Posts
...I really am.
Despite everything that is going on.
It's been a roller coaster of a year and I have leaned hard on my friends, family and Steve...and they have all risen spectacularly to the challenge.
I am looking forward to 2011...I know it will be a great year for me.
11 is my favorite number, so how could it not be?
Here are some of the things that come to mind when I think of my many blessings (not necessarily in order):
1. Steve. And the fact that he is much calmer, much more rational that me. Oh, and much more patient, and much stronger. And he's not a complainer.
2. My family. I know that my divorce and everything that went with it was very hard on them too, and I appreciate the fact that they have supported me and put their own issues aside to help take care of me. I am very lucky to have them.
3. My friends. Unconditional love is something that you expect from your family, but not always from your friends. I am lucky to have some wonderful, beautiful, non-judgmental friends in my life. Thank you!
4. Kempton. You all know how I feel about him...
5. My coworkers. They have also shown me tons of support and compassion over the past year. I am thankful that I have a job, and also that I work with some great people.
6. My tiny little house. That very soon I will be able to call MINE. Just waiting for the judge to sign the papers taking Jim's name off of the title.
7. Steve's family. He has an amazing family - which isn't a surprise considering how amazing he is. His kids are smart and funny and sweet; and his parents, siblings and their families have been supportive and accepting.
8. Italian food. What is it about winter that makes me an Italian food freakshow? It's all I want to cook and eat. Pizza, spagetti, lasagna, risotto, antipasto (especially olives, fresh mozzarella cheese, provolone cheese, artichokes...you get the picture). YUM.
9. You guys. My droogies, groupies, friends. Some of you I've never even met before, and you show up here all the time and offer your thoughts, prayers, opinions and support. Some of you I've known my whole life, and you never seem to tire of me...ha! This blog has been an excellent release for me and I hope you guys enjoy it too.
I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and ate way too much!
November 30, 2010
November 29, 2010
Update on Kempton
Last week, when I was thinking about what I was going to post for annual "I am thankful" Thanksgiving post (shut up - I did it last year...that makes it annual!), I was overwhelmed by feelings of stress, anxiety, and self pity.
Most of these were brought on my Kempton being hurt and his impending surgery.
I know that sounds ridiculous for those of you out there who have never had the opportunity to fall in love with an animal, but for those of us who understand that the bond we have with our pet, while very different than the bonds we have with another human, is very, very strong - you will understand my drama.
Not only am I concerned about the surgery, the 4 month recovery, the things that could go wrong, the money it is going to cost and the long term effects it will have on him...I have also found that it makes me physically and emotionally distressed to see him in any kind of pain. Watching him hop and hobble around on 3 legs, struggling to find a comfortable position to lay down in and struggling even more to try to get back up has been torturous for me.
Finding out after his x-rays that both of his back hips have arthritis and that it was probably painful for him to do these things before he tore his ligament makes me feel even worse.
Do I put him through surgery?
Can I afford to fix his other knee if the ligament in that one tears too (which is quite likely)?
Once he has recovered from knee surgery, is he going to have to have hip surgery?
Where do I draw the line?
He is already 8 years old...do I want his last few years to be plagued with painful surgeries and even more painful recoveries?
Can I handle putting him to sleep?
Am I ready for that?
Will I die if I no longer have him around to bury my face in his fur while I snuggle with him?
These are the things that have been going round and round in my head.
Last night, Steve and I decided to go ahead with the knee surgery. I'm pretty sure that Steve is skeptical but he is respecting the fact that emotionally I can't handle not having Kempton around, and that I can't stand to see him in pain.
The arthritis in his hips we will treat with anti-inflammatory and supplements for as long as we can keep him comfortable, and we will do what we can to avoid having him injure his other knee.
Beyond that, all I can do is hope that I am lucky enough to have him healthy and in my life for a couple more years.
Most of these were brought on my Kempton being hurt and his impending surgery.
I know that sounds ridiculous for those of you out there who have never had the opportunity to fall in love with an animal, but for those of us who understand that the bond we have with our pet, while very different than the bonds we have with another human, is very, very strong - you will understand my drama.
Not only am I concerned about the surgery, the 4 month recovery, the things that could go wrong, the money it is going to cost and the long term effects it will have on him...I have also found that it makes me physically and emotionally distressed to see him in any kind of pain. Watching him hop and hobble around on 3 legs, struggling to find a comfortable position to lay down in and struggling even more to try to get back up has been torturous for me.
Finding out after his x-rays that both of his back hips have arthritis and that it was probably painful for him to do these things before he tore his ligament makes me feel even worse.
Do I put him through surgery?
Can I afford to fix his other knee if the ligament in that one tears too (which is quite likely)?
Once he has recovered from knee surgery, is he going to have to have hip surgery?
Where do I draw the line?
He is already 8 years old...do I want his last few years to be plagued with painful surgeries and even more painful recoveries?
Can I handle putting him to sleep?
Am I ready for that?
Will I die if I no longer have him around to bury my face in his fur while I snuggle with him?
These are the things that have been going round and round in my head.
Last night, Steve and I decided to go ahead with the knee surgery. I'm pretty sure that Steve is skeptical but he is respecting the fact that emotionally I can't handle not having Kempton around, and that I can't stand to see him in pain.
The arthritis in his hips we will treat with anti-inflammatory and supplements for as long as we can keep him comfortable, and we will do what we can to avoid having him injure his other knee.
Beyond that, all I can do is hope that I am lucky enough to have him healthy and in my life for a couple more years.
I got tagged, yo!
Gina tagged me! And my brain feels like chilled gravy (you know what I'm talking about - when you put gravy in the fridge overnight and it turns from liquid to that weird jello texture?), so I'm going to do it. Thanksgiving post, Kempton update and new recipe to come...er...later.
RULE #1 : People who have been tagged must write their answers on their blogs and replace any question that they dislike with a new question formulated by themselves.
RULE #2 : Tag 4 people to do this quiz and they cannot refuse. These people must state who they were tagged by and cannot tag the person whom they were tagged by. Continue this game by sending it to other people.
1. If you have pets, do you see them as merely animals, or are they members of your family?
Um...have you ever read my blog? Kempton gets treated better than pretty much anyone else in my life. And to prove it, I am spending two months worth of my salary on surgery for him this week. Don't worry, Steve is going to help me out...so I will still be able to eat! :)
2. If you can have a dream to come true, what would it be?
Hmmmm...I guess to be independently wealthy so I could travel and pursuit my hobbies instead of always having to worry about all the "work" bs.
3. What is the one thing most hated by you?
RULE #2 : Tag 4 people to do this quiz and they cannot refuse. These people must state who they were tagged by and cannot tag the person whom they were tagged by. Continue this game by sending it to other people.
1. If you have pets, do you see them as merely animals, or are they members of your family?
Um...have you ever read my blog? Kempton gets treated better than pretty much anyone else in my life. And to prove it, I am spending two months worth of my salary on surgery for him this week. Don't worry, Steve is going to help me out...so I will still be able to eat! :)
2. If you can have a dream to come true, what would it be?
Hmmmm...I guess to be independently wealthy so I could travel and pursuit my hobbies instead of always having to worry about all the "work" bs.
3. What is the one thing most hated by you?
This is a tough one. I'm not a hater, and the things I've been through the last couple of years have made me more compassionate to everyone (including myself). I'd have to say...bugs, heights, empty stomachs.
4. What would you do with a billion dollars?
Yay! I would quit my job, travel, learn how to take photographs, buy a whole new wardrobe and do basically everything that being poor for so long has prevented me from doing. Oh, and I would totally hire someone to do my grocery shopping for me. I love cooking...grocery shopping not so much.
5. What helps to pull you out of a bad mood?
Steve. Wine. My friends. Kempton. Wine. Really good food. A good book. Yoga. Wine.
6. Which is more blessed, loving someone or being loved by someone?
My first instinct is to say being loved...but some of my biggest regrets in life are not loving people enough.
7. What is your bedtime routine?
Take out contacts, dental hygiene, wash face, take vitamins, turn fan on to block out Steve and Kempton's snores, say goodnight to Kempton, snuggle Steve.
8. If you are currently in a relationship, how did you meet your partner?
He owns a company that the company I work for subcontracts work out to. What?
9. If you could watch an creative person in the act of the creative process, who would it be?
I don't know...I guess I wouldn't mind getting inside someone's head who was writing a really good book.
10. What kinds of books do you buy?
Ones that get recommended by several people...I don't like to waste my money on mediocre books...most of my books have been read several times by me and passed around to my friends or family.
11. How would you see yourself in ten years time?
Holy crap. Hopefully still happy and in love. Maybe with a kid or two of my own...lots of dogs and lots of money and doing something that I like!
12. What’s your fear?
That I'm going to have to put Kempton to sleep. And that I will never be content with my life.
13. Would you give up all junk food for the rest of your life for the opportunity to visit outer space?
I don't really eat junk food (unless you call wine junk food)...but I don't really have a strong desire to visit outer space either. There are still thousands of places on this planet that I would like to visit.
14. Would you rather be single and rich or married, but poor?
Hmmmm - being poor sucks and sometimes so does being married (ha!) but I guess I don't care if I am married/single/rich/poor as long as I am happy and still Lindsey.
15. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
Curse and whine and try to rationalize why I deserve to sleep in longer. Then I hit the snooze button.
16. If you could change one thing about your spouse/partner what would it be?
The mother of his children wouldn't be nuttier than squirrel poo. Other than that, he is pretty much fantastic.
17. If you could pick a new name for yourself, what would it be?
Ruler of the Universe. Because...obviously.
Oooooh - I'm kind of a grudge holder/vengeful bitch. I'm working on it though.
19. If you could only eat one thing for the next 6 months, what would it be?
Wine. Does that count? Otherwise probably pizza.
I don't really know who to tag...how about Tara (this could give you an excuse to start writing in your blog again!), Kara, Douglas, and Eli
November 24, 2010
Kempton Update
Bad news...
Kempton tore his Cranial Cruciate Ligament and will be needing surgery.
Poor baby, it breaks my heart to see him hobble along...he can't put any weight on his back left leg.
I am waiting to hear from the surgeon today, to find out more specifics, schedule the procedure, and find out if he is allowed to travel for the holidays.
Once the procedure is done (assuming it is successful), it sounds like the recovery time is up to 3 months...with the first 8 weeks of very limited activity.
Not cool.
But, what do you do?
He's family.
Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers...
Kempton tore his Cranial Cruciate Ligament and will be needing surgery.
Poor baby, it breaks my heart to see him hobble along...he can't put any weight on his back left leg.
I am waiting to hear from the surgeon today, to find out more specifics, schedule the procedure, and find out if he is allowed to travel for the holidays.
Once the procedure is done (assuming it is successful), it sounds like the recovery time is up to 3 months...with the first 8 weeks of very limited activity.
Not cool.
But, what do you do?
He's family.
Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers...
November 22, 2010
Monday Randomness
I wonder how many times I've actually managed to put together a coherent Monday post?
I bet it's less than 30% of the time.
Something about Mondays just makes me feel the need to spew bits of randomness at you.
Sorry!
How about a list?
Lists make everything better.
1. Two of my favorite people are moving back to MN. My bestie Stephanie, and my soon-to-be seester Lyndi!
I am peeing myself I am so happy.
Stephanie is moving from Kansas City, Missouri to the Twin Cities (as soon as she finds a job. Which she will very soon because she is ridiculously smart, driven and organized. So if you know of any HR job openings in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, please let me know and I will send you her resume.)
Lyndi is moving from the Olympic Peninsula of Washington to DULUTH!!! To my couch!!! We are going to be roommates! (Until she finds a house/apartment. But even then I will still force her to hang out with me all the time.) And eventually (unless he wants his ass kicked) my BROTHER will be moving to Duluth too! Which means that I can cook them dinner and watch their dogs and do everything that a big sister should do!
2. I am actually Cal's little sister.
3. I've actually had several people assume that I was Cal's big sister, however.
4. It has nothing to do with wrinkles or age lines.
5. Kempton hurt his leg last night.
He was running around at Steve's shop and came back limping.
Today he can't put any weight on his back left leg.
I couldn't sleep last night because I was so worried about him...losing Kempton is one of my worst nightmares.
That dog means the world to me. He has gone through more with me in the last 8 years than most of my friends and family have gone through with me...and we still manage to love each other!
Even though he humps and leaves dog hair on my pillow and sometimes eats poop...he is still extremely loyal and protective and snuggly and probably the cutest dog that ever lived.
See?
After what happened to Tick, I am scared that Kempton will hurt himself beyond what I could afford to fix...
And then I'd have to put him down.
Makes me sick to my stomach just thinking about it.
So I am going to stop thinking about it, and instead focus on thinking positive that after a few days of R&R, some Rimadyl and extra love from his momma, he will be ok.
6. I want these boots:
Frye "Jane" Tall Leather Boot
In both Redwood and Dark Brown.
And if they had them in Black, I would want those too.
But they are $300 each and I am poor and Steve and I aren't buying Christmas presents for each other this year.
7. Steve and I went and saw the new Harry Potter movie last night.
It was totally rad.
I want to watch it again tonight.
But I'm pretty sure that Steve had enough of my dorkiness to last him for a while.
8. That's all.
9. Have a great Monday!
I bet it's less than 30% of the time.
Something about Mondays just makes me feel the need to spew bits of randomness at you.
Sorry!
How about a list?
Lists make everything better.
1. Two of my favorite people are moving back to MN. My bestie Stephanie, and my soon-to-be seester Lyndi!
I am peeing myself I am so happy.
Stephanie is moving from Kansas City, Missouri to the Twin Cities (as soon as she finds a job. Which she will very soon because she is ridiculously smart, driven and organized. So if you know of any HR job openings in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, please let me know and I will send you her resume.)
Lyndi is moving from the Olympic Peninsula of Washington to DULUTH!!! To my couch!!! We are going to be roommates! (Until she finds a house/apartment. But even then I will still force her to hang out with me all the time.) And eventually (unless he wants his ass kicked) my BROTHER will be moving to Duluth too! Which means that I can cook them dinner and watch their dogs and do everything that a big sister should do!
2. I am actually Cal's little sister.
3. I've actually had several people assume that I was Cal's big sister, however.
4. It has nothing to do with wrinkles or age lines.
5. Kempton hurt his leg last night.
He was running around at Steve's shop and came back limping.
Today he can't put any weight on his back left leg.
I couldn't sleep last night because I was so worried about him...losing Kempton is one of my worst nightmares.
That dog means the world to me. He has gone through more with me in the last 8 years than most of my friends and family have gone through with me...and we still manage to love each other!
Even though he humps and leaves dog hair on my pillow and sometimes eats poop...he is still extremely loyal and protective and snuggly and probably the cutest dog that ever lived.
After what happened to Tick, I am scared that Kempton will hurt himself beyond what I could afford to fix...
And then I'd have to put him down.
Makes me sick to my stomach just thinking about it.
So I am going to stop thinking about it, and instead focus on thinking positive that after a few days of R&R, some Rimadyl and extra love from his momma, he will be ok.
6. I want these boots:
Frye "Jane" Tall Leather Boot
In both Redwood and Dark Brown.
And if they had them in Black, I would want those too.
But they are $300 each and I am poor and Steve and I aren't buying Christmas presents for each other this year.
7. Steve and I went and saw the new Harry Potter movie last night.
It was totally rad.
I want to watch it again tonight.
But I'm pretty sure that Steve had enough of my dorkiness to last him for a while.
8. That's all.
9. Have a great Monday!
November 17, 2010
Date Night Dinner: Filet Mignon, Citrus and Herb Shrimp, Baked Potato and Salad
Yum.
I love food.
Have you noticed?
And I love Steve.
Hence, the following dinner was born:
Grilled Filet Mignon, Grilled Citrus and Herb Shrimp, (Grilled) Baked Potato, Salad.
Steve has been ridiculously busy lately.
Like, I would probably be sitting on the floor at Miller Dwan, rocking back and forth in my straight jacket if I was that busy.
But instead, he's tired but calm.
And still going out of his way to do sweet things for me like picking up Kempton's holistic, expensive, and difficult to find dog food from the feed place in Wisconsin...even though I didn't ask him to.
Yes, I do realize that I am crazy.
Why do you ask?
Anyway...I wanted to make him a nice dinner to show him that I appreciate him and everything he does.
Take a look:
Delicious little filet...we don't eat a lot of red meat. One small filet is enough for us to share. Steve likes simple flavors, so I simply rubbed the meat with sea salt, fresh cracked pepper, and a little olive oil.
Citrus and herb shrimp...my favorite way to eat shrimp right now. I'll post the recipe below - you should try it immediately!
Po-ta-toe! We split this too, because I knew that we had plenty of food. To prepare this little bugger I scrubbed it, poked some holes in it with a fork...then wrapped it in aluminum foil that was drizzled with olive oil, salt, pepper and some dried herbs. We cooked it on the grill (along with the steak and shrimp). Yum!
Are you hungry yet?
Everything turned out phenomenal. It's hard to see in the pictures, but the steak was medium rare - exactly how we like it (I am giving Steve full credit for this, and I would also like to apologize to him for running around squawking about how they were going to be overdone), and the shrimp were perfect.
We shared a bottle of red wine and had a lovely evening.
I use the term "shared" loosely.
Try this shrimp and let me know what you think - it is oh-so-good and the nice thing about this recipe is that you can customize it using whatever citrus and herbs you have on hand...I hope you enjoy it!
Citrus and Herb Shrimp (serves 2)
Printable Recipe
I love food.
Have you noticed?
And I love Steve.
Hence, the following dinner was born:
Grilled Filet Mignon, Grilled Citrus and Herb Shrimp, (Grilled) Baked Potato, Salad.
Steve has been ridiculously busy lately.
Like, I would probably be sitting on the floor at Miller Dwan, rocking back and forth in my straight jacket if I was that busy.
But instead, he's tired but calm.
And still going out of his way to do sweet things for me like picking up Kempton's holistic, expensive, and difficult to find dog food from the feed place in Wisconsin...even though I didn't ask him to.
Yes, I do realize that I am crazy.
Why do you ask?
Anyway...I wanted to make him a nice dinner to show him that I appreciate him and everything he does.
Take a look:
Are you hungry yet?
We shared a bottle of red wine and had a lovely evening.
I use the term "shared" loosely.
Try this shrimp and let me know what you think - it is oh-so-good and the nice thing about this recipe is that you can customize it using whatever citrus and herbs you have on hand...I hope you enjoy it!
Citrus and Herb Shrimp (serves 2)
- 1 lb uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup citrus juice: orange, lime or lemon...or a combination of the 3. I usually use 1/2 cup of orange and 1/2 cup of either lime or lemon depending what I have on hand
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (or sea salt)
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
- 3 tablespoons fresh or 1 tablespoon dried herbs of your choice: try thyme, oregano, basil, cilantro, tarragon, marjoram or rosemary...or a combination. I usually use an Italian blend; or thyme, oregano, and basil...but I have experimented with other combinations and everything seems to turn out really good
- 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Printable Recipe
November 16, 2010
Delicious Grilled Pizzawich With Warm Marinara Sauce!
Oh my.
If you are on a diet, please look away.
I invented the most amazing sandwich the other day...
I had purchased all of the ingredients to make a turkey cobb salad (I know, healthy right?), when I decided that I really, really didn't want to eat a salad.
I wanted something cheesy, gooey, greasy and delicious.
Like pizza.
But I didn't want to take the time to actually make the pizza.
Have you noticed that I have instant gratification issues yet?
Anyway.
I looked in the fridge and saw I had everything for pizza, except for the crust.
Then I looked at a loaf of bread.
Then I light bulb went off.
Oh yes, that's right.
Check this baby out:
Layers of Canadian bacon, pepperoni and provolone cheese.
Like a grilled cheese, but with pizza toppings, yo!
To.Die.For.
And easy as pie!
You could use whatever pizza toppings you wanted (including some veggies, if you were feeling healthy like that)!
Make this for lunch tomorrow.
Grilled Pizzawich With Warm Marinara Sauce
Printable Recipe
If you are on a diet, please look away.
I invented the most amazing sandwich the other day...
I had purchased all of the ingredients to make a turkey cobb salad (I know, healthy right?), when I decided that I really, really didn't want to eat a salad.
I wanted something cheesy, gooey, greasy and delicious.
Like pizza.
But I didn't want to take the time to actually make the pizza.
Have you noticed that I have instant gratification issues yet?
Anyway.
I looked in the fridge and saw I had everything for pizza, except for the crust.
Then I looked at a loaf of bread.
Then I light bulb went off.
Oh yes, that's right.
Check this baby out:
Layers of Canadian bacon, pepperoni and provolone cheese.
Like a grilled cheese, but with pizza toppings, yo!
To.Die.For.
And easy as pie!
You could use whatever pizza toppings you wanted (including some veggies, if you were feeling healthy like that)!
Make this for lunch tomorrow.
Grilled Pizzawich With Warm Marinara Sauce
- 2 pieces of bread
- 4 slices of pepperoni
- 4 slices of canadian bacon
- 2 slices of provolone cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 ounces of your favorite marinara sauce
Printable Recipe
November 15, 2010
Happy Monday and Steve Update!
Holy winter storm, batman.
We got pounded on Saturday with about 8 inches on heavy, wet snow on Saturday.
It covered the trees and the houses and power lines, making my neighborhood look like a winter wonderland.
Did I mention that Steve has a plow truck?
He was there on Sunday morning before I'd even had breakfast, plowing out my driveway and shoveling off my walking paths/Kempton's peeing paths.
Reason number 9,318 why I love him.
On a related note, I am happy to report that on Friday (exactly one year after his first dose of chemo), Steve met with his doctor after another surveillance checkup, and was given a clean bill of health.
Yay!
I am extremely thankful, and we've been extremely lucky.
You can read about his cancer saga here.
On a totally unrelated note, I have some new recipes for you this week!
I won't tell you what they are, but I'll give you some clues...
One involves a very unhealthy combination of pizza toppings.
And one involves a healthy combination of citrus fruits.
Sorry Joey - no meatloaf yet. I'll work on that for you.
Enjoy you day, everyone!
We got pounded on Saturday with about 8 inches on heavy, wet snow on Saturday.
It covered the trees and the houses and power lines, making my neighborhood look like a winter wonderland.
Did I mention that Steve has a plow truck?
He was there on Sunday morning before I'd even had breakfast, plowing out my driveway and shoveling off my walking paths/Kempton's peeing paths.
Reason number 9,318 why I love him.
On a related note, I am happy to report that on Friday (exactly one year after his first dose of chemo), Steve met with his doctor after another surveillance checkup, and was given a clean bill of health.
Yay!
I am extremely thankful, and we've been extremely lucky.
You can read about his cancer saga here.
On a totally unrelated note, I have some new recipes for you this week!
I won't tell you what they are, but I'll give you some clues...
One involves a very unhealthy combination of pizza toppings.
And one involves a healthy combination of citrus fruits.
Sorry Joey - no meatloaf yet. I'll work on that for you.
Enjoy you day, everyone!
November 9, 2010
Thank You Sunshine.
For being you.
And for making me chicken teriyaki skewers on the grill last night for dinner.
I appreciate you very much!
And for making me chicken teriyaki skewers on the grill last night for dinner.
I appreciate you very much!
November 8, 2010
Chicken Noodle Soup
As I mentioned last week, a sudden winter storm put me in the mood for the ultimate winter comfort food: Chicken Noodle Soup.
I posted my recipe for Homemade Chicken Stock on Thursday, and you should make it as soon as possible.
I wasn't going to post my recipe for chicken noodle soup, because once you have the stock the rest is a cake walk.
Although I'm not really sure what a cake walk is.
But then I got really lazy this weekend and didn't take any pictures of any of the food I cooked.
You see - Steve and I went up to the cabin for one last weekend before we had to put the boat away. If you've been reading this blog since the beginning, you will remember that we went up the same weekend last year (you can read about it here).
Except last year we had the shadow of Steve's forthcoming chemo treatments (that started the following week) to worry about.
Thankfully we didn't have those worries this year.
Like last year, the weather was gorgeous and we had a blast - boating, saunaing, relaxing, eating...
And this year we had the bonus of hanging out with some friends Saturday night/Sunday morning (thanks Mark, Gale and Georgia!)!
The weekend flew by and I didn't want to go home.
We ate some delicious food - on Friday night we marinaded and grilled some fresh partridge that my dad gave us (the original organic, free range poulty!), and on Saturday I made a big pot-roast in the crock pot.
But I was a total slacker and didn't take any pics.
All weekend.
Not one!
So today I am going to post the chicken noodle soup recipe instead.
I hope you don't feel like it is too much of a consolation prize...
It's delicious, easy and it will warm you from the inside out!
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!
Chicken Noodle Soup (serves 8 - 10)
Printable Recipe
I posted my recipe for Homemade Chicken Stock on Thursday, and you should make it as soon as possible.
I wasn't going to post my recipe for chicken noodle soup, because once you have the stock the rest is a cake walk.
Although I'm not really sure what a cake walk is.
But then I got really lazy this weekend and didn't take any pictures of any of the food I cooked.
You see - Steve and I went up to the cabin for one last weekend before we had to put the boat away. If you've been reading this blog since the beginning, you will remember that we went up the same weekend last year (you can read about it here).
Except last year we had the shadow of Steve's forthcoming chemo treatments (that started the following week) to worry about.
Thankfully we didn't have those worries this year.
Like last year, the weather was gorgeous and we had a blast - boating, saunaing, relaxing, eating...
And this year we had the bonus of hanging out with some friends Saturday night/Sunday morning (thanks Mark, Gale and Georgia!)!
The weekend flew by and I didn't want to go home.
We ate some delicious food - on Friday night we marinaded and grilled some fresh partridge that my dad gave us (the original organic, free range poulty!), and on Saturday I made a big pot-roast in the crock pot.
But I was a total slacker and didn't take any pics.
All weekend.
Not one!
So today I am going to post the chicken noodle soup recipe instead.
I hope you don't feel like it is too much of a consolation prize...
It's delicious, easy and it will warm you from the inside out!
Chicken Noodle Soup (serves 8 - 10)
- 6 quarts Homemade Chicken Stock
- 2 lbs cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 6 celery stalks, washed and diced
- 6 large carrots, washed and diced
- 1/2 a large yellow onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 lb dried egg noodles (less if you want the soup less thick/hearty)
- 2 - 4 tablespoons chicken bouillon (to taste)
- salt and pepper
- dried herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, and/or parsley (optional - to taste)
Printable Recipe
November 5, 2010
i carry your heart with me
i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart) i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)
no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)
my heart) i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)
no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)
~ e.e. cummings
I know you are resting in peace, Grandma G.
I miss you and think about you all of the time!
I miss you and think about you all of the time!
November 4, 2010
Homemade Chicken Stock
Last week we had our first winter storm.
It dropped (on average) 7.1 inches of snow in Duluth.
Typically, I am not a fan of winter.
Since I met Steve, however, it has become more tolerable.
First, because he loves winter.
I mean loves it.
And he convinces me to get out and play in the snow, which makes it go by faster.
Second, because if I am going to be cooped up in the house while it's snowing and blowing and dark (have I mentioned how much I hate daylight savings time?), at least I will be cooped up with him.
Third, because he has a snowplow.
Fourth, because he has a shovel, and he's not afraid to use it.
Besides Steve, the only other things that get me through winter are good books and soup.
And SmartWool socks.
Anyway...
One of the main ingredients in several of my favorite winter soups is chicken stock!
Now, you can always buy store-bought chicken stock...
...but it's expensive.
And the flavor isn't as rich (which means it won't make as yummy soup!).
And if you are watching your sodium intake, store-bought stock is higher in sodium, even though you still need to add salt to it for most recipes.
My point is, homemade stock is better, even though it adds steps/time to your soup recipe.
Yum.
My solution is to make large amounts of it.
I have a large stockpot that must be around 20 quarts that I use (after I remove the chicken and veggies and strain the broth, it leaves me with about 2 7-quart dutch ovens full). This makes enough for 2 - 3 large pots of soup.
Whatever I don't use right away, I put in containers or zip-top bags and freeze it.
Here is a basic recipe for homemade chicken stock, and then please see my notes below for more specific instructions and substitutions.
Homemade Chicken Stock
* If I am going to make chicken noodle soup (or some other soup that calls for chicken), I will throw a whole chicken in the stock pot, bring it to a boil and simmer it for about 45 minutes (or until the legs pull away easily). At this point, I will remove the whole chicken from the stock, let it cool, pick the meat off the bone, and then throw the carcass back in. You don't want to simmer any chicken that you are going to eat for 4+ hours - it will be like rubber. You can also use the carcasses from rotisserie chickens.
** If you aren't watching your sodium, substitute some of the water for fat-free, low sodium chicken broth. This will provide a richer flavor.
*** If you don't have fresh herbs, you can substitute dried, or use a combination. Last time I used fresh thyme, but dried oregano and also some red pepper flakes. Try to use the fresh dill though! It adds something extra (though it doesn't impart a strong dill flavor on your soups).
**** If you don't want to wait overnight to skim the fat off, cool stock down enough to pour into a fat-separating pitcher; or pour into large zip-top bags, seal top of bag, cut bottom corner off of bag (fat will have risen to the top) and pour the stock into a pot, pinching the corner of the bag to prevent any of the fat from going in the pot...discard bag with remaining fat in it. I prefer to plan ahead and chill it overnight...because it is so much easier to skim the fat off:
Stay tuned for a recipe for delicious chicken noodle soup...using homemade chicken stock, of course!
Printable Recipe
It dropped (on average) 7.1 inches of snow in Duluth.
Typically, I am not a fan of winter.
Since I met Steve, however, it has become more tolerable.
First, because he loves winter.
I mean loves it.
And he convinces me to get out and play in the snow, which makes it go by faster.
Second, because if I am going to be cooped up in the house while it's snowing and blowing and dark (have I mentioned how much I hate daylight savings time?), at least I will be cooped up with him.
Third, because he has a snowplow.
Fourth, because he has a shovel, and he's not afraid to use it.
Besides Steve, the only other things that get me through winter are good books and soup.
And SmartWool socks.
Anyway...
One of the main ingredients in several of my favorite winter soups is chicken stock!
Now, you can always buy store-bought chicken stock...
...but it's expensive.
And the flavor isn't as rich (which means it won't make as yummy soup!).
And if you are watching your sodium intake, store-bought stock is higher in sodium, even though you still need to add salt to it for most recipes.
My point is, homemade stock is better, even though it adds steps/time to your soup recipe.
My solution is to make large amounts of it.
I have a large stockpot that must be around 20 quarts that I use (after I remove the chicken and veggies and strain the broth, it leaves me with about 2 7-quart dutch ovens full). This makes enough for 2 - 3 large pots of soup.
Whatever I don't use right away, I put in containers or zip-top bags and freeze it.
Here is a basic recipe for homemade chicken stock, and then please see my notes below for more specific instructions and substitutions.
Homemade Chicken Stock
- 8 pounds of chicken pieces (carcasses, wings, roasting chickens, etc.- whatever you have)
- 6 large carrots, washed and cut into large pieces
- 4 celery stocks, washed and cut into large pieces (leaves and all!)
- 1 medium onion, quartered (skin and all!)
- 10 or more sprigs of fresh dill (trust me!)
- 10 - 20 sprigs of fresh thyme, oregano, and/or rosemary
- 10 whole peppercorns
- 6 cloves of garlic
- water
* If I am going to make chicken noodle soup (or some other soup that calls for chicken), I will throw a whole chicken in the stock pot, bring it to a boil and simmer it for about 45 minutes (or until the legs pull away easily). At this point, I will remove the whole chicken from the stock, let it cool, pick the meat off the bone, and then throw the carcass back in. You don't want to simmer any chicken that you are going to eat for 4+ hours - it will be like rubber. You can also use the carcasses from rotisserie chickens.
** If you aren't watching your sodium, substitute some of the water for fat-free, low sodium chicken broth. This will provide a richer flavor.
*** If you don't have fresh herbs, you can substitute dried, or use a combination. Last time I used fresh thyme, but dried oregano and also some red pepper flakes. Try to use the fresh dill though! It adds something extra (though it doesn't impart a strong dill flavor on your soups).
**** If you don't want to wait overnight to skim the fat off, cool stock down enough to pour into a fat-separating pitcher; or pour into large zip-top bags, seal top of bag, cut bottom corner off of bag (fat will have risen to the top) and pour the stock into a pot, pinching the corner of the bag to prevent any of the fat from going in the pot...discard bag with remaining fat in it. I prefer to plan ahead and chill it overnight...because it is so much easier to skim the fat off:
Stay tuned for a recipe for delicious chicken noodle soup...using homemade chicken stock, of course!
Printable Recipe
November 3, 2010
Delizioso!!
Be still my heart.
Steve's sister in law, Brooke, has made me a very happy person.
She works for this company:
Manicaretti imports high quality Italian foods: oils, vinegars, pastas, rice/grains, pasta sauces, etc.; and sells them to restaurants, Italian grocery stores, etc.
Brooke and Steve's brother Tim live in California, but were up for a visit late this summer.
Last week, Steve brought me a large box that Brooke had sent to us.
I opened it up, and here is what I found:
The box was full of imported Italian olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried pasta, pesto and tomato sauce.
I died and went to heaven.
My heaven will be full of delicious Italian food.
I was so excited, my first instinct was to hoard it all.
Seriously.
I thought about using it sparingly and savoring it for years to come.
Then Steve mentioned that there might be a small chance that there was more where this came from.
And then I thought about drinking the balsamic vinegar straight out of the glass jug.
Pounding it.
Like water.
Or wine.
But now that I've had a little while to calm down, I think I'll just be cool, you know?
Maybe I'll use some of the products next time I have friends over for dinner.
Maybe I'll give a bottle to my mom.
Maybe I'll whip it out when I'm making something special for Steve next time.
Maybe I'll use it on a perfectly normal weeknight, for a simple salad or a quick bowl of pasta.
Either way, THANK YOU Brooke!
You just made this girls month.
PS - in case you were wondering, this was the first thing I did with it:
Dipped some crusty Italian bread into a mixture of oil and balsamic. YUM.
After tasting it Steve said to me, "This is so good, it doesn't even taste like balsamic vinegar!"
And I said, "No, honey - this is what balsamic vinegar is SUPPOSE to taste like."
The end.
Steve's sister in law, Brooke, has made me a very happy person.
She works for this company:
Brooke and Steve's brother Tim live in California, but were up for a visit late this summer.
Last week, Steve brought me a large box that Brooke had sent to us.
I opened it up, and here is what I found:
The box was full of imported Italian olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried pasta, pesto and tomato sauce.
I died and went to heaven.
My heaven will be full of delicious Italian food.
I was so excited, my first instinct was to hoard it all.
Seriously.
I thought about using it sparingly and savoring it for years to come.
Then Steve mentioned that there might be a small chance that there was more where this came from.
And then I thought about drinking the balsamic vinegar straight out of the glass jug.
Pounding it.
Like water.
Or wine.
But now that I've had a little while to calm down, I think I'll just be cool, you know?
Maybe I'll use some of the products next time I have friends over for dinner.
Maybe I'll give a bottle to my mom.
Maybe I'll whip it out when I'm making something special for Steve next time.
Maybe I'll use it on a perfectly normal weeknight, for a simple salad or a quick bowl of pasta.
Either way, THANK YOU Brooke!
You just made this girls month.
PS - in case you were wondering, this was the first thing I did with it:
After tasting it Steve said to me, "This is so good, it doesn't even taste like balsamic vinegar!"
And I said, "No, honey - this is what balsamic vinegar is SUPPOSE to taste like."
The end.
November 2, 2010
Go Vote!
90 years ago, women were finally granted the right to vote.
That wasn't that long ago, people.
My grandmother was born in 1923.
Please get out and vote today, ladies and gentlemen.
It would be a dishonor to all of the people that worked so hard to make it possible if you didn't.
PS - Yes, I realize that I still haven't posted pictures from our trip to Kansas City. Yes, I also realize that I need to post the recipe/pics from making chicken stock and chicken noodle soup. I'm on it.
That wasn't that long ago, people.
My grandmother was born in 1923.
Please get out and vote today, ladies and gentlemen.
It would be a dishonor to all of the people that worked so hard to make it possible if you didn't.
PS - Yes, I realize that I still haven't posted pictures from our trip to Kansas City. Yes, I also realize that I need to post the recipe/pics from making chicken stock and chicken noodle soup. I'm on it.
November 1, 2010
I Miss Summer...
...and so does Kempton. You are looking at the most spoiled dog EVER. I wouldn't have it any other way.
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