dfish

Good morning, everyone! The day started cold (29F) and sunny. I'm sure it will warm up quickly. As long as it is sunny, I'm ok. Thank you to @cat shepard, @StLouisCruisers, @grapau27, @RedneckBob, @JazzyV, @cruising sister, @smitty34877, @ocean sounds, @rafinmd, and @kazu for the birthday wishes. I hope I haven't left anyone out. I'll do another sweep later. First, prayers for @bennybear and @kazu that their surgeries go well and are 100% successful. I have little on the agenda tonight. My sister is taking me to lunch at Cafe Zinc downtown. It is an upscale restaurant (she wants to pretend we're rich) mostly there to serve Dow executives and visitors. We'll fit right in. Ha ha ha. No matter what is on the menu, I will not be having tofu lettuce cups. These don't look too bad and I might enjoy one as an appetizer, but not as a meal. For the first one, the directions are given on Delish. So, if you can get into the site, here it is: https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a38952025/tofu-lettuce-wraps-recipe/ If not, here is the ingredient list and most of us can figure out what to do with them. https://www.punchfork.com/recipe/Caramelized-Tofu-Lettuce-Cups-Delish They look pretty! Here is Ree Drummond's recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/tofu-lettuce-wraps-3198061 Anything from PF Chang's is good. https://www.holisticfoodie.com/recipes/pf-changs-tofu-lettuce-wraps I'd eat one if someone made it for me. Wishing you all a wonderful day!

Prayers for you, Brenda, and for your DD's FIL. Lean on us. We're here for you!

Hugs to you and Chuck. That is a difficult decision, but you are doing the right thing. Irving knows he is loved.

Good morning, everyone! It is currently sunny here in mid-Michigan. Let's hope it stays that way for my morning walk. Otherwise, nothing is on the agenda for today until a Zoom meeting tonight. Yesterday I did make it out to the big box store that starts with c to replenish some needed paper products and laundry detergent. We are good to go now. Today's meal is one I'd eat and I might make with a minor tweak. Seitan is a meat substitute. "Wheat meat" has been around for centuries, although the name "seitan" (pronounced SAY-tan) is a much more recent development. Although it is made from wheat, seitan has little in common with flour or bread. Seitan becomes surprisingly similar to the look and texture of meat when it's cooked, making it a popular meat substitute for vegetarians and vegans. It is also called gluten, wheat protein, or wheat gluten. You can find out more about it here: https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-seitan-3376819 Lomo refers to loin, like a pork loin or a beef loin or a chicken loin. Saltado is sauteed. So basically today's meal is a version of a stir fry. Lomo Saltado is a very popular Peruvian dish with origins in chifa cuisine. Chifa is the culinary mashup developed by Chinese-Peruvian immigrants who applied Cantonese techniques and ingredients to Peruvian foods. This dish is the epitome of this amazing fusion of culinary worlds. The recipe takes aji amarillo (Peruvian chiles) and papas fritas (french fries) and prepares them in the style of a Cantonese stir fry. Though typically made using beef, this recipe subs in seitan (or tofu or any vegan protein) to create a delicious, fully vegan meal! https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a34588919/seitan-recipe/ Here's another take on it. You'll have to scroll down through the description of the daughter's choice of colleges according to their vegan menus, but the recipe sounds good. https://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2015/05/seitan-saltado-peruvian-stir-fry-with-potatoes.html This last one uses a different type of meat substitute. I'd substitute actual meat. I'm not sure you need the rice along with the french fries, but go for it! https://theyummyvegan.com/blog/lomosaltado Here's a picture of the same dish made with meat. Happy Birthday to @ger_77's DH Wishing you all a wonderful day!

My friend only ate bread at one lunch we had. Well, I guess I would skip this part. I don't need the extra protein as I can eat the meat.

I am sorry for the anguish you are feeling. Don't feel guilty about leaving, you did the right thing. Your friend knows you care and are there for her. I'm thinking that since this service was for your departed DS's friend, it brought on a lot of the pain. I hope Norway helps you through the healing process. It is a beautiful country and there is so much to focus on. What are your ports? I've been twice and my favorites are Flam, Geiranger, and Eidfjord. Ok, if you can get them to accept tofu, let us know. I just can't bring myself to eat it, but I have a vegetarian friend who is a picky eater. He's a vegetarian that doesn't like vegetables. Yes, my eyebrows went up at that. So, I'd like to expand my repertoire of dishes that I can serve to him and that the rest of us might like. I have used the tvp before. Hoping all goes well for you, Jacqui. I wouldn't watch either!

Good morning, everyone! @Denise T Thank you for the Armenian history lesson. Genocide has occurred more often in history than most of us know about. We need to teach about it if we have any chance of preventing future occurrences. It is a gloomy, chilly start to the day here in mid-Michigan. They are claiming a high of 50F today with occasional sun. I'm not sure I believe them. Yesterday they said no precipitation. I was halfway through my walk when it started sleeting. Hopefully, I will get through the full walk today. I do think the drink today sounds good. It would be nice on a hot summer day. I make an infused water with cucumbers, lime, and mint. It is wonderful on a hot day. Today's meal is a good one for those of us looking to cut the carbs. In two of the recipes today the eggplant replaces the noodles. In the third recipe the eggplant and noodles are both used. And for the meat lovers, you may go ahead and make it with a meat sauce or add the sausage in. This first recipe only has 8 g of carbohydrate in a serving. But the key is to know the serving size. https://www.themediterraneandish.com/eggplant-lasagna/ This recipe uses both the eggplant and the noodles. Carb count is 44 g. The noodles make a huge difference. https://healthyfitnessmeals.com/vegetarian-eggplant-lasagna/ This last one uses just the eggplant with no noodles and carb count is 14g. Two out of three recipes say not to freeze leftovers because the eggplant gets too soggy. All say you can add in ground meat if you desire. https://www.wellplated.com/eggplant-lasagna/ Welcome home @Ichiban Nekko. Glad you enjoyed your trip. @Mr. Boston we will continue to hold you close in our hearts. Hugs to all who need one. Wishing you all a wonderful day.

Thank you, Jacqui. I am proud of Sue for not backing down. Her son knows how to play her and get what he wants from her and she gives in too often. I'm sure he was shocked by her response. Karen, thank you for checking in and bringing us up to date. Don't worry about us, but maybe every couple of days let us know things are progressing so we don't worry. We'll assume no news is good news unless it goes on too long. We went through this with my youngest brother. Fortunately, at this time he is doing very well. Miracles can and do happen. Congratulations on your sobriety. It isn't easy at all. Some might think we shouldn't talk about these things, but the truth is, every family is touched in one way or another by this issue. When we don't talk about it, the elephant takes up residence in the living room. I vowed years ago that I wouldn't let the elephant in. The house isn't big enough! But, if talking openly about it helps another person realize they are not alone with this struggle, it is worth it. Enjoy your cruise! Every single minute of it!

Good morning, everyone! @cunnorl and @marshhawk Enjoy your day, ladies! Sue reports it is snowing up at her rental. She will only be there for one more week. Next Saturday she moves in here for good. Yesterday her son called her and berated her for selling his childhood home. Then he asked for money. He spent all his on booze. She said no. Then he asked her if she could take all his stuff she's been asking him to come get down here and store it here because he didn't feel like coming to get it. He's only known he had to for the last six months. She said no. He's going through some rough times, mostly self inflicted. It is hard for Sue to watch this, but nothing she can do to change it. He has to do that. Hopefully, he will decide he wants to make that change soon. I'm with Charlene @cunnorl on today's meal. Too many carbs anyways. I'll stick with my fish and veggies. For those who love a good mac and cheese, this first recipe uses a combination of cheddar and mozzarella. https://tasty.co/recipe/spinach-artichoke-mac-cheese This next one is described as the coming together of spinach artichoke dip and mac and cheese. Well, someone will give it a try! https://www.wellplated.com/spinach-artichoke-mac-and-cheese/ The last one from the food network comes loaded with calories (1220) and carbs (100g) per serving. I guess for a special occasion? That carb count is my daily limit. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/spinach-and-artichoke-mac-and-cheese-12342994 Wishing everyone a wonderful day.

Same here.

I'm sorry to hear that. Prayers for Tana and her caregivers.

Good morning, everyone! @Rowsby Love the cake! It was a rainy start to the day here in mid-Michigan. It seems to be clearing up now so I will get my walk in. The only other thing on the agenda is to visit our adopted mom, Ellamary, at her assisted living place. When people ask, we always say we are Ellamary's adopted evil step daughters. Ellamary says we're the ones that had all the fun. Today's meal sounds good, but I will pass due to the carbs. I rarely have any kind of pasta because of carbs. I'm pretty sure this recipe could allow for any vegetable you might prefer. I didn't find many variations of this one, so only two to choose from today. https://www.slurrp.com/recipes/ravioli-with-snap-peas-mushrooms-1615564550 The last one was topped with chopped hazelnuts and this one has pistachios. Two great choices there! https://www.thegratefulgirlcooks.com/ravioli-mushrooms-peas/ @mamaofami I am so sorry to hear of Sam's pneumonia. Hopefully, the antibiotics will work quickly. @ger_77 I'm happy you enjoyed the visit with your elderly friends. How nice of you to open your home to them! Don't worry about the cabinet door. Friends only care if you have wine. @smitty34877 Good news that the oxygen company finally responded. So sorry doesn't cut it. What would have happened if you had run out of back up oxygen? Wishing you all a wonderful day!

@bennybear

Good morning, everyone! @superoma Eva, fantastic job on the Care and Celebrations List this morning! What a debut! Thank you for all of your efforts. @dobiemom I'm glad you were able to find a comfortable position to get at least a couple hours sleep. @JazzyV Safe travels today and have a wonderful time! @kazu I sure hope Ivan works out. He could be a wonderful companion. It is a bit cooler today here in mid-Michigan. I'm meeting high school friends for lunch today and then DS Mary Jo and I are going for ice cream. Our favorite ice cream store is open for the season. Normally I go for chocolate but they have a flavor that I adore: lemon bar. It is rich and creamy as well as light and bright. I guess I am my father's daughter as he liked anything lemon. Last night was not a good one. I was congested when I first went to bed and couldn't get comfortable or to sleep, even with using my nasal spray. Sometimes that happens. So, I got up and read for a while. I'm feeling it today. Today's meal could be very good. I'm not a big fan of soy and ginger, but don't dislike them. I'd give it a try. https://www.thespruceeats.com/ginger-soy-steamed-fish-recipe-695140 This one is colorful and sounds so good and pretty easy to do. https://www.marionskitchen.com/steamed-soy-and-ginger-fish/ This one uses some julienned carrots, so I chose this for the carrot lovers. https://delightfulplate.com/steamed-fish-ginger-soy-sauce/ I hope someone is adventurous enough to give this a try and report back. Wishing you all a wonderful day!

In many ways, it saddens me to read that you may not cruise anymore after the two you have on the books. But, I am happy that you are willing to make this decision and keeping the effects of your decisions on others in mind. Maybe just do some Canada/New England cruises when you have the desire to be on a BHB. This is a difficult decision that we will all face at some point. You are truly a guiding light.

Yes, they did explain that. I've got all my fingers and toes crossed hoping the other adrenal has not gone off line and will pick up the slack.

So, which one did you sign up for? Great news from your follow up visit. I hope the sleeping arrangements settle out soon. I loved traveling with my friend, Alice, a retired physician. I knew I didn't have to bring any of that stuff along because she carried a pharmacy with her. If not, she knew where to find it. Get yourself some trekking poles and then you'll look trendy! Carry a backpack for anything you pick up along the way. I use the trekking poles. Surgery for the adrenal tumor is scheduled for May 24th. The surgeon said it needed to come out based on size alone. However, mine is functional and is sending out excess cortisol making life miserable at times. The only down side to this surgery is that it requires an overnight stay. Cha-Ching!

We had Glenn-Michael on my Greenland/Iceland cruise in 2019. I agree he was very good. We never missed a presentation!

Good morning, everyone! @JazzyV I hope your cruise is fantastic and that you enjoy your time in Germany. Thank you for keeping the lists for us all this time. You have been stellar! We have a mild start to the day and temps are supposed to get near 70F. But, only for a day. Then we go back to winter. After that we slowly climb out of the cold temps into more moderate ones. The long range forecast shows us with below average temperatures through the first part of May. Cooler temps are ok and I prefer them for hiking and walking. I don't like hiking when the temps reach the 80's unless it is all in a wooded area. The only thing on the agenda today is an appointment with the surgeon to schedule surgery for the adrenal tumor. I'll stop by the grocery store on the way home from that. Today's meal sounds tasty, but I'll have to pass because of the pasta. My blood sugar does not like pasta at all. I'll probably go with fish and vegetables tonight. @StLouisCruisers you can leave the lemon out, but it is a big part of the flavor profile for this dish. Lemon adds brightness to the flavor. Lemons are also good for us and can help prevent anemia and kidney stones, among other benefits. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-lemon Our first recipe comes from Taste of Home.https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/tortellini-with-asparagus-lemon/ Asparagus is also a very healthy food for us. It is good for our eyes and helps lower cholesterol. It is packed with antioxidants. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-asparagus I had difficulty finding alternative recipes for exactly what was listed as the Meal of the Day, so we'll look at a couple variations. Here is one that includes mushrooms and peas and leaves out the lemon. https://anappetizinglife.com/three-cheese-tortellini-asparagus-mushrooms-peas/ This next one does have the lemon in it, but the addition of brown butter and garlic make it a winner! https://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/food-drinks/recipes/a12039/brown-butter-tortellini-toasted-garlic-asparagus-recipe-wdy0513/ Our last recipe adds in shrimp and I think that is a wonderful addition! https://momfoodie.com/shrimp-asparagus-tortelini-in-lemon-dill-scampi-recipe/ They all look pretty good to me and if I could tolerate the pasta, I would make this dish. I think you've picked a winner with any one of these. Wishing you all a wonderful day.

Thank you for letting us know how things went. Rest, relax, and heal quickly. I'm sure you'll love it. Thanks for reminding me of that recipe. I might have a reason to make it this weekend. I held a blue butterfly like that one a few weeks ago. They are beautiful!

@marshhawk Hope you have a fabulous celebration!

Good morning, everyone! It is a cold start to the day with a temperature of 29F. We are supposed to warm up to 55F. I'll take it. The messy paint job has been postponed. I forgot about having to pay for my surgery in March along with the withdrawal by the IRS for my federal taxes. That brought me down close to zero. So, painting will have to wait. Nothing on the agenda for today except a nice walk later this morning when things warm up a bit. National Garlic Day is my day! I love garlic and would put it in my oatmeal. There are so many health benefits to garlic. It was used as an antibiotic in WWII when they couldn't get any on the front lines. A doctor once "prescribed" garlic to me when I had swollen glands. Relief within an hour! Here are the health benefits of garlic: Boosts immunity Who knew boosting your immunity could be as simple as eating more garlic? According to one study involving 41,000 women between the ages of 55 and 69, those who routinely ate garlic, fruits and vegetables had a 35% lower colon cancer risk. Works as an anti-inflammatory Research has shown that garlic oil works as an anti-inflammatory. If you have sore and inflamed joints or muscles, rub them with garlic oil. The Arthritis Foundation even recommends it to help prevent cartilage damage from arthritis. Improves heart health Research also indicates that garlic can have a positive impact on your arteries and blood pressure. Researchers believe red blood cells turn the sulfur in garlic into hydrogen sulfide gas. That expands our blood vessels, making it easier to regulate blood pressure. Before putting your blood pressure medication away, though, consult your doctor to see if adding more garlic to your diet could be beneficial for you. Clears up skin Garlic’s antibacterial properties and antioxidants can clear up your skin by killing acne-causing bacteria. One study shows rubbing raw garlic over pimples can clear them away. Be aware, though, that garlic could cause a burning sensation on your skin. Consult your dermatologist first before trying this technique, especially if you’re using any other skin care products. Protects your food Those same antibacterial properties in fresh garlic can kill the bacteria that lead to food poisoning, including Salmonella and E.coli. Don’t use garlic as a substitute for proper food sanitation and food handling, though. Treats athlete’s foot Garlic also fights fungus. If you have athlete’s foot, soak your feet in garlic water or rub raw garlic on your feet to attack the itch-causing fungus. You can read more about the health benefits of garlic here: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/6-surprising-ways-garlic-boosts-your-health/ Today's meal is another versatile one. If you don't like fish, substitute chicken. If you don't like tilapia, use a different type of fish. I love piccata and this sounds like a great dinner for me tonight! https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/grilled-tilapia-piccata/ If you prefer a creamy piccata sauce, try this one: https://littlesunnykitchen.com/grilled-tilapia/ This next recipe dusts the fish fillets in flour first. https://www.seriouseats.com/fish-piccata-5212223 This last one uses some white wine in the piccata sauce and cooks the fish in a packet. You can put the packet on the grill if you wish. https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/grilled-tilapia-piccata-en-papillote Happy eating! Wishing you all a wonderful day!

Thanks, Roy. She is convinced nothing works for it and won't bring it up to her doctor because nothing works.