dfish

@cruising sister OMG, Baby Murphy is adorable. And what a doting Grandma you are! Manicures AND dolls. River got to help transplant some hostas and daylillies. @Cruising-along I feel your fatigue. @summer slope I'm going to move in with you for the pool. Back to the kitchen work. Not much more preparation to do. I finished the cucumbers and sour cream and just have to slice the tomatoes and onions for the burgers.

@RMLincoln Those notes are so precious so of course, we save them forever. I want my Manhattan with Southern Comfort and olives instead of cherries. I used to drink them like that, but they would probably be way too sweet for me now. I made Lenda's Mexican Street Corn for today's cookout. It is flavor blending and it is going to be so good! We've got cucumbers and sour cream and potato salad. And burgers and dogs. I think we'll get enough to eat.

Just checked and mine is ok. But, doesn't mean there isn't a problem.

Go for it.

Good morning! It is currently raining her in mid-Michigan but it is supposed to be sunny and 75 by cookout time here. DS Mary Jo and her DH Mitch are coming over for burgers and dogs on the grill. When the rain clears out Sue plans to do some flower planting with River. That will be good. Right now we are watching cartoons with those annoying voices. Of course, I do have to remember that this makes it all worthwhile. @ger_77 Happy Half Birthday! The very first meal I ever made in my new crockpot back in 1979 was chicken with olives. It was ok. I think the crockpot got washed and put away for about 30 years. I would swap out the orzo in this recipe for riced cauliflower. Chicken in the Slow Cooker This one has more of a tomato sauce that tomatoes included in the dish. Mediterranean Chicken This one uses kalamata olives instead of the regular green olives. It also calls for chicken thighs, but you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. One Pot Chicken Wishing you all a wonderful day!

In typical girl fashion, she has changed the spelling of her name to Addi. I'm sure there will be a new iteration by tomorrow.

Here's the newborn with the typical scrunched up eyes and already chomping on her fist.

We are happy to announce the arrival of Adelaide Elizabeth at 4:14 pm this afternoon. She is the daughter of my goddaughter, Elizabeth, and her DH Joe. Addy has an older brother, Oliver, who has been saying for the last few weeks that it was time for her to come out. Mom agreed. Mom and Addy are doing just fine.

No, but I can add some cayenne pepper to the cake and frosting part.

Good morning, everyone! @Heartgrove I hope you have a wonderful special day! We have another sunshiny day in store here in mid-Michigan. Sue will go north to pick up Miss River this afternoon and then we will have Farkle Friday with DB Bill and DSIL Lauren. Burgers on the grill! We might throw some green beans on as well. We have to have some vegetables. Today's meal would go well with our burgers, but we're going to pass. We do allot ourselves one Lindor Truffle each evening as a treat. My favorite part of German Chocolate Cake was the pecan and coconut topping. But at 77 g of carbs per slice, I have to decline. https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/german-chocolate-cake/ Sally's upgraded German chocolate cake uses a dark chocolate instead of German sweet chocolate. But it still has that wonderful pecan/coconut filling. https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/german-chocolate-cake/ Food and Wine shines a light on the origin of German Chocolate Cake, which isn't German at all! Despite its moniker, this cake is not of German origin. The dessert gets its name from the creator of the chocolate that was originally used in the cake, Samuel German, who worked for Baker’s Chocolate Company. He created a sweeter variety of dark chocolate that is marketed under the name Baker’s German’s Sweet Chocolate. A century after the creation of the chocolate, two things happened — General Mills purchased Baker’s Chocolate Company and a Texas homemaker, Ms. George Clay, had her recipe for German’s Chocolate Cake published in the Dallas Morning Star. General Mills took notice and distributed the recipe throughout the United States under the name German Chocolate Cake. https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/german-chocolate-cake-ali-larter I hope this finds all of you well. @StLouisCruisers Sandi, don't do too much! Wishing you all a wonderful day!

I did it for three years. By then the surgeon had retired and the dentist said they didn't prescribe them anymore.

They are a bunch of 35-65 year olds acting like 2 year olds. Today River asked her other grandma why her dad gave her away. Her other grandma said that sometimes people step out of your life if they think they can't take care of you or be good to you, but if they get better they can come back. She then told her that she, Sue, and I were very happy to have her in our lives and wouldn't want to have it any other way. @Haljo1935 and @JazzyV After I had my hip repair the dentist told me they didn't do the antibiotic thing any more. Then, after I had my knees done I was told I had to take an antibiotic before dental work for two years or the rest of my life. Quite a choice there!

@ger_77 Gerry, thank you so much for the update. It was tough waiting for news, but I'm sure it was much harder on you yesterday. But, Yay! I usually double up on the broccoli and add in a few brussels sprouts for good measure.

Good morning, everyone! It is going to be a beautiful sunshiny day here with temps in the mid 70's. Sue was supposed to take River to her great grandmother's for the weekend, but River's father threw a fit and said he wouldn't come to the birthday party for the great grandmother if Sue and River were there, so they got uninvited. Can't figure out what is wrong with some people, but Sue and River are better off without them, I guess. The great grandma is very upset with them all over this. Yoga today! I bought myself a new yoga mat so I don't have to use a communal one. Little things can be so uplifting. Happy Birthday to @smitty34877's Tana! I hope Tana has a wonderful day! Today's dinner sounds great to me! I'd just leave out the rice and sub in riced cauliflower. Easy Beef and Broccoli If you use the flank steak in this next recipe, be sure to slice it very thinly. It can be pretty tough if you don't. I always marinate a flank steak to help tenderize it. Beef and Broccoli 2 This last recipe doesn't have the heat that the second one does. It also doesn't call for mushrooms, but they are easily added in. I'm leaning towards this recipe. Beef and Broccoli 3 Wishing you all a wonderful day!

Something for the garden club from our garden.

@cruising sister Your grandchildren are adorable. @marshhawk Your work would drive me crazy. I'm glad you enjoy it. @Nickelpenny It sounds like recovery is coming along just fine. @StLouisCruisers Sandi, I vote with the majority - take the medicine. @Cruising-along Have fun with the grands. I hope you get through the day ok. Here is a picture of San Diego that I took last January as we sailed off to Hawaii. We really need to work in another Hawaii cruise. Or maybe just a trip to Hawaii.

Good morning, everyone! It is a windy day here in mid-Michigan. It sounds like it is raining hard, but it is the wind in the trees. It is supposed to be a nice day today with temps in the mid 70s. Last night we drove up to Tustin to watch River's soccer game. It is kind of a long drive for an hour of watching 7 year olds run back and forth, but the excited look and big hug from Miss River made it all worthwhile. My "friend" from the gym/pool is apparently making friends all over. I'm going to seem like his best friend shortly. He kicked out a 7 year old for running. The 7 year old is autistic and his grandmother tried to explain that and said she would work with him on the running, but he was over excited. This guy said autism was no excuse for not following the rules. I guess the kid ran into the pool area, just like most kids do. I would think a warning would have been sufficient since no one was hurt. Expelling the kid seems kind of drastic. Meanwhile, I talked to my yoga instructor to get ideas of other places to go and when I told her what was going on at the Community Center, she said to please, please escalate this up the ladder. She knows this guy and feels that he needs more direction from the top. Today's wine sounds good. I like the La Crema Chardonnay. I haven't tried any other their other wines, but the Chardonnay is a quality product. We were just in San Diego for our Hawaii cruise, but mostly just saw the shops at Seaport Village. We liked Crazy Shirts and made a point of going back there when the cruise was over. Today's drink sounds very refreshing. I probably wouldn't order it due to the orange juice and the sugars. Keeping @ger_77 Gerry and Maurice close in my thoughts as Maurice undergoes his valve replacement surgery. Also hoping for a good update on @JazzyV Vanessa's BFF post surgery. @kazu How awful that Ivan was attacked! I would have reported that as well. I hope he's better today and not as sensitive to touch. Today's meal is a pretty versatile one. If you don't like spinach, you can substitute a vegetable that you do like. I would leave out the pasta and use riced cauliflower or just chopped cauliflower as a filler. But, do keep the garlic and lemon! Chicken Spinach Skillet This next recipe includes some fire roasted tomatoes and I think that would be a great addition to the dish. More Chicken and Spinach This one is the non diet version. It has heavy cream in it and also uses a bit of dijon mustard. That would give it a nice touch. Non Diet Chicken and Spinach Wishing you all a wonderful day!

Good morning, everyone! We had some thunder bumpers roll through last night, but nothing serious here. Everything is still wet and damp outside, but the sun is out. We have another in the mid 80s on tap for mid-Michigan today. Sue and I are going up to Reed City for River's final soccer game this season. Today's meal is a good one. We had salmon the other day when the MOD was salmon bowls. We just didn't have it in a bowl. I put it on a metal sheet with holes in it. I cover the sheet with aluminum foil and poke holes so the steam and smoke can come through. I just use a bit of cooking spray on the sheet and put it on the grill and it is so good. It stays moist, but is crispy on the outside. Mmmm. Today's recipe reminds me of that. And, it is super easy to do. Baked Salmon in Foil That looks scrumptious to me! All I need are some grilled veggies to go with it! This next recipe is a honey garlic salmon and it sounds just as good as the first one. Honey Garlic Salmon in Foil This one by Giada De Laurentiis is totally different. It is made with chopped tomatoes and shallots. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/salmon-baked-in-foil-recipe-1914818 Thinking of those who have medical appointments and procedures today and hoping all goes well, especially @kazu Jacqui and @JazzyV Vanessa's BFF. Wishing you all a wonderful day!

Well, I did reverify and it went through, so maybe I did have to do it. The last time my PCC told me I had to reverify they wouldn't let me do it because I was still verified. Now, this reverify that you are a retired teacher doesn't make sense to me. There is no way to quit being a retired teacher. At least none that I know about. It would make sense to need to reverify my AARP membership. If I had one. Anyways, I am verified and have the OBC for both segments of the cruise.

Good evening, everyone! I just paid off the two Zuiderdam cruises for August. It feels good! I knew it was too long to go until January for another cruise. The only problem we are having is that they didn't apply my educator OBC. They said I have to reverify, but the verify people say I don't. Typical stuff. Our friend the turkey just strolled through the yard. I thought they had left for greener yards. @Heartgrove I am glad there was no lasting damage from Sam's tumble down the stairs. He sounds like such a sweetie. @kazu I hope you get answers tomorrow and that there is an easy and quick solution. This has gone on way too long. @Quartzsite Cruiser and @57redbird You are making me cringe with your dental experiences. More power to you! @NextOne Never stop booking those cruises! Good for you!

Good morning, everyone! It is going to be another beautiful day here in mid-Michigan with sunshiny skies and temps in the mid 80s. I left windows open to cool down the house last night, so hopefully it won't get too hot in here. It is way too early in the season for AC. No gym today as we are going to a funeral for the DM of a neighbor. It is always hard to lose a mom. We had met the mom and visited with her a few times when we went to see our friend, Ellamary, as they were both at the same assisted living facility. @0106 Tina described Spring Salad perfectly. Just use what is freshest for the time. Right now asparagus reigns supreme at the Farmers Market. But, use whatever fresh produce you can find and/or like. This first one also uses some roasted chickpeas and pistachios. Those are great for adding in some protein. Spring Salad I think the herb vinaigrette that comes with the above salad sounds great as well. The mint in this next recipe is interesting. The goat cheese is great for protein, but can be subbed out for a cheese of your liking. More Spring Salad This last spring salad adds in strawberries and mandarin oranges with a raspberry vinaigrette. That sounds pretty good, too! Spring Salad with Fruit I hope this inspires you to create your version of spring salad. And, why not share? Wishing you all a wonderful day!

@Sharon in AZ Great picture of the family, Sharon! Your mom has a lot of spunk. I like that! Pizza looks good, too!

Thank you, everyone, for the kind comments about our new patio furniture. We are thrilled! @JazzyV I think you are correct in wanting to stay with BFF the night after surgery. That is the usual recommendation anyways. I had to fudge a bit when I had the parathyroid gland surgery as Sue wasn't here full time yet. That was a very easy surgery and they did recommend that someone be here overnight. @1ANGELCAT Poor Shirl. None of us want to recognize that we could reach that point, but it does happen. My BIL's mother was that way. And she was very distrustful of BIL. @Nickelpenny What a low thing to do - steal someone's laundry supplies. Sometimes it is surprising who the person is that does that. I think the lock and light will help. Glad to hear that your recovery is moving along well. You want to be well for November 2025! @Cruzin Terri I hope you are feeling better soon. Don't rush things,but do get well. @RMLincoln I think it would be fun if you came on the Zuiderdam Boston-Quebec-Boston cruise. However, Ireland is fantastic. I didn't find the driving that difficult, but it has been several years. My mom's side of the family came from the Abbeyfeale area where counties Limerick, Cork, and Kerry meet. My pool time was a fact finding mission. I determined that the water is truly way too shallow to even try the water fitness classes. If I kneel on the pool floor it would be the right depth, but who jogs on their knees? I walked the lazy river, but with the shallow water there I did start to develop pain in my lower back and my neck after a while. This lazy river is about 6 inches shallower than the one I used in Ohio.

Good morning, everyone! It is going to be a warm sunshiny day here in mid-Michigan. The high is expected to be 83F. For the first time this season I left the windows open last night. It helped cool the house down as it was getting stuffy in here. It is way too early to turn the air on. I have decided that I am going to the pool today. My "friend" isn't there on weekends, so that is my free time. And then I am going to enjoy the day as there is no more furniture to assemble! Salmon Rice Bowls – A layered bowl made up of tender jasmine rice, glazed teriyaki style salmon bites, asian cabbage slaw, fresh creamy avocado and crisp cucumber. Then for a final finishing touch everything is drizzled with a spicy sriracha mayo. It’s a flavor explosion all in one bowl! I would leave out the rice and perhaps substitute riced cauliflower to bring the carb count down to a reasonable level for me. In this first recipe one serving has 63g of carbohydrates, about double my allowance. https://www.cookingclassy.com/salmon-rice-bowl/ This next recipe has a lower carb count, probably because of the use of brown rice. I'd still swap it out for the riced cauliflower. https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/7960938/salmon-rice-bowl/ This last one has some great ideas on swaps you can make. Don't like salmon? Use chicken! Seasoning is a bit different as well. https://www.skinnytaste.com/salmon-rice-bowls/ Wishing you all a wonderful day!