ksylvan's Friends

Our day of feasting is over and there was plenty of food left over.  Those leftovers are delicious and many people love them as much as they love Thanksgiving Day.   By the end of the weekend some have changed their mind due to too many turkey sandwiches, turkey stew, turkey soup and all other things turkey.  How can we avoid boredom before the leftovers are gone?  A little creativity is in order.

Before we talk about how to use those good things, we need to discuss food safety.  Read the About.com article, Storing Thanksgiving Leftovers Safely.  The facts in the article are taken from the US Food and Safety Bureau.  A few simple precautions will keep your food fresh and wholesome.

Cut turkey and stuffing into smaller pieces in shallow containers, within two hours of cooking.  Use these within three to four days, and use gravy within 2 days, or freeze them.  Reheat to 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 74 degrees Celsius.

Now we can begin preparing our leftovers for post-holiday meals.  Of course turkey sandwiches, either hot or cold, are popular, but we can also incorporate the meat in casseroles and other one-dish meals.  Chop it finely and put it into chili or soups.

Don't forget to use the carcass for soup.  The best flavor is obtained when the bones are put into a 350 degree Fahrenheit or 177 degrees Celsius oven, until they are golden.  Put the bones and any scraps of skin into a soup pot.  Add a few stems of celery and a carrot or two, some onions and garlic, parsley and other herbs.  Cover with cold water to about 2 inches over the top of the contents of the pot.  Bring the pot to a boil, then turn down the heat and simmer for an hour or two.  You may want to strain the broth and then put fresh vegetables in it along with some bite size turkey pieces for a tasty soup.  Add noodles at the very end, or better yet, place the cooked noodles into each bowl and ladle the soup over.  If you leave the noodles or rice in the broth, be prepared for them to soak up all the broth. 

One of my own favorites is mashed candied sweet potatoes.  I like to add an egg and pour it into a pie shell to bake.  No other sweetening is needed. 

Mashed white potatoes can be made into a number of good side dishes.  If you've never had them mixed with an egg, dusted with flour, formed into patties and browned in a frying pan, then you are in for a treat. 

We have some creative recipes for you today, all by Calorie Count members.  Enjoy!

• Sweet Potato Pancakes
• Turkey Tetrazzini
• Potato Casserole
• Turkey Pot Pie

This inspirational weight loss story comes from dwgeo104, who has lost 150lbs over the last 18 months and is now focusing on maintaining this weight loss.  In his story he talks about the importance of having good support from friends.

He contacted us through our Share Your Story feature and provided the following answers to our questionnaire.

1. What made you decide to lose weight this time? Did you have an 'Aha!" moment?

I didn't have an "Aha!" moment, it was more of an "Oh No!" moment. I'd never been what I would call "In Shape" and I thought it was now or never. My doctor was also providing a lot of encouragement.

2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?

I rode a diet roller coaster all my life but never stuck with any of it. We know what happens when we let up on our resolve. We replace 110% of what we lost.

3. What changes did you make to your usual diet, activity, lifestyle, and attitude?

I suppose accepting that it wasn't going to end - that this was my "way of life" from now on - that made it easier to swallow. Trying to reduce the calories all the time and exercise, exercise, exercise.

4. How did Calorie Count help you to lose weight?

I found Calorie Count to be a very user friendly site for my needs. Once I had my "Tagged" lists generated, getting a daily plan was routine.

5. What was most challenging about losing weight?

I found that "Losing" was it's own reward. All the pats on the back, the unexpected encounters at the mall by shocked friends, the new styles of clothing. Then I reached my goal and it all changed. The amazed friends stopped patting me on the back and my closet was full of new clothing. That's when it was all on me. Time wore at my resolve to be fit. Society continued to pull and tug at me as well as the holidays. Losing my weight took 18 months but keeping it off takes the rest of your life.

6. How long did it take you to see results?

The dramatic lifestyle change caused the pounds to melt away in the beginning. The last five pounds took longer to lose than then first fifty.

7. When did you realize that you were a success?

When the National Weight Control Registry said I was a success; I'm still not sure. I do know a lot of folks who started with me, but I don't know where they went. I sure don't see them at the gym any more.

8. How do you prevent relapse?

Run with the winners. I have a small group I work out with, they help me stay on track. Also - and I hope I don't sound cruel - I watch the masses of people that need to be beside me as I'm out there jogging and I keep in mind - "You can't wait until it's too late to change."

9. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?

I intentionally avoided any expections for pots of gold. I used to live in an "If Only" dream world, but now I've become a realist. Today, when I look in a mirror I say "Look what you are doing for yourself," whereas in the past I used to say shamefully "Look what you are doing to yourself". Today my outside more closely matches my inside. I've replaced guilt with pride.

10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?

• Don't fear failure.  Start again and again.
• Learn from your errors. 
• Keep it simple.  Everything is for only one day.
• Plan everything.  Never show up at a meal or the gym without a plan.
• Run with the winners.  They encourage you and guide you towards your success.

Roadrunner is officially mah beotch...just sayin'...:)  I am the queen of the interwebs.  Kathygator 11/19/09  

Florida is a random bitch!   Crazydiamondchrysalis  11/19/09  

Must take Herculean strength not to get excited with me. So many others have failed.  Bugghair 11/19/09  

What do you mean "break out" the disco ball.  It was hanging in the living room where it always is.        Splitrail 11/19/09  

In reality, I have a protein shake and an apple.  Reality sucks.  Chat is better.  Sharpshootinstar 11/20/09  

*dives into chat and slams door*Holy crap am I ever glad to see you guys   Rosieblue 11/23/09  

*chambers a round in the shotgun*I'll shoot whoever's bothering you.  Just point me in the right direction.    Pavlovcat 11/23/09

It's the skinnies.  I was battling the skinnies, and one came after me with her clacking skeletal fingers and her banshee wail.  *draws a shuddering breath*      Rosieblue 11/23/09  

GoGo Gator Hawtness!  Runesplendor 11/23/09  

Mele Kalikimaka  i think this means cranberry a$$hat in Hawaiian  Watergirl 11/24/09  

So I just went to the bathroom.  And it's TTOM, so, you know, it looks like I slaughtered a chicken in the toilet.     Pavlovcat 11/24/09  

Go make yourself feel better and rub up against the coolest car in the parking lot.  So that it will then be yours.  The owner will just instinctively come out and hand you the keys.  Merry Mensies Pavy.   Bigbhoo  11/24/09  

*notes how awesome Canadians are*  Buggyhair 11/24/09  

sneaky.  i am sneaky.  sssh.    Starlitocean 11/24/09  

Is that the new food pyramid?

Chocolate

 M       e     a       t

W       H      I       S      K      E       Y

(it won't format the way I want it to :( ) Pretend that this is a pyramid  Trhawley 11/24/09

Ya know, I'm in charge, and guess what, I never wrote a bill of rights.  Only a fool would do that.  Why on Earth would you give anyone rights when you can hold onto them yourself?  Dnrothx 11/24/09

What happens now is that Boss should go to Boss' Boss and say: "Um, the reserve fund is unchanged because the dinkus in the other office hasn't updated their system with how they're going to spend the money."

This should be good. :D  Dnrothx 11/24/09

Since mom & dad got divorced, I've found the holidays to be something close to suffocating.  They don't compete for our attention, per se, but the atmosphere is...heavy.  As the annual family holiday dash approaches, I'm tempted to just say fuck it all and stay home with K and a bottle of sherry.  I know I can't, but the thought is very very tempting.

My dream holiday season is spent in a log cabin in the woods with a fireplace.  No one but K and the girls for company.  Turkey and gingerbread men on the table.  A dusting of snow on the ground and on the trees.

I need to run a few more times during the week.  Do something with this pent up frustration.

Ok. I guess that's enough whining.  Christmas shopping is almost done.  Still have to take care of mom and the grandparents, but I'm thinking I'll go in on something nice with Big Sis for them.  Also have to get grandfather a small something for his birthday (new year's day).

K's cousin had her baby, 9lbs 1oz.  A handsome little boy with black hair and blue eyes.

I am really going to be running today!

I'm picking up 2 of the youth group teens after school to go do some painting at the church, then we're all coming back here for supper. Which means a few things

1. gotta have the meal ready in advance
2. gotta do that vacuuming today that didn't get done yesterday

My white sauce is on the stove thickening as I type, and I have to cut up my taters for potato scallop. I need to partially cook a pound of bacon too (for on top and throughout the scallop). The other slowcooker will contain sweet n sour meatballs with pineapple chunks. I was thinking about making an apple pie for dessert but I don't know if I'll have the time. If not, maybe I'll just whip up a cake from cake mix.

My other big project of the day is putting in a small load of wood, replacing the screen window with glass and winterizing the upper side of the house (it involves attaching plastic all along the basement cement for extra insulation).

And tonight is Awana.

Last night I told Keyto that I'd teach him how to play piano, starting today, not even thinking about how little spare time I'll have. Guess I'll take 10 minutes before putting him to bed to show him some notes.

His interest was sparked last night when I was at the piano. Our kitty, Molly, jumped into my lap as I was playing. I stopped playing to give her attention, and then she turned on my lap so she was facing the keyboard. So I did what any good kitty mommy would do- I taught her how to play chopsticks using her paws. She did really well too, except she didn't really want to spread her legs for the octave stretch.

Art of the Season:  Contemporary artists

Autumn Leaves Aspen Landscape ~ Delilah Smith

What a dreary, miserable day it was and more of it coming today.  I had to go out to see the doctor and used the valet parking at the hospital just to avoid walking in the cold rain. 

I got bad news as well.  My heart is still in atrial flutter almost all the time, explaining why I just don't feel right.  For now, the decision is to let me acclimate to the amiodarone for one month then check again.  It might start working but maybe not.  After that the only solution is an AV node ablation procedure which I'd like to avoid but may not have a choice. 

Next week I see the regular cardiologist about this persistant congestive heart failure.  It is what it is and all I can do is keep going and try to get better.

Better news is that I made headway with my health insurance.  I found two companies that will write me a Medigap policy for low premiums.  I'm now waiting for mailed packets to arrive and for a letter from my former employer saying that my current coverage will end.

Plan for Today:  Lesley is coming to do my laundry and clean.  The visiting nurse is coming to talk about non systemic ways of dealing with CHF (that is physical things rather than meds).  Finish working on my rent re-evaluation to turn into the office on Wednesday. 

Menu for today:  breakfast - high fiber cereal, blueberries, milk.  Lunch - half a chicken sandwich and a large salad.  Supper - pork chop with potato and cabbage.  Snacks - tangerines, apples, yogurt. 

The less said about the weather here the better.  It was chilly last night but I just put another blanket on the bed and didn't have to turn on the heat.  That will keep my electric bill down.

Today:  Go deeper into hibernation. 

Before the kids get home. If you want to get technical, I actually have 1hr and 15 minutes. Just enough time to get out of my jammies (pale pink sweats and huge baggy red/pink t-shirt), and into some walking clothes. Yes, I am going to go for an hour walk, the first since September!

Here's what I have to show for the day thus far:

• planned the youth group games for tonight
• did dishes
• make muffins
• did dishes again
• tidied up the kitchen and greater living room area
• made a birthday cake for one of the youth group helpers
• did more dishes
• 30 day shred

What I didn't do...

• sorted through clothes
• vacuum
• change oil in deep fryer

But that's ok, I can do that stuff tomorrow (as I have the day off then, too!)

eta

Eats:

• breakfast- raisin and spice oatmeal- 170
• snack- 2 mini muffins (160)
• lunch- 10" wrap (160), 1T PB (100), deli sliced ham (50)
• snack- granola bar (140), mini muffin (80)
• total in (as of 1530)- 860

Activity

• 30 day shred- 141
• 1hr walk- 200
• total burned (as of 1530)- 341

1534 (RMR)+ 341= 1875- 860= 1015- 500 (deficit)= 515 left for the day.

Art of the Season:  J.E.H MacDonald - Canadian Group of Seven

Algoma Waterfall ~ J. E. H. MacDonald, 1920 (worth clicking for large image)

I had a nice Sunday.  I baked Bill a spice cake and decided not to do the boiled caramel icing.  He's been complaining that rich food bothers his stomach, and the ingredients of that icing are cream, butter, brown sugar.  We had a piece and it really didn't need the icing.  I sent the rest home with him.

Later in the evening I had a nice phone call from one of my best friends.  Her latest temp job has ended and the possibilty of work before the beginning of next year is bleak for her.  With her skills (types 60 WPM with no mistakes, knows all the office computer programs, is a data entry wiz, etc) I can't understand why one of these companies don't hire her.  We did have a good talk and promise to visit.

Plan for Today:  Make phone calls to insurance companies.  Do paperwork to turn into the office on the 25th - isn't it nice they gave me 3 days?  The envelope was shoved under my door last night at about 7 pm.  Gotta love 'em.

Menu for Today:  Breakfast - oat bran flakes, blueberries, milk.  Lunch - half a tomato & cheese sandwich and vegetable soup.  Supper - ground beef, tomato and cabbage casserole.  Snacks - tangerine, apple, yogurt.

The forecast is for rain by noon and a high of 48 F, 9 C.  Not my favorite kind of weather at all.  Hope I don't have to go out, but that depends on when the doctor can fit me in this week.  He wanted to see me in one week, but his receptionist never called me back with a time. 

Today:  Hibernate. 

Already tired of it!  The day's not even here, and I want my relatives the hel out of here.  And they are going completly nuts over the food, and I just don't see any reason for it all.  I'm just gonna fix a few things, and they want something else, they can make it, or bring it. 

My mind is in shambles right now.  Acting like a child when there is serious work to be done.  But tomorrow is a new day, and the plan is to put the plastic on the small greenhouse.  I'm pretty scared by all this.  I know I got the time and talent, but can I keep it together mentally to make this thing work. 

Its nuts, but if I don't really try, that means no one can say I failed, I just didn't try.  I know, I too wonder why the state of Indiana lets me walk around loose either.  Afraid to fail, afraid to succeed.  If that ain't nuts, WTF is? 

Gotta show some faith here.  Some faith in my God's, that if I am industrious and hard working I will succeed.  Some faith in the community to support my efforts, and some faith in myself.  The last one is damn near impossible. 

My mind is scrambbled by the hopelessness of it all.  I am awash in sadness, and I simply don't know what to do about it.  Nothing to do but keep on keeping on I guess. 

But what happens when I fall apart next spring?  Ah well.  Maybe best just to sell the place now, and move to somewhere I can't do any damage.

I'm never going to get past this.  Where's death when ya need it.

Here are a few things I found out today:

• our church choir will be singing at an annual Christmas music community thing this Wednesday. What?? Don't they realize what date that is? The 25th (or close enough- I'm not going to bother with the math :P)...of NOVEMBER?? Noey and Keyto will be playing Joseph and Mary during the presentation. It will be fine, as long as Keyto doesn't touch Noey's head. She would say in a really loud voice: "don't touch me!!".
  
• our church choir is presenting our annual Christmas music thingy (for lack of a better word that's not coming to me atm) on December the 6th at 630pm. The same night as my husbands staff Christmas party, of which he is expected to attend. Normally I'd tell the choir director that I can't be there for the Christmas presentation and go to the party, but I'm singing a solo and have to be there for that reason. I predict this will not have a happy outcome.
• My son's Christmas party for cadets is December 12th at 6pm. So is my staff Christmas party, which will be held in our community this year (other years it's been in town at a restaurant but this year it's at the local Lions Club and is being catered). The parents of cadets are expected to assist with the donation of everything needed for the meal, set up, serving, and clean up. We can donate, but we won't be there for the rest. Hopefully my parents will be willing to not only take him into the party, but to watch the 2 littluns as well.

Still yet to plan:

• Church Christmas get-together. Maybe December 19th? Maybe have a Chinese food potluck meal, board games and a Christmas movie? Whatever it is, it's always lots of fun and laughs.
  
• Christmas party for the church youth group. Maybe December 18th? I imagine it'll be the same as it always is: pizza, pop, chips, holiday sweets, games, maybe a movie. They're all asking for a sleepover, but after the last one (in June), I think not. They remember it as awesome, but it was not awesome at all! lol- If they really think that we'll have another all nighter, that says 1 of 2 things; either they think I'm crazy or they are crazy! Kinky wants to have it at the church with this big production and a big screen movie of 'It's a wonderful life'. Right!

I've been meaning to share this for awhile (but have always forgotten): it appears I may have kicked the Coke Zero habit! I used to have at least 1 can a day (for the past year+) but I haven't had a can for 3 weeks now! Mind you, I'm still hopped up on Crystal Light, but one vice at a time.