Maxine,

I love your postings; mades me feel like we are just visiting and having a cup of tea.

You, too, have been busy, gal. I like sauerkraut and pork and that was a staple for New Year's dinner all of my growing up years. I love it with mashed potaotes and hot bread or rolls. Oh, yum! Bill can only eat one brand of kraut since the colon cancer surgery years ago and that is Silver Floss. He will only eat it once a year or so, though.

Bill went this morning for the Holter Monitor to be hooked up to him. This is the last test and then, on the 19th, he will have results of all of the tests. He says that he feels fine and I can only hope that he isn't keeping something from me. I don't think so, really.

You spoke of the pain that you have and I certainly know what that is like. Right now, I am hurting so badly and I just put some of the StopPain spray on my neck and shoulders. Did the back a bit earlier. Speaking of the StopPain; last week Bill came by to pick me up after work and I took my glasses off to clean them. Bill asked me why I was spraying StopPain on my glasses. Whoops! That bottle was next to the one with the glass cleaner. I'm so used to grabbing that one that I must have automatically picked it up. Needless to say, those bottles are sepsrated now. I washed my glasses with soap & water and then cleaned them. I have a new scent now, and it isn't my favorite Esteé Lauder Youth Dew....I call myself Peppermint Patty and my scent is just that.

Shirley and Loretta,

I agree with Maxine about sharing those recipes. Can we ever have too many? Nah!

As to my cookbooks, my brother-in-law once told me that between my sister and me, we own every cookbook ever published. I told him to count the grains of sand on the beach and remember that cookbooks can be counted the same way. The supply is never-ending and our collections would only fill a tea cup. My problem, since we moved, is that I had so much more room in the other house and I have double-rowed so many of them and now I can't find the ones that I am looking for! Waa! it takes me so long to find the right book and I'm too tired to make the recipe. Ah, well, you can still always find cookbooks by my chair and I am always reading them and choosing recipes to try "one day". Some of them have wonderful text and are so well written. Some of them have historical information in them and I find that fasinating.

Lillian

Shirley,

Your New Year's celebration must have been a total blast. Again, it sounds like you had enough food to feed the entire state! Hey, that nephew must be some kind of cook too to make the spaghetti sauce from scratch. Woo Hoo! I usually cheat and use Wal-Mart's own brand. I think it's chunky garden or something like that. We both like it better than any other jar sauce we've found. Sometimes I'll fry some extra peperoni or burger to add but it's ok as is.

How great to have your party at the beauty salon. That's thinking outside the box. That salad sounds so good too. I haven't had that in years. Someone always made it when our work gang had a gathering/party or for the superbowl parties. It was always a winner.

Now remember, gotta share any recipes you get from that blast! Heck, I don't do much cooking these days, but I enjoy gathering recipes and a cookbook or two. I have a small pork roast and sauerkraut in the oven now and I'm going to make some freezer slaw so I have something to dig out when I make the other turkey we have. I cheat on that too and buy the slaw mix at Sam's Club. I just don't have the energy to shred cabbage anymore.

I get too tuckered out and then I have to rest. Once I hit that recliner, I forget to get back up again. I've been going to a chiropractor 3x/wk. Gotta admit it's helped tremendously, but it sure chews into a day. They've helped quite a bit with the pain, but I know it's only a temporary fix. All in all, it's nice to have some relief and pain at lesser levels.

One thing I noticed right away was the reduction in headaches! Wow, what a relief. They had been daily and sometimes pretty intense but not fully up to migraine status. Even my thinker seems to work a wee bit better. I know chiros aren't for everyone, but I'm convinced they help with some things.

Now since I have the PA Dutch thang going with kraut and freezer slaw, maybe I'll try making some pickled eggs too. Not those wimpy red beet eggs. Have to use lots of real Amish vinegar instead of store bought vinegar. My mother used just vinegar and beet juice, no spices and certainly no sugar. I like a little sweetness and will fill the jar 1/3 or more with raw onions. I add cloves, peppercorns and whatever else moves me when I heat the vinegar. Hmm. That sounds like a week's work for me. Best get started.

Catch y'all later.

Hugs,
 ~n

There were four burglars who broke into a veterinarian's office in
Noblesville, Ind., looking for the painkiller known as OxyContin,
which some people snort to get high.

What they actually stole was Oxytocin, which is given to laboring
females to help them give birth, and develop nurturing feelings
towards their progeny.

The Old Dragon says, "Maybe I'm wrong, but you've got to think
that four young guys with enlarged, tender nipples and a tendency
to cuddle are not going to fare that well in prison."

Loretta,

I hope that you feel better by now. So many of us can empathize with you for headache pain. My family, including our children, have suffered so much from migraine and it is so devistating and it takes such a toll on a person. It is good to know the triggers and stay away from whatever allows it to start. Also, a dark room, with a cool washcloth on your forhead may help.

Will write more later.

Lillian

Loretta, did you know, wine, cheese, cocoa or chocolate can trigger a migraine. Cola, coffee, also are triggers. If you go back and write down everything comsumned and then keep it so when the next one starts check it by writing it all down and checking to see what was the trouble maker. Mine is a strobe light. It mixes up my brain signals and makes bad headaches for me. We tried foods first and when that wasn't it we kept tract of when it happen and discovered that it the setting sun shinning thru the trees. I know this sound funny but it has a strobe effect and Now I cover my eyes and I can get though the problem area before I open my eyes. It don't last long but just enough to screw up my day. Cheese does it for my sister Helen. It is something that happens in the aging process of cheese or wines. Especially red wines.
Maxine it is so good to hear from you. I hang out here waiting for someone to come on but we are few and far between. Hope your New Years Eve was good. Our was. We played cards with 10 others and Buck got the booby prize. It was potluck so made a big layered salad with pea, radishes, waterchestnuts, bacon, hard boiled eggs, green onions, cheese and a topper of sour cream and mayonnaise. The base for it was Romaine sliced thin. We did a loaf of sour dough dip. It was a round loaf and we cut off the top and pulled the center out and filled it with spinach dip. We used party rye to go with it. Everyone else brought goodies and candies too. There was speghetti, chicken, tiny wienies, potato salad and lots of other stuff too. Party broke up at 3 am and no booze. Smokers were banished to the outside in the freezing cold. Only the 2 went outside once that I know of. To darn cold. Cheap night but loads of giggles. That is the best part. Ages ranged from 27 to 77. They all had a good enough time that they said they would be back next year and any other time we all got together. Now would you believe we did it at my nieces beauty shop because there is enough room to set up 3 tables and have enough room for us to set up the buffet in the kitchen. Our great nephew made speghetti from the whole tomatoes on up. It was fabulous with his rendition of garlic cheese bread. He is a young 27 but a great cook.
Him, Betty Crocker and Gourmet cooks. He promised to give me the recipe.
Hope you and all had a fabulous New Years Too. May we all be here next year. Loosing Fancy was such a shock to us. She will be missed. Hugs

Hi, Loretta,

Here's hoping you feel better soon. No one can believe the effects of a migraine unless they experience them! I've read where "headache" is no longer used to describe them but they're now considered a "neurological condition." It doesn't make ya feel a bit better but it's supposed to convey the idea that they're more complicated than yer everyday headaches.

As yukky as it sounds, I feel better too if I can do the technicolor yawn. Ew, gross! I've had bouts where that part would last 3 days or so. Man, I'm wiped out for at least a week, sometimes up to 3 when they're that severe. I know others on here get them much more frequently than I, so I'm counting my blessings it's become much less often over the years. I hope you can get some rest and get back on your feet soon (after a snuggle in that new blanket.)

Maybe you'll tell us about some of the goodies and dips at your party. You're right about wine triggering the migraines and making them worse, esp. red wine. Unfortunately, I take my chances and "live dangerously" on occasion. hee hee We didn't even have a soda on New Year's Eve, only water, woo hoo! We usually do have 3-4 cases of wine stashed in a corner somewhere. <big grin>

Please feel better soon and stay that way so you can enjoy a nice glass of wine and relax with your friends and family.

Hugs,
 ~m

I hope everyone has a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year!!

I have to admit though that mine hasn't started out to well. I had my annual New Years Eve party with a severe Migraine!! I thought if I had a bit of wine it would relax me and make it feel better, NOT. I drank one glass and half of the second when I realized that it was making it worse, so I stopped drinking it. Other than that we all had a great time, lots of food and some new dips to try. I bought a really great dip for fruit and it was delicious!! If I hadn't had the headache it would have been the best one yet. After everone left I got sick to my stomache which at least seemed to ease the pain enough to at least go to bed. Today I don't actually have the headache, (although it is threatening to come back) my stomach is quite queasy (sp?). I got up around 1:00, put a roast in the oven for dh around 3:30 or 4 but couldn't stay up long enough to make anything to go with it so I went to bed. Luckily it was one of those ones that has the thing that pops out when it cooks so it was easy for dh to watch. I went back to bed around 5 or so, got back up around 10:00. That new electric blanket we got for Christmas sure works good, I only have to have it on 2 or 3 and it is sooooo soft.
I just had a Roast Beef sandwich and some Maalox. If that stays down I will try a little more later.
Hugs
Loretta





 Have a Nice Day!

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Hello and Happy First Day to everyone!

Gosh, it always seems like I have so much catchin' up to do.

Lillian, do you know how to just sit down and rest? Lordy, you make me tired just listening to all you've done. Shirley, you're the same way. I'm wondering if your Christmas tables had the legs buckle right out from under them with all your home made yummies. LOL

Lillian, how is Bill doing? Lets hope this is a wonderful year for both of you.

Shirley, your house sounds delightful with the flurry of your children and beasties scurrying about. Same goes for you and Buck. I read quickly that you haven't had yer ticker checked for so long and that Buck was kickin' up some trouble too. Now, knock it all off and get on your way to wellness.

Donna, my same advice to you and James. What a bummer that he's been "off feed" over the holidays. Lets hope that doc can get him whupped into shape and both of you enjoy a refreshing new year too.

Donna, I'm glad you're finally getting a little rain and hope it's enough to help the extreme dry spell you've experienced. We had hard rains last night and light showers off and on today. Wow! Didn't the plains get a hammerin'?

Shirley, you'll have to volunteer to go out there and show those folks how to deal with all that snow. Unfortunately, I think I read there were several storm-related deaths. Prayers for all those impacted by these storms and disasters.

Robyn, how was baby's first Christmas?

Where's everyone hiding out? I'm sure Richard has his nose against the tube watching those men in tights fight over some lop-sided ball today.

Rita, did you go the the Mullet Festival in Niceville and forget to return to us?

Loretta, How was your holidays? Did Joanie have a Christmas rush at her candy shop? I hope Dale is doing well now too. I know it was a tough time while he was recovering some time ago.

Leasa, I hate to burst your bubble, but Richard is now a Harley man and there's pix of him packing double on a Hog to prove it. For real!

Crystal, prayers for you too. It's been so long since we've heard from you. I send blessings of healing for you in this new year.

Rosemarie, I hope you're healing enough now to chime in here more often too. What a dreadful time you must have had.

Lee and I had a wonderful Christmas ham dinner/Chef Richard of Bradenton fame. Yummy and tummy-stuffing fare with munchies all around too. Lee and I stayed home last nite (as usual)and enjoyed watching the neighbors shoot off bursts and bursts of fireworks over the canals. It had two of our dawgs shakin' and trembling from the boomers.

Today we snacked and tomorrow I'll make pork and kraut.

Lillian, how does anyone know what cookbooks to buy for you? I can't believe there's any out there you don't have!

Again, prayers and blessings to all for a year filled with joy, peace, good health and abundance.

Hugs,
 ~m

Shirley,

Congrats on the win of the Seahawks over the Bucs. It looks as though this will be the last year for Mike Alstott. He has been a Buc for 11 years and may still sign for next year, but it looks as though he won't. Too bad, he has been a great player and is the most liked player of all time for the Bucs. We had been reading that maybe Gruden and his buddy, Bruce Allen would be leaving, but no such luck. In the paper today, he said that he will be here next year to "fix" things. He is expecting a great year next year. Yeah, right!

We had an unusual New Year's Day. Bill and I tore the bedroom apart, rehung draperies, cleaned the room well and are both so tired that we are about to drop. I also cleaned the bathrooms and cooked dinner, as well as lunch. Whew! I have earned the pain that I have now. Funny, but when I earn the pain, it seems as though it isn't as much of a bother.

I'm going in to watch a movie with Bill and so will say goodnight.

Lillian

This is nice Lillian. I wish you and Bill, Richard and Maxine and Donna and Robyn and everyone else a Happy New Year. Buck is out making are salad to take to our annual card party at my nieces. It is a layered salad with romaine, water chestnuts, frozen peas, hard cooked eggs, bacon, green onions, cheese with a sourcream and mayo topping. I am helping make the spinach dip in the loaf of sourdough bread too. If I have time I will make some hummus for me. Love that stuff. Its got to have lots of garlic to be good tho. We should have fun. We always have. It starts at 6:00

I read this today and am sorry that there was no author listed. I liked it and am passing it on.

"I WISH YOU ENOUGH"

I may never see tomorrow; there's no written guarantee
And things that happened yesterday belong to history.
I cannot predict the future, I cannot change the past,
I have just the present moments, I must treat it as my last.

I must use this moment wisely for it soon will pass away,
and be lost forever, as part of yesterday.
I must exercise compassion, help the fallen to their feet,
Be a friend unto the friendless, make an empty life complete.

******************************

Sometimes in life, you find a special friend;
Someone who changes your life just by being a part of it;
Someone who makes you laugh until you can't stop;
Someone who makes you believe that
  there really is good in the world;
Someone who convinces you that there really is an
  unlocked door just waiting for you to open it.

*****************

The unkind things I do today may never be undone.
And friendships that I fail to win may nevermore be won.
I may not have another chance on bended knees to pray,
And I thank God with a humble heart for giving me this day.

Happy New Year.

Lillian

Have been reading the postings and that is about all I have had time for.

James finally got rid of the infection, but has been sick since the day before Christmas Eve with what the doctor now thinks must be an inguinal hernia. Spent Tuesday afternoon and I do mean all afternoon at the doctor and lab for work in appointment, but the catscan didn't show the hernia, but all other tests are normal also. As the doctor looked at him yesterday, she said "can't you have anything normal?" I told her I agreed. She will refer us to a surgeon and with the holidays, we are just waiting as so many of them are out of the office now. Maybe he will get in next week. What a way to end 2006.

We did manage to have our Christmas with our son and it was nice. We had good food, ate way too much, but enjoyed his visit. As usual, he was way too generous in his gift giving. Felt really bad for my neighbor and her husband. Her son who is in the USAF was supposed to come for Christmas, but his leave was canceled and he couldn't make it. He was to leave yesterday for Afghanistan. Her husband was sick with a cold/bronchitis so they were alone as she said we don't want to infect anyone else with this "mess."

We are having a rainy day and it is greatly appreciated. Just hope the severe weather they have predicted misses us. Just thankful I don't live in Denver.

Donna, TX

Shirley,

I was given the recipe for Crazy/Wacky cake, by the Step-Mother of my best friend, when I was 12....a LONG time ago. I have been making it ever since and it is one of Bill's favorites. The chocolate cake that I will bake for our grandson is the Ultimate Chocolate Cake. It is so rich, moist and delicious that we all love it. I'll send the recipe this evening. I think that I posted it before Christmas, but I'll have to check.

I have a recipe for Matramonial Cake and it has fruit and nuts in it, much like a Groom's cake. How is yours made? Send us the recipe, please. You know how we all are....just never have enough recipes.

We have a grandson and a grand daughter who do not like chocolate. I always ask them how they ever got into this family. I have a sister who was eating the Ultimate Choc Cake that I had made at another sister's house and she sounded as though she was purring. When I told her that, she said that she is a chocoholic and that was a good cake. She makes the old Hershey's recipe for Black Magic Cake that she found on a cocoa box many years ago. It is a very good cake, too, but not as moist or rich as the ultimate one. Wacky cake is also moist and will keep for awhile, if you can hide it from everyone.

Lillian

Is it the Crazy cake or Wacky Cake? I have made them for years. It is one of the only chocolate cake Buck will eat. I only make 3 different cakes in this house for him. Oatmeal cake, Hawaiian Coconut cake and my Matrimonial cake. The matrimonial cake is not a cake to me but he claims it is. I call it and the peanutbutter cake bars. He will eat chocolate but it is not his favorite. Not me I want it dark and very chocolately.
Glad you like the recipe. Take care. Hugs Shirley

Shirley,

Thanks for the cake recipe. I have made the Ooey Gooey Butter cake and it is good, but this will probably be even better.

I've copied it and put it in the computer recipe folder and will try it as soon as I can. I have to make the chocolate cake again for Sunday that I made for Christmas. It, too, is so rich that you dare not eat more than a sliver of it. It is our oldest grandson's favorite cake, so Nana will make sure that he has it. We will just cook on the grill and add salads and things like that this Sunday. No great bit cooked meal to worry about. We can get more visiting time in this way.

Lillian

Thank you Lillisn for posting on QT, Bless you. My phone has not stop ringing today.