'You reap what you sow!'

Good Evening,

We went to Alan's appointment; then picked up a few groceries for our larder, and once home, completed some tidbit calls.

Basically, there is the 'Sports Medicine procedure', whereby, the doctor 'culls' the severity of the injury. Only those who require surgery are selected; hence the 'culling' method, to 'weed out' those who do not qualify for such an operation. We were led to believe that today's appointment was with the actual surgeon; so it is a bit of a 'letdown' for both Alan and I. However, the doctor has put Alan on a 'priority' list for surgery with the highly specialized surgeon, sooner rather than later. It could be anywhere from two to six months; and the doctor is hopeful, that Alan may have already had surgery before he sees him next, which is in approx six weeks. Meanwhile Alan has been given 'north / south' exercises to do; and must also take an anti inflammatory once a day. He can do those bittidz exercises with no pain; however, it will help build up his general knee stamina. Alan is not able to do any lateral movements (side to side) as it is too painful. Apart from going through various 'hoops', ie.'the process' it takes to get there, the surgery is well worth the wait!

On a more sobering note; yet, it is good news! Justice is happening; and no doubt, "others" in due course, will be 'located', exposed, charged criminally, and appropriately, as per their 'actions, words, and deeds'. Madoff today entered a 'guilty' plea on eleven counts, including perjury, fraud, money laundering etc. He will be in jail until his June court date; and it appears that he will incur a jail sentence up to 150 years. Very hard to even comprehend that Madoff (he took approx $65 billion!!!) and "others" (greedy 'so and so's'; am being diplomatic here) can knowingly conduct themselves and bring about the drastic domino / downfall / ruin of so many innocent bystanders (in excess of 5000 investors, including charities!), throughout the world.

Even some banks / financial institutions /mortgage / insurance companies / whatever; should 'reimburse' the money ( given as huge bonuses /payout packages) to their various CEOs' and top executives . Perhaps 'this money' should be 'reinvested' back from 'their pockets', to FUND and ASSIST with the current 'credit freeze'. Definitely should 'give back' as much money as possible, to help stabilze and stimulate the U.S. struggling economy. By instilling and restoring confidence to the public.

On a lighter, more palatable and digestive note, as in a tidbit 'food for thought', while I was waiting for Alan, re: his appointment, I very happily found in a magazine, two bittid recipes, that looked delicious, economical, and easy to prepare!

CREAMY CRAB & RED PEPPER SPREAD: Great for the ease and breeze of entertaining!

2 green onions (thinly sliced and divided)
1 cup (250 g)Philadelphia light cream cheese spread
1 can (120 g) chunk crabmeat, drained
1/2 cup shredded cracker barrel (old cheddar cheese light. made with 2/% milk)
1/2 cup finely chopped red pepper
1 TBSP Dijon Mustard

(Ritz - baked with whole grain crackers)
Reserve 2 TBSPS onions, mix remaining onions with all remaining ingredients, except crackers, cover.
Refrigerate for at least an hour.
Sprinkle with reserved onions. Serve with crackers.


CAKEBALLS (the new cupcakes!): Perfect as a fun adventure for all ages! I ultimately will enjoy making this with my grandchildren when they are a little older! LOL! Brings to mind, we are all 'kids' at heart!

Take one box of cake mix, one can of frosting, and create truffle-like bundles of tasty innovations!
A FAVOURITE is: Bake a chocolate fudge cake (according to directions on box). Let cool. Then break up into tiny pieces (use food processor for this).
In a large bowl, mix in one can of chocolate frosting, with the cake crumbs. Use a one-inch ice cream scoop to form balls of cake.
Freeze on sheet pan, until hard. Melt one bag of coating chocolate over a double broiler.
Do cakeballs in chocolate and let excess drip off.
Decorate with sprinkles or different coloured chocolate.
Methinks if you choose a white cake / white frosting, you can use 'food colour dye' in the frosting to have different colours of cakeballs! Enjoy!



Alan is making his homemade batch of 'AL'S SOUP'; a tidbitz tasty way of 'stretching meals'. (If you wish, you can refer to February 23rd post, 'Recipes for positive food for thought!' for Alan's soup); and also here is the recipe again!

"Al's Soup

2 chunky soups (meat & vegetable - already prepared)
1 can of water
1 small can of corn
4 medium sized potatoes cut into small pieces (cook separately)
1/2 cup fresh carrots chopped
1 TBSP lea & Perrins Worchestershire Sauce
1 TBSP Maggi
1 tsp dry 'Colonel Mustard'
1 TBSP 'Bisto' (mix in hot water)
1/2 tsp Tabasco

Oregano, Rosemary, Marjoram, Sweet Basil, some seasoning, salt & pepper.

My tidbit on 'Al's Soup' (delicious!) The potatoes should be cooked separately only to soften them a bittidz, so when added to the pot, they are somewhat cooked! That helps! Also, 'Colonel Mustard' knows what he is doing; provides excellent flavouring. LOL! The herbs are from our garden; which made 'Al's Soup', 'extra special!' Nothing like appreciating and enjoying your own home grown produce!"



Also another bittidz soup (turkey) creation from Alan, can be found in my October 16/08 post: 'A Perfect night for soup!'

"Last, but not least", - as per my post of January 24th, 'Food for Thought!', there is a mouthwatering recipe for 'Crab Croustini with Baby Shrimp'. I have yet to embark upon that recipe; however, rereading it, makes me 'rethink the situation again!' LOL!

Have 'rearranged' that cupboard (shown in January 24th post)recently; and apart from housing the majority of our cookbooks, our family albums are now residing there as well. The albums had been 'dumped' in a bittid box in our garage; and methinks photos are like tidbitz 'treasures'; and why not have them close at hand. Talk about bringing 'memories to you!'

Tidbit - It is expressed that 'one can not hide the TRUTH from Him; and the TRUTH, always catches up with one'.

Bittid - Ask Him each day, for His 'Guidance','Gift of Grace', and 'Understanding'. That helps each and every one of us to make simpler and good choices / better decisions in our lives: ie HONOUR, TRUTH, & INTEGRITY etc.

It is still a beautiful evening; and we have much to be thankful for! 'Praise Him In ALL Things!' I LOVE the photo image, of the 'Armour of God'; you can refer to my September 25/08 post, if you wish a bittid of background.

'Maureen', our neighbour has just 'arrived' home. Do not think she is ready to absorb even a tiny bit meal; however, we will set aside some soup in a freezer proof container for her (and her caregiver), when she is 'up to it'. Just nice for her, to be out of the hospital and resting in the peaceful and warm comfort of her home!

Speaking of soup, away I go; I am now starving - particularly having made mention of all these recipes! Mmmmm. LOL! Am looking forward to enjoying a glass of the South African red wine with our repas! Skal!

Good Night, Peace, and God Bless.