Yesterday was a busy day. We got a lot of chores taken care of, including finishing up our wood splitting/stacking job. We got a scant cord and a half put away into the woodshed. Only took us about 5 weeks to do a 2-day job. Not bad!

JANA - Ethan is going to be so excited!! Sounds like he's all outfitted and will be ready to rock and roll! And Halloween is such a fun time at D-land! Though Christmas is pretty great, too! If you weren't working on your wall-hangings, what other projects would be under your needle? And yes, I think Vicki's kids just don't want to be the bad guys. Her rage is something to behold. They also don't want to pay $2,000 to get legal custody of her which would allow them to make decisions for her. However, it doesn't seem to bother them that WE'VE put out more than $3,000 just in damages she has caused plus having to change some of our landscaping and relocate our RV shelter to accommodate her. I also think, if they respond to us, we have proof that they have acknowledged problems, like rats, should things ever go the lawsuit route. Snow!!?! You said it would happen!
TINA - praying the insurance company gets with the program quickly and you get some answers. And solutions!! So scary about Preston's close call. I had a similar experience when my Mikey was a toddler.
That memory still chills my blood so I know how you are feeling.
MARY ROSE - you know we're with you in spirit today at the doctor's office. Praying for all good news!
IRISH - your sister cracked me up - "..she's on drugs..." lol! But I AM glad she's careful about the pain meds. I hate taking them, too. Yes, sometimes I think about the future, too, and how things can change. You have a large, loving family that would step in to help, I'm sure. Our Ernie has no family but Bill, Bill's sis, and their cousin but Bill is the only one close by even though the cousin is legally responsible. And there's an older brother, age 97, who is delightfully sharp, sweet, and gentle. Bill's mom was the sister of these two sweet uncles. She was a bitter, unpleasant woman. I have no idea what happened there!
BECCA - Mostly I loved my home-ec class - I took it my junior year at the Vocational School across the street from my high school - 3 hours a day, 5 days a week. First semester was cooking and second semester was sewing. We learned all manner of cooking, French sauces, baking, family meals, company meals, etc. as well as menu planning, grocery shopping, stove-cleaning, and more. When we got out of that class, believe me, we could cook! Then in sewing we each made about 5 outfits right down to linings and bound button holes. I've never made a bound button hole since, but if I had to, I could. Maybe. Probably not.

Last night I ended up making a chicken & dressing casserole and green beans. It wasn't bad. (great review, huh, after just touting my excellent cooking classes!

What ideas are simmering in your brain for your supper tonite?