Doctor, Doctor.......

     

I woke at 4AM this Saturday morning and since I was still awake at 5:15 so I figured there's no since in waking hubby at this hour and I got out of bed.
I'm in pain so sleep eludes me more often than usual these nights. Some of you know that I've had health issues for well over a year now and that's one reason I haven't posted on my blog as much as I'd hoped.

     http://youtu.be/bwsykiN_tek?hd=1

      Sorry, had to inject a little humor in there.
The fact of the matter is I've been down more than I've been up. My search for a capable doctor continues, despite the many referrals I've been given since we moved to this city last July. I've come to several conclusions-one being the the state of health care in our country is horrible. As my story's come out, I've heard from many friends who concur that I am not alone in my struggle for just basic, decent health care. The theory that it's all about the money seems to be the case. The health industry strokes each others' backs more than they do the patients'! I'd like to get off the referral merry-go-round now, please.

      IF one is fortunate enough to find a doctor these days who is actually taking new patients, that's something to get excited about but don't hold your breath because it can take a month or longer to actually get scheduled on the books. Does anyone else see a direct correlation between an aging society and the NEED for doctors!? At the age of 54, I feel badly for the elderly who may be dealing with this nightmare. God help the person who decides to go to the urgent care facility. There's nothing *urgent* about it as we all know and I have another story I'll tell you later about those trips.

      The amount of paperwork a person has to fill out in order to see the doctor is enough to age anyone. While I'm on the subject of paperwork, can anyone tell me WHY, in these days of super high-technology, we must answer the SAME series of questions to half a dozen different individuals who, by the way, are EACH typing the answers into a computer?? Just FYI, I've asked the question straight up and didn't get a reply so don't waste *your* time asking.

      What really gets my goat is when the golden moment comes and the dr. enters the room to ask the very SAME questions!!! Need I remind him/her that I've only been allotted 30 minutes (at most!) for this rare opportunity to sit with him and he's getting ready to waste half of that time with this inane questionare. ~Sigh. Usually I take a deep breath here and just get on with it so I can finally start addressing why I'm here in the first place.

     Maybe it's just me, but I particularly find it annoying as all get out when I'm rolling along, answering THEIR question as to "what brought me in today", to have them begin interrupting me or arguing with me. This is usually preceeded by some rolling of the eyes--yes, I DID see that-----or a downright smirk. Just because you have a badge that says MD before your name doesn't always mean that you're smarter than a 5th grader.


     Whoops........wrong show. Anyway.......I have so many examples, but let's take this one: Female doctor #2 on my list diagnoses Plantar Fasciitis and I tell her I like to walk for exercise, asking if I can/should continue with that. She says, "YES, by ALL means, DO walk as much as you can". Great. Super-d-duper. After draining my body of *all* my blood (well, 5 vials FELT like it!), her office begins leaving a series of voice mail messages on my cell phone a few days later. One in particular, THE most important, is unclear, so I call to confirm. What I thought was "just continue on with your thyroid medication was actually "discontinue your thyroid medication". That CAN'T be right, I told me husband, so we call back; they reiterate.

      We drive TO their office and explain that I've been on this thyroid medication for 23 yrs. and was told by my surgeon NEVER to go off of it because all but a fraction of my thyroid was removed. I'd have felt better if they'd tapered me down in doseage but they would NOT listen to me. She wanted me off the meds for 6 weeks----I lasted 3 weeks and had been in a downward spiral and so extremely ill that hubby ended up taking me to the ER. The ER determined that in 3 wks. time my number had gone from .08 (WAY too low) to a whole number of 13. Emergency room dr. put me back ON a slightly lower doseage than I was on before this fiasco. If you don't have thyroid issues you probably cannot understand the drastic changes going off that medication did to my body.

      It took several weeks, but I can honestly say that the thyroid issue seems to have leveled out. No sooner did I begin to feel better than I got out of bed one night to check if hubby had put the garbage cans out on the driveway for pick up the following day. I opened the interior door to the garage and simply walked out, completely forgetting the fact that we have 2 steps there. I broke one toe, and that foot received major tissue trauma, not to mention the rest of my body. I was black and blue for about 2 weeks.

      Naturally, the broken toe is on the opposite foot which has plantar fasciitis, which I should explain required a podiatrist' opinion because it was hurting more as time went on and I knew that something was wrong. When I told him that I'd been given the ok to "walk as much as possible" he couldn't believe it!!! He said I shouldn't have been walking except around the house; no walks around the lake and parks. I'd aggravated the poor foot and if I say where I wanted to shove that injured foot you wouldn't hold it against me, would you? Relax. I'm only half-kidding.

      Let me just say that when BOTH your feet don't "work" you gain a whole new appreciation for your body and how much we depend on it for even simple things. Never, ever take that for granted!
I hobbled around for a few weeks and griped because I had NO. IDEA. that one toe could hurt for so long! I rested a lot, but I didn't stay completely down; it's just not in my nature. In the back of my mind, I knew it was likely only a matter of time before my new gait would affect my back. I have a long history of back issues, dating back to my mid 20-s. Which brings us up to date. My back started acting up about a month ago and at first felt like a pinched nerve which hurt, of course, but not enough to have me running to a dr.

      Besides----I don't have a "regular" doctor at the moment, so that complicates things. Dr. #2 was so inept with her treatment of my plantar fasciitis & the thyroid that after one follow up visit with her I vowed never to go back. She actually argued with me and when I tossed out the idea of checking my pituitary gland in relation to some of my symptoms she stated that, "the pituitary gland is in the BRAIN". I said, "I know where it is, but it DOES function w/the thyroid and adrenal glands, so what's your point?". That's when I saw a completely different side to Dr. #2's personality.

      She began arguing with me that I had the SAME symptoms on my first visit with her that I now had, sitting there that day. When I tried explaining that that was not entirely the case, she talked OVER me, and wouldn't listen. I asked her once again why she would take someone off thyroid medication completely and was she aware that I don't have a thyroid, for all intents and purposes. What sliver I have cannot function without a daily supplement or I could DIE. She said, "yes, it's right here" (pointing to a piece of paper in her folder, which stated the work *thyroid*). I swear that woman never asked me one question about my thyroid history before yankng me off the RX--just having the word scribbled in my file like a random thought was NOT comforting. I'm not about to pay good money for a doctor to talk down to me and refuse to at least listen to and respond professionally about my concerns.

      Physician #1 was just laughable. Really. I had to wait WEEKS to see her as a "new patient". When the time rolled around, I had a double-ear infection---I could tell. What they failed to tell ME was that my initial appointment would be 5 minutes. Yeah, you read that right....FIVE minutes. It takes more gas and time to drive over there than that! I was already there, so I planned to talk fast. Little did I know that the dr. would saunter in, spend the first 3 minutes telling me a little about herself (I'm not looking to marry you, I just want you to look in my ears!), then to rattle off the 5 minute policy thing. That left me 7 minutes at best. I told her I have a myriad of problems, but that TODAY I just needed to be checked for an ear infection because both ears were hurting.

      I acquiesed to the notion that anything more pressing would have to addressed in future visits....until she sat down at her computer and used up the last 5-7 minutes QUOTING word for word the corporate version of the "5 minute meet & greet" policy. Huh?! If this is a "meet and greet" then shouldn't there be appetizers and cocktails!? When done, she turned to me and said, "so, if you 'like me' and I 'like you', then we can call this successful and I can be your general doctor. Seriously!? This sounds like a play date. If I'd been told all this up-front by the ineffecient office staff, I would have at least been prepared in the knowledge that my current illness wasn't going to be addressed. As she was walking towards the door, I asked if she'd just look at my ears real quick and write me an RX if needed. She replied that she CAN. NOT. treat me the same day as a "meet and greet". What is happening in this field? Since when does ANY doctor refuse treatment?!?

      That was a $25 meet and greet and let me just tell you, it wasn't good for me. Ha ha! They did schedule me a few days later for my earache. I waited and waited and waited........another big turn-off for this office; doctor was NEVER running close to schedule. She breezes into the room and does a quick peek, exclaiming, "WOW, you're ears are both really red!" Shut. Up. NO WAY!! She quickly writes up a 'script because she states that she "squeezed me in; it's her lunch hour". Ummmmmmmmmm----I don't care. YOU told me (via YOUR office staff) to be here at this hour. I don't care if you have to skip lunch---you're a doctor and you're in the business of treaing ill people, correct??

Maybe not.

Mom's Butterscotch Pie

     Mom always waved us out of the kitchen when she was cooking, but I believe my love of good food and the preparation of creating something with love stems from my childhood. 
     My mother is a great cook and so was my grandmother and my great-grandmother.  My fondest memories are of Sunday and holiday dinners that my great-grandmother hosted when she was up there in years.  I'm still in awe of the fact that she desired to prepare such big feasts, let alone that her health allowed her to pull it off! 
     I've heard tales that if my Uncle desired "grandma's fudge" in the middle of the night, she would get out of bed, go to the kitchen and start making it!  Her dishes were definitely served up with a heaping dose of LOVE and that feeling is what I strived to provide for my own children. 
     I have two sons; the eldest does cook some of MY recipes, which warms my heart.  Meals around the table CAN create memories to last a lifetime!
     This pie is one of my very favorites that mom used to make, and she didn't make it all that often as she considered it kinda labor intensive, with the graham cracker crust and meringue.  Back in those days, my mother would NEVER have purchased a pre-made pie crust! 
     We actually didn't have sweets very often while growing up; except when company came for dinner.  So I prayed alot for company.....ha ha.
     My deprivation created an insatiable sweet tooth and the motto.........life is too short not to have dessert......OFTEN.  ~Enjoy~

Mom's Butterscotch Pie

1/2 C all-purpose flour
4 Tbsp. butter
1 pint hot milk
1/4 tsp. salt
2/3 C light brown sugar
2 egg yolks, slightly beaten
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Graham cracker pie crust, either home-made, or pre-made

Combine flour and butter over low heat (mom uses a double-boiler); stir till well blended.  Stir in hot milk gradually.  Continue stirring while cooking.  When thick, blend in salt and sugar.  Stir a little of hot mixture into egg yolks.  Return to sauce pan.  Cook over hot water 5 minutes.  Add flavoring and pour into cooked pie shell.

Meringue

***Best to use COLD egg whites

2 egg whites
1/8 tsp. cream of tartar
1/3 C sugar
Few drops vanilla extract

Beat egg whites until foamy.  Add cream of tartar and beat till stiff.  Beat in sugar gradually.  Add vanilla.  Spread all the way to the edges of the cooled pie.

Bake in 325 degree oven about 15 minutes, or until the meringue is golden.

Snickerdoodle Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting

Found in Family Circle magazine, June 2012 issue.  My stepdad's favorite cookie was the Snickerdoodle.  I love them too, and thought this recipe sounded too good not to try.  It's on my to-do list for this Fall!

Snickerdoodle Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Line two 12-capacity cupcake pans with paper liners.

Combine 1 box (18.25 oz.) white cake mix, 1 C milk, 1/2 C (1 stick) melted unsalted butter, 3 large eggs, 1 tsp. vanilla extract and 2 tsp. ground cinnamon in a large mixing bowl.  Blend with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute.  Stop the mixer and scrape down side of bowl with a rubber spatula.  Increase mixer speed to medium and beat 2 minutes more, scraping side again if needed.  Using a standard ice cream scoop, fill each liner two-thirds full.

Bake cupcakes at 350 degrees until they are golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed with your finger, 15 to 20 minutes.  Remove from oven and cool cupcakes in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes.

Remove cupcakes directly to the wire racks and cool completely, 30  minutes more.  Meanwhile, place 1/2 C (1 stick) softened unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl.  Blend with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, or until fluffy.  Stop the mixer and add 3 3/4 C confectioners' sugar, 3 Tbsp. milk, 1 tsp. vanilla extract and 1 tsp. ground cinnamon.  Blend with mixer on low until sugar is incorporated, 1 minute.  Increase speed to medium and beat until light and fluffy, 1 minute more.  Blend in up to 1 additional Tbsp. milk if frosting seems too stiff.  Spread onto cooled cupcakes.

Makes 22 to 24 cupcakes and 3 1/2 C of frosting.

Toasted Cheese Ravioli

Here's a simple meal for those days when you're running short on time.

Toasted Cheese Ravioli

Cook 24 refrigerated small cheese ravioli according to the package directions; drain.  Place on greased baking sheet.  Brush tops with 1 Tbsp. Italian salad dressing (I like the zesty Italian!); sprinkle with 1 Tbsp. seasoned bread crumbs.  Bake at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes.  Serve with warmed marinara sauce.
Makes 4 servings

Berry Popcicles

Here's a nice treat to help you stay cool! 
~Praying for all those affected by the drought this summer; Indiana's been particularly hard hit.

Here's hoping for cooler weather and much needed rain!

Berry Popcicles

Whisk together 1 1/3 C whole milk, 1 Tbsp. honey and 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract.
Evenly divide one 12-oz. package thawed and drained frozen mixed berries (or any frozen berry of your choice) into 10 ice pop molds OR paper cups (3 oz. each).
Pour milk mixture over berries.
Top molds with holders or insert wooden sticks into cups.  Freeze for 4-6 hours or until solid.

Garlic Rubbed T-Bones w/Burgandy Mushrooms

Came across several recipes in the Taste of Home magazine I borrowed from the library, which sounded totally tempting.  Thought I'd share them here.  I never share anything I haven't made or plan to make so if you do try any of these be sure to come back here and leave your feedback.


Garlic-Rubbed T-Bones with Burgandy Mushrooms

T-bone steak is a fairly tender cut, so all you need to do is punch up the flavor with a savory rub.

12 garlic cloves, chopped
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. salt
4 beef T-bone steaks (3/4" thick and 12 oz. each)
1/2 C butter, cubed
1 lb. baby portobello mushrooms, thickly sliced
1/2 C Burgundy wine OR reduced-sodium beef broth

In a small bowl, combine the garlic, oil and salt; rub over both sides of steaks.  Grill steaks, covered, over medium heat, or boil 4 inches from the heat for 4-7 minutes on each side or until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare,  a thermometer should read 145 degrees, medium, 160 degrees, well-done, 170 degrees).

Meanwhile, in a  large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.  Add mushrooms; cook and stir for 3-5 minutes or until almost tender.  Stir in wine; bring to a boil.  Cook until liquid is reduced by half, stirring occasionally. 

Serve over steaks. 
Yieldds 4 servings

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

I'll admit I haven't tried this one, but found it in April's "All You" magazine and thought these sounded like a good snack to make for our grandchildren.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars

1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 C sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 C creamy OR crunchy (I'd definitely opt for the crunchy!) peanut butter
1 1/2 C all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 C strawberry OR your favorite flavor preserves
2/3 C salted peanuts
2/3 C peanut butter chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Butter and lightly flour a 9" x 13" baking pan.
 
Using an electric mixer on medium speed, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Lower speed; add egg, vanilla and peanut butter; beat until combined.

In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking powder and salt.  On low speed, slowly add flour mixture to peanut butter mixture.  Mix until just combined.  Set aside 1/2 cup of the dough.

Using your fingertips, press remaining dough into an even layer in pan.  Spread preserves over dough.  Crumble reserved 1/2 cup dough over preserves.  Sprinkle with peanuts and peanut butter chips. 

Bake until golden and bubbly, about 45 minutes.  Cool on a wire rack and cut into bars.

Makes 24 bars

Coconut-Pecan Coffee Cake

Yes, I still have FALL on my mind......with Fall comes pecans, pumpkins and usually, MUCH cooler weather! 
Who doesn't love a good coffee cake?!  This one has a nice level of coconut flavor from the pudding mix. 

Coconut-Pecan Coffee Cake

1 pkg. (18 1/4 oz.) yellow cake mix
1 pkg. (3.4 oz.) instant coconut cream pudding mix
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Filling:

1/2 C chopped pecans
1/3 C sugar
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Glaze:

1 C confectioners' sugar
1 to 2 Tbsp. milk
12 tsp. vanilla extract

Prepare cake mix batter according to package directions, adding pudding mix and vanilla; set aside.  combine the pecans, sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Spread half the cake batter into a greased 13" x 9" baking pan.  Sprinkle with half of filling.  Top with remaining batter and filling.
Bake at 350 degrees for 34-38 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.  Cool on a wire rack.  Combine the glaze ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.  Drizzle over warm coffee cake.

Serves 15

Pecan Bars

These triple digit temperatures and incessant drought have me longing for Fall.  Tuck this little recipe away for later.
~Sending cool breezes and blessings your way!

Pecan Bars


3/4 C butter, softened
3/4 C packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 pkg. (18 1/4 oz.) butter pecan cake mix
2 1/2 C quick-cooking oats

Filling

1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
2 C milk chocolate chips
1 C butterscotch chips
1 Tbsp. butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 C chopped pecans

Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy in a large bowl.  Add eggs, on at a time, beating well after each addition.  Beat in vanilla.  Add cake mix just until blended.  Stir in oats.  Press 3 cups onto the bottom of a greased 13" x 9" baking pan.

Combine milk and chips in a large microwave-safe bowl.  Microwave, uncovered, on high for 2 minutes;stir.  Cook 1 to 2 1/2 minutes longer or until chips are melted, stirring every 30 seconds.  Stir in butter until melted, add vanilla.  Stir in pecans. Spread over crust.

Crumble remaining oat mixture; sprinkle over top.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until topping is golden brown.  Cool on a wire rack.  Cut into bars.  Store in an airtight container.

Makes 24 servings

Loaded Breakfast Potatoes

I love loaded potatoes in restaurants, so have modified them to make at home.  Use the microwave for the potatoes to save you about 10 minutes.  I also use thin-skinned red potatoes instead of russets to eliminate peeling time.

Loaded Breakfast Potatoes

1 1/2 lbs. red potatoes, cubed
1/4 lb. bacon strips, chopped
1/4 C cubed fully cooked ham
1/4 C chopped green bell pepper
**I also add about 1/8 C chopped onion---optional)
1 C (4 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
Sour cream (optional)
2 green onion, chopped (optional)


Place potatoes in a microwave-safe dish and cover with water.  cover and microwave on high for 4-5 minutes or until tender.  Meanwhile, cook bacon over medium heat in a large skillet until crisp.  Remove to paper towels with a slotted spoon.  Drain potatoes; saute in bacon drippings until lightly browned.  Add the ham, cheese, salt, pepper and bacon.  Cook and stir over medium, heat until cheese is melted. 
Serve with sour cream and a sprinkling of green onion if desired.

Serves 6

This is NOT an answer.......

Indulge me for a few minutes, won't you?  I'm incensed. Again. 

A few weeks ago, while dropping off reading material at the library, I noticed a large painted structure of a person in walking motion directly at the entrance to the building.  "What in the world?", I thought.  As we drove off, I saw another one placed on some corner.  I didn't pay it much attention until I began to see more and more of these while going through my daily business throughout town.

Our local newpaper recently devoted a two page spread about "The Walking Man" and someone's brilliant concept of a "Walking Man Tour".  Seriously!?  I scanned the lengthy article which included several peoples' reactions after having taken part in this activity.  Apparently individuals are given a "passport" which is stamped when one stops at each location where one of these ridiculous statues "lives". 
http://heraldbulletin.com/walkingman/x1640795974/Walking-Man-statues-have-personalities


Call me clueless, but I still don't quite grasp WHY anyone would care to have actual proof that they took this tour through the lovely city of Anderson, Indiana.  I mean, in my perspective, this, like many other small towns across the United States has suffered terribly through the current economic recession.  If you don't live here, I think it highly unlikely that this would be anyone's destination spot.  If you're visiting relatives or friends, there are more interesting things to do with one's free time than zipping around viewing these statues. 

Anderson has a NICE library, don't get me wrong.  I'm certain most of the places that the "Walking Man" is highlighting are worth checking out, but I see these statues as a GREAT waste of money.  At first I assumed the city had paid some artist to design/construct these, but the newspaper stated that these were *sponsored* by groups or individuals.  Frankly, I don't care WHO is putting the money into these ~ this city, again like so many others, could put those dollars to better use.

I shudder to think how much just ONE of the statues costs to build and paint.  I also shudder when I drive in any direction and see homes with boarded up windows and grass approaching 2 feet tall.  The one mall we have is struggling to stay open, having recently lost Sears as one of their major anchor stores.  Many, many other businesses have closed up and what is typically left behind are run down buildings and slabs of concrete parking lots. 

In order for this or any other struggling city to prosper again we need to clean up what we already have!  I wonder how many weed-filled vacant residential lots could have been mowed with that money.  How many empty factories or other commercial buildings could have been demolished with those funds?  It breaks my heart to know how far churches and shelters who assist those in need could have stretched those dollars.

Beautifying what we have and lending a  hand UP to those who are financially strapped would do more for prosperity than admiring a concrete structure.  As long as the majority are content to turn a blind eye and only concern themselves with what is theirs, we can't expect to turn things around.  I have heard some good ideas lately, especially from our younger generation, and I can only pray that more people get on the bandwagon. 

Look up guerilla gardening sometime---I absolutely love the concept!  Good old-fashioned bartering is being discussed and maybe could become our new currency and I also can't think of anything negative about moving in that direction.  I think a good part of our downfall in this country is the fact that we are such a money motivated society.  Perhaps it's time to take a walk and start thinking outside the box.....

Here's what's running through MY mind......next time you go for a walk at your local park, bring along a sack and fill it with the garbage you see along your path.  If there is a vacant house down your street with an unmowed lawn, how about using YOUR lawnmower and YOUR gas one time a month to tend to it.  I bet everyone on your street will appreciate it and who knows, maybe you'll start a trend and others will begin to do the same.  These are just two super easy ways to help make our neighborhoods and cities more appealing and that can ONLY be a good thing.  We have a "day of caring", but one day a year obviously can't make the impact we need to attract prospective new businesses to our cities. We must develop a mindset of caring EVERY day for we are all one.

Summertime, Summertime.........

Summer officially arrived on Wednesday, June 20th-----and with it the occasion to dine outside.  Seems a lot of us lack innovative ideas for grilling yet I'm sure we all agree there's just *something* that makes food cooked over a campfire or grill taste SOOO much better!

Our local newspaper featured some easy recipes this week for outdoor cooking and yes, I'm "cheating" and using them as a post for my blog.  Seriously, I use to make recipes similar to these I'm going to share YEARS ago and can vouch for how tasty things turned out!  I plan to try all of these myself, so here goes....

Heavenly Fish

Fish Fillet
Cherry Tomato
Lemon
Garlic
Lemon Salt
Sprite OR 7UP

Start with heavy duty foil and tear off a square.   If using thin foil, double it up.  Place a fish fillet in the foil, (trout's the best to use for this recipe, but any fish will do).  Place halved cherry tomato, halved small lemon and a pinch of garlic and lemon salt in the foil.  Pour about 1/3 cup of Sprite or 7UP in the foil.  Seal the foil tightly and place the pocket on the coals for approximately 10-15 minutes.  Remove  from coals.

Simple Meal-in-One

Hamburger or chicken breasts
Onion
Potatoes
Salt & Pepper
Garlic
Canned baked beans (optional----I for one, wouldn't care for this to be added)

In the center of a large piece of heavy duty aluminum foil place a hamburger patty or chicken breast.  On top of the meat, place a thin slice of onion.  Wash potatoes with skins on, slice thinly and add a layer of potatoes on top of the onion.  Add salt, pepper, garlic and a large spoon of canned baked beans.  Bring edges of foil together and fold down to seal then roll ends to finish sealing.  Place in hot coals for 30-45 minutes until done.

Cowboy Spud and Veggie Medley

1 lb. small red skinned potatoes, scrubbed
4 to 6 cloves garlic, eeled and coarsely chopped or minced
Assorted fresh vegetables, such as green beans, broccoli, summer squash, carrots and cherry tomatoes (I'd personally do mushrooms too)
Salt and Pepper
Chopped fresh basil or pesto
3 to 4 Tablespoons butter
1 1/3 to 2 cups chicken broth

For each servings, shape a 16-inch-long piece of heavy duty aluminum foil into a bowl.  Cut the potatoes into bite-size pieces and pile some in the center of each sheet.  Add a chopped garlic clove to each pile.  Cut or snap the vegetables into bite-size pieces, then add them to the potatoes and sprinkle on salt and pepper.
Add 1 tablespoon of fresh basil or pesto to each packet.  Top with a thick pat of butter and pour 1/3 cup of chicken broth over the veggies.
Seal the packets tightly, then place them on the grill over the fire.  Check the packets after 10-12 minutes, being careful to avoid escaping steam, to see if the vegetables are tender.  If not, reseal the packets and heat for another few minutes. 
Makes 4-6 servings

Love this idea for small centerpieces scattered the length of the table

What a FUN way to serve up a healthy dessert for your party!

If you opt for the traditional s'mores, have everything in one place.  Notice the jars of nutella and peanut butter~ to each his own!

WINNER of the FREE cookbook is......................

.........Tammy Blake.   Congratulations, Tammy!!!  Please email me @shellyrh2006@yahoo.com
with your mailing address and this book will go out ASAP.

Thank you to those who entered as all my readers can benefit from the tips and recipes submitted!

~Shelly

STILL need recipes if you wanna win a FREE cookbook!

Though I'm particularly looking for NEW Summertime recipes and/or grilling recipes, I will accept ANY new, original recipe as an entry for winning this cookbook.

Will pick a winner on Father's Day (June 17th), so PLEASE get those entries in!!!!

This is a NICE cookbook.  I guess if nobody wants it, I'm happy to keep it for myself ;-(

~Blessings,
Shelly

On vacation.........GUEST Post & FREE Giveaway!

Hey y'all......Doug & I have been away this week, down in Southern Indiana (Madison, to be exact) celebrating our 1st wedding anniversary.
So, I've asked a fellow blogger and friend to guest post here today.  Ginny is also helping me announce my next FREE cookbook giveaway, so be sure to read through this post and I do look forward to some great new recipes being sent my way!

~Summertime blessings,
Shelly

Summertime Grilling
by Ginny Marie

Last weekend was the first time—the first time we turned on the air conditioning. The temperatures soared to 90 degrees, which is unusual for May in Chicago. But even though we turned on the air to keep the house comfortable,  it didn't feel so hot outside since the humidity was low. Just wait 'til August; when the humidity soars along with the temperatures, that's Chicago in the summertime.

When temperatures get hot outside, I don't like to heat up the kitchen while cooking dinner. So instead, I fire up our grill. Oh, I just love to grill! I suppose most people think of the man of the house as being one who grills, but in this house, Mom grills.

There are so many things I love about grilling! The beautiful grill marks on our meats, veggies and even fruits. The lack of pots and pans to wash after dinner. The way the kitchen stays cool in the summer.

Beyond the usual hamburgers and hot dogs, I grill chicken breasts and pork chops. I love using cedar planks soaked in water to grill salmon. And there's nothing like roasting zucchini and peppers on the grill! I've heard that grilling fruit is fun, and really brings out the flavor and sweetness of fruit. I'd love to try my hand at grilling some pineapple this summer.

What is your favorite food to grill? Have you tried grilling fruit before? I'd love to read your grilling tips! 

Submit your favorite summertime recipes and you can enter to win a FREE “Backyard Entertaining, Great Tips for Grilling” Cookbook illustrated by Debbie Mumm!! 

This cookbook is 223 pages, spiral bound.  Recipes are included for:  Salads and Sides, Steaks, Chops & More, Burgers, Chicken, Fish & Shellfish, Sauces and Marinades and what cookbook doesn't include desserts!??! 

Rules are soooooo simple!  Each recipe submitted will earn you ONE entry for the giveaway, so you may submit as many recipes as you wish! 

ALL entrants MUST live in the continental United States.

Winner will be drawn on Father’s Day, which is June 17^th, 2012.  That gives you (and your friends!) plenty of time to enter.  Good luck!!

Ginny Marie blogs about becoming a mother after breast cancer on her blog, Lemon Drop Pie. She occasionally lets her husband man the grill.

Cafe au Lait Ice Cream

Simple to make and elegant to serve!

 I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE coffee-flavored ice cream and haven't made this in years.  I got to thinking about it yesterday and wanted to share.  It's on my to-do list this summer as my husband's more a vanilla ice cream kinda guy.  He'll have to step outside his 'lil box in a BIG way.......or.........I'm ok with eating the entire quart myself.  Not in one sitting; I do have standards, lol!

Cafe au Lait Ice Cream

2 egg yolks, beaten
2/3 C sugar
1 C milk
2 Tbsp. instant coffee granules
1/4 C miniature marshmallows
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 egg whites
1 C whipping cream

In a medium saucepan, combine beaten egg yolks, sugar and milk.  Cook and stir over low heat until mixture thickens and coats a metal spoon. 

Stir in coffee granules.  Add marshmallows  and remove from heat; stir until marshmallows melt.   Stir in vanilla.  Set aside to cool 15 minutes.  In a small bowl, beat egg whites until stiff but not dry.  Fold into egg yolk mixture.  In a medium bowl, whip cream until soft peaks form.  Fold into egg yolk mixture.  Pour into a 9" x 5" loaf pan or several undivided ice trays.  Cover with foil or plastic wrap.  Place in freezer; freeze until firm, 3 to 6 hours.  To break up ice crystals, stir 2 or 3 times with a fork or spoon as mixture freezes.  This makes a smooth ice cream.
Makes about 1 quart

The game of Life

     

      Please excuse my neglect of this blog for the past several weeks.  Or has it been months?  I know it's been TOO long.

      I will not bore you with details, but suffice to say I've been battling some rather serious medical issues which were a result of an incompetent (new) dr. who took me off the thyroid meds. I've been on for 23 years.  Looooong story. I also am still trying to mend from Plantar Fasciitis in my right foot.   Just getting through each day/week was a challenge so to tackle my other interests/hobbies was just more than I could handle. 

     But I've missed y'all!!!!
    
      My health problems escalated to a trip to the ER about a week ago, but I'm thankful I went in as my thyroid levels were 3x higher than the normal zone.  The ER dr. sent me home with a new doseage and a hefty dose of potassium, I've been feeling SO much better!

      Yesterday hubby and I spent the afternoon on a "date" and went antiquing and out to lunch--it was quite nice to just do "normal" things again.  It was a wonderful day and I came home with some new treasures, which is always fun!

      These first pictures I'm going to share are of my "finds".  I've been wanting to decorate this cute little room we have where you come in from the garage.  It's a good size area and just needed *something more*, ya know?  I have 2 gorgeous HUGE French hand painted pictures, one of which hangs on the wall in this area I'm speaking of.  Then I had a pedestal with a silk plant on top.  Here's how my little room between our kitchen and office & laundry room NOW looks:

      My favorite is the distressed chair (only $30!) with French writing on the seat!  The 2 roosters give me that French "country" kinda feel and I plan to put a nice silk flower/greenery arrangement in what they were calling a wastebasket.  I like to think outside the box.  I love the look I was able to create and this room's about done!

      Hubby has already said we'll be going back in a month or two---he just loves this antique mall too!  Next time I'll be concentrating on some things I want for the living room. 

      After 5 hours of sleep, we were up early this AM for our granddaughter Lindsey's T-ball game.  All 5 grandchildren came to root for her so it was great to see them.  I've been laid up at home so much that I've really missed them all!  I got lots of hugs and love (and some ribbing/bantering from the older boys...lol!) which never fails to warms my heart.

Miss Lindsey in her uniform

Lindsey rocked ~ batted without using the T!

Left to Right:  Julie, Julie's friend and KoKo (Korey)

The gang! Left to right:  Nick, Korey, Lindsey, Julie, Ben

Sister love <3

      We'll be seeing the girls again in a few days and we're all going out to dinner.  These sweet, beautiful little people sure brighten my day!

       I hope you are all enjoying the warmer, Spring weather.  I love checking out how my perennials are popping up and what is blooming from day to day.  This year I want to plant lots of flowers so I pray my health will continue to improve so I can get back to doing everything I love!

       ~Blowing blessings out to each and every one of you!

          Shelly

Our first Spring in our new home

Since the lilac tree out front is now blooming as are some of the bushes, I thought I'd share some pics with you all.
Particularly worthy of notice is that ALL of the river rock (which was around the entire house!) has been taken and mulch has been laid in front.
The back yard is now ready for some late Spring/Summer perennial planting!  I must have flowers, and lots of them. 
Check out our back fence....we got the idea to decorate it from our next door neighbors who've created such a cute backdrop to their flower bed.  Soon we hope to have a lattice privacy panel in place on one side of our deck, which will give me more places to hang "treasures" I find. 

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter and that you are all enjoying beautiful Spring weather in your neck of the woods!

Happy Easter!!

Wishing all of my readers and members a wonderful, blessed Easter Holiday!!

Love to all!

Tex-Mex Bacon Cheeseburgers, via Rachel Ray

Saw these in this month's issue and felt the need to share.  I don't know how many calories they have and I. don't. care.  These will be a reward for me when I accomplish my work-out goals this summer!
If you get a chance to try these before I do, make sure to comment here and let the rest of us know how you liked them!

Tex-Mex Bacon Cheeseburgers

Burgers

12 slices good-quality smoky bacon, 4 slices finely chopped and 8 left whole
1 1/4 lbs. 80% lean ground beef
3-4 tsp. grated onion
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or minced
2 Tbsp. pureed chipotle in adobo sauce
2 Tbsp. worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper
Vegetable oil, or extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Queso Sauce

3 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbso. flour
1 C milk
1 1/2 C shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (14 oz.) diced tomatoes with green chilies, well drained

Rolls and Toppings

4 soft burger rolls, split
Crisp yellow tortilla chips
Chopped onion, tomato, cilantro and pickled jalapeno

1.  Arrange the 8 whole bacon slices on a broiler pan and bake at 375 degrees until crisp, 10 to 12 minutes. 
2.  Meanwhile, preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.  Combine the beef, chopped bacon, grated onion, garlic, chipotle puree and worsestershire; season with salt and pepper.  Form into 4 patties (thinner at the center); drizzle with oil.  Grill the burgers for 5 minutes on each side for medium done.
3.  Make the queso sauce:  in a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.  Whisk in the flour for 1 minute, then whisk in the milk.  Stir in the cheese to melt.  Stir in the tomatoes.
4.  Place the burgers on the bun botms and top with the queso sauce, criss-crossed bacon strips, corn chips, remaining toppings and bun tops.  Serve extra sauce on the side.

Serves 4, obviously.