May 15, 2021

WEEKLY MENU 05.16.21

We’re jumping ahead during the Weekly Menu 05.16.21 – did you notice we skipped a week?

Last Friday morning, after popping a pot roast into the crockpot (and smothering with marinara), I took care of a few work items before heading to our family doctor. Bert took me, which is two oddities at the same time. I’m not much on calling the family doc into play, and I’m usually more than capable of taking myself if I need to go. Friday was… weird. After being poked and prodded, I was sent across the street to the Emergency Room for suspected appendicitis.

I haven’t been to the ER for any reason for nearly ten years. (That’s another oddity – especially with three very active sons.) I was into my very own room pretty quickly, and Bert was able to join me, despite the Covid restrictions. Then the waiting began. Blood tests, urine tests, EKG’s, and finally a CT scan.

Finally – proof! The old appendix was on the fritz.

I had surgery late Friday afternoon. Unfortunately, the appendix had burst by then, which necessitated a full on gut clean out and massive IV antibiotics. Plus an extended stay at the horspistal. (I have pictures, but I didn’t think they’d be real appetizing.)

Everyone at the hospital was honestly wonderful, and the experience was better than I would have expected. But.

Many, many moons ago, when they boysies were very young and sleep was a commodity that was in short supply, I used to fantasize about getting appendicitis so I could spend one night in the hospital to catch up on some zees. Yeah.

I would NOT recommend.

So I never got to the weekly menu last week (being in the hospital and all), but it didn’t matter, because our people took such good care of us. We had an amazing variety of food from family and friends that realized, correctly, that I am the one that usually feeds us. Bringing food is a classic gesture that was awesome and humbling in action.

Two fairly amusing experiences from the hospital? They were going to take additional blood, and when I asked why, she told me that they wanted to check and make sure I wasn’t pregnant. It seriously hurt to laugh that hard. After the operation, my wonderful, albeit very young nurse asked if I had any trouble covering up my C-section scars when wearing a bikini. That guffaw hurt even more.

To the Weekly Menu 05.16.21!

We’re letting Bert take on the lions share of dinner this week. I am till recuperating, after all. Plus, the weather in Erieland is spectacular and perfect for grilling. Spring is fast around here, but it’s mighty. On Tuesday, Bert’s beloved Penguins continue marching toward the Stanley Cup. We’re going to eat in front of the TV with an arena themed dinner.

We’re doing an easy take of a sausage sandwich that’s popular in Cleveland – the Polish Boy Sandwich. Bert’ll grill kielbasa, and we’ll serve up all the fixin’s on the side – chips, cheese sauce, barbecue sauce and some shredded iceberg lettuce. Even slice up some fresh jalapeno for a little heat. We’ll put the sausage in their hot dog buns and wrap in foil to keep warm. There’s just something about being in that little cocoon that makes these sammies.

We’ll serve up the nachos on a sheet pan, and charge $14.50 for a beer so everyone will feel like they’re actually at the game!