We’re almost halfway through July already. I’m not sure how that happened so quickly, but it’s time once again for a break to remember the best parts of the week with Susanne and friends at Living to Tell the Story.
1. Job provision. I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that the particular service desk where my youngest son, Jesse, worked was closing. But the company felt they had places for everyone at other desks. (Same company, same location, but they do IT work for a variety of businesses.) He got confirmation just yesterday that he was hired for another desk, pending a security check–which should not be a problem since he cleared security before. There was no reason to think it wouldn’t all work out, but it’s a joy and relief to know it did and his immediate work future isn’t in question.
2. Recipe updates. A few years ago, I organized notebooks for recipes I had cut from newspapers and magazines and, more recently, printed out from the Internet. For some time now, I’ve wanted to go through those, pull out what I didn’t want any more, and add in some new ones. I had a strong desire earlier this week to accomplish something that did not involve the computer, so I spent a few evenings sorting, culling, adding, and rearranging the recipes in the notebooks. I still have a couple of small notebooks to do, but I went through the biggest ones. It felt quite good to do so! And as an added bonus, we had a few laughs over “What was I thinking when I cut this out?” recipes, like this one:
Jim said, “Yep, that makes a mockery of pecan pie.” I like pinto beans, but not masquerading as pecan pie filling.
3. A successful new recipe. Oddly, after all that recipe shuffling, I was uninspired to cook this week. But I pulled out one recipe I’d wanted to try for a while, Asian Lettuce Wraps. I didn’t have some of the ingredients on hand, so I made a simplified version using ground turkey instead of chicken. It was really good. We had some romaine leaves on hand that Jim uses in place of tortillas for tacos and hamburger buns to try to reduce his carbs, so we used those. I think I might try Bibb lettuce next. This is a versatile recipe that can be adjusted for various substitutes, so I am sure we’ll be using it again.
4. Chung’s Mini Frozen Egg Rolls. These are very good and do surprisingly well in the microwave. They made a nice supplement to the Asian wraps for both dinner and lunch the next day.
5. Good toilet paper. 🙂 When TP was in short supply during the pandemic, we got some of the lowest bargain basement brands as “extras.” We hadn’t had to use them much. But this week I missed going to the store at my usual time, and we ran out of TP. I opened one of the individually wrapped store brands–and I was never so glad to finish a roll of toilet paper in my life. Think the worst public gas station TP. Yuck. This may sound silly, but since we use TP every day, and it affects our hygiene and comfort level, I’m happy our regular brand is readily available these days.
How are you this week?
Stray Thoughts 
I’m laughing about two of your faves: the “pie” recipe is for people who are allergic to PECANS (not apples). It’s supposed to taste similar to pecan pie. I only know this because my niece has to be nut free and pintos for some reason are used as a replacement in certain recipes. It’s not supposed to represent apple pie.
The other thing: we are with you on TP…well me and my daughters are anyways. My husband will buy whatever is cheapest so I make sure that I do the buying. We are TP snobs. hahah I always use coupons and buy it at the dollar store where the name brand we love (Cottonelle or Angel Soft) is cheaper than at target or grocery stores. We have the cheap stuff in the basement just in case.
OOH..I’ve made something similar to that asian recipe you shared….It’s been awhile though Thanks for the reminder. I’m going to try this one you mentioned! I too am trying to cut back on the yucky carbs and replace with healthier ones.
I hope you have a nice relaxing weekend
Sorry, I had apple on the brain. I corrected what I said about apple pie to pecan pie. It does make sense that this might be a substitute for those allergic to pecans. But I still maintain that the recipe doesn’t *sound* like it would be good. Or healthy, either, with two cups of sugar.
We used some off brands of TP during the pandemic when we couldn’t find our favorite, and they were ok. But this was just about the worst ever. 🙂 I’m just thankful TP shortage is not an issue any more.
Love your Friday’s Fave Five. I agree with you about the toilet paper. 🙂 Have a blessed weekend! 🙂
Hi Barbara. This post made me laugh a bit – the parts about the TP (which I COMPLETELY get and agree with) and the “mock pecan pie” recipe. That’s doesn’t sound like something I would make, or even eat! So glad that you son was able to move to a new job within his company and isn’t unemployed. I hope you have a good weekend!
Ha ha — your toilet paper bit makes me think of our toilet paper; for decades, it’s been Scott (which is pretty much “gas station toilet paper” in my opinion!). However, my husband insists on it to avoid clogs. I can appreciate your joy for the plush stuff, though! I also smiled at your desire to do something non computer-related. It’s crazy how, in just the past 20 years or so, so much of our lives have become computer-focused! I too need to sort recipes of the type you mentioned. And HA on the “mock pecan” pie 😉 Yay for Jesse’s job! And — re. the photo on my blog — I noticed the “blob” too and honestly can’t remember if it was some type of bird or some dirt on the window (I’ll go with a bird since that’s a more pleasant thought) 🙂
That’s wonderful that your son was hired immediately. One worry less. I don’t cook anymore, I have my shop where I choose my meals for the whole month and they are very good. (frozen of course) for me alone I am too lazy !
I think if we did a poll, almost everyone would consider themselves TP snobs. For good reasons.
Has Jim tried spring roll wrappers? I love them for any Asian wrap.
Good news for your son’s job change! I’m sure there will be no problem with the security check.
Have a good week–no mock pecan pie!
Congratulations to your son!!!!
Yes, your recipe “adventure” is funny. Beans?!?
And about the TP: I’m not fussy about the types, (even though, of course, softer is better) considering I have tried grape leaves as TP when up in the mountains many years ago…..😂
I was excited to see your recipe photo…. until I read the ingredients. Wow.
So glad your son has a job and that his company cared enough about their employees to seek to keep them all. Bravo.
Marina (above) on grape leaves! Oh my. Glad you are done with the pandemic TP.