H L Topic of Week Nov. 1-7 ~ Foods That Boost Brainpower!~

Good morning.

Dawn I got a chuckle out of your addiction. I bought some of them yesterday and some hummus, had some almost as soon as I could after putting groceries away.

I was going to fix your pic (can't remember the rest) last night but they didn't have ground turkey breast at the base. I made some soup instead,, Mel always has meat balls in the freeze and I sort of crumbled a few of them, I ended up with a huge pot. It just grows when you add some of this and that. Didn't have but a few red potatoes small, but I did have a sweet potato so I used that.

Me.has a dr's appointment this morning so going to put off riding the bike until we get back. We are also going by the place where he got his glasses to see if they can do something about them hurting his nose.

Muril glad Ms Nancy is better. It is so nice when they get back to normal after being confused. So far Mel has never been out of it.

Hi to everyone and have a great day.

Happy Friday Morning Ladies!

Hopefully, the day will fly by. Im not feeling like working today. It is horribly stormy out. It started yesterday morning and has gone non stop... and will continue until tomorrow I believe. inches and inches of rain, and lots of wind. The road out front of my property is flooded.Not sure why... maybe the drains clogged? I have no idea. Ill have to make sure and clean drains on the property today to make sure theres no leaves in the way of draining :)

Mom is coming up for this weekend. Im looking forward to seeing her, but the house always gets so messy when shes here... She brings all her stuff, and were only a one bedroom apartment so she sleeps on the couch, etc... just makes me feel like my house is a mess. I usually have it cleaned perfect  before she gets here so it isnt so bad to clean up after she leaves... but I just havent cleaned. The kitchen sink is already full of dishes... and now she will make more *sigh* I guess on my lunch break I can clean?

Sink was so full of dishes, I didnt have room to wash teh coffee pot... so i bought starbucks this morning while at safeway :) Any excuse for a great latte. LOL. Also had a coupon for cheerios (1.00 off 2 boxes).... and they were already on sale at the store, so got an alright deal. The biggest box of Honey Nut Cheerios was actually cheaper than teh regular box, for some reason...

Dawn, sorry about your farmers market! Im sure you will find something else to do during lunch, and somewhere else to go.. and imagine, you wont be tempted now for a poboy :P

Rebecca, your welcome :) Im glad you got them, I was getting worried maybe they got lost in the mail. You are so sweet for driving the girls to their old school though. I can imagine how hard it would be to change all the time, so very nice of you to do this to make them more comfortable.


Plan for today...

Breakfast - Frosted Cheerios, 2 pieces of toast, and a latte

Lunch - Chicken and Ham sandwich on croisant (sp?)

Dinner - Leftover Tater Tot Casserole

Have a great day everyone!

Oh, Dawn, I wouldnt have passed up dollar candy bags either. Thats a great deal. Safesways is on "clearance" and they are still 5.00 for the big bags. Whatever! Good idea on freezing em. Outta site, outta mind.

 wow  rebecca - you sure have some busy days!  It makes sense not to switch schools right now - especially if you don't know how long you'll have them. Hope you get a little quiet time today :-)  My younger sister had a sensitive thing about socks for a few years (yes years!) when she was younger, couldn't stand the feeling of a seam anywhere on her foot. Remember back 20 +years when we didnt' have internet or internet shopping?!? My parents had everyone searching for seamless socks LOL!!!!

dusta - hope Mel's appointment goes well.  I've got the picadillo on next week's menu :-)

 Natasha - sorry I missed you! I hit "post" and went off to lunch LOL!!!  Hope you have a good weekend with your mom. I can see how it would feel "messy", sometimes it's hard to keep organized with people over :-)   Oh yeah, I'll miss those sandwiches. Thanks for reminding me   LOL!!!!

Good Evening Healthy Ones!

I am kinda tired. Whine, whine. :)  Ms Nancy had a good day mentally but I am worried that she is retaining fluid in some parts of her body. She didn't eat really well today but did drink lots of liquids. Since she is retaining fluid, could be bad ....but she will get dehyrdrated without them so what do you do?    Well..... anyway, hope she has a good weekend. I always tell the nurse when she is retaining fluids and she gives her a lasix but we know all of this is just temporary. Don't know how much more time we will have with Ms Nancy. I had a pity party thinking that we can't go back to her independent perky self again. Blah, blah, blah and had to realize that I am there for her and it doesn't matter if it does hurt me to see her get worse. It's not about me, it's about her!  I have to be strong for her. Not easy but it is do-able. I read her the "Sugar Plum Tree poem yesterday- one of her favorite poems.  Today we stayed busy as a bee- gave her a shower, fed her b'fast, she went to therapy(I did laundry and had a couple of snacks to eat), then she had lunch and was down for a nap when I left. I always hate to leave on Friday because I wonder if she is going to do ok on the weekends.... :( I just pray "God be with her till we meet again. "

Dawn, I ate 3 small kitkats and 1 small hershey today when I came in. Don't feel bad. I thought I deserved it because I had a splitting headache and was feeling bad about Ms Nancy and then thought, "OK, just because I feel bad, doesn't mean I have to stuff myself with sugar"- then I stopped.  I hadn't had lunch so I had some whole grain chips and hummus for a snack to tie me over until supper(well the candy bars would have been sufficient except they didn't have any nutritional value). LOL

Rebecca, the fried chicken strips sound yummy. I used to dip chicken strips in batter and fry them in oil and we called it "Chicken done right." The boys loved them growing up. It is similar to LJS's batter. I may have to dig it out and post it on one of our threads- it's a simple recipe but you have to beat the egg white separately and fold it in so a little trouble. LOL Good stuff though- not sure how healthy it is. :) I hear you on being tired. I think two days of getting up at 5 has taken its toll on me- I usually get an afternoon nap but haven't. I may go to bed early tonight. Tomorrow we are getting a lady to clean our house(only the third time I have paid someone to do it. ) She needs the money and I need a break(mostly it is the detail stuff that you don't normally do)I told her she could split it up into two Saturday's if she wanted but she says she thinks she can do it all tomorrow. She works as a housekeeper on the independent side where Nancy used to live- and she has to give her paycheck to her DH(I know it is awful but you can't change the world)...what we pay her for cleaning our house is her money though and he doesn't get any of it. I told DH I felt good about getting it done. She gets money and we get help. Plus, per hour it is way more than her regular job- sad but true. I think she should quit her job and just clean individual houses-she would get way better pay but wouldn't have the insurance- always something. :(  Anyway, we are going to make ourselves scarce tomorrow and let her do her thing. We don't have a lot of surface dirt that you can see- just the deep cleaning.  She kept saying thank you, and bless you. I need to recommend her to some more people so she can get some more work- she is really good too!

Dusta, how did the bike ride go? I admire you for doing it later in the day when you have to get out early. I should have done that when I got home(got a workout in) then I may not be feeling so tired. :) How did Mel's appt. go? Good, I hope!

Natasha,speaking of latte, this is funny about coffee. Picture this, Miss Nancy is sitting on the shower chair(in the bathroom) getting dried, lotioned up and dressed by me. The cna peeks around the bathroom door and says she has brought Nancy's breakfast tray in. Then she asks if I want a cup of coffee(they have them on the cart) and I say "sure"...then Miss Nancy thought it was about her wanting coffee and said "Yes, I think I do want coffee." I cracked up when I later told DH about it. She hadn't had coffee in months but wanted it today and drank it. :) Isn't that funny. I never did tell the cna about it. :) Phyllis will crack up- we love to entertain each other about these things.  Miss Nancy was in pink today and wore her pink hat. :)

Ok, going to wind down.... I need to get a package ready to mail out tomorrow but may do it in the morning- am feeling lazy.   I have some towels in the dryer and the shower curtain in the washer- I can't let the cleaning lady see our dirt.   I am thinking of cleaning the bathroom mirror. :) This is way too funny. LOL

Muril - You are a saint with Miss Nancy!  (((HUGS))) and keep on the bright side of her stories!    Tomorrow you and DH will love walking into a "detailed" home!  LOL on having to "clean up" the house before the cleaning lady arrives!

Natasha - Enjoy a wonderful time with your DM!  I also like things neat and in it's place, but the love and time shared with family is worth the mess for a short time.  :)

Dusta - My homemade soup multiplies for I'm cleaning out the refrigerator and finding more yummy items to throw in!  Hope the appointments went well and the bike ride was smooth!

Rebecca - I LOL when I read you claiming you are lazy.  Far from that idea!  Raising your own family and extending love to envelope additional foster sisters, run a household, and extra errands, etc ... you are incredible to keep that schedule!  You deserve a good rest!  Keep up the fantastic work!

Dawn - Your DH knows a great bargin!  Reeces PBC's for $1 you can't pass up!  LOL!  Have a great weekend with the family!

Debi - Great to hear you are feeling better and having the energy to run in our gorgous weather!  You are a devoted daughter and I'm sure your DM and her boyfriend look forward to your visits.  I try to stop by my Great Aunt's who was 99 in September at least once every other week.

Jeannie - Your muscles on your arms and back are so defined!  Amazing! 

PammieJ - Thank you for sharing your new published recipe!  Definately one to try!!!

Jet - How are you holding up?  Hopefully things are settling down so you are not in so much pain.

Yesterday my BF from KC drove and met me at After School Tutoring.  We splurged and went out to dinner and then to see "Wicked"!  We were both impressed by the talent, costumes, and props.  What an evening to remember! 

It was very late after we drove home.  We got up early to go out for breakfast for DM wanted to join us and chit-chat with her.  When I came home from school I made another 9 dozen cookies.  3 dozen for tomorrow's tailgate party, 3 dozen for next weekend's tailgate party and 3 dozen for DF, DM and unfortunately I to snack on.  LOL DM has HID our family 3 dozen so we don't finish them in 2 days!  I was suppose to tutor tonight, but they cancelled.  I could use the money, but I am exhausted so I'm ready for bed. 

Oh!  DM & I did our "canning" of niblet corn and green beans yesterday and will again this weekend.  WM has Green Giant cans on sale for $.50 a can here!  We stock up and put it in our basement.  The sales clerk said she might get some and hide it under her bed at that price!  LOL!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Good evening ladies,
Sounds like everyone has had a busy Friday. 
Talking about the little candies - - - I've just been ignoring the sale items in the stores -
Putting them in the freezer only makes them better IMO
So now that you all think I'm so strong..........................
I bought Mocha Almond Fudge Icecream - - - OMG!!!!!!!!   
I look for it every time BlueBell goes on Sale - - - and it's hardly ever there - - - -but there it was - - - - - just looking back at me from inside that darn freezer - - - - - - - - -- -
Dh and I have just about finished the 1st 1/2 gallon - - - - -
I bought 2.

I've been boiling/crock potting Chicken Breast all day - - - - I usually get those when they are on Sale also - - - and cook them - - -shred them - - - freeze them - - - for future recipes. 
Saves a lot of work when I need them.

Tomorrow is opening day here in these parts of the woods - for Deer Season. 
Hope dh gets one, but I sure don't want to see the poor thing until it's in Freezer Paper.

Muril - sorry to hear all of that about Miss Nancy.  But you never know, she could get back into the swing of things, even if she doesn't get to go back to her apt.
It is hard to watch and be involved in though.  I wish I had more help with Mom -
I also wish - you could send your lady to my house to do the 'heavy cleaning' - - - oh how I would love that.  I'm like you though, I would clean before she got here, so she wouldn't see my dirt. LOL

Natasha - sorry you are stressed over Insurance/doctors.  Insurance is just so expensive anymore.  We have private - but our deductibles are so huge, just so we can afford it.  Then it always goes up a little every year, whether we use it or not.
Enjoy you visit with your Mom this weekend.

Dawn - bummer, about the Farmers Market closing for the year.  I was always jealous of your Friday lunches. LOL

Dusta - How did Mel do at the Dr. Appt?  Hope he's doing fine.

Well, Waving to all who are here - - - -
Talk to ya in the morning - - - - - Won't be running in the woods around here tomorrow. 
Debi

Hi Kris

We must have been typing at the same time.
You sure make me want some cookies LOL
I'm going to have to make it to WM - - - those sound like good prices.
I read somewhere that they had 40 cent a lb Turkey's too.........

Oh & Rebecca

You DESERVE a good rest girl!   I don't know how you do it all.   

Debi - You and your Dh must be related to our family!  2  gallons of ice cream at a time and both would be finished by tomorrow evening!  Revel in your indulgence!  :-}!

Hi everyone!  I think it's so cool that we are getting so many posts these days, guess we just have so darn much to say!

Jeannie, is it you who hurt your muscle and can't lift weights?  See, that's why I don't do that ... a person can get hurt!  HEE HEE just kidding, I am so envious of your "work out ethic"  I need to find that in myself!

Kris, I guess sometimes my body gets tired, but my brain hurts just reading about all the stuff you do!  for the life of me I could not tutor anyone ... although, I did agree to be a mentor for new foster parents, I dunno ...   I can't believe you can bake all those cookies and not eat them up!  You are brave!  I bet Wicked was good, I hear it's a great show, isn't that fun to see so much talent - it always amazes me how many talented people there are that it really must be amazing to hit it big!

Debi, ooooooo that ice cream sounds good ... I haven't had any in ages.  I bought some WW frozen treats, but sooo not the same!  Oh, if I was able to ... I might be driving to the store right now in search of some!  I am weird about ice cream, I don't wanna share it with the kids!  HAHAHA  I want it alllllllllllll, because if I start dishing it up, that's it, it will be all gone in one sitting ... how sad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I found out that the average "lifespan" for a new foster home is only 18 months ... can you believe that?  After all the training and everything, that's a really short time.  We've been doing this for 5 years last month!  Of course, that includes people that only foster to adopt and stop once they have adopted.

Tonight I made mexican lasagna, so good, but lacking some spice cuz I used the green chilis I had in something else!  Oh well, it was good, the kids all ate it!  Yee ha!  We went thru a pan of brownies in 2 days and I didn't even have one!  Can you imagine that?  I think this weekend I'll bake a cake and see how long that lasts.

The teenager that we have now figured out that her brother (he's in another home) got new clothes so now she wants to go shopping ... if only it were that easy.  She's irritated with me now cuz I'm like, I can only buy you what you need (and you have to take into account my budget, my hubby doesn't get paid til Wednesday!!).  The clothing allowance (what you get reimbursed for) is so small, $89 ... who made that up????? ... that you have to be really careful, cuz if they need boots or a winter coat then you can't let them spend the $$ on jeans!  I have no clothes in my stockpile that are for these ages, I only have little girl clothes.  So, I told her that I will take her and her sister to Walmart tomorrow cuz her shoes are too small (but I thought, well, heck, what if you were still at home?) and get her a pair of shoes and see what else they NEED ... should be interesting!  Usually the teens expect me to buy makeup and all that kind of stuff, so we'll see.  I took one teen shopping, and apparently I must have had extra $$ cuz I bought her a bunch of makeup and the next day she ran away and took it all with her!  HAHAHAHA  Showed me!

Muril, I think you are a saint, how wonderful for Miss Nancy that someone she loves can give her a shower instead of an aide doing it.  Even though I'm sure they are fine, when I was in the hospital, after a week of sponge baths (or whatever they did to me, since I was out! I don't really know) it was quite a humbling experience to have someone have to shower you while you sit in a chair!  The CNA that helped me was really nice, but still, it's so weird!  I hope that Miss Nancy continues to surprise you!  One thing I figure is that we don't know when it will be our time, so better be ready and better just appreciate each day!  Oh man, there I go again!  I am so jealous of you having a house cleaner - and woo hoo for you for helping someone out in the deal.  That's pretty old school that she has to give her hubby her paycheck, huh?  yikes!  I have only had my house cleaned once and it was a truly wonderful experience!  hahahaha  I wish I could afford it a couple times a month, or even once a month, but ... oh well!  Something to dream about!

Dawn, your hubby is brilliant ... truly brilliant!  $1 a bag????  Shoot, I will get some of those tomorrow and freeze then use for XMAS treats, bday treats, etc.  Or for Friday nights, Tuesday afternoons, Thursday after lunch ... you get the picture!  YIKES I'm naughty!  Too bad about the farmer's market, I love those, here in the summer you get the farmers that come over from the western slope (where things like the rocky ford canteloupes grow) and their stuff is so darn good, they have great weather for growing, long hot days and cold nights.  I love going there and telling the guy ... I need a tomato that's perfect for today, one for 2 days from now, etc.  They are always right!

Pammie, WOO HOO on the recipe, girl, that sounds great!  I can't wait to try it one of these weekends.  Now, for the technical question ... how long did it take from your submission to the publishing?  I am a BAD NAUGHTY field editor, I have yet to submit anything!  ARGH!  the pressure!!!!!!!!!!!

I need to make vegetable soup, I love it so much, my hubby is like, yeah, whatever, soup is soup but I say, no wayyyyyyyy  the homemade stuff is so much better.  This isn't anything fancy, just cook the soup bones til the meat falls off, strain the broth, add the veggies, serve with big hunks of bread (okay, that's my fav part ...) and eat til you bust!  HA  I think I might make it after Thanksgiving.... we shall see!

Okay, I know I missed folks, but I love you anyway!

XXOO

Good morning.

I sinned greatlly yesterday! We ate Mexican yesterday after dr's appointment, had hot tamales. I love those things and hadn't had any in a veery long time. At least I didn't eat a ton of the chips, a few, probably the reason I didn't was because I didn't like the salsa too sweet.

Mel's appointment went well, did some blood work and the med he takes to keep his blood from be too thick is doing it's job. The only thing that concerns me is this new dr doesn't check him, didn't listen to his lungs, heart nothing. He is in the military, reserves, and he does the same thing Mel did when he was in the Air Force. So he talks to Mel about that and yesterday they talked about Iraq and Obama not doing anything about more troops. He knows what Mel has been involved in and can tell he is impressed/admires a 92 year old man that survived all he has. It is amazing, and think if it were not for men of his generation we would be speaking German or Japanese.( sort of on a soap box), sorry I worry about this (Mel's health) and haven't mentioned it to Mel yet. His dr that retired checked him, did ekg at least once a year. I am sure he had ekg when he was in hospital last March.

When we ate out yesterday we forgot to leave a tip, going back and give it to him.

Hi to everyone and have a great Saturday.

Dusta - I'm impressed that you would make an extra trip to leave a tip!  If a waitress/waiter did a good job I always tip nice for I know it's part of their salary.  A friend of mine waits tables and tends bar.  His opinion of the tip is if I did a good/great job please let me know for it's like "renting" my space and part of my salary.  If I did something wrong Please Let Me Know so I know how to correct something next time.  DM & I always argue about the amount to leave ... now it's a running joke between us!  Would Mel mind if next time at the dr.'s you would ask the doc to "check him out".  That's the main interest and what you pay for.  I would be sharing the same concerns.

Rebecca - Now you have me wanting homemade vegetable soup!  I'm drooling with your description.  We ususally fix an arm roast for Sunday lunch and the leftovers meat and drippings is the base of our soup.  It makes heavenly lunches to heat for school.  I'll have to look at next week's menues.  The tutor who cancelled called last night around 8:45 and we did math problems over the phone for 45 minutes.  Sending him prayers this morning for he is trying to pass an entrance exam to get into a school for Practical Nursing degree!

Leaving in 10 minutes for the big rival game!  K-State vs. University of Kansas.  I'm decked out in purple from my visor, earrings, shirt and socks.  We might have a chance this year.  Fingers are crossed!

Have a beautiful day!

Happy Saturday morning Dusta!  You and me, up with the chickens!  Well, at least you didn't eat too many chips yesterday!  Sometimes you have to just give yourself persmission to enjoy the food I guess!  How come I don't feel that way about salad?  HAHAHA  That is so interesting about Mel's Doc not listening to his heart and lungs ... my Dr. does that everytime and that isn't even where I have any issues at all ... I thought that was just an automatic thing!  Maybe you could slip him a note next time so Mel doesn't think you are interfereing or whatever and the Doc doesn't get embarassed or something. I think that is cool, though, that he respects and looks up to Mel.  Nowadays so many people forget that men (and women) of Mel's generation did make this country what it is today.  Without their sacrifices, you are right, we would not be the free nation we are ... I don't wanna speak German!  It's interesting, I don't really care if people support the war or not, but dang it, you better have some respect for the fighting men and women!  Okay, I shared your soapbox today!   I have to say, I think it's awesome that Mel has such an advocate in you, good job, Dusta!

Well, since the rest of you are lolling about in bed ... HAHAHA  I know you're really not!  I am off to make a very big, very lovely pot of coffee and then have a shower after hubs gets home ... my little girl keeps waking up so early, she is not old enough to appreciate the sleeping in concept!  Oh well, get more done that way, don't we?!

I hope you all have a super day and weekend - be good now!

XXOO

GOOD MORNING Rebecca!  We were UP and typing at the same time.  Savor your cup of coffee!