Sunday, May 5th "What's Cookin'?"

[annrms]

Good morning! It's another warmish and clear this morning.
Dinner was delicious last night. Besides the steak, we had the noodles seasoned with red pepper, smoked paprika and Penzey's Pasta Sprinkle. Opted for a bleu cheese dressed salad. Will use the broccoli for another meal.
Tonight we're having soup and rolls from the freezer.
Got caught up in sorting so didn't dance with the Swifters so will do that this morning.
Tammy - The flooding in your area is horrible. It's such a kind and super idea about giving furniture to those who need it.
Tasty - Yum...paté, cheese and bread...reminds me of our indoor picnics!!
Chris - Brave and appropriate it was when your inner mamma bear emerged. Now days, though I'd be fearful of some idiot using violence in retaliation.
Birdy - Enjoy your hummingbirds once you get what you need. I've only seen a few of them. Hopefully, when our garden area at the Baldwin is ready for working in, we will be able to put stuff up for birds. I love reading historical fiction books. "Drums Along the Mohawk" and Sara Donati's books are favorites.
Helen - I did make that "Pickle de Gallo" recipe. I made it spicy...so good!
Bet - I thought I was busy...you run circles around me with all that you do!!!
Time for my breakfast. Waving to all!!! Back later!

[cfniervt]

Good morning friends.

Pouring rain here at the moment. Supposed to all day I guess.

Ann- Move-in is coming right up! Dan ad I are doing an indoor picnic today. I have ham and cheese, french bread and dill pickles with cream cheese! Will make hot artichoke dip for the french bread. We sometimes like to mix the cream cheese and chopped dill pickles and ham (chopped) and put on the french bread slices. Yum! Toast some of the french bread slices and dip in the Hot Artichoke dip. Mouth watering!

Well I apologized to DGS if I embarrassed him yesterday. He said that Tanners Dad always yells at everyone during the games. Especially at Tanner. He said it does bother the kids. Especially all the F bombs he drops. Maybe he got the message yesterday that other parents won't tolerate it any more. I hope so.

Not much planned for today. Laundry was done yesterday and floors are done this morning. I even cleaned the downstairs bathroom! LOL I haven't cleaned a bathroom in years and years! Bwhahaha! Dan has always cleaned them. For some reason he likes cleaning the bathrooms. Go for it I say!

[cfniervt]

Forgot to tell you all that one of my quilts was accepted to the Billings Farm and Museum in Woodstock VT for display. I entered 2, the Antique embroidered car quilt and the Frogs having fun quilt. The frogs Having fun was accepted as there were so many entrants that they decided to choose just one quilt per entry. So it will be on display from June 1 to September. Yay! I have to put a sleeve on the back for hanging and maybe volunteer some time at the museum during the show. You don't have to but might be fun!
There were over 120 entrants and only 100 quilts get selected by the jury. Most quilters entered 2-3 quilts for the jury. I entered 2.  So that is about 300 quilts they had to jury for selection. I am pleased!  Oh, and this is the first time they opened it up to the entire state of Vermont. Has always been just Windsor County.

[tasty]

Good morning.  A rainy morning at least here.  It may dry up this afternoon but no guarantees.   We will be at the golf club this afternoon regardless of the weather as there is a celebration of life for one of our past members.  Nothing planned for this morning.  My salmon for supper last night was so good.  Hubby had a roast beef dinner so he was happy with that.
Congrats on having your quilt accepted for display at the museum Chris 👍 . 
Waving to all - have a lovely day.

[nybirder]

Good morning. Good for you, Mama Bear, for letting that guy have a piece of your mind. It didn't hurt to have other parents speak up too. People should be ashamed of themselves for acting like that with kids who are there to have fun.

It's raining here too. It looks like at least part of the day will be wet but then we'll have a couple of dry days coming up. It would be nice.

There has been a plant in front of the large window of our dining room with intriguing Plum sized dried seed pods covered with thorns. A few of us just identified it as Jimson weed, a very poisonous plant. They say it just came up on its own last year. I did some research and found that it showed up in New York 20 years ago but is wild in the West and Southwest. Apparently it is pretty Hardy and pretty deadly if someone decides to get a high from the seeds or even the plant. We sent an email to the head of Maintenance with a link to info about it. This thing has got to be taken out they recommend clothes and protection with double bagging and absolutely no burning or compost. Who knew? I've been paying attention to local wildflowers for years and it's the first I've heard of it being around here. What is scary is that it may be growing in someone's Garden because it has beautiful large trumpet shaped flowers. We think that a seed was dropped by a bird. It is actually illegal to grow it or sell it in the state.

Well, guess I had better get moving. Talk to you later.

Birdy

[weebill]

Good morning. It sure is a windy morning. The temperature has dropped so I baked some biscuits and some muffins . Now, I have a ham egg bake in the oven. We will see if after breakfast I am ambitious to make some cookies.

Birdy- it was nice reading that you will soon have hummingbird feeders. I hope they get more and spread them around the grounds on shepherd hooks.
Chris-
Congratulations on your quilt.

Ann-almost move in day.

Bet- it's management. A lady hosted bean and ham soup and then they called her into the office and told her the garbage needed to be hauled to the dumpsters. We do bag the garbage and put fresh bags in containers but leave the bagged garbage. This lady is 89 years old. Unreal.

Tasty- thanks for the suggestions.

Elaine

[wilderness]

Good afternoon.  It was 46°overnight and has made it to 47° so far.  Had .16" of rain overnight and looks like we are close to 1/4" now.  I was bad and was binge watching When Call the Heart until 11 last night then woke up at 3 and had problems getting back to sleep.  However hit the floor at 6:30 on the run.  First thing was to get on line and see if I could put in an online order for pick up today on the Beef tenderloin that went on sale today.  Come to find out after a number of phone calls that the website was down.  Called the store closest to me and they had the beef and was willing to put 2 aside for me.  Before that final phone call I had done my usual one line checking my email, reading here etc.  Emptied the dishwasher from yesterday and loaded it again from last night. Also cleaned and filtered my fryer oil. Took me just over a little over 1 1/2 hours to drive and pick up the meat and a couple of other items.  Back to the to do list.  Have make 2 1/2# of french fries for the freezer which are cooling now and finished loading the dishwasher so kitchen is cleaned up.

Between the weather and the allergies I feel like crap and all I want to do is take a nap but can't do that.  Had a terrible sneezing spell while driving home which wasn't fun and the bad ankle has decided to act up today.  Just taking a break to sit for a bit here then back to the to do list.  Need to filter the oil while it is still hot and have tons of computer work to do that the head isn't into.  So back to the kitchen.  There is food in the freezer to be packaged and moved downstairs and some in the refrigerator to be portioned and into the freezer here in the kitchen.

Ann, something I haven't made in years is Bleu Cheese Dressing.  I seem to stick with my ranch and Italian.  Reading what you are going through getting ready to move I am thinking I need at least another year before I even think about it.

Chris, glad nana bear spoke up yesterday and other parents backed you up.  Way back when I was a cheerleader on team that we played in basketball was terrible.  She didn't get on the kids but the poor refs took a beating.  She was a prominent insurance broker in the area and didn't have any kids but she sure was vocal at home games.  Congratulations on the Frog Quit is going to be on display at the museum.

Tasty, sorry you reason for going to the golf course today for a celebration of life but sounds like what he would appreciate being a golfer.

Birdy, sorry you weren't able to get everything you needed at the house.  Hope Troy gets things moved for you.  I think it is wonderful that the place has agreed to allow a hummingbird feed in front of the window.  I am sure many will  enjoy it.  They are back here.  Never heard of the plant you described but hope management sees fit to take care of it.

Elaine, so sorry management is so difficult.  Do you think you will see more folks moving out.  Would you consider it?  Enjoy your baking.

Tammy, hope the rain has stopped and the water is receding.  How is the church property?

Lori, how nice of DH to warm dinner while you were watching the Derby.

Need to go check on gardening then back to the kitchen.

Bet

[cooktocook]

Good afternoon, friends! To those of you celebrating, Happy Cinco De Mayo Day; food holidays are: National Enchilada Day, National Chipotle Day, and National Hoagie Day. I usually Chicken Enchiladas each year on this day, but for some reason or another, no Mexican food this year. Dinner this evening will be instead a recipe I got on TOH back in 2008 from Nancy, Friday Night Bistro Chicken. I've made the dish numerous times over the years, as it is delicious, but for some reason or another, I've not for some time now. 

A friend of DH's whom he worked with a few years back at the Amish Farm Market, stopped by. He left the Farm Market and DH thought that was the end of their friendship. Well, much to DH's surprise, his friend has been working as a full-time "food dude" in the county. They are working for the rest of the school year (3 weeks) at the high school together. Long story shortened, his friend took home the watermelon rind when they made fruit cups the other day and made pickled watermelon rind. DH mentioned he never tasted that so we were gifted a jar. Gave it a taste this afternoon--it's okay, different that's for sure (I too had never had it before).

So very hard to believe that our darling Lilith will be celebrating her 4th birthday tomorrow. DH took the day off from work and we'll be driving over early to spend the day with her and DD. Mommy asked her what she wanted to do on her special day and Lilith said, "go to the indoor playground, eat French fries and a cupcake, and get a balloon." So, that is what we'll be doing tomorrow, along with watching her open some gifts. A long day, but worth every minute of it!

Ann, I must have my head in the clouds lately because I must have missed your upcoming date for move-in to Baldwin. Please be kind enough to share when once more. I can only bet what an exciting time this has to be for both Bill and you!

Chris, good for you for opening your mouth at DGS baseball game. The nerve of Tanner's dad--shame on him! Growing up my DB's played sports when they were young and one of the coaches had to band one father from coming to the practices/games because of his constant calling out and upsetting the other boys. I will never forget the mother/wife of that guy coming to the field and standing and telling everyone how very sorry she was for his rude and nasty behavior but also thanking the coach for giving her DH the punishment he deserved and giving her DS the opportunity to play the game w/o his DH's abusive mouth. BTW, congrats on your "Frogs Having Fun" quilt being chosen to be on display. What a fun and exciting honor that has to be! Very happy and proud of you Chris! Keep up the excellent work!!  

Birdy, sure hope all your hummingbird goodies arrive soon so you and your friends can enjoy them. I never saw a hummingbird in person until visiting at my DB's home a few years back He has 9 feeders out for them, and I feel it was just a miracle I stepped outside when I did that day. I knew they were small, but never realized just how small---I'd say tiny. I am sure the hummingbirds will offer you many exciting moments. 

Tasty, glad both you and hubby were pleased with your dinner choices yesterday. Hope your morning rainy weather has cleared and your afternoon is brighter.

Elaine, how nice that the temperature has dropped today, and you were able to do a little baking. I am out of both flour and sugar and therefore will need to wait until I get some before baking again.

mamma, I'm looking forward to hearing how church went for you today and then the potluck afterwards. What did you take to serve at the potluck? Do they have these often at this new church? I hope you had an opportunity to meet some new friends today.

Tammy, the pictures I see coming out of Livingston on our news are so sad. I think your offer of the furniture to any flood victims gave my heart a warm feeling. Bless you!

Bet, glad you neighbor was able to help you with setting up the greenhouse. That sure was a big help! Praying that this coming week will find you some time to do some of your gardening as the weather has begun to warm up.

Need to get a move on it this afternoon and address some cards that need to go out into the mail tomorrow. Waving to all. If I don't make it here tomorrow, I'll chat with you again on Tuesday. take care!
Lori
   

[wilderness]

Lori, have a wonderful day with Lilith tomorrow.

Bet

[Jan in BC]

Good afternoon everyone.
   Ann, do you feel like you have to empty your freezer before the move, to lighten the load so to speak? Or does it matter? Still sorting. I hate to tell you this, but, you’ll still be doing that after the move too. Or, perhaps not,maybe you’re better at it than we were.
  Chris,I shared with DH your exchange at the ball game, and the conversation with DGS after. Nana Bear indeed! You get high- fives from both of us. We never experienced any of that at any of our DDs or DGDs games. Parents encouraged all the kids, their own and others. The way it should be. Feel sorry for the little boy with a father like that.
   Tasty, worked out well for you last night, you both had meals you enjoyed.
    Birdie, I’ve never heard of that weed before. Hope the powers that be get it under control before they have worse problems.
   Elaine, happy baking to you. Hope you get the cookies made. Sounds like you have very poor management there.
   Bet, has anyone ever told you that you should slow down a bit?
Hard to do, I know. Glad you were able to get the beef at the sale price.
    Lori, hard to believe that Lilith is 4 years old. Enjoy your day tomorrow. Well, i know you will.
    Not much going on here. Was in a not so good mood this morning, until we went to the recycling and then for coffee. Better mood now so thought i should do something. Got the b/machine fired up to make focaccia for tomorrow. Well, I do have to shape it and put it in the oven, that counts for something, doesn’t it? lol. Finally made the ribs last night. To finish off the day, still taking the easy way out, French toast for supper. Haven’t made it in ages. Lasagna scheduled, hopefully, for tomorrow night’s supper.   Jan

    
   

[wilderness]

Jan, I can't slow down.  I lost my husband 17 years ago and what 2 used to do is now just one.  It keeps me young going on 80 and feel like 60.  Don't I wish.  LOL

Bet

[Jan in BC]

Bet, sorry for suggesting that. It was a bit out of line. You are very fortunate that you have the health to be able to take care of everything. Sometimes I say things that don’t come out right. Jan.

[cfniervt]

So I made up a dish for supper. I took a flour wrap and laid it in the bottom of a round baking dish, covered it with re-fried beans, a layer of taco meat, a layer of cheese, another wrap, a layer of re-fried beans, a layrerof taco meat, a layer of cheese and covered it in Enchilada sauce and baked it for 30 minutes. Chopped tomato, onion and lettace and when it was done added that to the top and some salsa! Was so delicious.

[cooktocook]

During our dinner, we both got a text on our phones from the county government office and the fire department chief informing us that our county, as of this afternoon, is now under a fire ban. Due to moderately dry conditions, yesterday evening several fire stations had to respond to a wildfire not far from here that burned 40 acres (the smoke was heavy, and we were able to smell the fire in the house). The text said the ban could be lifted maybe at a later time and date, but not until the ground moisture index reaches a certain point and stays at that point for a period of one week.
OMG, I have a feeling we might see a repeat of our drought conditions from last summer...
Lori

[emr]

Yay Chris for having your quilts accepted for display! We're all proud of ya! Also, your taco pie sounds good.

Lori, happy birthday to Lilith tomorrow. Wow, those 4 years have gone by quickly, haven't they? I like her plan.

Ann, steak sounds good. I might suggest that for next Sunday if the weather cooperates, and if DH is in town. 

Birdy, I've heard of Jimson weed but had no idea it was so toxic! Yikes! 

Elaine, I think we should all have been at your house for breakfast this morning. Sounds great!

Bet, I'm glad you could get the beef tenderloins on sale. You really have to watch for that stuff. I saw a sign here advertising ground chuck at $4.48/lb as the sale price. It's ridiculous.

Jan, I miss my bread machine although I'm not sure where I'd put one now. I used it for dough more than for loaf bread. It was so handy for rolls and pizza dough.

Tasty, I hope the celebration went well and the weather cooperated.

We didn't try to celebrate Cinco de Mayo -- instead, we had Chinese for lunch and it was very good. This afternoon DH did a grocery shop and I got ground beef browned and into the freezer. I also have a pack of pork chops thawing for maybe Tuesday. Tomorrow we'll go to the DMV to do the tag & title & registration stuff for the new car. Then hopefully I'll be driving it on Tuesday!