The Pheasant Feather

I'm back! I promise

2012-01-23T10:22:00.002-05:00

I know! I know! I have said this before but this time I'm really going to try to do it. Of all people, my husband wants me to get back to doing it so I am! A lot has happened since I was on last. We had done several more mission trips to the Dominican and I am planning a trip in feb. I can't wait. The house is currently undergoing some major remodeling so new pictures will come shortly. Anyway, hang in there with me!

Most perfect place on Earth

2010-06-16T20:28:00.002-04:00

I am so excited that I am getting ready to return to the most perfect place on Earth! I will be leaving next Friday to return to the Dominican. We will most likely not be going across the border into Haiti but have decided to concentrate our efforts on the refugees from Haiti now residing in the DR. We will not be taking care of acute injuries but focusing on screenings for chronic medical conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Please pray for us as our team tries to spread the word of God and help take care of these people. Pictures will follow when I return!

I have been to heaven on earth and hell on earth

2010-02-07T17:57:00.004-05:00

I have been asked frequently how my trip to the DR and Haiti was since I have returned home. Heaven on earth and hell on earth is the best way I can describe it. The Dominican side of the island is the most beautiful, most peaceful place I have ever been to while the Haiti side of the island has to be hell on earth right now. Total chaos,total destruction,overwhelming loss and the blank faces of the people-that is what is etched into my mind about Haiti. Our trip began after a long day of flying from Atlanta to Miami to Santo Domingo Dominican Repulblic. 7 strong women-no men. All of us saw a a calling so overwhelming we had to go. We all had skills that we felt God was wanting us to use even though at the time we didn't know exactly how. We were greeted at the airport by pastor Pedro and travel what should have been a 4hr trip into Baharona but at night on winding moutain roads took about 6hrs. We finally arrived at the mission house exhausted but very happy to see all my sister's Dominican family. Not friends now-they are family. I was greeted by hugs of these people very grateful to see their "sister." Sister in Christ. The following day began with the group dividing into 2 smaller groups. Me,Vanessa a RN from Douglas and my sister Gale headed to a local small hospital that housed Haitian refugees. We didn't know what we would encounter. When we arrived there we were asked to care for these refugees by attending to their wounds. Many had amputaions that hadn't had any care since the initial surgery with sutures still embedded so tightly that they could barely be removed while others had their fractures addressed surgically but had not had any wound care since. These people were extremely happy to have their wounds addressed. We spent most of the day there then traveled into the countryside to one of the small villages in the middle of a sugar cane field. This place was called batey 7. I have never in my life seen a group of people have so little but be so happy. These people lived in small makeship homes but all the children had the biggest smiles on their faces. Many didn't even have clothing but even that didn't make any differnece to them. They loved having their photos taken as most of them had never seen photos of themselves. That night was spent back at the mission house sorting all the supplies we had brought in. Thanks to many people but mostly Vanessa and Roni Jo and the people of Douglas Georgia and University Hospital in Augusta, we had almost every wound care supply known to mankind and approx 25,000 doses of oral antibiotics. Our next day began around 4am while getting ready to travel into Haiti. It was about a 4hrs ride across the border. We were stopped numerous times by military roadblocks. I held my breath as we crossed to border hoping that we would make it and not get told to turn around and go back but we were told to go through. We finally arrived to a church compound outside of Port au Prince. The church had collapsed partially but a small room in the back is where we set up our clinic. We treated patients as the crowd gathered and the children played outside. The number of patients wasn't large but suddenly a young woman appeared walking with a stick and limping. We were told by the translator that her foot had been crushed in the earthquake and she had not had any medical care since it happened. Looking at the wound I was praying to mysellf that we would be able to do something for her. Vanessa worked feverishly cleaning this infected,foul smelling nasty wound while all the time knowing what she was working on was very serious. Once the wound was cleaned it was obvious that she had a very serious crush injury to her foot that was massively infected and the bones were broken and protruding through the skin. How on this earth she had been able to withstand this pain not to mention the pain of having the area cleaned is beyond me. I expressed my concerns to Pastor Pedro that this wound was very serious and she would most likely need to have her foot amputated and needed to be taken to a hospital. The team agreed to pack everything up and try to take this lady to a hospital. She had a 5 month old baby which she was breast feeding and 2 other small children she had to leave behind. Thank goodness we had baby formula with us so we were able to leave this with the father. We found a rural hospital. I finally got to talk to a Dr. that was an American Dr. who was overseeing this hospital and he made sure she was admitted. It was amazing that he was an American doctor but his father was also a retired doctor who at one time was the head of the radiology department at The Medical College of Georgia where I attended school. You can't tell me that God puts you where you are needed if only you will put your faith in him. When we left the hospital, we still had supplied that we wanted to leave in Haiti so our translator told us he knew where to take them. He took us into the heart of Port au Prince to the large hospital there. Riding through these streets was overwhelming. Seeing the massive amount of people in the streets among all the rubble was heartbreaking. We arrived at the hospital and met an International medical group and then were introduced to the Clinton foundation group who very gratefully accepted our supplies. We then headed back to the Domincan. The following day we returned back to the hospital to continue care for the Haitian refugees. The next day we began our long day of return travel home. I finally got home around 2am friday morning. I was physically and mentally exhausted but comletely fullfilled knowing that even though we were a team of just 7 strong women, we made a difference. If only a small difference, it was still a difference. We may have touched these peoples lives but they have touched ours more that they could ever imagine. If God is willing, I am hoping to return to the Dominican in June and continue working with these people in the Bateys. I am forever changed.

2010-02-07T17:57:00.003-05:00

I have been to heaven on earth and hell on earth

2010-02-07T17:57:00.002-05:00

Haiti update

2010-01-24T16:42:00.004-05:00

My brother in law returned from Haiti yesterday following this stay there with a search and rescue team. They found 135 kids alive at the orphanage. He said it was worse than anything he could imagine. He told a story of seeing a young child at a clinic that had his leg crushed up to his hip. He said he was crying and when they asked what he needed, he said he was hungry. They went back to their bags and got whatever they could for him. This is truly heart breaking. Anyway, I was hoping to be able to go to Haiti. We have decided instead to go to the Dominican and work there where the people from Haiti are being brought in. We will be leaving on the 31st. Pictures will follow when I get back. Please pray for our team that God will continue to lead,guide and direct us. Pray that he works through my hands and receives all the glory. It's going to be a busy week getting all the supplies ready but I have never felt such a strong calling and can't wait. Maybe this is why I have done pediatrics and Emergency medicine for the past 15 years. Strange combination but now I am prepared to treat both adults and children. Will update you as soon as I can!

Hang on people of Haiti we are coming!

2010-01-20T15:50:00.002-05:00

Just a quick note to let everyone know that my brother in law is on the ground in Haiti. Hopefully I will be going Sunday. My brother in law is a small town outside of Port au prince at an orphanage. Last we heard was that they made it there safe but haven't heard anything since they arrived yesterday. It is a little nerve wrecking that we haven't heard anything since the new 6.0 quake this morning but I have faith that he is OK. I am such peace about going. Everyone at work ask me "aren't you scared?" NOPE!! When it's God will why be worried but continue to pray for all people there and those trying to help.

Godbless this place

2010-01-13T21:41:00.003-05:00

Seeing all the devastation on the news following the earthquake in Haiti really bothers me. These people have 80% of their population living well below the poverty level. Their extremely wealthy people are what we would call middle class here in the US. People do you realize how fortunate we are. We have roofs over our head and clothes on our backs and if you are ready this I am pretty sure you have food to eat. You have hope. You have a future. These people don't and now many of these people don't even have some of their family members. Can you even begin to imagine the devastation. I'm not trying to be a downer with this post but people take a minute and look around where you are sitting right now. Most likely in the warmth comfort of your nice home with your loving happy healthy family. Do you realize how fortunate you are? We all have aches and pains and things that don't always go as we had planned but in the grand scheme of things life is pretty good. Do you have any idea what could make this better? If you knew the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal savior it would be better. There would never be a need unmet or a want unanswered, Now whether you like the answer is another story! Our Preacher at church tonight preached from a great passage in the bible and I would like you all to read it and tell how reverent you think it is to what's going on in the world right now. Read Luke 13 verses 1-5. Do you know him? One thing is for certain and that is that tomorrow may never come. Live you life like you are dying and tomorrow is your last day because it may be. Wrap your arms around your loved ones and let them know you love them. You never know if it's gonna be your last chance. Smile like you have never smiled, dance like you have never danced, love like you have never loved and pray like you have never prayed! God bless you all!

Whew What a year!!

2009-12-29T22:39:00.004-05:00

Well, What a year!! I am glad to see it go. This has been a tough one. My dad was diagnosed with lung cancer and had part of his lung removed. The cancer hopefully is all gone and he came through it like a trooper!!
My father-in-law has been diagnosed with myleofibrosis and has developed numerous complication form this and isn't doing well. He has gone from being a loud, bousterous, jolly man to a shell of himself. I hope next year is better for him whether he gets better or the good Lord calls him home to a much better place but either was gives my mother-in -law peace to handle it all.
My husband and I have had several of the hardest years of our 21+ year marriage but I pray we are on the right track. My dream is to grow old with him and enjoy many years playing with grandkids and creating our own family heirloom memories.
My husband and his father have been distant for many years. We visited with them over the Christmas holidays and I can see that he and the children miss him and their relationship immensly so I pray it con'tinues for my family's sake.
Well folks! Lets wave goodbye to 2009 and ring in 2010 with faith and hope of a new year!

The Big 4-0!!

2009-12-18T22:42:00.004-05:00

Well yesterday I celebrated my 40th birthday. My age has never bothered me. Frankly I am just happy to be alive!!
My 20s were tough and I really don't remember much about them. And no it has absolutely nothing to do with the legal drinking age! I was in school at The Medical College of Georgia and it was a whirlwind!
My 30s were hard. They were filled with trials,tribulations and temptations but I have weathered them all. Sure I had goals for this age in my life, Some I reached and others I didn't. SO WHAT!!
I have learned a thing or two over all this time. I hope people have learned a few things about me. When I am no longer in this world I hope they can say the she was a wife that loved her husband. She was a mother who adored and loved ALL her children, She was a daughter who loved her parents and a sister who loved her siblings. She was an aunt who loved her neices nad nephews. SHe was a healthcare provider who loved her patients.But, Most of all, she was a Christaian who loved her Lord.
So goodbye 30s. I tip my hat fond farewell to you. I am waving goodbye to you with a huge smile on my face and fuly embrassing 40.
So 40 here I come full steam ahead and with guns a blazing!!! BRING IT ON!!!

Bon Appetit!

2009-12-14T19:56:00.003-05:00

I watched the movie Julia and Julie last night and LOVED it!! My husband was fussing about having to watch a "dang cooking movie" but he laughed all the way through it too. He says I am the only person he knows that searches out gourmet grocery stores while on vacation. Well I found out I am not alone! I never knew Julia Child was such a character. Not to mention the whole jist of the movie is about blogging. Well, if you get a chance, give this movie a try. Two thumbs up from me and my crew!!

It's beginning to look at lot like Christmas...

2009-12-11T18:48:00.007-05:00

Well hello all!! The modest Christmas decorating is done and the holiday baking has begun! We always have an ornament night and this year everybody was home for it except Israel. He told me that he wasn't going to be able to come home until after Christmas because of preparation for the bowl game. (He plays football for UGA for those of you don't know) Well, he surprised me by coming his past weekend so all the kids got to get theirs. I pick an ornament out every year that reminds me and my husband of something the child has done over the past year. When they are grown and settledin their own homes, their ornaments will be theirs. Its fun pulling out the ornaments from year to year and reminiscing over why that particular ornament was chosen. There are also some pictures of some of my holiday tablescape and some updated pictures of my bunch. Hope you enjoy!!

The Blind side hits home

2009-11-23T20:27:00.003-05:00

I usually don't comment on movies but when one touches you so closely maybe you should share! This is the best movie that I have seen in a long time and I highly recommend it. My godson who I love as my own plays football for The Georgia Bulldogs and this story hits so close to home with me. He is black and we are a white family but with him we don't see color-he is just a part of our family like my other children. Yes I use to get stares and comments behind my back but have gotten completely use to them. We still get funny stares when he comes home from college and goes to eat lunch with his "little sister" who is blond haired and blue eyed but for the most part people are getting use to it. I wouldn't care if they didn't because I love him and he loves us! How great would this world be if everyone could love someone of the other race as much as we love him!

RIP UGA VII

2009-11-19T19:12:00.003-05:00

It's a sad day in the Bulld0g Nation. We have lost our beloved mascot UGA VII. May he rest in peace. Even though this was only his second season with us, he was well loved and represented us proudly!!

GO DAWGS!!!!

2009-11-16T16:46:00.003-05:00

Ok It's time for me to be a proud mama!! My godson who I love like my own scored his first touchdown Saturday as a college football player! He is a wide receiver (#28) for the Georgia Bulldogs. This game was special to us in more ways than just that. Chance Veazey who is a baseball player at Georgia was involved in a serious accident 2 1/2 weeks ago. He has suffered a very traumatic spinal cord injury and is now at the Shepherds spinal hospital in Atlanta. Chance is from my home town also and he and my godson were very close and played baseball together in high school. The Georgia Bulldog football team decided to show their support for Chance by putting a baseball sticker with CV on it on their helmets. I just thought it was very fitting that at this dedication game that my godson scored the first TD!! Oh, by the way, We beat Auburn!! Go Dawgs!! You can keep up with Chance's progress at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chanceveazey

Give away instructions!

2009-11-12T21:27:00.002-05:00

Hello all! Ok I am desperately seeking new followers. I thought that maybe a good way to get some was to host a give away. Can somebody tell me how to do this and I will do one. Going shopping this weekend! Can pick up something really cute!!!

Fall tablescape and decorating

2009-11-05T22:09:00.006-05:00

I absolutely love decorating this time of year. Here is my fall tablescape and some fall decorating I have done. Some of the pictures are a little dark~~Sorry! Hope ya'll enjoy them! If you see what you like, i would love to have new followers~~so follow me!! ENOY!! This is my dining room table. I made the burlap runner and frayed the edges. The china is something my husband inherited from his mother. It is wild Turkey by Johnson Brothers.

Full view.

And another!

The little pumpkin place card holders were purchased at Hobby Lobby for $5.00 for a set of 4.

Another view. I love beaded pumpkins! Just the right touch of elegance.

This is a top view of the china. Beautiful isn't it! My kids already fight over who it's gonna go to next!

This is an acorn candle ring. The candle holder is from Southern Living at Home.

Fall arrangement on coffee table.

Front door.

Another view. I purchase this beaded garland at Hobby Lobby for only $5.00 a strand. i bought the only 4 they had. When I asked the salesperson what the price was because there was no price tag on them and he told me $5.00 I said "are you sure" and he said " yeah some of the pumpkins have fallen off." Hey I have a glue gun!!

These topiary are made from the hollow foam pumpkin and wrapped with a fall leave garland from the Dollar Tree. I cut a hole in the bottom of the small pumpkin so the stem of the large one could fit up into it and it would sit level. Beautiful!! The urns are mine that I have had for a while and are concrete. i just spray painted them black.

Fall wreath for my front door that I purchased at Wal mart for $19.95!

Close up of the beaded pumpkin garland.

Sofa table with arrangement.

My mantle scattered with Dollar Tree fall leave garland and beaded pumpkins that I got at Wal mart for $1.00 each.

Foyer table. More beaded pumpkins!

This is my breakfast table. I keep the decorations on it simple because of the daily use.

Cabbage tureen on breakfast table.

Simple plates with a cooper changer from Southern Living at Home. Hope you enjoyed this!!

Boooo!

2009-10-31T23:22:00.003-04:00

Happy Halloween Ya'll. I love this time of year and so anxiously await it getting here but when it does boy and I glad to see it over with!! Now we can nestle into a slow pace and get ready for a less hectic time called Thanksgiving. This year will be the first time in many, many years that I haven't hosted Thanksgiving at my house. I usually got all out. Don't know what I am gonna do with myself! Enjoy a clean kitchen I suppose! I have so many things to be thankful for this year. Hope you do as well!

Trash to Treasure-great flea market finds

2009-10-29T20:53:00.005-04:00

I bought these heavy stainless steel knives for only .10 cents a piece. I got a set of 12

This is an old copper beverage dispenser. You can't tell from the picture, but it has a plug-in on the back to heat the beverage. Can't wait to see it all cleaned up.

This is a silver cream and sugar set. I paid less than $5.00 for this set.

This is a silver gravy boat with a ladle. I paid under $5.00 for this item also.

This is a beautiful glass vase with a lid. I think it will look great with fall candy inside. I paid $2.00 for this item.

This is a beautiful glass and silver bowl. It has a flower frog on top. This was my favorite find of the day. I only paid $1.00 for it!!!

This is a heavy silver tea pot. It is very heavy. I'm unsure of the maker because there are no marks on it.

Happy Fall, Ya'll !!!

I have to laugh to keep from crying!

2009-10-26T20:48:00.003-04:00

I look back on my last several post and I realize I was so frustated because the flu had me so burned out. I truly felt if I walked into another room and say a patient with flu symptoms that I was gonna SCREAM!!! Well as I am sure you have realized by now that the regular flu season ended only to go straight into the H1N1 flu. Boy am I really tired. But, fall is my favorite time of the year and with this little nip in the air (yes even though this is deep South Georgia-there is still a "nip") I have a little pep in my step. I am really gonna try to do better with this blogging thing! I know I know-I have said that before but I really need an escape from sick children so this is gonna be it.

On another note- We had an awesome weekend. We hosted a Halloween party for 11-12 year olds. There was approximately 250 kids there! I think the chaperons had as much fun as the kids! I know you are thinking I am crazy! I go from seeing kids all day long at the practice to spending all my free time with kids too! Well you are either cut out for pediatrics or you are not! But I did get my dose of adults when I filled in in the ER for a 12 hour shift the day after the party. Now I am wondering--What was I thinking! Anyway, hope ya'll enjoy things to come on the blog and have a Happy Fall Ya'll!!

Apple Dumplings

2009-03-25T19:19:00.002-04:00

2 Granny Smith apples-peeled,cored and each cut into 4 slices
1 can of crescent rolls

Spray baking dish with pam. Separate the crescent rolls and roll out the pieces so you can wrap each apple piece in a crescent roll, being sure all the apple is covered well. Place in a single layer in baking dish

Bring to a boil:
1/2 C water
1/2 stick of butter or margarine
3/4 C. sugar

Pour mixture over top of apples. Sprinkle the top of apples with a little cinnamon and sugar mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-35 min. Enjoy!

I didn't fall off the face of the earth!!

2009-03-25T19:07:00.002-04:00

Sorry I haven't posted for a while. The flu season has been rough here in the south! I think if I saw another patient with it I would scream and it is finally coming to an end-just in time for the rotovirus season! In case you didn't know it-pediatrics is seasonal. There is a season for everything. I hope all of you and yours are doing well and stay that way. I hope you enjoy the new recipe. I promise I will do better-in between the girls ball games and all!

Baked Chicken Salad

2009-02-15T08:33:00.002-05:00

3 C. cooked chicken-cut up
1 can cream of celery soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 C. finely chopped celery
2 C. cooked rice
1 medium onion chopped
1 C. mayonnaise
1-3oz bag sliced almonds
1 tsp. salt
2T. lemon juice
Buttered crumbs for topping (about 20-25 saltines crushed mixed with 2T melted butter).

Mix all ingredients together except topping. place in a greased 9x13 casserole dish and top with buttered crackers. Refrigerate overnight. Remove from fridge and bring to room temperature. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 min.

Cough,congestion,fever and body aches!

2009-02-13T18:51:00.001-05:00

I'm sorry I haven't written in a while but as you have heard me say here several times recently-FLU IS IN FULL SWING!!! I think every room I go into the complaints are the same and the questions and answers are the same. "He really doesn't need an antibiotic?" No-flu is viral-antibiotics won't touch the flu! "Can he go back to school tomorrow?" NO he can't go back to school tomorrow! HE HAS THE FLU!!! "Is he really going to be sick for a week?" YES-HE HAS THE FLU!!! I feel like tattooing this across my forehead! Can you tell I have seen enough of the flu!!!!! Anyway, I hope all is well with you and yours-and hope you don't get the FLU! I promise a new recipe before the weekend is over.

The Thing

2009-02-09T18:27:00.003-05:00

2 pounds hamburger meat-browned and drained

2 packs of 8 count crescent rolls

1/4 C. Ketsup

2 T. mustard

honey BBQ sauce

2C. sharp cheddar cheese

Lay out all 8 crescent rolls on cookie sheet. Press all the seams together to make 1 sheet. Mix meat,ketsup,mustard and enough BBQ sauce to coat all the meat mixture well . Approx 1 C. Sprinkle meat mixture with cheese. Place the other package of crescent rolls on top of meat mixture and press all these seams together and press side of top and bottom crescent rolls together to totally enclose meat mixture. Bake according to crescent roll instructions or until golden brown. Serve with a side salad and you have got a good meal. Enjoy!

How 'bout them DAWGS!!

2009-02-09T18:23:00.002-05:00

With flu season in high gear, when I get home from the office-I am tired! I have a few recipes that are my tried and true, quick and easy favorites. Here is my most favorite. My brother created it when he was a student at The University of Georgia. He named it also. Not quite sure why he chose this name. My godson, who I love like my own, plays football there now and this is his favorite thing I cook. Hope you enjoy it and don't think for a minute that just because it is simple that it ain't good!

Crusted Salmon

2009-02-06T21:16:00.004-05:00

1/4 C. Mayonnaise

2 T.grated Parmesan cheese

1/8 tsp. Cayenne pepper

4 salmon fillets

2 T. lemon juice

10 Ritz crackers

Combine mayonnaise,cheese and pepper. Place salmon on a foil lined pan and drizzle salmon with lemon juice. Top salmon with mayonnaise mixture. Sprinkle with crumbled crackers. Cook at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until salmon flakes easily. Enjoy!

Better late than never!

2009-02-06T21:10:00.002-05:00

I promised a recipe and here it is. Sorry it is so late. This is really a good one though for all of you who love salmon. My son even called me from college to get this one because he liked it so much! It was taken from an old issue of the Kraft foods magazine. If you aren't familiar with this magazine, it is a free one that Kraft foods puts out. Just go to their web site and sign up for it to be sent to you. It has lots of great recipes.

Oh what a day!

2009-02-05T20:49:00.002-05:00

After a long day at the office, and practice with my daughters for their upcoming fashion/bridal/prom show, I am just now gracing the steps of my humble abode. Boy am I tired! I do have to tell you that I had a blast at tablescape thursday. I can't wait until next week. Thanks to all of you who left comments. Well no recipe today-I promise I will post one tomorrow!

Don't miss the tablescape on my very first post-scroll all the way down!

2009-02-04T22:02:00.001-05:00

My Valentine Table

2009-02-04T21:02:00.002-05:00

While Valentines Day is a great holiday-I have never really been good at decorating for it. I always change my own table our for the holidays so here is my attempt at my valentines table. Be sure and check out my ya ya table on my first post.

2009-02-04T21:00:00.000-05:00

2009-02-04T20:58:00.000-05:00

2009-02-04T20:56:00.000-05:00

2009-02-04T20:46:00.001-05:00

My valentine Table

2009-02-04T20:19:00.003-05:00

Tuscan Pasta with Tomato-Basil Cream

2009-02-04T19:28:00.003-05:00

1-(20oz) package frozen cheese ravioli

1-(16oz) jar classico roasted garlic Alfredo sauce

1 T. white wine

1-(14oz) can petite cut diced tomatoes-drained well

1/2 C. finely chopped fresh basil

1/3 C. grated Parmesan cheese

Prepare pasta according to package directions. Pour Alfredo sauce into large saucepan. Pour wine into empty jar and shake well. Pour wine into saucepan. Stir in tomatoes and basil and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or until heated well. Drain ravioli well and add to sauce. Top with cheese. Enjoy!

Baby it's cold outside!

2009-02-04T19:19:00.004-05:00

Hello from the deep FREEZING south. Man is it cold here! I know some of you are thinking I don't know cold-but let me tell you- We ain't used to this!! It's supposed to be 19 degrees here tonight. Anyway having fussed enough about the cold, let me tell you I am so excited about tablescape Thursday!! This will be my first one although my very first blog included a tablescape so be sure and check it out. I hope I can figure out how to do the link. Well, time will! Well, let me tell you about my recipe for the day. I found it in Southern Living a while back and absolutely love it. My family loves pasta and I can literally pull this together in about 10 minutes. Throw on a side salad and you got a great meal-Try it if you get a chance!

Shrimp Linguine Alfredo

2009-02-03T20:25:00.003-05:00

1-12 oz package linguine noodles

1/4 C. melted butter

4 T.diced green onion

4 tsp. minced garlic

40 medium shrimp-peeled and deveined

3C. half and half

2 tsp. ground black pepper

6 T. grated Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until done. Drain well. While pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large saucepan. Saute onion and garlic over medium heat until tender. Add shrimp and saute for 1 min. stirring constantly. Remove shrimp and set them aside. Stir in half and half to saute pan and bring to a simmer stirring constantly until mixture is reduced by half. Return shrimp to the saute pan and add cheese and pepper. Add salt to taste. Add sauce over drained noodles and mix well. Enjoy!

Greetings from the deep south!

2009-02-03T20:08:00.002-05:00

As I was rushing from the office today after seeing what seemed to be a million kids lying on exam tables like limp dishrags (that's southern for the looked very sick!), I was thinking-what will I write about today? As I pulled into my youngest daughter's school, I thought-that's it-I will write about what I know best-my kids. Let me start by making a very true statement-If I died today they wouldn't starve to death!! My kids are 7,10 and 20. I know what you are thinking-why the long break. Well, I will tell ya why-The Medical College of Georgia-that's why. Had to finish school between #1 and #2. Having said that, I must say that one of the things I guess I am the most grateful for is that ALL 3 of my kids are great cooks. They are GREAT cooks-not GREAT cleaners. When I come home from a long day at the office I am amazed sometimes at the dishes they come up with and have cooked in my kitchen. I am talking without recipes and I mean even the 7 year old! When my son graduated from high school I gave him one of the best gifts I think a mom could give a child. I wrote a cookbook for him-not a publically published one-but a handmade one filled with my moms, my mother-in-law, and my recipes. We even included history on each recipe like when it was developed, by whom it was developed and what family events they were typically served at. All of this was written in our handwriting. I even drew all the pen and ink drawings in it. I hope it is one of his most prized possessions. Anyway-enjoy my latest recipe. it is very simple but even at the most elegant dinner can make a big impression!

Blueberries & Cream Oatmeal Cookies

2009-02-02T12:52:00.003-05:00

3/4 C. AP flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 C. brown sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 C. rolled quick cook oats
1/2 C dried blueberries
1/2 C. chopped pecans
1/2 C white chocolate chips
pinch of salt
1 stick softened butter
1/4 C. sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk together flour,baking soda, and salt. In mixer cream butter and sugars. Add egg. Slowly add flour mixture, oats, blueberries,pecans, & white chocolate chips. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silpat mat. Dip out 1 T. size balls of mixture and place on baking sheet. Press down slightly with your hand. Bake for 10 min. Remove from oven and leave on baking sheet 1-2 min. before transfering them to cooling racks. Enjoy!

Oh Beautiful Day!

2009-02-02T12:32:00.005-05:00

What a glorious weekend we had here in the deep south. It's hard to believe it's Feb. here! We are heading into "a cold snap" as we call it here in the south. If it's gets below freezing southerners go into hibernation! Well, with the cold weather coming and me being home from work with 2 sick little ones- I thought what a better time for a warm cookie recipe. You know this being at home with my little ones when they are sick is not something I am use to. I'm supposed to be at work taking care of everyone elses sick little ones. It is nice to still be needed on the homefront every now and then-just wish everyone felt better. Anyway, I first came up with this recipe on thanksgiving weekend 2008. I sent my son to the grocery store for the ingredients when he called and said he could not find any dried peaches-which is what I wanted for the fruit. He said-how about dried blueberries and I thought-you know I bet that would be good! They turned out great. My husband said they were possibly the best cookie he had ever eaten. If you know my husband you know that's a great compliment. Anyway, be sure not to overbake these. They are a great alternative to chocolate chip cookies-and by the way if you notice typing errors-it's because the dog is asleep on my arm and I don't have the heart to move him!

My crew!

2009-02-01T19:05:00.001-05:00

Chicken, bacon &corn chowder

2009-02-01T16:53:00.005-05:00

1 rotisserie Chicken-chopped
1 small diced onion
4 stalks of celery-diced
1 1/2 C chopped carrots
7-8 diced potatoes
1 pint heavy whipping cream
2 large cans chicken stock
1 large bag frozen corn
1 package of fully cooked bacon slices-chopped
salt and pepper to taste

Mix chicken stock,potatoes,celery,and carrots. Boil until slightly tender. Add salt and pepper,bacon,corn, whipping cream and chicken. Thicken with 2 T. flour. Simmer until vegetables are soft and soup thickens

Broccoli Salad

2009-01-31T15:47:00.004-05:00

1 head broccoli florets
1/2 C. finely chopped red onion
1/2 C. raisins
1 C. Mayonaise
2 T. apple cider vinegar
1/4 C.sugar
6-8 slices of cooked crumbled bacon

Chop broccoli into small pieces. Place crumbled bacon,raisins, and red onion into bowl with broccoli. In a small bowl, mix together mayo,vinegar and sugar until smooth and add mixture to broccoli mixture. Serve immediately or refridgerate until ready to serve.

Smoked Turkey Salad

2009-01-30T22:44:00.005-05:00

- 2 boxes of instant Uncle Bens wild rice. Cooked according to box intructions then allowed to cool.
-2-3 Cups red seedless Grapes
-3-4 stalks of celery chopped fine
- approx 1# fully cooked smoked turkey breast-diced into cubes.
-mayo to taste-add just enought to lightly bind all ingredients.
Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Looks beautiful served on a bed of lettuce

Ya Ya Sisterhood table-Let me tell you how we did it!

2009-01-30T20:45:00.004-05:00

We started out first with a plain white tablecloth. Next we stretched a net purchase at Micheals over it then we put down white garbage bags in the center on top of this. We poured out play sand purchased from Lowes out in the center of the table and nestled random seashells in this. The bamboo placemats, the blue rocks pilled up around the plates,the glasses and the pearl looking shells were all purchased from the dollar tree! (for all of you familiar with this store) The arrangement in the center of the table was made from placing one small glass vase inside a larger one and filling the space between with small shells. The bundle of grass was purchased at walmart for $3.oo with the exception of the pampas grass cut from Teressa's yard after she sprayed it with hairspray so it would hold up. The shell covered candles and lanterns were purchased at Bealls. For those of you not familiar with this store, it is along the same lines as TJ maxx. The best purchase on the entire table was made by Teressa at Bealls and this was the large shell candleholders beside the arrangement. They were on clearance for 75 cents a piece!! Teressa thought they were so ugly but beauty is in the eye of the beholder and they fit in perfectly with our theme. We only had an hour to set up our table. All of this goes to show that you don't have to have a lot of money or time to put together something very elegant!

Ya Ya Sisterhood

2009-01-30T19:57:00.002-05:00

Last friday night our local chapter of Professional Women for Womens Health held their annual fundraiser called the Ya Ya sisterhood event. It is a night for women only that consist of a dinner,dancing with a live band,a silent auction and themed table decorating. I work with Children's Medical Center and our table theme was relaxation at the beach. Pictures of our table will follow. The tablesetting was so simple to pull together and very surprisingly inexpensive. Many,many thanks to Mrs. Teresa Merritt for her help pulling it all together-after all it was her idea that we do this right in the middle of flu and RSV season!

Welcome

2009-01-30T19:52:00.004-05:00

Welcome to my site. This is my very first blog. I'm new to this so please be patient. Please give me your thoughts,impressions and comments on the site. As I mentioned in my profile I am a busy mom of three and practice medicine but cooking and decorating is my second passion. My first truly is practicing medicine. I can't imagine doing anything else with my life. I love taking care of children and hope I do my career proud. My site hopefully is very simple and easy to get around on and all my ideas are simple but it's meant to be that way for busy moms. Also included are a few of my favorite health tips and advice. These are strictly good samaritian advice and tips. I hope you enjoy it!