This is another of those posts that has nothing to do with our topic but is such an interesting human interest story I had to blog on it.

One of our moderators, Bethany, does something called "Once-a-month cooking," which is self-explanatory, although daunting. OAMC's motto, "Cook for a day, eat for a month."

There is a system to this that involves using some of the same ingredients for many dishes. A book has even been written.

I don't know how she moderates so well here while attending to her family, her own blogs, drawing murals, and doing OAMC, but Bethany does. Last Friday Bethany did all her shopping - with three kids! - which included being accidentally charged for 682 bags of noodles.

Then Bethany did all her cooking over the weekend, and voila, while I'll be facing a discontented husband at 6p every night wondering what's for dinner, Bethany will have taken hers from the freezer an hour before and be serving it to a smiling family.

Go to Bethany's blog to see photos of dishes she prepared this month. She also posted a grocery list and recipes.

Here's to Bethany, our very own Proverbs 31 woman.

Noodles... Yum. Noodles with butter, salt and pepper. With soup. With vegetables. With spaghetti sauce. With hamburger or other meats.

Sigh. I've already eaten enough carbohydrates for two lifetimes but noodles sure are good.

Doug

The only thing I ever make for dinner is reservations. LOL! Kidding. HMMMM, it's a great idea.

Bethany, that is awesome! I got a cookbook about cooking once a week and then not having to worry about it - I honestly never even tried it! So the fact that you do it once a month is very impressive to me!

Here's a recipe I really like....
Marzetti:350 degrees

1 lb. ground beef
1 large onion chopped
1/2 green pepper, chopped
1 can condensed tomato soup
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
8oz. egg noodles cooked and drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Brown ground beef, onion, and grn pepper.
Drain off fat.
Stir in next 8 ingredients.
Spoon into a greased 3 qt. dish.
Top with cheese.
Cover and bake 45 min.

Jill, you are so sweet!!

Rosie, that recipe sounds delicious! I will have to add it to my list for next month! :)

Heather, LOL.

Sh, what is the name of the book? :)

Doug, I love noodles too! :) Unfortunately for the grocery store, though, I don't like them enough to pay $245.00 a bag LOL!

Bethany, it was The Once-A-Week Cooking Plan by Joni Hilton. It really did have some pretty neat recipes in it - I just never tried any! : )

I am going to have to spend more time on your blog, I was getting hungry just looking at the pictures of the food you fixed!

I like cooking, but I really like guys who like to cook. When my ex came to visit me two months ago, one of the funnest things we did was go grocery shopping and make dinner.

I'm such an old lady. The things I do for fun...

Leah, OMG.............you too?? I ALWAYS find men who can cook!

OOPS!!! add 1 can of condensed mushroom soup to the recipe I posted!!! I knew I forgot something...

Holy cow! That amount of food would have fed my family of 4 for 2 months after I threw half of it away.
Too many canned by other's ingredients. No fresh produce that hasn't been nutritionally compromised by freezing. Too many carbs high on the glycemic index. Sorry, I wouldn't feed myself this stuff. Neither would my children.
There is nothing more satisifying than the whole family working fresh food into the evening meal. The world doesn't need more fast/nutritionaly unsound food.
Some people eat and some people dine.

Oh Sally, what a sad and bitter world you live in.

From a nutrition site (and many others confirm this):
the vitamin losses associated with blanching and the thawing/cooking process are similar to those that occur during normal cooking of fresh vegetables. This means that, provided they have been stored and then cooked properly, frozen vegetables provide similar levels of nutrition to fresh vegetables. It is also worth noting that for cooking both frozen and fresh vegetables, microwave cooking and steaming are both superior (in terms of retaining nutritional value) than boiling in a large volume of water

Sally, Bethany doesn't have a family of 4, she has a family of 5. Must you be so mind-numbingly negative? Most people in the world are eating fast food twice a day everyday (actually, I did today...). Bethany's family has homecooked meals every night. Perhaps you live in a magical world where canned tomatoes aren't needed, but I think most people would agree that Bethany is doing a wonderful job feeding her family.

Aside from that, did you even look at the picture? There are bags upon bags of fresh produce. Talk about throwing stones!

Regarding the quote of the day: This is a triumph for you Jill, knowing that your side is successfully driving biotech expertise out of Missouri?

Isaac Asimov would write about you--he was always interested in resistance to emerging technology.

See the excellent web site http://www.asimovonline.com/

Especially http://www.asimovonline.com/oldsite/future_of_humanity.html

Hmmmmm. I need to learn how to cook, I have a few weeks of actually eating meat before I am kicked out of the house and can't afford to by meat.

Does anybody know of some good vegetarian recipes?

SoMG it's easy to build strawmen! Like this- SoMG's a sociopath...See!

Profile of the Sociopath

This website summarizes some of the common features of descriptions of the behavior of sociopaths.

* Glibness and Superficial Charm

* Manipulative and Conning
They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.

* Grandiose Sense of Self
Feels entitled to certain things as "their right."

* Pathological Lying
Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.

* Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.

* Shallow Emotions
When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.

* Incapacity for Love

* Need for Stimulation
Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.

* Callousness/Lack of Empathy
Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.

* Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.

* Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet "gets by" by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.

* Irresponsibility/Unreliability
Not concerned about wrecking others' lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed.

* Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
Promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts.

* Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively.

* Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily.

Sally: "Holy cow! That amount of food would have fed my family of 4 for 2 months"

That amount would only last a 1.5 weeks in my family of 4. yum.

I still say it's revealing that Jill thinks it's a cause for celebration that biotech expertise is being driven out of Missouri.

Biotech expertise that thrives on destroying life.

I actually have an aversion to guys that cook. In one of my only serious feminine traits, I like cooking and get a little...possesive when I'm cooking and anyone else trys to help me. Then again, that might be my control freak side. This seems like a good idea, how much do you generally spend on groceries a month, Bethany?

From a nutrition site (and many others confirm this):
the vitamin losses associated with blanching and the thawing/cooking process are similar to those that occur during normal cooking of fresh vegetables. This means that, provided they have been stored and then cooked properly, frozen vegetables provide similar levels of nutrition to fresh vegetables. It is also worth noting that for cooking both frozen and fresh vegetables, microwave cooking and steaming are both superior (in terms of retaining nutritional value) than boiling in a large volume of water

Uh huh. You are feeding your family fast food. Lots of nasty carbs. Frozen than reheated vegies and then frozen again vegies are mush. Served along with with noodles that only a diabetic in serious denial would ingest.......might as well be spoons of full of sugar.

Whoops, never mind. $400...that seems pretty reasonable for a full month of food. Do you ever get bored with the dishes, though? It seems efficient, but with so many of the same ingredients, it seems as though you might get a little repetitious. It would be fun to try though!

Lol, Bethany, you're never going to get me off this topic, now. I'm obsessed with food. That potluck potato casserole and the chicken ranch casserole look PHENOMENAL. I have a day off work tomorrow and I think I might go out and cook dinner for my familia. Wouldn't that be a nice surprise when they all get home? Anyhow...I'm going to go think about food. I am such a foodie!

Sally, Bethany doesn't have a family of 4, she has a family of 5. Must you be so mind-numbingly negative? Most people in the world are eating fast food twice a day everyday (actually, I did today...). Bethany's family has homecooked meals every night. Perhaps you live in a magical world where canned tomatoes aren't needed, but I think most people would agree that Bethany is doing a wonderful job feeding her family.

Aside from that, did you even look at the picture? There are bags upon bags of fresh produce. Talk about throwing stones!

Posted by: Lauren at August 14, 2007 7:20 PM

Bethie isn't cooking home cooked meals. She is providing fast food to her family with little thought beyond how easy it is is to be a stupid consumer. I am really sorry that you find reality negative.

For more updated information on the new Planned Parenthood Abortuary, you can go here...

http://www.prolifeaction.org/

Eric Scheidler calls this "This is the most powerful grassroots pro-life effort I've ever seen," remarked Scheidler. "We can scarcely keep track of the prayer pledges coming in. The people of Aurora and their neighbors in nearby towns do not want an abortion clinic here. Period."

These are very strong words from someone who spends his whole life working to save the lives of the unborn - isn't it?

Mike

Well since this topic is "off topic" anyway, if you're a Harry Potter fan, PLEASE watch this video, it is cute and freaking hilarious!!

ENJOY!: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywQo3B6jjrE

"Planned Parenthood Abortuary"

Crap… I went to their site and that thing does look just like a fortress. All it is missing is a moat and those fun rectangular holes for throwing ink at pro-lifers. The windows are so high clearly they are hiding what they are doing inside. A good thing is that it looks so intimidating it hopefully will scare a lot of people away.

Oh... I suppose I should be polite and write something pertinent to the original post:

Once-a-month cooking sounds delicious.

Oh Sally, give it up! Bethany had attempted to be nice to you, and now you're picking on her cooking? I just so happen to be a junk food junkie, and I don't think I should ever have to explain myself to you. You say that you are in your 50's? Well then GROW UP ALREADY!

Bethany,
Hooray for you. I'm trying to start the once a month cooking myself, the fare is mostly Puerto Rican. Rice and beans everywhere!

If you're looking to seriously, and I mean seriously cut your groceries by at least half, may I suggest Grocerygame.com? I've been with them for 4 months and I have saved hundreds of $. Not trying to sound like a commercial, and I was a bit skeptical myself, but it is beyond anything I could have imagined. I've got receipts to prove it. Great service.

Yes, back to once a month cooking...I'm starting with once every 2 weeks cooking and see if I can graduate from there.

Bon Appetit!

"...seriously cut your groceries by at at least half..."

That should have read "cutting your grocery bill by at least half"

And by the way, pro-choicers, would you mind commenting on the Frontline's "Abortion Clinic" thread? It's rather boring without your input. ;-)

Midnite,

LOL!

Another Potter video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx1XIm6q4r4

Bethie isn't cooking home cooked meals. She is providing fast food to her family with little thought beyond how easy it is is to be a stupid consumer. I am really sorry that you find reality negative.

LOL fast food doesn't take an hour to cook. All of my meals take an hour to cook in the oven at 325. My produce list (not that it matters):

19 regular onions
6 heads broccoli
1 jar minced garlic
6 green onions
3 red onions
1/3 cup chopped celery
3 apples, peeled and sliced
3 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
Lemon juice
3 celery ribs, chopped
9 ounces fresh spinach, chopped
1 small bag long grain rice
3-4 medium sweet red peppers
1 small bag carrots
Large bag of potatoes
1/3 cup chopped pecans
3 cups sliced mushrooms
1 lb fresh shiitake mushrooms
4 medium green peppers
4 1/2 medium carrots
firm tofu, 2 containers
4 lb asparagus
6 fresh cilantro stems (optional)

Even if I was eating fast food everyday though, it's none of your business. And I DO enjoy a big mac or a whopper on occasion, and my kids do too! YUMMERS! I get all of those delicious carbs that you're not getting to enjoy, when I so choose! I feel so sorry for you..you're sure missing out!

I find it really amusing that someone who believes abortion should be her own choice, and no one should tell her what to do with her body, would tell another woman what she can and can't put in her body. So much for freedom of choice, huh? LOL

Uh huh. You are feeding your family fast food. Lots of nasty carbs. Frozen than reheated vegies and then frozen again vegies are mush. Served along with with noodles that only a diabetic in serious denial would ingest.......might as well be spoons of full of sugar.

And your point is?

Lauren, as always, thank you!! You're a sweetie.

Jasper, Heather, you too...thanks. :-)

Hmmmmm. I need to learn how to cook, I have a few weeks of actually eating meat before I am kicked out of the house and can't afford to by meat.
Does anybody know of some good vegetarian recipes?

Rae, you can get some great vegetarian recipes here:
http://vegkitchen.com/

And also here:
http://www.toptastes.com/recipes/entreesvege.htm

Also, try RecipeZaar.com...I have found multitudes of awesome recipes there!

I actually have an aversion to guys that cook. In one of my only serious feminine traits, I like cooking and get a little...possesive when I'm cooking and anyone else trys to help me. Then again, that might be my control freak side. This seems like a good idea, how much do you generally spend on groceries a month, Bethany?

Actually, usually it costs me anywhere from 240.00 to $300.00 a month. I splurged this month though and spent $400.00. Now, of course, this isn't counting the trips I have to take weekly for items like lettuce, tomatoes, bread, diapers, etc. But I think it's pretty good!

Whoops, never mind. $400...that seems pretty reasonable for a full month of food. Do you ever get bored with the dishes, though? It seems efficient, but with so many of the same ingredients, it seems as though you might get a little repetitious. It would be fun to try though!

I do get tired from the dishwashing, but thankfully that one day of immense dishwashing loads, saves me an entire month of large dishwashing loads! I only have one pan, and a few plates to wash, usually, when I reheat the meals in the oven or the stove top.

Mike, that is one scary abortion clinic. The name is very, very appropriate. A fortress indeed.

Once-a-month cooking sounds delicious.

Thanks, Joe!

Bethany,
Hooray for you. I'm trying to start the once a month cooking myself, the fare is mostly Puerto Rican. Rice and beans everywhere!
If you're looking to seriously, and I mean seriously cut your groceries by at least half, may I suggest Grocerygame.com? I've been with them for 4 months and I have saved hundreds of $. Not trying to sound like a commercial, and I was a bit skeptical myself, but it is beyond anything I could have imagined. I've got receipts to prove it. Great service.
Yes, back to once a month cooking...I'm starting with once every 2 weeks cooking and see if I can graduate from there.
Bon Appetit!

Ooh Carder, are you taking pictures by any chance? And do you have any recipes you can share?

I haven't ever heard of that site you mentioned, but I am going to check it out today! Thanks!!

Well said Bethany! This is coming from a woman who believes in the right to CHOOSE. If I choose to eat pizza,chips hamburgers, and ice cream, that's MY CHOICE.

MMMM heather, I love pizza! Especially my homemade pizza, oozing with cheese! Carbs can be so YUMMY!

Lauren, I'll agree with the Sociopath profile on SOMG. He claims that he performs abortions. Sounds about right. Kind of like having John Wayne Gacy as your doctor. Very reassuring.

Heather, I think I'm going to be really bad today. I'm going to make some sugar filled, carb filled, non nutritious death cookies!
MMMMMM

You like Gingersnaps? I sure do!

But Bethany...those are KILLER cookies! Why don't you know, one bite and your children will gain 499lbs and die at 20!

Bethany, I'll drive on over. I think it's only a 16 hour drive. We'll eat together. Sally isn't the least bit concerned about what abortion might do to a person's physical or emotional health, but suddenly she is overwhelmingly concerned with your choice in food. Gimme a break.

But Bethany...those are KILLER cookies! Why don't you know, one bite and your children will gain 499lbs and die at 20!

So true, Lauren!

Bethany, I'll drive on over. I think it's only a 16 hour drive. We'll eat together.

ooh boy that'll be fun! :D

Sally isn't the least bit concerned about what abortion might do to a person's physical or emotional health, but suddenly she is overwhelmingly concerned with your choice in food. Gimme a break.

Tell me about it!

Sally, 6:38p, said: "Some people eat and some people dine."

I'll never be able to find the original article, but I read a couple years ago that Americans have lost the art of dining. This involves discussing the food being eaten, trying to figure out ingredients, etc. It also involves leisurely courses. I try to do that now, and it's fun to actually focus on the food, like a wine tasting.

I recall reading in that same piece that the French are masters at this. I'm sure Leah can attest. Indeed, one of my most memorable meals was at my daughter's host home in France. It was very simple... cheese and bread first course (they have great cheese - you wouldn't believe the astronomical choices offered in grocery stores)... to plain yogurt for dessert (ditto on yogurt choices in stores), served with a little packet of sugar. Great wine, of course. This was all outside, too, which adds something.

I just watched The Godfather for the millionth time. There was a great scene in Italy with Michael eating dinner when meeting Apolonia's family outside. Leisure, laughing, wine. I love dinner scenes in movies.

SOMG, the initiative passed in MO contained a huge lie - that it did not approve taxpayer funded cloning. That's most of the hang-up here. Plus, as the NYT stated:

Though the amendment passed, the margin of 51 percent to 49 percent, a difference of 50,800 votes (out of about 2.1 million cast), was slimmer than some had predicted. It was rejected in 97 of the state’s 114 counties, secretary of state records show, gaining most of its support in the metropolitan areas of St. Louis and Kansas City.

So it wasn't a sweeping victory. In fact, if opponents had had only 24-48 more hours, the initiative would have been defeated. The positive poll numbers were plummeting during the last week or two before the election.

It was very simple... cheese and bread first course (they have great cheese (they have great cheese - you wouldn't believe the astronomical choices offered in grocery stores)... to plain yogurt for dessert (ditto on yogurt choices in stores), served with a little packet of sugar. Great wine, of course. This was all outside, too, which adds something.

Wow, that sounds delicious. And what a great time too. I would love to sample some of the cheeses there.

I don't like them enough to pay $245.00 a bag LOL!

Bethany, it's amazing to me how many posts this topic generated.

If I was going to ante up $245.00 for a bag of noodles, I'd want it to be a fairly large bag.

Doug

While my internet connection is working - briefly, I'm sure. (squirrels chewed through the wires, again! The rehab people are trying to relocate them so they don't get hurt) I just had to comment on the carb/sugar thing.

People should be careful what they say when it comes to nutrition and trying to advise others of what is best for them. I tried the south beach diet - luckily I was under Dr supervision - my depression came back with a vengence and I became suicidal, very scary! It seems my body needs the type of sugar that the body gets from the noodles, etc. With the AD/HD and clinical depression, it helps to keep my mental health in order.

Just because one diet is best for one person does not mean that it is the best for all. this is why there are so many varieties of diets out there. If one diet was nutritionally superior to all forms of diets, then there wouldn't be a need for nutritionists.

valerie is back...yay!!

"I just watched The Godfather for the millionth time. There was a great scene in Italy with Michael eating dinner when meeting Apolonia's family outside. Leisure, laughing, wine. I love dinner scenes in movies."

leave the gun, take the cannolis

...yea, I watched it about 10 times too Jill. I liked Godfather II as well.

I like Godfather II as much as Godfather I. Godfather III aggravates me because Michael's daughter is so badly played by Sophia Coppola, the director's daughter. I just read Wikipedia that said Sophia got the part only after Winona Ryder dropped. My heart breaks anew. She would have been great.

Mmmm...food. =)

I even like Godfather III, but agree that the first two are by far the best. So much classic stuff in them....

You ever notice how when the camera shows some oranges, or a person picks up an orange, a death is usually soon to follow?

When Sonny was driving to take care of Carlo, before he gets to the toll booth where he's ambushed and killed, there's a billboard advertizing orange juice.

Vito puts part of an orange in his mouth to scare Anthony before Vito dies.

Don Fanucci picks up an orange before young Vito kills him.

In the first movie, before the horse dies, there's a bowl of oranges on the table.

Tessio has an orange in the wedding scene.

Before the helicopter attack in Atlantic City, an orange falls off the table.

Johnny Ola brings Michael an orange from Hyman Roth, who wants to kill Michael.

Vito bought some oranges before being shot by his car.

There are some more, too...

Doug

Sally, who also posts at AOL discussion board where TexasRed and Doug come from (I was able to find her myspace page through there)...

Can you explain to me the very recent picture of yourself on your myspace page? You, Suanne, are sitting on a table with a friend...you are wearing a balloon hat, eating hot dogs, fries, at a table with an ash tray for cigarettes on the table. No way! Not Sally, the most health conscious nut on the planet! A smoker? No way! Eating carbs and fat? OMGoodness! Yes, you look like you make a point not to do anything that would alter your health in any negative way!

Bethany, NO KIDIN??

No kidding, Heather! I was laughing so hard when I saw that!

Doug, that is so interesting. I am going to have to watch the Godfather again now just so I can catch all of that!

Well, wow, Doug that is interesting. The Godfather movies fascinate me. I never tire of watching them. They are so well done, with such insight into human nature.

Oh Sally, what a sad and bitter world you live in.

Really? Being a lazy person looking for short cuts to your children's accsess to nutrition and well being gives you a right to diss me?

Really? Being a lazy person looking for short cuts to your children's accsess to nutrition and well being gives you a right to diss me?

Why YES IT DOES!

Sally: "Holy cow! That amount of food would have fed my family of 4 for 2 months"

That amount would only last a 1.5 weeks in my family of 4. yum.

How many of your family can run a marathon? How many can waddle 2 feet?

Sally, why are you being so antagonistic?

Sally, I don't even know what you're talking about!

She thinks her son, Nate, is all that. That's what that's about.
Hey, Sally, could your son read at age 3? If not, does that mean he's dumb?
So why would it mean my kids aren't healthy if they can't run a marathon?

Oh Sally, give it up! Bethany had attempted to be nice to you, and now you're picking on her cooking? I just so happen to be a junk food junkie, and I don't think I should ever have to explain myself to you. You say that you are in your 50's? Well then GROW UP ALREADY!

You have some anger issues. Eat yourself to death but don''t blame it on me. You might want to grow up and take responsibiliy for your anger and your junk food obsession.

You might want to grow up and take responsibiliy for your anger and your junk food obsession.

You might consider quitting smoking too.

Sally, don't worry about my junk food obsession. You need to try to be a truthful person now and again.

She thinks her son, Nate, is all that. That's what that's about.
Hey, Sally, could your son read at age 3? If not, does that mean he's dumb?
So why would it mean my kids aren't healthy if they can't run a marathon?

You need to ask yourself this.

No, I don't need to ask myself anything. I happen to love my kids for who they are, not what they do.

Alright, ladies...I'm back. I just glanced at the blog and realized that Bethany, whom I respect highly among the prolifers, is being picked on for no good reason. Even though we may disagree on many subjects, I can only think of her HIGHLY when it comes to her unbelievable skill as a mother. It is evident that she cares for and loves her children unconditionally and wonderfully, and I can see that she is feeding them an abundance of great nutrition. That's a lot of veggies in the picture. And you know what? I love noodles. I'm part Italian and I grew up having pasta for at LEAST one meal a day...yes, those nasty pasta noodles. And guess what? I'm thin, happy, and healthy. You can eat whatever you damn well please...just do some exercise and balance your diet to make sure you don't overdo it. And go ahead and enjoy your Big Mac, Bethany. I know I have a craving once in a while for a greasy burger. :)

Sally, while we might be together on one side of a different issue, I hardly believe Bethany's eating herself to death. From what I can see, she's a kick-ass Mom and absolutely a sweetheart, and anyone who can cook (nutritiously) for a whole month in one day is one heck of a talented mommy.

(Bethany, I wonder, do you have something like a victory garden? I know frozen veggies are good, but nothing beats sweet peas straight from the garden!)

I was wondering if you guys had any easy, tasty recipes (noodles or no, I'll take them all!!) for me to whip up for myself, my roommate, and my boyfriend out at college? I'm basically cooking-illiterate (I can bake), and I would appreciate any really simple dishes. Thanks bunches!!

Lyssie, I was wondering what happened to you!!

Hey Heather, how's your little girl? (Just found a four-leaf clover for my cousin's 6-month old baby girl...they are gonna add it to her baby book as her first four-leaf clover. :D)

Lyssie, she's good! Cute story!

Well, I'm off to play volleyball with my friends.

I have a question about Jill's quote of the day... Why is it automatically assumed that people who want to finish college and get a career settled before getting married don't value marriage? I know I would love to get married, and I am not subscribing to a "hook-up" culture (having been with the same boyfriend for a LONG time). I personally find people like Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears appalling and the very example of the kind of woman I never want to be. Drug use, alcoholism? Disgusting. These women need to get back on track and FAST.

I'll get back to the answer then, later. Toodles!

Lyssie, you are SO sweet!!! Thank you so much for the nice things you said! I just want to send you some flowers or something. It made me feel much better.

Yes, I love veggies from the garden, and when my mom brings them over from her garden, I have quite an abundance and many times will dice them up and store the extras for later. I love fresh squash casserole...and fresh tomatoes sliced with salt and pepper. I love corn on the cob from the garden too. Especially the silver queen type.

Sally, 6:38p, said: "Some people eat and some people dine."

I'll never be able to find the original article, but I read a couple years ago that Americans have lost the art of dining. This involves discussing the food being eaten, trying to figure out ingredients, etc. It also involves leisurely courses. I try to do that now, and it's fun to actually focus on the food, like a wine tasting.

I recall reading in that same piece that the French are masters at this. I'm sure Leah can attest. Indeed, one of my most memorable meals was at my daughter's host home in France. It was very simple... cheese and bread first course (they have great cheese - you wouldn't believe the astronomical choices offered in grocery stores)... to plain yogurt for dessert (ditto on yogurt choices in stores), served with a little packet of sugar. Great wine, of course. This was all outside, too, which adds something.

I just watched The Godfather for the millionth time. There was a great scene in Italy with Michael eating dinner when meeting Apolonia's family outside. Leisure, laughing, wine. I love dinner scenes in movies.

Posted by: Jill Stanek at August 15, 2007 9:14 AM

Having lived in Europe and growing up in a town defined by Itallians, it is obvious that you are a wanna be. You figure out what you wanna be.

A wanna be what?

A wanna be what?

A person wih a brain.

Sally, That makes no sense.

oh well goodnight.

Sally, have you looked at Bethany's family? They are all very healthy looking. None of them are overweight in the least. What in the world is wrong with you. I grew up with a (very athletic, pro-choice) mother who gave me tv dinners every night. I just don't understand why your are being so nasty to someone who is cooking for her family every night. It's insane. Honestly, I think you might be insane.

Sally, who also posts at AOL discussion board where TexasRed and Doug come from (I was able to find her myspace page through there)...

Can you explain to me the very recent picture of yourself on your myspace page? You, Suanne, are sitting on a table with a friend...you are wearing a balloon hat, eating hot dogs, fries, at a table with an ash tray for cigarettes on the table. No way! Not Sally, the most health conscious nut on the planet! A smoker? No way! Eating carbs and fat? OMGoodness! Yes, you look like you make a point not to do anything that would alter your health in any negative way!

Hmmmm. Jeaious much?

You might want to grow up and take responsibiliy for your anger and your junk food obsession.

You might consider quitting smoking too.

Why? it certainly doesn't make me fat.

Sally, of what would she possibly be jealous in that situation. The balloon hat? The cigarette? The double long cooney?

Sally, your reponse does not make sense. None of your responses make sense. It is as if you are sniffing large amounts of paint before posting. You have done nothing but belittle everyone on this board, even those who have been nothing but nice to you.

I'm a generally nice person, and I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt, but you have shown you do not deserve it. You are either a troll, or someone so unhappy that they are no longer able to formulate coherant thoughts. We are a supportive community, but your complete ineptitude at base social grace has awakened quite a bit of anger in me.

I don't know what your problem is, but making everyone else miserable isn't going to solve it.

Sally: "How many of your family can run a marathon? How many can waddle 2 feet?"

None can run a marathon, all can waddle 2 feet by the grace of god....

Sally, my mother who eats fast food or tv dinners every day has run a marathon. What's your point?

Skinny does not equal healthy, Sally. You are paying someone to slowly kill you. That is one of the most unhealthy things to do to yourself.

Sally, that was funny that you actually thought that Paris Hilton was jealous of you. LOL! I hope you were joking. I seriously doubt it.

Sally, I didn't mean that you were bad looking [ just to clear the air] Actually, you are attractive, but I don't think that Paris Hilton was jealous. You might want to get that chip off your shoulder.

Sally, I never said I was fat.

Laura, I agree with you. Sally is so critical of everything. She seems to think that people are jealous of her and her son too. Why? Sounds very superficial, shallow, and self absorbed to me. You talk about your slender shape as if that makes YOU better than anyone. @ the age of 50, I would hope you could find bigger fish to fry. You are putting far too much value on someone because they can run a marathon? How about accomplishing something with your brain?

oops, I meant Lauren/re;Sally.

She's 50 and she has a myspace? And a toddler?

She's 50 and she has a myspace?

Well, if she has a "slender shape" maybe she doesn't need too big of one.

Uck uck uck uck uck (Popeye laugh).

Doug