#65

The Ice Cream will be on us!  No Fat-Free Stuff Either!!

We Love You!

Min & Glen

WARNING! REMOTELY FUNNY FAMILY STORY

We spent the day today at mom and dad's. We were thankful that there wasn't any rain, but boy was the wind fierce! Glen's mom joined us too - both mom's worked on getting the flower beds ready for spring. The Grass needed to be mowed, brush needed to be cut and pasture fences needed to be fixed after a winter of deer running thru them - so Glen and I cranked at those projects.

Anyway, around 4 or so, we heard gobbling. Now, if you don't know the turkey gobbling story, I'll try & keep it short. A few years ago, my mom INSISTED that she saw TURKEYS in the trees on the front part of their property in the pine trees - there was no alcohol involved in the seeing of the turkeys in the trees (just had to include that disclaimer). First of all, I didn't think turkeys could fly and honestly, I've never really looked into whether or not they can, or weather or not they perch in trees. My mom didn't have her camera at the time, so presently we've written it off as urban legend that we haven't been able to confirm.

So today, we were taking a time out. Mower needed gas, brush cutter needed gas and we all needed a beverage. So, we hear the gobbling and realize that there were turkeys in the back field of the neighbors property. Luckily, I had my camera and snapped a few photos. My mom joked that she was so happy I had my camera because my dad never believed her about the turkeys. Now I believe in the Turkeys, just still unsure about Turkeys in Trees. We counted 7 of them - 4 male (we thing b/c they were all 'puffed' up) and 3 female.

Yep, WILD TURKEY (no, not the stuff in the bottle, lol), real feather bearing, gobblin' wild turkeys (on the ground, not in the trees).

Thanks so much for stickin' around for the whole blah blah blah Wild Turkey story. lol I'll be sure to let you know when I find out about Turkeys in Trees!

Ha Ha! Happy Weekend!

Min & Glen

TGIF!

So glad we've made it to the weekend!!  Is it just me or do things seem to get busy in the spring & summer?!

We've been busy busy around our house - no little squirrels trying to get in like at Easter, just those darn mosquitoes.  UGH!!

We have good news - after dad's oncology appointment, presently he is finished with both Radiation AND Chemo!  Yep, we're doing a crazy happy dance around our house!  Next up - tests to one confirm that the cancer cells are gone and two, more tests to determine his fitness for surgery.  So for a little while anyway he can continue to get stronger each day and recover from the radiation & chemo that were pretty tough on him.  His white blood cell count is pretty low right now, even after the injections he was doing to help boost reproduction of the cells and his platelettes are pretty low also, but I'm sure the R&R, no radiation and no chemo will do mind, body & soul good!

We're headed over to my folks tomorrow - now that everything is growing, the grass needs to be mowed, brush needs to be cut (we got my dad a new toy that we had to quality test to make sure it was a good gift), restring fences in the front pasture and clean out flower beds and the like.  Hmmm, with all this time we're spending at my folks, we might just plant a garden there one weekend!  Now that'd be a few things we could 'harvest'.  :)

Speaking of gardening and harvesting, we've picked up our hanging contraption for our tomatoes AND strawberries this year.  We're hoping that both produce like we want them to.  That way we can make strawberry jam with home grown berries and salsa and tomato sauce with the home grown tomatoes.  Glen and I area already making a list of what we plan to can this summer/fall.  Of course we've been talking about it with both moms too and pickles and beans have also made it onto our list.  :o)

Now that the nice weather has arrived (THANK GOODNESS), the grill is being used like crazy.  I have to share a YUMM-O DO-OVER recipe we made last night.  Probably not so light on calories, but it sure was good.  Instead of sauteing the chicken, we grilled it and then cubed it up. 

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

(insert mmmmmmmmm here)

1 package (12 ounces) fettuccine

8 bacon strips, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed

2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms

6 green onions, thinly sliced

1 garlic clove, minced

1-1/2 cups half-and-half cream

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

Additional shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

Cook fettuccine according to package directions.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove to paper towels to drain, reserving 1-2 tablespoons drippings. Saute chicken in drippings until no longer pink. Add mushrooms and green onions until mushrooms are tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer.

Stir in the cream, cheese, paprika and pepper. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5-10 minutes. Stir in the reserved bacon. Drain fettuccine; place in a serving bowl. Add chicken mixture; toss to coat. Garnish with additional cheese. Yield: 6 servings.

Happy Easter!

While we didn't get to share Easter with my dad (but we did get to spend time with him on Friday), we did get to spend time with Glen's wonderful family and my mom.

We took a 'family' photo because in addition to Dad not being with us, Glen's brother wasn't able to make it into town either.

So, this was our family photo - I LOVE how this turned out and the angle (and love self timers too!)

And then we had a dinner guest that was trying to get his little paws on Rick's portion of my family famous 'basa & kraut'.

He sure looks like he's lickin' his chops, doesn't he?!  LOL!

We hope you all had a wonderful Easter spending time with your family and friends.

Min & Glen