Make it a great day!

 

[franandaj]

I missed the pictures on FB as our weekend was...interesting...you'll hear all about it in the TR. I think I have a title now. When I get hone I'll have to go back and look up the dress, I'm really curious to see it!
This vacation has been trying in many ways. With both Fran and the parents I'm being tugged in various different ways. Especially with challenges that we are facing. Fran and I are resting while my parents watch Finding Dory. I'm sure Fran and I won't see it until it comes out on our DVR, but she needed to sleep this evening.