Biscuit Day #550

Another successful biscuit day (well, at least thus far). Today we tried a little smear of horseradish. I liked it but it almost called out for a bit of sweetness. Maybe next time I’ll try the cranberry sauce AND the horseradish. Sounds promising. I will report back next week.

In other random Biscuit Day notes:

My grade school ornament. We made it in class. Some of the kids laughed at me for using blue and gold for a Christmas ornament. I think of that every time I look at it. Amazing how the paper cuts of life last. I, however, still think the blue and gold work.

We met Ann and Bob at Huber’s Friday night. If you’re counting, that was THREE times I went out this week. Woo hooo! Picture a Santa hat dancing in pride. Huber’s was utterly packed. Friday evening right before Christmas so it makes sense. We came in the back as it has no steps and were sad to see our favorite spot taken. We looked around, Ernie peered in the other room. We thought we might have to give up and leave but someone standing next to us pointed out a table near the front that was empty (I fear we may be looking like the elderly couple that needs help). We thanked her and then she made the guys at the corner of the bar get up and move so I could get through with my walker. I quite liked her.

We sat at one of the little tables and folded Little Guy up. He seemed a bit precarious there so Ernie asked the bartender if he could tuck him behind the bar near the front window.

See him over there?

Little Guy and I have come a long way, huh?

I really love the way Ann tips her chin up. It is quintessential Ann. She’s so very good for me.

Since we were by the front door (the big round table had opened up) we left by the front door and I handled the front step just fine!

Friday Ernie got a call from Greg of Claybank Farms, telling him he’d be in Urbana Saturday morning and to stop by. Ernie did and Greg gave him a huge bag of gorgeous vegetables. Could there be a kinder or more fitting Christmas gift? We were touched beyond words.

Oh, and looking for turnip and turnip greens recipes. When Ernie showed me the turnips I crowed with excitement and said, “Oh, I’ve been THINKING about turnips.” He paused, looked at me and shook his head.

In other random Biscuit Day notes:

I don’t understand the power of the spiral sliced ham. They’re EVERYWHERE. Is it really THAT hard to slice a damned ham? It’s getting difficult to find a ham that hasn’t been whirled into slightly dry, ridged slices. Honest to God, I just don’t get it. Heather is the only one that agrees with me. Well, to be fair, she may be the only one with whom I’ve discussed spiral sliced hams. I stand by the classic advice, ''Buy the cheapest ham possible, glaze the hell out of it and cook it for a long time.''

The therapy pool at Carle is broken. I was all excited that I got another round of aquatherapy for my back scheduled. Me. Excited about therapy. I know! Amazing. They called me the other day and said the therapy pool needs repair so they are cancelling all appointments. Sigh. I think I’m going to try the Stevens Y, they have a therapy pool. I miss my water.

Oh, and my other healthcare industry annoyance: Ernie got a debit kind of card and info from Health Alliance. It said it could be used for benefits under your health plan. I’ll believe it when I see it I sniffed. So I activated the card, created the account, signed in and was told there were no benefits. It does sometimes seem that they’re just playing with us. We were supposed to try to conquer the billing issues with Barnes this week. Whoops. Ok, this week. I swear.

Stupidly simple, but delicious. Chicken thighs sprinkled with sumac, salt and pepper, tossed in a roasting pan with some chopped up russet potatoes. Fifty minutes at 425 degrees and served with spinach served with lemon balsamic.

Ok, this isn’t beautiful but was a great way to use up the leftover chicken thighs. Ernie pulled the meat off the bones and put it in a pot with rice, some roast chicken Better Than Bouillon, water, and cooked it as you do with rice (I am not genetically able to cook rice, Ernie’s in charge of these things). When the rice was done he stirred in feta, a couple of handfuls of spinach and some oregano. We love one pot meals. Oh, and a dollop of Greek yoghurt.

Tis the season. ❤️

Last but not least, we finally got our mantel trees up last night. We’re late this year but good Lord, it felt so good to see them there, the Ikea tree twinkling bravely. We missed Owen and Trinity. So many of my favorite trees were from either Judi or Eileen. So many circles.

Happy Sunday to all (well, happy Monday to Tal).

Onward.

Oh, and I still can’t figure out when to use the paywall. Do I make my posts during the week free and make my Biscuit Day posts paid, or the other way around? Ehhhh. Please give suggestions.