A to Z Recipes

Yawn!! Who banged the pots and pans in the middle of the night?? giggles

I'm going to be AWOL until Thursday or Friday. Jer has his surgery tomorrow morn at 7 a.m. so we decided to stay at a hotel tonite so we won't be traveling during peak "deer" hours. Then he stays overnite, I'll stay at the hotel and we'll come home on Thurs, if all is well. I've been doing laundry this morn, and changing sheets, and packing the overnite bag for Jer. He's still being a pill...I'll be glad to have a couple of hours to myself! I've only had snippets of time alone, only to run to the grocery real quick and to shower..ha ha! He's enjoying his banana cream pie. Since no one said, I guess I'll send it off to Mags while I'm waiting for the dryer to go off.

Shirley: I get Nancy's newsletter too and was intrigued with all the discussion about Duke's Mayo. It's a southern thing. You can buy it online, I think I remember it being about $25 for 4 - 32 oz jars. Maybe we can sweet talk Bama Brendie into buying a case and shipping us "Northerners" some...heh heh. I don't want to buy 4 jars and find out that I hate it! Or Lou...hint hint..

Nancy: sounds like you'all had lots of fun! 7 baskets of peaches??? Oh wow!! So what do you do with them all??

We sat thru a demo from a vacuum cleaner salesman yesterday. It sure worked great, but the price, a mere $2395.00, was just a tad more than our budget would handle for the next few months. He was a pretty slick salesman though..after consulting with the mgr, the price got down to $1395.00..that was with a medical discount cause Jer is "wounded"..lol NO we DID NOT purchase it, but we got a 19 pc Diamond Cut knife set. I haven't tried them yet, had spaghetti for supper by request, so I'll critique them when we get back home. Holy sheesh! Pretty hefty price for a vacuum, but the demo did pick up tons of stuff....I was sooooo embarrassed! At least I got the living room vacuumed..heh heh heh.

Guess I'm off. Weather here is sposed to be HOT HOT HOT and humid today. Thanks Shirley for sending it our way...

love and hugs!!

Leasa - Prayers going up, here, for Jerry's surgery. And, for you to be able to bear up under the strain of taking care of a cranky man!!
Nancy and Rita - The only reason I envy someone who live in the south is their ability to get that nice fresh produce, like peaches and melons!! Even in the mountains of PA, my sister has roadside stands that sell local produce!!
Shirley - What the heck ails you, girl?? Banging them pots and pans in the middle of the night. Finn thought it was a thunder storm. I would have answered your email, when you woke us up, but I intended to go back to sleep, not commune with you in the dark, wrapped in a wet towel!! (I prefer a "wet blanket", if you get my meaning!!)
Nancy - I think you are goint tohave to send us all sample jars of Duke's mayonnaise. I certainly can't see buying a $5 jar of mayonnaise, when I don't know if I will like it. However, if there are people out there that aren't worried about the cost...you can order it directly from Sauer's...I checked online, yesterday. Had I known earlier about this, I would have asked my sister to bring me a jar. I will have to send Jen to the store, when she goes down next winter!
Linda - Please get your email re-activated ASAP! We missed you!!
I have a doctor's appointment, today, to find out what my hemoglobin was last week. I hope I am making some progress. I know my body feels better!
I will check in, again soon. Won't have time tonight, but later tomorrow, probably.

From Pat, Merritt Island, FL. Hello friends, been busy playing catch up on my email. Got behind due to the wonderful 7 day cruise celebrating our 40th anniversary. It was very relaxing which was great as Joel was still recovering. He is all recovered now and our lives are back to as normal as they ever get. June was reunion month as I heard from 3 old friends who I hadn't heard from in more than 2 years and that was very nice, very special. Maggie, I don't know how you do it, each edition of A2Z is sooo good. I'll try to be of more help by submitting. Lots of rain here. I can see and feel the grass growing - not complaining - that's what I love about FL. Ya'll get well, stay well and cool. Regards, Pat

Hello to all;
I, too, have been busy; although not too busy to keep everyone in my thoughts and prayers. Been planning trips, visiting the grandkiddies, taking photos for a variety of contests, helping Bill with his woodworking, keeping up with laundry and housework; and I even baked a couple of sugar-free strawberry pies (they were wonderful) and having to get my car fixed three times!! The last time, hopefully; will be tomorrow. Have to have my master computer replaced. Expensive, let me tell you! but it's cheaper than buying a new car. . . oh, and I'm still doing my Metroparks volunteer work. Plus I have to allow time to read. I try to read at least an hour a day . . . my escapism.
I'm so thankful that Leasa and Jer weren't hurt any worse than they were and I'm estatic that NJWLinda comes home today. Mr. Mike will be so happy (as Linda, I'm sure) and I don't envy Treva having to pack up to move again, even if it's to a much nicer place. . . Peaches are some of my favorites and I'm waiting for them to become available here. Emma & I made 18 jars of strawberry jam (her first time) and we'll probably make some peach, too. She was enthralled at jam making, bless her heart.
Congrats to Pat & Joel. Bill & I will celebrate 40 years in December. Hardly seems possible that it's been that long already; but it doesn't matter how long we're married, it'll never be long enough.
Blessings to all,
Love,
Pammie

* * *

Linda is home !!!

Hugs,
Maggie

* * *

* * *

Good morning. The issue was posted at midnight and I hope you got it in your inbox. In case you didn't, please take a look at it here. Patricia did a fabulous job: http://www.a2zrecipes.net/07022008.html

I think I need at least a nap before I enjoy my day off. I worked all night and I am slightly pooped!

Hugs to all,
Maggie

* * *

Maggie you deserve a rest!! Patricia did a splendid job for you and I did find some recipes I want to try. I can't try many because of my situation here--it's easier to go out to eat!
  I don't write often, but do check in each day and enjoy the antics of everyone!
  My prayers go out each day for those so much in need of them and I do feel sorry for Leasa with Jer being unable to do the things he's always done. I hope Treva is moved and getting settled--packing and unpacking is a thankless job--then some things are always misplaced!
   I hope everyone has a safe Fourth of July this year.

Hey Rusty, how good to hear from you. I wondered where you had been !! Would love to visit with you, but with the price of gas I keep myself close to home.Like the grocery, Drs. office and son's houses. I would like to hear from you if you still have my addy. Are you going east for the summer?
Ladies, I e=mailed to C.F. Sauers and asked for a coupon for the Duke's mayo. Told them I couldn't spend that kind of money on somethng I didn't know whether I
 would like it or not. They were very obliging with a $.75 coupon. The way I read their website, it says free shipping with orders. I might be wrong, but that is what I read. OK, nough of that.
Have a great day everyone.

We're HOME TOO! I'm such a pooped lil thing I can hardly wiggle. Surgery went well, another cast, 2 more weeks of foot in air, new cast. It will be a quiet 4th here, with maybe a steak on the grill, depending on Jer's appetite. He was quite nauseaus (sp?) when we got home, so chicken noodle soup and warm ginger ale were on the menu tonite.

So glad NJW is home! And Rusty has surfaced from "cyberland"..lol

Not had a chance to peruse the issue yet, as well as the rest of my mail. I just thought I'd check in here, then put my feet up and veg in front of the boob tube for the rest of the night. I'll check in tomorrow morn.

I wish you all a safe, happy and healthy 4th!

love and hugs

* * *

Happy Birthday, America!!!

(and last but not least…)

Happy Birthday, Treva!!!

I sure hope Treva’s move is going well and she is pampered with a little party amongst all the packing boxes.

Leasa, I’m so happy that surgery went well for Jerry. It sounds like he’s in for a few weeks of recuperation before he can return to his strenuous job. Good luck to you both. It is true that men become boys again when they are ill, but having the love and care he provides all those years is worth the few days or weeks of his “down time”.

Lou, I have to look for Duke’s at the store when I go. It does not sound familiar, though. Angela and I are Hellmann’s fans, while Trey wouldn’t touch mayo with a 10-foot fork.

Yoo-hoo! Rusty has joined us again! I am still thinking seriously about a trip to Florida sometime in the not-too-distant future. I’m praying the gas prices will not prevent us from getting together again. We’ve still got lots of a2z’ers in Florida and it would be so nice to see them again – or for the first time.

Pat in FL, maybe we will finally meet! You’ve been such a great e-pal these years and we could perhaps get together with Lou, Rusty, Rita, Nancy, and any others who’d like some fun and food. Congrats on the Anny. What a wonderful way to celebrate… a cruise!

I agree that Patricia in MI does a bang-up job on the issues. I’m telling you, it is difficult to gather information for each section that directly pertains to the topic at hand. And hot dogs! WOW! She did so well.

Speaking of Grand Dames in the newsletter world, I sure miss our NJWLinda. I can hardly wait until she is back online and giving us fits with her antics. Yes, we have already discussed her “next” special issue. Ah, the good old days are here again.

Sweet Shirley, its only about 39 days and you’ll be getting the biggest hugs from some weary travelers! Even my kids are anxious to meet you, but they know they’ll have to stand in line behind mom and Pammie.

Pammie, you are such a busy gal. I bet you’re even getting all prepared for the GNWE trip. Angela and I still giggle about whatever it was we needed, Pammie had it, ha-ha. I suspect the limitations of flying might cramp your style but you are still an amazing traveler. And… I miss you soooooooo much.

Bill, I will do a final “head count” this coming week and send off a check to you for the Cheers tab. We’ve been looking through some catalogs for your area and we’re getting sooooo excited! Hugs to Jackie, too!

Dear Carol, it sure sounds like you are feeling better. I am so happy. You’re such a good friend and wise nurse. So many times I’ve wanted an ear (or a shoulder) for all that’s been going on with Angela. She is still very ill but they’ll do the colonoscopy on the 25th. The HYDA-scan (sp) results were not at all promising but they should find out what is wrong in that area then. Of course, she’s a trooper and refuses to miss work, even when she is really in pain. That’s my girl!

And where is Brenda!?@? I got a couple of funny emails lately, one recipe (yesss!!) but haven’t seen her here lately. Does anybody know whassup?

A big “howdy” to Lynn & Larr, Larry in Toronto, Linda in Rosharon (we’re overdue for lunch, girl), and I sure miss some who used to frequent here (Linda in NY, Skirner, Tia, and the WA Jim’s). I may have missed a few of you, sorry. I had a little time to kill during loads of laundry and thought… why not? I don’t write very often here but I read every message as it hits the inbox.

You guys get to looking for camping recipes, okay? We’ve got lots of campers here, as well as those who grill outdoors. No excuses this month!

Love and hugs to all,
Maggie

* * *

I have been away for awhile, but hope to get back into gear here with recipes and blogging here at the group. I just seem to be staying more busy now with school being out. Plus our son starts swimming lessons next week. But anyway, I'm wishing everyone a safe weekend and look forward to keeping in touch both here and at the recipe page too. :o)

Hi, everyone! Happy 5th of July...sorry, I slept through yesterday! Well, until it was almost time to go back to work. I went in early, last night.
The current report on the hemoglobin, as long as I am airing my medical problems here, is 9.8! Ta-Da! Or at least that is what I thought about it. I am getting these strange questions, like, "OMG! If it is UP to 9.8, what was it before??" And discouraging statements, like, "You need to see a hematologist! You need IV Iron, or it will never get it high enough for surgery!" (I am thinking I need to get to 12, before the cardiologist will talk to me! Anyone out there want to offer comments or opinions, go ahead. I am buffaloed! I told my sister that I curse my brother almost daily, for dying and leaving me with these problems and no one to tell me what to do! And, I don't know if my doctor cares....he is leaving town to go back to Wisconsin, by the end of the summer! Maybe, Monday, I can catch one of the docs at the facility and get him to give me an opinion. There are only one or two that I trust, though.
Anyhow, I am still able to sit up and take nourishment and am trying to eat better! Red meat a few times a week, at least. Eggs, cheese and cottage cheese. Plus, I am taking my iron three times a day.
I guess it is time to bang some pots and pans!!!!
Where, oh where, has our Linda gone??? Oh where, oh where, can she beeeeeee? There, if my singing doesn't wake someone up, nothing will!!
Leasa???? Has Jerry driven you off the deep end???
Shirley??? Are you angry with me because I wouldn't sit wrapped in a wet towel with you the other night???
Pammie??? Do you ever stop??? You are worse than a gerbil on No-Doz!! At least, Maggie and I sleep!! If for nothing else, I would love to be able to go to the GNWE, just to see what you pull out of your suitcase, this time!! It reminds me of the circus act, where the little car comes out into the center ring and 25 clowns climb out of it. How did they do that???
Lisa - Where in NC are you??? I lived in High Point, for 4 years when my daughter was little. We moved back North, when she started school! My fondest memory is of going down to the Sand Hills and picking peaches and then stopping and buying cantelope, fresh from the fields. It was on a Sunday, I think, and the farmers would pick the melons that were so ripe they wouldn't make it to Monday, and sell them for something like 50 cents a piece!! Oh, they were so good!!
Maggie - If you Google Duke's Mayonnaise, you will find the website and they have a big US map with all the states where you can find Duke's Mayo. I have a feeling it isn't available in Texas. I am a Hellman's fan, but it has gotten ridiculously expensive. Camping recipes...I will see what I can do for you! I used to have a ton, when I was in Scouting. I probably only have one, now, for Camp Stew. Jen remembered it and wanted the recipe for her next camping trip! Honey, you may feel free to call me or write, any time you need a shoulder or an ear!! It doesn't matter if I am sleeping or not...there are some people who have "Carte Blanche" when it comes to waking me up...you are one of them!
Rusty - I don't know you but perhaps, someday, we will meet! Maggie sure thinks the world of you, so I guess that means I need to meet you!! Maybe this winter, I will get that trip to Florida that I want to give myself!!
Dinner tonight is something called, "Get Well Casserole"...anyone out there ever heard of it??? It starts with chicken that you cook in chicken broth with onion, garlic, etc. Then, while the chicken is cooling, so you can take it off the bones, you cook spaghetti in the same broth. Lots of spaghetti, if necessary, to use up almost all of the broth. Then, you mix the diced cooked chicken in with the spaghetti, put a layer in a 9 x 13-inch baking pan, layer it with Colby cheese and bake it. It is a special request from one of my dinner guests and he had to get the recipe from his mom in Nevada or some where!! I don't know how the casserole is going to be, but the chicked smells good enough to eat!!
Well, I need to make a grocery store run...forgot to get the cheese. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!!

As I sit here laffin...Cheesy, you crack me up! Nope, Jer hasn't SHOVED me off the deep yet, but I think he's pretty close..."You're foot isn't high enuf....Don't get up, I'll get it....NO..you're NOT going outside today...." If that foot swells up and he breaks the stitches, OH GRRR!!! I got some coloring books and a word search book for him to keep him occupied..I actually got a laff from him, and he's been coloring pictures...giggles!! He's also got a hand-held poker game and I powered up the laptop so he can play spider solitaire.

Yesterday was his 54th b-day...woo hoo! No special meal cuz of his tummy, but our sweetie neighbor lady came over with balloons, a card and muffins, along with singing "Happy Birthday". I love her to death!! And another friend popped in to say "hi" and see what's been happening. Little did he know..ha ha. We even made the local paper..go figure. Guess that tells ya'all how much "news" goes on around here.... Our "friend" also had to relay the latest gossip..the gal who usually accosts Jer in the bar on Fri's, her hubby left her at the bar and she decided to "walk" home. Some friends found her in a ditch after she fell, about 1/2 mile from her house. Heavy sigh and all I can say is...DUH!! And it might not be nice, but I laughed. DUH!!

I was busy yesterday, I made Uncle Bill's stuffed pickles for my sweetie neighbor's family reunion. I saved a pickle to show her how the corer worked..she just loved it! I also made some tortilla rollups with the leftover pickle stuffing and a double batch of mini shrimp quiche. I figured that if I did some "pro bono" work, maybe my catering would hop off and I'd get a few jobs..wish wish. Thanks and kudos Uncle Bill!!

Off on another subject, I locked the camper door when we went to Sioux City for Jer's surgery. I tried to get in it last nite..HA HA..the door won't open. Well now, ain't that the pits! Some food and clothes that I'd like to have is locked inside. So my step dad suggested leveling out the camper, which is in the driveway at the moment. Guess I'm gonna learn how to do that too. Everyday is an adventure in Podunk.

So now, I need to mow the back "40" again, and I HAVE GREEN BEANS to pick! Oh...I'm sooooo excited!! Fresh green beans for supper tonite! YUM!! But I also found that I need to tie up some of my tomato branches, and if someone has a remedy for getting rid of "morning glories", I'd sure like to here about it. Dang things were climbing all over the tomatoes and beans, and I just yanked them all off.

Well, I'd better get Jer some lunch and get a load of laundry going. It's really windy here today so the clothes should dry rather quickly. Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday!!

love and hugs

OH YEAH!! P.S. I finally got a chance to read last Weds issue! Oh wow! Great job Patricia! But you neglected to say how a true "Chicago Dog" is made!! It MUST have sport peppers, topped with a "true" dill pickle spear and celery salt...OH boy!! I can taste it now, and yeah, I grew up in Chgo.. I'll be printing out a bunch, when I get more paper. Thanks for a great issue!!

And Maggie..you lil devil you! Even if I'm camping in the driveway..(if I can get into it), I have alot that I'll be sending, in between getting Jer a beverage, food, shower..etc...

love and hugs again!! (giggle)

Great to have so many back! Hang in there Leasa - keep entertaining and feeding Jer well like a good little wife! How about getting him a Sudoku puzzle book? That is my entertainment.

Nothing much going on around here except our air conditioner went out last night!! Surprisingly Tom and I slept well with the ceiling fan blowing strong and then we called Daniel, our friend and air conditioner man, and he came out first thing this morning. Something about the blower relay. He rigged it up to work until he can get back with the parts we need first part of the week. We are so fortunate to have someone who will come right out to fix the air since Tom can't breathe without it in this hot and humid weather. We would have had to go get a motel room I guess if it couldn't be fixed. We have known Daniel since he was a little boy. Matter of fact my Dana used to babysit for him and his brother. His mom and I have worked together for a good 25 years.

Just talked to Nancy on the phone. She had been to Winn Dixie to check on our fried chicken order for tomorrow morning. We have to take fried chicken to our church 4th of July lunch and she had coupons to get it at the store. Lucky us - I sure didn't want to have to fry chicken on a Sunday morning!! She said they had the Duke's mayo there. She will have to tell you about the price etc.

Carol, did I miss something? What is this about you needing surgery?

The "Get Well" chicken casserole sounds good and interesting. You will have to share the recipe. Sorry Maggie, I am not or have I ever been a camper so I don't have any recipes. I will enjoy seeing the recipes in the issue though. I did enjoy the hot dog issue! I am so glad others want to help you out once in awhile to give you a needed break.

Linda, where are you? We are so anxious to have you back with us! Also, Tia & Skirnir and others - please check in once in awhile. We miss you too. Hope Treva had a Happy Birthday and is all settled again. What a job to move!

Oh yes, made a delicious peach pie yesterday with the rest of my peaches! Hated to see the end of them. They were so good! Got to go - God bless all!

Hope you had a Happy Birthday Treva and are all settled.
I found the Duke mayo at Winn Dixie and it was $3.39 for a quart. This weekend with my card it was on sale for $2.79, I bought a jar and will try it. Told Rita i will give her some to try.
We ate the last of the peach pie last nite
, the peaches were so good, would like to have more from Clanton, Al. I brought back for several people. I also made peach bread and Rita's peach and banana and frozen orange juice concentrate salad.I will turn into a peach. one of favorite fruits!
Have a nice weekend.
Linda hope you are doing good, know you are glad to be home.
Leasa take good care of Jer.