tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90139002024-02-19T05:06:01.739-08:00California MusingSusanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17613020416127729931noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013900.post-69993483759730806972013-07-22T12:00:00.001-07:002013-07-22T12:00:45.188-07:00Hope's Oven BBQ Steak<br />
1 1/2 - 2 lb Round Steak, about 3/4" thick<br />
2 TBSP oil<br />
1/2 cup chopped onion <br />
3/4 cup catsup<br />
1/2 cup vinegar <br />
3/4 cup water<br />
1 TBSP brown sugar <br />
1 TBSP yellow mustard<br />
1 TBSP Worcestershire Sauce <br />
salt & pepper<br />
<br />
Heat oven to 350. Cut steak into pieces. In skillet, fry steak in oil - remove to 13x9 baking pan after browning well on both sides. Add onion to skillet & brown. Add rest of ingredients. Bring to a boil, simmer 5 minutes. Pour over meat - cover - cook 1/2-2 hours until tender. <br />
<br />
TIP: Double sauce and bake potatoes in oven at same time--the sauce is GREAT over the top of them!Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17613020416127729931noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013900.post-19087768175164722252011-04-20T09:37:00.000-07:002011-04-20T09:40:07.709-07:00Last week of Lean Up Laguna Boot Camp!This is my last week of Lean Up Laguna. Time to look back and evaluate! <br /><br />I lost 10 lbs and 10 1/2", along with the 5 lbs I had already lost starting the beginning of the year when I joined the club. During 2010 I did the "yo yo" think, but was 20 lbs lighter at the end of the year. So that's a total of 35 lbs since 1/1/2010. I have 40 to go to reach my goal.<br /><br />I'm proudest of the strength I have gained! My plank went from 27 seconds to 66 seconds, and my wall squat went from 52 seconds to 106 seconds.<br /><br />Jogging was the last thing that would ever have ended up on my "bucket list", but I did two laps around the park and three around the volleyball court this morning, and jogged more of it than I ever thought possible! In addition to our tennis courts laps....five to warm up and 12 to cool down! (~_~)<br /><br />.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17613020416127729931noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013900.post-91272229311297654932010-01-10T05:19:00.000-08:002010-01-10T05:25:37.983-08:00Sacramento Couples CookingI'm writing a column for examiner.com and invite you to check it out.<br /><br />It's easy to follow me on Twitter or Facebook, or you can even subscribe and get updates when I post a new recipe! For details, click below and see the bottom of the post.<br /><br />Susan<br /><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-28794-Sacramento-Couples-Cooking-Examiner">http://www.examiner.com/x-28794-Sacramento-Couples-Cooking-Examiner</a>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17613020416127729931noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013900.post-87690131512984600722009-11-28T09:26:00.000-08:002009-11-28T09:27:46.563-08:00I love food blogs!My internet friend, Mara, writes a wonderful food blog. She is getting married today, so is obviously not blogging! (~_~)<br /><br />I was honored to be one of her guest bloggers.<br /><br />Check it out!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.imadedinner.net/2009/11/27/guest-post-susan-from-california-musing/">http://www.imadedinner.net/2009/11/27/guest-post-susan-from-california-musing/</a>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17613020416127729931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013900.post-43417947889628536212009-11-16T06:34:00.000-08:002009-11-16T06:39:12.636-08:00Deep Fryer GiveawayA fellow Examiner.com is giving away a deep fryer<br /><br />check out the details here<br /><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-10387-Easy-Meals-Examiner~y2009m11d16-Fryer-giveaway-and-homemade-egg-roll-recipe">http://www.examiner.com/x-10387-Easy-Meals-Examiner~y2009m11d16-Fryer-giveaway-and-homemade-egg-roll-recipe</a>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17613020416127729931noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013900.post-19533719241104329692009-10-10T08:41:00.001-07:002009-10-10T08:41:48.839-07:00Zesty Slow-Cooker Italian Pot Roast<a href=http://shar.es/1dQen>Zesty Slow-Cooker Italian Pot Roast</a><br /><br />Posted using <a href="http://sharethis.com">ShareThis</a>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17613020416127729931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013900.post-71208686491970983132009-10-08T11:59:00.000-07:002009-10-08T12:13:24.495-07:00A Round Tuit<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0AqQwFF6caBAZe3_9Obf0Z5FpjSpvn8CytxKFjsSHa5I2UYezuLQEZiuDrhjVxTl1y5EmdkL0NT05Ih2C8t3WcLSHnQOrhZisfQl7j4yYMqCKJ1AUo7mGcPWP53tXLTAZChrIw/s1600-h/32SmTobiassen.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 125px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 162px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390306503398151714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl0AqQwFF6caBAZe3_9Obf0Z5FpjSpvn8CytxKFjsSHa5I2UYezuLQEZiuDrhjVxTl1y5EmdkL0NT05Ih2C8t3WcLSHnQOrhZisfQl7j4yYMqCKJ1AUo7mGcPWP53tXLTAZChrIw/s400/32SmTobiassen.jpg" /></a> In theory the idea of being an organ donor had always been in the back of my mind. But for some reason I just never did it.<br /><br />Then a dear friend died while waiting for a kidney transplant. He was our daughter's "best college friend" and we came to know and love him while she was at Chico State. I can't begin to tell you how much he enjoyed life. Whether he was donating time to the Boy Scouts in Nevada City, whipping up gourmet dinners in his tiny Chico apartment, or earning his teaching credential so he could pass on his thirst for knowledge, everything he took on was done to the best of his ability and with every ounce of enthusiasm he had. He gave generously of his time to those he loved. He helped decorate for our daughter's wedding, and graciously made room for our out of town family and friends, even hosting the Bachelor Party and giving everyone a walking tour of the downtown Chico clubs.<br /><br />I couldn't get over the senselessness of his death. He had just turned thirty. He was a young man wise beyond his years, a man who knew how short life could be, and lived every waking moment.<br /><br />I kept thinking, "What if only one more person had donated an organ, Kevin might be alive today." And then I realized that someday, I might be that "one person" to someone else. That did it. I got "a round <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">tuit</span>" that very day.<br /><br />For more information visit <a href="http://www.donatelifecalifornia.org/">http://www.donatelifecalifornia.org/</a>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17613020416127729931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013900.post-28932881616568371822009-08-05T11:54:00.000-07:002009-08-05T11:58:02.104-07:00Fri<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFbgSq_N6rTd80YuJeenSfKTaSsoZRSQVOTKovNs7ETgOXMICQ7oELS8-OnsZMTIIJQrE0h4khN5lFfRE1dib90RH3VybXoYqXgi1KtrmFLwp_-7i_2xxcxcskF4gQ8VidyHAtQ/s1600-h/pics+046.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366555351885749634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFbgSq_N6rTd80YuJeenSfKTaSsoZRSQVOTKovNs7ETgOXMICQ7oELS8-OnsZMTIIJQrE0h4khN5lFfRE1dib90RH3VybXoYqXgi1KtrmFLwp_-7i_2xxcxcskF4gQ8VidyHAtQ/s400/pics+046.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Flowers</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Heaven on a plate! Fresh zucchini blossoms stuffed with just a bit of sharp cheddar cheese, lightly fried (egg wash, then dipped in a mixture of flour, panko, and Pampered Chef Italian Seasoning).</div><div> </div><div>Garnished with a bit more of sharp cheddar, and sprinkled with freshly ground black pepper (the only kind in my kitchen!) and Hawaiian red sea salt.</div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17613020416127729931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013900.post-4458347995047229362009-07-16T18:37:00.000-07:002009-07-17T12:05:33.893-07:00Lifelong Friendships<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZ-ct5jbxRNRe7oQR9Ai2Djt-rYAAB6egh_H5n5skJ4evwcmFC4J4IaEqJO7uM-FtnwrBaBDH-C4Pd7pOVq2iA3zSW0o6VgBfadthvI5rXGoKQ9odJgvsb9G30i3PxP04PQyUAA/s1600-h/June+2009+022.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px; float: left; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359237839450248994" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZ-ct5jbxRNRe7oQR9Ai2Djt-rYAAB6egh_H5n5skJ4evwcmFC4J4IaEqJO7uM-FtnwrBaBDH-C4Pd7pOVq2iA3zSW0o6VgBfadthvI5rXGoKQ9odJgvsb9G30i3PxP04PQyUAA/s400/June+2009+022.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">How many of you can boast childhood friends of over fifty years—ones you still stay in touch with and see as frequently as possible?</span> <p class="MsoBodyText" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I grew up in the very small community of <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1247857219_0">Loleta, CA</span> (up in Humboldt County---please spare me the “pot” jokes, I’ve probably heard them all!).<span style=""> </span>Growing up Loleta in the 1950’s was the best of times.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">A small town of about eight hundred (I used to joke that included the cows, but in fact, the rich dairy land in the Loleta bottoms probably had a larger populations than that of our human one).</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">One of the advantages of living in a small town like Loleta is the close-knit community feeling.<span style=""> </span>Any event you attended was merely an extension of the people you knew from home/school/church.<span style=""> </span>There was no need to put up a façade, or indeed, was that even possible, since everyone knew everyone else!<span style=""> </span>What you did on the playground, whose birthday party you went to, or even what you had in your lunchbox every day was public knowledge.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I attended first through <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1247857219_1">eighth grades</span> in the same school, and then went on to high school in the “big” town of <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1247857219_2">Fortuna</span> (population 5,000) five miles away.<span style=""> </span>There were cliques in my high school, same as today, but instead of the jocks and the cheerleaders, the geeks and the stoners we tended to stay in our own little small-town groups—Loleta, Fortuna, Hydesville, Rhonerville, Rio Dell/Scotia.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I have stayed in touch with two of my <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1247857219_3">best friends</span> from those years.<span style=""> </span>After high school it was <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1247857219_4">Christmas cards</span> and <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1247857219_5">birthday cards</span>, with an occasional letter or postcard thrown in.<span style=""> </span>After we all hooked up on the Internet in the late 1990’s, our friendship was easier to maintain.<span style=""> </span>So much so that when we get together now, we don’t have to spend a great deal of time getting “caught up” on each other’s lives.<span style=""> </span>We reminisce, we laugh, we cry.<span style=""> </span>We are comfortable in each other’s presence because of the history we share.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Earlier this month the three of us held a “slumber party” weekend in Sacramento. Although the kool-aid and potato chips were replaced by tapas and sangria, the giggles and laughter and friendship were as they had always been—easy and loud and full of love for old friends.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;">For more on the value of “old” friendships see:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nyc-plus.com/nyc13/friendsforlife.html"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1247857219_6">http://www.nyc-plus.com/nyc13/friendsforlife.html</span></a></span></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17613020416127729931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013900.post-19400225895578619552009-04-23T06:25:00.000-07:002009-04-23T06:26:41.731-07:00TFI Friday's Crisp Green Bean Fries<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3cA25VH9wGSWIIN1hT-Z13i_FcB3YsYzShzOXmD0_GWh0NRroUpv1jaARoWxjzmyx5u9rMdoc2DJbWH4Ho_Vs3dKv14J_2PM4TzKoriCEgWrR3q3tiHRw2BkZwtueqUqr6cEpw/s1600-h/green+beans.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327877548676040946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 231px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 146px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3cA25VH9wGSWIIN1hT-Z13i_FcB3YsYzShzOXmD0_GWh0NRroUpv1jaARoWxjzmyx5u9rMdoc2DJbWH4Ho_Vs3dKv14J_2PM4TzKoriCEgWrR3q3tiHRw2BkZwtueqUqr6cEpw/s400/green+beans.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Had these at dinner last night and can't wait to try a copycat recipe out at home.</div><div> </div><div>YUMMO</div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17613020416127729931noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013900.post-5675395191517326602009-04-05T07:56:00.000-07:002009-04-05T08:07:05.632-07:00Blue Plate Meatloaf with Bacon GravyFrom the Blue Plate Diner in San Francisco<br /><br />The meat loaf:<br />2 tsp. bacon fat or butter<br />1 medium onion diced small<br />5 cloves garlic minced<br />2/3 cups breadcrumbs<br />pinch of dried thyme<br />2 tsp. minced fresh sage<br />3 tbsp. chopped fresh italian parsley<br />1 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme<br />3/4 tsp dijon mustard<br />1/2 cup whole milk<br />2 eggs<br />pinch cayenne pepper<br />1/4 cup + 2 tbsp. ketchup<br />2 tsp. worcestshire sauce<br />3/4 tsp. red wine vinegar<br />3/4 tsp. ground black pepper<br />2 tsp. salt<br />a few drops tabasco sauce<br />1 lb. ground beef<br />5 ounces ground pork<br /><br />The gravy:<br />4 strips thick-cut smoked bacon<br />2 tbsp. butter<br />1 tbsp. olive oil<br />1 shallot thinly sliced<br />2 cloves garlic thinly sliced<br />1 tsp. fresh thyme chopped<br />3/4 cup dry white wine<br />2 1/2 cups chicken stock<br /><br />For the meat loaf:<br />Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 5 by 9 inch pan with nonstick spray. In a saute pan, add bacon fat or butter, onion and garlic, and cook over medium heat, until onion has softened, about 5 minutes. Take care not to carmelize the onions. Remove from pan and reserve. In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients except the meat. Let sit for 5 minutes, which allows the crumbs to absorb the wet mix and soften, preventing the loaf from cracking.<br />Add the meat and onion mixture to the bowl and mix by hand until well combined. Transfer the mixture to the greased loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes, rotating the pan half way through the cooking time. Let cool before unmolding.<br /><br />For the gravy:<br />In a large shallow saute pan over medium low heat, cook bacon with 1 tbsp. butter, the olive oil, shallot, garlic, and thyme. Add white wine, bring to a simmer and reduce for about 4 to 5 minutes to cook off the alcohol. Add the chicken stock and reduce by half. Stir in the remaining tbsp. butter and serve over the meatloaf.<br />Serves: 6-8<br />Total time: 1 1/2 hours<br /><br /><a title="Digg" href="http://digg.com/submit?phase=2&url=http%3A%2F%2Flooloosfavoriterecipes.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fblue-plate-meatloaf-with-bacon-gravy%2F&title=Blue%20Plate%20Meatloaf%20with%20Bacon%20Gravy" rel="nofollow"></a><br /><a title="del.icio.us" href="http://del.icio.us/post?url=http%3A%2F%2Flooloosfavoriterecipes.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fblue-plate-meatloaf-with-bacon-gravy%2F&title=Blue%20Plate%20Meatloaf%20with%20Bacon%20Gravy" rel="nofollow"></a>Susan's Notes:<br /><br />We made this last night.<br /><br />The meatloaf was good, nothing extraordinary, but the GRAVY is what made this recipe a winner! We used a “real” smoked applewood bacon (as opposed to a “sprayed on” hickory flavoring).<br /><br />We doubled the recipe, and kind of eyeballed some of the ingredients (i.e. 2 eggs instead of 4, a little less milk than called for, cut the garlic in half, used poultry seasoning instead of some of the herbs called for).<br /><br />One mistake we made was doing a single recipe of the gravy, because we had no idea how good it would be!<br /><br />Even though we simmered it down, it was still a little thin for our taste, so we made a slurry out of cornstarch and water and thickened it up a bit.<br /><br />This gravy will make it’s appearance again and again in our house!Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17613020416127729931noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013900.post-45917814542886052002009-02-10T11:55:00.001-08:002009-02-10T11:57:12.698-08:00It Comes In Threes?It was a long week.<br /><br />My sister and bro-in-law pastor a small church in Arkansas. They have really good friends from their Air Force days. I met the family at my niece's wedding a few years ago. I was especially impressed with the daughter, who was about 18. She radiated Jesus' love in everything she did (helping prepare for the wedding, cleaning the frig, cooking and feeding hoards of people). All with a smile all the time.<br /><br />She was accidentially shot and killed by her husband. They were newlyweds of less than three months.<br /><br />Then my daughter called to tell me that one of her daughter's classmates had died unexpectedly at home.<br /><br />And if that wasn't enough, she called me back to say that her husband's cousins daughter had died in a hiking accident. She was 20.<br /><br />Sometimes you just don't understand.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17613020416127729931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013900.post-59182249568466186062009-01-07T05:32:00.000-08:002009-01-07T05:59:51.590-08:00CONFESSIONS OF A REGIFTERThere, I said it.<br /><br />I'm a regifter.<br /><br />Born into it.<br /><br />Lived it my whole life.<br /><br />Delving deep into my psyche would probably discover the reasons why.<br /><br />I came from a large family where money was always a scarce commodity.<br /><br />I didn't find any joy in buying birthday presents for my friends. That shopping "trip" went like this:<br /><br />"Mom, Kathee invited me to her birthday party Saturday."<br /><br />"OK, let's look in the closet and see what I have."<br /><br />I didn't discover the joy of shopping for others until years later.<br /><br />And even then, somehow I didn't realize that when I regifted I was robbing them of the pleasure of giving.<br /><br />I always opened a gift with one thought lingering in the back of my mind, "Who could I give this to?", thus saving me that elusive spare cash for mundane things like rent, food, doctor bills.<br /><br />In the last few years, this has happily changed for me.<br /><br />I opened boxes containing earrings, pulling them off their cardboard backing and putting them on. I uncorked the bottles of wine and consumed them. I delved into the cookies and candies. I took the scarves and gloves and ripped off the tags and started wearing them. I proudly wrote my name inside the books, forever removing the temptation to regift them. I used the Starbucks card, instead of sending it on to a friend. I lit the candles.<br /><br />I opened.<br /><br />I used.<br /><br />I enjoyed.<br /><br />I have seen the light----I now consider myself a reformed regifter------because I am worth all these gifts chosen just for me!<br /><br />My favorite quote from Dr. Northrup:<br /><br />I do enough<br /><br />I have enough<br /><br />I AM enoughSusanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17613020416127729931noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013900.post-48520269414478049492009-01-04T05:16:00.000-08:002009-01-04T05:27:59.706-08:00RESOLVED: To Be PresentFor several years now, I have realized the importance of "being in the moment"----to "be present" no matter what I am doing.<br /><br />This was illustrated quite profoundly last week when I went to Sea World with our daughter and three <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">grandgirls</span>.<br /><br />There was a young man sitting in the row in front of us at the Viva show. <br /><br />Quite the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">multitasker</span> he was.<br /><br />With one hand he had his camcorder pointed at the action on the stage (or should I say water). The other hand was busily <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">texting</span> away on his cellphone. Somehow he had his map of the park spread across his lap, and was studying that, too.<br /><br />Yeah, he thinks. When I get home tonight I can watch the tape.<br /><br />What he didn't realize was something I could easily see sitting in the elevated seat behind him. The camcorder was pointed so that the heads of the performer had been cut off. What he was videotaping was virtually worthless.<br /><br />He had missed the show, both live, and later, on tape.<br /><br />How many of us go through life like this?<br /><br />When I was much younger and my now grown-children-with-children-of-their-own were young, I wished much of their life away. When they learned to (fill in the blank----sleep through the night, walk, talk......) life would be easier. Always wanting them to fast forward through whatever awkward stage they were going through.<br /><br />How much joy and happiness I let slip through my fingers.<br /><br />With the sand in my hourglass fuller on the bottom these days, I strive not to make that error with what time I have left.<br /><br />Resolve to be present in your life in 2009!Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17613020416127729931noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013900.post-28326928106690369812009-01-01T12:09:00.000-08:002009-01-01T12:10:36.058-08:00The Start of 2009Ah, come on friends, you KNOW there is a story here!<br /><br />Spent the last day of 2008 at Sea World here in San Antonio with our daughter and three grandgirls, aged 3-7. We stopped at Cracker Barrel on the way for our traditional breakfast. After Sea World was done, we met her hubby (who had to work) at one of the first restaurants they ever took me to, "Cha Cha's".<br /><br />Started with their premium margaritas at $27 per pitcher. They are simply the best margarita I've ever had. Smooth as silk.<br /><br />Then on to the chips and nicely spiced salsa.<br /><br />Gorditas were next, served with beans and rice. One ground beef, one pork.<br /><br />Good stuff.<br /><br />Got home about 7pm Suddenly extremely tired -- and can you believe that walking around Sea World for 6 hours only got me 7,000 steps on my new pedometer?<br /><br />Decided to forgo any New Years Eve's festivities, and went to bed.<br /><br />Woke up at 5 minutes after the beginning of the new year praying........to the porcelain god in the bathroom. Well, actually I was sitting on the porcelain throne with a bucket (the wastebasket) in my lap.<br /><br />First the margaritas<br /><br />Then the breakfast<br /><br />Then the mexican food<br /><br />Crawled back into bed, only to repeat the whole scenario every 20-30 minutes through the night. <br /><br />Soon it was once an hour, and now I am pleased to report it's been three hours since any incidents.<br /><br />I have consumed a bottle of water, a bottle of gatorade and six saltine crackers.<br /><br />Think this could be the start of a new diet for 2009?<br /><br />Hope your New Years Day started with much more fun than did mine.<br /><br />Happy New Year!<br /><br />SusanSusanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17613020416127729931noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013900.post-74016331904673686962008-12-28T05:35:00.000-08:002008-12-28T05:36:59.805-08:00The Longest DayThis takes the cake as my longest trip to TX.<br /><br />Left our home in SAC at 4pm Christmas afternoon, to arrive a the airport 90 minutes early as recommended.<br /><br />Flight was on time. Settled in at the gate, flight was on time.<br /><br />Started to read the latest Nicholas Sparks novel.<br /><br />Glanced up at the counter, and the flight suddenly showed a delay of 1 1/2 hrs!<br /><br />Scheduled for a 6pm departure, finally left SAC at 7:45.<br /><br />Arrived in Vegas at 9:10, boarded at quarter of 10. Then waited on the tarmac for a while, then had to be de-iced.<br /><br />Turbulence, not extremely bad, but enough to keep the flight attendants strapped in for most of the flight. Finally got peanuts and a glass of water about 45 minutes before landing in TX.<br /><br />By the time we got the luggage and drove home and crawled into bed it was quarter to 4 TX time. Allowing for the 2 hr time difference -- almost 12 hours after I left CA.<br /><br />But at least I didn't fall on my head this time.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17613020416127729931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013900.post-25437733425108105262008-11-26T03:26:00.000-08:002008-11-26T03:33:48.445-08:00Cornbread StuffingSorry, Mom, but this is the best stuffiing I have ever had!<br /><br />Fried up bacon instead of the smoked ham, and used the bacon drippings instead of butter. Used canned Trader Joe's whole kernel corn because that was all I had.<br /><br />Only downside------I made 1/4 the recipe (1 qt corning ware pan) because I didn't want to waste the ingredients if it wasn't yummy -- which is definitely was!<br /><br />A real keeper-----as one of my granddaughters says----------"Oh my starry eyed surprise!"<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>Michael Symon's Cornbread Stuffing</strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>Courtesy Food Network</strong><br /></span><br /><br />4 tablespoons butter<br />2 cups chopped yellow onions<br />1 cup chopped celery<br />2 cups fresh corn kernels<br />2 tablespoons minced garlic<br />1 cup diced red pepper<br />1/2-pound diced smoked ham<br />2 eggs<br />3 cups chicken stock<br />1/2 cup heavy cream<br />2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro leaves<br />2 tablespoons freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley<br />Salt and freshly ground black pepper<br />8 cups cubed and toasted cornbread<br /><br />Preheat oven to 375.<br />Melt butter and sweat vegetables until tender. Add ham and cook over low heat for 2 more minutes. Set aside to slightly cool. Whisk together eggs, stock, cream and herbs and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Combine all items, including cornbread, in a 4-quart lasagna pan and cook covered for 30 minutes. Uncover and cook for additional 20 minutes or until crusty.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17613020416127729931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013900.post-70005370109150857772008-11-05T06:07:00.000-08:002008-11-05T06:08:20.468-08:00Obama wins by a landslideEnough said!Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17613020416127729931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013900.post-17723958770549546292008-10-28T11:58:00.000-07:002008-10-28T12:00:22.375-07:00DiabetesAnother shoe has dropped.<br /><br />We've dealt with so much since DH's stroke three-and-a- half years ago,<br />and last week they diagnosed him with diabetes, as well.<br /><br />Took most of yesterday off to drive him to a diabetes education class.<br /><br />Most of the "work" following a new eating plan (and hopefully getting<br />him to exercise) will fall on my shoulders, even though the leader<br />today stressed it is not the caregivers responsibility to follow<br />through with the plans.<br /><br />She stressed that I should not be the "Diabetes Police", but when he can't/won't take care of himself, who else does it fall to?Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17613020416127729931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013900.post-82430326810871980592008-10-26T09:52:00.000-07:002008-10-26T10:09:01.668-07:00A Taste of Grey Poupon<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJif5OPQhRUxv_iZRRRxcu6t2PKI1f_MEaVixcjSp8G9vDebJh1qnG4j2Sze0MDVQ3UGi3Dm9KkRqx44hJfqj8FjN5pPqATTUY9G2STtmt84bRcXA8hfoCAePUXrL-vxyND2Ygw/s1600-h/Grey+PouponPoker+Party+005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261509033116985634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJif5OPQhRUxv_iZRRRxcu6t2PKI1f_MEaVixcjSp8G9vDebJh1qnG4j2Sze0MDVQ3UGi3Dm9KkRqx44hJfqj8FjN5pPqATTUY9G2STtmt84bRcXA8hfoCAePUXrL-vxyND2Ygw/s400/Grey+PouponPoker+Party+005.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2CqrMzGDox5fp9wboUcobuyR9qW5yxQx_9lrAFYaQALpuu25N-yBdKaL_vEL-5nLWnrCly_UbqFT6zqB3UL4HlJViW-KmgUCmSZbtUoQz8DjNIfafs5GPVm-5z0zILPb-0O0QQ/s1600-h/Grey+PouponPoker+Party+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261508641473465634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2CqrMzGDox5fp9wboUcobuyR9qW5yxQx_9lrAFYaQALpuu25N-yBdKaL_vEL-5nLWnrCly_UbqFT6zqB3UL4HlJViW-KmgUCmSZbtUoQz8DjNIfafs5GPVm-5z0zILPb-0O0QQ/s400/Grey+PouponPoker+Party+002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Have you heard of Houseparty.com?</span></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>It's a fun little website that matches your entertainment style with nationally known brand names, and offers hostesses free gifts when they are matched to one of their houseparties.<br /></div><div>It's a great marketing tool, as well as a lot of fun for the hostess and her attendees </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div>Last night several friends came over for my Taste of Grey Poupon party. We sampled the three new GP specialty mustards, along with the tried-n-true dijon variety. Dinner included Hot German Potato Salad, Spaetzle with bacon, carmelized onions and swiss cheese, Polish Dogs and Mini Wiener Schnitzel Sandwiches. For dessert I served individual apple blossoms.<br /></div><div>We rounded out the evening with Lemon Drop Martinis, Margaritas and a rousing game of Texas Hold'Em.</div><br /><div>I received (12 each) jars of mustard, recipe cards, GP coupons, mustard pairing wheels, GP measuring cups and the gift bags to hold them. In addition, as hostess, I received three jars of the new mustards, an apron and a DVD.<br /></div><div>Head on over to houseparty.com and sign up to be a hostess. It's a fun way to entertain your friends!</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17613020416127729931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013900.post-77340507435213003042008-10-12T23:57:00.000-07:002008-10-13T00:08:45.587-07:00Ultimate Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Cookies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSK_tOf7j-hBxFw4qdwesJ26yQor7QWRGsWLyi03jZNab-Enc8CcbTwOUQSQMxpqFBid_8ErSZ6N0grO1Wr2gjPYzBVme7kFJmKExCEjN2A4ZhaAZjx3ZHIJNzkPz7xiXNSwvTPg/s1600-h/ultimate+dounle+choc+chip+cookies.jpg"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256529339558243954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSK_tOf7j-hBxFw4qdwesJ26yQor7QWRGsWLyi03jZNab-Enc8CcbTwOUQSQMxpqFBid_8ErSZ6N0grO1Wr2gjPYzBVme7kFJmKExCEjN2A4ZhaAZjx3ZHIJNzkPz7xiXNSwvTPg/s400/ultimate+dounle+choc+chip+cookies.jpg" border="0" /></span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Ultimate Ghirardelli </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Double Chocolate Cookies</span></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Yield: 24 cookies</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">11 1/2 ounces(s) Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Chocolate Chips</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">12 ounce(s) Ghirardelli Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips<br />6 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter<br />3 eggs<br />1 cup(s) sugar<br />1/3 cup(s) all-purpose flour<br />1/2 teaspoon(s) baking powder<br />1 cup(s) chopped walnuts<br /></span><a id="ctl00_MainContentPlaceholder_RecipeForm_btnToList" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(/images/recipe_add_grocery.gif); WIDTH: 135px" href="javascript:__doPostBack("></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">In double boiler over hot water, melt bittersweet chocolate chips and butter. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">In large bowl with electric mixer or whisk, beat eggs and sugar until thick; stir into chocolate mixture. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">In small bowl, stir together flour and baking powder; stir into chocolate mixture. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Gently mix in semi-sweet chocolate chips and walnuts. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Using a sheet of plastic wrap, form dough into two logs, each 2 inches in diameter and about 12 inches long. As dough will be quite soft, use plastic wrape to hold dough in log shape. Wrap tightly; refrigerate at least 1 hour or until firm. (Dough may be frozen; thaw in refrigerator before proceeding with recipe.) </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Heat oven to 375°F. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Unwrap dough; with sharp knife, cut into 3/4-inch slices. Place slices 1 1/2 inches apart on greased or parchment-lined cookie sheet. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until shiny crust forms on top but interior is still soft. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Cool on baking sheet; store in airtight tin up to 1 week. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Susan's Note:</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">DH made these cookies today, and to say they were a huge hit with the family would be the biggest understatement ever!</p><br /><br /></span>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17613020416127729931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013900.post-17770178371857294162008-10-08T06:34:00.001-07:002008-10-08T06:37:52.022-07:00Will Wonders Never Cease?Can you believe it..........the VA actually followed up with ME yesterday, instead of the other way around!<br /><br />DH has fasting blood work next week, and then a visit to his new VA doctor the following week (i.e. two weeks from today).<br /><br />That will be about 7 weeks after his last appointment, so we will see what the effect of his new diet (but still no exercise, alas!) has been on his weight and blood sugar levels. He's down about 5 lbs. (me, too!)<br /><br />Yesterday a dear friend told me she'd hate to be in my shoes (dealing with a stroke victim on a 24/7 basis). What's funny is I'd hate to be in HER shoes (she has MS!) <br /><br />Isn't is the truth -- your burdens are always easier to bear than someone else's!Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17613020416127729931noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013900.post-91290161914642253322008-10-03T06:15:00.000-07:002008-10-03T06:20:22.823-07:00MIASorry I've been missing-in-action lately.<br /><br />The daily saga with DH's health continues.<br /><br />After two incredibly bad weekends (with him not feeling up-to-par) and his foul moods peaked on Tuesday, when his blood pressure dropped to 80/60. (Normally with a bag full of meds, his BP runs 140/80).<br /><br />It was an inconvenient as could be, with me being the only one in the office and it being the final day of the month, with billing to be done after 5pm.<br /><br />But there we were, on the line with the VA for nearly an hour trying to talk to a nurse and then trying to get an appointmen (after an hour on the phone I was told he should be seen in the ER).<br /><br />So off to the VA we went. Admitted to the ER where, after an IV, an EKG, and another ultrasound on the carotid arteries, they came up with...........nothing!<br /><br />The good news is they couldn't find a reason for the drop in BP.<br /><br />The bad news is they couldn't find a reason for the drop in BP.<br /><br />And so goes the story of life after a stroke.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17613020416127729931noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013900.post-17572187365730035602008-09-28T02:02:00.000-07:002008-09-28T02:03:36.986-07:00Trader Joe's Customer ServiceDisclaimer: We LOVE Trader Joe's. When we lived in Redding, it was one of the highlights of our trips to visit family in the SAC area (well, that and seeing the grandgirls! (~_~)<br /><br />Yesterday our final stop of the morning's shoppings/errands/yard sales was at Trader Joe's. I dropped Rollin off in front of the store while I parked the car.<br /><br />He was headed for customer service to pick up a motorized shopping cart (since his stroke 3 1/2 yrs ago, he tires easily and is easily confused when he is experiencing "sensory overload").<br /><br />Both happened to him yesterday morning, and I found him at the customer service desk where an extremely caring young lady (whose name unfortunately escapes me) asked him if he needed anything, and sent someone for a bottle of water for him. He offered to pay for it, but she refused.<br /><br />We of course thanked her, and proceeded with our shopping. I made a special trip back to thank her again while he took the groceries to the car (explaining about his stroke). She said she was just concerned and wanted to make sure he was OK.<br /><br />Now THAT'S customer service!Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17613020416127729931noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013900.post-64883051564627001042008-09-02T19:17:00.000-07:002008-09-02T19:18:23.791-07:00Country Bob's SauceWant a chance to win a free bottle of Country Bob's Sauce?<br /><br />Here's the info and link.<br /><br />Good Luck!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.themenumom.com/win-a-bottle-of-country-bobs-sauce#comment-109197">http://www.themenumom.com/win-a-bottle-of-country-bobs-sauce#comment-109197</a>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17613020416127729931noreply@blogger.com0