So...whats for dinner?

LuvRVing

We are at the hotel in Devens, but they don't have rooms ready yet.  The lobby is filled with people waiting for a room.  The hotel folks have the Patriot game on, cheese and crackers and veggies.  They are trying...  They said they got power just a little while ago..  We asked about that before we made the reservation, so someone must have fibbed.  It will be nice to have a flushing toilet and hot water, never mind tv and heat!  Tomorrow I'll go to my daughter's house in Acton and spend the day.  DH has to be in Shrewsbury, so this hotel is in a good location. 

JoyceK lost her power last night after ours went out.  She went to her parents' house so she is safe and warm.  

Deborye - we all had dinner at Bamboo in Westford.   The place was jammed with customers!  When we went into the restaurant, most of the area was still out of power. By the time we came out, power was back in the general vicinity. 

What a crazy, crazy storm!!!

Bedo - brrrr... that's a lot of weight to sleep under!

Hauntie

I actually cooked myself a real dinner tonight - lamb chops, baked acorn squash and broccoli and carrots in a garlic and herb sauce. Ok - the veggies were frozen, but the rest was all prepared by moi. It was pretty damn good.

I've been off the board for several days, so I'm pages and pages behind. My almost 93 year old dad was in the hospital for several days with pneumonia and a UTI. He was then sent to rehab. They wanted him to stay a week. He lasted less than 48 hours before we took him home. He's up and walking with his cane, but still weak. He doesn't remember that he had pneumonia or that he was even in the hospital, so he couldn't figure out why he had to stay in rehab. I got him out of the house for a while yesterday before the storm hit to take him shopping for a new recliner.  He has a power lift one with heat and massage, but it's too big for him. He manged to slide down in it and was too weak to pull himself up. He was too far down for my DB#2 to use the power lift. He would have slid right out of the chair.After DB manages to pull him up and get him out of the chair. Dad comments that he's weak and should be in the hospital - no kidding. His memory loss and dementia are getting worse. If it wasn't for the housekeeper that comes every day, we would never be able to keep him at home. We may get to that point eventually and based on his brief rehab stay, it won't be an easy transition.

debbie6122

Laurie- I saw your woodstove on FB it looks very nice and warm!! It's great when you can get family to help out when you need them. I will be posting pictures hopefully by tuesday- The pictures taken on DH's phone are distorted we dont even look like us. My GF took some on her camera so when she gets back to california she will D/L and  send them to me.

 Hauntie- I am so sorry to hear your dad is progressing. Saying a prayer for him!  Your dinner sounds really elegant and delishious

For all of you who have lost power stay warm and safe!

I remember when I lived in ky about 3 years ago they had a major ice storm some were without power for months we didnt have power for a couple of weeks it was terrible, never been so cold in my life, and it looked like a tornado went through and devasted the whole area. Lukily our friends had a fireplace we camped out there until we finaly had power.

I have pork roast in the oven right now, I can smell the garlic!

debbie6122

I just got through watching 'The education of Dee Dee Ricks' On HBO (Documentry) It is about a millionare who gets breast cancer and then advocates for the poor who dont have insureance or money to pay for treatments, I wont give away anymore for those who want to watch it, but it made me cry.

LuvRVing

OMG...the hotel just put out prime rib, mashed potatoes, salad, etc.  along with the fruit, veggies and cheese that's been out.  I just heard someone say that they have been here for four hours waiting for their room.  They're doing their best under the circumstances.

debbie6122

At least you are eating good while waiting for a room LOL!  Are they serving coctails too?

LuvRVing

Haha, Debbie!  No cocktails!  Actually, we had gone out to dinner with our family so we didn't partake of the feast here at the hotel.

Kay_G

Wow, I guess we lucked out.  We mostly got ran and ice here.  Had over an inch of ice on my car Sunday morning.  Everything is melted now.  Hope you get power back soon.

Funny story from when my DH went to pick my DD up from camp this summer.  I didn't go because it was only a seek and a half after my sx.  She was in Hancock,NY and was in a couople of performances on Saturday at the camp and it was when that hurricane was coming through.  DH had a hotel for Friday and Saturday night in Binghamton, which is the closest "city".  When he left Saturday morning to go to camp and see her shows, he took all his stuff because with the hurricane wasn't sure if he was going to drivem back to Binghamton (half hour driv) or come straight home (3.5 hours).  They decided safer to go back to Binghamton and come home in the daylight.  They got to the hotel about 9 pm and went to the room, someone else's stuff was in there.  Since he had taken his stuff with him, the hotel (Holiday Inn) decided he had cheked out and given his room away!  I couldn't believe they did that.  They did end up being able to find them a omparable room (after first putting them in a smoking room where people in next room were smoking pot).  While they waited, they comped them with whatever drinks or food they wanted in the restaurant.  I think they got off easy. 

chabba

We rarely have extended power outages here but 4 years a series a storms blew through here taking out our power for 5 days and blocking all roads out of town.  When I woke up  at 6 am that morning to no power and a storm still raging I got dressed and went to the Senior Center.  We have a stock pot big enough to cook enough potatoes to feed 250 people.  We cook with propane so I filled that with water and put that on to heat for washing up after the hot water was gone, put on pots of coffee to fill all our thermal servers and started a 5 gallon pot of soup.  By 9 am someone had brought a generator to keep our freezers and refrigerators going ( we had to keep switching from one to another to keep them all at temp).  A young couple we had never seen before who were both professional cooks came in and I had put them in charge of the kitchen.  By then people were already bringing us the contents of their refrigerators and freezers.  I spent my time checking donations to be sure all food was safe to use.  For 5 days we served coffee and meals or snacks from 8 am to 11 pm.

When the power went out we didn't have a steak in the building.  On Wednesday evening we barbecued steak for over 100 people.  When the power came back at 11 pm the 5th day we had as much food as we did when it went out!

LuvRVing

Chabba - that is an amazing story!  People really do come through at times, don't they? 

Kay - I cannot believe that the hotel gave away your DH's room, how bizarre!  I think you are right, they definitely got off easy!

We are at the hotel.  Actually, DH had to go to a job site near here so that is why we chose this particular hotel.  We are staying again tonight unless something happens and the power is back on at our house.  The grandkids are here and just spent a couple hours at the pool.  DD is bringing lunch and then they'll go back to the pool, I think.  It's not too bad, but I am thinking of the food in my fridge that will probably get tossed out when we get home.  I doubt things are staying at the right temperature even though it's chilly in the house.  I guess that's one way to clear out the fridge.

apple

prime rib?

LuvRVing

Yup, prime rib!  Apparently they have a banquet center at this hotel and the chef was here.  It looked really good, too, a nice medium rare.  And the salad looked incredible!    I guess they served turkey, too.  I didn't look at it until it was pretty well picked over. 

bedo

LuvRVing, I am glad that things worked out.  I would offer for you to stay at my place, but it is a studio with 1 miniature poodle, 2 black cats, huge wrap around couch and king size bed and a fireplace, but even the animals are wearing sweaters!  Plus it's an historic cabin attached to the big house and not well insulated. Want to take me up on it? 

LuvRVing

Ah, thanks Bedo!  That's so kind of you, and I'll bet your place would be delightful...in July! 

This hotel room is actually a little suite with a living room area, microwave and fridge, and two queen beds.  We are quite comfy, plus the kiddos loved swimming this morning.  My daughter's power is back, so they will be all set.  Ours appears to still be out, so we'll stay here again tonight. 

Our home phone is going straight to voicemail, so our power is still out. 

debbie6122

Kay- Funny story, bet your DH wasnt laughing at the time haha!

Chabba- Its hard enough cooking for a lot of people but to do it while there is no power is amazing!

Michelle- Maybe it will be cold enough in your house your food will still be ok! At least the grandkids are enjoying themselves.;-))

carolehalston

The high was in the low 70's today with low humidity.  A beautiful day.  We complain so much about the heat, humidity and hurricanes here in south Louisiana but we do have some great weather, too.  It's very dry, though.  We've been sleeping with windows open.  So nice not to have the A/C humming.

Dinner was Dreamfield linguine with bought pesto, ratatouille and sauted greens (fresh small turnip greens and arugula from the CSA) and a green salad. 

Hope the power is restored soon in the NE.

debbie6122

carol- Tempatures in the 70's for me is just perfect. Our weather was beautiful today as well, about 67.

My DD had a haunted house in her garage tonight, she lives on base at fort stewart, georgia. They had bats flying around, cobwebs, spiders black curtains, everyone was in scary costumes, my GD was a scary nurse and my DD layed on a table with guts coming out of her stomach, about 1000 people showed up. she said that the children were so scared they were crying, some she said dropped there bags of candy and ran out. I told her those poor children will have nightmares for the rest of there lives LOL!

LuvRVing

I'm happy to report that we are home, the power and cable are back, and all is OK.  Not sure about all the food in the fridge and freezer, because everything was nice and cold when we walked in.  Power may have come on in the middle of the night.  I guess we'll have to use the "sniff" test to check for spoilage.  But I think it was chilly enough that things stayed cold and safe.  We'll eat some chili for lunch and see if we die afterwards...lol!!!  With the acid content of the tomatoes, I'm pretty sure it should be just fine.  Need to call JoyceK and see how things are going over her way.

Carole - I like Dreamfields, too! 

Last night we went to my SIL's brother's house.  We held a "Hide and Seek, Trick or Treat" for the kiddies as all outdoor Trick or Treats were cancelled.  The kids had a ball and we had lots of laughs.  We ate our lasagna for dinner, so that was a good thing.  All in all, we made the best of it and the kids have some great memories.

LuvRVing

Just talked to JoyceK, she was at work.  She still doesn't have power and she has several trees down on her property including one on her roof, although she doesn't think the roof is damaged.  She is staying with her parents, so she and they are just fine.  What a mess!!!

debbie6122

Joyce- Oh that is terrible, what a mess that storm caused- Glad you are all safe

Laurie08

Michelle- glad you have power back, but whats up with the no notice on your moms meds?  I hope things worked out ok.

Joyce- I hope your roof is ok and you are staying warm.  I hope it won't postpone your flight back to sunny Fl on Friday.

Things have been so busy here with the storm and Halloween.  But everything is good, I am glad things are melting and we will still have a chance to get our wood in with warmish conditions.  Tonight we are having the tacos that I had promised the kids last night.  We were home too late form trcik or treating to do much more than grilled cheeses.  Although the kids were full from candy, they didn't eat much.  But it's one night a year so we let them induldge.  Here are my tow boys from last night.

Laurie08

deborye

What adorable costumes.

DH and I went out to eat at the Glenview, only waited 20 mins.  I had Prime Rib baked potato, butternut squash and a Sam Adams.  Finished off the Prime Rib at home tonight.  Went down to my garden and picked a few sprigs of Rosemary and reheated the Prime Rib with the Rosemary under the steak, it was delish.

I used my new Coleman stove.

Still no power at home and no work.

peachy-pie

Tonight we had Crescent rolls with cheese dogs and cheese steaks rolled up in them with french fries.    I couldn't really taste them,  but they looked good.   LOL

SeasideMemories

Kay,



We didn't even get the ice here.... Just maybe 2 inches or so of wet snow didn't even stick to the roads... I feel so bad for all who are having to deal wirh this storm.... Many of the same places that got hit hard are still recovering from flooding due to Irene!



Michelle,



Glad you are able to return home!!



Joyce and Deborye,



Yikes! A tree down on the house and still no power... What a mess!! My thoughts and prayers are with you both!



Debbie,



Wow that haunted house MUST have been scarey for the kids to drop their candy!!! My two went to a haunted house that we had in our town... They said i was really good whichi is high praise from a couple of 'tough' late teens/early twenties kids!!



Laurie,



Ohhhhhhhhh so cute costumes for the kiddos!!! Almost makes me wish min were littl again... Almost...lol!



Carole,



We hit 60's today and i felt soooooo good compared to the last few days... 70's would hve been better yet!!!



Chabba,



What a great story!! There is a special place in heaven for people like you!! What a blessing you are to those who are in need!



peachy-pie,



Welcome!! This thread is lots of fun!!

chabba

Thanks Seaside and the rest of you who commented on the power outage story.  I do believe you will find similar stories is most small towns across the country.  Maybe not so much in other Senior Centers since we are totally self supporting and not bound by the rules of funding bodies..

My two big projects right now are planning, staffing (with volunteers) and directing the execution of our community family dinners for Thanksgiving and Christmas Days.  Most organizations will have their dinners on "some other day" because "everyone has family to be with" on the holiday itself.  In our town a LOT of people of all ages have to family nearby.  And we have way too many people living way below the poverty level.

SeasideMemories

Chabba,



I totally agree with you on the small town thing!! I live in a small town that was just devastated by flooding as the result of hurricane Lee... There were many areas here where homes had water up to the second floor... Just absolute devastation!!



Yet, in spite of it all, the stories of how so many pitched in to help were so inspiring.... The groups who went into the hardest hit areas to help remove contents of houses an strip them right down to bare studs before mold could set in... The people who, with their own money, bought food, assembled boxed meals and drove through the neighborhoods to distribute them, along with bottled water so that those working to clean up had a meal.... To the churches that held clothing and furniture drives... and the homes that had uncontaminated water who put signs out offering free water jug fills to whoever needed them....



We are still working to rebuild and it will be a long recovery but, I am so proud of this community!



Sounds like your area is home to some great folks, as well!

Laurie08

Chabba- I couldn't agree more about the support with small towns too.  We had a storm with hurricane winds come through here and our street lost power. Thee aren't many houses etc, but we had a generator and had everyone over here for food etc, we grilled out but we had lights and a flushing toilet.  Then we had neighbors who got power back before we did.  We went there and showered and gave our kids baths and in turn they fed us.  We all gave when we could and as much as we could and we all got so much more in return.

My neighbor just broke his leg, I have become his "surrogate wife"  I am home with the boys and stop up and make him lunch and help him however I can.  Good ol New England

debbie6122

Laurie- Those costumes are soooo cute, did you make them? Hope things are getting better from the storm there. Sorry about your neighbor, you are such a sweetie always helping your neighbors when they need a hand

Michelle- Glad you are back home, did you have too through food out?

Chubba- I agree with Seaside- there is a place in heaven for people like you, you are a great service to people in need.

peachypie- Welcome and cute name it makes me hungry for pIe LOL!

Deb- Prime rib Yum!!

Seaside- Thats awsome that your community pulled toghter after you flood, you realize just how great people are when they all pitch in and help

My and DH went to dinner with friends, He had bacon wrapped prawns and i had a rib eye, I dont do red meat too often but was in the mood, we split it so i got some of his it was very good

LuvRVing

Welcome, peachypie!

Debbie - you are up either very late or very early...lol!   I have not tossed food except for a few ice cream treats that seem to have melted.  The ice in the freezer wasn't even close to melting, so I am sure everything in there was ok and still frozen.  The temp in the house was in the low 50's, so I suspect everything in the fridge was probably ok.  We'll use the "sniff" test in the next few days and get rid of anything "suspect."  I had some lunch meat, a hamsteak and a package of hot dogs.  The lunch meat is the only thing that might not be OK.  The cheese, fruit, juices, veggies and all the condiments should be OK.  We'll buy new milk today.   We had some chili for lunch yesterday and it was just fine.  I made sure to heat it up enough to kill anything that might have grown, but the tomato acid probably protected it, too.  All in all, everything seemed OK.  And we figured out from our DVR recordings that power probably came on around 9:30 p.m. on Monday night.

My son and his SO still have no power, so they spent the night with us.  We ate the ham steak, macaroni and cheese, pineapple and glazed carrots.  It was nice to cook a whole meal for "company" and sit at the table.  DH and I usually eat in the living room in front of the tv.

Chabba - you are awesome! 

I'm getting my port removed this afternoon - yesssss!!! It is a nice "milestone" and I'll be happy to have it gone, even though it has not caused me a moment's discomfort.