tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30320876922928975132024-03-06T15:02:45.742-05:00Who Is The Grown Up?Chronicals of a Mother and Daughter Entering the TEEN Years.LittleDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04300848377718631111noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032087692292897513.post-30634160794489751182012-02-18T08:56:00.001-05:002012-02-18T08:56:05.766-05:00"Now Serving..." Me??Something happened the other day that struck me as really, really dumb.<br />
So, had to share.<br />
<br />
I stopped in the local JoAnn's, which had recently moved to a new location and took on a new look.<br />
<br />
They've added a new feature to their fabric-cutting counter... A "Take a Number" stand.<br />
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<img src="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRh9SJIOQQ9_3fPKJHXy4lp1Zastzo5cyQqTSfQJUVHFsalRADG" />
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I walk up to the counter. And, even though I was one of perhaps 3 customers in the entire store--and none were in sight of the counter--the lady told me I had to take a number.<br />
<br />
Me: "You're kidding, right?"<br />
Her: "No. We have to do that now."<br />
Me (playing along): "Okay..."<br />
<br />
Then, she walks to the new built-in microphone and picks it up as she flips a switch to the digital counter above her head.<br />
<br />
Me: "Are you really going to call my number?"<br />
Her: "Yes. The boss says we have to."<br />
Her (in the microphone to the entire store): "Now serving Number 16."<br />
And, I had to hand her my number.<br />
<br />
I almost peed my pants laughing at how dumb the whole thing was. But, I think she felt embarrassed enough, so I bit my lip.<br />
<br />
Whatever. Rules are rules.<br />
<br />
Hey, if you're in Central Indiana next Wednesday, there's a cool food event going on at the Indiana Historical Society. Tickets are still available.<br />
It's called "Zest and Zing" and they'll be featuring local foods and local chefs in a cook-off.<br />
Here's the link if you're interested: <a href="http://www.cvent.com/events/zest-n-zing-a-foodie-event-for-the-at-home-chef/event-summary-48e5558a570b4165a73643c63c7c269b.aspx">Zest & Zing Info</a><br />
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<br />BigDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895137032835250175noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032087692292897513.post-26158892254795337962012-01-16T11:57:00.001-05:002012-01-16T11:57:26.464-05:00I See What the Problem Is...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been feeling guilty about not blogging lately. </div>
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Only, I didn't realize how long it's been until today.</div>
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Yeah, more than a month.</div>
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Why?</div>
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Well, I figured out what the problem is. And this post is a classic example.</div>
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I started this post more than an hour ago.</div>
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But, as I sat down with a glass of tea and a couple crackers, BabyD started yelling "Oh, no! Oh, no! Mom!!!"</div>
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So, I went running.</div>
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Yeah, the dog (that blessed 80+ pound yellow beast we all know and love) peed in the front room.</div>
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This is an <i>extremely </i>rare event. In the 6 years she's lived here, I bet this <i>might </i>be the second or third time.</div>
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So, I run to grab towels.</div>
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(I withhold the urge to slap my kid, who, instead of jumping into action, doubles over laughing at the size of the puddle. Is she really related to me?)</div>
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I soak it up the best I can.</div>
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Then I go fetch the carpet steamer out of the basement, which leads to moving around stuff that wasn't put away.</div>
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Then I have to make up cleaning solution and run the machine.</div>
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That moves me to run the washing machine so the stinky towels aren't sitting around until Saturday.</div>
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Only, it's not a full load.</div>
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So, I went from room to room, gathering up the single shirts and pants and such that were worn yesterday, after weekly laundry was done.</div>
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Only, when I get to the laundry room, I'm reminded of how badly the floor and rugs in there needs swept and cleaned.</div>
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So, I go fetch the broom and start that task. </div>
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Only, the shoe holes in the cubbies need to be cleaned out. Yeah, there's still a pair of sandals in there, blocking the spot for winter boots.</div>
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And so it goes...</div>
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Now, an hour later, I'm finally sitting down to finish what I started.</div>
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I'm just too busy to break out the computer.</div>
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So, what I started to blog about was the latest milestone in my life </div>
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(insert trumpet blasts here)...</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">I got my braces off!</span></b></div>
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FINALLY! After 3 years and 2 months, I'm free of those horrible orthodontia!</div>
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WooHoo!</div>
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Yeah, I'm stuck full-timin' it with a retainer for a few months, until I can shift to night-only.</div>
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Braces on...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaZUCu_TXUFKwDvTrioy-3Mg-5uw9XUHE_fPc9OwsRGWKyLQ74UnEAhdbHx1vAKhC3Zza0-WH7_YUGpA4FMrbpsNAY6CIWRjS0RTIqNjDZeMD0_PTR0yli8kxHxlYBI222Qxjuggv5IM/s1600/braces+on.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaZUCu_TXUFKwDvTrioy-3Mg-5uw9XUHE_fPc9OwsRGWKyLQ74UnEAhdbHx1vAKhC3Zza0-WH7_YUGpA4FMrbpsNAY6CIWRjS0RTIqNjDZeMD0_PTR0yli8kxHxlYBI222Qxjuggv5IM/s320/braces+on.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Braces off...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_uhyVmP_FdHoVTGGdwPUEQNNjIJjiXxG2xxn5FmZuu28FohGUnqpE6zqfOWPl_WtBk2SuvLDpuJs3yEghC4gKe0uMeDbd6wfVUQfWmCOCuiBkun-IzsXHIe4uERYBXLCSVMZReZF8qE/s1600/braces+off.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_uhyVmP_FdHoVTGGdwPUEQNNjIJjiXxG2xxn5FmZuu28FohGUnqpE6zqfOWPl_WtBk2SuvLDpuJs3yEghC4gKe0uMeDbd6wfVUQfWmCOCuiBkun-IzsXHIe4uERYBXLCSVMZReZF8qE/s320/braces+off.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Now, the Nut Binge has begun.</div>
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I'm loading up on almonds and cashews and peanuts to my heart's content.</div>
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Did I mention my family blessed me with about 6 pounds of nuts for Christmas?</div>
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I've been doing without for so long. (The one time I cheated, I broke a wire and got the corresponding lecture from Dr. B.)</div>
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Forget the sticky candy and taffy... I'm nuttin' it up!</div>
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Meanwhile, in my absence from the web, I've been doing a lot of sewing and knitting and cooking up tons of freezer meals for the kids to take to lunch at school. And, much to my family's regret, I've also been in purge mode. Yeah, I'm throwing stuff out left and right. </div>
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So, all in all, my non-blogging time has been well spent.</div>
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And, the Christmas tree was actually down by New Year's! haha!</div>
<br />BigDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895137032835250175noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032087692292897513.post-88312571353528709532011-12-11T15:46:00.001-05:002011-12-11T15:57:15.941-05:00Have You Seen Balloon Dogs?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The girls and I saw The. Funniest. Thing. Ever. at Kroger today.</div>
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Yeah, Kroger.</div>
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Of all places. Go figure.</div>
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There was a big bin of balloon dogs. Check it out:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZG_a44_vtOZR0vctv5CPXGehgKKir1FRwcAvApu8QPCs4YXNqEz3qfUpVM36dsDhdmW5kfjgdHLZneckrHT4ZUvKbCp5zzqeCxBAWyCbiKhbF2u3oxqKS49kRRBvVb-sMccHUZ2v_cH0/s1600/dog2+balloon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZG_a44_vtOZR0vctv5CPXGehgKKir1FRwcAvApu8QPCs4YXNqEz3qfUpVM36dsDhdmW5kfjgdHLZneckrHT4ZUvKbCp5zzqeCxBAWyCbiKhbF2u3oxqKS49kRRBvVb-sMccHUZ2v_cH0/s320/dog2+balloon.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzeYpB87NtAfgnt2Zs91FIaiAYDaldBf3J6OMcV_gZXDeb208zxhZeL3Gjd_hvsKq8Jtqwju4-MZ3lik5IG3U38hVxdDHbPzUBRmWVVZgbNlpJ4h7U3COhYMzH2I3e4DEK5WNB6gydA8/s1600/dog+balloon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzeYpB87NtAfgnt2Zs91FIaiAYDaldBf3J6OMcV_gZXDeb208zxhZeL3Gjd_hvsKq8Jtqwju4-MZ3lik5IG3U38hVxdDHbPzUBRmWVVZgbNlpJ4h7U3COhYMzH2I3e4DEK5WNB6gydA8/s320/dog+balloon.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Someone is a <b>GENIUS</b>!<br />
These are those Mylar balloons with little tissue paper accordion legs and paper paws. The ribbon "leash" lets you "walk" your dog. They had everything from a wiener dog to a St. Bernard (which was bigger, but not full-sized). They have just enough air in them to stay upright on the floor.<br />
Aren't they funny??<br />
If they weren't $15, we'd have two at our house.<br />
Maybe for a special occasion, I'd spring for one.<br />
<br />
My kids would always play with balloons until they were completely flat and no longer floating. So, that makes me think: Why didn't I think of this?<br />
Someone was brilliant.<br />
<br />
The girls were completely fine making a scene in the card aisle with the dogs. But, when I whipped out my red pen and decided to correct the improper use of an apostrophe on a point-of-purchase display for "Cube's". Seriously?<br />
I couldn't take it any more. I lost it, and I started marking out punctuation.<br />
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<b><i>Can I get an "amen" here?</i></b></div>
When are people going to learn: You don't need an apostrophe to make a word plural!!!<br />
I was going to share a photo, but my Darling and Now-Embarrassed Daughters pushed me into the meat department and away from the scene of my crime.<br />
They also confiscated my red pen.<br />
We're going to have words if I don't get it back...<br />
<br />BigDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895137032835250175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032087692292897513.post-34252492502606472292011-12-06T20:15:00.001-05:002011-12-06T20:56:05.498-05:00Lazy Mom Shout Out and a Few Observations of LateNo, I didn't fall off the end of the earth... or did I?<br />
Sure feels like it.<br />
<br />
First, for all you I'm a Lazy Mom fans, Stacey is airing my dirty laundry in another edition of <a href="http://www.imalazymom.com/2011/12/lazy-mom-confession.html">Lazy Mom Confessions</a>.<br />
<br />
So, what have I been up to lately?<br />
Well , I feel like I've been living in a whirlwind since Thanksgiving.<br />
<br />
For an early Christmas gift, I took the daughters to Cincinnati to see Wicked on Thanksgiving evening. (The Husband opted to stay home at the last minute. Which, as it turned out, was a good thing, since he was barfing before we got an hour down the road.)<br />
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We had a great time. We stayed in a downtown hotel. And, since the show let out about 11 pm, the girls asked to go to Macy's, across the street for Black Friday at Midnight. So we did. (Three wild gals out on the town in the middle of the night. WooHoo! Look at us!)<br />
<br />
Anyway, the most entertaining part was Occupy Cincinnati showing up to shout at all of us consumers out stimulating the economy in the wee hours of the morning. BabyD is proud to report she witnessed her first cuffing and arrest in the shoe department.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, back in the real world, my life is rather focused on my office moving.<br />
Yes, for those who are keeping track, for the <i>second </i>time in two years. Call us gluttons for punishment.<br />
My role in the whole thing has been working with the architects and contractors to get the construction details done, then our staff to make sure every one's new spaces work, and the moving company so stuff gets boxed and labeled. And the furniture will fit. Hopefully.<br />
We'll find out next week!<br />
<br />
Anyway, some of my activities during the last couple of weeks have left me with a few observations and frustrations about life (yeah, my inner curmudgeon is showing):<br />
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<b>Frustration</b>: Why does the out-of-state MIL decide to tell me she's recently lost a bunch of weight only after I've ordered and shipped her birthday gift (and have her Christmas gift sitting in the closet)? You're welcome, US Postal Service, for my continued financial support in my vain efforts to please my relatives.<br />
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<b>Observation</b>: Ever notice when accomplishing a really big task there's always <i>one person</i> in the group who just <u>CAN NOT</u> follow directions? The weird part? This is always the smartest person in the pack <strike>at least in his own mind</strike>.<br />
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<b>Frustration</b>: Unseasonably warm, rainy falls mean we still have worms in DECEMBER!!!!<br />
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<b>Observation</b>: Dirty old men give me the creeps.<br />
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<b>Frustration</b>: Being pinned against the wall in a conversation with a nice old guy who is spewing donut crumbs all over you as he talks. And how do I tell him he has powdered sugar all over his chin and belly? It's very distracting. (No, he's not a relative. And, no, he's not the afore-mentioned dirty old man.)<br />
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<b>Observation</b>: I'm sure it did not snow today, because I actually turned around and fetched my window scraper before got too far from home.<br />
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<b>Frustration</b>: Ever have to go on a business trip and, literally, spend more hours in airports and on planes than at the actual business meeting at your destination? Why? Because of the <strike>idiots </strike>geniuses running the official travel agency. Tell me some one's not getting a kick-back.<br />
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<b>Observation</b>: Did anyone know that Muhammad Ali is still alive? And, on a related note, I lost a bet with The Husband, because I could have sworn Liz Taylor died about 5 years ago. Oops.<br />
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<b>Frustration</b>: Dirty laundry is capable of reproducing in the basket. So does junk mail on the kitchen counter.<br />
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<b>Observation</b>: Why do people who wouldn't give me the time of day in person friend me on Facebook?BigDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895137032835250175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032087692292897513.post-1246617066556319272011-11-27T20:51:00.001-05:002011-11-27T20:53:27.629-05:00GP Cookbook Winner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjs7aLSrR8aU87v3JgPPJ0OuFCLpVs1QH1wyyFm3stQgvm7fsYJXszJ9uX830afk1S5VKS4AF7EMra2cO-HLi8W0Rjj2f7gVrqye2tsYF95S2MeIrANyaf-89arnVF0Rmp_WL3NCQnOvs/s1600/GP+Cookbook+Cover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjs7aLSrR8aU87v3JgPPJ0OuFCLpVs1QH1wyyFm3stQgvm7fsYJXszJ9uX830afk1S5VKS4AF7EMra2cO-HLi8W0Rjj2f7gVrqye2tsYF95S2MeIrANyaf-89arnVF0Rmp_WL3NCQnOvs/s320/GP+Cookbook+Cover.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
Belated Happy Thanksgiving!<br />
The winner of a copy of Gooseberry Patch's Slow Cookers, Casseroles & Skillets is: Mommyblogger at <a href="http://mommyblogger-myownlittlecorner.blogspot.com/">My Own Little Corner</a>. <br />
Congrats!<br />
And, happy cooking!BigDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895137032835250175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032087692292897513.post-48242528996294326182011-11-11T21:39:00.001-05:002011-11-11T22:13:35.439-05:00Thinking of Loaning My Kid to the NBA to Move Their Negotiations Along<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I did something really, really stupid this week.</div>
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(<i>Yeah, yeah. I can hear you muttering "so what else is new?" all the way from here.</i>)</div>
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I managed <i>to lose</i> my diamond anniversary ring.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvDNr8IBsKeguGJazPTy9zAvBzbhX_uAFHdqw8XQk3vHJbOe1HteYxI0W4ZiASyse2tV6-bsZbR59zuCYcBI0O3xZQ1bG8K-htTSDJjYP_-1RFzRC27qPVdy0WFJJMZCowbMPCm6_-zA/s1600/rings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvDNr8IBsKeguGJazPTy9zAvBzbhX_uAFHdqw8XQk3vHJbOe1HteYxI0W4ZiASyse2tV6-bsZbR59zuCYcBI0O3xZQ1bG8K-htTSDJjYP_-1RFzRC27qPVdy0WFJJMZCowbMPCm6_-zA/s320/rings.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I made it a little more than 10 years without misplacing it even once.<br />
<b>Don't I get credit for that???</b><br />
The Husband bought it for me in honor of our 10th wedding anniversary. Anyway, that was a while ago.<br />
<br />
Fast-forward 10 years and a couple months, and you find me losing my ring---who knows where!?!<br />
I discovered it was gone when I went to put on my watch and other daily bling on Tuesday morning. I <b><i>knew </i></b>I had it on when I came home Monday. I was so sure I remembered doing my daily routine, which includes taking off all jewelry as soon as I get home... before I make dinner or do anything else. (This habit dates back to my mother-in-law giving me a lecture on how to care for nice jewelry back when I received my engagement ring.)<br />
<br />
That evening, the search-and-find mission began. Only, we turned up nothing. The Husband even got out a medal detector (because Real Men always deploy as much technology as possible to complete any task), which he ran under our bed, through my closet and under the dressers. I even pulled out every piece of garbage, one by one, in the trash can just in case I dropped it there.<br />
<br />
To motivate the girls' participation in this quest, The Husband offered $20 to whomever finds it.<br />
Well, long story short: I found it Thursday morning. (Relief!) In the laundry room. On the floor. In plain sight.<br />
Of course, I called The Husband and told him right away.<br />
<br />
The girls found out that evening when we got home.<br />
LittleD's first response was, "Does Dad know? Because you can tell him I found it, so he'll give me the 20 bucks--and I'll split it with you."<br />
What? How's that work?<br />
"Yeah," considering her lack of a good case, "You can keep $15 and I'll keep $5."<br />
Excuse me?<br />
Then BabyD walks in. And hears the whole deal.<br />
<br />
Recognizing her entire scheme is now seriously threatened now, LittleD has a new offer.<br />
"Tell Dad I found it, and I'll keep $5, you can keep $10 and she can have $5, too."<br />
Nothing like hush money to shut up you baby sister.<br />
<br />
Not that I'm missing any major league basketball games, don't you think those mediators could benefit from the services of a cash-starved teen? I think she can find a middle ground where everyone profits--even when they don't necessarily deserve it.<br />
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<center><a href="http://nevergrowingold.blogspot.com/search/label/Follow%20Friday"><img border="0" src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee487/nevergrowingold/over40pic3-1.jpg" /></a></center>BigDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895137032835250175noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032087692292897513.post-80624852423275542062011-11-10T13:42:00.001-05:002011-11-18T21:19:02.881-05:00Gooseberry Patch Cookbook Give Away<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's give-away time...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjs7aLSrR8aU87v3JgPPJ0OuFCLpVs1QH1wyyFm3stQgvm7fsYJXszJ9uX830afk1S5VKS4AF7EMra2cO-HLi8W0Rjj2f7gVrqye2tsYF95S2MeIrANyaf-89arnVF0Rmp_WL3NCQnOvs/s1600/GP+Cookbook+Cover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjs7aLSrR8aU87v3JgPPJ0OuFCLpVs1QH1wyyFm3stQgvm7fsYJXszJ9uX830afk1S5VKS4AF7EMra2cO-HLi8W0Rjj2f7gVrqye2tsYF95S2MeIrANyaf-89arnVF0Rmp_WL3NCQnOvs/s320/GP+Cookbook+Cover.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
The folks at Gooseberry Patch gave me two copies of <i>Slow Cookers, Casseroles & Skillets</i>. One from which to cook and one to give away.<br />
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But, before I get to some of this cookbook's highlights, I thought I'd share with you my <b>cooking tip o' the day</b>: Did you know your pasta water won't get hot if you forget to turn on the burner?<br />
Yeah. It's been that kind of day, thank you.<br />
Now, I'm recovering...<br />
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Back to my real topic of interest:<br />
Here's a look at some of the recipes I've made over the last couple of months...<br />
(For your cooking convenience, I put a * by some new family favorites)<br />
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<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3032087692292897513#editor/target=post;postID=2487407039537631948">Lemon Chicken & Bows</a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienj4vp6utxi78aGh2_KCThMZNrRwfGL_d3aJnAksakrOE0NeTqfZTCJa6jZn-BhlcBG6nSr8lj24EjJyo_VgHmhwgIntA5d2-ps2Pm_5G5GUj3IhBVuH2Lh2FavUfBcBYO4KmuaNCY_w/s1600/DSCN2104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienj4vp6utxi78aGh2_KCThMZNrRwfGL_d3aJnAksakrOE0NeTqfZTCJa6jZn-BhlcBG6nSr8lj24EjJyo_VgHmhwgIntA5d2-ps2Pm_5G5GUj3IhBVuH2Lh2FavUfBcBYO4KmuaNCY_w/s320/DSCN2104.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://whoisthegrownup.blogspot.com/2011/10/another-gp-recipe-greek-fish.html">Greek Fish </a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcqoXtv6uWeH4VzvIYVTqdr8P-OWf9yMFfzvS-7JfMCUHhwKrltUUPuZwbX3StFGJWumxZeQKqr2Gy1ywR7YveJ2LbwTXKyE7j8Az8VvflsFWj0MUF3eCGVs39vLoF-uvIu7_HS5qVeo/s1600/DSCN2237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcqoXtv6uWeH4VzvIYVTqdr8P-OWf9yMFfzvS-7JfMCUHhwKrltUUPuZwbX3StFGJWumxZeQKqr2Gy1ywR7YveJ2LbwTXKyE7j8Az8VvflsFWj0MUF3eCGVs39vLoF-uvIu7_HS5qVeo/s320/DSCN2237.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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*<a href="http://whoisthegrownup.blogspot.com/2011/10/gooseberry-patch-slower-cooker-mac-n.html">Slow Cooker Mac N Cheese</a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_Z2xiCfvrY6gbO-TROygczBisbNHw8H5n4ZsKWXOyzmkcrRtF1CcswegxhVDfJOyHihB4p1iztiUd003x0Bgpjx_1j4IC9jUFgT_utLtx8sTBEw2LkeLX_ecdqW8v-Q1VDPhHYej6xM/s1600/DSCN1686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_Z2xiCfvrY6gbO-TROygczBisbNHw8H5n4ZsKWXOyzmkcrRtF1CcswegxhVDfJOyHihB4p1iztiUd003x0Bgpjx_1j4IC9jUFgT_utLtx8sTBEw2LkeLX_ecdqW8v-Q1VDPhHYej6xM/s320/DSCN1686.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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*<a href="http://whoisthegrownup.blogspot.com/2011/10/gooseberry-patch-slower-cooker-mac-n.html">Pulled Beef Sandwiches</a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzViDayz28UW5w08WOJ5e7-6bvtmyxMMASr_i885CKz-ybsngbzN3ZTI0Xn6EZYbR_2gs3P-bDKOOShgwDx3b7v7C-VHy7YHtwH4Bh6EvNwapnvvkbezJESxYncy7qUF-7YmAtyddV9Y/s1600/DSCN2120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzViDayz28UW5w08WOJ5e7-6bvtmyxMMASr_i885CKz-ybsngbzN3ZTI0Xn6EZYbR_2gs3P-bDKOOShgwDx3b7v7C-VHy7YHtwH4Bh6EvNwapnvvkbezJESxYncy7qUF-7YmAtyddV9Y/s320/DSCN2120.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3032087692292897513#editor/target=post;postID=1392133683634535773">Honey Chicken & Carrots</a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZ3sbrO_8Of7e9MgbGMxkl0JYcTqPaxBxI6dPHJKOQBZutHgiDkqb9Qi5ISQ-9ocJmv9DzMT1wifH4Edd5Lbq_Z95D-avF0HLqR31-2WR9opsRNOjnfKBKJmoUDKblAJ3us6h9IUIFJw/s1600/DSCN2265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZ3sbrO_8Of7e9MgbGMxkl0JYcTqPaxBxI6dPHJKOQBZutHgiDkqb9Qi5ISQ-9ocJmv9DzMT1wifH4Edd5Lbq_Z95D-avF0HLqR31-2WR9opsRNOjnfKBKJmoUDKblAJ3us6h9IUIFJw/s320/DSCN2265.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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*<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3032087692292897513#editor/target=post;postID=1392133683634535773">Cranberry Pork Chops</a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxc9S0b9UlHrYQN5Zzsegd6ZUt-scSuH4pzdKVXvuu_BdyGEV9DTuMOV4lJjt_OahcKce3KqjhlH8Ktbo3g2nofYsivLJ35HLxv5tg7f5-j44GxcOw_0yWRPTl1nZXB8IAB8yK5zotjsA/s1600/DSCN2294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxc9S0b9UlHrYQN5Zzsegd6ZUt-scSuH4pzdKVXvuu_BdyGEV9DTuMOV4lJjt_OahcKce3KqjhlH8Ktbo3g2nofYsivLJ35HLxv5tg7f5-j44GxcOw_0yWRPTl1nZXB8IAB8yK5zotjsA/s320/DSCN2294.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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*<a href="http://whoisthegrownup.blogspot.com/2011/11/2-comfort-food-recipes-from-gooseberry.html">Creamy Mushroom Chicken</a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-abs_RhO9PztOBvD9aSJfmWCNRKXqdSqw7QdnJaumBdk9D5zzh8E7WngoPHzKMnn45ByhaxnU7sDCLQiuBU0bRVA70TA8QDfmpeZiPqKw-KJDmG4kx0JB_lbHDN9cHTElr0JrXqN8AA/s1600/DSCN2285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-abs_RhO9PztOBvD9aSJfmWCNRKXqdSqw7QdnJaumBdk9D5zzh8E7WngoPHzKMnn45ByhaxnU7sDCLQiuBU0bRVA70TA8QDfmpeZiPqKw-KJDmG4kx0JB_lbHDN9cHTElr0JrXqN8AA/s320/DSCN2285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://whoisthegrownup.blogspot.com/2011/11/2-comfort-food-recipes-from-gooseberry.html">Country-Style Cheesy Potatoes</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIVWUWLmUMQXQUWNEj0QuqjNQx4bJTpDeftVIidjwkCznnXeqsjbGVS033An2_J9ABN4azRbZtreZXwWapMp4a3FH4uUnIZtgYV7ekoZ4Nkk_SuAiO4qre4uUR7DFBcanCLQj3vQoj7w/s1600/DSCN2276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIVWUWLmUMQXQUWNEj0QuqjNQx4bJTpDeftVIidjwkCznnXeqsjbGVS033An2_J9ABN4azRbZtreZXwWapMp4a3FH4uUnIZtgYV7ekoZ4Nkk_SuAiO4qre4uUR7DFBcanCLQj3vQoj7w/s320/DSCN2276.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3032087692292897513#editor/target=post;postID=5603572739589585766">Speedy Salmon Sauce</a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVHRi5q52odS5lsjpQCvECrVsEbLxK61HiJpru07cQIVtlz_8s8NSya5EYuRBUCpoV59L-Fp3BHgjzYp8wfW3Efua1-C794qZR9SwXgOCDu6EtyLvNJyQ2De7DiZxvgrlkcMoT6LxVf8/s1600/DSCN2135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVHRi5q52odS5lsjpQCvECrVsEbLxK61HiJpru07cQIVtlz_8s8NSya5EYuRBUCpoV59L-Fp3BHgjzYp8wfW3Efua1-C794qZR9SwXgOCDu6EtyLvNJyQ2De7DiZxvgrlkcMoT6LxVf8/s320/DSCN2135.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3032087692292897513#editor/target=post;postID=8160428754894678818">Penne Rosa </a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rRQ_K3KFZ7XuSRCEbXTKgM9Xa4b0ncOlLXI202xjMrpDXN4dxHKfKDIZi9bAOoyC5rwk5-1vLNXxagYNejYkqi3glna0Qxt49qBfAEgQ6KN7V40T91-rbdZxAKAyyAwiqSRuOD-hTao/s1600/DSCN2305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rRQ_K3KFZ7XuSRCEbXTKgM9Xa4b0ncOlLXI202xjMrpDXN4dxHKfKDIZi9bAOoyC5rwk5-1vLNXxagYNejYkqi3glna0Qxt49qBfAEgQ6KN7V40T91-rbdZxAKAyyAwiqSRuOD-hTao/s320/DSCN2305.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'll pick a winner on Sunday, Nov. 27 from entries up to that point.</div>
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Here's how to enter (be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry): </div>
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</div>
<ol>
<li>Leave a comment about which GP recipe you want to try.</li>
<li>Become a fan of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheRealFarmwivesofAmerica">Real Farmwives of American & Friends</a> on Facebook and write a comment on the wall.</li>
<li>Follow <a href="http://www.realfarmwivesofamerica.com/">Real Farmwives of America & Friends</a> on Google Friend Connect.</li>
<li>Follow <a href="http://gooseberrypatch.typepad.com/">Gooseberry Patch</a> on Google Friend Connect.</li>
</ol>
I'll randomly pick a winner from comment entries left by next Saturday.<br />
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<center><a href="http://nevergrowingold.blogspot.com/search/label/Follow%20Friday"><img border="0" src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee487/nevergrowingold/over40pic3-1.jpg" /></a></center>BigDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895137032835250175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032087692292897513.post-81604287548946788182011-11-08T20:18:00.002-05:002011-11-08T20:18:43.110-05:00Pasta Recipe from Gooseberry PatchI really should have taken more pictures this evening.<br />
I was actually off of work today, so I had the luxury of doing quite a bit of cooking for dinner.<br />
I made some baked herbed chicken breasts, salad and snicker doodle cookies.<br />
(Cookies during the week?!? My family is livin' large, huh?)<br />
I added this Penne Rosa recipe to the mix, which was the perfect side with chicken.<br />
And, it was super simple!<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Denise's Penne Rosa</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeLfQeVKvpkgQXNM4_w2KR08yb2fyS22bjO6BfPT3mUCrJzCX1B-k87GiYgih0QAt_DEBZUYDfYbTe4uz84zg59Y_eDMgWj9g11A7qUbbNWfGCCLeLF-4zyzO7rHQE7r75qPdAK8A9Tc/s1600/DSCN2297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeLfQeVKvpkgQXNM4_w2KR08yb2fyS22bjO6BfPT3mUCrJzCX1B-k87GiYgih0QAt_DEBZUYDfYbTe4uz84zg59Y_eDMgWj9g11A7qUbbNWfGCCLeLF-4zyzO7rHQE7r75qPdAK8A9Tc/s320/DSCN2297.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6mf4E-gslPRkKLAHMCw7f_DdaRImXcoqb_GysbEIO2UqgS3RPsfUz-bX6iwAgS9j2Jqril81-uzAnanBqKLcGTto8PdrxmowZWGcJtRtGq6cb1vGPA7KHoox-GUmLXrLfYndcrfH784/s1600/DSCN2296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6mf4E-gslPRkKLAHMCw7f_DdaRImXcoqb_GysbEIO2UqgS3RPsfUz-bX6iwAgS9j2Jqril81-uzAnanBqKLcGTto8PdrxmowZWGcJtRtGq6cb1vGPA7KHoox-GUmLXrLfYndcrfH784/s320/DSCN2296.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Basic ingredients: butter, heavy cream, can of tomatoes, basil and garlic.</div>
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Plus the penne pasta, which you should start cooking first, as this goes together quickly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrn3N6HX3FrDLMict3mc9v0DES4_St3sATZHmlKZvA_Qvxnn4sBnm24Y2XfMawlFM36SQ4N-X_9XGZ5gXmgYuLmxEKNuRpzvT0NagRnDuIAzCx-jUQ2t4i7FGAG7FsgILv7BuC4uBAh-E/s1600/DSCN2300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrn3N6HX3FrDLMict3mc9v0DES4_St3sATZHmlKZvA_Qvxnn4sBnm24Y2XfMawlFM36SQ4N-X_9XGZ5gXmgYuLmxEKNuRpzvT0NagRnDuIAzCx-jUQ2t4i7FGAG7FsgILv7BuC4uBAh-E/s320/DSCN2300.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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When draining the canned tomatoes, be sure to reserve a quarter of a cup of the juice.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiBdC1yAJ_kNvJ9vkmstH3meUbJQlhCceDo3FWYBokTcHiRa6qTJ2uXi9YwLiKwoSktohkxoNT6nMBs-X6etYh-mDUkkCINlOHP5hJYj_mJRinXp8S9cqG5Hk06U4XHu1V_8BWdPuhLc/s1600/DSCN2301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiBdC1yAJ_kNvJ9vkmstH3meUbJQlhCceDo3FWYBokTcHiRa6qTJ2uXi9YwLiKwoSktohkxoNT6nMBs-X6etYh-mDUkkCINlOHP5hJYj_mJRinXp8S9cqG5Hk06U4XHu1V_8BWdPuhLc/s320/DSCN2301.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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After melting the butter, and sauteing the garlic for just a minute or two, </div>
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add the tomatoes, reserved juice and basil.</div>
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Cook on high until boiling. Cook long enough to reduce the liquid.</div>
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Add the 2/3 cup of heavy cream, stirring.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHllWrgxsBgiiEnfag6sPMn3opNQgwf-XrCJ017wCACfswjvcY1e86KbuuPPBw-f7rzyyv_WXow3CcKNgs4AJcPh8u9YYbVWsvGT0NhjTjg6TYW-oYHWCwPfZnRvwI8UVj5eAZMvVcjI/s1600/DSCN2303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHllWrgxsBgiiEnfag6sPMn3opNQgwf-XrCJ017wCACfswjvcY1e86KbuuPPBw-f7rzyyv_WXow3CcKNgs4AJcPh8u9YYbVWsvGT0NhjTjg6TYW-oYHWCwPfZnRvwI8UVj5eAZMvVcjI/s320/DSCN2303.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lower the heat and cook long enough to warm through.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rRQ_K3KFZ7XuSRCEbXTKgM9Xa4b0ncOlLXI202xjMrpDXN4dxHKfKDIZi9bAOoyC5rwk5-1vLNXxagYNejYkqi3glna0Qxt49qBfAEgQ6KN7V40T91-rbdZxAKAyyAwiqSRuOD-hTao/s1600/DSCN2305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_rRQ_K3KFZ7XuSRCEbXTKgM9Xa4b0ncOlLXI202xjMrpDXN4dxHKfKDIZi9bAOoyC5rwk5-1vLNXxagYNejYkqi3glna0Qxt49qBfAEgQ6KN7V40T91-rbdZxAKAyyAwiqSRuOD-hTao/s320/DSCN2305.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Toss in the pasta and garnish with some grated Parmesan cheese.</div>
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Stay tuned. In a few days I'll be giving away a copy of Gooseberry Patch's "Slow Cookers, Skillets & Casseroles".<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.realfarmwivesofamerica.com/"><img src=" http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a405/crisgoode/ITKGPbadgeFINAL.jpg " /></a></center>BigDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895137032835250175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032087692292897513.post-56035727395895857662011-11-07T20:54:00.002-05:002011-11-07T20:54:22.941-05:00Gooseberry Patch Recipe: Salmon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another Gooseberry Patch recipe from "Slow Cookers, Casseroles & Skillets".</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Speedy Salmon Sauce</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1jCyCBh6NGOdVnKl5rY0jkJ3OiCqH1fa-wyZHJwHyjF7X2cfoEc3AB-frzyBQ9rtlp2j2BI6is0iml5pct_aekxZMWA_jpKBX3cPTmcSI699F9bAwQVSktQCgb4JZTDb0FdE-xejDqc/s1600/DSCN2138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1jCyCBh6NGOdVnKl5rY0jkJ3OiCqH1fa-wyZHJwHyjF7X2cfoEc3AB-frzyBQ9rtlp2j2BI6is0iml5pct_aekxZMWA_jpKBX3cPTmcSI699F9bAwQVSktQCgb4JZTDb0FdE-xejDqc/s320/DSCN2138.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was an easy recipe.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_1oMXMAqgdSt53l4NgalRN0SKJ3-buR1d69RpKkK7drLAokBdDvq5vpvA4CpVh9_vShBxbTlBZhTiPj5Engq3q6BFvOgsVD3Y5SqJRTNQGTUEZflKnsHZnRAbWopts2JKRC4bo8SPy8/s1600/DSCN2129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_1oMXMAqgdSt53l4NgalRN0SKJ3-buR1d69RpKkK7drLAokBdDvq5vpvA4CpVh9_vShBxbTlBZhTiPj5Engq3q6BFvOgsVD3Y5SqJRTNQGTUEZflKnsHZnRAbWopts2JKRC4bo8SPy8/s320/DSCN2129.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Just a few ingredients.</div>
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NOTE: The recipe called for cream of asparagus soup.</div>
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I looked everywhere and could not find it--not even an empty spot on the shelf.</div>
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So, I am convinced it doesn't exist <i>anymore</i>. So, I subbed cream of mushroom.</div>
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I also subbed in Miracle Whip for the mayo in the recipe. (We're a MW family.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQ8scI-wGxqKnJLiO_O8UFu3W7UU98mGBnPMYP90H_Tnfvkj0N1H2DUx2ljNcp9miGWzTwxYAKHa4SLXFmT_35afRxpjocQoz_-rz8cZMRMGF_OubUCuRr-BznA3gkDihf_kHsip0Rac/s1600/DSCN2130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQ8scI-wGxqKnJLiO_O8UFu3W7UU98mGBnPMYP90H_Tnfvkj0N1H2DUx2ljNcp9miGWzTwxYAKHa4SLXFmT_35afRxpjocQoz_-rz8cZMRMGF_OubUCuRr-BznA3gkDihf_kHsip0Rac/s320/DSCN2130.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I bought a box of these pastry shells. </div>
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These have to be pre-baked.</div>
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Then you basically combine all the sauce ingredients and stir, heating through. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsUUyBcYIQdW2cyD0iq-AjLL3F9IubK6lIOHz6trb8OR5AKdQaSD00IAD5l8sTwZrupYR9dciQr8zoKz1Fv7EWCty8HbwjWo9_YyOqcIBVtWqX3eWIOh4mVXbygRKUQiuEu1mnAQndh8/s1600/DSCN2133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsUUyBcYIQdW2cyD0iq-AjLL3F9IubK6lIOHz6trb8OR5AKdQaSD00IAD5l8sTwZrupYR9dciQr8zoKz1Fv7EWCty8HbwjWo9_YyOqcIBVtWqX3eWIOh4mVXbygRKUQiuEu1mnAQndh8/s320/DSCN2133.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This meal wasn't my all-time favorite. But it was pretty good.</div>
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It was different, so that was a good thing... mix it up a little.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVHRi5q52odS5lsjpQCvECrVsEbLxK61HiJpru07cQIVtlz_8s8NSya5EYuRBUCpoV59L-Fp3BHgjzYp8wfW3Efua1-C794qZR9SwXgOCDu6EtyLvNJyQ2De7DiZxvgrlkcMoT6LxVf8/s1600/DSCN2135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVHRi5q52odS5lsjpQCvECrVsEbLxK61HiJpru07cQIVtlz_8s8NSya5EYuRBUCpoV59L-Fp3BHgjzYp8wfW3Efua1-C794qZR9SwXgOCDu6EtyLvNJyQ2De7DiZxvgrlkcMoT6LxVf8/s320/DSCN2135.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.beyerbeware.net/search/label/hunk%20of%20meat%20Monday" target="_blank"><img alt="Hunk of Meat Mondays" border="0" src="http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x362/beyerbeware/HOMM2small.jpg" /></a><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.realfarmwivesofamerica.com/"><img src=" http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a405/crisgoode/ITKGPbadgeFINAL.jpg " /></a></center>BigDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895137032835250175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032087692292897513.post-86874791751832053162011-11-07T20:00:00.002-05:002011-11-07T20:00:59.820-05:002 Comfort Food Recipes from Gooseberry Patch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm getting caught up on my Gooseberry Patch recipe posts.</div>
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I've made all 10, which was part of the challenge, which means I'm very, very close to a give-away of the book, "Slow Cookers, Casseroles & Skillets".</div>
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But first, check out a couple comfort food dishes my family enjoyed:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Creamy Mushroom Chicken</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3zO1e45QEbL7589sf9xCm7ZFlnMzCUST12buRzhCmPizUD33sYAUwYHCF1656hnVQKg8Vwg648yau4tIYrfIz8vuaQwfemazJGaG06VLKLJ547FsEoriues0OVpuiOlSpVLSBmzR2ME/s1600/DSCN2121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3zO1e45QEbL7589sf9xCm7ZFlnMzCUST12buRzhCmPizUD33sYAUwYHCF1656hnVQKg8Vwg648yau4tIYrfIz8vuaQwfemazJGaG06VLKLJ547FsEoriues0OVpuiOlSpVLSBmzR2ME/s320/DSCN2121.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This one has a short ingredients list and is super simple!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18xKLWgMRN0rKeru44THHCvX8eJmmZqzi2HDz5WhO1xfXJ1roP-FHpkzJu6M3G3g154AYfoVp6q75c1_M08jXvlxx_o8ScHwRV9kX5xQ2x-qD8C-m6BlruitLP7ZXOocKJ35E9S5Uv18/s1600/DSCN2283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18xKLWgMRN0rKeru44THHCvX8eJmmZqzi2HDz5WhO1xfXJ1roP-FHpkzJu6M3G3g154AYfoVp6q75c1_M08jXvlxx_o8ScHwRV9kX5xQ2x-qD8C-m6BlruitLP7ZXOocKJ35E9S5Uv18/s320/DSCN2283.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Onion soup mix, a can of mushrooms, chicken stock, and a can</div>
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each of cream soup: chicken and mushroom.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrh2e9H6fOEJeqVG0H_m0VEy9vNEri3SL5TBjQ2a4lVVL4yhtVN_J2Xs9_nUOyRXHAbdnB3t1s6l9jhjAWshSbm_eqJiFT09Awzxcw0rg_lPyBhyzn1RC7JoSHypEC4jnNar4OcXw4rU/s1600/DSCN2284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrh2e9H6fOEJeqVG0H_m0VEy9vNEri3SL5TBjQ2a4lVVL4yhtVN_J2Xs9_nUOyRXHAbdnB3t1s6l9jhjAWshSbm_eqJiFT09Awzxcw0rg_lPyBhyzn1RC7JoSHypEC4jnNar4OcXw4rU/s320/DSCN2284.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Put the chicken in the slow cooker.</div>
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Then mix up all the other ingredients.</div>
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Yeah, not very attractive. But the flavor makes up for it!</div>
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Then cook 5-6 hours on low.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-abs_RhO9PztOBvD9aSJfmWCNRKXqdSqw7QdnJaumBdk9D5zzh8E7WngoPHzKMnn45ByhaxnU7sDCLQiuBU0bRVA70TA8QDfmpeZiPqKw-KJDmG4kx0JB_lbHDN9cHTElr0JrXqN8AA/s1600/DSCN2285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-abs_RhO9PztOBvD9aSJfmWCNRKXqdSqw7QdnJaumBdk9D5zzh8E7WngoPHzKMnn45ByhaxnU7sDCLQiuBU0bRVA70TA8QDfmpeZiPqKw-KJDmG4kx0JB_lbHDN9cHTElr0JrXqN8AA/s320/DSCN2285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I served it with mashed potatoes and peas.</div>
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This was fabulous comfort food.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Country-Style Scalloped Potatoes</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">(Includes Ham)</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhdLaJHbMJgAHa8-Qv04wjD27Xze2T7PundzZZJrI0TFcsfL4IMA7kJlZ0sdeYFwTb1IePJc-OB0JQvERI52cqhXKkwcyI9DfKBI4gnr2exLYcoqJePs4x0md78ihwZvl3jaMoVOeVyQ/s1600/DSCN2269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhdLaJHbMJgAHa8-Qv04wjD27Xze2T7PundzZZJrI0TFcsfL4IMA7kJlZ0sdeYFwTb1IePJc-OB0JQvERI52cqhXKkwcyI9DfKBI4gnr2exLYcoqJePs4x0md78ihwZvl3jaMoVOeVyQ/s320/DSCN2269.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I think the title of this recipe is a little misleading. </div>
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It sounds like a side dish, but it includes ham, which, in my book, </div>
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makes this a one-pot meal.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwjqOX_n61Yf4_4N54iEwhcSkhchUlYtmhnbnOnV4VU6rr_NetnhbmeUGq79kaOIgsDE-281Bl5jjO16QwBiUvASDVnezlpJmrevzaoyIEkLpyw0dxDeapqFa2oDg7bycEJvMTerBW7s/s1600/DSCN2270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwjqOX_n61Yf4_4N54iEwhcSkhchUlYtmhnbnOnV4VU6rr_NetnhbmeUGq79kaOIgsDE-281Bl5jjO16QwBiUvASDVnezlpJmrevzaoyIEkLpyw0dxDeapqFa2oDg7bycEJvMTerBW7s/s320/DSCN2270.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Start by spraying the crock with non-stick cooking spray.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFad_MmVXnwFrCkoApqAcEQrn3puBfU9m_Sk5ewFxqExeQanrto1fULb5HTNdg0g0PntecGs5j6EGl-j7iANXa1X_ku5852b3iEpl3yFppflBGhP60d1HK-XsptoUFsWQswsZoDZC3xo/s1600/DSCN2271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFad_MmVXnwFrCkoApqAcEQrn3puBfU9m_Sk5ewFxqExeQanrto1fULb5HTNdg0g0PntecGs5j6EGl-j7iANXa1X_ku5852b3iEpl3yFppflBGhP60d1HK-XsptoUFsWQswsZoDZC3xo/s320/DSCN2271.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The ingredients are really, really simple:</div>
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water, cream of mushroom soup, cubed ham, </div>
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sliced potatoes and a cup of cheddar cheese shreds.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmC7KQYd-iI42nzB8As2VGBE2wr4buAjy2QjqVrgVLpV3asZ9rxdzHMiIjlSFeJFQK-MgZYrdaaTLhIqMQfryFM_sZQ2A7LYAC597sgjiBWH_rFojw6bEUHD7DZybtrNQuswXn2PmRaLk/s1600/DSCN2272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmC7KQYd-iI42nzB8As2VGBE2wr4buAjy2QjqVrgVLpV3asZ9rxdzHMiIjlSFeJFQK-MgZYrdaaTLhIqMQfryFM_sZQ2A7LYAC597sgjiBWH_rFojw6bEUHD7DZybtrNQuswXn2PmRaLk/s320/DSCN2272.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Layer the potatoes and ham in the slow cooker.</div>
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Mix up all the other ingredients.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Gs8FzaPg7nwGUHn9HhOK9lQl7sWGXURJwlzKcxLNnmNZniGmBFCvjyeaSPLxEW8GYpppZf_WOevilnLJ77hTsAfEXKZNxPe4zY_BWR8XPt58P2JKNE6lPxFF3p-nK-JoPSsPt58QkAE/s1600/DSCN2274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Gs8FzaPg7nwGUHn9HhOK9lQl7sWGXURJwlzKcxLNnmNZniGmBFCvjyeaSPLxEW8GYpppZf_WOevilnLJ77hTsAfEXKZNxPe4zY_BWR8XPt58P2JKNE6lPxFF3p-nK-JoPSsPt58QkAE/s320/DSCN2274.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pour over the potatoes and ham.</div>
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Then cover and 3.5 hours on high, then turn it down to low.</div>
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Cook for another hour.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIVWUWLmUMQXQUWNEj0QuqjNQx4bJTpDeftVIidjwkCznnXeqsjbGVS033An2_J9ABN4azRbZtreZXwWapMp4a3FH4uUnIZtgYV7ekoZ4Nkk_SuAiO4qre4uUR7DFBcanCLQj3vQoj7w/s1600/DSCN2276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIVWUWLmUMQXQUWNEj0QuqjNQx4bJTpDeftVIidjwkCznnXeqsjbGVS033An2_J9ABN4azRbZtreZXwWapMp4a3FH4uUnIZtgYV7ekoZ4Nkk_SuAiO4qre4uUR7DFBcanCLQj3vQoj7w/s320/DSCN2276.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I served this with a Greek-style spinach salad.</div>
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It was really good comfort food.</div>
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<a href="http://www.beyerbeware.net/search/label/hunk%20of%20meat%20Monday" target="_blank"><img alt="Hunk of Meat Mondays" border="0" src="http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x362/beyerbeware/HOMM2small.jpg" /></a><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.realfarmwivesofamerica.com/"><img src=" http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a405/crisgoode/ITKGPbadgeFINAL.jpg " /></a></center>BigDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895137032835250175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032087692292897513.post-13921336836345357732011-11-03T09:11:00.003-04:002011-11-03T09:11:52.997-04:00Gooseberry Patch Two-Fer: Honey Chicken and Cranberry PorkAs you may recall, I've been <strike>slacking on</strike> posting Gooseberry Patch recipes from Slow Cookers, Casseroles & Skillets. Don't interpret the lack of posting as a lack of cookin'.<br />
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After tennis season ended (and drama club hasn't quick gotten into full swing yet), I reopened the kitchen for some real family meals. Yet, I haven't had the time to get online much.</div>
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So! To make up for that, I'm posting not one, but <i><b>two </b></i>Gooseberry Patch recipes--both of which received "thumbs up" from the family--<u>especially </u>the Cranberry Pork Chops.</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Honey Chicken & Carrots</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMKgCRsznYlJyWNRKx1yygfHGRFC5GURsX-XVi_gw6dr1IsXXD8CdCukOe1WYy7oNVUJiQls724rglDWEc3Vwg4Ag-RPGQjC2cwHmuYVUHTGpLiX5YxWqUwJj63dcMlMJl_HWJB_o-yA/s1600/DSCN2261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMKgCRsznYlJyWNRKx1yygfHGRFC5GURsX-XVi_gw6dr1IsXXD8CdCukOe1WYy7oNVUJiQls724rglDWEc3Vwg4Ag-RPGQjC2cwHmuYVUHTGpLiX5YxWqUwJj63dcMlMJl_HWJB_o-yA/s320/DSCN2261.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The great thing about this recipe is requires all the basic stuff you probably have in your kitchen already.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIl4k_hJ2Pg0sxtLF0zm7ZwmVoWHhhkuwkkcEgmnNtxqlVskzYbMgA0qeAmnMP55dknJmlSZDJ6aTv4DnHOypHB_e6PFXnKpwGS7VoAiErg5CpdyrgtT5WMM2V4tQFVVu6FM5fzdHxFrs/s1600/DSCN2260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIl4k_hJ2Pg0sxtLF0zm7ZwmVoWHhhkuwkkcEgmnNtxqlVskzYbMgA0qeAmnMP55dknJmlSZDJ6aTv4DnHOypHB_e6PFXnKpwGS7VoAiErg5CpdyrgtT5WMM2V4tQFVVu6FM5fzdHxFrs/s320/DSCN2260.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Peel and slice 1 1/2 cups of carrots.</div>
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Heat some oil in a skillet, then cook the chicken over medium heat.</div>
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The recipe says "until juices run clear," but we all know that really means:</div>
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cook until a meat thermometer reads 170 degrees.</div>
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Remove the chicken (keep warm), then add the carrots.</div>
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Cook for 3-5 minutes, until tender.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-Uy8BDOwnGGqPWQKnF94sBb_FBLGgg4iMFDTx-Ciu8JtZwV35W4-R8DGMOEIfkSybI396Vr5tYrbR57I7ukboXCQVdV2PqmOswIfydL_-K4HVDcFIf0_njdp5-BfoeNX74yX54vY9ew/s1600/DSCN2264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-Uy8BDOwnGGqPWQKnF94sBb_FBLGgg4iMFDTx-Ciu8JtZwV35W4-R8DGMOEIfkSybI396Vr5tYrbR57I7ukboXCQVdV2PqmOswIfydL_-K4HVDcFIf0_njdp5-BfoeNX74yX54vY9ew/s320/DSCN2264.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Stir in the honey, lemon juice and garlic salt (I opted for straight garlic, since we're low-sodium</div>
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as much as possible at our house). Return the chicken to the skillet and heat until the </div>
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sauce is bubbling.</div>
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Serve with cooked rice.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZ3sbrO_8Of7e9MgbGMxkl0JYcTqPaxBxI6dPHJKOQBZutHgiDkqb9Qi5ISQ-9ocJmv9DzMT1wifH4Edd5Lbq_Z95D-avF0HLqR31-2WR9opsRNOjnfKBKJmoUDKblAJ3us6h9IUIFJw/s1600/DSCN2265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZ3sbrO_8Of7e9MgbGMxkl0JYcTqPaxBxI6dPHJKOQBZutHgiDkqb9Qi5ISQ-9ocJmv9DzMT1wifH4Edd5Lbq_Z95D-avF0HLqR31-2WR9opsRNOjnfKBKJmoUDKblAJ3us6h9IUIFJw/s320/DSCN2265.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was really good. And went together very fast.</div>
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My next new favorite:</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Cranberry Pork Chops</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">In the Slow Cooker!!!</span></b></div>
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This recipe is super-easy and fabulous because you use every working mom's</div>
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favorite appliance: the slow cooker.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4oW40fciAndyWyAkITYOQIMA-Xrg3eKlDE01Uy8dPKoJgiHyLNiHFYlASorg1COptw8e_sx62_AOWR8r1UTgVoHESKBbQuM4w2js5yW04MTe81xPFK1Bj247kqnFyQb0AOD4smPZ-S4/s1600/DSCN2286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4oW40fciAndyWyAkITYOQIMA-Xrg3eKlDE01Uy8dPKoJgiHyLNiHFYlASorg1COptw8e_sx62_AOWR8r1UTgVoHESKBbQuM4w2js5yW04MTe81xPFK1Bj247kqnFyQb0AOD4smPZ-S4/s320/DSCN2286.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Basic ingredients are simple, and fairly staple for my pantry:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeh_dyt4EnvCVKmAR_9bN6BeWQ3NDK-WVu7M4gs1zyKcX2uMNSC2NoHioBlcXkZZfl4NretO8UNgk5vIMnb8V6HTad5hTbHTKEZ2lff6_T-t_6oVJckl5M6plDozl0S7YQzGUywbldX4I/s1600/DSCN2287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeh_dyt4EnvCVKmAR_9bN6BeWQ3NDK-WVu7M4gs1zyKcX2uMNSC2NoHioBlcXkZZfl4NretO8UNgk5vIMnb8V6HTad5hTbHTKEZ2lff6_T-t_6oVJckl5M6plDozl0S7YQzGUywbldX4I/s320/DSCN2287.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Place the pork chops in the slow cooker.</div>
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I typically stock up on boneless pork loin when it's on sale, </div>
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then I cut my own chops to the thickness I prefer. I went fairly thick on these.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityXYAlD1FZmuD5bDh1qOyXPo_2mh3MJ1YDUQQNZbBokcZrhdUJE-iPL6wlJMgx3SvVqqsrsDp3kBPvV6t57i7b3nbis45jdwnzpltjx2ByKTQ2c8RUldB39Mh8REi4OOwS9h8osClIxQ/s1600/DSCN2289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityXYAlD1FZmuD5bDh1qOyXPo_2mh3MJ1YDUQQNZbBokcZrhdUJE-iPL6wlJMgx3SvVqqsrsDp3kBPvV6t57i7b3nbis45jdwnzpltjx2ByKTQ2c8RUldB39Mh8REi4OOwS9h8osClIxQ/s320/DSCN2289.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mix up all the sauce ingredients:</div>
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a can of cranberry sauce, 1/2 c of apple juice, 1/4 c sugar and 2 T spicy mustard</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTS-XyEvfLy-RfMw94zCa4VVi_geOAhkkYrqivT2QTIPDWBpPOenH1Bv9GF-4RZzZeFSKiGCUcOP1h4Osap6RyhYHYtb30TvT9JA879dbZYHLZ0hZnTAND0Jt5RbPwhOXjpBBjxBZvIN0/s1600/DSCN2288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTS-XyEvfLy-RfMw94zCa4VVi_geOAhkkYrqivT2QTIPDWBpPOenH1Bv9GF-4RZzZeFSKiGCUcOP1h4Osap6RyhYHYtb30TvT9JA879dbZYHLZ0hZnTAND0Jt5RbPwhOXjpBBjxBZvIN0/s320/DSCN2288.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pour over the chops, then cover and cook 6-8 hours on high.</div>
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How easy is that??? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjle7RoSnHUCnybyTIp2-DANL8i0vt6FYslbH0yISrC9UNGgzArm4Jpd89iA7IiSZxr849x9a1O2Z5PQj4aQycqmmQZFh-rny7tGkzxMU38Bt5AHtydUu1FqUdOQN0U_exTrQN-JonJo8/s1600/DSCN2290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjle7RoSnHUCnybyTIp2-DANL8i0vt6FYslbH0yISrC9UNGgzArm4Jpd89iA7IiSZxr849x9a1O2Z5PQj4aQycqmmQZFh-rny7tGkzxMU38Bt5AHtydUu1FqUdOQN0U_exTrQN-JonJo8/s320/DSCN2290.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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When you're ready to eat, just heat 1/4 c cold water and 2 T corn starch on the stove.</div>
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Then add the sauce from the slow cooker to the sauce and cook, whisking, until thickened.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKuCxsGlBekWI4QceVSu-kmK4JUceQlPqZEUmEE1iblArRgQXhElBj5pWqJViRqIQpi9-cDzJUEPLegd9k4-gHmwQw-7dGXsgn_EhEn_8J-OlNDTnF2iD-9Mho544JdcOrc1xtYfpLoYk/s1600/DSCN2293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKuCxsGlBekWI4QceVSu-kmK4JUceQlPqZEUmEE1iblArRgQXhElBj5pWqJViRqIQpi9-cDzJUEPLegd9k4-gHmwQw-7dGXsgn_EhEn_8J-OlNDTnF2iD-9Mho544JdcOrc1xtYfpLoYk/s320/DSCN2293.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then serve the pork chops with the sauce over the top.</div>
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I served it with green beans (good ol' out-o'-the-can type that my kids love) </div>
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and a spinach salad.</div>
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This is going on the recipe rotation for sure! </div>
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Check out more Gooseberry Patch recipes on the <a href="http://www.realfarmwivesofamerica.com/">Real Farmwives of America</a>.</div>
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I have a couple more recipes to post, then I'll be giving away a copy of this GP cookbook.</div>
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<center><a href="http://www.realfarmwivesofamerica.com/"><img src=" http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a405/crisgoode/ITKGPbadgeFINAL.jpg " /></a></center>BigDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895137032835250175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032087692292897513.post-1034985757920386292011-10-28T10:04:00.002-04:002011-10-28T10:04:27.115-04:00How to Channel A Mid Life Crisis?I think I'm having a mid-life crisis.<br />
It's been creeping up on me. But yesterday, it smacked me in the face.<br />
Why?<br />
I dropped my once-tiny-baby daughter, who is now 5-foot 6-inches tall, off at high school yesterday. She spent the day "shadowing" a student at the high school we're considering for her for next year.<br />
How could this be?<br />
It seems like about 2 weeks ago I just found out I was pregnant. And just last week when she was packing up her pink wheel-around book bag (because she was too little to carry it on her back!) for first grade. <br />
Now, it's struck me that in four years and a few months, she'll be headed off to college.<br />
Then (my mind moves quickly through the math here) two years after that, BabyD will be packing up and moving on, too.<br />
<em>Sniff.</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1lGyA2-HdMorZN61n_eQLy3RkQqLBcWeDorkYlnnxAOgUck7o9TfS34NXO4oPzlHMuXYIoAZJzXGPdh2aEoMvsmA0Srocsf63OhXvCKGm_n8ZJReSMIMrrAeM1Tm4xPX_7VTlUWP-VPU/s1600/hoodie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1lGyA2-HdMorZN61n_eQLy3RkQqLBcWeDorkYlnnxAOgUck7o9TfS34NXO4oPzlHMuXYIoAZJzXGPdh2aEoMvsmA0Srocsf63OhXvCKGm_n8ZJReSMIMrrAeM1Tm4xPX_7VTlUWP-VPU/s320/hoodie.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em>And</em>--just to throw fuel on the fire of my emotional roller coaster--LittleD was having a fashion crisis. (Of course. After all, this was--sort of--her first day as a high schooler.) Her white cardigan just wasn't working with her T-shirt. She needed something a little less dressy. So, she borrowed <em>my</em> white hoodie. <br />
Did you get that?<br />
<strong>MY</strong> white hoodie.<br />
What a <em>shocker</em>.<br />
Up until now, I thought I wore "<span style="color: purple;">old lady clothes</span>"...<br />
Since when is she big enough to wear my clothes beyond a game of Playing House Dress Up in the basement? This was the real deal--in public.<br />
<br />
And, somehow, I think this might be just the first of what's to come.<br />
<br />
So, true to my anal disposition, I proceeded to give her my Rules for wearing my stuff.<br />
<strong>Rule #1:</strong> No Sharpies.<br />
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<em> (If you have a teenager--and I can vouch that this isn't just mine--there seems </em></div>
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<em>to be some abnormal obsession/fascination with Sharpies and Duck Tape these days. </em></div>
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<em>And you can't bleach out Sharpie.)</em></div>
<strong>Rule #2:</strong> No stretching out the sleeves.<br />
<strong>Rule #3:</strong> This is only a loan. I want it back by 5:30 in the same, or better, condition!<br />
<br />
Do you think I covered all the essentials?<br />
She better <em>not even try</em> to borrow my boots. I have at least 8 rules for shoes...<br />
<br />
So, there I was, at 7:40 am dropping off my 13 year-old baby daughter, who is wearing my clothes, with a bunch of strange, older teenagers and unknown teachers. She was pretty excited (now that her wardrobe crisis was resolved to her satisfaction). Until, that is, it was time to open the car door.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, my Big Girl reverted to Mama's Baby:<br />
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She asked me to walk her inside.</div>
(Ha! I won! She still needs me!)<br />
So I did. But she had to get her good-bye hug in the shadows of a fairly dark parking lot.<br />
<br />
Yeah, I did my duty and embarrassed her when we got inside.<br />
(What else did she expect???)<br />
When one of her friends (one of my favorites) showed up to shadow, too, and hugged LittleD, I demanded one, too. I got a killer eye-roll and "Mooommmm!" from my daughter.<br />
<br />
So, I left my oldest in a strange place and headed to the office. <br />
Trying to figure out how to channel the emotions of a mid-life crisis.<br />
<br />
What should I do now?<br />
If I was a man, I could have an affair, buy a sports car and get obsessed with working out.<br />
But, somehow, those options aren't morally, financially and logistically appealing to me.<br />
<br />
So I'm weighing my other options. And I'm open to suggestions.<br />
<strong>#1: Eat my way through this:</strong> While I enjoy food (and all kinds of it), this doesn't seem to be a wise option, because it will only make me miserable later when I go for an annual check up and the doctor suggests I lose a little weight. I'm clinging to the fact that I'm still in my healthy weight zone for my height, age and gender.<br />
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<strong>#2: Go on a crash diet so I can fit into my old jeans:</strong> This sounds like too much work (and I like eating too much). And going on an exercise binge would require sweating. I. Hate. To. Sweat. Besides, my old jeans are high-waisted "mom jeans", so I really shouldn't go there. (If full disclosure, I did get rid of them.)<br />
<strong>#3: Cry on my girlfriends' shoulders:</strong> I need to work on this one. When The Husband decided to embark on his mid-life crisis a couple of years ago, I tried this one. Only my entire support system utterly and completely failed me. So, I'm recruiting new friends now. I'm just trying not to look to desperate in the process.<br />
<strong>#4: Take up drinking:</strong> I know wine is the "in" drink for women my age, but I just can't do it. I've tried a few different wines, but I just can't get past that old fruit taste. (Sorry to my bloggy pal who works for the Wine Grape Growers.) And, it's not just wine. I can't stand the <strike>stench</strike> smell of beer. And the $105-a-bottle Scotch I once sampled was like swallowing (really expensive) paint thinner. Yeah, yeah, "it's an acquired taste" I keep hearing. But, life's too short to keep swigging back stuff I really don't like. (This includes coffee, I might add.) Especially when my taste buds welcomed iced tea, milk, even Dr. Pepper without much trepidation or training.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cg2yXTU1O7yv1vzqxxg7zTZ5s-PQ38BtSSdvXLSpdSis4SWuY9jR6f1rbqk4YsK8pNk0BF_earaGGVfbUwvhut2VCas4gy_2gsr6C1jb1iaGJ04dbvEcIAew2vhnMYvI6yfa7Gdi8vw/s1600/kim-kardashian-tattoo-photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cg2yXTU1O7yv1vzqxxg7zTZ5s-PQ38BtSSdvXLSpdSis4SWuY9jR6f1rbqk4YsK8pNk0BF_earaGGVfbUwvhut2VCas4gy_2gsr6C1jb1iaGJ04dbvEcIAew2vhnMYvI6yfa7Gdi8vw/s320/kim-kardashian-tattoo-photo.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<strong>#5: Get a tattoo:</strong> Hepatitis. 'Nuff said.<br />
<strong>#6: Take a spa day:</strong> This one might be do-able. If I could find the time. And if I could justify the cost and overcome the guilt of being so indulgent for a few hours. (Yeah, I got issues.)<br />
<strong>#7: Dye my hair blond:</strong> This one makes me laugh out loud. The Husband suggested it. (And I'm not totally sure, by his tone, if he meant it or not--which is the scariest part.)<br />
<strong>#8: Start dressing like I'm 21 again:</strong> I don't know what that means, because I was 21 in the early 90s. And, while a some of the retro stuff is back in, I'm not sure I could accurately interpret that era and apply it to today. Or, if I dressed like a 2011 21-year-old, I'm afraid I would frighten pets and small children with the cellulite that would be peaking out of the short skirts causing bulges in my jeggings. I think, as a public service, I'll skip this one.<br />
<br />
Those are the options I've come up with so far. Not such a great list. So, I'm welcoming any suggestions.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://nevergrowingold.blogspot.com/search/label/Follow%20Friday"><img border="0" src="http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee487/nevergrowingold/over40pic3-1.jpg" /></a></center>BigDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895137032835250175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032087692292897513.post-2514049984063336372011-10-18T20:10:00.002-04:002011-10-18T20:10:41.700-04:00Ick<br />
Seriously.<br />
<i>Ick</i>.<br />
<br />
It's mid-October. Isn't it time for those nasty, icky, slimy, squirmy, stinking, yucky worms to go away??<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>I. HATE. Them.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>They gross me out.</b></span></div>
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I saw three today. </div>
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It was raining and 49 degrees. They just need to leave.</div>
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<br />BigDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895137032835250175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032087692292897513.post-52889439284742461242011-10-11T21:27:00.002-04:002011-10-11T21:27:50.872-04:00Gooseberry Patch Slower-Cooker Mac N CheeseYeah, you read that right: Slow-Cooker Mac N Cheese.<br />
I. Love. This. Dish.<br />
And, I think, it may just be the perfect solution to a problem that's been plaguing me for years: <br />
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What to eat for Sunday lunch?</div>
<br />
We do not live very close to our church. So, by the time we get there for Sunday School and stay for last service, then drive home, we are <b>famished.</b> Heck, it's almost 1 pm by the time we get home to eat lunch. (Yeah, we love hitting the local Chinese joint--like half the congregation. But, who can afford that every week?)<br />
<br />
Now you understand why we have grilled cheese and canned soup a lot of weeks.<br />
It's the easiest thing I can whip-up just before the low-blood sugar-induced coma sets in and I pass out. (<i>Confession time: So, I really, really <u>love </u>grilled cheese. And could eat it nearly everyday. But that's beside the point--okay?</i>) But I digress...<br />
<br />
This recipe from the Gooseberry Patch <i>Slow Cookers, Casseroles and Skillets</i> cookbook cooks in just the right amount of time to be ready when we get home for lunch.<br />
<br />
I have to tell you: This is really the only time I'm likely to make this dish, as my weekday work schedule requires I pick slow-cooker recipes that take 8-10 hours. This recipe will definitely <i><u>not </u></i>work in that length of time. (I kept it on "low" to keep it warm for LittleD to get home two hours after dinner and the outside of it was starting to turn to cheese leather.) Stick to the 3-4 hour time range.<br />
<br />
Let's get to the recipe, shall we?<br />
(I'm asking for forgiveness for my crummy pix. I used LittleD's old, old digital camera <strike>because she'd swiped mine</strike>, and some of the pictures were a bit fuzzy.)<br />
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Start 8 oz of elbow macaroni cooking in boiling water.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTb9vwR327Mn-ScjyRJSC7e0RQ2jGv9JLHh23J9TzR-IMf1ZOZbraTS8G0evZBY_OpihVrcxok6Kybd7fq_Zp1DnGF236o4lmfhXkAR7ozW1fX8k7Q2spJNQuEboioJv2UqOukOqm2Kfg/s1600/DSCN1671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTb9vwR327Mn-ScjyRJSC7e0RQ2jGv9JLHh23J9TzR-IMf1ZOZbraTS8G0evZBY_OpihVrcxok6Kybd7fq_Zp1DnGF236o4lmfhXkAR7ozW1fX8k7Q2spJNQuEboioJv2UqOukOqm2Kfg/s320/DSCN1671.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Gather up the primary ingredients:</div>
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1.5 c. milk, 12 oz can evaporated milk, 1/2 c. margarine (melted),</div>
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2 eggs and 3 c. of cheddar cheese</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfcdd_w4YKM63qA_7PLnhvhjBd3UhB6m3ocoNGgmgJ6rgUEAkv0rIjS7bJ1NtPAnsDJoUUM3mGONKgrbYA7BKNfcUw3b1yIRcm-VSHN_aK7cw_dGnBZUpGvxqVPOamy9aIwg3bDL6jxA/s1600/DSCN1673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPfcdd_w4YKM63qA_7PLnhvhjBd3UhB6m3ocoNGgmgJ6rgUEAkv0rIjS7bJ1NtPAnsDJoUUM3mGONKgrbYA7BKNfcUw3b1yIRcm-VSHN_aK7cw_dGnBZUpGvxqVPOamy9aIwg3bDL6jxA/s320/DSCN1673.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Combine the melted margarine with the beaten eggs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF41mNHvXTgqTMGj9tWsGkSnL3veB4XaNAJ8OvoLQ0B1ClLXYcVgeY7Hu4yazKDqeVQFOLPfjopRLtDe5dIwvYXLGKZnEEf6Va0pQjKghTrNkHhclO6W3PuXzc8pBbKlG-K510EnlIrvw/s1600/DSCN1674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF41mNHvXTgqTMGj9tWsGkSnL3veB4XaNAJ8OvoLQ0B1ClLXYcVgeY7Hu4yazKDqeVQFOLPfjopRLtDe5dIwvYXLGKZnEEf6Va0pQjKghTrNkHhclO6W3PuXzc8pBbKlG-K510EnlIrvw/s320/DSCN1674.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Add the evaporated milk.</div>
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<i>(Are you like me: Do you stand in the grocery aisle and think:</i></div>
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<i>"Is that condensed milk or evaporated milk at home in my pantry?"</i></div>
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<i>Then inevitably buy the wrong one. I should never shop without a list.)</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowrj3nybbUGat4Qk-QKBpnwj7pDDmNeW2gnZNEzfZCIzdw_cYHPwaMjIEMYCW_gT-uaMmieV_Fr6AjHfmCt4KKtNC4VRABiKkrHGk7imFyGOD6LWR8xjhpb4RMPazia95Aa9B0pacdkg/s1600/DSCN1675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowrj3nybbUGat4Qk-QKBpnwj7pDDmNeW2gnZNEzfZCIzdw_cYHPwaMjIEMYCW_gT-uaMmieV_Fr6AjHfmCt4KKtNC4VRABiKkrHGk7imFyGOD6LWR8xjhpb4RMPazia95Aa9B0pacdkg/s320/DSCN1675.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The recipe calls for salt and pepper to taste.</div>
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Here's my secret ingredient: I substitute white pepper in recipes like this.</div>
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It doesn't show up in the finished product.</div>
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<i>(Sometime I'll tell you how my mom's abuse of pepper strikes fear in my family.)</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWQ3ryXF1-IoAT0Oz7VxNrHoIIw54yKADcLru_9sJlZgAa9w8d1B1JHqTeAOtJTm7L46QWnsd4u3jzxkq6Nai8X8P0j_W4jBuTntqLwsfmqeOYoJh4Bs9SZyz4d5gNCb0wsq3AdS9U6Y/s1600/DSCN1677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWQ3ryXF1-IoAT0Oz7VxNrHoIIw54yKADcLru_9sJlZgAa9w8d1B1JHqTeAOtJTm7L46QWnsd4u3jzxkq6Nai8X8P0j_W4jBuTntqLwsfmqeOYoJh4Bs9SZyz4d5gNCb0wsq3AdS9U6Y/s320/DSCN1677.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Stir in the cheese shreds and milk.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4_7te389Twz3HroVGy6Jrq9Qj8qSQ65EpPVzc2dVgFyCQekfvi_sRoQguKVnEg37G_VN6qIVzga2Mv3sEqE_9-9-4lHE4mcZprrpfDuFSRJwfTHIc4slZooYLnGpV8Mw2_dWTX7IOew/s1600/DSCN1680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4_7te389Twz3HroVGy6Jrq9Qj8qSQ65EpPVzc2dVgFyCQekfvi_sRoQguKVnEg37G_VN6qIVzga2Mv3sEqE_9-9-4lHE4mcZprrpfDuFSRJwfTHIc4slZooYLnGpV8Mw2_dWTX7IOew/s320/DSCN1680.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This recipe basically looks like soup at this point.</div>
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<i>I must admit: I was really having my doubts about how this was going to turn out.</i></div>
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Pour it in a crock that has been sprayed with non-stick spray first. <b>***important!***</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScI5K5vUMvlzZ2V2yKXoWZneXvzX6PHGUlZlKK8wwmpzfIs925LszcWj6ibaxrFdIZ4GkiJaPw9_Zr0GBSSEnLSoE4N-cAT2ntAHBaC0PB8weUj7pMGP40OZw1Ekfi104eKtL0WBxaQc/s1600/DSCN1681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScI5K5vUMvlzZ2V2yKXoWZneXvzX6PHGUlZlKK8wwmpzfIs925LszcWj6ibaxrFdIZ4GkiJaPw9_Zr0GBSSEnLSoE4N-cAT2ntAHBaC0PB8weUj7pMGP40OZw1Ekfi104eKtL0WBxaQc/s320/DSCN1681.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Set it to cook on low for 3-4 hours.</div>
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Here's a peek at the recipe.</div>
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I was pleasantly surprised by the final product.</div>
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Check this out:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1o45we0n42pWXpBipPfAOsLo8tdooHBKJzEN-GdmI0WqC4Ey61Y15xNDjT1JfuPKt6sZpu257fsa_5EZLMNOjb67DP2_0zj7QxEIhxaCBqcJhBQkfVOea5vM-NTUBbkV0XtW9V65hv4/s1600/DSCN1687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1o45we0n42pWXpBipPfAOsLo8tdooHBKJzEN-GdmI0WqC4Ey61Y15xNDjT1JfuPKt6sZpu257fsa_5EZLMNOjb67DP2_0zj7QxEIhxaCBqcJhBQkfVOea5vM-NTUBbkV0XtW9V65hv4/s320/DSCN1687.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Is that not beautiful?</div>
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I served it with a salad and fruit.</div>
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And everybody was happy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_Z2xiCfvrY6gbO-TROygczBisbNHw8H5n4ZsKWXOyzmkcrRtF1CcswegxhVDfJOyHihB4p1iztiUd003x0Bgpjx_1j4IC9jUFgT_utLtx8sTBEw2LkeLX_ecdqW8v-Q1VDPhHYej6xM/s1600/DSCN1686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_Z2xiCfvrY6gbO-TROygczBisbNHw8H5n4ZsKWXOyzmkcrRtF1CcswegxhVDfJOyHihB4p1iztiUd003x0Bgpjx_1j4IC9jUFgT_utLtx8sTBEw2LkeLX_ecdqW8v-Q1VDPhHYej6xM/s320/DSCN1686.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This one will definitely go on the rotation at our house--especially on Sundays.</div>
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<a href="http://www.realfarmwivesofamerica.com/"><img src=" http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a405/crisgoode/ITKGPbadgeFINAL.jpg " /></a></div>
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<br />
<a href="http://www.messhalltobistro.blogspot.com/search/label/Made%20From%20Scratch%20Tuesday"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e50/jenperfla/Blog/18526680.jpg" /></a>BigDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895137032835250175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032087692292897513.post-6928992420667714192011-10-06T21:15:00.003-04:002011-10-06T21:15:52.944-04:00Another GP Recipe: Greek Fish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I'm getting a little behind in my Gooseberry Patch blogging.</div>
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I've cooked a few things from <i>Slow Cookers, Casseroles and Skillets. </i></div>
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Here's one I really like for several reasons:</div>
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A. Fish is so quick to make--it bakes in less than 20 minutes!</div>
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B. This is a nice change-up from our regular food. (The Husband is supposed to be eating more fish every week, but everybody seems to get bored with it at our house.) and</div>
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C. Did I say it was quick and easy???</div>
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Here's <b>Greek Tilapia with Orzo</b></div>
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<i>(I really, really have to switch cameras when I'm shooting the cookbook page... they always come out so orange.)</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlRa81ZFvquiBr9DuJW9hM-yBeBjDEzU7AZ4AC68OdqpcZ9dQYxBCa9BRq62gF3okON088Gbmx5tFv_Sc8lIUltX2JbXg6NRQo78EI2dW9xIahO6XNzBpQOhMorHdvn9NJzQkUOqi-C0/s1600/DSCN2240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlRa81ZFvquiBr9DuJW9hM-yBeBjDEzU7AZ4AC68OdqpcZ9dQYxBCa9BRq62gF3okON088Gbmx5tFv_Sc8lIUltX2JbXg6NRQo78EI2dW9xIahO6XNzBpQOhMorHdvn9NJzQkUOqi-C0/s320/DSCN2240.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Start with your basic ingredients...<br />
1.5 lbs of tilapia<br />
cherry tomatoes<br />
8 oz orzo pasta (don't you love this stuff?)<br />
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Put the fish in a 9 by 13 baking dish.<br />
Pour the juice of one lemon and the zest over the fish.<br />
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Sprinkle with 1 Tablespoon of oregano.<br />
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Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and spread in the pan with the fish.<br />
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Cover with foil and pop it in the oven at 400 degrees for 16-18 minutes--until the fish is flaky<br />
(or, more technically 140 degrees, which wasn't listed in the cookbook, but we all know it--don't we?).<br />
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While it's in the oven, cook the orzo in boiling water for 8-10 minutes, then drain and fluff with a fork.</div>
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Then, serve up a pile of orzo with some of the juices from the fish pan and the fish over the top.</div>
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I really, really liked this meal (with a fruit salad and a broccoli salad on the side).</div>
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In fact, I annoyed my coworkers with the smell of microwaved left-over fish at lunch time. (Although, honestly, I don't think Tilapia smells nearly as much as salmon. So there.)</div>
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If you want to see more Gooseberry Patch recipes, click over to the <a href="http://www.realfarmwivesofamerica.com/">Real Farmwives of America blog</a> to see what some of the other ladies are cookin' up.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.realfarmwivesofamerica.com/"><img src=" http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a405/crisgoode/ITKGPbadgeFINAL.jpg " /></a></center>
BigDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895137032835250175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032087692292897513.post-50972667297055539212011-10-02T21:09:00.004-04:002011-10-02T21:10:01.710-04:00Perfect Job for a Carhartt<br />
The weather turned a little nippy over the last week. Which made me appreciate my new Carhartt jacket even more.<br />
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I needed to get some firewood stacked and some of it stowed for a fall camping trip (<i>if we can ever manage to get a free weekend!</i>). So, with the temps hovering in the upper 40s/low 50s, I donned my new work coat to do something about some of what's left of that beastly tree <a href="http://whoisthegrownup.blogspot.com/2011/03/man-vs-tree.html">The Husband has been battling</a> since an ice storm took it down this winter.<br />
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When the folks at Carhartt offered an item from their online catalog's Women's line to The Real Farmwives of America, I was excited about this jacket, because it has a hood. My existing jacket <strike>what was I thinking when I bought it?</strike> doesn't have a hood--which I hate in really cold weather or when it starts raining. Because, sometimes, you can't manage an umbrella. So, that was the main attraction.<br />
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Can I just tell you, I love this jacket.<br />
I think the sizing runs a little big, but it's made from a great, heavy-duty fabric.<br />
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The zipper, which can open from the bottom or top, is protected with a double snap flap--a feature that will be great when it's seriously cold and windy.<br />
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I love the pockets--inside and out. The inside pockets are big enough to keep a bottle of water handy.<br />
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The funniest feature--or so I thought initially--is what my girls are now referring to as the "Ninja sleeves." The sleeves have Spandex cuffs that can be worn tight around your wrists.<br />
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Or you can pull them down to cover most of your hands like fingerless gloves. At first, I wasn't so sure about them. But, after using them with work gloves I think this is a totally cool feature. It keeps any cold air or crud from working it's way up your sleeves.<br />
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You can check out this jacket and other nice stuff at the <a href="http://www.carhartt.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10101&storeId=10051&productId=100481&langId=-1&categoryId=15065">Carhartt web site</a>.<br />
I have to say, you can't beat genuine Carhartt for quality. I own a knock-off jacket that was issued to me at work quite a few years ago. After one washing, literally, it looks like it's about 6 years old. (What can you say? Low bidder... you get what you pay for.) Anyway, after the staff complained, the acquisition folks didn't buy them any more!<br />
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So, if you'd like a chance t<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">o win a Carhartt of your own, please visit <a href="http://www.realfarmwivesofamerica.com%20to/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #234786;">www.<wbr></wbr>realfarmwivesofamerica.com to</span></a> sign up for their giveaway. </span><br />
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Carhartt did provide me with this product to review but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.</div>
BigDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895137032835250175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032087692292897513.post-181740604841522002011-09-30T17:33:00.001-04:002011-09-30T17:33:58.369-04:00Five Reasons Why I' Should Trade in My Car for an RVI've been thinkin', and I think I have come up with the PERFECT solution to help working moms keep their sanity: Trade in that SUV or mini van for mobile home!<br />
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I think if you take a peek inside my beloved Acadia, you'll see why...<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Front Passenger Seat:</i></b></span></div>
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Complete with misc. school supplies (for homework in the car), my coat for unpredictable</div>
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temps, a gently used old kid coat to donate to the Coats for Kids, and assorted magazines,</div>
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sale ads and coupons to read and sort while I'm waiting on the girls. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>The Front Floor Board:</b></i></span></div>
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Now, I did go to the trouble of tidying up for you a bit... you're not seeing the four</div>
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empty water bottles and the assorted Kleenex and granola bar wrappers that were there</div>
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the day before. I do keep an ample supply of snacks (the Wheat Thins are mine) and audio</div>
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books for some quality commuting time. The green thing is a folder with a wide array of</div>
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restaurant coupons and grocery ads, because what good are they at home?</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Back Seat:</b></i></span></div>
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This is the Daughter Zone. Baby wipes (in the enclosed container, so they all don't dry out</div>
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when someone doesn't close the lid!), school bags, a change of clothes (I think these are have</div>
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been there less than a week--we're making progress!), and a stash of granola bars, pencils and hairbrushes</div>
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in the basket. You can't see the gallon carton of Goldfishies under the pink shirt.</div>
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Are you noticing the <i>used </i>Kleenexes peeking out?</div>
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Yeah. Ick.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Way Back:</b></i></span></div>
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You think the way back is any better? Hardly! I can't put the third row of seats up--where would</div>
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I keep all the stuff??? Like a cooler with sandwiches to everyone before a late tennis practice, </div>
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folding camp chairs for watching matches, a cooler with water bottles, rackets, a bag full of rain ponchos and wind breakers and, <i>what?</i>, don't you keep a couple dozen tennis balls and the school's</div>
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ball thrower in the back of your car? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQ9cSA0SFXPeStVZTTJxU6sUcZr0rvA4PYAfnDqq50y52AsgJT2jrpKyPwgztFXntTFqSfpvApJbWCfHkStopY0sEY1PXaVOiccqMc8qCA_j2glv-GzA-9f7moQMq90Gwl_FzVLRRzsw/s1600/DSCN2196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQ9cSA0SFXPeStVZTTJxU6sUcZr0rvA4PYAfnDqq50y52AsgJT2jrpKyPwgztFXntTFqSfpvApJbWCfHkStopY0sEY1PXaVOiccqMc8qCA_j2glv-GzA-9f7moQMq90Gwl_FzVLRRzsw/s320/DSCN2196.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Are you with me on this? Don't you think a drive-around RV would simplify my life??</div>
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I know, on the surface, you might be thinking that's a dumb idea-</div>
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-where you going to park it? </div>
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-don't they get bad gas mileage?</div>
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But, hear me out...</div>
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These are my top reasons why I think an RV is the perfect MomMobile:</div>
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5. I can organize and stow all the clothing changes the kids and I need. This is especially helpful this time of year, when it's 51 degrees when you leave the house, soars to 76 degrees by 4:30 tennis team practice, the suddenly bursts out raining. No more forgetting tennis shoes or a sweatshirt... It's all right there!</div>
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4. Food! With an on-board fridge and microwave and sink, dinner will be a snap. We don't have to pack coolers or run through the drive-up.</div>
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3. Space. Sometimes I feel like we're living in my car. We eat there, read there, study there, change clothes there, wait for extended periods of time there. Wouldn't it be great to have a table and chairs and a couch to spread out homework or watch a movie while you wait for the next after-school meeting or whatever? </div>
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2. My very own bathroom. What could be better than that? Especially when we're at an away game at another school. Some of those joints put their restroom facilities on the other side of the nowhere! And, 9 times out of 10, they're out of TP when you get there! <i>Bathroom Bonus:</i> Fewer cooties!</div>
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1. A bed. Let's be honest: Sometimes, after a long day at work, all I really want is a short cat nap between meetings or sports team stops. Compared to the front seat of my car, the thought of a bed in the back of my RV just warms my heart. And, besides, it's not just for me--sometimes the girls could use a nap, too.</div>
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Now. Tell that doesn't make a lot of sense.</div>
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Do you think the automakers are listening? I think this could be a whole new category for sales.</div>
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Tell me this wouldn't solve all my issues...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgQtNQsmQctcjnE7Ctmkbu3olGH2LKYLUpQrimcTyYYG5jRdspMS3oPZ_oJFRRb1ifHjZlUnEXnaC3aBtiNQaOgKX8r1ikWIt3jLSL1K7X-4EQn14iDpmBE-PKNUqw3OVy2Nzr2IUcrc/s1600/pic_rv_class_b_interior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgQtNQsmQctcjnE7Ctmkbu3olGH2LKYLUpQrimcTyYYG5jRdspMS3oPZ_oJFRRb1ifHjZlUnEXnaC3aBtiNQaOgKX8r1ikWIt3jLSL1K7X-4EQn14iDpmBE-PKNUqw3OVy2Nzr2IUcrc/s320/pic_rv_class_b_interior.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now, I just might have to sell our house and actually <i>live </i>one like this... </div>
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BigDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895137032835250175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032087692292897513.post-62731649088027359252011-09-26T21:27:00.001-04:002011-09-26T21:27:23.675-04:00Hunk O' Meat Monday: GP's Pulled Beef Sandwiches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just in time for<a href="http://www.beyerbeware.net/2011/09/hunk-of-meat-monday-pepsi-pork-chops.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BeyerBeware+%28Beyer+Beware%29"> Hunk O' Meat Monday over at Beyer Beware</a>, I tried out another recipe from Gooseberry Patch's <i>Slow Cookers, Casseroles and Skillets</i>: Pulled Beef Sandwiches.</div>
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Now, I'm a sucker for comfort food. And, while I enjoy trying new recipes, I have to admit I enjoy getting stuck in a rut on some of my favorite foods. Well, this one got me out of my rut for what to do with a chuck roast. I think I have a new favorite--and not just for me. The whole family loved it. (I think the leftovers were breakfast for one of the girls.)</div>
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You don't need very many ingredients...</div>
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Sprinkle the meat tenderizer on the beef.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6BF9yA-VaJjnQmu_JOFAFhl4hU48J9nNOU-Osto8y6JLhQ_nSnZ6uDfInC3WzsCuOt1SHPs8ak7LtqHKdSMUC6WQSsXqsyWIdWqdKa8jb4dd9S3OE0MFJHUDAWT4Wwcjy_YsUuaHNok/s1600/DSCN2114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6BF9yA-VaJjnQmu_JOFAFhl4hU48J9nNOU-Osto8y6JLhQ_nSnZ6uDfInC3WzsCuOt1SHPs8ak7LtqHKdSMUC6WQSsXqsyWIdWqdKa8jb4dd9S3OE0MFJHUDAWT4Wwcjy_YsUuaHNok/s320/DSCN2114.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Add the water, beef stock and garlic. And cook all day in the slow cooker.</div>
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After cooking, the beef shreds easily with a couple of forks.</div>
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Then put it back in the slow cooker liquid and add the onion soup mix.</div>
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Serve up the pulled beef on soft buns. Yum!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzViDayz28UW5w08WOJ5e7-6bvtmyxMMASr_i885CKz-ybsngbzN3ZTI0Xn6EZYbR_2gs3P-bDKOOShgwDx3b7v7C-VHy7YHtwH4Bh6EvNwapnvvkbezJESxYncy7qUF-7YmAtyddV9Y/s1600/DSCN2120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzViDayz28UW5w08WOJ5e7-6bvtmyxMMASr_i885CKz-ybsngbzN3ZTI0Xn6EZYbR_2gs3P-bDKOOShgwDx3b7v7C-VHy7YHtwH4Bh6EvNwapnvvkbezJESxYncy7qUF-7YmAtyddV9Y/s320/DSCN2120.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Like I said, this is a winner at our house!</div>
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<a href="http://www.beyerbeware.net/search/label/hunk%20of%20meat%20Monday" target="_blank"><img alt="Hunk of Meat Mondays" border="0" src="http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x362/beyerbeware/HOMM2small.jpg" /></a><br />
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BigDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895137032835250175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032087692292897513.post-6223443345061172192011-09-24T22:15:00.002-04:002011-09-24T22:15:59.487-04:00Can't We Just Go Home and Eat??I feel like the family isn't eating much at home lately.<br />
I feel guilty that this week I threw out some zucchini, a couple of peaches and salad mix that turned on me in the fridge. Horrible victims of poor planning on my part. For the near future, I think I'm not going to buy <i>any </i>fresh food. I'm sticking to frozen and canned, because I can't stand the waste.<br />
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The girls have had a lot of late tennis team practices and/or matches the last few weeks. We're nearing the end of the season in just a few more weeks, so I guess there's hope. They did get a practice night off Friday, only to allow for their school's fall festival. Which meant eating at school.<br />
<br />
Tonight? We were at a wedding.<br />
You'd think I'd appreciate not having to cook. But, in reality, I'm missing some good ol' comfort food. I could really use some chili right now.<br />
And, the situation isn't helping with my Gooseberry Patch project cooking.<br />
<br />
The buffet at the wedding offered up the best fettuccine Alfredo I've ever had. LittleD decided to gorge ourselves with seconds of the pasta and go light on the cake. (Good move, as the cake was a little dry.)<br />
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The funniest thing that happened at the reception was two well-dressed men of Indian descent (I mean the country, not Native Americans) came wandering through the reception hall, with a small table tent name card in-hand, looking a little bewildered until the found a hall staff member. The funny part was this banquet facility had two wedding this evening: the 200-person one we were attending, chock full of white people.<br />
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The other, which took up several of the ballrooms at the site (including the ones closest to the entrance) for a very, very large, festive wedding of an Indian couple. When I stepped into the lobby to use the restroom, every woman I saw was decked-out with some variation of a bright, gold-trimmed, colorful sari (lots of bling). It just struck me as so funny that these two guys would wander 2/3 of the way into our wedding, before figuring out they were in the wrong place!<br />
All I could think was: Men everywhere are just alike: oblivious!<br />
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<br />BigDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895137032835250175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032087692292897513.post-60159916565818664372011-09-19T12:54:00.002-04:002011-09-19T12:54:29.621-04:00Showin' Some Love for a FriendHow do you show love and support for someone who is miles away and dealing with a recent cancer diagnosis (for the second time!)?<br />
With a little lovin' link up.<br />
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Some of our bloggin' buddies are sending out some love bombs to Leontien today. We're hoping she'll know she's not alone.<br />
<br />
She's such a fun and funny, spirited, gal, who loves cows even more than I do (good thing, since she's a dairy farmer!). In fact, she's the one who first turned me on to my <a href="http://whoisthegrownup.blogspot.com/2010/09/makin-my-first-million-cow-cuddling.html">Big Plans to start a cow-cuddling enterprise</a>.<br />
<br />
If you get a few minutes this week, swing by <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/home">Leontien's blog</a> to bomb her with some encouraging words!<br />
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<center><a href="http://fourleafcloverdairy.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a405/crisgoode/Leontien.jpg" /></a></center>BigDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895137032835250175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032087692292897513.post-24874070395376319482011-09-14T10:19:00.000-04:002011-09-14T10:19:34.042-04:00Gooseberry Patch Recipe 1--And It "was actually good"So this is my first recipe from the Gooseberry Patch's <i>Slow Cookers, Casseroles & Skillets</i>.<br />
This is part of the Real Farmwives of America "In the Kitchen with Gooseberry Patch" project.<br />
Over the next couple of months, I'll be blogging 10 recipes from this book, then giving away a copy.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.realfarmwivesofamerica.com/"><img src="http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a405/crisgoode/ITKGPbadgeFINAL.jpg" /></a></center><br />
<br />
Now, I know that's a rather pathetic-sounding title for this blog. But, I felt like I had to quote The Husband's review of the "Hannah's Lemon Chicken & Bows" I made last night.<br />
Actually, his full review went something like this:<br />
<b>The Husband:</b> "This was actually good."<br />
<b>Me: </b> "What's that supposed to mean?"<br />
<b>The Husband:</b> "Well, some of the stuff you come up with isn't... <em>(thinking carefully now) </em>so great. Kinda weird, sometimes."<br />
Thanks...<br />
<br />
Yeah, I'm not afraid to try new recipes <strike>all the time</strike> now and then to liven up the boring meals around here... And (sniff) they aren't always appreciated <strike>by my chicken nugget-eating family</strike>...<br />
Let me tell you, I don't see anybody losing weight at my house, so my culinary creations can't be <i>that </i>bad. <br />
But, I digress... Let's get back to the recipe:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Hannah's Lemon Chicken & Bows</span></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXG3kfuwitzNtqKJ8Iyw7yT3rWzw3YJ0xjlo6dAcb9tMY7n6472ZlIIXq3WIzqxTZZz2oT7FWwvMW9pZHj3kLpQmPq30QSa2niQpUXQySV8DTJN-ddzHe0HQuUlA1flyFyBD_fbdlPPwE/s1600/DSCN2108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXG3kfuwitzNtqKJ8Iyw7yT3rWzw3YJ0xjlo6dAcb9tMY7n6472ZlIIXq3WIzqxTZZz2oT7FWwvMW9pZHj3kLpQmPq30QSa2niQpUXQySV8DTJN-ddzHe0HQuUlA1flyFyBD_fbdlPPwE/s640/DSCN2108.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Most of the ingredients are pretty basic items, except, maybe the lemon.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_YPn5CSifR_XZKBMYPq8T2p8IOzArCck2ZfrrcHSmqds4fGzxAXsbDv_R-YzLD785h3Uv-POmkszQKFwQnENXoJn5wC3po3fcKV8YKgDOrN8CGG7GIZrV0sEx3ASaIxsNxj1wC5TEK0/s1600/DSCN2090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_YPn5CSifR_XZKBMYPq8T2p8IOzArCck2ZfrrcHSmqds4fGzxAXsbDv_R-YzLD785h3Uv-POmkszQKFwQnENXoJn5wC3po3fcKV8YKgDOrN8CGG7GIZrV0sEx3ASaIxsNxj1wC5TEK0/s320/DSCN2090.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started with some basic ingredient preparations, which means...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-9gFWRK9-lpP98dztuclOsBLN2DEq9M7HitwgUwS-pIzV7VMJT5V1E1JCCrIEAbHS6FoykOqKytaz0a0rjPrFS3uX7Cyb2h0LSO8hMTd-9xgVQaDzndqeMAop1kAoUjBgeyL6HpEdi4/s1600/DSCN2091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-9gFWRK9-lpP98dztuclOsBLN2DEq9M7HitwgUwS-pIzV7VMJT5V1E1JCCrIEAbHS6FoykOqKytaz0a0rjPrFS3uX7Cyb2h0LSO8hMTd-9xgVQaDzndqeMAop1kAoUjBgeyL6HpEdi4/s320/DSCN2091.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Get your daughter to start zesting a lemon, chopping onions and cutting the chicken.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YzcLx3lLwc7iFI24R5R0c11iniRe3eVLCrDdmgCj9QbV8B9r9dDG-kq2d_o2NLZZYiznAkSaydUtAkOkeb8ki6GMOGQdVp6AQI2rOi5NGv2yvnvnuaNZE8sopKOT5fdzVG0KYRfTvuo/s1600/DSCN2092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YzcLx3lLwc7iFI24R5R0c11iniRe3eVLCrDdmgCj9QbV8B9r9dDG-kq2d_o2NLZZYiznAkSaydUtAkOkeb8ki6GMOGQdVp6AQI2rOi5NGv2yvnvnuaNZE8sopKOT5fdzVG0KYRfTvuo/s320/DSCN2092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Saute the onion and garlic in a skillet with the olive oil.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddYdK5_VCRJYQK9eNLbz2rRIxefpvntE0Xw2Ax4wOrtyhyphenhyphenAXbG0FHgGlQQxvTQPtnSC_TJ-2u3HEflnwHg0md8sEFNuA-3lFTo_P3Wycf_JfDYRMJ7RrvI7es8BoRX_3S2jEIoufm1rs/s1600/DSCN2094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddYdK5_VCRJYQK9eNLbz2rRIxefpvntE0Xw2Ax4wOrtyhyphenhyphenAXbG0FHgGlQQxvTQPtnSC_TJ-2u3HEflnwHg0md8sEFNuA-3lFTo_P3Wycf_JfDYRMJ7RrvI7es8BoRX_3S2jEIoufm1rs/s320/DSCN2094.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When they've cooked a few minutes, add the cubed chicken breasts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now is the time to start the water boiling for the bow tie pasta.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhie9dXILkh2lzrZEA-_0-q82h3ewcIhkaprGQxRnj72ZOJbNe0iYn0TUrL3CeJ3MerHXYTddK1ijVlE9bUWjK3phXeDvpbG6ltiTyje7b_LziUFwvpGyYVRdrqoHzepz20Xng3xbZiYUk/s1600/DSCN2098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhie9dXILkh2lzrZEA-_0-q82h3ewcIhkaprGQxRnj72ZOJbNe0iYn0TUrL3CeJ3MerHXYTddK1ijVlE9bUWjK3phXeDvpbG6ltiTyje7b_LziUFwvpGyYVRdrqoHzepz20Xng3xbZiYUk/s320/DSCN2098.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next add the basil and half the lemon juice</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBgTI3K8115MFeYySQ7XjjuVJfB48a1t-puRtv6lSxgpdfk0NAEOT5XRcQtadD4hv-7z3uDmcCi7yKEVSHuieL2PfueuvOBzLRcsyVTw0Wc8FYKCqUk5O9sHEDkYfva3dFq6p77f-bu4/s1600/DSCN2099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBgTI3K8115MFeYySQ7XjjuVJfB48a1t-puRtv6lSxgpdfk0NAEOT5XRcQtadD4hv-7z3uDmcCi7yKEVSHuieL2PfueuvOBzLRcsyVTw0Wc8FYKCqUk5O9sHEDkYfva3dFq6p77f-bu4/s320/DSCN2099.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Meanwhile, get the lemon sauce started by melting a stick of butter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then add the flour to thicken.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCw8papdxK37FfOEt1LiPwjMR8rgocK6creIsTU9NHd8tm3LOiPt4Vu7218Vzb-Fbu3roicDh_5tfJfzwUG1gyd6OgaZ3OKZxgUgtSsKs94n3f68gD5dOBCzv82ZL4uY54WQma86qepQ/s1600/DSCN2100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCw8papdxK37FfOEt1LiPwjMR8rgocK6creIsTU9NHd8tm3LOiPt4Vu7218Vzb-Fbu3roicDh_5tfJfzwUG1gyd6OgaZ3OKZxgUgtSsKs94n3f68gD5dOBCzv82ZL4uY54WQma86qepQ/s320/DSCN2100.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Keep stirring that chicken and the sauce.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(This is where the kids come in really handy!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When the sauce is thick and bubbly, add the chicken stock and the rest of the lemon juice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Keep stirring.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYF8JGRHSmNS4pkyKuoSRcHJiSSgKUyDvf5_3tryWKQpYohpm8cV8Ja00TQCFkDtqK4swE-QGyBZlnqMJpomhQiWFKHdt3WXLPHXbvrbw-atOckPMk119iJBr2Wh2v2D2VG_DiSN-gGY/s1600/DSCN2101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYF8JGRHSmNS4pkyKuoSRcHJiSSgKUyDvf5_3tryWKQpYohpm8cV8Ja00TQCFkDtqK4swE-QGyBZlnqMJpomhQiWFKHdt3WXLPHXbvrbw-atOckPMk119iJBr2Wh2v2D2VG_DiSN-gGY/s320/DSCN2101.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally, when the chicken is cooked, the pasta is done and the sauce is ready,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">combine them all and serve. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With a couple of family members who are sauce-averse, I don't usually combine</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">these types of dishes until I they are a proven favorite.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Yes, we're <em>that family</em> that eats mashed potatoes without even thinking about gravy.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ultimately, the lemony sauce was very good (even The Husband said so!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But, there was an awful lot for us. Next time, I would cut the sauce recipe in half.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Actually, I'm going to try to freeze the remaining half, so this dish will be even easier to whip up next time!)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienj4vp6utxi78aGh2_KCThMZNrRwfGL_d3aJnAksakrOE0NeTqfZTCJa6jZn-BhlcBG6nSr8lj24EjJyo_VgHmhwgIntA5d2-ps2Pm_5G5GUj3IhBVuH2Lh2FavUfBcBYO4KmuaNCY_w/s1600/DSCN2104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienj4vp6utxi78aGh2_KCThMZNrRwfGL_d3aJnAksakrOE0NeTqfZTCJa6jZn-BhlcBG6nSr8lj24EjJyo_VgHmhwgIntA5d2-ps2Pm_5G5GUj3IhBVuH2Lh2FavUfBcBYO4KmuaNCY_w/s320/DSCN2104.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I served it up with a side of steamed broccoli, on-sale cherries and sliced plums.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1chURP1T0hefJOGRpvcGr_vZUzKDiWqWd7fWztPcdxBgskII-4CGKNduA1LUwShVuoYTS3M8wwjOHEk1QQTo_2qbWilKefusiPvnm7Ucej7Xc61PfphkVM2AM0JMDPIkJY9CtjJOTZDo/s1600/DSCN2102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1chURP1T0hefJOGRpvcGr_vZUzKDiWqWd7fWztPcdxBgskII-4CGKNduA1LUwShVuoYTS3M8wwjOHEk1QQTo_2qbWilKefusiPvnm7Ucej7Xc61PfphkVM2AM0JMDPIkJY9CtjJOTZDo/s320/DSCN2102.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">This meal is definitely a do-over.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks for the fine folks at Gooseberry Patch, who provided two copies of this cookbook to me. Stay tuned, because after a cook a few, I'll be giving one away!</div>BigDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895137032835250175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032087692292897513.post-12987735303384290122011-08-30T21:05:00.000-04:002011-08-30T21:05:50.892-04:00Blowing the Cobwebs Off My Blog...I think I have cobwebs growing on my blog...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsctb_AvOqhs75ipmf8pVOgXjbubA3BUrUt55A6lmKLkj8BXhhNqOX1KbuUPf4Tf30vwsgQCzStRi1qP2UxNbpT6jmZCz4ib__diFexgdVMZLm46Y7wneobJzjKm0mikZT_annbWASRDM/s1600/cob+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsctb_AvOqhs75ipmf8pVOgXjbubA3BUrUt55A6lmKLkj8BXhhNqOX1KbuUPf4Tf30vwsgQCzStRi1qP2UxNbpT6jmZCz4ib__diFexgdVMZLm46Y7wneobJzjKm0mikZT_annbWASRDM/s1600/cob+web.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My schedule has spun out of control lately, with my odd hours at the State Fair, followed by the start of school, which brings tennis practices and matches for the girls. Late suppers and irregular hours.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I haven't even turned the computer on at home in at least two weeks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The dust and spiders are starting to build up...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I got a bit of a reprieve tonight when the tennis match was cancelled. So, we actually came home in time for a normal supper. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Only, I didn't have anything out to cook! (Wasn't planning on being here!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, I punted and we did salad for supper. With lunch meat. And I refuse to feel guilty.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll be a little more inspired in the coming weeks, as a pair of Gooseberry Patch cookbooks arrived in the mail today. Over the next several weeks, I'll be cookin' and bloggin' some recipes from "Slow Cookers, Casseroles & Skillets", then giving a copy away to one lucky reader. Woo Hoo!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Don't you love a slow cooker? You'll have to pardon me if I get a little carried away with that part of the cookbook. </div><br />
It's part of the "In the Kitchen with GP" project for RFOA.<br />
So, stay tuned. Let me know if you have any requests!<br />
<img src="http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a405/crisgoode/ITKGPbadgeFINAL.jpg" /><br />
<br />
In other news, our dear puppy, Butter, is doing much better. Our Not-So-Free dog has recuperated from her ear surgery. She had her stitches out on Saturday, and finally acts like she's back to normal. She finally quit sulking around the house. Next thing is to identify her allergy sources and figure out a solution. I'm thinking: Benedryl is our friend right now.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, I thought I'd join <a href="http://www.everydayruralty.com/2011/08/chats-on-farmhouse-porch_30.html">Everyday Ruralty for Chats on the Farmhouse Porch</a>...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>Questions for our chat:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>1. What was your biggest fear as a child?</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">A: Whenever I was sick, I would have this recurring dream about blobs. And the blobs were mean. There were mommy blobs and daddy blobs. And I would always wake up in total terror, afraid to go back to sleep.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2. How old were you when you learned to cook? Or how old will you be when you learn to cook?</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">A: I was about 10 or 11 when I learned to cook. My mom was in the hospital on and off for almost two years, because of two back-to-back cancer diagnosis. As the oldest daughter, my dad decided it was my job to cook. So, I did. Nothing fancy. My mom had me well-versed in all flavors of Hamburger Helper in those days. And fried bologna.<br />
Honestly, I didn't really start cooking for real until I got an apartment in college and picked up some pointers from my roommates.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>3. Did you have a favorite book as a child? What was it?</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">A: When I was little, little, it would have to be "Go, Dogs, Go." When I was big enough to read, it was "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>4. What's the busiest time of year for you?</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">A: August! I work a lot of odd hours at the State Fair, then school starts, along with the kids' tennis team, etc., etc... Hence the cobwebs growing on my blog lately!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>5. Have you ever won a contest?</b></div>A: Yes! The first thing I ever won was a jar of candy corn in third grade. I ate it all by myself (as any selfish third-grader would do!). Now, I can't stand the stuff!<br />
I recently won a basket of books from my local library. They called my house and left a message on the machine that I needed to call the circulation desk. That's all. Well, I drove my kids insane tearing the house apart looking for over due books. Why else would the library call me?!?<br />
Well, come Monday, when I finally called them back, ready to face the music and a pay a huge fine, I was quite surprised and relieved! And, I owed the daughters an apology!<br />
<br />
BigDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895137032835250175noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032087692292897513.post-73293949533738480492011-08-19T21:23:00.000-04:002011-08-19T21:23:19.409-04:00No Such Thing As a Free DogHeed my warning, all ye who may pass this way:<br />
Do NOT believe anyone who offers you a "free" dog!<br />
She may be cute. And cuddly. And sweet as a baby.<br />
You have GOT to stay focused and repeat after me: <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"There's no such thing as a free dog."</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"There's no such thing as a free dog."</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">"There's no such thing as a free dog."</span></b></i></div><br />
How, you might be asking, have I obtained such a jaded view of the world?<br />
Well, if you haven't already, meet Butter...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUN2lZC6YX72UThoqF9xCfQPqf93NyqI_bT0s3EFto_joPDy7j2O-p7z0quAOML1qTjFknWQug6n_eHFEux2xJGfOzxuLdSgJ11ay6fHJnjFF2phb00rEWKGAKShONK2l2VG2v4SCx9yM/s1600/butter2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUN2lZC6YX72UThoqF9xCfQPqf93NyqI_bT0s3EFto_joPDy7j2O-p7z0quAOML1qTjFknWQug6n_eHFEux2xJGfOzxuLdSgJ11ay6fHJnjFF2phb00rEWKGAKShONK2l2VG2v4SCx9yM/s320/butter2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I've never really been a mushy pet person. (People who know where I work in real life are probably snickering right now.) As someone who grew up with farm dogs that wouldn't have dared let a paw cross the threshold of our front door, I was a bit hesitant to welcome an indoor pooch into our house. But, let's face it: I was sure to lose this war with everyone else in my family envisioning cuddling in front a fireplace with a dog. So I relented.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZvg4m8SQ3wwCntHNqTMQ9RgcVxVLOxl_56tO6abI2e_9tJUHouOHnDBuOuwX3UnmS31g7vdPqoXpmejKvubBtBDDL9cmpMmAFIAd_hCCpiLe7WJBVwG27cIOvBe8eBhTaHDRxHGgnXZ8/s1600/DSCN1605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZvg4m8SQ3wwCntHNqTMQ9RgcVxVLOxl_56tO6abI2e_9tJUHouOHnDBuOuwX3UnmS31g7vdPqoXpmejKvubBtBDDL9cmpMmAFIAd_hCCpiLe7WJBVwG27cIOvBe8eBhTaHDRxHGgnXZ8/s320/DSCN1605.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
She came into our lives a few years ago, when her original family moved and couldn't keep her any longer. The dad loved Butter so much. In fact, we had to be pre-screened, then interview over the phone so he could make sure we'd provide a good home for his beloved pup.<br />
<br />
Based on that, I'm sure you wouldn't be surprised to know that this turned out to be an open adoption, including visitation rights. Yes, the original family still comes to see her when they are in town visiting family. Oh, yeah. And we send pictures periodically, so they can keep up with how she's doing. (They really are great people, and we count them as friends now.)<br />
<br />
Now, fast-forward a few years and I've really come to appreciate that no, Virginia, there is no such thing as a free dog.<br />
<br />
During her most recent trip to see the veterinarian, as a result of incessant scratching of her ear that caused a hematoma, our dear Butter has been diagnosed with allergies.<br />
<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Allergies?</b></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>In a dog?</b></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Seriously?</b></span></i><br />
<br />
Yes, says the DVM. Probably her food, but we need to figure out the source for sure.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Can't we just give her some Claritin or something? I asked.</span></i></b><br />
<br />
The best approach is to determine the source of the allergies. We need to start with the food. Prescription food.<br />
<br />
Yeah, new food. New food that costs a mere $3.58 a pound!!! Doesn't she realize this 86-pound canine eats about 45 pounds of food a month???? I can feed her boneless pork loin for less.<br />
Seriously?<br />
I don't spend that much on food for my kids.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSyInGO7IpEanfgA-FUXQfOKs3p_Ap9vHASElPDHkfKJFDoDkQ9ogxHMeX7sOsGRvt2uSap0Usinwwu5sHwg2aOBrVZTf2p_JZOkwZXKq7VFx-uJPUN8sqO4K412E-iZB8xm8ghvgwOI/s1600/butter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSyInGO7IpEanfgA-FUXQfOKs3p_Ap9vHASElPDHkfKJFDoDkQ9ogxHMeX7sOsGRvt2uSap0Usinwwu5sHwg2aOBrVZTf2p_JZOkwZXKq7VFx-uJPUN8sqO4K412E-iZB8xm8ghvgwOI/s320/butter.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I think it stands to reason that the dog would develop allergies, too. Since everyone else in the house seems to have increasingly bothersome allergies... including LittleD, who has developed an allergy <b><i>to the dog!</i></b><br />
Is it possible to find a winner in this situation??<br />
Maybe Butter is allergic to the daughter...<br />
<br />
So, I'm asking around and getting some other opinions and input for our options.<br />
Meanwhile, poor Butter had to get that hematoma drained and stitched up<br />
So now, she's looking a little pathetic with one ear bandaged to her head...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHLDglYsTNWzlXy-E72KU6QMlAagZFKHcXMUiq-SygEIkySia3cp4pTWV4w5JMz1lwGbA2vc7PQqIJlx2gFbwNdWZ_vGCHvEMuVK8Ccrm7UyyqTn2Vj5up8xUREv34szLzoKjAtxJaHM/s1600/DSCN2038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDHLDglYsTNWzlXy-E72KU6QMlAagZFKHcXMUiq-SygEIkySia3cp4pTWV4w5JMz1lwGbA2vc7PQqIJlx2gFbwNdWZ_vGCHvEMuVK8Ccrm7UyyqTn2Vj5up8xUREv34szLzoKjAtxJaHM/s320/DSCN2038.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Poor girl's going to be miserable Cone Head Dog for a few days. I feel so bad for her. Poor thing.</span></i></b><br />
<br />
That's what I'm thinking as I pay the bill at the front desk. That, and:<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">"There's no such thing as a free dog."</span></div><br />
<br />
<br />
BigDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895137032835250175noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032087692292897513.post-13578831379975600792011-08-17T20:13:00.000-04:002011-08-17T20:13:24.359-04:00My Turn: In The Kitchen Gooseberry Patch ProjectIt's my turn!<br />
If you haven't checked out the cooking series over at <a href="http://www.realfarmwivesofamerica.com/">The Real Farmwives of America</a>, take a minute and surf over and check out what's "in the kitchen with Gooseberry Patch".<br />
<br />
A bunch of my blogging buddies have been cooking up recipes from a GP cookbook selected by a vote on the blog.<br />
Well, it's my turn, and I need folks to vote on which GP cookbook I should use. Then I'll be posting 10 recipes over the next several weeks for everyone to try out. So, take a second and <a href="http://www.realfarmwivesofamerica.com/2011/08/last-but-certainly-not-least.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheRealFarmwivesOfAmericaAndFriends+%28The+Real+Farmwives+of+America+and+Friends%29">vote</a>.<br />
<br />
The good part? GP is going to bless me with a copy of the winning cookbook <i>and </i>one to give away!<br />
Then, tune in, because I'm surely going to have that slow-cooker plugged in and ready to go!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.realfarmwivesofamerica.com/"><img src="http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a405/crisgoode/ITKGPbadgeFINAL.jpg" /></a>BigDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895137032835250175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032087692292897513.post-51530099435271796112011-08-13T06:45:00.000-04:002011-08-13T06:45:47.270-04:00Funny State Fair PhotoBeen spending a little too much time at the Indiana State Fair lately...<br />
So, the other day, while I was working my booth, I got a drive-by of a scooter.<br />
Then another. And another. And, yes, lagging behind, another.<br />
This just made me laugh, so I had to share:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimllpVXfycU5O8OSg4x3Qlu6TYsXchvwUSTTeb-U-aq1Vi21a56wisHfen3ECdFmIKAPvly3NMhU9cthjVbTWM3GQ84DikHGRt9uqsVGcBEQyssfGFnMAM2cWim2wetU-PKfMbuziFpUg/s1600/scooter+parade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimllpVXfycU5O8OSg4x3Qlu6TYsXchvwUSTTeb-U-aq1Vi21a56wisHfen3ECdFmIKAPvly3NMhU9cthjVbTWM3GQ84DikHGRt9uqsVGcBEQyssfGFnMAM2cWim2wetU-PKfMbuziFpUg/s320/scooter+parade.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
BigDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13895137032835250175noreply@blogger.com3