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I'm happy things went well for you! I dropped off my spit samples today and had blood drawn for another test. Do they ever end? Also have an appointment with the surgeon concerning the parathyroid issue and the adrenal mass. Cha Ching.

Good morning, everyone! It is snowing very lightly here in mid-Michigan. It is sticking to the rooftops but melting on the ground. Give it time. I'm actually a bit disappointed that there isn't a good snow cover. The nature center offers snow shoe hikes, but has had to cancel them all due to lack of snow. Not much on the agenda. Farkle Friday has been moved to Saturday. We are celebrating my brother's birthday. I just hope the cake I made doesn't go stale before tomorrow night. It is a vanilla cake with an orange buttercream frosting and a cherry/cranberry filling. Dinner is what he requested - Mom's beef stroganoff. Today's meal is not really for vegetarians as it also contains meat. You could use Beyond Meat in place of the actual stuff, but I'm not sure how that would impact the flavor. And warning: this dish is spicy hot! Mapo Tofu is a popular Chinese dish from Sichuan Province, where spicy food is king and the signature spice of the region––the Sichuan Peppercorn––gives dishes a unique “numbing” effect. It’s almost like the Sichuan peppercorns are there to not only add their fragrance and flavor, but also to numb your tongue so it can take more heat! https://thewoksoflife.com/ma-po-tofu-real-deal/ There are slightly different ingredients in this recipe. https://www.seriouseats.com/real-deal-mapo-dofu-tofu-chinese-sichuan-recipe This one has tips for turning the dish into a vegan dish. https://omnivorescookbook.com/authentic-mapo-tofu/ Wishing you all a wonderful day. Prayers for Jacqui, Kathi, Tana, Sarah, and Patricia.

I am so sorry, Carolyn. Hugs to you.

@Cruising-along What devastating news about your cousin. Hugs and more hugs and prayers and healing thoughts to her and her family as well as you.

Good afternoon! @Mr. Boston Congratulations on the impending retirement. It has been great for me! @cruising sister Welcome to the Daily! We hope you'll join us often. @kazu The cast may be a pain, but you sure look pretty in pink. I am so happy! I got the garage door to work. I have no idea what I did to fix it, but it works, so I am just going to take the win and be happy!

Good morning, everyone! It is a rainy day here. I can hear the rain on the roof. That's kind of scary because it has me running around making sure it isn't coming in the house. So far, we are nice and dry inside. A power outage yesterday late afternoon/evening is still having some effects. I met my DS and DBIL for dinner at a restaurant on the south side of town. @StLouisCruisers Sandi, you might remember it - The Boulevard Lounge, also known as The Bully. In order to get the car out of the garage I had to disconnect the garage door from the opener. Now, I cannot get them to reconnect. That is this morning's project. It is always something! Today's meal is bringing back memories of Thanksgiving and Christmas. It looks good and I like turkey, but never think to eat it outside of the holidays. This first recipe calls for a dry rub for the turkey breast before putting it in the slow cooker. You also use garlic and onion as a "shelf" to keep the turkey breast out of the liquid. https://www.recipetineats.com/juicy-slow-cooker-turkey-breast/ This next one also uses a rub, but it is an herb butter. You also baste the turkey breast during cooking once the butter has melted. https://www.wholesomeyum.com/crock-pot-slow-cooker-turkey-breast-recipe/ This next one cooks the turkey in a mixture of orange juice, cranberry sauce, and onion soup mix. It looks wonderful. And, the title says turkey breast, but the pictures say whole turkey. If it is small enough, it can be done. https://therecipecritic.com/slow-cooker-turkey-breast/ Last up we have a super easy recipe that uses Italian seasoning for the turkey. https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/slow-cooker-turkey-breast/ I think I'm going for number 3 based on looks alone. Wishing you all a wonderful day. Healing thoughts out to @kazu Jacqui, @ScrapnanaKathi, @smitty34877's Tana, and @grapau27's Sarah.

Good morning, everyone! In honor of Winnie the Pooh: This is what the Daily does. Today is a gray day, but the temps are warm so I'm doing an outside walk this morning. This afternoon I have an appointment to give blood. The meal looks really tasty. Except for the rice, I'd like it. I could always substitute the riced cauliflower. https://www.savorynothings.com/mexican-beef-and-rice-skillet/ This next one looks so good with the cheesy top and avocados and sour cream. Mmmmmm https://iwashyoudry.com/one-skillet-mexican-beef-and-rice/ This next one is similar but has slightly different seasonings. https://www.lecremedelacrumb.com/mexican-beef-and-rice-skillet/ And one last one with slightly different seasonings again. https://damndelicious.net/2016/09/17/one-pot-mexican-beef-and-rice-casserole/ Go ahead and make a big batch so there are leftovers. Bet they don't last long! Wishing you all a wonderful day. Healing thoughts to Jacqui, Tana, Kathi, and Sarah.

I just checked and insurance paid them! Whew! That is a load of stress off my mind. The claims weren't up yesterday. You are in a real tough spot. In the end, do what is best for you. And, in a sticky situation, Sue and I would be honored to be an excuse or an escape. As for the carrots...... Even if I liked them, when I see them now I think of the Bent Carrot commercial and just don't think I could eat one. Good for you, Sharon! Now, you just need to book the Zaandam for July 29th and come along with Sue, me, Sandi and her DH.

Oh, my gosh, you made me laugh so hard. Your writing style is wonderful. You also made me very happy that I went back to the ship in the Faroe Island for lunch. I think all of the ones I posted are slow cooker recipes, but the last one also has directions for an instant pot. If the lamb were spiced well and marinated, I might like it. We can always give Sandi and her DH an out. Thanks for the tip about the non approved tests. I guess I need to have a talk with the doctor. There was no way to know if they were approved or not beforehand. I have more tests to be done so I asked at the lab and they had no idea. I'm not doing it until I know. @StLouisCruisers I'm going back and forth on this issue. I'm not sure I would mention that you've booked that cruise unless they already know. But, it might be best to be upfront and let them know how you feel about their behavior during your DMIL's final illness. Is it possible they were having a crisis of their own? We never completely know what is happening in the lives of others and many times they don't tell us. My brother recently shared something that had happened to him in childhood that he had never told anyone about. It was a devastating event for him and he's carried that burden all his life. Knowing this explains a lot about his past behavior and his attitudes. Now, even if they were having a rough patch, it doesn't mean you have to be best friends again. But, who knows, maybe discussing the event may soften some of the hurts. They did call to make sure you were ok after the tornados, so they do care about you. As everyone else has said, it is a real tough situation and really hard to know what to do. But, don't let them chase you away from an experience you really want.

Good morning, everyone! I never made New Year's resolutions, so nothing to ditch. My grandmother used to go on bootlegging trips to Pennsylvania with my grandfather. @StLouisCruisers Sandi, I think you and your DH are going to be too busy with Sue and me to make plans with the relatives. Use us as an excuse if you need to. The endocrinologist has ordered more tests so I need to stop by the lab this morning. I also need to check with them on some tests he had ordered that are not FDA approved. I did not know that until I read the test results. I'm wondering how much this is going to cost me. I'm not happy about it if these tests end up being not covered. I'm not a big fan of lamb, so I would probably pass on this meal. The one way I like lamb is when it is used in spedies and the meat is marinated for days. Cooking the lamb in the slow cooker all day will definitely tenderize it and make the flavors blend well. https://www.aheadofthyme.com/slow-cooker-leg-of-lamb-with-vegetables/ Here's an Australian take on leg of lamb. https://www.taste.com.au/recipes/slow-cooker-roast-lamb-winter-vegetables/1b1f96f1-aff3-4385-a2b5-59c0742c232b This next one adds in some wine to the broth. The wine will help tenderize and flavor the meat. Also notice the vegetables are all carrots. Another reason I am passing on this dish. https://sweetandsavorymeals.com/slow-cooker-leg-of-lamb/ I might be convinced to try this one. No carrots! Also, with the right seasoning, it could be good. There is a white wine used in the cooking broth to help flavor and tenderize. Make sure the bone has been removed. Your butcher should be able to do that for you. https://dinnerthendessert.com/slow-cooker-leg-of-lamb/ Wishing everyone a wonderful day. Healing thoughts going out to Tana, Sarah, Jacqui, and Kathi.

I moved November 5th and am all settled in to the new home. Glad to hear from you! I'm also glad to hear that DD's health is good enough that you are considering cruising. Keep us posted on what you pick!

Do we know how long this immunity lasts? Might I need a booster? Would buying a new coffee pot count?

Please do not start a new round from the appliance gremlin. I replaced all appliances in the Ohio house and now have appliances in the new house that could fall victim to the gremlin. I hope my rabbits on January 1 have protected me.

Good morning, everyone! Blue skies will greet us this morning, but clouds and rain are moving in later this afternoon. Yesterday was a beautiful day and I went on a nice long walk to enjoy it. Today is back to the gym for class. I think I'll celebrate Nothing Day along with Martin Luther King, Jr. Today's meal is a keeper. I may not make it tonight, but I think I definitely have to make it sometime. Chicken marsala (Italian: Scaloppine di pollo al Marsala) is an Italian-American dish of chicken escalopes in a Marsala wine sauce. It is a variation of traditional Italian scaloppina dishes, of which there are many varieties throughout Italy. The dish dates to the 19th century, when it may have originated with English families who lived in western Sicily, where Marsala wine is produced. Slices of chicken breast are coated in flour, briefly sautéed, and then removed from the pan, which is then used to make a Marsala reduction sauce. The sauce is made by reducing the wine to nearly the consistency of a syrup while adding garlic. The sauce is then poured over the chicken, which has been kept in a warming oven, and served immediately. A favorite memory is that my dad used to make chicken livers marsala for us on holidays. After opening presents on Christmas morning, we'd sit down to a plate of chicken livers and English muffins. They were so good. Our first recipe makes it look so easy! https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/chicken-marsala.html Our second recipe is courtesy of Tyler Florence and the Food Network. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/chicken-marsala-recipe-1951778 This next recipe makes me want to sit down and eat it now. https://cafedelites.com/creamy-chicken-marsala/ The only problem here is which recipe to use. Wishing everyone a wonderful day and special thoughts out to Tana, Jacqui, and Kathi. Hope Terri is still enjoying being home.

Good to hear. We will be in 3416 in July and August for Canada/New England and Greenland/Iceland. We had a similar cabin on the old Rotterdam and loved it. Steps to the biggest balcony, nice and dark for sleeping, and enough room for two of us.

@marshhawk I think Jacqui gave great directions on how to find the water to pre-order. If you are looking under Beverages there is generally a menu of beverages on the upper left hand side. Water is a choice. Like others have mentioned, I save my money and drink the tap water. It is fine, tastes good, and works for me. The only water I buy is distilled water for my cpap machine.

Good morning, everyone. Yesterday was such a beautiful day here in mid-Michigan. I really enjoyed the bright blue skies and that big yellow ball in the sky was spectacular. Hope to see it again soon. Today is overcast, but it helped keep the heat in and it will be warmer out. This whole next week is supposed to be warmer than usual and that's ok by me. I kind of wish we had snow because the nature center keeps offering snow shoe hikes if there is, but since there isn't, no hikes. I almost bought a pair of snow shoes earlier in the season thinking we would have more snow here. Glad I didn't. Today's meal sounds wonderful, even if it doesn't make it all the way to soup stage. The recipe calls for filet mignon and I'm not sure that would last to go in the soup. It would probably end up on a plate with some broccoli for dinner, but we'll see. You can also use sirloin. This is the only soup recipe I found. Plenty of website for the soup, but the recipe was the same. Not to fear! If you read through this recipe you'll know how to turn any steak au poivre recipe into soup. https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a40398431/steak-au-poivre-soup-recipe/ Doesn't that look good? I could eat the whole pot right now! Here is a recipe for steak au poivre. You can make it a soup with the addition of the waxy potatoes and more beef broth. https://www.afamilyfeast.com/steak-au-poivre/ Or, you can eat it as steak au poivre! This next recipe has directions for cooking the steaks on the grill or cooking them in a pan. https://www.thehouseofelynryn.com/2021/12/01/steak-au-poivre/ Remember, all can be converted to a soup with the addition of more beef broth and the waxy potatoes. Enjoy! Prayers for all of our ailing Dailyites and celebrations for those who aren't ailing. @Cruzin Terri I hope you enjoyed your first night at home!

That is wonderful news! Enjoy!

checking in

Thank you! It sounds interesting with all the mushrooms! I'd probably like it. That has me laughing so hard! It is quite a feat, let me tell you. Excellent idea! Thank you!

Good morning, everyone! The sky is a beautiful color of blue this morning. It has been so long since we've seen blue sky. I'm going to have to go out later for a nice walk even though it is quite cold out. Last night's Farkle Friday was well attended and we all had a wonderful time. I still have the record of the only family member with a shut out and last night I made it two shut outs. I guard that record carefully! Shepherd's pie, cottage pie, or in its French version hachis Parmentier is a savoury dish of cooked minced meat topped with mashed potato and baked. The meat used may be either previously cooked or freshly minced. The usual meats are beef or lamb. The two English terms have been used interchangeably since they came into use in the late 18th and the 19th century, although some writers insist that a shepherd's pie should contain lamb or mutton, and a cottage pie, beef. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shepherd's_pie This first one makes that distinction. https://www.thewholesomedish.com/the-best-classic-shepherds-pie/ This is Alton Brown's take on things. I have to say I would leave out the carrots and probably use beef as I am not a lamb fan. And, I'm sure that in the original version lamb was not used, but rather mutton. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/shepherds-pie-recipe2-1942900 This one uses a bit of bacon and some wine for flavoring. Mmmm https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/shepherds-pie.html A difference in seasonings can make a huge difference in flavor. This recipe calls for Italian seasonings and Worcestershire sauce. https://www.saltandlavender.com/shepherds-pie/ And this one has a flavorful tomato sauce for the meat layer. https://www.spendwithpennies.com/shepherds-pie-recipe/ I would be interested in @smitty34877 Terry's vegetarian version. I suppose you could make this with Beyond Meat. Prayers for @kazu Jacqui, @Scrapnana Kathi, and @grapau27 Graham's Sarah. Wishing you all a wonderful day!

I love peanut butter and this sounds so good to me right now. What a gorgeous little lady she is! Thank you for sharing! Dr. visit went very well. A1C was 5.4!!!! And that is right after the holidays! The doctor was excited because I lost two pounds. I told him not to get too excited because this was a morning reading and the last one was afternoon. You always weigh more in the afternoon than in the morning. @kazu I am thrilled your neighbor took you to rescue the errant suitcase. Maybe it will learn its lesson and go where it is supposed to go now. Now, we need to tackle that pain issue. Best wishes to Sarah and Kathi for quick recoveries.

This one is just routine. My doctors are under strict orders to find nothing else wrong until we deal with what is already on the plate.

Good morning, everyone! I need to post quickly as I have an early doctor's appointment. @StLouisCruisers I am sorry to see the damage and destruction so near to you. I worried about our Dailyites that were in the area of the storms last night. Thank you for letting us know you are ok. Hopefully, other Dailyites in the area will do the same. I would try the salmon burger without the bun, but I'm like @grapau27 Graham and like the salmon just as it is. Still, this one looks pretty good to me. https://thecuriousplate.com/easy-ginger-salmon-burgers-with-pickled-cucumbers/ The hoisin glaze on these would add a nice flavor. https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/hoisin-glazed-salmon-burgers This one is a little different as it makes a pickled cucumber slaw to go on the salmon burgers. It does seem like a lot of work, though! https://ourfarmerhouse.com/quick-thai-salmon-burgers-with-pickled-cucumber-slaw/ There you have it! I hope one of these sparks the appetite. Wishing you all a wonderful day!