I was mentioning to Steve last Tuesday that I sure wished I didn’t have to wait till the middle of October for my pulmonology appointment at UNC.
The next day, the phone rang and it was UNC saying they’d had a cancellation for September 22. I was so excited! Waiting on medical stuff is not my favorite thing to do. It will be interesting to hear their input and stir it into the pot with Duke and all the local/regional pulmonologists I’ve seen over the past twenty years.
I got the results back from my thyroid ultrasound and everything looks good. And the dermatologist burned the weird spot off my face and said nothing there looked concerning.
So all I have to get through now is the chest CT and the appointment with the thoracic oncologist to see what’s up with that with the growth in my lung. That will be later in October. I have to admit; I’m a little nervous over that one.
And as for a medical update on our little Miss Summer: when she was first diagnosed, she was at 4 1/2 pounds. Now she is about 6 1/2 pounds and full of energy and great spirits.
I ran into one of the vets (not the one who treated her) when I went in to pick up some more canned food. I briefly told him that his clinic had saved my dog’s life and thanked him. He asked what she had been diagnosed with and when I told him he said, “That is great to hear! Usually, when we have a case of protein-losing enteropathy, we just throw a variety of medicines at it and hope for the best because it is notoriously difficult to treat and many dogs don’t survive it.” And then he grinned hugely and gave me a high five.
Hooray for Summer! This is one tough (albeit delicate and lovely) gal.
we had Bring a Friend Day along with a photo booth. Posing with two friends!
And posing with another friend.
Please note Steve’s popcorn glasses. Could there be anything more perfect?
to one a little less so.
Sarah and I had an outing to Goodwill last week; I always so love our mother and daughter time.
She got a few treasures and I picked up this olive blouse and the yellow sweater. I’d gotten the olive pants at Goodwill a few weeks ago and was just waiting to find something to go with them. The matching top and bottom make a great column of color underneath the sweater.
Yes, my mirror really is that dirty! But I wanted to get a side view.
If you’re like me, you can’t wait till all the summer stuff is put away and you finally get to pull out your fall clothes.
Steve grilled a bunch of chicken so we’d have it for various kinds of meals throughout the week. I used some of it for making chicken salad complete with grapes, toasted pecans, and celery. As I was making it, it occurred to me that there must be a bazillion recipes for chicken salad–and I’m going to be asking you for yours.
After I got it all mixed up I thought I would officially “plate it” before serving it. Nice to pretend we are fancy, even if we aren’t.
Steve left very early to go out of town Saturday. When I came downstairs to the kitchen, I was greeted with this note.
He’s a good ‘un.
What about you? What are your “must have” ingredients for chicken salad? Does anyone put mustard in theirs? I read about that somewhere but didn’t try it this time around.
Also, I made salmon in the oven last week and it turned out really bad. Anyone have any foolproof, easy recipes for salmon?
Having just had a Bring a Friend Day at church, I have to ask which friend of yours are you MOST thankful for today? Just give a first name and a couple of things that make this person important in your life.
Hi Becky!
It’s been quite awhile since I’ve commented (too much going on) but I have been keeping up with your site.
Since my husband has been an avid and very good fisherman (salmon, perch, trout, and walleye) just had to comment on the salmon. That dark color can often be from salmon caught when they are in the process of dying (gross, right? lol). A lot of them can be caught without using a boat by fishing from the shore when they return to the river. Some of the cuts of meat from the salmon are flat, due to how they are cut or filleted. For as much salmon as he gets, we really don’t care to eat it, lol. A good simple recipe is to brush it with butter and drizzle fresh lemon juice over it and broil it in the oven. Another favorite but much more work is when my husband smokes it. It can be eaten like that or (even more work) is a salmon cheese ball that people rave about. My sister and brother in law (brother in law is a fishing partner) like to make salmon kabobs with chunks of salmon and pieces of fresh veggies cooked on the grill.
Chicken salad is simple, chopped up cooked chicken, diced onion, thinly sliced celery (I cut the celery stalk lengthwise several times, then cut those into small pieces), fresh ground pepper, and mayonnaise. We get fresh bakery rolls and make sandwiches with it. My husband also likes to just eat it with saltine crackers.
Kari,
Sounds like you guys are salmon pros! I’m still learning my way around cooking it successfully; I appreciate your tips.
And I like your idea of cutting up celery really small. I’m not a big celery fan but I do like the crunch it provides–in small doses.
This is my favorite Salmon marinade. I use this and then put it in the oven (she gives options for using the oven or smoker). All her recipes are easy and so good.
Heidi,
That looks wonderful and VERY simple. I appreciate her giving the oven option since I don’t have a cedar plank or smoker. The jalapeno looks like an interesting addition. Will definitely try this!
When one of my best friends moved to AZ, I was kind of lost. That was many years ago, but now learned in the past year her memory is fading. Have spoken to her husband who also has health issues and he keeps me updated. Now my best friend here, is my oldest sister, who has dramatically gone downhill with memory issues. Sometimes she knows who I am and sometimes not, but so far does remember my name. Found out last week from her daughter that they are in a lockdown again. One of the attendants, who had their shots, got Covid and so it will be awhile before I can see her again.
So thankful for your pulmonology appointment was today. Praying it went well.
That Summer is sooo cute. We don’t have a dog or cat because we still travel and have no desire to put them in a kennel. The places we stay at do not allow animals.
It was wonderful to see another outfit on you. It was only one outfit – but it looks great on you. My daughter does not like to shopping, so it was great to hear that you and Sarah we able to go and enjoy your time together.
Oh, Steve, you are so thoughtful – that dear note – that is one to cherish!
Sharyn,
I’m so sorry that two of the people closest to you are dealing with health/memory issues. It is very disconcerting when someone you have known all your life doesn’t always know who you are. I remember the first time that happened with my beloved grandma and it was very distressing. Hoping you can see your sister again soon; I know you miss her.
Glad to know you and your husband are still traveling; it is so great to see new things. Enjoy!
Thanks for the outfit compliment. 🙂
DadGUM! I made tuna (not chicken this time) salad for my dear hubby to take camping this week, and I just realized that I FORGOT the CELERY! Auuuughh. I knew it looked like something was missing, but I couldn’t think what. Shucks…
One of my favorite add-ins for chicken salad (besides CELERY to make it crunchy) is craisins. They add color as well as flavor. I also used slivered almonds, even toasting them first if I’m feeling extra fancy). Sliced green grapes are good too, if I have them on hand.
Praying for your (soon!) upcoming appointment.
Jenny Jo,
Your “dadgum” made me smile. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard that. 🙂 Hopefully, your husband won’t be too sad about being celery-less during his hunting trip.
I love toasted nuts of any kind; it just makes them sooo much better.
Your church is always doing fun things! Love the pictures!
I do not like chicken/tuna salad at all. Baked salmon needs lemons imho…I slice a lemon and put it on the bottom of my filet of salmon and about a half a stick of melted butter on the top with whatever seasoning we want (typically a cajun/blackened spice). Keep in mind this is a whole filet, not a serving 🙂
Your new outfit looks great! I hope your doctor visit goes well.
Best friends…I have a few (not too many) but other than my mother, my “oldest” BFF is Denise. We’ve been besties since 9th grade and there’s not much we haven’t been through together. My children call her “Aunt” and I love her so much even though I don’t see her as much as I’d like since we live 5 hours apart.
I hope your week is filled with love and laughter!
Suzanne,
Blackened salmon sounds really good!
I love that your mom is your best friend; so sweet. And even better to have a friend so close your kids call her Aunt. Blessed!
Praying for you today as you head to UNC. (When you said you’re going to “stir the pot” with various test results, etc., I pictured a cauldron. Couldn’t justify a black pointy hat & robe with the Becky we all know and love, though, so I put the cauldron picture right back from whence it came.) Please tell Summer “Good dog.. good job!!” for me. I love your outfit! I’ve never been good about coordinating outfits. I figure I’m doing ok if both my shoes are the same color. My chicken/turkey salads are bland as can be… meat, mayo and celery, but I’m definitely going to spiff up next time I make one or the other! When I was living in the Pacific Northwest, salmon was definitely popular. One fast food place, Burgerville, even had it in the fish & chips on their menu! I tried, I mean I tried over and over, to learn to like salmon, but never could even stand the smell of it on other people’s plate, so I can’t help you there. Growing up, I lived in a town divided by Ridge Rd, (streets went steeply downhill on both sides) and a huge cemetery. Four elementary schools, and we never met each other until middle high school because of that geography. Marilyn went to a different elementary school than I did, and took a different course track than I. I moved out of NJ. after graduation. Four years ago (57 years after graduation) I moved back to NJ, and in getting together with people from my graduating class, I finally got to know her! She is the kindest person I’ve ever been fortunate to know,
Jan,
Thanks for putting that cauldron away on my behalf. 🙂
How wonderful to be reminded that friendships are not limited by the passing of years. I think 57 years post-graduation is a perfect time to get to know someone better. Good for you and good for Marilyn!
We’re VERY basic with our chicken salad. All we had is chicken, mayo, dill relish, and Huey’s seasoning. (Huey’s is a burger joint in Memphis with a seasoning we LOVE – and yes I bought 8 bottles of it when we were home back in July so I wouldn’t have to order online and pay shipping). I’ve never tried cooking salmon so I’m no help there.
Yay for Summer gaining weight and doing so well!! And what a pretty outfit you put together from your thrifting. I really enjoy thrifting, but I’m not very good at putting together all the pieces for such a great look.
I’m so happy you are able to get into UNC tomorrow! Prayers for safe travels and good results (and maybe some spectacular photos along the way).
Sue Ellen,
Hmmm. Dill relish sounds like an interesting addition.
I just looked on Amazon and found Huey’s seasoning and I get free shipping. Might have to give it a try!
I never thought of ordering through Amazon – I’ve always ordered directly from Hueys. I definitely will do that next time. Thank you for the tip!!
Sue Ellen,
Glad to help! 🙂
Chicken salad with grapes, celery, mayo and smoked paprika is a favorite in our family. Smoked paprika will also wake up stewed tomatoes, cheesy grits, shrimp and pork. It only takes a little to make a delicious impact.
Kristy,
Hmmm. I bought smoked paprika for one recipe a while ago and have never figured out what to do with it since. So nice to have a short smoked paprika primer right here on the blog. Thank you!
I would have to say as of now, my daughter is my best friend, we went through a lot when she was a teen, but now at 33, we are past all of that, luckily she lives 5 minutes from me, on a friend basis, I would have to say my friend Linda….my parents divorced when I was in 7th grade, I moved to a new town for 8th grade and that year was miserable, I begged my mom during the summer before 9th grade to send me back to my old school, well i had taken tennis lessons in our local park that summer and met a really nice girl named Linda, so first day of 9th grade I asked a “friend” if I could sit next to her in social studies and she said no she was saving the seat, so in tears I looked around for an empty seat and saw LINDA with an empty seat next to her, I asked her if I could sit there and she said oh it’s my tennis buddy, of course, let me introduce you to my BF Elaine, well Linda, Elaine and i turned out to be best friends for 50 years, we just celebrated our 51st anniversary!!!
Dale,
A story with a happy ending. I’m so sorry you had to go through the difficulty of divorce and a new town and a new school but SO thankful for the trio of friends you became a part of.
Fifty-one years of friendship. Amazing.
I like mustard but don’t think I’d want it in chicken salad. I’m not a big fan of salmon so can’t help you there.
The friend I’m most thankful for today is my parents’ neighbor. From the time my mom fell on August 5th until she was admitted to a long term care facility, she was a constant help. I could call her anytime night or day (as long as she wasn’t working) and across the street she would come. Being an RN, she knew tricks that helped taking care of my mom easier. The day my mom moved into the long term care facility, she drove the 240 mile round trip with her car loaded with my parents things. I truly don’t know what I would have done without her help. Tomorrow is her birthday.
Phyllis,
That’s an amazing neighbor to care for someone so unselfishly and to drive 240 miles to get your mom transferred to her home. THAT’S the kind of person who needs to be featured in the news. Happy birthday to one incredible person!
Chicken salad: Mayo, mustard, spoonful of pickle relish, dill or sweet, lots of chopped celery, pepper and salt as needed and either some dill or parsley. It’s good!
Lin,
Ah, so mustard really IS a thing in chicken salad. Good to know. I think dill sounds good, too.
JIm, my husband for 50 years and Richelle for 26 years. So thankful God put them in my life. I am forever grateful for them and all my other friends. My chicken salad is just chicken, garlic, celery, a little onion and mayo. Continue to keep you in my daily prayers!!
Marjie,
A total of 76 years in those two friends. What a treasure they both are.
Have never put garlic in chicken salad; will have to try that.
Love finding new outfits at thrift shops. I make a chicken salad with small macaroni, chicken, Le Sueur baby peas, celery and mayo or salad dressing. I love grapes and pecans when I don’t use macaroni.
Love salmon on the grill with a mustard glaze, haven’t done it in the oven but I know it cooks very quickly.
Teddie was the best friend anyone could ask for, she always listened and never judged, and was always ready to go for a walk on the pier. Miss her so.
Patti,
Now that’s the most interesting chicken salad recipe to come in so far since it contains small macaroni. How interesting! It would go further and be a lot more filling that way.
Taking a walk on a pier sounds like a fabulous thing to do with a dear friend.
You mentioned the popcorn glasses yet totally omitted the donut ones.. hmmm. I see you. LOL! Prayers up for all to be revealed tomorrow that needs to be seen, and for the wisdom to treat it in the best possible way. And that Summer… she is a special little girl! I still remember how well she filled up the hole in your heart that Snowy left behind. I’m glad that prayers combined with sound vet advice have given you more time with her! I love your outfit (and your hair!); it goes together well and fits you perfectly. I’m ready for fall clothes; it’s time! For chicken salad, I love to use Honeycrisp apples and pecans. And we had salmon last night; I get it from Costco and it’s SO good. I wrap it in foil after topping it with sesame oil, fresh lemon, a bit of teriyaki sauce, and a sprinkle of brown sugar. Bake at 400 for 25 minutes, and it’s just SO good. Best friends: Sue, who I’ve known since 1982 and shared a lot of life with. Darcy, who I met in 1987 and who helped me realize my dream of owning a horse when I was 27. Janet, who was my co-den leader for Cub Scouts and loves to do the stuff I love. They’re my 3 top aces.
Pam,
I totally did not even notice that I was wearing the donut ones. I’m glad you pointed it out. He loves popcorn; I love donuts!
Mmmm. Apples in chicken salad would be great. I love apples in anything. I usually get Gala; I will give Honeycrisp a try.
Wrapping salmon in foil and baking sounds like a recipe I could definitely pull off. I need simple, simple, simple when it comes to salmon. Fish intimidates me.
Thanks for the prayers for medical stuff; you’ve got a definite heart of understanding for people going through that stuff. Hugs to you and Chuck.
I go for the ‘traditional’ type of chicken salad…mayo, celery, onion, grapes, walnuts or pecans, etc. Dried cranberries are really good in it as well. I have never tried mustard in it though. Don’t think I probably will.
Glad to see that you have had a couple of good Dr. appointments and that you can cross those worries off your list. Hoping that tomorrow’s and October’s appointments go as well.
Your outfit looks great! I love the two colors together. I’m not quite ready to change out my summer clothes for fall ones just yet. I’d prefer to stick to my shorts for a while longer. Cold weather clothes mean cold weather and I don’t want that. Lol
I can’t help with the salmon. I don’t like salmon so have never cooked it.
My best friend is my daughter for all of the obvious reasons. Aside from family, I would say that Mary is the one I am most thankful for. She is kind, generous, thoughtful and always willing to help with whatever, whenever. We have been friends for about 30 years. Denise, Sherri, Jody and Ronda are all awesome friends as well for a variety of reasons. I am so blessed!!
Lee Anne,
Old friendships are extra, extra special aren’t they? In that span of years, you both go through so much good and bad that it just ties you together in ways that nothing else can. Sounds like you have a wonderful collection of wonderful friends!
Hadn’t thought of dried cranberries. I have some in my cupboard right now; thanks for the suggestion.
This is a kind of hard to talk about, even though culturally we’ve come a long way. But my husband is currently receiving residential treatment for anxiety and depression in a very beautiful and lovely facility in the NC mountains (and thankfully he’s doing wonderfully).
I was really nervous and stressed out about figuring out how to be a single mom to our 3 year old for 45 days with very little preparation. But my girl friends have gone out of their way to feed us, include us in their family events, get our kids together, etc. In particular I’m thankful for my friend Elizabeth who has done so much to make us feel like we aren’t alone; home cooked meals in her kitchen with her family are a particular comfort.
You know how some folks identify as Christians but you feel the way they actually live could… use a little work in terms of being in alignment with that? Elizabeth isn’t one of them. She takes care of anxious temporarily-single moms, brings soup to neighbors after surgery, and generally lives with a heart to service and compassion.
I’ll be thankful for her till the day I die. (I’m certain many people in your congregation and otherwise feel the same about you and Steve.)
Grapes are my favorite thing to put in chicken salad. I’m suspicious of the idea of mustard, but I’m sure some smart chef has found a way to pull it off deliciously.
Ellen, I feel for you, my son is also suffering from crippling depression and anxiety, he is undergoing therapy and on meds but I live 1100 miles away and he just feels so alone, I am so glad you and your family have wonderful friends to help you through this very real illness that is so misunderstood.
Wow, thank you so much for being so kind and understanding. I’m so sorry that you’re experiencing the same tough journey with your son. It must be so very hard for you as a mom to be far away from him. I pray for peace and comfort for both of you.
Thank you, I will be going out to KC very soon and will stay as long as needed, he is in a very dangerous stage right now and yes it breaks my heart every day….he’s such a good person…..so kind and compassionate…he actually counsels despondent people….my prayers are with your family……
Dale,
You’re so right about depression and anxiety being misunderstood. And yet it’s a very real part of so many lives.
As a mom, my heart goes out to you with your son being so far away from you. I know what you’d love more than anything is to be sharing those healing mama hugs with him. Prayers for you and for him, sweet friend.
Thanks so much for taking the time to reach out to Ellen. It’s always good to be reminded we are not alone in the things we suffer.
Thank you Becky, yes I need to hug him, we are in the process of bringing him back home to us….
Ellen,
Thank you for your courage in sharing this difficult season of life. (And many thanks to Dale for sharing her own story and her compassion.)
Being stressed out is certainly understandable when facing a period of single motherhood for several weeks. Thank the Lord for the friends in your life and especially Elizabeth and all that she has done. I especially loved to read about “home-cooked meals in her kitchen with her family.” I can just picture that; the food and conversation and the love around the circle. There is something about eating together that soothes the most burdened heart. And you’re so right; Elizabeth is definitely living out the name “Christian” as she is the hands and feet of Christ in your life.
And as for your husband, I’m glad to hear that his treatment is going well and that he is in a good place where he can get the quality of help he needs. In my mind’s eye, I glance forward a couple of weeks and see the Coming Back Home Day, and the joy of sweet reunion. In the meantime, it’s wonderful to know that you and your child are in the hands of dear friends who love you in word AND in deed.
I’m so glad you felt comfortable sharing. Many, many hugs.
🙋♀️I can help you with the salmon !
– be sure you are using fresh salmon from the seafood dept at your grocery store. Choose light pink- colored salmon…avoid the darker, reddish color salmon that also looks like it may have been dropped and stepped on. It’s just too flat-looking…that’s another way you can tell it’s not the right choice.
– preheat oven to 350. ( you can follow this recipe even if you have put your salmon in the freezer…just cook a little longer.)
-put aluminum foil on a cookie sheet
– rinse salmon under cool water, then pat with paper towels …place salmon on aluminum-foiled cookie sheet
-slice a lemon and a lime. Lay the slices across the salmon
– take another lemon and squeeze the juice of that lemon over your fish
– sprinkle some Lawry’s Seasoned Salt over the salmon. .Maybe a couple of teaspoons. Maybe a little more.
-drizzle olive oil over the salmon …at least one teaspoon per piece of salmon
– bake until you can test with a fork …it should flake apart and be tender. 30 minutes is plenty of cooking time if you haven’t stored it in the freezer. If you have, you might cook another 15 minutes or so.
-Enjoy! We like ours with rice…
🌸love..Kim in Tennessee
Kim,
You are the Salmon Queen!
And what a beautifully simple recipe. I think part of my problem is that my salmon (bought frozen) might fall into the “dropped and stepped on” category. It’s a little on the flat-ish side. But there’s another 6 pieces in the bag so we’ll have to use it up as best we can. Hopefully your recipe will rescue our unhappy salmon!
The church photo of you and Steve is fun! You mentioned in a previous post that he is a popcorn lover! The glasses are perfect! So very sweet that he left you the note on the kitchen counter.
Nice shopping Becky, the olive green and yellow looks great together, bravo!! My sister is a fan of the Southern Shores Goodwill store. She has found many treasures there over the years.
Keeping you in my prayers, praying specifically for your medical appointment tomorrow and the October appointment. So glad that your UNC visit was rescheduled for tomorrow.
I appreciate the ‘basic’ chicken salad recipes: mayo, celery, onion, dash or two of paprika, salt & pepper. I use the same ingredients for salmon salad and add dried dill weed. One of my ‘best friends’ in the kitchen is parchment paper. When cooking salmon steaks I’ll line a pan with parchment paper, place the salmon with skin side down, top with fresh lemon juice, dried dill weed, sprinkle of paprika, pepper and a small amount of butter. A 375 degree oven cooks the fish in no time and leaves the skin on the parchment when done. Works very well for me!
Summer is quite the ‘trooper’! I am so happy that she is doing well.
Blessings to the Smiths and Longs.
Gloria,
Southern Shores Goodwill is exactly where that outfit came from. I love that store, especially because they separate all the clothes by color.
I love the idea of leaving the skin on the parchment; when I cooked salmon last week I had to scrape it off the skin and it wasn’t real inspiring. Anything to make the process easier so that I end up eating more salmon.
My two besties are Sherry and Cathy. None of us have biological sisters so we are sisters by heart. Both Sherry and Cathy are widows who were married to brothers. Cathy is my husband’s baby sister. She has been my sister of my heart for 51 years and was one of my bridesmaids in my wedding. I am blessed to have both in my life in the good times and always in the bad times. I am blessed of God that He put them in my life.
Gail,
Sisters by heart. I love that term. And I love how well it describes the relationship you’ve had with Sherry and Cathy all these years. Such a treasure!
When I make Chicken salad, I use mayo, diced celery, and Old Bay.
My parents make Salmon on a cedar plank on their weber grill. I believe they might season it with lemon and “his” special seasoning. My mom says it just flakes off.
Michelle,
I do have some Old Bay seasoning; I guess I always thought that was only for seafood. Good to know it can also be used for chicken.
I would have no idea how to cook on a cedar plank but someone brought us some food once right on the cedar plank and it was delicious!
Becky I love your outfit. You are really good at putting pieces together.
I have several best friends. To name a couple, Connie and Deborah. I can always count on them to be there through happy times and sad times. We have a set lunch date for every Thursday.
I put chopped up boiled eggs, sweet pickles, and Duke’s mayo in my chicken salad. Sometimes I add onion powder or dry mustard just to give it a little extra flavor. Can’t help you with the salmon. I am not a seafood lover. Only fried or grilled shrimp for me dipped in Yum Yum sauce.
I hope your doctor appointment goes well tomorrow. So glad you got good reports on your other doctors appointments.
Have a wonderful Monday.
Joy,
You are so blessed that your two best friends live near you; so many peoples’ friends are scattered all over the country and the world. Enjoy those Thursday lunches!
So you add dry mustard and not regular mustard. That’s interesting!
And I haven’t thought about Yum Yum sauce in a long time until you mentioned it. That is some good stuff!
Your outfit is very classy and looks great! Nothing special to my chicken salad. I like some red onion in it, usually have walnuts on hand, grapes if I have on hand, and only real mayo and a bit of sour cream…sometimes I add celery. I am bless to have many friends I am thankful for. Dawn, friends for 61 years, Linda for 30+ years, Frankie for 50+ years and a few others! They all bring different things to friendship, but two things all bring is they are trustworthy and aren’t afraid to tell me I’m wrong. I am blessed!
Guerrina,
Sour cream would be an interesting addition; would give it a little bit of a tang.
I love that part of the reason you enjoy your close friends is that they tell you when you’re wrong. What an admirable attitude to have and what good friends they must be to have that important place in your life. As well as all the fun stuff, too.
Sixty-one years is an incredibly long friendship. I hope you have many more years to share.