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

[EJ4Disney]

Good morning all,

I am so sorry I didn't pop in yesterday but - oh my - what a day. I am so glad I don't have those very often. I was in crowd control, and damage control ALL day. I swear there was someone on the phone or in front of my desk all day. Not one minute to myself. I didn't even get to eat my lunch till 2pm and then I was still munching at 3 when I finally gave up. What a day!!

Jay's Birthday was on Monday and we all went out for dinner. As I was waiting for Doug to get out of the shower, I turned the TV on and realized that Lincoln (where Matthew and Katlin live) was under tornado warnings. There were 2 on the ground just blocks from Matthew and later one right over Katlin's apartment. He works and lives South of Lincoln and it was right in the area. I was texting him and he said the sky was totally green. Not what a Momma wants to here! He lives on the second floor but was taking cover along with everyone else in the basement of the club house. We went to dinner with my phone glued to my hip for any word. This monster was a slow mover and then turned back on itself. By 9pm it was settling down. He said there were at least 10 "waves" that went through. The hail was the worst - softball to golf ball sized. We were worried about their cars, and our pickup as we had taken it down for them to use the week before. But I have no idea how but he said there was no damage that he could see. I am having a really hard time believing that, seeing all of the pictures around town but he sent pictures and it really does look ok. How lucky is that? Needless to say we said a prayer of thanksgiving and tried to calm down.

On Monday I had won tickets to the Tri City Storm (Hockey team) playoff game. Doug is on call this week so Ethan and I went last night. They won and now are in the finals for the Clark Cup. We had so much fun.

We had bad storms again last night and got over 1.8" of rain. We had our lawn sprayed yesterday so this was wonderful to get it watered in. But it can stop now, we have had enough rain for awhile. But it is cloudy and cool this morning.

PIO ~ Thanks for thinking of us. It just blows my mind that clear across the world I have people thinking of me. Thanks so much my friend, you have no idea how I appreciate it.
You are right, I would be right there with you, but having dinner ready trumps the routine of it.

Alison ~ I was sorry to hear that Olga passed while you were on vacation. I am so sorry!! Losing a fur baby is SO hard. {hugs} to you and Fran.
I am enjoying your River adventures, but sorry Fran was so sick and you missed out on so much. Is she feeling better? And you?

Brandi ~ I am so glad to hear that the job is going great. I knew you would love it!!
I have started drinking smoothies for breakfast and lunch, my favorites have kale and spinach. They are really good, and I can't believe what a difference it has made in how I feel.

Tonight is a rare night that our calendar is empty. I have so much to do - wash, mopping etc. - but I might just sit and catch my breath. We'll see!

WFDT ~ Grilled chicken, roasted vegetables and quinoa salad.

Make it a great day!!

 

[franandaj]

Last night I made us Italian cold cut sandwiches. Genoa Salami, Bologna, Mortadella, and Capicolla. I also put provolone cheese in there as well as lettuce and onion. I might do those again with slightly less meat, but they were good and I ate my whole sandwich!

Tonight we're having steak fajitas. It'd been a while since we had thise, I'm looking forward to dinner tonight!

 

[franandaj]

Ellen ~ That sounds so scary about the tornadoes. I don't know how you live in a place like that where at any point a twister could come out of nowhere and rip your house from its foundation. so glad that everyone was safe. Although I'm not quite sure what the green sky reference meant.

Sorry you had such a hectic day yesterday. Hope today is better!

Alison ~ I was sorry to hear that Olga passed while you were on vacation. I am so sorry!! Losing a fur baby is SO hard. {hugs} to you and Fran.
I am enjoying your River adventures, but sorry Fran was so sick and you missed out on so much. Is she feeling better? And you?

It was actually for the best that Olga passed while we were gone. Fran was much less emotional about it, not having to drive to the vet with her. Also it really was time. She had stopped going inside the litter boxes. We had reusable puppy pads under the boxes since sometimes the cats "miss" or have "bad aim". But she just started using those so we had to invest in disposable puppy pads and we're going through over 100 pads a week. We knew she was going to go soon.

I went back 8 pages on this thread and found this was one of the few places that I let on we came home sick as dogs. In fact I even spilled the update from the final day where we left for the airport. It took a week for me to start feeling human again, and two weeks to really feel better.

If I can get time today, I'll try and wrap up the Mississippi report and then see if I can post the first installment (travel day) of the WDW trip.

 

[EJ4Disney]

Good morning from SUNNY Nebraska - can you believe it?

Alison ~ I agree - but it's my home and have lived here all of my life. But if truth be told, I don't know how you can live with the earthquakes. At least with the tornados we are given time to take cover. We usually know when the atmosphere is ripe for bad weather and plan accordingly. Most homes and buildings have safe shelters and basements. Unlike earthquakes, you never know when they are going to hit.

Love and hugs to everyone else.

I am leaving at noon today as Ethan has his 6th grade track meet. Just between you and me - I loath track meets. They are so boring, you sit around for hours to watch a 10 second race. But I will be there cheering him on. I'm good like that.

WFDT ~ Hamburgers, sweet potato chips and cottage cheese

Make it a great day!

 

[franandaj]

But if truth be told, I don't know how you can live with the earthquakes. At least with the tornados we are given time to take cover. We usually know when the atmosphere is ripe for bad weather and plan accordingly. Most homes and buildings have safe shelters and basements. Unlike earthquakes, you never know when they are going to hit.

It's funny! We have this conversation every year when the tornadoes come through and destroy the Midwest. There is no way I would trade! Earthquakes rarely happen and when they do, they are mostly small ones. Sometimes they're even fun to ride out! Most people will never experience a "big one", or if they do, there will only be one in their lifetime. I've had mine, so hopefully I'm good!

Even when the "big one" hit, the day of it was panicked, and for about a month afterwards we were jumpy, but our house was fine. My workplace not so much. They had to bring in temporary trailers that we worked out of in the parking lot. We made a few "covert expeditions" into our yellow tagged building for files, hardware, and other important stuff.

I know there was loss of life and lots of property, but crazy big ones only happen every 10 or 20 years. You guys have tornadoes every year!!!!!!! Anyways I have this discussion all the time with Midwesterners.

WFDT: Mexican Lasagna and salad. I made it last night so all I have to do is put it in the oven!

 

[EJ4Disney]

WOW - where did this week go? I just can't believe it is Friday already.

Alison ~ I understand your reasoning. I think it really does boil down to what you are used to. Like I said, I have lived here my whole life and tornados are just part of it.
Thanks so much for sending me the link to your TR. I love it and lady you look great. I can really tell the difference. Keep it up!!

Brandi ~ I have thought about you all week. I hope the new job is going good.

PIO ~ hello my friend!

Ethan did really good at his track meet yesterday. He got 5th place in the 400 and his relay got 2nd in the 400x100. He did place in the long jump. It was a lot of fun and I was glad I took the time to go. He was thrilled I was there.

Tonight I am headed to Kearney (Doug is on call and can't go

) for Lilly's gymnastic program. It starts at 5:30 - who in the heck does this - so I have no idea when I will get home or what dinner will be. I guess we are going to have to "wing" it.

Make it a great day and a wonderful weekend.

 

[dgbg100106]

Ellen,

I am doing very well, the learning curve is a little high right now, but there things I am catching on to quickly.
I do so much better talking to people instead of reading everything in sight, but meeting time is precious right now.

So I am getting there, and can at least make intelligent questions right now.

Thanks for thinking about me.

I saw the pictures from the track meet last night on FB and you look great BTW!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Ellen - Glad you're safe. Tornadoes and earthquakes seem very scary to me!

Alison - I'm slowly catching up on all the threads today. Hopefully, I'll be up-to-date with all of yours before the day is out.

Brandi - Learning stuff is good. I'm sure you'll have it down pat before too long.



It's Monday here and I have no idea WFD. I suspect I may be making a trip to the organic butcher and grabbing some burgers. In fact, now that I'm typing it out, that might be the best thing!!
It was a good weekend for me. Lots of down time; just resting and pottering about. Hope everyone had the weekend the planned for.

 

[dgbg100106]

Learning stuff is always good.

I am a software person, and have been writing code or designing sites or mobile apps for the last 25 years for the Govt.
Now I am starting a project for the Govt on RF engineering. I did this for a very short period of time 12 years ago, and so much has changed.

It should be a good change.

What is for dinner tonight? Pizza - Crust is in the fridge rising now.

 

[EJ4Disney]

Good Monday morning,

Well Doug shared his cold with me. Isn't he just the best husband ever? I think not!! He hasn't felt good for most of last week and I was sitting watching TV last night and had "that" feeling. Yep, I got it. I am not a happy about it at all. I have way to much to do to not feel good. Plus I feel spring colds tend to just hang on. Uggggggg!

We haven't been out of the 50's now for 5 days. I am so ready for some sun and nice weather. I am tired of wearing a coat. Doug even turned the heat on yesterday afternoon. It got down to 62 in the house. Burrrrrr!

Brandi ~ I love learning new things. Even at my age I love learning. What you do sounds very important, you must be so proud of your self. I know I am proud of you. Just taking the step to be doing a new job is great.
Thanks for the compliment. I really appreciate it. I have been trying so hard and have lost 25 pounds. People are really starting to notice. Thanks again!

Alison ~ I am loving your trip report.

PIO ~ We all need a weekend like that once in awhile. This weekend was my work time. I have been way to busy so I needed to catch up.

We worked hard around the house all weekend. I had to come back to work to rest up. I decided to rearrange my kitchen cupboards and spices. It looks so nice and gave me so much more room. I scrubbed from the tip top to the wee corners of your main bathroom. I got all of our winter clothes washed and put away and spring clothes out. Only to go back to the winter closet today as it is so dang cold yet. Baked 5 pies, and 12 dozen cookies for the freezer. We also had our High School Graduation this week so we went to 3 receptions. Those are always so fun.

Liam's preschool program is tonight here at the church. This is always a highlight!! These little ones are so stinking cute. We really enjoyed Lilly's a week ago and now Liam's tonight. I am loving it.

WFDT ~ Chicken and noodles over mash potatoes and a peach jello salad.

Make it a great day!!

 

[dgbg100106]

Ellen, Oh no, sorry to hear you are both sick. I hope you both feel better soon.

We set a record for the rain, 17 days straight with measurable rain. And guess what more rain today!
It was 36 when I woke up this morning, and friends who are about an hour north got SNOW...

Awww thanks...

I feel like this job more than ever is really important to both our citizens and to our military, so I am excited to learn and provide a better service to both.

Last night for dinner for a huge salad.
I went to see an endocrinologist last night - My Dr, thinks something is going on with me and the weight I have gained, it has been fast and I ahve not changed anything. so I have orders for a ton of blood work.

Today I go back to my gyn about my hemorrhagic cyst and Friday I have a physical this is the Dr week.

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

 

[EJ4Disney]

Tired Tuesday,

I slept pretty good last night but this cold is winning. I really feel like I could go back to bed and sleep all day. I might go home early this afternoon and do just that. Uggg I hate being sick!

Brandi ~ I will be anxious to hear what the Dr. and your test results show. Bless you. It's so hard when you are doing everything right and still now losing.
Fingers crossed that everything is ok health wise this week.

Liam's program was so cute last night. They did a few songs that literally had us in stitches. Oh my!! He was so proud of himself. We stayed and had cookies and juice.

Ethan has his first Ball game tonight. So that is where we will be tonight. I just hope it isn't too cold. I refuse to wear my winter coat in May.

WFDT ~ Lemon Shrimp pasta with garlic sticks and a green salad.

Make it a great day!

 

[franandaj]

Ellen - your grand babies sound delightful! I'm glad you are enjoying them.

Alison ~ I am loving your trip report.

Then you should make some guesses on the contest.

Not sure if you're following the "Sharing" one but I put an update there too.

I have been trying so hard and have lost 25 pounds. People are really starting to notice. Thanks again!

Wow that's great! Is this 25 more pounds since you had to go out and get a new wardrobe, or is this all combined?

I have 5 more pounds until I am back where I was before the WDW trip. I gained about 10 lbs. Hopefully I can lose an additional 10 beyond that before Alaska.

I was sitting watching TV last night and had "that" feeling. Yep, I got it. I am not a happy about it at all. I have way to much to do to not feel good.

Ugh. Sorry you're feeling sick. I'm so over my cold.

We set a record for the rain, 17 days straight with measurable rain. And guess what more rain today!
It was 36 when I woke up this morning, and friends who

Yikes, were having gray skies but that's as bad as it gets.

My Dr, thinks something is going on with me and the weight I have gained, it has been fast and I ahve not changed anything. so I have orders for a ton of blood work.

I've been seeing an Endocrinologist for the past year, we have been messing around with my meds over the last year. I see him again next week and I had blood drawn yesterday. I have a feeling we'll have to go back to something he switched me off in February. One of the side effects is weight gain.

 

[dgbg100106]

Good morning everyone.

Well I have my Physical on Friday morning and my blood draw after that.
my gyn appt did not go as planned. They want to do a hysterectomy. David of course is scared, and I am kind of relieved. I want this thing out, and they might as well take it all if they are going to take some... They will leave my ovaries.

They told me that I will be out of work for 6 weeks.

Since I just started my new job, I do not feel right taking 6 weeks off right now. So David and I looked a the calendar and decided that the first of the year 2017 is the best time to do this.

So I am planning on this surgery something beginning of January.

Ellen - one of the test they have me doing is urine collection for 24 hours, so I had to wait until the weekend to do that, I have to carry around a huge jug, not pretty for the office.

Alison - The Dr was very non concerned, she said she thought I was fine based on the blood draw from a few months ago. but did admit something was going on. The only drugs I am taking are for my allergies, so I am hoping that neither one of them are the cause, but I guess anything is possible.

 

[EJ4Disney]

Good morning all,

Alison ~ So glad to hear you are feeling better.
My weight loss it total. I haven't lost anymore for awhile and I'm ok where I am. I finally realized I am never going to be a size 5 again, never going to have the body I had in my 20's so I am ok where I am. I feel good and I think that is the big thing. I have a physical scheduled for next Friday, so we will see how that goes.

Brandi ~ Oh bless your heart! I do know a few friends that have had a hysterectomy and have wondered why they wait so long. I pray that it all goes well.

I am more than ready for this cold to go bye-bye also. I do NOT like being sick. I have a friend that is always sick. Sometimes I think she thinks up things just for the attention. Not me - I hate it.

Ethan won his game last night 5-0. They really played together and got the job done. We just about froze to death (that is SO wrong) watching. We were wrapped up in blankets and even had our hoods up. I am so ready for some nice hot weather.

Today is our Hospital Auxiliary luncheon. I am taking off and going. It is always our last meeting of the year. A nice wrap up and it's great to be with friends. I am really looking forward to it.

WFDT ~ Fish packets for the grill, roasted potatoes with vegetables.

Make it a great day!

 

[PrincessInOz]

It's 11.50 pm here and I really should be in bed but...I'm consciously trying to get on the Dis and post on some of the regular threads.

Ellen - I hope you're over Doug's cold! Whilst it's nice to have a DH that shares, there are just some things that should be left alone!!
Your weekend sounds busy. And congrats on losing weight!


Alison - Hope there is nothing to be concerned about with the blood test!


Brandi - A hysterectomy? Oh no! I wish you all the best and keep us in the loop with it all between now and January.


Wednesday night. I'm ready for bed!

 

[dgbg100106]

ellen - hope you feel better soon, i too hate having a cold. Speaking of cold today's high is 55 degrees.
PIO - Hope you sleep well and have a great evening.

 

[franandaj]

my gyn appt did not go as planned. They want to do a hysterectomy.

Well Fran tells me getting "fixed" was the best thing she ever did.

she thought I was fine based on the blood draw from a few months ago.

It could just be one small thing that is out of balance, not something major.

I finally realized I am never going to be a size 5 again, never going to have the body I had in my 20's so I am ok where I am.

Yeah I figured that one out 20 years ago! Although I was never a size 5. Even in HS I was 13/14 because my shoulders were so broad from swimming. I still wouldn't mind losing another 50 pounds.

Alison - Hope there is nothing to be concerned about with the blood test!

Nah, just the endocrinologist wants blood work before I see him. I see him every three months so blood work the week before. But my blood sugar has been high, probably due to a medication change. My blood sugar was way low for the weeks I did the vegan thing, but I couldn't live like that. No offense Brandi.

WFDT? No clue. Fran has her prep for her colonoscopy today. We're hardly out of bed and she is stuck on the toilet with awful stomach cramps. All she has done so far was take dulcolax for the last two nights and eat a "moderate" diet yesterday. Today is the day she has to drink her goo and stick to a clear liquids diet.

I may make linguine and clams for my dinner. That's something she doesn't like.

 

[dgbg100106]

Well Fran tells me getting "fixed" was the best thing she ever did.

I think I will like it too. The bad part is if I keep my ovaries, I still go through menopause.

It could just be one small thing that is out of balance, not something major.

That is what I want them to figure out... What is out of wack for me.

Yeah I figured that one out 20 years ago! Although I was never a size 5. Even in HS I was 13/14 because my shoulders were so broad from swimming. I still wouldn't mind losing another 50 pounds.

I was never a 5 either. My smallest was an 8 which I think would be great now.

Nah, just the endocrinologist wants blood work before I see him. I see him every three months so blood work the week before. But my blood sugar has been high, probably due to a medication change. My blood sugar was way low for the weeks I did the vegan thing, but I couldn't live like that. No offense Brandi.

none taken. I have started adding a few things back, so I think in the end I will be what ever I want but mostly, a plant based eater. I have had some cheese, and an egg, and tried DH's steak fajitas the other day. One bite! and that was enough.

WFDT? No clue. Fran has her prep for her colonoscopy today. We're hardly out of bed and she is stuck on the toilet with awful stomach cramps. All she has done so far was take dulcolax for the last two nights and eat a "moderate" diet yesterday. Today is the day she has to drink her goo and stick to a clear liquids diet.

I may make linguine and clams for my dinner. That's something she doesn't like.

Hope Fran does well, I have watched DH go thru it.

 

[franandaj]

I think I will like it too. The bad part is if I keep my ovaries, I still go through menopause.

Well that bites! They must have taken everything on Fran.

none taken. I have started adding a few things back, so I think in the end I will be what ever I want but mostly, a plant based eater.

I don't know how you do it. I guess I just don't like enough veggies, nuts, etc to do it. I definitely love my steak. We had fajitas last week and I ate leftovers it was so good!

Hope Fran does well, I have watched DH go thru it.

This is the third one I've seen her do. She is already miserable and it just turned 11AM.