Last night Clyde asked me what I was going to fix for dinner. I thought of serving the leftover tortellini pasta and pesto, but said, "I have a roast I can cook." I knew I had a frozen roast. Clyde said, "that would be good." So I planned to cook a roast, but I decided to put it in the crock pot on low over night - so it would be really tender for Sunday dinner.
I smelled it cooking in the early morning hours and by 9:30 am it was done! I took it out at 10 and put it in the fridge, with the juices for gravy in another container.
I never really shopped for the week yesterday on my Costoco run - I only picked up toilet paper, some nice pears, grape tomatoes, black grapes and that's about all. Camille had just left last night for Costa Rica and I wanted to use up stuff in my fridge and freezer so I didn't even have a plan for the week. It's clean out time.
At church, my Visiting Teachers wanted to stop by at 3:30 and that was fine with me. I wasn't going to think about dinner until after they left. Clyde kind of surprised me when he vacuumed the family room at 3:15 and I just figured he never got around to it on Saturday so he decided to do it on Sunday. Random, but whatever.
So one of my VT sisters told a long story about all these step children living in her house, and in the background I hear dishes, glasses, silverware - I though Clyde had decided to empty the dishwasher but it sounded like things were being set on the counter and not put in drawers or the cupboards. At 4:15 pm Clyde hollers from the kitchen, "remember we have dinner guests coming in 15 minutes."
YIKES!! Then I remembered that he had made arrangements to host 5 MFHD students at our house for dinner!! I had completely forgotten until that very moment.
I shooed my VT sisters out the door and went to work!
Here's all the lucky things that fell into place:
1. I had just found my 1/2 full big bag of red potatoes in the pantry - I hadn't seen them until Saturday and put them where I would remember to use them. Clyde washed and cut them quickly and into the pressure cooker they went. Luckily I had a cube of butter and small container of sour cream for the mashed potatoes!
2. I heated up the meat juices and added water and flour for gravy.
3. I found a 1/2 full bag of peas in the freezer - quickly put those on to heat through.
4. I had a 1/2 box of baby spinach and also a box of sassy mix lettuce that had not even been opened - but had it been in the fridge a week?
5. I had just purchased a container of grape tomatoes - perfect for the salad.
6. I had just purchased a box of Costco pears - perfect for broiled pears!!
7. There was barely enough ice cream left from last week's dessert to add to the pear dessert if we were really skimpy on the servings.
8. Clyde sliced the meat and we heated it up in the microwave!! I have never in my life cooked a roast and not served it as soon as it was done. This was a first for me.
9. One guest was on time, but the other 4 persons were late and did not arrive until about 4:50.
That gave me enough time to make the salad with sliced almonds and goat cheese I had on hand, make the mashed potatoes, thicken the gravy, and find salad dressings.
We were sitting down by 4:55! It is like a miracle to me - I had not planned to have guests at all, nor did I shop to have nice meals to prepare. I'm going to Calgary soon so it's time to clean out the fridge.
The funny thing is that when Clyde asked me what we were having for dinner he assumed I was planning on the students, but he never mentioned the student guests to me last night or anytime today. The vacuuming did not even clue me in. I did think it was strange he wanted to know what I was making for dinner - he never asks that!
We did have plenty to eat and the mashed potatoes were a big hit with one 8 year old who came with his mother. They'll never know that I usually serve rolls with my Sunday dinner - I didn't even have time to think about putting bread on the table.
This was my version of the loaves and fishes - miracle or just lucky?
I'm just grateful we pulled it off and there was enough of everything I needed.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
special guests
Look who came to visit!
Pee Wee Herman and a little sheep!
Prizes were won with these costumes.
Pee Wee Herman and a little sheep!
Prizes were won with these costumes.
35 years
Married 35 years.
Here's the photo to document that we made it and are still smiling.
And happy!
And happy!memories
Found these photos of KC and Camille at the Atlantic beach. Camille about 9 months, KC 2 years, 4 months.
Reminds me of Alex and Ruby.
Reminds me of Alex and Ruby.
Monday, October 11, 2010
the airport disaster...
setting: Denver International Airport
time: 7:40 pm
Gate:C30
departure time: 8:35 pm
Everything went fine as I arrived at the airport after a nice three day visit with my dad, age 94. Security went fine, put my shoes on, and headed to the trains and concourse C.
I looked at the board to determine my gate and made a stop at TCBY for a $4 (one scoop) bowl of ice cream. I made my way to gate C 30 - clear at the end of the concourse.
I had about 3-4 bites of ice cream when I decided to call Camille to make sure she knew my plane would be on time.
WHAT!? WHERE IS MY CELL PHONE??
A quick check of my bag (not my purse, but a rectangular shoulder bag with outside pockets) confirmed it was gone! I ran my mind over my last steps and thought of places it could have been misplaced. I didn't think it was in JD's car, I thought I saw it as I placed my stuff in the security bins. All day Sunday my glasses and cell phone had been in the mesh side pocket of the bag, normally used for a water bottle. I recalled setting the bag down on the floor after going through security so I could put my shoes on. I couldn't even call JD - he likely was not home yet and I did not have his cell number memorized!!
So a kindly fellow traveler suggested I get the airline counter staff to call Lost and Found for me. Great idea! It was now 7:55 pm - plane to leave at 8:35 pm
She found the number after some searching, and let me describe the phone to the Lost and Found attendant. After a few moments I heard the good news that it was there!! I was told how to get out of the 'incoming traveler doors' so I could get back to the checkpoint without having to go through security again. I quickly asked the counter staff if they thought I could make it for my 8:35 flight. She said "what flight? We are not gong to SLC!! You need to be at gate C 35!!"
Yikes - my eyesight has failed me again!
I quickly made my way to C 35 and told the attendant I was here, going back to get my phone and to please not leave without me. She said, "you'll never make it and no we cannot hold the plane for you!" I begged her, asked her to pay attention to her conscience and please hold the plane and I told her "I'll make it!"
So I walked as fast as I could to the escalator to the trains, hauling my rolling luggage and my shoulder bag, computer and all.
The train had to stop at concourses B, A, and the main terminal. It was a really quick trip - so far this is great!
I followed the instructions to wait for the incoming passenger doors to open and went through them to the checkpoint entry - seeing only two down escalators and one long flight of stairs. I hiked up the stairs, hauling my bags. At the top I hollered to the attendant, "where's Lost and Found?"
He pointed me to my right and said, "looks like he just stepped away."
So I go over to the tall counter, wander to the side, stick my head in a doorway to an office. One TSA person was in there, looking at a computer. I asked him if he was Lost and Found. He came out and mumbled that he was not, but sometimes helped with Lost and Found out in the city.
I quickly explained that I lost my cell phone at the checkpoint and they had told me it was there at lost and found, a red flip phone. He turned to a bin behind the counter and pulled it right out.
Hooray!! "That's my phone!" I said.
He then grabbed a huge clipboard with 2 inches of paper and said he had to check it off as being picked up. He couldn't find the listing, I kept saying I had an 8:30 plane to catch and he was having nothing to do with just giving me the phone and he was all about protocol.
So I finally put on my glasses and looked at the page with him. I spotted the entry "Sanyo/ cell phone" and I exclaimed, "here it is!"
I grabbed the pen, sort of signed my name, and he handed me the phone.
I flew back to the escalators to the trains and waited a minute to board, saying a little prayer.
I made it to Concourse C in pretty good time, 8:17 to be exact!
I hauled my stuff back up two escalators, walked quickly to C 35 and noticed there were NO passengers waiting to board. I hurried to the door and gave my boarding pass to the attendant. He seemed surprised but happy that I was there. I hurriedly got on the plane, and the flight attendant said there was some bin space in bin 7 or 8. We got my bag up there and I sat down in row 9.
I made it and it was only 8:20 or 8:22 pm!!
I think I had just pulled a Camille - boarding the plane at the very last minute! Tense but what a relief!
I think, but will never know since I didn't wait to ask where it was found, that the phone slipped out of the side pocket when I laid my bag down to put on my shoes. A phone is heavier than glasses and that much inertia from laying the bag down propelled it out of the mesh pocket, onto the floor. My guess anyway.
Thoughts of having to spend another night in Denver, calling JD to come back to get me, re-booking a flight out - maybe waiting a whole day for an open seat, all were forefront in my mind as I raced against time with prayers and hope. I think everything that fell into place was a blessing - I did get the phone and I made my plane. And I was sure to use the plane restroom since there was no time before boarding.
Lessons I learned:
As a side note, I must tell you that I tossed my ice cream bowl as I began my race back to the checkpoint - could not be encumbered holding one more thing. I figure each bite cost me a dollar. But I got very few calories in that treat! bonus!
I guess this post should be titled Airport Disaster - almost.
time: 7:40 pm
Gate:C30
departure time: 8:35 pm
Everything went fine as I arrived at the airport after a nice three day visit with my dad, age 94. Security went fine, put my shoes on, and headed to the trains and concourse C.
I looked at the board to determine my gate and made a stop at TCBY for a $4 (one scoop) bowl of ice cream. I made my way to gate C 30 - clear at the end of the concourse.
I had about 3-4 bites of ice cream when I decided to call Camille to make sure she knew my plane would be on time.
WHAT!? WHERE IS MY CELL PHONE??
A quick check of my bag (not my purse, but a rectangular shoulder bag with outside pockets) confirmed it was gone! I ran my mind over my last steps and thought of places it could have been misplaced. I didn't think it was in JD's car, I thought I saw it as I placed my stuff in the security bins. All day Sunday my glasses and cell phone had been in the mesh side pocket of the bag, normally used for a water bottle. I recalled setting the bag down on the floor after going through security so I could put my shoes on. I couldn't even call JD - he likely was not home yet and I did not have his cell number memorized!!
So a kindly fellow traveler suggested I get the airline counter staff to call Lost and Found for me. Great idea! It was now 7:55 pm - plane to leave at 8:35 pm
She found the number after some searching, and let me describe the phone to the Lost and Found attendant. After a few moments I heard the good news that it was there!! I was told how to get out of the 'incoming traveler doors' so I could get back to the checkpoint without having to go through security again. I quickly asked the counter staff if they thought I could make it for my 8:35 flight. She said "what flight? We are not gong to SLC!! You need to be at gate C 35!!"
Yikes - my eyesight has failed me again!
I quickly made my way to C 35 and told the attendant I was here, going back to get my phone and to please not leave without me. She said, "you'll never make it and no we cannot hold the plane for you!" I begged her, asked her to pay attention to her conscience and please hold the plane and I told her "I'll make it!"
So I walked as fast as I could to the escalator to the trains, hauling my rolling luggage and my shoulder bag, computer and all.
The train had to stop at concourses B, A, and the main terminal. It was a really quick trip - so far this is great!
I followed the instructions to wait for the incoming passenger doors to open and went through them to the checkpoint entry - seeing only two down escalators and one long flight of stairs. I hiked up the stairs, hauling my bags. At the top I hollered to the attendant, "where's Lost and Found?"
He pointed me to my right and said, "looks like he just stepped away."
So I go over to the tall counter, wander to the side, stick my head in a doorway to an office. One TSA person was in there, looking at a computer. I asked him if he was Lost and Found. He came out and mumbled that he was not, but sometimes helped with Lost and Found out in the city.
I quickly explained that I lost my cell phone at the checkpoint and they had told me it was there at lost and found, a red flip phone. He turned to a bin behind the counter and pulled it right out.
Hooray!! "That's my phone!" I said.
He then grabbed a huge clipboard with 2 inches of paper and said he had to check it off as being picked up. He couldn't find the listing, I kept saying I had an 8:30 plane to catch and he was having nothing to do with just giving me the phone and he was all about protocol.
So I finally put on my glasses and looked at the page with him. I spotted the entry "Sanyo/ cell phone" and I exclaimed, "here it is!"
I grabbed the pen, sort of signed my name, and he handed me the phone.
I flew back to the escalators to the trains and waited a minute to board, saying a little prayer.
I made it to Concourse C in pretty good time, 8:17 to be exact!
I hauled my stuff back up two escalators, walked quickly to C 35 and noticed there were NO passengers waiting to board. I hurried to the door and gave my boarding pass to the attendant. He seemed surprised but happy that I was there. I hurriedly got on the plane, and the flight attendant said there was some bin space in bin 7 or 8. We got my bag up there and I sat down in row 9.
I made it and it was only 8:20 or 8:22 pm!!
I think I had just pulled a Camille - boarding the plane at the very last minute! Tense but what a relief!
I think, but will never know since I didn't wait to ask where it was found, that the phone slipped out of the side pocket when I laid my bag down to put on my shoes. A phone is heavier than glasses and that much inertia from laying the bag down propelled it out of the mesh pocket, onto the floor. My guess anyway.
Thoughts of having to spend another night in Denver, calling JD to come back to get me, re-booking a flight out - maybe waiting a whole day for an open seat, all were forefront in my mind as I raced against time with prayers and hope. I think everything that fell into place was a blessing - I did get the phone and I made my plane. And I was sure to use the plane restroom since there was no time before boarding.
Lessons I learned:
- Store cell phones in a secure tight compartment like a jeans pocket, or zippered purse, or similarly designed cell phone spot – NOT a loose open top pocket on the outside of the bag
- Keep a list in your wallet or bag of important cell and home numbers of family and others you might need to contact in an emergency or other cell phone disaster
- Prayers are indeed answered
- You can go back to the security checkpoint without having to go back through security
As a side note, I must tell you that I tossed my ice cream bowl as I began my race back to the checkpoint - could not be encumbered holding one more thing. I figure each bite cost me a dollar. But I got very few calories in that treat! bonus!
I guess this post should be titled Airport Disaster - almost.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
when the floor becomes hazardous
So, if one thinks of using the immersion blender WHISK attachment
And gets the oil, water and two eggs needed for the brownie mix
And places them in a 1 cup Pyrex measure
Then
there might be a slight (or a lot) spray of water, oil and egg
Everywhere!
And YES, I did that
today, right during dinner prep.
A super slippery floor was the result.
Hazardous, just so you know.
And gets the oil, water and two eggs needed for the brownie mix
And places them in a 1 cup Pyrex measure
Then
there might be a slight (or a lot) spray of water, oil and egg
Everywhere!
And YES, I did that
today, right during dinner prep.
A super slippery floor was the result.
Hazardous, just so you know.
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