Month: September 2016

Facebook Recipes, Part Deux

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For those of you who scoff at the Facebook recipes, remember the peanut butter cup brownies? They came out so well. Well, I made a post the other day, using a recipe for Pudding’ Cookies that I also found on Facebook. I proceeded to make the recipe, since it really wasn’t rocket science. It called for 3/4 cup Bisquik baking mix, a box of instant pudding (I used Hershey’s instant chocolate pudding), 1 egg and 1/4 cup salad oil( I used canola oil). When I saw this recipe, I thought it looked like a 50’s recipe, but in all actuality, I really think it’s a good “You want cookies but Mom has nothing here to make them” recipe.

The first picture at the top of this post is once I had combined all 4 ingredients and they tell you to make a ball for each cookie.By the way, the recipe makes a whopping dozen cookies: enough for me to give nine away to two neighbors and keep three for us.If you have more ingredients in your pantry, I guess you could double them if you want, but the dozen were enough for a test drive, as it were.

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What I then did was use a fork to flatten the balls out, making the design that is familiar to folks who make homemade peanut butter cookies. In the oven they went, at a toasty 350 degrees, for a whole 8 minutes.

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They were good for a 4 ingredient cookie: I am sure that you could probably experiment and jazz them up if you want a little fancier cookie. Oh, by the way,the original recipe says the 4 ingredients that I listed make three dozen cookies. They sure do, if you want a tiny cookie. The dozen I made are the size of a toll house chocolate chip cookie, normal size.

Try it: it’s not a bad little “empty the pantry” cookie.

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Perks of Being Stuck Home

So since the beginning of September, I have had all my e-mail seen within a few hours of when it got sent to me and the Facebook posts I go through like nobody’s business.

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Today is National Coffee Day.My buddies from the city,Belinda and Jen,posted about Wawa giving away free coffee, any size,today.Other places, such as Dunkin’Donuts are selling their coffee for 66 cents to commemorate their anniversary.Krispy Kreme is giving away a glazed donut with their free coffee.It has been hard for me down here, after working in a major city for 30 years.Work had more coffee spots within a block, and down here is cause for withdrawal,with the exception of my Keurig on my kitchen counter.

I got out of the house for 5 minutes and went with Jim to our local Wawa and I got a 24 ounce free coffee.It was also nice because I saw a woman I had worked with last spring in the Acme, and she was so happy about no longer working there. We swapped stories for a quick bit.

Thanks, B and Jenna, for the post.The coffee is going down too easy…lol.

Puddin’ Cookies

Next on my list…I have a box of chocolate instant pudding in my pantry……

Retro Recipe Attempts

I’ve mentioned elsewhere that it’s acceptable to call somebody puddin’ (perhaps an affectionate nickname for a child), but it’s pretty rude to call them pudding.

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I think Bisquick was following the same sort of logic when they named this recipe. Pudding Cookies is unappealing, but Puddin’ Cookies is fun and hip!

PUDDIN’ COOKIES! Mix well 3/4 cup Bisquick, 1 pkg. instant pudding mix (any flavor), 1/4 cup salad oil, 1 egg. Form into small balls; flatten with hand on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 8 min. at 350 (mod.). Makes about 3 doz. They’re fun!

Puddin’ Cookies! It’s excitin’!

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Home Sweet Home

I couldn’t sleep too well last night in anticipation,or should I say,dread, of today’s office visit with the orthopedic doctor.That doesn’t really speak too well of him, as he is a good guy and I am comfortable with him.

I awoke around 2:30am, after falling asleep around 12, and when I woke up, well, that was it.I knew I had packed a bag with hospital essentials and dreaded the fact that I might have to use it

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When I got back to the exam room, he came in and greeted me and looked at my knee.The big question, although he could see where the knee was lightening up, was if the antibiotic would be enough for one more round of it.He had prescribed one 750mg pill every day for two weeks.He really had a twinge of concern in his voice, and said he wanted me to go see an infectious disease specialist to see if I needed something stronger.When he said that, my heart sank.I really, really did not want to get admitted, although the logical part of my brain and my past experience knew that it was probably likely.Once he announced that the infectious doctor used a lot of IV antibiotics, well, it was if a cinder block settled in my gut.

Fortunately, the new doctor’s office was not that far away, but I was so worked up that even my blood pressure was working its’ way to run off the roof. Fortunately, the doctor was a nice guy and after all was said and done, I was able to come home with Jim and my “nurses”, deeply appreciative that I would be putting my head on MY pillow tonight.In the grand scheme of things,I was content.
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Here are my nurses, both above and below.

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So a big thank you to all who have read my posts on the cellulitis I am going through, and thank you for your prayers, beads worked, and good wishes sent my way.Trust me, they are deeply appreciated.I go back to the infectious disease doctor a week from today, so please keep them coming!

Putting It Out There

Today, I touched base with my orthopedic doctor and updated him with what’s going on with my leg.

Sitting my desk while I was on my phone,I saw my calendar and realized I’ve been laid up with this for almost three weeks.

Three weeks,two antibiotics…

The doctor told me he wanted me to come in tomorrow so he can actually see what is going on.I realized that I am going to get some peace of mind.Either I am going to have to get admitted and get some stronger antibiotics or I am going to another course of my current antibiotics.After all my cancers and other illnesses,I have always appreciated being healthy.Being over 55,I realize that you have to savor what you have and come back stronger to keep it.I have been laid low for a reason, and, in the end,I know the result is I’ll be back stronger than ever.I am trying to rest and get better,and at the same time,recharge my batteries.Granted there are times the girls and I look at each other, and I know they miss the norm I have established with them, especially since we have been down here full time.I know the first time that we get all out back walking together,it’ll be like we never stopped.
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The bay will still be there.Things will be the same.In order to go on,though,there’s one important thing.

“I’ve got to get better.”

We all can’t wait!
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Waiting for More Indian Summer

Not that I am a fan of summer, but I am so delighted by the lower temperatures, that I am waiting for the other shoe to drop. By that, I mean the return of Indian summer.

Our temperatures have dropped to a high of 72, and last night we actually got into the 50’s,which qualifies as great sleeping weather.Even though I was up for a few hours thanks to my current medication,well,when I went to back to bed,I had no trouble falling back to sleep.

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Normally we would be out getting our mums, but with my bum leg, I am hoping that we get out this or next weekend to catch up and buy flowers and pumpkins.There is something about autumn for me that just renews the spirits, even though technically everything is busy getting ready for the sleep of winter.I seem to thrive when I get to put on longer capris and jeans and even with a sweater!

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The pups will be getting out more so they’ll be happy, too, because cooler weather is great walking weather, especially for Zush.

It can’t come quick enough.

The Price for Being Home

So stuck in the house as I have been, I have been doing a lot of stuff.

There’s You Tube, Netflix, Facebook, the actual cleaning of the house, believe it or not, and reading books and magazines.Oh yeah, and I forgot, there is shopping on line.There…I said it…shopping on line.

The hard part of being cooped up and not moving like you normally would,in my case,shoulders and neck have tightened up.I am sitting here with a heating pad around my neck even as we speak.I know my pillow is not a help, so I went and ordered myself a My Pillow, with hopes that it will help my neck.Then, as I was watching a movie on Amazon Prime, I realized my volume is not too hot, so I bought desktop speakers for my laptop.These are two things that were on my list of things, eventually,to get.Being home just pushed the list up a bit.

Hope this runs its’ course soon.I really prefer to SEE in person what I purchase.

Twilight at the Homestead

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As you can see by the sun coming through the window behind Nurse Zush, I took this picture in the beginning of the afternoon.I did everything a little later today, due to the fact that my medication screws up my sleep.I did the wash today in early afternoon, not really comprehending at an 85 degree day,that it is now autumn,and although I know the days are getting shorter, I didn’t realize how badly I misjudged the sun on my clothes line.

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Nurse Kasia is, as usual, guarding her window to keep anyone away from the house. I laugh because our last home had a knocker on the front door, and we didn’t need a doorbell because of Kasia. Now we are in a home with a doorbell, which people don’t have to use because Kasia still does her job.

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So as the sun sets over the bay,we are still homebound and chomping at the bit. We catch the sunset from the front porch for now, with hope that we three will soon be sprung and can get down to the beach. It’ll still be there for us, and I am sure we’ll be happy to walk it again!

Facebook Recipes

Anyone who has been on FB has been bound to see all different recipes that are posted. I, as well as some of my friends, are guilty of reposting these recipes.The premise is if you save it to your Facebook wall, you will have saved the recipe so you can have it.The recipe that I actually did was the chocolate/peanut butter”crack” brownies.It was an invitation, as I tagged it on Facebook,to insulin use, IMHO.What I decided to do was not make the “crack”part.
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I started by making regular brownies from a regular mix:nothing really fancy.Prepare the mix according to the directions on the box.We tend to like fudge-like brownies, so I followed that direction, but there is always the decision for cake like brownies. It’s all spelled out on the box.
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While they are baking, I unwrapped recess’ peanut butter mini cups, and cut them in halves, then quarters.When you pull the brownies out, you sprinkle the peanut butter cup pieces over the hot brownies, and then throw them back in the oven for five minutes.
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The peanut butter cups will be soft, so I just used my spatula to smooth it over the brownies.You can see the chocolate sink into the brownies.I then set them aside and let them cool.Now the Facebook recipe will have you melting chocolate chips and then stirring in rice cereal.Well, bad enough I am making the recipe.For us, we just didn’t need the over the edge amount of chocolate.It’s your call.If you opt for that, all you do is melt chips in the microwave and then stir in the cereal.Then you are supposed to ice the brownies you have made and put in the refrigerator to cool.

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The last picture is what’s left of the brownies, thus the dirty plate! You can see how the peanut butter worked its’ way into the brownie and the chocolate.This was one case of doing half of the recipe rocked!

Apple Cider Donut Cake

This is next on my baking list! Love apple cider donuts!

Lea & Jay

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I warned you didn’t I? Here we go now with the first of what may prove to be a parade of Fall-time apple-y goodness…Apple Cider Donut Cake! Whaaat? Yup….Apple. Cider. Donut. Cake. Could I have crammed any more deliciousness into that recipe title? I’ve already told you how I love apples. And Apple Cider…especially the type that is a bit more medicinal…if you know what I’m saying…is exciting. Donuts! Who doesn’t love cinnamon sugar laden apple cider donuts?! Well you get all of those mouthwateringly yummy flavours all wrapped up in one gorgeous big old bundt cake.

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This cake is amazingly moist and tender, just bursting with apple flavour. It would be delicious simply unadorned, but it is completely over the top when brushed with some boozy cider glaze and dusted, quite liberally with crunchy cinnamon sugar.

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It is great anytime of the day, for breakfast, tea-time snack, dessert or…

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Strained relations?

According to Google**remembering when we used to say according to Webster’s dictionary**, détente is the easing of hostility or strained relations,especially between nations.

Well,we are currently living in a state of détente here in regard to Zush and Kasia.
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They are co-existing,again,but,call me crazy,they are not quite what they were.

B.F.,or before fight,Kasia would go over to Zush and bother her,like trying to lick her teeth clean.Now, it’s as if they are ok, but I can’t help but wonder if they ever will be what they once were.I can’t help but wonder if Kasia attacking Zush was her attempt to throw her over as”top dog”.Really, I think Zush was standing in the window that Kasia always looks out of and wouldn’t move, and it was just a play for territoriality.It is hard for me,because they always got along.It’s really hard to think of an altered state, but hopefully, someday soon,we’ll return there

**fingers crossed**

Still Summer

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I had just posted this above shot on Facebook and entitled it” Colors of September”.

I can hardly wait to get better so I can go and get my mums and get the outside of the house ready for the fall.It still is supposed to be warm this week and probably I won’t get the mums for a few weeks, but it’s that time of year.I have been following friends who post on Facebook and it is great to see people like me who love autumn, or as I call it “sweater weather.”I haven’t had much coffee since I haven’t been well, but I am looking forward to that first cup of pumpkin coffee.Yes, I admit it; I am one of those pumpkin people.I already made my first loaf of pumpkin bread.

Can’t wait.
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Pup Update

Thanks to all of you for your prayers and good mojo that you have passed onto me from yesterday’s blog. The photo you see above is Zush taken this afternoon.Yesterday’s trauma has passed somewhat, and although I am the police mom, the girls are once more existing together.


Kasia has been outdoors in the yard for more time in the past day since she came to live with us almost seven years ago. Tone of voice still has a little edge in it, because we want her to get that what she did was wrong. The two girls are hanging out together within a few inches of each other.We are just going to take it one day at a time.

What’s a Mother to Do?

A bad day for the Zush…

I hobbled to the front lawn to get the mail, only to hear Kasia fighting Zush in the house.Jim wasn’t here, and I couldn’t get in quick enough to break them apart.When I got back in as quick as my cellulitis leg could get me in, Zush was bleeding a little under her eye and on the side by her ear.
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It’s sad because she probably didn’t deserve it; she had to endure the trauma.She looks little like Petey from Little Rascals.She’s cleaned up and has neosporin on it.Kasia has been separated from her for a few hours and then we let her come back in.I guess I am going to have to referee them for the duration of being stuck him, but God moves in mysterious ways.We’ll have to police them and separate them when we are not here.
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Please throw a good thought out for my girls, because they could use it.

A New Day, the Same Ailment

It’s a beautiful day down here at Delaware Bay.I should qualify that by saying, I THINK it’s a beautiful day.

I can see out my front and back windows and it is a pretty day, but I haven’t been out of the perimeter of the house.You see, I woke up this morning and the red that was working to leave my knee?Well, it came back with a vengeance.I am waiting for the orthopedic doctor to call me back as I type this.

It is a pretty day. All my windows are open, no air-conditioning, and a good breeze is going through the house.The girls are in their usual positions, which is always a few feet from me.I had the inspired idea to call my buddy Denise, who was my maid of honor, and it was good to hear her voice.So with the exception of a warm, red knee,I am good.

Sorry for venting, but that is over.Things have got to be looking up!

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Missing…

God, I miss being outside!

Since I’ve been sick I’ve been as far as the perimeter of the front yard and back yard, although Jim and I snuck out real quick for some banking this afternoon: it was a car ride so it really didn’t count!
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We have spectacular sunsets down here at the bay, and I have to admit, there are times where I’d just be too tired, and I figured I’d walk down to the bay tomorrow and, like mass transit, “catch the next one.”

I don’t think I’m going to be missing them once I get better.The key here, though, is to actually BE better so I can walk down and catch them. I know the girls miss being out, and being in the yard, for them, is a lousy substitute.
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The girls are with me as I type this, and Zush is lying low and Kasia is looking out the window for her dad. I have a lot of mileage to make up with them!
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Jeez…

Take 5 days of antibiotics, they said.

It should be cleared up, they said.

Well, it has,… kind of.

Week number two of cellulitis and there’s on a half inch of red on each side of my knee incision.The antibiotics are done. I am still not right. Yeah, I know, if you know me you might say I’ve never been right.

There’s never been three more miserable folks; me, Zush and Kasia. Walking is highly underrated:sickness, well…let’s just say I can’t wait to get well.

Fifteen

Fifteen years…**sigh**

In my previous post, I told you about a documentary on 9/10 on YouTube. In it, one artist did a beautiful time-lapse film from the artist’s lofts in tower one. It was entitled,”One never dies the day before”.

Fifteen years ago, it was the day when thousands of lives were lost: be it World Trade Centers, Pentagon, or in a field in southwestern Pennsylvania, they were gone, families were changed forever, injuries….I could go on and on.

I worked in downtown Philadelphia then and remember, for the first time, being nervous about working in a 7th floor office. I waited with thousands to get public transit home, and never prayed so much in my life. My life and security, like the rest of America, was changed forever.

For the innocent victims of that day, may they have eternal rest.

God bless America.

Bittersweet View

If there is a perk to being laid up for a week, I have caught up with reading and viewing some things  that have been on my to do list.

Keeping in mind that I was a history major in a prior life, I have caught a documentary on YouTube called ” 9/10- The last day of the World Trade Center”.

Knowing what we do now, the documentary takes various views from different people and places in lower Manhattan, and how daily life would never be the same. It does show a crossover of people, on that last day,and their reflection on 9/10 and 9/11.From college students, tv news anchors, terrorists, baggage handlers,relatives of victims, New York artisans who had studio space there, mayoral candidates,among others, I found this a well-done reflection to view before Sunday.

I strongly recommend it.

The Grass is Never Greener….

Since we have moved down here, I have been trying to transfer doctors, so in situations like I am currently in,I would have a physician near-by.

HAH.

The latest development in the screwed up knee is, well,” I called the Orthopedic office and they want you to see infectious disease doctor.” Uh,ok…

No wait…”It’s me again, and Infectious Disease wants you to go to the emergency room and THAT WAY an ortho will see you in the ER and they can drain your knee and culture it.”Oh yeah..and the bill for the attending doctor and the ER $100 co-pay?

The girls and I are going through walking withdrawal.They know I am sick, and between Jim and my neighbor,they get one walk a day.A long way from four walks with Mom.I have been in the house and am going stir crazy.

So the next time you see a photo I take,like, of a good sunset or the beach and you think this is the life, well, it’s not all green grass down here at “Amity”.
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Prayers Needed

So all this tendonopothy has played havoc with my knee replacements. It is a struggle to get out of bed to the bathroom. The pain is horrible and I can not imagine what’s going on.

Please throw out a prayer or some healing light for me ,  as I surely need it!

History not quite repeating itself…

For those of you who remember me during my boot days of 2005, this picture might seem like Groundhog Day to you, but really, it isn’t.

I don’t have a rip or tear in my tendon in my left foot. Instead, the tendinitis is so severe it is being termed “Tendinopathy with tendon thickening…. With a “nightcap” of tenosynovitis with fluid distending the tendon sheath.”

So, I guess my summer is extended another 4-6 weeks while I try to heal up.

Yeah… That’s what I said. LOL

Distracted Walking

We were in Atlantic City last night, and as we strolled along the boardwalk, I laughed when I saw what else is added to distracted walking these days….

No that’s not street lights you are seeing on the boardwalk: it’s lit billboards!


Even the outside of the Tropicana hotel rivaled the  lights of Time Square. Now I know that Atlantic City is on the verge of bankruptcy but lit billboards are a sad excuse for taking in fresh salt air and nature.