tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144617932024-03-18T20:15:49.362-07:00Karen's KastleThe minutiae of the life of a housewife.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16122032463232530095noreply@blogger.comBlogger550125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14461793.post-31315052800020527032010-06-07T14:37:00.000-07:002010-06-07T14:47:18.127-07:00Menu Plan MondayThis week's contenders:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnbcYxl8RLAhZDTO1BNTuaBQ5b-oHQkftiHtcjXGp19faHpvEMdw71m6CNWuF03-c7vix90jZ5SvxusyQe6jweb1dev97I9ZLClFQm0IB3qgtOmrZ0J30V_UuuKtd9gWLBvjR/s1600/orgjunkiempm1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 95px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480151354502561090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnbcYxl8RLAhZDTO1BNTuaBQ5b-oHQkftiHtcjXGp19faHpvEMdw71m6CNWuF03-c7vix90jZ5SvxusyQe6jweb1dev97I9ZLClFQm0IB3qgtOmrZ0J30V_UuuKtd9gWLBvjR/s200/orgjunkiempm1.jpg" /></a><br /><ul><li><a href="http://recipes.health.com/recipes/1072226-summer-chicken-stir-fry">Summer Chicken Stir Fry</a>, brown rice</li><li><a href="http://recipes.health.com/recipes/1701574-pan-seared-steaks-with-mushrooms">Pan-Seared Steaks With Mushrooms</a>, broccoli</li><li>Homestyle Chicken Hash*, peas</li><li>Seasoned Tilapia, <a href="http://recipes.health.com/recipes/1733379-roasted-asparagus-on-parmesan-polenta">Roasted Asparagus on Parmesan Polenta</a></li><li>Pizza Friday</li></ul><p>That might be too many new recipes in one week, but we'll see since all the <em>flavors</em> are familiar. New recipes are from <a href="http://www.health.com/health">Health.com</a>. I get the magazine and really enjoy it.</p><p>Homestyle Chicken Hash is from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cheap-Fast-Good-Beverly-Mills/dp/0761131760">Cheap. Fast. Good!</a> It's a good kid friendly cookbook but <em>absolutley NOTHING</em> is seasoned. I add my own.</p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16122032463232530095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14461793.post-24965412850756866552010-05-17T04:49:00.000-07:002010-05-17T04:49:00.357-07:00Menu Plan MondayAgain with the menu planning? Yes. It really does make it easier for me.<br /><br /><ul><li>Chili Colorado*, tortillas, refried beans</li><li>Pork** and Bean Casserole, a vegetable*** yet to be determined</li><li>Garlic Tilapia, couscous, vegetable</li><li>Chicken Ziti Bake****, garlic bread, vegetable</li><li>Pizza Friday</li></ul><p><span>*I'm using leftover pork and NOT beef, so it's not really Chili Colorado, but don't tell anyone.**</span></p><p><span>**Mike grilled a pork shoulder roast which resulted in lots of leftovers.</span></p><p><span>***The vegetables depend on what looks good at Trader Joe's.</span></p><p><span>****Sam wants Chicken Parmesan but this is easier and everyone likes it.</span></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16122032463232530095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14461793.post-60093843713957559882010-01-18T05:56:00.000-08:002010-01-18T05:56:00.297-08:00Menu Plan Monday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HiMeh1NyZn-EgpW2mOFHIccWpe7Wf1TSq1EtzaLvpGxaQbZfQRkQhVIk0hG3ruEN4k0b3mvSLZ5zHF6e49wytk1dscPk01CuBef477DtJ1XHV89GtY7SZegEVORfAF-QrRxL/s1600-h/mpmhappy.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 139px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427797421143024402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HiMeh1NyZn-EgpW2mOFHIccWpe7Wf1TSq1EtzaLvpGxaQbZfQRkQhVIk0hG3ruEN4k0b3mvSLZ5zHF6e49wytk1dscPk01CuBef477DtJ1XHV89GtY7SZegEVORfAF-QrRxL/s200/mpmhappy.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><div>In no particular order:</div><ul><li>Clam Chowder, salad, crusty bread</li><li><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Ground-Beef-Stroganoff-Like-Hamburger-Helper-283223"><span style="color:#993300;">Ground Turkey Stroganoff</span></a>, broccoli</li><li><a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=226547"><span style="color:#993300;">Pork Medallions with Olive-Caper Sauce</span></a>, vermicelli with garlic and herbs</li><li><a href="http://www.mealmakeovermoms.com/recipes/mexican-tonight/mexican-lasagna/"><span style="color:#993300;">Mexican Lasagna</span></a>, black bean and corn salad</li><li>Pizza Friday - Pizza Hut has a $10 pizza going.</li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Brought to you by </span><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;color:#cc33cc;">I'm an Organizing Junkie</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">. Her post wasn't up when I did mine, so you'll have to look around for it.</span></p></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16122032463232530095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14461793.post-22869765675769954212010-01-03T08:40:00.000-08:002010-01-03T08:43:00.762-08:00I stand correctedI missed a zero in my <a href="http://karenskastle.blogspot.com/2010/01/geocaching.html"><span style="color:#ff6600;">geocaching</span></a> post.<br /><br />As a nice reader pointed out, there are 966,614 geocaches around the world, not just a mere 95,000.<br /><br />It's going to take a while to find them all.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16122032463232530095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14461793.post-72125984064802953892010-01-03T05:49:00.000-08:002010-01-03T05:49:00.372-08:00A Hidden GemWhile geocaching over a long weekend, we happened upon a great little Mexican restaurant in downtown Henderson. <a href="http://www.waterstreetdistrict.com/wsd_pdf/menus/Potrillos_Menu.pdf"><span style="color:#339999;">Dos Potrillos Mexican Food</span> </a>was a fantastic Madre y Padre place on Water Street. It was one of those great little "hole-in-the-wall" places that just screams local color.<br /><br />Besides having wonderful authentic Mexican food, it's located across the street from the <a href="http://www.eldoradocasino.com/"><span style="color:#339999;">El Dorado</span></a> and <a href="http://www.rainbowclubandcasino.com/"><span style="color:#339999;">Rainbow Club</span></a> Casinos. Talk about great people watching! It was New Year's Eve so there was an abundance of drunk people already at noon!<br /><br />And, unlike other downtown establishments, Dos Potrillos is open on the weekends. Many restaurants close Friday through Sunday as they cater to city workers and the city offices are only open Monday through Thursday.<br /><br />If you happen to be on Water Street, I recommend Dos Potrillos.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16122032463232530095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14461793.post-53133280339839464852010-01-02T05:04:00.000-08:002010-01-02T05:04:00.371-08:00GeocachingRecently, Mike and I have taken up the hobby of <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/"><span style="color:#ff6600;">geocaching</span></a>.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCd5P6TLsRZ4hHxOg64xewokyaGO8C4CO8hP_HC0RCuiJIOhrMjSNNgLnbEtFQxDIoPuy1WDFMiKLVOGhQSimIPmmOb80S4ODZx2D8Q2n1G29nylRelYnaDC7c2mGQv1YqUEcQ/s1600-h/etrex.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 220px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 220px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421619238967518434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCd5P6TLsRZ4hHxOg64xewokyaGO8C4CO8hP_HC0RCuiJIOhrMjSNNgLnbEtFQxDIoPuy1WDFMiKLVOGhQSimIPmmOb80S4ODZx2D8Q2n1G29nylRelYnaDC7c2mGQv1YqUEcQ/s320/etrex.jpg" /></a> There are more than 96,000 geocaches hidden throught the world.<br /><br />I bought him a hand held GPS unit for Christmas.<br /><br />We weren't very good at it when we first started. There are a few tricks to learn, but we're catching on.<br /><br /><br /><br />I also bought him <a href="http://www.dummies.com/store/product/Geocaching-For-Dummies.productCd-0764575716.html"><span style="color:#ff6600;">Geocaching for Dummies</span></a>. That seems to be helping, too.<br /><br /><br /><br />At first, we were really discouraged that we couldn't find any. Then we changed our outlook. We started viewing it as an activity we can do together outside in the sunshine. If we happen to find geocaches, that's just a bonus.<br /><br /><br /><br />Now that we've been at it for a few weeks, we are finding more and more caches.<br /><br /><br /><br />And we get to spend time together outside in the sunshine.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16122032463232530095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14461793.post-3414575798277532652009-12-30T21:48:00.000-08:002009-12-30T21:54:15.114-08:002010It's not a New Year's Resolution. Many, many years ago I resolved not to make any more resolutions and I've stuck with it.<br /><br />I do think I'd like to blog more (and perhaps Facebook less) in the coming year.<br /><br />I'm going to start with Menu Plan Monday. It helps me prepare healthier meals and I don't have to wonder what's for dinner at 4pm.<br /><br />We'll be serving more vegetables around here, too. My health is deteriorating since a knee injury. I've found an exercise routine I can do, so I'm at the gym every day now, too.<br /><br />I'd prefer NOT to have a stroke this year, so changes are needed.<br /><br />Looking forward to seeing all of you in the year to come.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16122032463232530095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14461793.post-18295570122740085172009-12-26T19:37:00.001-08:002009-12-26T19:45:19.016-08:00Christmas Eve<div align="center">Mexican Train arrived from Oregon. We had a great time playing it!</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26UEiPeHCMYDDx6mioUAbrkq6PFRvPIHKpQxxF5831Ys42FO9_wiARCKPCFWkiiq9aWn5x7ZpWQHUDRxPFbWdP5M18kSSswx47FvBi7VZwx9m1yyT8eUSn8WDjPT0BLzN4Lay/s1600-h/xmas+eve1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419756318346456978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26UEiPeHCMYDDx6mioUAbrkq6PFRvPIHKpQxxF5831Ys42FO9_wiARCKPCFWkiiq9aWn5x7ZpWQHUDRxPFbWdP5M18kSSswx47FvBi7VZwx9m1yyT8eUSn8WDjPT0BLzN4Lay/s320/xmas+eve1.jpg" /></a> The kids being silly.<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSoPqQ-URhvjeOq7I2w__54UfwmHPx5s8MhRfv9x9GXzU16aPQDYrKF9ozeR5Z9_sLr29NXGV2RXrpiAnzA_eJtuQKeIW_YEOSdMFwcr10sv69PeyJOoUrHKp1oVQxdiJQfvD/s1600-h/xmas+eve2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 195px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419756315630613218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSoPqQ-URhvjeOq7I2w__54UfwmHPx5s8MhRfv9x9GXzU16aPQDYrKF9ozeR5Z9_sLr29NXGV2RXrpiAnzA_eJtuQKeIW_YEOSdMFwcr10sv69PeyJOoUrHKp1oVQxdiJQfvD/s320/xmas+eve2.jpg" /></a> The tradition is to open one present that came in the mail on Christmas Eve.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKL8ySinLt0IQCZwqvKOM8araAfOx1s95XLWdNE4nQA_ydBmiBF3k8jLfX5Bu5nCyVkUJj11tzUge1G7devCwLtnB0m4Ikh_HXk6hGkri8bATZVedwqifZawvSQhMZ2cX-gfT/s1600-h/xmas+eve3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419756307687447218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKL8ySinLt0IQCZwqvKOM8araAfOx1s95XLWdNE4nQA_ydBmiBF3k8jLfX5Bu5nCyVkUJj11tzUge1G7devCwLtnB0m4Ikh_HXk6hGkri8bATZVedwqifZawvSQhMZ2cX-gfT/s320/xmas+eve3.jpg" /></a>Ana got TONS of nail polish.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dc8UOGEwYk-jroCinE2cyXvmAol_z621rILXUJDW2OjLjZLZI8qCGLVdAKrtGAViVEx_bNLEVFMVnXSjhf5Z1JAZHQqyd1I2meBmKjzrN13D-mrs95yVCod3x66kUMkH9UCK/s1600-h/xmas+eve4.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419756303301801746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dc8UOGEwYk-jroCinE2cyXvmAol_z621rILXUJDW2OjLjZLZI8qCGLVdAKrtGAViVEx_bNLEVFMVnXSjhf5Z1JAZHQqyd1I2meBmKjzrN13D-mrs95yVCod3x66kUMkH9UCK/s320/xmas+eve4.jpg" /></a> And Sam got a shirt with a guitar on the front that plays music! Very cool.</div><br /></div></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16122032463232530095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14461793.post-14343888464637721182009-12-04T13:42:00.000-08:002009-12-04T13:45:56.526-08:00She's a Whiz!<div align="center">A new post is required because I'm tired of looking at colonoscopy prep!</div><div align="center"> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411500153613058706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsePlMJdzEXYWY6hFZOiIjIn1BgD2KDpmSLDtCZB627bjz5-jT7irh00qWhslLhtD2vhCLnH7cvYngXNIBSjGKQzurg0mRh88UQ_mGmuYPl1dBGL9iEPC37hIMvovZimdCklAm/s400/ana+computer.jpg" /> <p align="center">The wine glass is not hers. The sippy cup is.<br /></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16122032463232530095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14461793.post-63625881998804510212009-10-23T16:14:00.001-07:002009-10-23T16:30:52.774-07:00Colonoscopy Prep Made Easy(er)Let's face it. Colonoscopy prep is not easy. It's long, dreadful and tedious. It's also a LOT more tolerable than chemotherapy and radiation, and so, we endure.<br /><br />Four litres is A LOT of liquid to consume. And the stuff tastes nasty. I discovered the following on my most recent prep.<br /><ul><li>The package (TriLyte) now comes with flavor packs! Big whoop.</li><li>Throw away the flavor packs.</li><li>Buy bottled water (in 16.9 ounce bottles) to mix with the powder</li><li>After the powder and bottled water are well mixed, pour the liquid back into the bottles.</li><li>Pour Crystal Light on-the-go packs (or something similar) into each bottle. I used Propel fitness water packs since they are clear. NO RED food coloring is allowed!</li><li>Chill well.</li><li>Be sure to mark your bottles with big black XXX or something so they are not mistaken for plain old water in the fridge.</li><li>Slice a lime into small wedges and have ready with your Prep solution.</li><li>Drink through a straw as far back in your mouth as you can stand it.</li><li>The cold liquid through the straw can produce a slight "Brain Freeze" but pressing the tongue to the roof of the mouth usually fixes it.</li><li>If you start to gag (which I do) take a quick squeeze of lime and drink some more.</li></ul><p>See #5 on <a href="http://www.northernutahgastro.com/colonoscopytrilyte.aspx"><span style="color:#009900;">Day Before the Examination</span> </a>on this website. This doctor does the prep slightly different than my doctor, but puts on his website that the use of Crystal Light is okay. The manufacturer says not to add anything else. I'm listening to the doctor in Utah.</p><p>All of these things got me through the prep much more easily than the last time where I threw up roughly half of what I managed to swallow.</p><p>See you again in five years for an update. The pharmaceutical companies really need to come up with a better prep!</p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16122032463232530095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14461793.post-26454222934615857222009-08-31T07:13:00.000-07:002009-08-31T07:19:53.223-07:00Menu Plan Monday<div>Yes, there is a plan this week.</div><div>I went back to old stand-bys that everyone will eat.</div><div>Ana has her pre-test to determine her eligibility to test for Second Degree Black in October on Wednesday, so I'm making her favorite, Chicken Dijon.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg291s0JDhtqQTnxB7fbi8Fess_Z8TQAiOFeTmS64j4K-I4RfgS225hRoiaT_s9yt_rw5Tzv9hcUYw00rNAspRnHBVmSomeU5ZZxDm7NGA_qxo2lJd4V3xs4hi-Zwqct0OrjqJJ/s1600-h/mpmhappy.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 139px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376132108982070386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg291s0JDhtqQTnxB7fbi8Fess_Z8TQAiOFeTmS64j4K-I4RfgS225hRoiaT_s9yt_rw5Tzv9hcUYw00rNAspRnHBVmSomeU5ZZxDm7NGA_qxo2lJd4V3xs4hi-Zwqct0OrjqJJ/s200/mpmhappy.jpg" /></a></div><ul><br /><li>Clam Chowder, salad, crusty bread</li><li>Spaghetti, tomato sauce, Italian sausage (I had Mike grill the sausages with last night's dinner)</li><li>Chicken Dijon, couscous, broccoli</li><li>Tacos, refried beans</li></ul><p>Brought to you by <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2009/08/menu-plan-monday-aug-31st.html"><span style="color:#999900;">I'm an Organizing Junkie</span></a>.</p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16122032463232530095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14461793.post-65166793873823152942009-08-27T10:25:00.001-07:002009-08-27T10:26:26.689-07:00Sweet 16<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGtV1_Bd8zyW3NHNWBI2N_R1yNMindmuQVRgdJifxZ92sL50f7_Gv1QZn82InwR7eSo8fFmkdxNUNTBljo1ylH1GjvU7IgXz-2NaBlkNl56WZZUi2MXccqJfb-dkvK6urZ5gu/s1600-h/ana+hawaii.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374696145419995682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjGtV1_Bd8zyW3NHNWBI2N_R1yNMindmuQVRgdJifxZ92sL50f7_Gv1QZn82InwR7eSo8fFmkdxNUNTBljo1ylH1GjvU7IgXz-2NaBlkNl56WZZUi2MXccqJfb-dkvK6urZ5gu/s400/ana+hawaii.jpg" /></a> My baby is 16 today.<br /><br /></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16122032463232530095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14461793.post-80649761433871370312009-08-25T17:12:00.000-07:002009-08-23T21:49:50.244-07:00Menu Plan MondayWhat's for dinner this week? So far, this.<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/caramelized-onion-penne-recipe/index.html"><span style="color:#33cc00;">Carmelized Onion Penne</span></a>, <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/garlic-chip-mixed-greens-recipe/index.html"><span style="color:#33cc00;">garlic chip greens</span></a> (Sorry. TWO food network recipes. Their website sucks, but the food looked good so there you are.)</li><li>Breakfast - Pancakes, eggs, bacon</li><li>Turkey Burgers, Macaroni Salad</li><li>something else. I'm going to end up at the store again (we're out of dog food) so I'll probably put fish on the menu.</li><li>Pizza Friday (which I dislike, but the family likes it so I'll eat salad or something.)<br /></li></ul><p>Bon appetit!</p><p>Brought to you by <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/"><span style="color:#ffcc00;">I'm on Organizing Junkie</span></a>.</p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16122032463232530095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14461793.post-86470905576432237342009-08-22T19:35:00.001-07:002009-08-22T19:39:39.861-07:00Happy Birthday<div align="center">We have two family birthdays this month.<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 293px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372983258436504706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1DLhfDfvEFljYYLaAHhWk0-lP0jhhGZpVrD3OhgfpS6jRUbOFbPr-yXgLRQ6bB0ITqfS-hEaRFPVW7l0hupcbHkx-FpRrXnhx_dIYDsIUovNjj2BrQWtD1-10tHjdgphb_Dxr/s320/ana+bday.jpg" /> <div align="center">Ana is Sweet 16.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372982482532572898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWMlZyxkgj43jiA_SLegdJo2P_-C0GfFPc5s8VoSdIBzFhq9hOmn-_9N0mR3abmiq2nloFYMAT1RU226tQcuQJVehUQZ8zyvjdXy5LcYp773s6Xt4OgXk0kXNTguRaHUAPGHB/s320/mike+bday.jpg" /></div><br /><p align="center">Mike is 46.<br /></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16122032463232530095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14461793.post-92174665398928537012009-08-19T04:55:00.000-07:002009-08-19T04:55:00.472-07:00Random Things I LIke<ul><li>crushed up saltines in my chili - <span style="color:#999900;">t</span><span style="color:#999900;">here was a time when I wouldn't eat saltines because they are <em>carbs!</em></span></li><li>Earl Grey Tea - <span style="color:#999900;">Hot or cold</span></li><li>summer</li><li>black tea with honey and lemon - <span style="color:#999900;">hot, when I have a cold</span></li><li>Tropical Black Iced Tea from Fresh and Easy - <span style="color:#999900;">but I only buy it on clearance, because I'm <em>cheap</em></span></li><li>the smell of rain on pavement - <span style="color:#999900;">a rarity in Las Vegas</span></li><li>freshly mowed grass - <span style="color:#999900;">although it makes me sneeze</span></li><li>being able to provide frivolous things to my kids on occasion</li><li>pesto, <span style="color:#330000;">especially</span> homemade - <span style="color:#999900;">so bright and fresh and green</span></li><li><span style="color:#333333;"><span style="color:#333333;">listening to Sam play his electric guitar</span> - </span><span style="color:#999900;">but I'm still buying him headphones</span></li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGpB7PABPWAzuYOeTjvbwV4TDt3Pw3xEsAdJfLnWH2Y3Nk4PbIwervryZeuJKV13-qfb3tbllnR_OK0YYoa1BtpJ_X5kr8Pg1P_unTlIEnWEilBUtoljpnGbJ9gWtfy8rlF2t-/s1600-h/naveena.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332937711154432098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGpB7PABPWAzuYOeTjvbwV4TDt3Pw3xEsAdJfLnWH2Y3Nk4PbIwervryZeuJKV13-qfb3tbllnR_OK0YYoa1BtpJ_X5kr8Pg1P_unTlIEnWEilBUtoljpnGbJ9gWtfy8rlF2t-/s200/naveena.jpg" /></a><br /><li><span style="color:#333333;">Naveen Andrews - a little <a href="http://womenscolony.squarespace.com/cabana/2009/5/4/cabana-boy-34.html"><span style="color:#993399;">mancake</span></a> on Lost</span></li><li><span style="color:#333333;">Traveling to Utah by car if I'm not driving. Seven and a half hours to do NOTHING!</span></li><li><span style="color:#333333;">Las Vegas 51's baseball</span></li></ul>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16122032463232530095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14461793.post-10381319906828984172009-08-18T04:12:00.000-07:002009-08-18T04:12:00.954-07:00Not Quite.They look rather the same to me, but I realize upon closer inspection that they are not. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZx8X19oOehxo-O6TgGz43dO-pQkapuhzkygnO3DEok2v-zR-UehpV6bFHDK8CTIwimZ1cguYb8wEkkTJMlf3OqAUXPT13Wu53QjQhlM9If7q7ZwykUNuEGJGTkY-Uk21W9u6n/s1600-h/bruce_greenwood.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlFcIfITgQGQ_L5k8CrY90U8Nu5aGoMsudyh51CaSdL5XnhICq5mIIePr_41ujP1wCb_DdQuoU8MYPov6zeifovRDSmhAvMR7CFxrVATcQGnfCzYeOF-l9X8bFxcYwVyi5IRc/s1600-h/mark_harmon.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 268px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337383188770392946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlFcIfITgQGQ_L5k8CrY90U8Nu5aGoMsudyh51CaSdL5XnhICq5mIIePr_41ujP1wCb_DdQuoU8MYPov6zeifovRDSmhAvMR7CFxrVATcQGnfCzYeOF-l9X8bFxcYwVyi5IRc/s400/mark_harmon.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_jCo-guJkMpCmYubIrunQqiPVSR7WIklx9zJkNBjd4rxvmaTY71vzelOh2xgBLrK-awqlJN8rtgzV8sukAfvsHciCkQZ0BnrjBPVUPKqifgxdWbvvWcZeXCTLwBVCb5KL6Fh/s1600-h/bruce+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337384040281729970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_jCo-guJkMpCmYubIrunQqiPVSR7WIklx9zJkNBjd4rxvmaTY71vzelOh2xgBLrK-awqlJN8rtgzV8sukAfvsHciCkQZ0BnrjBPVUPKqifgxdWbvvWcZeXCTLwBVCb5KL6Fh/s400/bruce+2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Mark Harmon and Bruce Greenwood<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16122032463232530095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14461793.post-3339410197786872592009-08-17T04:06:00.000-07:002009-08-17T04:06:00.195-07:00Menu Plan MondayAh, yes. Meal planning time again. Here we go!<br /><br /><ul><li>Turkey burgers, chips (I buy two snack size bags and we split them between four people.)</li><li><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Ground-Beef-Stroganoff-Like-Hamburger-Helper-283223"><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Ground Beef Stroganoff</span></a>, broccoli (Yes, I'm using ground turkey instead.)</li><li>Chicken something. A family favorite. I have frozen chicken breasts. I have NO IDEA what they will turn into for dinner. I also have frozen vegetables.</li><li>Ummm...There's pasta and eggs in the house. Maybe <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Carbonara-Rachael-Ray-203354"><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Pasta Carbonara</span> </a>(a la Rachael Ray.) I'll have to buy pancetta, but it's pretty cheap at Fresh & Easy.</li><li>Payday! The sky's the limit! I'm hoping to avoid Pizza Friday. I really don't like pizza very much. Don't tell Joe. He'll unfriend me!</li></ul><p>Another pantry/freezer week. Somehow I managed to spend all of our money last week so this week is a little tight. Happily, I keep a pretty well stocked pantry.</p><p>As always, more menus to steal at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/"><span style="color:#663366;">I'm an Organizing Junkie.</span></a> I'm posting the blog, not the Menu Plan Monday entry because it's not up yet and I'm lazy like that.</p><p>Bon Appetit!</p><p> </p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16122032463232530095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14461793.post-74146583701197524012009-08-14T07:20:00.001-07:002009-08-14T07:35:07.312-07:00Food Update<div>It's interesting and helpful for me if I have a Menu Plan, but I don't lose any sleep over changing it.</div><div></div><div> </div><div>This week:</div><div></div><ul><li>Monday: Leftover buffet</li><li>Tuesday: Baked Teriyaki Chicken (What's that weird sauce on it?)</li><li>Wednesday: Karen and kids to Joe's for a karate thing. I made tacos earlier in the day so Mike would have something to eat.</li><li>Thursday: Roast Chicken. I found a whole chicken at Fresh & Easy for $2.04. The execution of the dish was less than stellar. Next time I'll stick with my Williams-Sonoma prep and skip Tony Bourdain. Mike's prep of the Tony Bourdain Roast Chicken results in a fabulous meal. Mine resulted in having Mike come home and having to rescue dinner. Sigh.</li><li>Friday: Mike's birthday! He's bringing home steak to grill on the barbecue. When he told me he wanted grilled steak, I was sure to tell him that I would ruin it. He already knew that, so had planned to grill it himself.</li></ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifz9st1nC0r_313x1XfShfkgWMNLRkIVstKEJdn1sH8g3ylPr3eqU0BGs1Ypw_Y9D1Td1Cg1vCPWFP4nV79kfQ4_2M046eBpItTHQXX1z8zz87k5LrdNV79QbxcI5kR8Q6RGzw/s1600-h/weber.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369827621150212642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifz9st1nC0r_313x1XfShfkgWMNLRkIVstKEJdn1sH8g3ylPr3eqU0BGs1Ypw_Y9D1Td1Cg1vCPWFP4nV79kfQ4_2M046eBpItTHQXX1z8zz87k5LrdNV79QbxcI5kR8Q6RGzw/s200/weber.jpg" /></a> <p>In case you didn't know: we have a Weber Kettle Charcoal Grill. No gas or propane is EVER used to grill our food. If we had gas or propane, I could probably be trusted to grill. Mike uses kindling, briquets and real mesquite charcoal to build a perfect fire. He then waits for perfect coals and cooks over indirect heat.</p><br /><p>Because I know you're all worried about us eating charred beef which will kill us!!</p><br /><p></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16122032463232530095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14461793.post-86127796038316034482009-08-10T04:26:00.000-07:002009-08-10T04:26:01.064-07:00Menu Plan MondayBrought to you by Laura at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/"><span style="color:#993300;">I'm an Organizing Junkie</span></a>.<br />There are <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2009/08/menu-plan-monday-august-10th.html"><span style="color:#993300;">many, many menus</span> </a>to cheat from.<br /><p>My plan looks something like this.</p><ul><li>Monday: Leftovers-including: roast chicken, asst cheeses, salami, artichokes, marinated mushrooms, harissa beans, homemade pesto, homemade hummus, pita</li><li>Tuesday: Baked chicken. There are two breasts with ribs leftover from the weekend.</li><li>Wednesday: Pasta, I think. Lots of it in the pantry. Sauce? Pesto or maybe I'll whip up a tomato sauce. I might just serve it with butter and cheese.</li><li>Thursday: There's frozen ground turkey in the freezer. Maybe tacos. Sam likes them.</li><li>Friday: Mike's birthday. He hasn't decided if he wants me to cook or if he wants to eat out. He doesn't usually like to eat dinner out, especially after a busy week at work.</li></ul><p>Updates as they occur, I guess.</p><p>An update before it even posts! I'm making <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Baked-Teriyaki-Chicken/Detail.aspx"><span style="color:#993300;">Baked Teriyaki Chicken</span></a>.</p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16122032463232530095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14461793.post-67220930558266930542009-07-23T12:11:00.001-07:002009-07-23T12:12:05.680-07:00Just Getting Here?Then you're too late. The home page of K*Bot World has already changed.<br /><br />You gotta be fast to keep up with some people!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16122032463232530095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14461793.post-85283131202105159232009-07-22T06:46:00.001-07:002009-07-22T06:47:35.423-07:00Getting FamousSam is getting famous! Read the first paragraph on the home page of <a href="http://www.kbotworld.com/kbotworld%20Home%20Page.htm"><span style="color:#cc0000;">K*Bot World</span></a>. He's off to a great start at the World Championships.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16122032463232530095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14461793.post-74540235994792873732009-07-13T04:46:00.000-07:002009-07-13T04:46:01.006-07:00Menu Plan MondayShort week this week. Our international karate tournament starts on Thursday so we're only eating at home on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.<br /><br />The kids have not been eating well lately (owing to sickness) so they each had to plan a meal.<br /><br /><ul><li>Chicken tacos (Sam) Says he doesn't like ground meat in tacos so will dice chicken for him instead. Still sounds good.</li><li>Chicken Dijon, Parmesan couscous, broccoli (Ana) A little more knowledgeable with regard to nutrition and balanced meals.</li><li>Turkey burgers, potato salad (Karen) This may end up in the freezer since after I went grocery shopping, Mike did his shopping for tonight's dinner and came home with turkey burgers to go with my potato salad. We have a lot of frozen things. Maybe I'll whip up a miracle.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357710819868301362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 139px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxP7CjR_r0wrzvLewyxTu73cmC4JnXe-wBYaEYLBDFVJIlDWopcyoIP8Kh11Ca0fZ3yJPTE6a8SU5zrpiPo5xrXV6fiqC_ZPW3sal0-3iMTPmMnLi2Pn412mz2WI-guGVUYU3I/s200/mpmhappy.jpg" border="0" /></li></ul><p align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Brought to you by <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/"><span style="color:#ffff00;"><span style="color:#ffcc00;">I'm an Organizing Junkie</span>.</span></a></span></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16122032463232530095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14461793.post-8823379331562953062009-07-10T10:17:00.000-07:002009-07-10T10:22:51.273-07:00Friday Food Update<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBGV4PSmG-DXLWL8B0qQGxtWbZmhXrbsU0SXrd5a7RMKdyNFeZlb3_bqlpWYJ8doyz_gk1LZ4lGZP4JHCu8DaI-7lOBeiQpTkSnHccPE052I8YT9A8aUu7VzCvXG4xJKzabfu/s1600-h/pizza.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356883143940312994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 100px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBGV4PSmG-DXLWL8B0qQGxtWbZmhXrbsU0SXrd5a7RMKdyNFeZlb3_bqlpWYJ8doyz_gk1LZ4lGZP4JHCu8DaI-7lOBeiQpTkSnHccPE052I8YT9A8aUu7VzCvXG4xJKzabfu/s200/pizza.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>OMG!! I actually made everything on my menu plan this week. Most of it got eaten, too.</div><br /><div></div><div>Ana had a status migraine for 3 weeks so she didn't eat much at all for the last week or so.</div><div></div><br /><div>Finally took her to the ER and knocked the darn thing out of her. She is much happier now and eating again.</div><div></div><br /><div>I guess I'll give in and do Pizza Friday to stick with the plan. Maybe Dominoes. I haven't eaten theere since I was in college. Or Pizza Hut! So I can say, "I just feasted for five dollars."</div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16122032463232530095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14461793.post-12224973121090628912009-07-06T10:33:00.000-07:002009-07-06T10:51:35.248-07:00Menu Plan Monday<span style="font-size:85%;">brought to you by <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/"><span style="color:#cc6600;">I'm an Organizing Junkie</span></a></span><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div>In no particular order</div><ul><li>Teriyaki Beef with Noodles (We have leftover Teriyaki Tri-tip from the weekend. I'll create <em>something</em> with it!)</li><li><a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/08/crockpot-brown-sugar-chicken-recipe.html"><span style="color:#cc6600;">Crockpot Brown Sugar Chicken</span></a> (I can't remember where I first saw this recipe or I would give credit but it was probably here.)</li><li><span style="color:#cc6600;"><a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=226547"><span style="color:#cc6600;">Pork Medallions with Olive-Caper Sauce</span></a></span>, Vermicelli with garlic and herbs (Cooking Light)</li><li><span style="color:#cc6600;">G</span><a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1723407"><span style="color:#cc6600;"><span style="color:#cc6600;">nocchi</span> with Asparagus and Pancetta</span></a> (Cooking Light, April 2008)</li><li>Friday, Friday, Friday...I've grown weary of Pizza Friday.</li></ul><div>Updates as needed.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYNbr-TB3gnbOsrvSyFNPOchhIUBpAJyYc1mU3cF0arSnZFJxJveep3ie8wqN2xo2a8ftKsTIzNIK8Yu1fQapAMdcTq3Jswg_c-sogpjmVMGLKOCdwBTvtpIlk2yeayTxGV_f/s1600-h/orgjunkiempm1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355406031968943106" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 95px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYNbr-TB3gnbOsrvSyFNPOchhIUBpAJyYc1mU3cF0arSnZFJxJveep3ie8wqN2xo2a8ftKsTIzNIK8Yu1fQapAMdcTq3Jswg_c-sogpjmVMGLKOCdwBTvtpIlk2yeayTxGV_f/s200/orgjunkiempm1.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16122032463232530095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14461793.post-77153355309539835812009-07-02T09:58:00.000-07:002009-07-02T10:06:18.456-07:00The Food Reviews<u><span style="color:#339999;">Potato Leek soup with Chicken <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Andouille</span> Sausage:</span></u> Delicious, as always. It's hard to go wrong with this soup and the slightly spicy sausage <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">complimented</span> it quite nicely. I served it with Garlic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Naan</span> that I picked up at Trader <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Joe's</span>.<br /><br /><u><span style="color:#339999;">Mexican Lasagna:</span></u> Not bad. It's good that the kids did not see it being assembled as I'm sure they would have turned their collective noses up at cottage cheese. As it was I got "What kind of cheese is that?" Also, my family has a preference for corn tortillas rather than flour. And lastly, as usual, it made entirely too much food for my light-eating family of four. I served this with a black bean and roasted corn salad so there was a lot of corn and lots of black beans on the table.<br /><br /><u><span style="color:#339999;">Cheesy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Penne</span> with Chicken & Broccoli:</span></u> This is pasta, chicken and broccoli with cheese sauce. What could be better? Nothing! Don't be afraid of making cheese sauce. It's incredibly easy.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16122032463232530095noreply@blogger.com0