Anniversary Party Crazies

I'm going crazy with the anniversary stuff. But I discovered something new.
What do you think? Who is that hottie?

And this?

I'm pulling my hair out over invitations!

On another note, we had a Delicious Dish contest at work today. I didn't win, but I discovered the best recipe! I made Mexican Chicken Chowder. Not for the dieter, this dish included butter,half & half, cheese and corn. Mmmmmm. Good stuff!

VICTORY! AT LAST!

ROLL TIDE!

It's Official!

The doctor has finally, officially stated that my mom had a stroke. That's right, after 5 months, we now know (wink, wink) that she had a stroke. Not even a TIA...a full blown stroke. Gee! What was your first clue doc? The fact that she couldn't walk? Or talk? Or couldn't use her right hand? Sheesh!

Sorry, I don't mean to sound bitter. I am, but I don't mean to sound that way.

On a happier note, I went shopping this morning. I bought books, and sodas, and cheese.

I was at the bank at 9 this morning, and out by 9:05. Then I hit Barnes & Noble to pick up the book for group Friday night. I also bought the latest Kimberly Raye vampire dating service and California Demon by Julie Kenner. And I got Bear's Boys for Dad for his birthday--36 different men relating how playing for Bear Bryant impacted their lives.

After B&N, I hit Target. I've been cleaning out my make-up lately and needed to replace a couple of things. So I bought new powder and concealer plus three 12 packs of Diet Coke Plus and a new printer/scanner/copier. I had actually meant to get that at Best Buy, but they weren't open.

I so badly wanted to go to Off Broadway Shoes, but instead went to Wild Oats. I picked up some lovely flowers, some steel cut oats, and three different kinds of cheese. I was home by noon, where I had a Diet Coke Plus and some Stilton with apricots for lunch with grapes and a piece of french bread.

I now need to vacuum.

And sweep.

And mop.

And dust.

Funeral

My Aunt Avis died this week. It was not unexpected. She had been sick for while. Dad said that she had "the look of death about her" on his last visit. I saw a lot of cousins at the funeral...Martha--the adult (finally), Shirley--still surprisingly youthful, Ronny--looking more like his father every day, Curt--frighteningly frail. Larry--looking far too old, MaryNell--incredibly chic, Connie--elegant, and Barbara--sweet.

The preacher--pastor at the church were my Aunt Avis and my cousin Pat are members--did not deliver a fancy sermon. He spoke of Aunt Avis gone to be with God; in a better place. He praised her spirit and her joy and even addressed her failing mind. He delivered comfort as I had never heard before in a funeral sermon and I was so grateful that he did. You see, Pat and Jim (Aunt Avis's husband) had made the decision just a couple of weeks ago to put Aunt Avis in a nursing home. They were feeling extremely guilty.

And during the service the pastor looked at my cousin and said "Miss Pat, your mother knew she was loved and treasured in this life. You done right by your momma."
This should be said at every funeral. Funerals are not for the dead, but for those left behind. They should give comfort and hope. This young man succeeded in doing just that.

Before the funeral we gathered in the lobby of the funeral home chatting and catching up. Suddenly I found myself being addressed by a man in gray suit, asking me if I was going to sing. My eyes grew large, I shook my head violently and told him...."I love these people, I would never do anything like that to them."

All in all, it's been a rather sad week.

An Elegant Dinner

I love trying new recipes. Last night I made chicken breast stuffed with goat cheese and herbs that I served with a grilled peach half and sesame cucumbers. I made a lovely presentation on one of my girlier glass plates and sat at the table with a linen napkin an a glass of iced tea.

The food was amazing!

I mashed the room temperature goat cheese and added chopped chives, tarragon, and oregano. Then I cut holes thru the side of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and stuffed the holes with the cheese mixture. Then I refrigerated the breasts for about 2 hours before coating in flour, egg, and bread crumbs and baking. I cooked the peach halves on my trusty George Foreman.

I tried duplicating a cucumber dish I had had at PF Changs, and I think I succeeded. I sliced English cucumber and marinated it in a dressing made of soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds.

So excuse me for patting myself on the back...I just can't help myself. And I have left-overs for lunch!