Update to the Ongoing Saga

Remember how I once said people who are ill just love to talk about their illness(es)? I guess I'm no different than them. In fact, I guess I am one of 'them' because here I go talking about my ailments (smile).

A few weeks ago I ended up at the doctor on an unplanned visit. I'd noticed a lump or a bump behind my left ear, and a swelling on my neck on that same side. At first I didn't think anything of it, I mean who doesn't have lumps and bumps every now and again? But when the one behind my ear got to hurting, so much so that it was really uncomfortable to wear my reading glasses, well, I called the doctor.

I was hoping to score an appointment the next week, she's really busy so even that was going to be a challenge, but when I explained why I wanted the appointment I heard COME NOW!

So there I was getting all poked and prodded about forty-five minutes later. She even drew about a gallon of my blood. 'Look', she said, 'don't worry about this until I tell you to worry about it, okay?' Worry? Me? I hadn't been a bit worried until she told me not to worry!

The doctor gave me a prescription for some kick-ass antibiotics, told me to take 2,000 milligrams of them each day, come back if it wasn't gone in two weeks and then she'd run a CT-scan and do a biopsy, etc.

Thankfully within two days the pain behind my ear was a thing of the past. That meant I could wear my glasses and get back to reading!

HSM had loaned me four books that I was yearning to dig into--the Dexter saga! You know, from the Showtime series? Dexter? The sensitive serial killer?

Within a week and a half the lumps and bumps were all gone. I don't know what caused it but I'm thankful as can be that it's history.

You be good and be careful, take care, stay strong.

Hugs, Tawny
248-615-1300

School Is In Session

It's been more than a little while since we've had Tawny's Cooking
School and today just feels right somehow to have a session.

Okay, I'm gong to explain how to make a Banana Pudding. First off, this isn't a traditional Banana Pudding. Your Mamaw down in Alabama would be appalled at this method, unless she's thoroughly modern and is tired of standing over a hot stove to make one (smile).

Ingredients:

2 packages (3.4 ounces each) vanilla instant pudding

3 cups cold milk

1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip whipped topping (or the store brand where you shop)

1 large box of vanilla wafers

At least 6 good-sized ripe bananas

In a good-sized mixing bowl add the milk and vanilla pudding. Whip with electric mixer at medium speed until it's nice and thick.

Fold in the container of whipped topping. Make sure it's all mixed together.

Peel and then slice, medium thickness, your bananas.

Line a fairly good size glass bowl or glass pan with a layer of vanilla wafers. Then:

Add a layer of sliced bananas.
Add a layer of pudding mixture.
Add a layer of vanilla wafers.
Add a layer of sliced bananas.
Add a layer of pudding mixture.

And you keep going like this until you either run out of bananas and pudding or your bowl is full, ending with vanilla wafers on the top.

Cover with a lid or saran wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
Overnight is best but sometimes you just can't wait to eat it.

This is so good! And it's not super-duper sweet like the traditional ones are.

I made one of these this morning for dinner for tomorrow night. I'm roasting a turkey with all the trimmings and banana pudding will be the perfect dessert.

Be good and be careful, take care, stay strong.

Hugs, Tawny
248-615-1300