Ok. So, I'm not a soccer coach (but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express once)!
It's soccer season AGAIN. Taylor has been playing soccer since she's been 5. Now, she's 21. It's her senior year of college. Since there really is no other "team" to go on to, this is her LAST soccer season.
I'm a little bit bittersweet. Taylor loves the game. She eats, breathes, drinks and sleeps soccer. She plays every opportunity that she gets and then some. She always has. But I hate soccer season. I hate every bit of the drama and heartache that goes with it.
I believe in natural born talent and while Taylor loves the game and is a good player (the mom in me thinks she's the BEST EVER) she's not an Olympic or World Cup caliber player - and she knows it. But she works her TAIL off during practices and games. She was a 3 year letter winner in high school and is a 3 year letter winner in college.
But something happened Taylor's sophomore year in college. I have no idea what. One thing is, they got a new coach that year. Her stats from her freshman year are: Posted one goal. Appeared in thirteen games …Sophomore year: Played in sixteen games and started ten. But the started 10 came early in the season. The 2 games that she didn't play in, were the last 2 and one, the coach didn't even let her travel to.
No one seems to know what happened. The coach suddenly wrote her off as if she didn't exist. Last year's stats: Played in nine games and starting three ... Posted one goal. She was worse her junior year than her freshman year? But how bad? She scored a goal in one of the few games that she got to see the field! And the "leading scorer" on the team scored 6 goals for the entire season! I wonder how many Taylor would have scored if she got to play in all 19 games?
So far this year, she's the leading scorer on the team. The first scrimmage, she scored the only goal. No one on the team has scored since. The first season game was last night. Taylor sat the bench. Never saw the field. And, although only 2 starters graduated last year, the coach started 5 freshman last night.
Now, they have a JV team. I guess I always thought that JV was meant to give freshman and underclassman an opportunity to play together instead of throwing 17 1/2 year olds on a field with 22 year olds after only playing together for a week. Apparently, that's not the case on this team.
One might also think that if you are down in a game 1 (or 2) to 0 that you might want to put the only girl that has scored a goal so far this year on the field.
Hear we go again. To paraphrase Yogi Berra, "It's like deja vous all over again."
I won't be completely heartbroken when this season is over.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Band Woes!
Boy. What a bummer of a couple of days! Yesterday, I took my car in to have a routine service done to find out that I need $800 worth of brake work done. I escaped yesterday with a $600 bill but I need to take my car back in two weeks to have the remainder of the work done.
This is Son's senior year in band. Last month, we went to visit him at band camp. Usually we would get a preview of the year's show while there. This year, however, it was pouring down rain so they didn't get to march on Parent's Night.
I was actually really excited to go to the first football game tonight to see the band march. I EVEN gave up HAPPY HOUR (which NEVER happens!) About 12 minutes into the game, we had our first 30 minute lightning delay. The team came back out and played almost the rest of the first quarter - 25 seconds to go - when we had our second lightning delay. This time, the storm moved in shortly afterwards and the game got suspended until tomorrow.
They won't be able to mobilize the band (kids in other sports/activities, busing etc) for the game tomorrow so now it will be Tuesday (at the Fair) before I get to see the band show! Please pray for no rain on Tuesday!!!
This is Son's senior year in band. Last month, we went to visit him at band camp. Usually we would get a preview of the year's show while there. This year, however, it was pouring down rain so they didn't get to march on Parent's Night.
I was actually really excited to go to the first football game tonight to see the band march. I EVEN gave up HAPPY HOUR (which NEVER happens!) About 12 minutes into the game, we had our first 30 minute lightning delay. The team came back out and played almost the rest of the first quarter - 25 seconds to go - when we had our second lightning delay. This time, the storm moved in shortly afterwards and the game got suspended until tomorrow.
They won't be able to mobilize the band (kids in other sports/activities, busing etc) for the game tomorrow so now it will be Tuesday (at the Fair) before I get to see the band show! Please pray for no rain on Tuesday!!!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Aeropostale
Just a quick blog post to give some kudos to Aeropostale.
A couple of weeks ago, I ordered Son two pairs of jeans online during their Friends and Family sale. They arrived last weekend and since Son has lost quite a bit of weight, they were too big. The jeans arrived just as I was going out of town for business. I asked him to return them to the store to exchange them and explained that he was going to have to talk to the cashier about a possible price difference. That ended up being too big of a request for an 18 year old - actually TALK (and speak CLEARLY) to a STRANGER??? Needless to say, the jeans were still in the spare bedroom when I got home.
Today, I made him go with me to try on a smaller size to be sure that they fit so that I wouldn't have to make yet ANOTHER trip to the mall. The store was PACKED! Everyone must have suddenly realized "OHMIGOSH! School starts TOMORROW and I have NOTHING to wear!" A VERY nice clerk helped us to find the jeans that we were looking for and, surprise of surprise, they were NOT on sale. I explained the situation that I had purchased them online and the clerk shared that she could take 30% off the price. That still made them a few dollars more than I paid but I was quite happy.
When we got to the register, I explained to the cashier what the clerk had said and the manager was standing there. She said, "Oh no. We'll just override the price and even exchange them!"
YAY!!! Thank you, Aeropostale, for being reasonable and kind. Especially in light that the store was a mad house and I'm SURE that everyone working was extremely busy. For whatever reason, I have not run into too many kind hearted store workers anywhere lately. I suppose that is one reason why I do so much of my shopping online now-a-days!
A couple of weeks ago, I ordered Son two pairs of jeans online during their Friends and Family sale. They arrived last weekend and since Son has lost quite a bit of weight, they were too big. The jeans arrived just as I was going out of town for business. I asked him to return them to the store to exchange them and explained that he was going to have to talk to the cashier about a possible price difference. That ended up being too big of a request for an 18 year old - actually TALK (and speak CLEARLY) to a STRANGER??? Needless to say, the jeans were still in the spare bedroom when I got home.
Today, I made him go with me to try on a smaller size to be sure that they fit so that I wouldn't have to make yet ANOTHER trip to the mall. The store was PACKED! Everyone must have suddenly realized "OHMIGOSH! School starts TOMORROW and I have NOTHING to wear!" A VERY nice clerk helped us to find the jeans that we were looking for and, surprise of surprise, they were NOT on sale. I explained the situation that I had purchased them online and the clerk shared that she could take 30% off the price. That still made them a few dollars more than I paid but I was quite happy.
When we got to the register, I explained to the cashier what the clerk had said and the manager was standing there. She said, "Oh no. We'll just override the price and even exchange them!"
YAY!!! Thank you, Aeropostale, for being reasonable and kind. Especially in light that the store was a mad house and I'm SURE that everyone working was extremely busy. For whatever reason, I have not run into too many kind hearted store workers anywhere lately. I suppose that is one reason why I do so much of my shopping online now-a-days!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Lexington, Kentucky
I have just returned from a business trip to Lexington, Kentucky. I have posted a review of our hotel, the Hilton Lexington Green, here: http://sharedreviews.com/r/45513-hilton-lexington-green-lexington-kentucky.
Upon some recommendations from friends, while we were in Lexington, we had some wonderful meals! The first evening, we went across the street from our hotel to the Fayette Mall Plaza and had dinner at Saul Good. I had a Cob Sandwich with fries which was VERY good! Since the weather was so beautiful, we ate outdoors so I can't really comment on the atmosphere of the restaurant but the food and service were very nice.
The second night, we ventured into downtown Lexington and ate at DeSha's. Prior to eating, we walked around Triangle Park and to the Rupp Arena and back. Dinner was HUGE and delicious. We started with the potato chips which were smothered in cheese, bacon, onions and barbecue sauce. Then I had the mushroom ravioli which came with a salad and cornbread. I was stuffed full by the time I was halfway through the salad but continued to eat until I thought I would burst!
We headed back over to the Fayette Mall to try to walk off some of the food but it didn't really help!
The last night, we walked right out the back of our hotel to the Regatta restaurant. You couldn't possibly get any more convenient than that and the food was, again, delicious and extremely fresh and reasonably priced for seafood. I had a combo platter that consisted of grilled salmon and a crab cake. This meal also came with salad, mashed potatoes and biscuits. So, once again, I completely stuffed myself!
After dinner, we explored the Joseph Beth Bookstore and before we returned to our hotel, we had a drink and listened to live music at the bar that is next to the Regatta restaurant. It was a warm, beautiful night and the bar and restaurant have outdoor seating that overlooks a cute pond.
We had a great trip to Lexington and I am happy and grateful that everything went so well - including the drive there and the training that we conducted at the University of Kentucky Medical Center.
Upon some recommendations from friends, while we were in Lexington, we had some wonderful meals! The first evening, we went across the street from our hotel to the Fayette Mall Plaza and had dinner at Saul Good. I had a Cob Sandwich with fries which was VERY good! Since the weather was so beautiful, we ate outdoors so I can't really comment on the atmosphere of the restaurant but the food and service were very nice.
The second night, we ventured into downtown Lexington and ate at DeSha's. Prior to eating, we walked around Triangle Park and to the Rupp Arena and back. Dinner was HUGE and delicious. We started with the potato chips which were smothered in cheese, bacon, onions and barbecue sauce. Then I had the mushroom ravioli which came with a salad and cornbread. I was stuffed full by the time I was halfway through the salad but continued to eat until I thought I would burst!
We headed back over to the Fayette Mall to try to walk off some of the food but it didn't really help!
The last night, we walked right out the back of our hotel to the Regatta restaurant. You couldn't possibly get any more convenient than that and the food was, again, delicious and extremely fresh and reasonably priced for seafood. I had a combo platter that consisted of grilled salmon and a crab cake. This meal also came with salad, mashed potatoes and biscuits. So, once again, I completely stuffed myself!
After dinner, we explored the Joseph Beth Bookstore and before we returned to our hotel, we had a drink and listened to live music at the bar that is next to the Regatta restaurant. It was a warm, beautiful night and the bar and restaurant have outdoor seating that overlooks a cute pond.
We had a great trip to Lexington and I am happy and grateful that everything went so well - including the drive there and the training that we conducted at the University of Kentucky Medical Center.
Monday, August 17, 2009
What a horribly (yet luscious!) lazy weekend we just had! Friday started with our usual Happy Hour at Don Pablos but this time it was just Hubby and I. Two other friends stopped by briefly but we didn't have 12-16 people joining us that we usually have. Not that I don't think that is GREAT fun but just Hubby and I was very nice. We stopped at Home Depot on the way home and splurged on new outdoor furniture. We were replacing a 20 year old set of treated lumber furniture that we loved but didn't find terribly comfortable to sit on and therefore rarely used. We used our anniversary last weekend and Hubby's birthday yesterday as an excuse.
Saturday, we got the furniture all set up and tried it out with coffee while waiting for the grass to dry. Hubby mowed while I straightened up the house and then we spent the rest of the day at the lake. We stopped on the way home and picked up some fresh corn and grilled corn and hot dogs for dinner.
Sunday morning was our usual church service and then breakfast. After that - a day at the lake! Summer took a long time to get here but this weekend it was sunny and almost 90 both days. Perfect lake weather! The corn was so good on Saturday that we picked up some more yesterday and grilled it again with some chicken.
We plan to celebrate Hubby's birthday next weekend with Low Country Boil (Frogmore Stew) and cake and ice cream. He was willing to postpone it for a week so that we can celebrate with friends and family. Everyone was busy this weekend!
Saturday, we got the furniture all set up and tried it out with coffee while waiting for the grass to dry. Hubby mowed while I straightened up the house and then we spent the rest of the day at the lake. We stopped on the way home and picked up some fresh corn and grilled corn and hot dogs for dinner.
Sunday morning was our usual church service and then breakfast. After that - a day at the lake! Summer took a long time to get here but this weekend it was sunny and almost 90 both days. Perfect lake weather! The corn was so good on Saturday that we picked up some more yesterday and grilled it again with some chicken.
We plan to celebrate Hubby's birthday next weekend with Low Country Boil (Frogmore Stew) and cake and ice cream. He was willing to postpone it for a week so that we can celebrate with friends and family. Everyone was busy this weekend!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Wear Sunscreen
This is one of my favorite speeches/columns of all time. It was originally written by Mary Schmich on June 1, 1997 for the Chicago Tribune. I am posting it the way I came across it years ago - as a commencement speech.
Ladies and gentlemen of the class of 2003:
Wear sunscreen.
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.
The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience.
I will dispense this advice now.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth.
Oh, never mind.
You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded.
But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked.
You are not as fat as you imagine.
Don't worry about the future.
Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum.
The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4 p.m. on some idle Tuesday.
Do one thing every day that scares you.
Sing.
Don't be reckless with other people's hearts.
Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.
Floss.
Don't waste your time on jealousy.
Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind.
The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself.
Remember compliments you receive.
Forget the insults.
If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
Keep your old love letters.
Throw away your old bank statements.
Stretch.
Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life.
The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives.
Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't.
Get plenty of calcium.
Be kind to your knees.
You'll miss them when they're gone.
Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't.
Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't .
Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary.
Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either.
Your choices are half chance.
So are everybody else's.
Enjoy your body.
Use it every way you can.
Don't be afraid of it or of what other people think of it.
It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.
Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your livingroom.
Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.
Do not read beauty magazines.
They will only make you feel ugly.
Get to know your parents.
You never know when they'll be gone for good.
Be nice to your siblings.
They're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.
Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on.
Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.
Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard.
Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.
Travel.
Accept certain inalienable truths: Prices will rise.
Politicians will philander.
You, too, will get old.
And when you do, you'll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble, and children respected their elders.
Respect your elders.
Don't expect anyone else to support you.
Maybe you have a trust fund.
Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse.
But you never know when either one might run out.
Don't mess too much with your hair or by the time you're 40 it will look 85.
Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it.
Advice is a form of nostalgia.
Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.
But trust me on the sunscreen.
Ladies and gentlemen of the class of 2003:
Wear sunscreen.
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.
The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience.
I will dispense this advice now.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth.
Oh, never mind.
You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded.
But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked.
You are not as fat as you imagine.
Don't worry about the future.
Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum.
The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4 p.m. on some idle Tuesday.
Do one thing every day that scares you.
Sing.
Don't be reckless with other people's hearts.
Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.
Floss.
Don't waste your time on jealousy.
Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind.
The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself.
Remember compliments you receive.
Forget the insults.
If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
Keep your old love letters.
Throw away your old bank statements.
Stretch.
Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life.
The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives.
Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't.
Get plenty of calcium.
Be kind to your knees.
You'll miss them when they're gone.
Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't.
Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't .
Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary.
Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either.
Your choices are half chance.
So are everybody else's.
Enjoy your body.
Use it every way you can.
Don't be afraid of it or of what other people think of it.
It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.
Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your livingroom.
Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.
Do not read beauty magazines.
They will only make you feel ugly.
Get to know your parents.
You never know when they'll be gone for good.
Be nice to your siblings.
They're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.
Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on.
Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.
Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard.
Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.
Travel.
Accept certain inalienable truths: Prices will rise.
Politicians will philander.
You, too, will get old.
And when you do, you'll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble, and children respected their elders.
Respect your elders.
Don't expect anyone else to support you.
Maybe you have a trust fund.
Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse.
But you never know when either one might run out.
Don't mess too much with your hair or by the time you're 40 it will look 85.
Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it.
Advice is a form of nostalgia.
Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.
But trust me on the sunscreen.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Happy Anniversary!
Today was Hubby and I's 23rd wedding anniversary. It seems impossible!
We spent an interesting anniversary weekend. This year it corresponds with our community's Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival so yesterday morning we got up at 4:30am to go see our parade. It is the last year that we'll have a child march in the parade as our son is a senior in high school this year.
Last night, as we were deciding about cleaning up and going out to dinner, we opted to just crash at home and order a pizza - how romantic huh?
Today, it was just about our only 90 degree day of the summer so we decided to spend the day on our boat. We've hardly been out at all because this summer has been so cold and rainy. We came home and grilled hot dogs and hamburgers in the backyard.
As romantic as all that sounds, we've had some wonderful anniversary celebrations. We just chose to make this one low-keyed and laid back.
Hopefully, we'll have plenty more opportunities to have big, wonderful, romantic celebrations!
We spent an interesting anniversary weekend. This year it corresponds with our community's Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival so yesterday morning we got up at 4:30am to go see our parade. It is the last year that we'll have a child march in the parade as our son is a senior in high school this year.
Last night, as we were deciding about cleaning up and going out to dinner, we opted to just crash at home and order a pizza - how romantic huh?
Today, it was just about our only 90 degree day of the summer so we decided to spend the day on our boat. We've hardly been out at all because this summer has been so cold and rainy. We came home and grilled hot dogs and hamburgers in the backyard.
As romantic as all that sounds, we've had some wonderful anniversary celebrations. We just chose to make this one low-keyed and laid back.
Hopefully, we'll have plenty more opportunities to have big, wonderful, romantic celebrations!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Meatloaf
After finishing the coldest July on record, I'm REALLY hoping that August will bring us REAL summer weather. Here we are at day two and it's not looking good so far.
This week is our community's Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival. Starting with this past Friday, there are activities every day. We went to the Balloon Fest last night but there were storms too close by so the balloons, sadly, did not lift off. We did stay for a great fireworks display. We headed out to the lake for a bit today but it was too cloudy and chilly to even have our swimsuits on so we never did swim.
We came home and since I had some time on my hands, I made a meatloaf. This is my husband's favorite meal and he always begs me for it. I am not such a fan and even worse, I hate "handling" raw meat and I hate that, since I make a 3lb meatloaf, that it takes almost two hours to bake so I really only make it when I have plenty of time.
There is no recipe. I use 3 lbs of hamburger, two eggs, some grated Romano cheese, a grated onion (I hate big chunks of onion in my meatloaf) some minced garlic, oregano, basil and bread crumbs. All amounts are just eye balled.
I make this into a loaf that often looks more like a log. I bake it for 1 hour at 400 degrees and then turn it over in the pan. I use Mid's meatless spaghetti sauce to spread on top (what used to be the bottom!) and bake it for 30 - 60 more minutes, checking occasionally to see if it is cooked through.
My son is beginning to take after his dad, he had, at least, a one pound helping on his plate for dinner tonight!
As a side dish, I marinated a diagonally sliced zucchini and two yellow squashes from my garden in Italian dressing and threw them on the grill for a few minutes.
This will probably be our only home cooked meal this week as we have plans every night this week - either appointments or participating in Festival activities.
This week is our community's Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival. Starting with this past Friday, there are activities every day. We went to the Balloon Fest last night but there were storms too close by so the balloons, sadly, did not lift off. We did stay for a great fireworks display. We headed out to the lake for a bit today but it was too cloudy and chilly to even have our swimsuits on so we never did swim.
We came home and since I had some time on my hands, I made a meatloaf. This is my husband's favorite meal and he always begs me for it. I am not such a fan and even worse, I hate "handling" raw meat and I hate that, since I make a 3lb meatloaf, that it takes almost two hours to bake so I really only make it when I have plenty of time.
There is no recipe. I use 3 lbs of hamburger, two eggs, some grated Romano cheese, a grated onion (I hate big chunks of onion in my meatloaf) some minced garlic, oregano, basil and bread crumbs. All amounts are just eye balled.
I make this into a loaf that often looks more like a log. I bake it for 1 hour at 400 degrees and then turn it over in the pan. I use Mid's meatless spaghetti sauce to spread on top (what used to be the bottom!) and bake it for 30 - 60 more minutes, checking occasionally to see if it is cooked through.
My son is beginning to take after his dad, he had, at least, a one pound helping on his plate for dinner tonight!
As a side dish, I marinated a diagonally sliced zucchini and two yellow squashes from my garden in Italian dressing and threw them on the grill for a few minutes.
This will probably be our only home cooked meal this week as we have plans every night this week - either appointments or participating in Festival activities.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Tilapia Experiment
I'm not a very good cook. And since I have virtually no imagination, I'm even less of a good cook if I don't have a recipe to follow! But, I thought I would give it a try as I had 8 nice pieces of tilapia to cook and I wasn't sure what to do with it.
So, I picked a zucchini out of my garden and quartered it and then sliced it very thin. I placed that in a bowl with a diced tomato (sadly, not from my garden YET!). I added some minced garlic, olive oil and some fresh basil from my herb garden. I combined these ingredients and put them in a baking dish.
I oiled, salted and peppered the filets and layed them on top. I covered the pan and baked it at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes. The filets turned out tender and really flavorful! I really surprised myself that I could come up with a tasty (ok, but really simple) dish with no cookbook!
So, I picked a zucchini out of my garden and quartered it and then sliced it very thin. I placed that in a bowl with a diced tomato (sadly, not from my garden YET!). I added some minced garlic, olive oil and some fresh basil from my herb garden. I combined these ingredients and put them in a baking dish.
I oiled, salted and peppered the filets and layed them on top. I covered the pan and baked it at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes. The filets turned out tender and really flavorful! I really surprised myself that I could come up with a tasty (ok, but really simple) dish with no cookbook!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
England Trip
I've been meaning to do this for awhile now. Since it's a chilly, rainy Saturday, I guess it's time!
We recently had the opportunity to travel to England for the International Rotary Convention and to do some sightseeing. I really intended to journal while I was there but just couldn't find the time. The next best thing are the daily e-mails that I sent to my mom while we were there. I want to use this space to compile them into a "diary" type format:
Sent: Saturday, June 20, 2009 10:18 AM
Subject: We made it!
Got in about 8am local time (3am home time). Checked into the hotel and slept for a bit. Just got to the covention center and found a computer so I thought I'd say HI!
Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2009 7:56 AM
Subject: Re: We made it!
It's cold and drizzly here too for day two. We just got done with Opening Ceremonies. Pretty amazing, actually. There are 50,000 people here from 154 different countries. And, of course, I met a lady in the restroom (ok, the Loo) from Toledo, Ohio. Go figure.
Stonehenge isn't on the list this time. They said on the news this morning that they are expecting 30,000 people there for the sunrise, despite security concerns :-O
We explored "downtown" Coventry last night. Isaac ordered a Guiness with his dinner. Most of the shops closed at 6pm though so we didn't get to do any shopping. Tonight, we're headed for Warwick Castle - 1000 year old castle- for dinner, tour and shows. Could be hokey, could be authentic. I'm not sure!
We're going to try to get to Stratford on Avon tomorrow, if possible.
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 6:04 AM
Subject: Re: We made it!
Well, the sun it out today and I don't have my jacket on!!!
Warwick Castle was a little on the hokey side but it was neat to see - none the less. The kids said it reminded them of Yankee Peddler.
Stratford-upon-Avon was really interesting yesterday. We toured Shakespeare's birthplace, deathplace, and a house that his daughter lived in. I wish we would have had more time to see Anne Hathaway's cottage and (oh, I forget the other one that is nearby). We just can't fit it all in but we'll do what we can!
Stratford-upon-Avon is an interesting town. All around Shakespeare's house are these really fancy stores and restaurants. Then, down the street is a food co-op/post office/bank building thing. There is also a huge, school there so in the evening, all the kids in their uniforms were all out and about.
Remind Isaac to tell you about the apparently drunk group of boys (rugby team) who were sinking the boats and swimming in the Avon river in their boxers and/or various forms of undress - quite the scene just across the street from the Royal Shakespeare Company's courtyard dining area - where we paid $60 for lunch yesterday - two sandwiches and a meat and cheese platter.
Everything is outrageously expensive!
Tonight, we're off to Birmingham to eat, shop and watch a performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 7:28 AM
Subject: Re: We made it!
Yes, we're enjoying the trip.
Yesterday was sightseeing/shopping in Birmingham. It's a really great town with closed streets for shopping. They are having an International Food Fest there so there was tons of food (and beer) all over town. It's the second biggest city in England so it was packed with people.
One of the other suprising thing is that all the shops here close at 6pm. I can't understand how anyone gets any shopping done but they're not doing it in the evenings! Of course, yesterday we were in Birmingham about 1pm and everything was CROWDED - maybe no one works?
We're going to attend closing ceremonies for the convention today and get ready to head for London early in the morning. By the way, it's daylight here by 4am so we won't be traveling in the dark no matter how early we need to leave!
Enjoy the weather. It was sunny all day yesterday and so far today but highs are still around 72ish so it's not hot.
Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 2:48 PM
Subject: Re: We made it!
Just another quick hi since we found wifi on our iPods. We killed a couple hours visiting Cadbury World today. There's actually a really cool story behind the founding of Bournville. It was worth the trip! I'll check in again tommorow when we reach london.
Sent: Thursday, June 25, 2009 6:11 AM
Subject: Re: We made it!
We made it to London and got all checked in. We're off to visit the queen!
Sent: Thursday, June 25, 2009 12:12 PM
Subject: Re: We made it!
It's interesting! Taylor says it looks like a really old DC. Everything is so BIG! I don't have a wide enough lens on my camera to capture everything!
Here's the walk we just took. All thousand or so miles of it:
Buckingham palace - caught the tail end of the changing of the guard
The Mall
Trafalgar Square
Scotland yard
Walked across the Thames
The Queen's Walk
Saw the London Eye but didn't ride
Walked back across the Thames
Big Ben
ParlimentWestminister Abby
Walked along the river back to the hotel to die!
Not sure what the plans are for the rest of the evening but tomorrow we take the tour bus to see some more sights
Sent: Friday, June 26, 2009 4:01 PM
Subject: Re: We made it!
We had a little bit of a fiasco trying to figure out our London Day Passes but after we figured that out, we took a boat on the Thames to the London Tower and yes-we saw the crown jewels as well as watched some military people do a fancy ceremony shooting this fancy cannons over the river because today is Vetern's Day. We walked across the Tower Bridge, the kids rode the London Eye and we shopped at Harrods - where they were playing only Michael Jackson music.
It looks like we need to leave our hotel about 5am to catch our train to Paris. I'll be headed to bed soon!
Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2009 5:30 PM
Subject: Re: We made it!
There were ENTIRELY too many people to see any ghosts yesterday. I actually did buy a purse at Harrods, my third bag this trip! Turns out that hundreds of steps in thousand year old buildings are really hard on handbags!
We, relativly successfully did Paris today. We managed to briefly see everything that was on our list. Notre Dame was closed because of something big going on. Looked like a bishop type person and hundreds of priests. We couldn't read the sign or find anyone who spoke English to tell us what it was so I took pictures of the sign so that maybe Doug can translate for us.
We also saw the Louvre, champs elyesse (spelling-I know), arc de triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower.
For any number of reasons, we all like London WAY better than Paris but I'm glad we saw it!
Heading home tomorrow. We should be in Cleveland around 3:30. We'll call shortly afterwards to check in!
We recently had the opportunity to travel to England for the International Rotary Convention and to do some sightseeing. I really intended to journal while I was there but just couldn't find the time. The next best thing are the daily e-mails that I sent to my mom while we were there. I want to use this space to compile them into a "diary" type format:
Sent: Saturday, June 20, 2009 10:18 AM
Subject: We made it!
Got in about 8am local time (3am home time). Checked into the hotel and slept for a bit. Just got to the covention center and found a computer so I thought I'd say HI!
Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2009 7:56 AM
Subject: Re: We made it!
It's cold and drizzly here too for day two. We just got done with Opening Ceremonies. Pretty amazing, actually. There are 50,000 people here from 154 different countries. And, of course, I met a lady in the restroom (ok, the Loo) from Toledo, Ohio. Go figure.
Stonehenge isn't on the list this time. They said on the news this morning that they are expecting 30,000 people there for the sunrise, despite security concerns :-O
We explored "downtown" Coventry last night. Isaac ordered a Guiness with his dinner. Most of the shops closed at 6pm though so we didn't get to do any shopping. Tonight, we're headed for Warwick Castle - 1000 year old castle- for dinner, tour and shows. Could be hokey, could be authentic. I'm not sure!
We're going to try to get to Stratford on Avon tomorrow, if possible.
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 6:04 AM
Subject: Re: We made it!
Well, the sun it out today and I don't have my jacket on!!!
Warwick Castle was a little on the hokey side but it was neat to see - none the less. The kids said it reminded them of Yankee Peddler.
Stratford-upon-Avon was really interesting yesterday. We toured Shakespeare's birthplace, deathplace, and a house that his daughter lived in. I wish we would have had more time to see Anne Hathaway's cottage and (oh, I forget the other one that is nearby). We just can't fit it all in but we'll do what we can!
Stratford-upon-Avon is an interesting town. All around Shakespeare's house are these really fancy stores and restaurants. Then, down the street is a food co-op/post office/bank building thing. There is also a huge, school there so in the evening, all the kids in their uniforms were all out and about.
Remind Isaac to tell you about the apparently drunk group of boys (rugby team) who were sinking the boats and swimming in the Avon river in their boxers and/or various forms of undress - quite the scene just across the street from the Royal Shakespeare Company's courtyard dining area - where we paid $60 for lunch yesterday - two sandwiches and a meat and cheese platter.
Everything is outrageously expensive!
Tonight, we're off to Birmingham to eat, shop and watch a performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 7:28 AM
Subject: Re: We made it!
Yes, we're enjoying the trip.
Yesterday was sightseeing/shopping in Birmingham. It's a really great town with closed streets for shopping. They are having an International Food Fest there so there was tons of food (and beer) all over town. It's the second biggest city in England so it was packed with people.
One of the other suprising thing is that all the shops here close at 6pm. I can't understand how anyone gets any shopping done but they're not doing it in the evenings! Of course, yesterday we were in Birmingham about 1pm and everything was CROWDED - maybe no one works?
We're going to attend closing ceremonies for the convention today and get ready to head for London early in the morning. By the way, it's daylight here by 4am so we won't be traveling in the dark no matter how early we need to leave!
Enjoy the weather. It was sunny all day yesterday and so far today but highs are still around 72ish so it's not hot.
Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 2:48 PM
Subject: Re: We made it!
Just another quick hi since we found wifi on our iPods. We killed a couple hours visiting Cadbury World today. There's actually a really cool story behind the founding of Bournville. It was worth the trip! I'll check in again tommorow when we reach london.
Sent: Thursday, June 25, 2009 6:11 AM
Subject: Re: We made it!
We made it to London and got all checked in. We're off to visit the queen!
Sent: Thursday, June 25, 2009 12:12 PM
Subject: Re: We made it!
It's interesting! Taylor says it looks like a really old DC. Everything is so BIG! I don't have a wide enough lens on my camera to capture everything!
Here's the walk we just took. All thousand or so miles of it:
Buckingham palace - caught the tail end of the changing of the guard
The Mall
Trafalgar Square
Scotland yard
Walked across the Thames
The Queen's Walk
Saw the London Eye but didn't ride
Walked back across the Thames
Big Ben
ParlimentWestminister Abby
Walked along the river back to the hotel to die!
Not sure what the plans are for the rest of the evening but tomorrow we take the tour bus to see some more sights
Sent: Friday, June 26, 2009 4:01 PM
Subject: Re: We made it!
We had a little bit of a fiasco trying to figure out our London Day Passes but after we figured that out, we took a boat on the Thames to the London Tower and yes-we saw the crown jewels as well as watched some military people do a fancy ceremony shooting this fancy cannons over the river because today is Vetern's Day. We walked across the Tower Bridge, the kids rode the London Eye and we shopped at Harrods - where they were playing only Michael Jackson music.
It looks like we need to leave our hotel about 5am to catch our train to Paris. I'll be headed to bed soon!
Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2009 5:30 PM
Subject: Re: We made it!
There were ENTIRELY too many people to see any ghosts yesterday. I actually did buy a purse at Harrods, my third bag this trip! Turns out that hundreds of steps in thousand year old buildings are really hard on handbags!
We, relativly successfully did Paris today. We managed to briefly see everything that was on our list. Notre Dame was closed because of something big going on. Looked like a bishop type person and hundreds of priests. We couldn't read the sign or find anyone who spoke English to tell us what it was so I took pictures of the sign so that maybe Doug can translate for us.
We also saw the Louvre, champs elyesse (spelling-I know), arc de triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower.
For any number of reasons, we all like London WAY better than Paris but I'm glad we saw it!
Heading home tomorrow. We should be in Cleveland around 3:30. We'll call shortly afterwards to check in!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Garden Harvest!
I have had a REALLY crappy year for my garden so far. The nights have not been warm enough to ripen my tomatoes and the rabbits ate all my lettuce and beans. I did FINALLY get a ripe, yellow squash so I picked it tonight and used it with dinner. I made some penne pasta and then made a "sauce" of olive oil in which I sauteed garlic, the squash, some mushrooms and tomatoes (not from my garden :-( ). This is one of my favorite, easy, quick, summer meals.
Son is at band camp so I didn't have to hear him complain about vegetables and Hubby just picked out the pasta and left the vegetables.
I hope everyone else's garden is doing better than mine!
Son is at band camp so I didn't have to hear him complain about vegetables and Hubby just picked out the pasta and left the vegetables.
I hope everyone else's garden is doing better than mine!
Monday, July 13, 2009
We had a wonderful, busy weekend! Three of my cousins, and their significant others, joined us for Happy Hour on Friday night. That made a group of 10 of us and we had a wonderful time! The weather was really warm and we were able to visit outside until 10pm with short sleeves on!
Saturday started off rainy but cleared up in the afternoon. Mom, Dad, Daughter, Hubby and I took Grandma to the Italian festival. She's 87 and really looks forward to this every year. She enjoyed seeing some of her friends and listening to Italian music.
We started off Sunday with church and breakfast. Then, we spent a couple hours on the boat. We came home to celebrate Son's 18th birthday with some chicken sandwiches and an ice cream cake.
I'm starting off the week with a business trip to Vermont. I'm excited as I have only been to Vermont once and I was about 14 so I really don't remember it! I'm hoping the trip is uneventful in terms of traveling and training but I hope I get to eat at some great restaurants and do some shopping!
Saturday started off rainy but cleared up in the afternoon. Mom, Dad, Daughter, Hubby and I took Grandma to the Italian festival. She's 87 and really looks forward to this every year. She enjoyed seeing some of her friends and listening to Italian music.
We started off Sunday with church and breakfast. Then, we spent a couple hours on the boat. We came home to celebrate Son's 18th birthday with some chicken sandwiches and an ice cream cake.
I'm starting off the week with a business trip to Vermont. I'm excited as I have only been to Vermont once and I was about 14 so I really don't remember it! I'm hoping the trip is uneventful in terms of traveling and training but I hope I get to eat at some great restaurants and do some shopping!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Creamed Chicken Sandwiches
The last several weeks have been simply crazy! It started with preparing for, and then taking a trip to England (with a day spent in Paris) and ended with a huge Fourth of July picnic. I actually cooked dinner today utilizing some of the leftovers from Saturday's picnic.
Creamed Chicken Sandwiches
5 or so pounds of chicken breast meat
2 cans Cream of Mushroom soup
1 cup milk
small bag of potato chips
buns
Cook the chicken, soup and milk in the crock pot for about 8 hours on high. Shread the chicken breasts. Crush about 1 to 1 1/2 cups of potato chips and add to the mixture. Stir well until chips are mushy and integrated into the mix. These should soak up most of the liquid - use more or less chips to get to a consistency that can be eaten in a bun.
Enjoy!
Creamed Chicken Sandwiches
5 or so pounds of chicken breast meat
2 cans Cream of Mushroom soup
1 cup milk
small bag of potato chips
buns
Cook the chicken, soup and milk in the crock pot for about 8 hours on high. Shread the chicken breasts. Crush about 1 to 1 1/2 cups of potato chips and add to the mixture. Stir well until chips are mushy and integrated into the mix. These should soak up most of the liquid - use more or less chips to get to a consistency that can be eaten in a bun.
Enjoy!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
L'Oreal Revitalift
This review has been relocated to: http://sharedreviews.com/r/44864-loreal-revitalift
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Machaca
I've been completely horrible at both cooking and posting on my blog recently. I do have a new recipe that my friend and co-worker, Jeff, shared with me. It is for Machaca:
Pot Roast
2 cans of Chopped Green Chiles
2 cans of Rotel Tomatoes
1 jar of Herdez Salsa Casera
1/8 cup Chopped Cilantro
3 cloves garlic, chopped
Salt & Pepper to taste
Water to cover
Cook all day on low, and then shred with forks 20 minutes before eating.
At Jeff's recommendation, I served this over rice. It made a giant batch and I froze some as well. Thanks for sharing, Jeff. And I hope others enjoy it as well!
Pot Roast
2 cans of Chopped Green Chiles
2 cans of Rotel Tomatoes
1 jar of Herdez Salsa Casera
1/8 cup Chopped Cilantro
3 cloves garlic, chopped
Salt & Pepper to taste
Water to cover
Cook all day on low, and then shred with forks 20 minutes before eating.
At Jeff's recommendation, I served this over rice. It made a giant batch and I froze some as well. Thanks for sharing, Jeff. And I hope others enjoy it as well!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Windex Outdoor All in One Glass Cleaning Tool
I have relocated this review to Shared Reviews: http://sharedreviews.com/r/44137-windex-all-in-one-glass-cleaning-tool
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
New York City
I just finished spending 6 days out of the past two weeks in New York City. Last week (5/5 - 5/7) I stayed in Brooklyn and conducted a training at SUNY Downstate. The administrator responsible for arranging our training is familiar with our software from a previous institution where she was employed. Another trainer and I stayed at the Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge. We were fortunate enough to be in the newly renovated section which was quite nice!
The traffic getting from the hotel to the training each day was a nightmare. We didn't leave early enough either day and arrived at the training location at the last minute which always starts off training on a shaky note. But the training group that I had was wonderful! Lunch was provided to us and the administrator in charge even drove us back to the hotel the first night so that we were able to avoid another cab ride.
Amanda has spent a great deal of time in NYC and was very familiar with how to navigate the subways to get us where we wanted to go. We spent the first night in and around Rockafeller Center, Chinatown and Little Italy. The second night we spent around Times Square. We ate at Ellen's Stardust Diner which was really fun!
My second trip was a solo. I stayed at the Park South Hotel which was really cute! The rooms were TINY but it was very clean, free wifi and wonderful, free breakfast. The training went very well. The group that I worked with was wonderful! I ventured out and about to Macy's flagship store, Madison Square Garden and even took the subway by myself to Chinatown and Little Italy.
Here's a few of my observations about New York:
1. Traffic - supposedly no one owns a car yet the streets are FULL of them and they sure don't go anywhere quickly!
2. Communication - no one speaks English. Even people who think they speak English have such a think, East coast accent that it's difficult to tell that it's English.
3. Juxtaposition - the randomness of it all. The Transfiguration Roman Catholic Church in the middle of Chinatown?
4. Fashion - everyone - men and women - wear scarfs and carry handbags!
I anticipate that I will be spending a fair amount of time in NYC in the future as we have MANY clients in the city. Please leave me a comment as to what I should see and do and where I should eat at during future trips.
The traffic getting from the hotel to the training each day was a nightmare. We didn't leave early enough either day and arrived at the training location at the last minute which always starts off training on a shaky note. But the training group that I had was wonderful! Lunch was provided to us and the administrator in charge even drove us back to the hotel the first night so that we were able to avoid another cab ride.
Amanda has spent a great deal of time in NYC and was very familiar with how to navigate the subways to get us where we wanted to go. We spent the first night in and around Rockafeller Center, Chinatown and Little Italy. The second night we spent around Times Square. We ate at Ellen's Stardust Diner which was really fun!
My second trip was a solo. I stayed at the Park South Hotel which was really cute! The rooms were TINY but it was very clean, free wifi and wonderful, free breakfast. The training went very well. The group that I worked with was wonderful! I ventured out and about to Macy's flagship store, Madison Square Garden and even took the subway by myself to Chinatown and Little Italy.
Here's a few of my observations about New York:
1. Traffic - supposedly no one owns a car yet the streets are FULL of them and they sure don't go anywhere quickly!
2. Communication - no one speaks English. Even people who think they speak English have such a think, East coast accent that it's difficult to tell that it's English.
3. Juxtaposition - the randomness of it all. The Transfiguration Roman Catholic Church in the middle of Chinatown?
4. Fashion - everyone - men and women - wear scarfs and carry handbags!
I anticipate that I will be spending a fair amount of time in NYC in the future as we have MANY clients in the city. Please leave me a comment as to what I should see and do and where I should eat at during future trips.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
This was a busy weekend so I didn't get to post as I would have liked. We have been working really hard over the past year or so not to eat out so much. We are down to Friday night Happy Hour and Sunday morning breakfast during most weeks. Occasionally, we order a pizza on Saturday night but recently, if we don't have some function to attend, I've been making Buffalo Chicken Pizza. It's quick, easy and satisfying! Here's the recipe/instructions:
I brown about 2 to 3 pounds of chicken breast that is chopped into small pieces. I remove the pan from the heat and add about 1/4 cup of butter mixed with about 1/2 cup of Franks Hot Sauce and let it soak for a bit.
On a greased baking sheet, I spread out a pizza dough (I usually make 2 pizzas at a time). Son works at a pizza shop so sometimes I use theirs, sometimes a store brand or sometimes Pillsbury - what ever is handy. On top of the dough, I spread about 1/2 to 3/4 of a bottle of blue cheese salad dressing. Then I sprinkle chunks of blue cheese on top of that. Next, I add the chicken and hot sauce and then cover with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake at 400 degrees for about 17 minutes and dinner is served!
I hope you enjoy!
I brown about 2 to 3 pounds of chicken breast that is chopped into small pieces. I remove the pan from the heat and add about 1/4 cup of butter mixed with about 1/2 cup of Franks Hot Sauce and let it soak for a bit.
On a greased baking sheet, I spread out a pizza dough (I usually make 2 pizzas at a time). Son works at a pizza shop so sometimes I use theirs, sometimes a store brand or sometimes Pillsbury - what ever is handy. On top of the dough, I spread about 1/2 to 3/4 of a bottle of blue cheese salad dressing. Then I sprinkle chunks of blue cheese on top of that. Next, I add the chicken and hot sauce and then cover with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake at 400 degrees for about 17 minutes and dinner is served!
I hope you enjoy!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Whew! What a busy week! We had two Rotary events and Son came home from the Bahamas with an ear infection. I'm getting ready to travel to New York two times in the next two weeks so I am still not doing any exciting cooking. Tonight was beef and noodles. We have that a couple times per month! I'm not sure what else is on the menu for this week. I think tomorrow will probably be taco salad. I'll be posting new review for L'Oreal Revitalift in the next day or two.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Not much cooking for me recently! I spent last week at a conference so Hubby and Son had to fend for themselves. I had plenty of meals made and in the freezer for them but, of course, they ate out most nights!
I did make 6 pounds of barbeque pork (the recipe that I previously posted) for Daughter's alumni soccer game yesterday. It was gone in about a minute and a half!!!
This week, Son is in the Bahamas with his Marine Biology class so it is just Hubby and I. I am making a big crockpot of barbeque beef tomorrow (same recipe as pork only with beef ;-) ) and will put the leftovers in the freezer. I have beef roasts coming out my ears here. They had been BOGO at the grocery store for many weeks so I have TONS of them that I need to get cooked up!
I also work the 9-6 shift at work this week so if I make anything else, it will be a quick pasta or something else very quick and easy as I HATE to eat too late at night.
More recipes and reviews to come soon!
I did make 6 pounds of barbeque pork (the recipe that I previously posted) for Daughter's alumni soccer game yesterday. It was gone in about a minute and a half!!!
This week, Son is in the Bahamas with his Marine Biology class so it is just Hubby and I. I am making a big crockpot of barbeque beef tomorrow (same recipe as pork only with beef ;-) ) and will put the leftovers in the freezer. I have beef roasts coming out my ears here. They had been BOGO at the grocery store for many weeks so I have TONS of them that I need to get cooked up!
I also work the 9-6 shift at work this week so if I make anything else, it will be a quick pasta or something else very quick and easy as I HATE to eat too late at night.
More recipes and reviews to come soon!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Afrin Pure Sea Review
This review has been relocated to: http://sharedreviews.com/r/44863-afrin-pure-sea
Monday, April 6, 2009
Sausage Sandwiches and Stuffed Peppers
So, yesterday I meant to take some hamburger out of the freezer and make a meatloaf for dinner. Well, I didn't take it out until very late and it was still frozen solid when it was time to make the meatloaf. When I put it back in the refrigerator in the garage, I noticed the freezer door ajar. Everything was still frozen except some Italian sausage had started to thaw. I immediately put that in the fridge to use up this week.
Fast forward to me organizing my coupons. I found a "$6.00 off your next purchase" coupon that was expiring yesterday! Good thing the grocery store is open 24/7! I quickly put together my shopping list and headed out the door.
The thawing hamburger was weighing on me because I don't have time to make meatloaf during the week. I usually make a 3lb meatloaf and it takes at least 1 1/2 - 2 hours to bake. So, when I was picking up a couple peppers for the sausages, it dawned on me to pick up a few more and make stuffed peppers!
I woke up this morning to find that my wireless router had bitten the dust. So I went straight from work and picked up a new one. I came home and made sausage sandwiches (recipe to follow!) then hooked up the router then put all the ingredients together for stuffed peppers to cook in the crockpot tomorrow (recipe to follow!) That's enough excitement and exhaustion for one night! Here's the recipes:
Sausage Sandwiches
Brown the sausages in a pan with a small bit of olive oil. Remove them from the pan and set them aside. Saute thinly sliced onions and green peppers in the oil and sausage drippings. Add the sausages back to the pan and cover with spaghetti sauce. I use locally made Mids Meatless as that is my favorite! Warm through and serve on thick, crusty, hoagie rolls with a slice of provolone cheese if you wish (I do!)
Stuffed Peppers
Brown ground beef and a large onion in a pan. Add about 2 cups of cooked rice. Cut the tops off of green pepper and stuff with the beef/onion mixture. Place in crockpot. I always make extra filling and heap it on top of the peppers in the crockpot. My son is 17 but still likes to eat the filling with no peppers! Top with any tomatoes you have on hand. I sometimes use tomato puree or crushed tomatoes. This time, I got a deal on Italian Sauce a couple weeks ago so I used a can of that. Cook it in the crockpot for about 8 hours.
I hope you enjoy!
Fast forward to me organizing my coupons. I found a "$6.00 off your next purchase" coupon that was expiring yesterday! Good thing the grocery store is open 24/7! I quickly put together my shopping list and headed out the door.
The thawing hamburger was weighing on me because I don't have time to make meatloaf during the week. I usually make a 3lb meatloaf and it takes at least 1 1/2 - 2 hours to bake. So, when I was picking up a couple peppers for the sausages, it dawned on me to pick up a few more and make stuffed peppers!
I woke up this morning to find that my wireless router had bitten the dust. So I went straight from work and picked up a new one. I came home and made sausage sandwiches (recipe to follow!) then hooked up the router then put all the ingredients together for stuffed peppers to cook in the crockpot tomorrow (recipe to follow!) That's enough excitement and exhaustion for one night! Here's the recipes:
Sausage Sandwiches
Brown the sausages in a pan with a small bit of olive oil. Remove them from the pan and set them aside. Saute thinly sliced onions and green peppers in the oil and sausage drippings. Add the sausages back to the pan and cover with spaghetti sauce. I use locally made Mids Meatless as that is my favorite! Warm through and serve on thick, crusty, hoagie rolls with a slice of provolone cheese if you wish (I do!)
Stuffed Peppers
Brown ground beef and a large onion in a pan. Add about 2 cups of cooked rice. Cut the tops off of green pepper and stuff with the beef/onion mixture. Place in crockpot. I always make extra filling and heap it on top of the peppers in the crockpot. My son is 17 but still likes to eat the filling with no peppers! Top with any tomatoes you have on hand. I sometimes use tomato puree or crushed tomatoes. This time, I got a deal on Italian Sauce a couple weeks ago so I used a can of that. Cook it in the crockpot for about 8 hours.
I hope you enjoy!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Easter Bread
I usually spend my Saturdays clipping and organizing coupons, running errands and doing some light cleaning. Today, I am adding baking Easter Bread into the mix. It can't be Easter without having several loaves of Easter Bread on hand to enjoy. I'm sharing this recipe here but it is my grandma's recipe. If you use it, please do so with love and respect ;-)
I will probably make 2 batches today. Each batch makes 3 loaves. My first batch is on the first rise right now. Hubby saw me kneeding the dough and asked why I didn't just use my bread machine :-O This is my GRANDMA'S recipe!!! One of the reasons why it tastes so good is the love and sweat that goes into making it BY HAND!!!
So, here's the recipe but PLEASE adhere to the rules - NO BREAD MACHINE - LOVING HANDS ONLY!
2 packages of dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup warm water
Mix these ingredients together and let the yeast "proof" for 30 minutes
To the proofed yeast add:
1 pint (2 cups) of milk
1 stick of butter
1 cup of sugar
5 eggs
1 tablespoon of anise extract
1 teaspoon of salt
about 7-8 cups of flour - enough to make a good bread dough
After combining and kneeding, let rise for 1 1/2 hours
"Punch down" and then let rest for 10 minutes
Divide dough into 3 lightly greased loaf pans
Let raise in pans for 1 hour
Lightly brush the tops of the loaves with beaten egg
Bake for 1 hour at 300-325 degrees
It's not easy or fast. Those would normally break all rules of my kitchen, but this is Easter Bread! Enjoy!
I will probably make 2 batches today. Each batch makes 3 loaves. My first batch is on the first rise right now. Hubby saw me kneeding the dough and asked why I didn't just use my bread machine :-O This is my GRANDMA'S recipe!!! One of the reasons why it tastes so good is the love and sweat that goes into making it BY HAND!!!
So, here's the recipe but PLEASE adhere to the rules - NO BREAD MACHINE - LOVING HANDS ONLY!
2 packages of dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup warm water
Mix these ingredients together and let the yeast "proof" for 30 minutes
To the proofed yeast add:
1 pint (2 cups) of milk
1 stick of butter
1 cup of sugar
5 eggs
1 tablespoon of anise extract
1 teaspoon of salt
about 7-8 cups of flour - enough to make a good bread dough
After combining and kneeding, let rise for 1 1/2 hours
"Punch down" and then let rest for 10 minutes
Divide dough into 3 lightly greased loaf pans
Let raise in pans for 1 hour
Lightly brush the tops of the loaves with beaten egg
Bake for 1 hour at 300-325 degrees
It's not easy or fast. Those would normally break all rules of my kitchen, but this is Easter Bread! Enjoy!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Wednesday
What a gorgeous day today! I woke up to rain but by lunchtime, the sun was shining and it was in the 60s! I just walked 2 miles with Hubby and Dog. I used to do that walk every single day but haven't done it for 7 months. I can NOT get on a good schedule since starting this job 7 months ago! That is my new goal - to get back to walking two miles EVERY day!
Tonight's dinner was Creamed Chicken Sandwiches. We had a bunch of rolls left over from the party on Saturday. Here's the recipe/instructions:
2 1/2 - 3 pounds of chicken breasts (I used about 1/2 of a 5lb bag of tenderloins)
2 cans of Cream of Mushroom soup
About 1 cup of milk
Cook the above ingredients in the crockpot for about 8 hours
Stir the mixture until the chicken breaks into small pieces
Add a couple of handfulls of crushed potato chips. Stir and continue adding crushed chips until all the liquid is absorbed and the chicken mixture is a consistency that will stay in a bun.
Have a wonderful evening!
Tonight's dinner was Creamed Chicken Sandwiches. We had a bunch of rolls left over from the party on Saturday. Here's the recipe/instructions:
2 1/2 - 3 pounds of chicken breasts (I used about 1/2 of a 5lb bag of tenderloins)
2 cans of Cream of Mushroom soup
About 1 cup of milk
Cook the above ingredients in the crockpot for about 8 hours
Stir the mixture until the chicken breaks into small pieces
Add a couple of handfulls of crushed potato chips. Stir and continue adding crushed chips until all the liquid is absorbed and the chicken mixture is a consistency that will stay in a bun.
Have a wonderful evening!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Happy Birthday to Me
I had a really nice day today. Lots of birthday wishes from my co-workers, dinner (at a restaurant - no cooking!) with hubby and kids and cake with mom and dad.
Tomorrow is dinner out with friends so I won't be doing too much cooking this week! If I don't have recipes to share this week, I'll sneak in another BzzAgent review - I am in a total of FOUR campaigns right now!
Have a wonderful week!
Tomorrow is dinner out with friends so I won't be doing too much cooking this week! If I don't have recipes to share this week, I'll sneak in another BzzAgent review - I am in a total of FOUR campaigns right now!
Have a wonderful week!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Weekend Recipes
It's been a pretty typical weekend around here. Friday night was spent with family for Happy Hour as we do each Friday. Saturday I held my first House Party for Land O'Lakes. It was a small but lively turn out! In addition to having cold cuts and cheese and crackers (after all, the ideas was to spotlight Land O'Lakes products!) I also made barbeque pork. I'll include the recipe at the end of this post.
Today, was our regular church and breakfast and I've spent the rest of the day lounging in front of the TV. I especially enjoyed watching "It Happened One Night" on TCM. It always amazes me that I can enjoy a 75 year old movie more than I enjoy most of the current releases! I also took some time to put some chicken breasts in the oven. Here is the recipe that I used. I haven't eaten them yet so I can't give a verdict!
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts--placed between waxed paper and pounded until 1/4 inch thick. Melt one stick margarine and add one tbs worchestershire sauce and 1 tsp dry mustard. Crush one can Durkees French Fried Onion Rings in a plastic bag. Dip chicken in butter mixture and then in onion rings. Lay flat in baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining onion rings before baking. Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes.
Barbeque Pork:
I use a large Boston Butt (or pork shoulder) placed in the crock pot.
Place 1/2 of a large or all of a small sliced onion on top.
Cover with a liberal sprinkling of Emeril's Essence.
Cook on low for at least 8 hours
Drain as much of the liquid as possible, remove the bone and stir to break up the meat.
I pour in Ray's Sweet Baby Barbeque Sauce to coat thoroughly.
Serve on fresh bakery sandwich rolls.
Have a wonderful week everyone!
Today, was our regular church and breakfast and I've spent the rest of the day lounging in front of the TV. I especially enjoyed watching "It Happened One Night" on TCM. It always amazes me that I can enjoy a 75 year old movie more than I enjoy most of the current releases! I also took some time to put some chicken breasts in the oven. Here is the recipe that I used. I haven't eaten them yet so I can't give a verdict!
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts--placed between waxed paper and pounded until 1/4 inch thick. Melt one stick margarine and add one tbs worchestershire sauce and 1 tsp dry mustard. Crush one can Durkees French Fried Onion Rings in a plastic bag. Dip chicken in butter mixture and then in onion rings. Lay flat in baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining onion rings before baking. Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes.
Barbeque Pork:
I use a large Boston Butt (or pork shoulder) placed in the crock pot.
Place 1/2 of a large or all of a small sliced onion on top.
Cover with a liberal sprinkling of Emeril's Essence.
Cook on low for at least 8 hours
Drain as much of the liquid as possible, remove the bone and stir to break up the meat.
I pour in Ray's Sweet Baby Barbeque Sauce to coat thoroughly.
Serve on fresh bakery sandwich rolls.
Have a wonderful week everyone!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Glade Sense and Spray
Not much going on today so I thought I'd give a review to bzz one of my BzzAgent products. I had a great lunch with Dad today. He met me at work and took me to a local pub for Buffalo Chicken Salad. Nice way to break the monotony. I also picked up all my free items for my Land O'Lakes House Party for Saturday.
Now for the review...
I've relocated this Glade Sense and Spray review to SharedReviews: http://sharedreviews.com/r/44115-glade-sense-and-spray
Please visit and comment!
Now for the review...
I've relocated this Glade Sense and Spray review to SharedReviews: http://sharedreviews.com/r/44115-glade-sense-and-spray
Please visit and comment!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Wednesday
I cut through SOME of the red tape today and got Son an appointment for a checkup so that the doctor will write an order that I can take to the Immediate Care Clinic to get a tetnus shot. They couldn't believe that he hasn't been seen in 6 years - and he DOESN'T need to be seen now! We are very blessed that our kids have been so healthy!
I also found out that having his wisdom teeth pulled in June will cost a small fortune. $500 deductable on the medical and the dental has a 12 month waiting period ?!?!? I'm NOT waiting for a year to have this done. One is already partially in and the dentist is afraid if the others come in that it will throw off his bite and THIS one escaped have orthodontics so I DON'T want to go there now!!! He sure is EXPENSIVE for being so healthy!
Dinner is "fend for yourself" tonight - whatever leftovers you can find. I'm looking forward to American Idol tonight and vegging out in front of the TV for a bit.
I also found out that having his wisdom teeth pulled in June will cost a small fortune. $500 deductable on the medical and the dental has a 12 month waiting period ?!?!? I'm NOT waiting for a year to have this done. One is already partially in and the dentist is afraid if the others come in that it will throw off his bite and THIS one escaped have orthodontics so I DON'T want to go there now!!! He sure is EXPENSIVE for being so healthy!
Dinner is "fend for yourself" tonight - whatever leftovers you can find. I'm looking forward to American Idol tonight and vegging out in front of the TV for a bit.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Happy Tuesday!
What a day! I love bureaurcracy! Son needs a tetnus shot for his Marine Biology trip. I call the local Immediate Care Center a couple weeks ago to ask if they can do it. They tell me, "Sure. Any time Monday - Friday before 6pm." I take him after work today to have them tell me that his 'primary care physician' should do it. Great. I don't know HOW I'll get him an appointment there let alone find time to BRING him to the appointment. Guess I know what I'll be doing on my lunch break tomorrow - phone calls!
It was smoked sausage and pierogies for dinner tonight. Fast, cheap and easy!!!
My party packages came for my Land O'Lakes House Party (http://www.houseparty.com) I'm still not really sure how to throw this party but my way of thinking is that anytime friends get together with food and drink - it's a party! I'll have to take another look at the "suggested recipes" and decide what to make. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday!
It was smoked sausage and pierogies for dinner tonight. Fast, cheap and easy!!!
My party packages came for my Land O'Lakes House Party (http://www.houseparty.com) I'm still not really sure how to throw this party but my way of thinking is that anytime friends get together with food and drink - it's a party! I'll have to take another look at the "suggested recipes" and decide what to make. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Beef and Noodles
I'm home from a busy Monday at work. Tonight's dinner is beef and noodles. We have, recently, been eating this about every other week. It is one of the easiest, and cheapest things that I make and the kids seem to really like it!
Our grocery store has been having beef roasts on sale BOGO quite often lately so I can get about a 3 pound roast for $7 or so. Noodles are about $1.50 per bag but there have been manufacture's coupons lately that bring the price down to about $.50 or so. Here's the directions:
Place the roast in the crockpot. Dice a small onion and put on top of the roast. Mix together 1 envelope each of Good Seasons dry salad dressing mix, dry ranch dressing mix and dry brown gravy mix. Pour mixture on top of roast and onions. Put about 1 1/2 cups of water in the bottom of the crockpot. Cook for about 8 hours on low. Just before you serve, boil the noodles and mix with roast (which falls apart into small pieces).
I know some say that you shouldn't freeze noodles but I always freeze the leftovers of this and I think it tastes just fine!
I hope your family enjoys it as much as mine! Have a wonderful Monday evening!
Our grocery store has been having beef roasts on sale BOGO quite often lately so I can get about a 3 pound roast for $7 or so. Noodles are about $1.50 per bag but there have been manufacture's coupons lately that bring the price down to about $.50 or so. Here's the directions:
Place the roast in the crockpot. Dice a small onion and put on top of the roast. Mix together 1 envelope each of Good Seasons dry salad dressing mix, dry ranch dressing mix and dry brown gravy mix. Pour mixture on top of roast and onions. Put about 1 1/2 cups of water in the bottom of the crockpot. Cook for about 8 hours on low. Just before you serve, boil the noodles and mix with roast (which falls apart into small pieces).
I know some say that you shouldn't freeze noodles but I always freeze the leftovers of this and I think it tastes just fine!
I hope your family enjoys it as much as mine! Have a wonderful Monday evening!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Typical Sunday
Today is a typical Sunday. We go to church and then out to breakfast. I organize my coupons, make my grocery list and, time permitting, do my grocery shopping.
Today, I also took Son to the mall to pick up a pair of jeans (Aeropostale Friends and Family sale: http://tinyurl.com/d5koau) and a family friend is over helping Hubby hook a humidifier up to our funace. We just spent a winter of avoiding touching everyone and every thing for fear of being shocked!
Have a great day everyone!
Today, I also took Son to the mall to pick up a pair of jeans (Aeropostale Friends and Family sale: http://tinyurl.com/d5koau) and a family friend is over helping Hubby hook a humidifier up to our funace. We just spent a winter of avoiding touching everyone and every thing for fear of being shocked!
Have a great day everyone!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)