Georgysmom, that sounds like a fun lunch (and supper) and a great way to share a meal with friends. Raven, congratulations! I know that you've been working hard to get those numbers under control. I sure remember when it FINALLY clicked with me that what I put in my body makes all the difference in my health. I'm planning on baking wings and drumetts for Superbowl Sunday....sweet and sour for me, hot for Robert. Lisa...there's something of an Asian theme tonight! Stir fry is a staple at our house as I always seem to have ingredients on hand. Your beef and broccoli was great, I know. The other theme on Thursday was leftovers. Frankly, our favorite food, lol. My husband actually anticipates leftovers, knowing that many things taste better the second time around. I know that your leftovers are yummy, jasdip. And leftover chili? Pass me a bowl! Sjerin, 'plain' food is wholesome food. Lentil soup makes me happy and I make it several times a year......with kale! I splash mine with hot sauce, too. It's one of the dishes that I'll make some pumpernickle croutons for. Again, congratulations to Raven.

Ravencajun, I have some beef ribs in the freezer--think I'll copycat your recipe. Not so crazy about beef ribs but they were on sale at some point. Gadgets, you put me to shame because you always seem to eat so healthy. Need to take some lessons from you!! Pam, nothing tastes better than a well-done (as in blackened) hot dog from the grill. Love cucumber salad too. I make mine in a creamy sauce with dill, but like the vinegar onion cucumber salad, too. How do you make yours? Georgysmom, I'll sure be glad when you're home--miss you so much here!! I read in your other post about being tired of eating out and understand that feeling. Although I could use about a week of it right now. This hot weather makes me lose my appetite. Not that THAT would be a bad thing since I have 15 pounds to lose. Kathleen, we had rain sometime in the night and it was cool and breezy this morning. It felt wonderful, but warmed up fast. Hope you're feeling better. I had to turn the air on because it was making me feel a little queasy and knew I wouldn't sleep with it so hot. When I turned it on, it was 83 inside. Groan!

Lima beans are something Robert and I both love and they often end up as an ingredient in my mixed grains and rice dishes. Love them, too, with smoked sausage. Sloppy Joes are kind of a treat around here....I don't make them nearly often enough. So tasty, aren't they? Fifteen minutes of 'rest', lololol! Your supper sounds perfect for your grandkids.....bet they have been happy campers, just like you. I sure have been in your position, ellendi. It's so easy to enjoy the heck out of good food when traveling, isn't it? I've got all of the ingredients to make pizza this weekend. Haven't found a local source for good pizza here, though I haven't looked very hard. I look forward to making it.

I've got a pot of Zuppa Tuscano on the stove..but it's Thursday so breakfast for the crew. Bacon, cinnamon sugar scones and sausage and cheese scrambled eggs. I might put an apple crisp in the oven too.. I've started picking apples..and a few pears. Dug potatoes...weeded the baby green onions.. 2 loads of wash and swept the house.. Yep all after a full day of work..oh and a 5.2 mile bike ride in my bedroom. I still have laundry to fold...but...I can do that after my shower while watching TV.