I am not a great cook but I think I am pretty good, and I am always seeking new recipes and new ways to do things.
I find myself looking at photos of stand mixers wistfully, wishing I had one. This Kitchenaid Artisan Mixer is the one I really want. Last time I saw one in a store, in Brandsmart, I showed it to Michael and told him maybe one day I can save up and get one. I mix cakes with a mixer that's about 35 years old.
Other expenses take precedent, however, like getting new brake pads for the car.
Anyway, Michael and I spent a lot of time in Kroger yesterday, with me reading a lot of labels. I am trying to get back to a more healthy eating regimen, and it's simpler now that his wrestling coach is talking to the boys about healthy eating, and urging them to watch their weight. Michael is trying to drop a few lbs. so he can wrestle in the 120 lb. class. He is about 5'5 so that's not an unhealthy weight for him.
We are fortunate that we shop at a huge Kroger with a terrific natural foods section. We bought a tub of pumpkin seeds because they have a lot of protein and will make a good snack for Michael. I am going to roast them for him. I have tried them too, and I like them. I will use olive oil instead of butter, though.
My friend Cindy published an intriguing story from Portland Oregon about a newscaster who tried a vegan diet for 60 days and decided to stick with it. I kinda wish I could try something like that, but I love cheese too much, I'm afraid. I'd also have to still cook meat for Mother, so it would complicate my life, which I don't need right now.
I did make a Chicken Taco Soup last night that turned out pretty well, I thought. It had green peppers from our garden, red peppers I bought, black beans, Ro-tel tomatoes, tomato sauce, a lot of onion, and some diced chicken and a little bit of chorizo sausage. I added some brown rice, and at first it didn't cook down, but it finally got there. That is something I need to work on, cooking brown rice the right way. Mike ate a big bowl with a dollop of sour cream.
Our other dish was sliced cantaloupe and pineapple.I told him if he can stick to fruit, instead of candy and cookies, that will be a big help in weight control.
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In February 2011 I faced a tough situation when my mother had to have a pacemaker implanted due to ventricular tachycardia. We learned just the other day that Mother's brother Don needs a pacemaker, and his surgery is tomorrow. Please keep him in your prayers, and my aunt Jane.
Don served his country during the Korean War.
HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES! YOUR SACRIFICE IS APPRECIATED!!
My dad was in the army in 1951-52, and spent most of his time in Germany. He also traveled around, and I have a number of color photos from those trips. He is pictured below next to cannons. I think it's in Denmark.
Happy Veteran's Day!
