mcgee
Politicos
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Post by mcgee on Nov 2, 2020 23:01:18 GMT -5
I’m a nervous wreck so thought I’d see if anyone wanted to participate in an old fashioned coffee klatch. Just some random thoughts. My sisters are both Trump supporters- ugh - and it’s caused a rift in our relationship which makes me sad and I don’t know if our relationship can be repaired. We still talk but only on our birthdays. To get through this trying week I’ll be cooking comfort dishes. Tonight was bacon fried rice and tomorrow night and Wednesday will be Tater Tot Casserole. Not sure what Thursday and Friday will be. I’m taking Wednesday off from work because I’ll probably be hung over or just mentally exhausted. I’m so bummed with the way things are today  . What’s up with you all? |
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Post by erin elizabeth on Nov 3, 2020 8:38:28 GMT -5
Ah, coffee klatch memories!
It is a beautiful day here in NEOH. At least those waiting in line will not have to do so miserably. Voter turnout is lifting my heart and I hope the trend continues today. But I am anxious this morning, too, mcgee. Happily, my exercise class is having a noon session in a parking lot! It will be good to work off some of the anxiety. I also have the traveling chalice from my church and I lit it as soon as I woke up. I am going to keep it lit all day--with a votive when I am here and a battery-operated candle when I am not.
I am trying to keep in mind that nothing may be clear tonight or even tomorrow. I know that whatever happens, I/we are allowed to feel however I/we feel and then we roll up our sleeves and get to work.
The good weather means I can work some energy off in the yard this week, too. I have a good book started. I have some leftovers, but should find a way to use up some not-so-great Galas and have a loaf lasagna on the menu plan, even though the weather is nice!
Sending calming, good thoughts to you and all of us!
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Post by PattiA on Nov 3, 2020 9:06:16 GMT -5
I'm going with comfort and "escape" food this week too. Last night we went to Thailand with a 25 minute Thai Black Pepper Chicken and Garlic Noodles. Tonight is a return trip to Hawaii. I recently saw a recipe for Loco Moco, a delicious dish we had in a dive bar on the Big Island years ago. That's what we are having tonight. Tomorrow is a project dinner. Spicy Lamb and Grape Leaf Tarts with Orzo and Feta. I'm going to visit my mom on Thursday so that will provide some comfort and distraction. I am exhausted from my impending sense of doom. I've been burying myself in a complex knitting project, baking sourdough bread, canning, yesterday I started a project of making vinegar from some of the apple peels, anything to distract me. I'm not working right now because I am not willing to go into my client's homes. I have been winding down work, but I wanted to keep up my reduced client load for a few more years, but it is looking like that might be unlikely. My plan has been to work enough to cover our medical insurance premiums for 5 more years til we hit 65, but who knows? I am very thankful that it is just myself and DH and our cat. DH is retired and the cat is completely spoiled. DH is distracting himself with all sorts of house-related projects. My heart aches for families who are coping with two jobs, kids in schools, etc.
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Post by wallycat on Nov 3, 2020 11:49:21 GMT -5
So much written here rings true for me too. My twin sister and I have not spoken for nearly 2 years; she became a born-again-christian when she married her husband but things just kept getting worse and worse in terms of conversation. Apparently I mentioned climate change once too many times for her liking and that was that. So utterly sad. I thought religious folks (DH and I are not) were supposed to have open hearts. I guess the conservatives are not what they used to be and the clown-in-chief fuels fires that would not normally be so rampant. Scary. My folks lived through Nazi persecution (dad was Jewish) so all I see is the writing on the wall and it is gut-wrenching. When did common decency for people (not men, or women, or race or religion...just HUMANS) go away? Compassion and allowances for "different." Sigh. I roasted a red Kuri squash so it will be a side to something I dream up. Maybe a frozen burger. Not much in the mood to cook today. Our leftover Indian butter chicken last night was wonderful. Patti, your Loco Moco and Thai dish sound intriguing. Can I just google that for recipes?
I'm in agreement on how families are coping. I cannot imagine. I posted about being grateful that DH is still doing well and I have him here...if I were alone, I am sure I'd do fine, but losing him would be the weight that would make it worse in these times. I weep for those who have lost loved ones during this time, especially.
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traildoggie
Politicos
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Post by traildoggie on Nov 3, 2020 14:12:27 GMT -5
I have gradually lost contact with most trumpies. a few exceptions, some family who aren't real vocal about it, almost like they are embarrassed at their ignorant choice. its getting hard to avoid subject after subject.... the list is getting long. my sister is actually working the election today, something I think is a bad choice as she has health issues and of course virus is everywhere. she can earn some money though so she's doing it. DH and I don't socialize that much to begin with but the pandemic has shortened the list as has politics. remember the days when government used to run quietly in the background?? wow, to return to that!. we are not intolerant inflexible people but its too hard to avoid a million and one hot button topics.
we have some home projects to work on, we are active outdoors people, I like to cook. we are healthy and still thinking clearly, very physically active. that will have to do for now.
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Post by PattiA on Nov 3, 2020 15:32:35 GMT -5
wallycat, here's a link to the Thai dish. And it really did take just 25 minutes! www.halfbakedharvest.com/thai-black-pepper-chicken/ I was puzzled by the 2 heads of broccoli. I decided that it meant two stalks/bunches of broccoli. I also didn't want to dirty a third pan to make the garlicy-coconut milk sauce for the noodles so I added the garlic to the pan when I added the shallots and broc, and then stirred the coconut milk into the stir fry and served it over plain cooked rice noodles. I'm using this NYT Cooking recipe for Loco Moco. cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020162-loco-moco If you cannot access NYT recipes, this one is similar. NYT uses 8 ounces of mushrooms in the gravy. www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/guy-fieri/loco-moco-recipe-2043347 (I can't believe that I am posting a Guy Fieri recipe!) |
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Post by wallycat on Nov 3, 2020 15:47:32 GMT -5
Thank you!! Interestingly, I did google and those two sites are what I clicked on. The Loco Moco reminds me of Parisian pizza where they always top it with an egg. Ah, the memories!!
I've been hungry all day....stress? ugh.
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mcgee
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Post by mcgee on Nov 3, 2020 16:12:46 GMT -5
Patti - I was going to ask you about that Thai dish too! I have some chicken thighs in the freezer, I think I know what I'm going to make with them. Thanks.
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mcgee
Politicos
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Post by mcgee on Nov 3, 2020 16:31:32 GMT -5
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Post by Catbatty on Nov 3, 2020 18:28:26 GMT -5
I'm feeling you all I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH! You SO warm my heart. I've been reading your comments aloud, loudly, for my husband to hear in his office (whether he wants to or not, I dunno. lol). My whole extended family has been clutching their guts and hearts all day. Texts are flying back and forth...all feeling like we are about to get on a roller coaster. How many times I tear up when I listen to my favorites I can't even begin to count. I love our ideals. I always thought that they were simply American ideals. I guess no. But I do think they are ideals for many, many people around the world. I would like to see America return to standing for those ideals again, freedom for and FROM each other's beliefs, yet justice, EQUALITY, and fairness and DECENCY for ALL!! Anyway: did someone mention BACON FRIED RICE?  (Yes, I know it was YOU, MCGEE!) That title lit me up. I want that!!! Let's guess, what might be in it? Scallions, I bet. Yum. What else? I am eating it now -- in my mind! |
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mcgee
Politicos
I have made 502 posts
Right now I'm Offline
I joined September 2016
I've received 40 likes
My gender is Female
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Post by mcgee on Nov 3, 2020 19:07:05 GMT -5
Anyway: did someone mention BACON FRIED RICE? (Yes, I know it was YOU, MCGEE!) That title lit me up. I want that!!! Let's guess, what might be in it? Scallions, I bet. Yum. What else? I am eating it now -- in my mind! Hi Catbatty, I got the original recipe here: therecipecritic.com/fried-rice-recipe/ but I change it up depending on what I have in the house. Last night I used peas and corn and just a little red cabbage that I'm trying to use up. I always add a little fish sauce too. It's become one of DH's favorites! |
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Post by Catbatty on Nov 4, 2020 1:30:48 GMT -5
Thanks Ms. McGee! I think MUSHROOMS, GREEN ONIONS and ONIONS, bacon or ham or neither, would do it for me. (Not big on carrots unless...I dunno... and hubby is scared of peas.) LOL
I see there are other fried rice recipes there, too. Who can ever get enough of fried rice? THANKS MUCH AGAIN!!!!
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Post by erin elizabeth on Nov 4, 2020 9:07:45 GMT -5
Yikes. I think I need coffee klatch more today. I have less planned and more anxiety!
Definitely going to work outside. Cut the grass. A walk. I think I am going to make this recipe for dinner: Lasagna for Two. Maybe see if a friend or two can come over.
I have a candle lit.
I've decided that my November supper club is going to be a side extravaganza. I was looking for things to make and realized none of them was a turkey recipe (although the roast chicken from this month's BA did look good). Also, I keep accumulating all these side recipes because I don't host. So I asked my friends to choose a side, app, or dessert and I would fill in the rest. I can spend that day cooking! So far, someone is bringing sweet potatoes and someone volunteered for dessert. So I have my eyes on Apple, Bacon, and Onion Stuffing Muffins, Bacon-Topped Green Bean Casserole, make-ahead gravy and mashed potatoes (haven't found a gravy I entirely like--I may roast some turkey wings), Orange-Maple Cranberry Sauce (from Fine Cooking), and Pull-Apart Sour Cream and Chives Rolls. Just looking at these recipes made me feel better!
"The only way to survive is to take care of one another." ~Grace Lee Boggs
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Post by beth on Nov 4, 2020 11:27:19 GMT -5
Yeah -- today is tough. Last night was tougher. My insides were at war and I'm trying to keep that at bay today. I'm up in my sewing room so I can avoid the TV downstairs and try to focus on what I can do. Being here isn't helping, so I will be brief. I was too tired to type last night.
I am fortunate that my sister and I are on the same page -- my brother, not so much. One cousin who lives closest and her DH -- not at all. The last time they were in my house, he actually said "I got mine, screw everyone else." I am everyone else. So are my kids. They have not been invited back.
Anyway -- I need to clean up and reorganize my sewing room. It is part of the process I started last year when we turned my son's bedroom into a guest room. The things I want to do have totally changed and I have a funky little T-shaped room -- the T being created by a dormer and the rest of the room having doors, angled ceilings and just not being all that big. I could put the guest room in here, but the light is so much better i this dormer than the one on the front of the house. I still have a twin bed in here and if I could move it, I would have better workspace but I haven't been able to figure that out. I can't get rid of it -- the frame is from my dad's family and survived the Great Chicago Fire. It was my bed when I was little and I have always loved it, so it has to be somewhere. So I am sitting here staring at walls and imagining what I can do. Mental puzzles.
The weather is nice -- I may get DH to move the rockers back out onto the front porch. We moved them in when we were in Laura's cone and it got too close to not prepare. Everytime we have thought about moving them out, another storm was staring down the Gulf. The temps have fallen - we should be good now. Then I want to paint the LR. We bought the paint last year and did other rooms first, then it has been one thing after another preventing us from getting it done. I want to finish it before we put up the tree this year. At least the walls -- that should be easy. Not sure about all the trim and built-ins. We'll see. I'm also going to do some sewing -- being productive and creative, helping others when I can - it keeps me sane. Or at least close. And watching the squirrels, birds and butterflies outside my window. I'm going to try to stay sane. Speaking of which -- I just saw a squirrel make the most amazing leap to the birdfeeder. I want to grab the remote and rewind to see that again. LOL
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Post by PattiA on Nov 4, 2020 11:47:28 GMT -5
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Post by PattiA on Nov 8, 2020 13:33:15 GMT -5
I'm feeling better today. The speeches from Kamala and Joe greatly lifted my spirits. There is a lot of work to be done, I hope Americans can start to put their differences aside and work toward the greater good.
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Post by beth on Nov 9, 2020 16:48:36 GMT -5
Patti -- yes -- it is a treasure and I have many memories connected with it.
I am also feeling better -- and trying to find ways to talk others out of trees and help them put down their torches (so to speak). I find it so strange that normalcy is met with such fear -- but it is fear itself that is the problem. Fear is used as a cheap and effective motivator in politics -- a 5 second hate filled soundbite has more impact and more lasting power than a full 30 second - even a one or two minute ad, soundbite or interview. We all have let that happen -- by not paying attention to real events and substance, by not calling out and refusing to support those using hate, lies and fear in their campaigns. We need to all pull out the political smelling salts and do some soul searching for this positive moment in time to have some staying power.
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Post by wallycat on Nov 9, 2020 20:09:21 GMT -5
Beth, your post (you, being in Texas) gives me hope.
I had to laugh...the person most adverse to hearing "loser" is dragging this out and keeping his loss in the public eye. My hopes were renewed when Mckennany (sp?) went out there blathering nonsense and Fox actually cut her off and stopped airing it; that Pfizer called Biden on the amazing results of their vaccine; that Birx is NOT on the pandemic taskforce for Biden (shame on her and all those who hitched their wagons to the wrong horse; didn't they read 'whatever trump touches dies') and that foreign countries (sure, not the autocrats trump rallies around) had fireworks and congratulations !!!!)
I made a venison-pork meatloaf tonight that fit our beautifully cold temps perfectly. Ahhhh, Fall, and baked bread, filling food and all things wonderful.
I've plugged in our xmas night lights and ready to welcome fall and the winter solstice.
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Post by beth on Nov 11, 2020 0:05:36 GMT -5
Wallycat -- LOL. We aren't all crazy here in Texas, it just looks that way sometimes.
We had a Mediterranean Chicken with Angel Hair pasta for dinner tonight -- a recipe I got from Eva (Aggie96). This was about the fourth or fifth time we've made it. It's nice to still connect with folks from the CLBB days -- and still get new dinner ideas. I do miss the fount of all knowledge though. Was there ever a question we didn't collectively answer?
We are having a long run of warm days here -- temps in the 80's and humid the last few days. And even this long time hurricane watcher can hardly believe we have 3 systems we are watching a full weak post election day. Crazy year.
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. What’s up with you all?
(Yes, I know it was YOU, MCGEE!) That title lit me up. I want that!!! Let's guess, what might be in it? Scallions, I bet. Yum. What else? I am eating it now -- in my mind! 