The Bear got his test results back from the VA this past Thursday, and it was a very funny experience.
Early afternoon we went to Warrensburg Clinic to get his cholesterol, sugar readings and all the other test results and Dr. Paul told him he had lost 7 1⁄2 pounds and that his stats on everything were terrific.
He then commented that he really knew that I had been making him eat properly or these tests would not have come back as they did.
Grouchy Bear said, “I really want some biscuits and gravy more often.”
Dr. Paul placed one hand on each shoulder and said, “My friend, you need to listen to her very carefully.”
The scowl on “Bear’s” face was priceless.
As we left the office, the doctor walked us out to the counter and said, “God bless you, lady, and keep up the good work!”
The “Bear” said, “Oh, no! Don’t tell her stuff like that.”
As a special reward, I fixed him biscuits and gravy the next morning. I used Bisquick Lite for the biscuits, low salt bacon and skim milk for the gravy. Every little bit helps.
One of the comments made by “Bear” was that he is concerned about his survival. He commented on his weight loss and said, “You are making me waste away to nothing.”
Company chicken casserole
3 cups cooked, cut chicken
1 - 6 ounce package Uncle Ben’s long grain and wild rice
2 cans French-style green beans, drained
1 can cream of celery soup
1⁄2 cup light mayo
2 ounce jar pimentos
1 can water chestnuts, sliced
Slivered almonds for topping
Mix all ingredients, except almonds in a large bowl. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes in a 9 x 13 pan. Top with almonds before baking. If you do not like almonds, they may be omitted and you can put a topping of bread crumbs and a few drops of butter substitute for the topping.
Easy cheese fries
If you have potatoes in your kitchen and they appear to be ready to sprout, peel, slice and boil them partially. Drain, cool and freeze. When needed pop frozen potatoes into boiling water, finish cooking and then mash.
Another great potato idea is to combine frozen French fries with a cheese sauce and bake until bubbly. Make the cheese sauce with light shredded cheddar and low fat margarine and mix well. Then microwave until melted and mix with the potatoes.
Making every attempt to prepare meals that are “heat resistant” we had hot dogs one evening. I made up the frozen French fry suggestion (above) and it was a great meal. A friend told me to use sweet pickle juice to boil the hot dogs and it really did taste pretty good. I had kept the juice from an empty jar of pickles and added water to it for the boiling.
God has blessed us with a good week. I hope each of you has had a blessed week, too, and I will see you next week.
