Tuesday, November 27, 2018
2018 Humbug
I cannot believe this year. The topper is that yesterday a coyote mauled poor Winston right into the hospital emergency vet clinic. This is the second coyote and the biggest one that we have traipsing through our backyard in the same path as a herd of deer. Yesterday he became bold and moved to the pool area and our three dogs were outside. The next thing I heard was a squeal and Winston was down. Had I not screamed and cried and yelled making the coyote look up for a second in time for Winston to run bleeding to the house with 2 broken ribs and a series of bite punctures on his under carriage he would have been a goner. He spent the night in the hospital and is home now, but not moving, eating drinking or walking. They wanted to operate but the xrays did not show internal bleeding so I opted for another approach. I hope it works. Well, that's a cheerful note is it not?
We tucked Winston into bed and went to Sam's. I want to tell you about a discovery that we made on the trip before this one. It's a big bag of shaved blend Asiago, Parmesan, Romano all natural cheese for salads and more. It is great with fresh arugula and Marzetti's Simply Dressed dressing. On this salad is crispy fried prosciutto crumbles. Yum.
Friday, November 23, 2018
It's been awhile
Hello all. It has been a long time since my last blog entry. I have battled strep throat and pneumonia and got well in time to host twenty-five people for Thanksgiving day. We had two meals but the subject of the evening was how we cooked one of the turkeys. One 20 pounder went in the roaster and came out perfectly but the other was so surprising you might not believe how it came out. I saw the Pioneer Woman do a turkey the way her mother always did the Thanksgiving bird and it worked! Heat your oven to 500 degrees. Place your turkey in the 500 degree oven for one hour. Turn off the oven without ever opening the oven door at any time, leave the turkey to cook in the residual heat for six hours. After six hours you have a perfectly browned turkey that is juicy and cooked to perfection. Do not try this with a turkey that is heavier than 16 pounds. (We don't know what the heck would happen if it were larger.) I love it when new ideas work out.
Thanksgiving day was beautiful, but cold so we had several card tables set up for euchre. I was on fire! It must have been the bloody Marys or the bubbly. I could do no wrong when it came to cards that day no matter the partner. The bloody Marys had another twist; the vodka was laced with horseradish and came from a small country brewery in Kentucky. It lent a nice touch to these already delicious drinks. (Luckily they left us the bottle.)
Another fun adventure was Alyssa came home from New Orleans to shop for wedding dresses. I didn't think I could go because of the cough and sluggishness, but go I did and we had a wonderful day AND we found the dress! The first bridal appointmen (yes, they do that nowadays) was the place where we found Vera Wang. As soon as we entered at 10:00 we had glasses of champagne in our hands--well, they did, I had orange juice because of the medication. Six of us were there to yea or nay the dresses modeled by the beautiful Alyssa. When she came out in the Wang we all screamed and she knew, after the first five gowns, that she had found the dress. However, she had an afternoon appointment to keep, so I took everyone to lunch. We then went to the second shop knowing full well that we had found the dress at the first shop. She tried on three or four gowns but it is hard to compete with Vera when it comes to bridal gowns. I think it is so strange that Vera Wang wears only black. I have never seen her in anything else yet she turns out very nice gowns and rings but does not treat herself to color in any form.
Alyssa is getting married in Italy in October of 2019.
Well, that is not all that has happened! Alyssa's brother, Brooks, has gotten engaged to a delightful girl and he is beyond the moon in love. Brooks is an Army Ranger and is being deployed to the Middle East (WHY ARE WE THERE?????) in January for nine months. Besides, he is not allowed to get married before Alyssa--that's a rule. So 2020 spring AND I think they are getting married at Many Branches. Can I do it again? I hope so. We had David and Johnna's wedding here and it nearly killed me, but this time We will provide the place but her family will have to do the rest and there is a lot to do for a wedding and reception.
So, things are humming along. Andy is doing well and still taking classes at Ohio State. Nate is about to start his winter journey around the world starting in Colorado where he will ski and visit with his brother who is graduating from Pike's Peak this December. Mike is going out to spend Christmas with them so we will be scattered doing the holidays this year.
I am sure there is more to tell, but this will get you caught up. I wish you all happy holidays and a very Merry Christmas.
Monday, October 29, 2018
Cooking with nerves
I am trying to keep busy today. Bella is in the hands of the vet operating on her for two major problems. So naturally, I go to the kitchen to work off the worry. I have also gotten into John Grisham's newest book, The Reckoning, and I find it really gripping. I am also finishing The Paris Apartment which is good too and not what one expects from a title with Paris in it. It is usually someone from America making good in France. This one is different and does not have a recipe to fill a page.
Then there are the outside windows. I try to do a panel a day but there are soooo many and the weather is growing chilly around here. The economy is so good that it is now hard to find a reasonable rate on domestic jobs. Good on one hand, bad on the other. Oh well, as long as I can do it, it will get done.
Nate is very quiet about his winter travels. I think he has a new local girl, and may not stray as far as Australia and New Zealand and the Islands and Switzerland this winter. Love is in the air and we have three engagements with wedding in 2019. In fact, Alyssa and her Mother-in-law to be will be here next week and several of us are going bridal dress shopping. I am treating them to lunch and it should be interesting.
Thanks for reading. Writing has helped get my mind off Bella and the great Doctor Nicole.
(Rotisserie chicken ground in the food processor, homemade broth from the bones, ground carrots, potatoes, spices and a squirt or two of hot sauce and spices.)
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Judit Szanyel, a good site to visit
I HAVE FOUND THE MOST INTERESTING AND BEAUTIFUL SITE ON A FACEBOOK PAGE. It is by a woman who travels the world looking for and sharing wonderful art forms. This one in Florence is astounding. Just click on Judit Szanyel
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