So...whats for dinner?

Well, I split the difference--I did the cacio e pepe, but with shiratake noodles instead. May have gone a bit overboard with the pepper, though. Will let the tomatoes ripen an extra day, and have some green beans and cabbage crunch salad. Then either a tangerine or some cantaloupe.

Happy to see lots of folks back on the thread! And thanks, Carole! Glad to see that you are enjoying life back in the 'Northland'.

I totally cannot relate to cat behavior, but the descriptions are funny. I will never have to go through any of those situations since I am allegic to cats, so avoid their presence. Bedo you are having quite the time with your feline. Sounds like the two of you will be happy to relocate from camp!

This past weekend, DS2 and DGF came for a vist in NH, and to attend our beach association's 50th Anniversary celebration. A few women in the neighborhood (pas moi, who has not shown my face until this past week) planned and implemented a wonderful 'fancy' catered beach dinner, dancing, etc. One of our young members who got married two weeks ago repurposed her reception table decorations for our tables, so there were some very nice touches.

So Saturday, when it was sunny and beautiful out, we spent time in the boat with the "kids", then gussied up a bit for the party. Many gals even wore dresses. It was a riot to see folks dressed up and wearing make-up!

The dinner was catered by Hart's Turkey Farm, which specializes in that bird! It is not my favorite style restaurant, but there are a lot of basic roasted meat eaters here....including DGF , so it worked. In addition to turkey there was carved ham and roast beef. Even DGF was surprised that the buffet spread including just about everything that one might serve at Thanksgiving, and she likes several of those sides, so I was happy for her. There was a local DJ and lots of dancing, and former members from years ago who have moved on, as well as everyone who currently lives here. I always feel fortunate that we have such good neighbors in our large beach association.

Sunday we arose to the sound of rain...so after DH made eggs for everyone breakfast (chicken eggs for DGF and me.....scrambled duck eggs for DS2 and himself) we rode over to Meredith (by Lake Winnipesaukee) to check out some of the shops. Kind of amusing since none of us are really shoppers, but we did see some creative stuff, and picked up some little gifts for the grands.

On the way back here we stopped at a local restaurant/sports bar for a late lunch, early dinner, where I had a BLT, DGF had a hamburger, and DH and DS2 had lobster rolls, which were actually scrumptious looking! They confirmed that they tasted good, too.

Today, back to just DH and me.....it rained all day and we tried to spend time on the screened porch (my fave spot since it is 'among the trees'), and ended up feeling cold and damp. I had forgotten that we had tickets to attend a James Taylor concert tonight at a large open air venue about 40 minutes from here....and seriously I did not want to go, given the possibility of being wet and freezing (I know...hard to believe after so many 90+ degree days). But DH did not join with my resistance and we bundled up, got my clear baggie for a purse, and went.

It was a great concert and we enjoyed it despite the fact that our seats were really far from the stage. James Taylor was delightfully connected with the audience, and expressed much appreciation that people came despite the miserable weather. But of course, not many folks would want to abandon their tickets....like I almost did! Dinner was at one of the outdoor food stands....DH had his favorite sausage with onions and peppers on a sub role with a beer. I had a warm soft pretzel. We'd also brought some cheese/crackers snacks from home, and ate those during the concert. I'm glad we went....and actually there was hardly an empty seat in the 8,000 person venue, so I guess I was really being a wimp. I did not freeze, but was chilly, and fortunately the rain lightened up a lot during the concert.

Good lord, I go on.....

Sandy, I am enthralled with your Italian meals review! When we were in Italy, I don't think I ever saw iceberg lettuce in any misto. Lots of arugula, (rocket, to the Italians) tho, which I love. Enjoy getting back to lighter eating at home!

Returning in the boat to find the catering truck had arrived! Our happy crew during cocktail hour.

Happy for your DH and your "find", Special. But, boy, all we would need in our house is a cat to add to our current tendency to misplace things!! And yes I know about living with someone who misses that retrace your steps gene! Add that to a tendency not be visually oriented, and I am left to be the finder. Too bad cats can't be trained to return items for rewards!

Great cat training idea, Special! And best of luck to DD with the job opportunity! Sounds like she would be great in that role.

During our beach party, one of the elderly members (who I didn't see since we were on opposite ends of the crowded tent) sought me out and we had a nice chat. This lady used to do part-time billing for a group practice where I worked, and coincidentally we ended up with summer homes here. Anyway, I promised that I'd come by to have tea together one day. She mentioned that she has recently become diabetic. So, I'm wondering what kind of treat I can make for her that would pass the diabetic diet standards, so she can enjoy it. Any ideas appreciated!!

Lacey - Is this a treat to share with the tea? Salty nibbles instead of sweet? Cucumber open faced sandwiches, smoked salmon on rye, shrimp wrapped in bacon, stuffed mushrooms, etc. As you can see I LOVE appetizers or tea trays. Otherwise maybe a bread offering that either doesn't need sugar or can be adjusted to substitute agave? I have a whole wheat no-knead recipe. Loved your long post & the pictures.

Special - so glad you round the coin, and the ring. Truly lucky.

Bedo - I'm still having seafood envy and you're not even there yet.

Eric - when does DD move to school? My trip to Phoenix & Munds Park & the Grand Canyon & maybe Taylor, just got moved from early September to late October. Maybe I'll get to see fall colors, but I won't drive up to Taylor is there's already snow.

Susan - I imagine you're overloaded with the B&B, but hope you are OK and the kiddos & Olivia are doing well. Am I remembering correctly, your treatment is on one week & off two?

Arggggh....lost my post, which has not happened in months. It's late (actually very "early") so I won't try to repeat it. Basically want to thank you, Minus and Special for the diabetic "tea time"food ideas....and that cool sounding recipe, Minus! I'm thinking savory makes the most sense, so she can use leftovers for a light meal. Thanks so much!

Lacey, maybe you could check on Susan? I assume you have her phone number since you two get together occasionally.

Last night's dinner was designed to use up the left over grilled pork steak. I cut it into narrow strips. Also sliced an onion and a green bell pepper (colored peppers were $1.88 each) and sauted in a splash of EVOO. I'm using CA extra virgin olive oil since learning that the Italians dump their inferior EVOO in the US. After the veggies were about cooked, I added the pork to warm it up. Heated some bought white corn tortillas. Meanwhile I had cooked a can of chili pinto beans, reduced the liquid and mashed the beans to created a refried beans lookalike. Jar of salsa, avocado dip, and sour cream out of the refrigerator. Dinner was served in a do-it-yourself manner. It tasted pretty good even if it didn't pass the gourmet test.

Tonight's dinner must include leftover potato salad. DH's suggestion: Steak and potato salad. So a large ribeye is thawing. I may also do a packet asparagus preparation on the grill if the thunderstorms stay away.

Yesterday I visited a local meat market. The owner's parents are currently here at Pine Hollow, staying in their camper. I bought brats (not smoked), two bone-in pork chops, and a lb of their smoked bacon. We had slices of the bacon with our breakfast and it is very flavorful. A sweet smoky taste. The prices are a little higher than the supermarket but I like buying from local folks if the quality is there.

Finally, it is the height of cruelty to mention, ever so casually, lobster rolls!!!!!!

I could have bought some marvelous local artisanal olive oil in Tuscany last week--in fact, at the winery that had its own olive groves. But we were already bringing back some wine & limoncello and didn't want our suitcases to be overweight (as a liquid, we couldn't bring it in our carry-ons unless we bought it at the duty-free just before boarding). But after reading that Consumer Reports article about not just Italian but Spanish, French & Greek EVOO often being not only not EV but perhaps from another country, I began buying the top-rated California Olive Ranch Everyday EVOO. It's more expensive than Colavita, Bertolli, Alessi, etc. but I know it's EV and made only from California olives. It's just as green & peppery as the Tuscan stuff. No need for the single-vintage-dated stuff from Eataly or other gourmet stores. Instead of the Ligurian stuff for more delicate applications, I buy Cal. Olive Ranch's “Mild & Buttery," pale golden. (I also have a stash of teeny little bottles of Spanish olive oil from my flights on Iberia--which I forgot to bring along for cooking at the condo in Tuscany). Didn't want to have to either leave a bottle of olive oil behind--which the resort would discard--or bring it home, so I got a couple of little Colavita “picnic packs" with one-ounce bottles of EVOO and everyday balsamic or apple-cider vinegar and a packet of salt. Not very economical ounce-by-ounce, but no waste and no schlepping it home.

As for balsamic vinegar, I buy two kinds--mid-priced supermarket Modena balsamics for salads (I have a bottle of Kirkland “industriale" for deglazing pans when I don't want to use red wine); and a very small bottle of actual 25-yr-old Balsamico di Modena for drizzling on heirloom tomatoes, strawberries or gelato. There's no mistaking it--it's syrupy and intense (and not just too expensive but also too high a sugar content to use in quantity). I do have flavored olive oils (orange,blood orange, lime) and “balsamics" (grapefruit, lemon, and blueberry) from Old Town Olive Oil Company (where you can taste them straight from the tanks and then buy them in sizes from 8-32 oz., bottled while you watch). But I harbor no illusions as to their authenticity.

susan - you know where you need to deploy your spoons, and you have many! Just want you to know we care, and miss you, and worry!

But I do have energy to give you all some Olivia-time. Can you believe how much she has matured?

This girl is NOT gonna take any crap from anybody, eh?

*susan*

And your 'spoons' are pretty much serving size, Susan. Wishing you strength during this round of meds. And I'm happy to keep track if/when you need to drop this spoon for a bit. This month, probably via technology connections, since I'll be out of town mostly.

We drove home last night, or more specifically I drove home, since I am almost always the driver....and I was wiped by the time we got here....very late. Getting ready to head to MO appt. then food shopping....both fridges are almost EMPTY!......, then probably a quick grill (maybe Bison burgers) for dinner before heading back to NH. I am really tired today, allergies are peaking, further interrupting sleep. Darn!

I have mixed feelings about this MO appt. It is scheduled to be my last for a year, which leaves me worried a bit about being untethered to my MO safety net. If I felt great, physically, cognitively and emotionally, I'd probably be celebrating this "milestone" but on the whole, my quality of life feels so much lower than pre-dx. But maybe getting old is just creeping in in too many unwanted ways. Maybe this will be a moment for me to work harder at reclaiming or re-inventing my life....and I can stop complaining now.......

Oh, Carole, Minus, etc., I apologize for mentioning the "L" word. Having spent my undergrad years in the midwest, totally missing salt water fish, I should be more sensitive. :

Last night, before packing up, DH had leftover grilled chicken and leftover steak. I poached two eggs for myself....not the duck variety.

Oh my - Olivia is the greatest. Totally original & absolutely gorgeous. I too love the "you really think so...?" look. Or "are you in my way...?"

Lacey - good luck w/the MO. Please let us know. I have a couple more years with 6 month appointments since they're counting from the recurrence. I agree - it's most frustrating that I can't tell what body sensations & movement restrictions are the after effects of chemo & rads or just from aging. I don't know if it really makes a difference, but it pisses me off not to know.

Thanks, Minus.....and I agree about wanting to know the etiology of our 'bodily failings'....tho we may never.

So, I had a good appt with MO, and we decided I should get back on melatonin for my sleep issues. We also decided that it would not be a bad idea for me to have some neuropsych testing since I am concerned about not all of my cognitive skills being up to what they were pre- Dx. And, given my mother and brother having dementia...... So I took a melatonin tonight and I'm falling asleep as I write this.

The biggest news is that my MO is moving on to DF!! I believe I will continue with her there rather than try out a new person. I've had her for five years and we are a good match. She actually made my next appt for six months out rather than a year, which is comforting to me.

Went grocery shopping at home, and we grilled bison burgers with garlic and feta for dinner before heading back up here. Looking forward to a great weather day tomorrow.

chisandy - as much as I would like to take credit for the addition of pasta to the spiralized zucchini, I think that was susan!

Dinner last night was nothing to write home about - romaine salad with red pepper, scallions, shredded carrot and some roasted chicken breast with vinaigrette. DH had some of DD's birthday cake.

Thanks for the DD b-day wishes! I put the cake in the garage fridge so I would see it less for that very reason, although if I bake the cake I am somehow less inclined to eat it - I am the same with party food - I have no idea why.