So...whats for dinner?

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  • Lacey12
    Lacey12 Member Posts: 2,951
    edited November 2013


    So we went to Michelle's memorial...... and it was so good to see Rick and meet the rest of her family. We (Linda, Susan, and Laurie were there) passed along all the caring wishes from this thread, for which Rick was grateful. He is (as has been said before) a great guy, and it is heartbreaking to think of the painful grief work he has ahead of him. Michelle's adult kids are close to Rick, and that will make it a bit easier. The slides he showed captivated the many sides of Michelle.....all energetic! Michelle's daughters are also amazing....each in their own way, as are her sons. Christine gratefully received a lot of thanks from us for her regular updates on her mom, once Michelle could no longer type. I think she really appreciated hearing it in person.


    During the gathering, I connected up with a very longstanding friend of Michelle's, who, as it turns out, lives close to us. She has just retired and "is working it out" as am I. So she took my contact info so that we might work on some of this together. I thought after I gave her my info.....there goes Michelle....once again keeping connections going!!


    I was really glad to see Susan feeling well today (and of course she helped me figure out what to do with lots of Meyer lemons I have!), Lynda doing amazingly well and working on her winter fitness plan, and Laurie taking some time out of her super busy schedule (as she packs for Florida) to share time with Michelle's family and us, her local "thread-mates". :) Loved seeing my "faux daughter" and DH and I enjoyed the stories about her boys.


    You were all there with us in spirit!

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  • Lacey12
    Lacey12 Member Posts: 2,951
    edited November 2013


    I'm hoping that all of our sisters are safe from the ravages of that storm through the middle of the country. It has not reached us yet, but only big rain storms are predicted for late tonight and tomorrow AM, nothing like some of you have experienced today. ((((HUGS)))) to all.


    DH is bugging me to do a little coordinating with my ipad and computer...so off I go. Wish I had your tech talent, Susan. Glad we met today!

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  • carolehalston
    carolehalston Member Posts: 6,887
    edited November 2013


    Lacey, I have a big supply of Meyer lemons, too. What are some ideas for using them?

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  • Laurie08
    Laurie08 Member Posts: 2,891
    edited November 2013


    Lacey aka Pat put it all very well for our visit today. Since we are all very honest with each other, I must confess that I had quite a bit of anxiety going to Michelle's memorial today. It brought back a lot of what I experienced with my mother and my own fears of leaving my children. It was to the point that my DH would not let me drive myself there and brought me to the service and then went and killed time with the kids for a little over an hour so I could visit.


    Once I walked in the room I was in instant tears as I watched a slide show of beautiful photos of Michelle with her family- so amazing, full of life and always laughing. All I could think is, this is so unfair.


    Then I got to see the beautiful women from this thread and I was instantly calmed. I finally got to meet Susan who has the most amazing laugh- wonderful stories of her children and how she played violin. Lynda, looking amazing and healthy with such a wonderful glow.Pat, so bubbly and chatty and warm, I spoke with her husband for some time and he is a funny sweet man. I was so thankful we were all together- such a strange mix but so so good.


    DH picked me up and I got in the car and he looked at me and said- you seem better? I told him I was.


    My heart breaks for Michelle's family and I am so thankful to her for being the one who got us all together "in the flesh". I know that they have a nightmare ahead of them trying to live without such a vibrant and important person in their life.


    Hugs to you all and thank you so much for everything.

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited November 2013


    So glad you guys could go and bring our condolences - and had the chance to be together on this important day for Michelle's family.

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  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited November 2013

    Lacey, Lynda, Susan and Laurie, thanks for carrying us in your pockets today to say goodbye to Michelle.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited November 2013


    Echoing Nance with thanks to Lynda, Lacey, Susan & Laurie for representing all of us. Jan

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  • Moonflwr912
    Moonflwr912 Member Posts: 6,856
    edited November 2013


    ditto on the pocket thoughts. Thanks for taking us in your hearts to the service.


    The weather is pretty bad but no tornados nearby. The wind hasnt quit howling all day. Even the kitties are hiding.


    Much love.

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  • LovinMyMom
    LovinMyMom Member Posts: 34
    edited November 2013


    Thank you all so much for all your love for my mom. The memorial service went very well yesterday and I think mom would have approved. I appreciated seeing ladies from BCO in support of our family. My husband and I created a slideshow for the memorial and I wanted to share it with you here. I have to warn you it is not easy to watch. The song truly is my step-father's story of his love for my mom. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6fjLkCFmDA

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  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited November 2013


    Yesterday was a hard day. Thank goodness that Linda, Laurie and Pat were there. Laurie, I do understand your fear of course. There is a lot of anxiety connected with this disease generally, and more specifically, for the loss of your mother. It was so very brave of you to come. It was so very kind of your husband to drive you.


    My fears are a bit different, though equally real. For me, these services feel a bit like a dress rehearsal and force me to acknowledge my own reality [which most of the time I ignore completely!] I was so grateful to have a group to sit with. I am pretty socially inept and awkward, so would not have found another group to "join." Pat, on the other hand, managed to get a phone number and have a lovely chat with a stranger!


    I have learned to deal with my own sadness as one by one, people I know on the Stage IV thread have died. Deal is a purposely vague word here. What I still tears me up is the raw grief of others. I have no protections from this at all and Rich's raw grief came through when I spoke with him individually. He is crushed, lost, and devastated. As we talked, it occurred to me that he and my dear friend Pat's partner could find some solace with each other. They have both just retired to spend more time with their partners, who then died before the retirement plans were complete; just lost their loves; both of a certain age; and both love to travel. And mostly they are both mourning. Pat and Michelle were good buddies via email. Can't imagine why I didn't think of this before.... but Rich wants an introduction. Now I will see if Rick agrees.


    For those of you who could not come, the Celebration was in a large restaurant function room. The Yard is a Manchester institution. The last time they refurbed was probably 1952. When I lived in Manchester, years ago, people talked about this fabulous restaurant, luring me to go. Boy was it mediocre. It is one of those places that has better memories than food! Rich first spoke, dropping bullets points along the way due to emotions. He talked about her passion for family, work, friends, etc. When he was done, Christina spoke about her real passions: shopping, gambling, and shopping. She told some funny stories about walk-in closets in their Kansas City house. And then her dear friend Ann spoke about raising their children together, and Michelle's incredible intelligence and wit. Then they showed a slide show [which is when Laurie arrived.] The slide show, well many of you have seen the pictures. There was her Sarah Palin moment, her first marriage, with the children, her "hat" at the Boston get together, and of course, those silly rabbit pajamas. There was a small buffet set out along one wall, and drinks against another. Plates of homemade cookies made their way to the drink table. I didn't try those.


    When I got home, I knew I was too spent to cook, so pulled some lamb curry from the freezer and made some lentils and rice for dinner. Not bad at all for a curry that has been in the freezer since October 2012! Our two lambs are at the butcher, so clearing the freezer continues to be a priority!


    Be well,


    *susan*

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  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited November 2013

    (((Susan)))

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  • Lacey12
    Lacey12 Member Posts: 2,951
    edited November 2013


    Just lost a very long post.....once again! In a hurry, so will maybe try again later, maybe not.


    Christine.....thank you for providing the slide show link. It was so good to meet you in person. You reminded me so of your mom's high energy and authenticity!

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  • Moonflwr912
    Moonflwr912 Member Posts: 6,856
    edited November 2013


    Thank you Christina for thinking about us when your heart must be breaking.


    Hugs to all who went to honor Michelle's life.


    Much love to all.

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  • Laurie08
    Laurie08 Member Posts: 2,891
    edited November 2013


    Another busy day. Grocery shopping and hanging with DS2- I used an eye liner to make him a cat face and we painted our toe nails to get ready for Florida. Just a few things we did today- he said it was the best day ever. I had the neighbor kids here all afternoon and we had the Annie moving playing as the neighbors daughter is going to try out for the school play.


    Dinner tonight is eye of the round roast, mashed potatoes and gravy with some sort of veggie. I want winter squash but I know the boys won't eat it.

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  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited November 2013

    Tonight's dinner is a very uninspired mini meatloaves, mashed potatoes (think I'll throw in some garlic butter) and baby peas. DH, of course, is ecstatic.

    Speaking of inspiration, our family Christmas theme this year is British Isles. I'm trying to decide what to bring. English trifle is already spoken for and rib roast is out of the question (too many mouths to feed.) I'd love to make Yorkshire pudding but it needs to be something that's mostly prepared ahead of time, and the one oven will no doubt be occupied. I could do a shepherd's pie or Irish stew, but those seem kind of "everyday." Anyway, you all were quite helpful last year with the German theme so I'm tasking you with coming up with some suggestions for this year.

    TIA!



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  • Moonflwr912
    Moonflwr912 Member Posts: 6,856
    edited November 2013


    nance, Bubble and squeak- if only for the name! LOL


    Edited to add: toad in the hole- since you mentioned Yorkshire pudding.

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  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 7,209
    edited November 2013


    The most British thing for Christmas is Roasted Turkey. I know, I know.... but it is a really big deal there. In fact, one year there was a turkey shortage and there were threats of riots! I only know this since that was the year my daughter lived in London. In that same vein, perhaps a chestnut stuffing/dressing, or any root vegetables roasted and then pureed with spices from around the Empire. The British also love their "puddings" including the traditional Christmas Pudding. I can find out more from all my cousins if you are interested in making a dessert.


    Dinner tonight was a whole chicken, which I broke into pieces, grilled with Inner Beauty Sauce, served with a pile of steamed Romanesco and scalloped potatoes. Made a second potato gratin, and cut up some broccoli so the "kids" can have dinner when the boy gets home later. My kid is in paper-hell, and anything I can do to make her life better is up for negotiation! Bought a bunch of necks and backs and will make a bunch more stock either tomorrow or Wednesday.


    *susan*

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited November 2013


    auntie - Lemon Curd Tarts, or Cornish Pasties - you could even do small ones for appetizers. I have my Scottish grandmother's recipe for shortbread also, you need to make it well in advance so you can age it.

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  • naiviv
    naiviv Member Posts: 535
    edited November 2013


    Hello all,


    Filling my belly with comfort food before next chemo on Thur. I made... Lechon Asado, Frijoles Rojos, Arroz integral, Tostones and Ensalada de Berro. I am stuffed and smiling at the million calories. Roast pork, red beans, brown rice, fried green plantains and watercress salad. Did I mention beer.....Yuenglings Black and Tan...so good. Shhhh... and Flan for dessert.


    Laying back with computer on my belly....not moving.


    Vivian

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  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited November 2013

    Pasties as appetizers is a great idea, especially since the appetizer offering is usually weak at these things. Will investigate the Christmas pudding idea. Keep those ideas coming!

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  • luvmygoats
    luvmygoats Member Posts: 2,942
    edited November 2013


    Ah yes Christmas pudding. Has to be made well ahead. "Stir up weekend". I think either this weekend or next weekend. Gives it time to age.Winking


    The black beans and rice were delish. DH declined the wine vinegar but I put some white balsamic on mine. It was just fine not pureed as the vegies cooked way down into it. As you can tell we are not purists here.


    Anyone got something to do with oh about a # of fatty chicken skin? I skinned 9 huge thighs for dish for my ladies Bible study lunch tomorrow and now have this pile I hate to put in garbage. I did eminently simple lemon juice, garlic salt and paprika. Will prob. save 2-3 for us. That and making a "cheesecake" pie. Susan don't read this. Has cream cheese, vanilla pudding mix, yogurt, sour cream in graham crust. I haven't made one in ages, interesting to see what Greek yogurt does for it. Bet we're overloaded with desserts.


    Nancy - how about some excellent English cheeses with your pasties? You might look at the wonderful source Wikipedia LOL. But seriously has a quick overview. That's where I got the cheese idea. I think this sounds like fun.


    http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/party-food

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  • luvmygoats
    luvmygoats Member Posts: 2,942
    edited November 2013


    Found one on the link I'm going to make - the rosemary flavored olives.

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  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited November 2013
    Thanks luv, I love a good stilton or Cotswold.
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  • Moonflwr912
    Moonflwr912 Member Posts: 6,856
    edited November 2013


    Nancy can't you render the skin like cracklings?

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  • deborye
    deborye Member Posts: 7,002
    edited November 2013


    Rebekah and Nick called me a little while ago.....GUESS WHAT!!!


    Joyce, I would love to connect with you all, just let me know. I could not have gone to Michelle's memorial, I just wouldn't be able to hold it together. My husbands journey and death are still fresh in my mind. He was 61. My Mom was just 64 when she lost her battle with BC 17 years ago.

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  • Lacey12
    Lacey12 Member Posts: 2,951
    edited November 2013


    Carole, Susan's suggestion for the lemons was to make Meyer lemon marmalade. She recommended the recipe on Epicurious, and there are tons more if you do a quick search....probably all pretty similar.


    Tonight I met a friend at Not Your Avg Joe's for dinner and had their balsamic salmon with asparagus. I decided to skip the rice pilaf since I already had some of their dense bread with garlic olive oil and parmesan. So I had a second vegetable, sautéed spinach. I'm turning into a green queen! I left feeling semi virtuous...LOL. And I'll work the bread off tomorrow at the gym. ;)


    I am definitely seeing the advantage of all this exercise...while the scale seems stuck, my clothes are way looser. And today while at an elementary school, I missed seeing an errant crutch (oh those wild little 9 yo boys!) sliding in front of me, tripped on it, and yet was able to maintain my balance. Now I will happily continue those balance exercises!


    I know very little about English food, so am enjoying the suggestions for Nance.

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited November 2013


    Deborah - did she have an exciting surprise for you?


    luvmygoats - can you freeze them and later combine with some bones and scraps to make some stock?

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  • deborye
    deborye Member Posts: 7,002
    edited November 2013


    image

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  • auntienance
    auntienance Member Posts: 4,216
    edited November 2013

    Yay Deb! Congrats!!

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  • Moonflwr912
    Moonflwr912 Member Posts: 6,856
    edited November 2013


    Oh Deb I am jealous!!! Contgrats. So special and just makes me HAPPY. loving the Happy!!!

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