Niece Patty got up a group from work to prepare and serve tonight's
dinner to the guests at the Ronald McDonald House located on/near the
Minneapolis campus of the University of Minnesota. She asked me a few
weeks ago if I'd like to help and I accepted and looked forward to the
opportunity to serve. Guess what. Every last stinkin' one of her
co-workers crapped out on her so she drafted Brother Dan and Sister
Julie to help us.

After pointing out that Julie's the worst cook in the family, I
commenced to making chicken a la king for the hungry masses. (Community
groups/company groups are invited to provide and serve one of 7 evening
meals weekly. Patty's company has done some and reduced their number
for this year; she opted to fund and organize it herself. Heh!) Did I
have a recipe to follow? No, I did not. Did Patty? Not exactly.
While they were deboning chickens (She was supposed to have done this
the night before and didn't; left them in her car overnight. Cold
chicken is a bitch to take apart. We nuked them to warm them slightly.)
I proceeded to make a roux of equal parts butter and flour. Used
canned chicken broth for the liquid and had cream of chicken soup and
chicken gravy at the ready if need be.

Let's just say that we were a resounding success. At least three women
wanted to know how I made the stuff; one guy's eyes lit up when he saw
what was on the menu * "Oh, man! I love this stuff. I haven't had it
since my mom died." The rest of the menu was a simple green salad,
veggie lasagne for the occasional vegetarian, french bread (redundant,
IMO), and tube biscuits to carry the chicken. I'd convinced Patty that
biscuits were a better vehicle for the sauce than the noodles she
planned. "How are you planning to keep those noodles warm? You don't
have to keep the biscuits warm." I should charge her for consultation
fees. :-)

I had a good time. I baked the biscuits while I worked on the sauce;
Dan sliced them; Julie put together the salad. Not sure what Patty did.



And I fell in love again. My new love's name is Jack. He was born with
half a heart and will undergo surgery to fix it later in the week. He's
8 months old, about the size of a 5-month old. And he was totally
charming. He was quite dashing in his pickle hat, too.

If you want to do something pretty self-serving, see if there's a RMH in
your neck of the world and find some folks who'll help you feed the
folks who are inexpensively housed while their littles undergo rigorous
medical procedures. You'll never feel better. Some folks are at the
house for a couple days, some for several weeks. For $15 night room and
board. God be with them.

We had a boatload of diced chicken left that I didn't use so I made
another batch of the stuff and we stuck it in the fridge for the house
guests to enjoy for a couple days. It's a serve yourself operation if
no group provides; the folks are on their own for meals. I would love
to round up some foodies to fix a meal for the folks.

I've got pictures and will post some in the next day or so.

Feeling all warm and fuzzy,
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.mac.com/barbschaller - Winter pic and a snow pic
http://jamlady.eboard.com
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amytaylor

On Tue, 30 Jan 2007 22:49:03 -0600, Melba's Jammin'
> wrote:

>Niece Patty got up a group from work to prepare and serve tonight's
>dinner to the guests at the Ronald McDonald House located on/near the
>Minneapolis campus of the University of Minnesota.

Snip

>Let's just say that we were a resounding success.

Snip

I would love
>to round up some foodies to fix a meal for the folks.
>
>I've got pictures and will post some in the next day or so.
>
>Feeling all warm and fuzzy,

Oh I would love to do something like that.
As you know, I work in neonatal intensive care units, and oftentimes
the parents are staying in places like this. I take care of their
babies, but I wish I could do more.

If I ever get to Minnesota for a contract (now actively looking) I
would be glad to be of service. Count me in. Wish I could afford to
come up there now, to help out,but I am still recuperating (although
much, much better) and I am too poor to travel.

Christine

Christine Dabney wrote:

> Oh I would love to do something like that.
> As you know, I work in neonatal intensive care units, and oftentimes
> the parents are staying in places like this. I take care of their
> babies, but I wish I could do more.
>
> If I ever get to Minnesota for a contract (now actively looking) I
> would be glad to be of service. Count me in. Wish I could afford to
> come up there now, to help out,but I am still recuperating (although
> much, much better) and I am too poor to travel.

There are also Fisher Houses on many military installation. Mr and Mrs
Fisher fund the homes and they provide accommodations for families of
military members.
http://www.fisherhouse.org/

> I've got pictures and will post some in the next day or so.
>
> Feeling all warm and fuzzy,

Enjoy the warm and fuzzies Barb, sit back with a cup of tea or a cold
beverage and know that one smiling and friendly face can make a difference
when your child is sick. Heck those things can make a big difference when
you are sick even as an adult. I will have to do some searching here for the
same service I am not sure Modesto has one as we don't have a children's
specialty centere here though I know there are some in San Francisco and
Fresno and Sacramento if I remember correctly.

Last year during Vacation Bible School we fed the kids lunch every day after
Bible School and every day our numbers climbed higher and higher just so
they could have a hot meal in the middle of the day. It made me wish I could
afford to feed them all summer long.

Cindi

> --
> -Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
> http://web.mac.com/barbschaller - Winter pic and a snow pic
> http://jamlady.eboard.com
> http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amytaylor

In article 1>,
"Michael \"Dog3\" Lonergan" > wrote:

> Melba's Jammin' >
> :
>
> > And I fell in love again. My new love's name is Jack. He was born
> > with half a heart and will undergo surgery to fix it later in the
> > week. He's 8 months old, about the size of a 5-month old. And he was
> > totally charming. He was quite dashing in his pickle hat, too.
>
> Steven will most likely fly up to your neck of the woods just to give you a
> kiss on the cheek, after I show him this post.

Tell him to bring his checkbook and aim for dead center. '-)
If I could find someone to fund a meal, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
I'd forgotten Steven's specialty.

> Wash U employees involved in the RMH here in St. Louis. Too bad about
> Patty's peers at work.

She needs a better set of friends, IMO.

> Michael <- sending hugs

Back atcha.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.mac.com/barbschaller - Winter pic and a snow pic
http://jamlady.eboard.com
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amytaylor

"Melba's Jammin'" > wrote

> "Michael \"Dog3\" Lonergan" > wrote:

>> Steven will most likely fly up to your neck of the woods just to give you
>> a
>> kiss on the cheek, after I show him this post.
>
> Tell him to bring his checkbook and aim for dead center. '-)
> If I could find someone to fund a meal, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
> I'd forgotten Steven's specialty.

Well, what kind of money are we talking about?

>> Wash U employees involved in the RMH here in St. Louis. Too bad about
>> Patty's peers at work.
>
> She needs a better set of friends, IMO.

I think that was terrible, though probably some of them did have
a good excuse.

>> Michael <- sending hugs
>
> Back atcha.

I was really touched by your story. You done good, and it's another
example of getting back more than you give, it seems.

nancy

Michael "Dog3" Lonergan wrote:
> "Nancy Young" >
> :
>
>
>>I was really touched by your story. You done good, and it's another
>>example of getting back more than you give, it seems.
>>
>>nancy
>
>
> I forgot to ask Barb what the chicken a la King was served over. Maybe
> rice, biscuits or perhaps puff pastry? I like the dish myself and usually
> buy those frozen puff pasty things with the hole in the center. I'll spoon
> the chicken a la King into the hole (like a bread bowl)and then a gob of it
> over the outside. Steven insists on mashed potatoes and peas, as side
> dishes, whenever I make it
>
> Michael

She said that she baked biscuits to go with the chicken.

Michael \"Dog3\" Lonergan wrote:
>
>
> I forgot to ask Barb what the chicken a la King was served over. Maybe
> rice, biscuits or perhaps puff pastry? I like the dish myself and usually
> buy those frozen puff pasty things with the hole in the center. I'll spoon
> the chicken a la King into the hole (like a bread bowl)and then a gob of it
> over the outside. Steven insists on mashed potatoes and peas, as side
> dishes, whenever I make it
>

In the OP she mentioned making biscuits.
It's been so long since I have had chicken a la king that I can't even
remember when I last had it. Those puff pastry things are called patty
shells here. We always have a package of them in the freezer because my
wife often makes one of my old favourites for me, creamed salmon on patty
shells. Now there is a quick, easy and delicious dinner. And peas are
perfect with it.

Dave Smith wrote on 31 Jan 2007 in rec.food.cooking

> Michael \"Dog3\" Lonergan wrote:
> >
> >
> > I forgot to ask Barb what the chicken a la King was served over.
> > Maybe rice, biscuits or perhaps puff pastry? I like the dish myself
> > and usually buy those frozen puff pasty things with the hole in the
> > center. I'll spoon the chicken a la King into the hole (like a bread
> > bowl)and then a gob of it over the outside. Steven insists on
> > mashed potatoes and peas, as side dishes, whenever I make it
> >
>
> In the OP she mentioned making biscuits.
> It's been so long since I have had chicken a la king that I can't even
> remember when I last had it. Those puff pastry things are called
> patty shells here. We always have a package of them in the freezer
> because my wife often makes one of my old favourites for me, creamed
> salmon on patty shells. Now there is a quick, easy and delicious
> dinner. And peas are perfect with it.
>

I put brie and lingonberry <sp> in those shells after they're cooked and
just re-heat them till the brie melts (with their caps on). Makes a nice
appetizer or starter.

Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> And I fell in love again. My new love's name is Jack. He was born
> with half a heart and will undergo surgery to fix it later in the
> week. He's 8 months old, about the size of a 5-month old. And he
> was totally charming. He was quite dashing in his pickle hat, too.
>
> If you want to do something pretty self-serving, see if there's a RMH
> in your neck of the world and find some folks who'll help you feed the
> folks who are inexpensively housed while their littles undergo
> rigorous medical procedures. You'll never feel better. Some folks
> are at the house for a couple days, some for several weeks. For $15
> night room and board. God be with them.
>
The Ronald McDonald House drive in Memphis comes up annually, sponsored by
local rock station and one of the TV stations. They don't do home cooking
(health regs) but they raise all sorts of money and the money is donated to
RMH. The children are treated (free of charge) at St. Jude Children's
Research hospital in Memphis.

The families live in RMH for free (there are two of them here now, thanks to
the fundraising efforts in the last 5 years, or was it that they simply
expanded the original? I can't recall). I can't imagine having to travel
to a strange city with a child with cancer and try to make a go of things
living out of a motel room. I'm sure they get donations of fresh produce
and other foods from Palazola Produce, Hardins Sysco, etc.

Even when I didn't have money (heh, like I have money now) I'd donate what I
could. In 2005 I managed to scrape up a $125 donation. Entitled me to a
T-shirt or something similar. Hell, just give them the money. This is a
very good cause.

And Barb, I'm sure your chicken a la king was wonderful. The best recipes
are those that are "winged" although I can't imagine cooking for 85-100
people. Bless you.

Jill

Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> Niece Patty got up a group from work to prepare and serve tonight's
> dinner to the guests at the Ronald McDonald House located on/near the
> Minneapolis campus of the University of Minnesota. She asked me a few
> weeks ago if I'd like to help and I accepted and looked forward to the
> opportunity to serve. Guess what. Every last stinkin' one of her
> co-workers crapped out on her so she drafted Brother Dan and Sister
> Julie to help us.


Thank goodness for family harmony, eh? Patty's co-workers should be
flogged.

What a terrific experience. Our CU medical school is building a new
campus. Children's Hospital will be housed there also, and they are
building a new Ronald McDonald House. I'm trying to interest a
neighborhood group into "adopting" the house as a once-a-month project.
We'll see.

I have already made the suggestion that our airport Ambassador
volunteers arrange to meet patients and parents at their plane to
facilitate their arrival. Our coordinator could get information from
hospital social workers regarding the arrivals.

Thanks for the reminder.

gloria p

One time on Usenet, Melba's Jammin' > said:

> Niece Patty got up a group from work to prepare and serve tonight's
> dinner to the guests at the Ronald McDonald House located on/near the
> Minneapolis campus of the University of Minnesota. She asked me a few
> weeks ago if I'd like to help and I accepted and looked forward to the
> opportunity to serve. Guess what. Every last stinkin' one of her
> co-workers crapped out on her so she drafted Brother Dan and Sister
> Julie to help us.

<snip nice story>

*Sigh* Why do people do that -- volunteer and then bail? Sure, some
probably had a good reason, but not everyone. Actually, I can answer
my own question -- they figure someone else will do it. And they
did. Congratulations Barb, you're someone... ;-)

--
Jani in WA

One time on Usenet, "Michael \"Dog3\" Lonergan" > said:
> "Nancy Young" >
> :
>
> > I was really touched by your story. You done good, and it's another
> > example of getting back more than you give, it seems.
> >
> > nancy
>
> I forgot to ask Barb what the chicken a la King was served over. Maybe
> rice, biscuits or perhaps puff pastry? I like the dish myself and usually
> buy those frozen puff pasty things with the hole in the center. I'll spoon
> the chicken a la King into the hole (like a bread bowl)and then a gob of it
> over the outside. Steven insists on mashed potatoes and peas, as side
> dishes, whenever I make it

I've only made chicken a la king once (i should do it again)
and I also used the frozen puff pastry bowls -- they're just
too handy and I loooove puff pastry in any form...

--
Jani in WA

In article >,
unge (Little Malice) wrote:

> One time on Usenet, Melba's Jammin' > said:

> > Minneapolis campus of the University of Minnesota. She asked me a few
> > weeks ago if I'd like to help and I accepted and looked forward to the
> > opportunity to serve. Guess what. Every last stinkin' one of her
> > co-workers crapped out on her so she drafted Brother Dan and Sister
> > Julie to help us.
>
> <snip nice story>
>
> *Sigh* Why do people do that -- volunteer and then bail? Sure, some
> probably had a good reason, but not everyone. Actually, I can answer
> my own question -- they figure someone else will do it. And they
> did. Congratulations Barb, you're someone... ;-)

Hey, I just like a party! And I try very hard to be a woman of my word.
And I try to know my own limitations. If I have the *least bit* of
doubt about my ability to participate in something, I'll say no for now
but if something changes at the last minute I'll call and see if you
still need me. Ask me to teach Sunday School. I'll say no before
you've finished the sentence. "-)
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.mac.com/barbschaller - Winter pic and a snow pic
http://jamlady.eboard.com
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amytaylor

Melba's Jammin' wrote:

> Tell him to bring his checkbook and aim for dead center. '-)
> If I could find someone to fund a meal, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.


How much does funding a meal cost?


--Lia

In article
>,
Puester > wrote:

> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> > Niece Patty got up a group from work to prepare and serve tonight's
> > dinner to the guests at the Ronald McDonald House located on/near the
> > Minneapolis campus of the University of Minnesota. She asked me a few
> > weeks ago if I'd like to help and I accepted and looked forward to the
> > opportunity to serve. Guess what. Every last stinkin' one of her
> > co-workers crapped out on her so she drafted Brother Dan and Sister
> > Julie to help us.
>
>
> Thank goodness for family harmony, eh? Patty's co-workers should be
> flogged.

I'm not sure what the excuses were - maybe illness, (and I'm thinking
you don't want sickies around kids with compromised immune systems, or
their parents) but Patty had decided she needed four people to pull it
off. She wound up with four competent bodies in the kitchen.
>
> What a terrific experience. Our CU medical school is building a new
> campus. Children's Hospital will be housed there also, and they are
> building a new Ronald McDonald House. I'm trying to interest a
> neighborhood group into "adopting" the house as a once-a-month project.
> We'll see.

It was a good time. <g> Dan is closest to me in age and he and I love
each other deeply. And the trash talk between us would have your head
spin. LOL! We both give as good as we get. Julie was more a mom to
me when I was little than Mom was. When I was six, Julie's the one who
told me that my dad died. She's a trip. I've another *excellent* story
about her, non food-related, and I'll put it on one of my websites when
I get to it.
>
> I have already made the suggestion that our airport Ambassador
> volunteers arrange to meet patients and parents at their plane to
> facilitate their arrival. Our coordinator could get information from
> hospital social workers regarding the arrivals.

Nice! Folks in those situations HAVE to be harboring at least *some*
fear about the immediate future; anything to make it smoother can only
be a blessing to them.
>
> Thanks for the reminder.
>
> gloria p


--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.mac.com/barbschaller - Winter pic and a snow pic
http://jamlady.eboard.com
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amytaylor

In article >,
"jmcquown" > wrote:

> And Barb, I'm sure your chicken a la king was wonderful. The best recipes
> are those that are "winged" although I can't imagine cooking for 85-100
> people. Bless you.
>
> Jill

<g>. Thanks. Creamed chicken SOS is a far cry from Beef Wellington but
my personal style is such that I really prefer to work alone. I enjoy
being a Benevolent Dictator, too. Rob and I were discussing it this
morning and I said that if I'd had my druthers, I'd just as soon make a
couple critical assignments, one being that someone else do the shopping
and the schlepping to the site, leave me the hell alone for the next two
hours, and then show up about 15 minutes before serving time. Having a
recipe to work from would have been nice, but it turned out to be not
necessary. I never viewed this as my party and I was glad to be able
to provide some important skill to it. :-) I gotta find somebody with
deep pockets so I can do this again. :-)
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.mac.com/barbschaller - Winter pic and a snow pic
http://jamlady.eboard.com
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amytaylor

In article >,
"Nancy Young" > wrote:

> "Melba's Jammin'" > wrote
>
> > "Michael \"Dog3\" Lonergan" > wrote:
>
> >> Steven will most likely fly up to your neck of the woods just to
> >> give you a kiss on the cheek, after I show him this post.

> > Tell him to bring his checkbook and aim for dead center. '-)
> > If I could find someone to fund a meal, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
> > I'd forgotten Steven's specialty.
>
> Well, what kind of money are we talking about?

A couple hundred dollars. The House site
http://www.rmhmpls.com/index.html says to plan for a $200-300 outlay;
Patty's budget was about $250 max. Based on the number of biscuits I
baked (130), the number that were left (30-40?) and the number of people
who put three on their plates instead of one <g>, I'll guess that we fed
more like 50-60 people. I had nearly as much leftover CalK as what was
served. It's available to the folks now.
>
> >> Wash U employees involved in the RMH here in St. Louis. Too bad about
> >> Patty's peers at work.
> >
> > She needs a better set of friends, IMO.
>
> I think that was terrible, though probably some of them did have
> a good excuse.

Agreed. AND if they couldn't provide their own body, I think they
should have provided a substitute.
>

> I was really touched by your story. You done good, and it's another
> example of getting back more than you give, it seems.

In spades. Then again, it doesn't take an awful lot for me to have a
good time. :-) And it is particularly gratifying to provide a service
where you have some competence. Maybe that's why I don't sew quilts.

> nancy
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.mac.com/barbschaller - Winter pic and a snow pic
http://jamlady.eboard.com
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amytaylor

In article 1>,
"Michael \"Dog3\" Lonergan" > wrote:

> I forgot to ask Barb what the chicken a la King was served over. Maybe
> rice, biscuits or perhaps puff pastry? I like the dish myself and usually
> buy those frozen puff pasty things with the hole in the center. I'll spoon
> the chicken a la King into the hole (like a bread bowl)and then a gob of it
> over the outside. Steven insists on mashed potatoes and peas, as side
> dishes, whenever I make it
>
> Michael

Patty was going to put it on noodles until I straightened her out on
THAT! We used cheap tube biscuits. I'd have preferred a flaky biscuit
that could have been easily separated upon serving, but she bought
buttermilk biscuits and Brother Dan sliced them in half for serving.
Worked fine. I think puff pastry might have been spendy, though that
would have been a lovely base.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.mac.com/barbschaller - Winter pic and a snow pic
http://jamlady.eboard.com
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amytaylor

"Melba's Jammin'" > wrote

> "Nancy Young" > wrote:

>> Well, what kind of money are we talking about?
>
> A couple hundred dollars. The House site
> http://www.rmhmpls.com/index.html says to plan for a $200-300 outlay;
> Patty's budget was about $250 max.

And you are willing, as you said, to do the job if you had the ... dough?
Heh. Do I have that right?

>> I was really touched by your story. You done good, and it's another
>> example of getting back more than you give, it seems.
>
> In spades. Then again, it doesn't take an awful lot for me to have a
> good time. :-) And it is particularly gratifying to provide a service
> where you have some competence. Maybe that's why I don't sew quilts.

That cracked me up.

nancy

I feel the need to explain about my co-workers. First, last year our
Community Service Group decided to do 5 CFK in 2007. Then as our
calendar for the year's events filled, they decided to drop it to 3.

Because of my passion for the House, I decided to do this one on my
own. Some others from Champion said they would help as did other
friends.

3 of my usual CFK workers are in Las Vegas for work - yes, they are
truly working. LAS is a big base for our operations. Another friend
came down with the crud and didn't want to be near the kids. Another
co-worker's kid was sick. Another friend had a meeting scheduled on
Monday for Tuesday after school.

Fortunately, I am blessed with some of the best family in the world.
They have always been there for me as I will be for them. I knew Barb
would love doing this. My Uncle Dan is a great cook too and my Aunt
Julie loves to help others (BTW, as Julie says, she isn't the worst
cook, she just doesn't like to cook).

Barb and I had talked about the food to be served and the recipe - I
just hadn't thought about biscuits with it and had done spaghetti at
the house previously - keeping the noodles hot was OK in the big ovens
- biscuits just sounded better. I'd thought of mashed potatoes, but
didn't want to peel that many potatoes!!

Yes, I was going to debone the chicken Monday night, but after I got
home from seeing Madeline Albright at 9:30 - I was too pooped!

I always overestimate on the amount of food - it's an inherited trait
from my Mother (Barb, Julie and Dan's sister). But as Barb says, the
food will get eaten by those that are at the hospitals until late at
night.

I also brought 6 crates of clementine oranges - they loved having
fresh fruit.

Barb's commented about what was I doing - well, I was setting up the
serving line with the plates, to-go containers, bowls, plastic ware,
etc. the desserts (carrot cake & cookies - yup I did forget to cut
the cake).

And yes, I visited with some of the staff. I've helped bring four
labradoodle puppies from Tulsa to Minneapolis the last two years. The
pups have been auctioned at the Gala and have raised $20,000! Last
year one of dogs was donated back to the House. His name is Jerry -
and he's delightful - check out their website www.rmhtwincities.org
and on the front page is a link to a story that one of the local TV
stations did - BTW that same station has done stories on Barb and all
her winnings at the State Fair.

I'm working with the House on creating Jerry's Fund to pay for his
expenses - food, treats, vet bills, treats, grooming, treats,
training, treats, toys and oh, yes - treats.

As Barb said, find out if there's an RMH near you - or Fisher House -
or any other charity that needs help - your rewards will be much more
than what you give.

I know I'm blessed to be part of such a wonderful family - Barb's not
only my Aunt, but a great friend as well.

Niece Patty

On Tue, 30 Jan 2007 22:49:03 -0600, Melba's Jammin'
> wrote:

>Niece Patty got up a group from work to prepare and serve tonight's
>dinner to the guests at the Ronald McDonald House located on/near the
>Minneapolis campus of the University of Minnesota. She asked me a few
>weeks ago if I'd like to help and I accepted and looked forward to the
>opportunity to serve. Guess what. Every last stinkin' one of her
>co-workers crapped out on her so she drafted Brother Dan and Sister
>Julie to help us.

(snip)

>Feeling all warm and fuzzy,

You did good

> wrote

> I know I'm blessed to be part of such a wonderful family - Barb's not
> only my Aunt, but a great friend as well.
>
> Niece Patty

Wow, you're awfully nice to her after all the things she's said about
you?? (laugh) That was a great thing you did.

nancy

In article >,
"Nancy Young" > wrote:

> > wrote
>
> > I know I'm blessed to be part of such a wonderful family - Barb's not
> > only my Aunt, but a great friend as well.
> >
> > Niece Patty
>
> Wow, you're awfully nice to her after all the things she's said about
> you?? (laugh) That was a great thing you did.
>
> nancy

What're you talking about? I haven't said anything about her that I
haven't said to her.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.mac.com/barbschaller - Winter pic and a snow pic
http://jamlady.eboard.com
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amytaylor

In article >,
"Nancy Young" > wrote:

> "Melba's Jammin'" > wrote
>
> > "Nancy Young" > wrote:
>
> >> Well, what kind of money are we talking about?
> >
> > A couple hundred dollars. The House site
> > http://www.rmhmpls.com/index.html says to plan for a $200-300 outlay;
> > Patty's budget was about $250 max.
>
> And you are willing, as you said, to do the job if you had the ... dough?
> Heh. Do I have that right?

Sure. I'd find somebody to help. Probably starting with Patty. :-)

> >
> > And it is particularly gratifying to provide a service
> > where you have some competence. Maybe that's why I don't sew quilts.
>
> That cracked me up.

I am a person of instant gratification. Sewing takes too long. That I
ever finished a number of knitted and crocheted afghans and counted
cross stitch pieces still amazes me.
>
> nancy


--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.mac.com/barbschaller - Winter pic and a snow pic
http://jamlady.eboard.com
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amytaylor

"Melba's Jammin'" > wrote

> "Nancy Young" > wrote:

>> Wow, you're awfully nice to her after all the things she's said about
>> you?? (laugh) That was a great thing you did.

> What're you talking about? I haven't said anything about her that I
> haven't said to her.

Just a little joke.

nancy

In article om>,
wrote:

> I feel the need to explain about my co-workers. First, last year our
> Community Service Group decided to do 5 CFK in 2007.

FYI: CFK = Cooks for Kids (the name of the volunteer project at RMH).

> own. Some others from Champion said they would help as did other
> friends.
>
> 3 of my usual CFK workers are in Las Vegas for work - yes, they are
> truly working. LAS is a big base for our operations. Another friend
> came down with the crud and didn't want to be near the kids. Another
> co-worker's kid was sick. Another friend had a meeting scheduled on
> Monday for Tuesday after school.

Fine. They're still a bunch of weasels for not getting somebody else's
body to replace their own.

> Julie loves to help others (BTW, as Julie says, she isn't the worst
> cook, she just doesn't like to cook).
> Niece Patty

Wrong. She IS the worst cook.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.mac.com/barbschaller - Winter pic and a snow pic
http://jamlady.eboard.com
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amytaylor

Melba's Jammin' wrote:

> I gotta find somebody with
> deep pockets so I can do this again. :-)

How much would it cost to create this kind of meal again?
Any substitute menus in mind? (Beef stew, chili, hotdish?)
I'm just waiting for someone to suggest another RFC cookbook.
(g/d/r)

gloria p

Melba's Jammin' wrote:

> We used cheap tube biscuits. I'd have preferred a flaky biscuit
> that could have been easily separated upon serving, but she bought
> buttermilk biscuits and Brother Dan sliced them in half for serving.
> Worked fine. I think puff pastry might have been spendy, though that
> would have been a lovely base.

Could you have served it in small bowls, topped with squares of flaky
pie crust which had been baked on cookie sheets?

gloria p

In article >,
"Nancy Young" > wrote:

> "Melba's Jammin'" > wrote
>
> > "Nancy Young" > wrote:
>
> >> Wow, you're awfully nice to her after all the things she's said about
> >> you?? (laugh) That was a great thing you did.
>
> > What're you talking about? I haven't said anything about her that I
> > haven't said to her.
>
> Just a little joke.
>
> nancy

Hokay.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.mac.com/barbschaller - Winter pic and a snow pic
http://jamlady.eboard.com
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amytaylor

In article
>,
Puester > wrote:

> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>
> > We used cheap tube biscuits. I'd have preferred a flaky biscuit
> > that could have been easily separated upon serving, but she bought
> > buttermilk biscuits and Brother Dan sliced them in half for serving.
> > Worked fine. I think puff pastry might have been spendy, though that
> > would have been a lovely base.
>
> Could you have served it in small bowls, topped with squares of flaky
> pie crust which had been baked on cookie sheets?
>
> gloria p

That might have been a nice way, too. Different. Kind of a half-assed
pot pie. <g>. It would've been a commercially made pie crust, I
think. Something like a drop biscuit (I'm thinkin' Bisquick or similar)
might be a nice thought, too.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.mac.com/barbschaller - Winter pic and a snow pic
http://jamlady.eboard.com
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amytaylor

Melba's Jammin' wrote:

> I am a person of instant gratification. Sewing takes too long. That I
> ever finished a number of knitted and crocheted afghans and counted
> cross stitch pieces still amazes me.


I find this fascinating. I cook because I still have remnants of the
picky kid in me. I know that the cook doesn't have to make anything she
doesn't like. I make quilts because I adore the instant gratification.
I make a thousand little decisions about which color and shape would
look best where. Then I see and feel the quilt take shape under my very
own fingertips. I haven't donated to Ronald MacDonald houses, but
there's a good organization that takes home made quilts for gifts to
kids in crisis (also anyone getting chemo treatments). The idea is that
the kid can have something that's cuddly and all his/her own to hold
onto when getting shots or other treatments. I've donated to them.


--Lia

In article >,
Puester > wrote:

> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>
> > I gotta find somebody with
> > deep pockets so I can do this again. :-)
>
> How much would it cost to create this kind of meal again?
> Any substitute menus in mind? (Beef stew, chili, hotdish?)
> I'm just waiting for someone to suggest another RFC cookbook.
> (g/d/r)
>
> gloria p

I don't know, Gloria. I'd have to think it through and right now I'm
still cursing because I lost about an hour's worth of work writing it up
for my dotmac blahblahblog. The site has some menu suggestions --
mainly "if you and your family would enjoy it, these folks probably
would, too." I CANNOT now *find* the freakin' page with that info on it
-- I've actually written their volunteer coordinator and asked for a
link. Geez.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.mac.com/barbschaller - Winter pic and a snow pic
http://jamlady.eboard.com
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amytaylor

"Melba's Jammin'" > wrote

> Puester > wrote:
>
>> Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>>
>> > I gotta find somebody with
>> > deep pockets so I can do this again. :-)
>>
>> How much would it cost to create this kind of meal again?
>> Any substitute menus in mind? (Beef stew, chili, hotdish?)
>> I'm just waiting for someone to suggest another RFC cookbook.
>> (g/d/r)

> I don't know, Gloria. I'd have to think it through and right now I'm
> still cursing because I lost about an hour's worth of work writing it up
> for my dotmac blahblahblog. The site has some menu suggestions --
> mainly "if you and your family would enjoy it, these folks probably
> would, too." I CANNOT now *find* the freakin' page with that info on it
> -- I've actually written their volunteer coordinator and asked for a
> link. Geez.

Well, if you decide you want to do that again, I know we can work
something out. Email me.

nancy

In article 1>,
"Michael \"Dog3\" Lonergan" > wrote:

> Melba's Jammin' > news:barbschaller-
> :
>
> >>
> >> Could you have served it in small bowls, topped with squares of flaky
> >> pie crust which had been baked on cookie sheets?
> >>
> >> gloria p
> >
> > That might have been a nice way, too. Different. Kind of a half-assed
> > pot pie. <g>. It would've been a commercially made pie crust, I
> > think. Something like a drop biscuit (I'm thinkin' Bisquick or similar)
> > might be a nice thought, too.
>
> Gawd that's weird. I thought the same thing and then figured if I
> mentioned it people would think me crazier than I already am. I like the
> drop biscuit idea, maybe with some chive baked into them.
>
> Michael

Notice how I don't let things like that slow me down. '-)
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://web.mac.com/barbschaller - Winter pic and a snow pic
http://jamlady.eboard.com
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amytaylor

On Tue, 30 Jan 2007 22:49:03 -0600, Melba's Jammin'
> wrote:

>And I fell in love again. My new love's name is Jack. He was born with
>half a heart and will undergo surgery to fix it later in the week. He's
>8 months old, about the size of a 5-month old. And he was totally
>charming. He was quite dashing in his pickle hat, too.
>
>If you want to do something pretty self-serving, see if there's a RMH in
>your neck of the world and find some folks who'll help you feed the
>folks who are inexpensively housed while their littles undergo rigorous
>medical procedures. You'll never feel better. Some folks are at the
>house for a couple days, some for several weeks. For $15 night room and
>board. God be with them.
>
>We had a boatload of diced chicken left that I didn't use so I made
>another batch of the stuff and we stuck it in the fridge for the house
>guests to enjoy for a couple days. It's a serve yourself operation if
>no group provides; the folks are on their own for meals. I would love
>to round up some foodies to fix a meal for the folks.

Barb, you're a sweetheart. Thanks so much for giving this to us.

I'm not bad at chopping onions. Let me know when you want my help in
the kitchen.
--

modom

http://www.koyote.com/users/modom/home.html

On Wed, 31 Jan 2007 16:27:25 -0500, Julia Altshuler
> wrote:

>Melba's Jammin' wrote:
>
>> I am a person of instant gratification. Sewing takes too long. That I
>> ever finished a number of knitted and crocheted afghans and counted
>> cross stitch pieces still amazes me.
>
>
>I find this fascinating. I cook because I still have remnants of the
>picky kid in me. I know that the cook doesn't have to make anything she
>doesn't like. I make quilts because I adore the instant gratification.
> I make a thousand little decisions about which color and shape would
>look best where. Then I see and feel the quilt take shape under my very
>own fingertips. I haven't donated to Ronald MacDonald houses, but
>there's a good organization that takes home made quilts for gifts to
>kids in crisis (also anyone getting chemo treatments). The idea is that
>the kid can have something that's cuddly and all his/her own to hold
>onto when getting shots or other treatments. I've donated to them.

Utterly off-topic but ... when you're (the collective YOU) are making
quilts, keep in mind local old folks' homes. A homemade quilt is MOST
welcomed, believe me.

TammyM, gram's in an old folks' home

TammyM wrote:

> Utterly off-topic but ... when you're (the collective YOU) are making
> quilts, keep in mind local old folks' homes. A homemade quilt is MOST
> welcomed, believe me.


The guild I used to belong to did one better. The old folks pieced tops
as part of their occupational therapy. They could hardly see, and they
didn't have the best fabric to work with from the start. The stitches
were terrible, and their fabric choices were the worst. And they didn't
want to quilt the quilts. (For the unitiated, that is, they didn't want
to do the stitching through all 3 layers to hold them together. They
only wanted to make the tops which is considered the fun part.) Still,
no one could stand the idea of letting them think they were making
something useful, followed by throwing the attrocities away. My guild
would take the tops, add fabric to make them more appealing, layer them,
and quilt them with fabulous decorative machine stitching. Then we'd
donate them to wherever the old folks wanted the quilts to go.


But recently I've been donating quilts to the cancer ward of one
particular hospital. A friend organizes. People getting chemotherapy
can get very dry skin which makes even ordinary sheets feel like
sandpaper. Also, the wards tend to be airconditioned to very cold. We
make quilts with flannel backs, colorful tops, and the lightest
polyester batting.


--Lia

On Wed, 31 Jan 2007 21:14:34 -0500, Julia Altshuler
> wrote:

>TammyM wrote:
>
>> Utterly off-topic but ... when you're (the collective YOU) are making
>> quilts, keep in mind local old folks' homes. A homemade quilt is MOST
>> welcomed, believe me.
>
>
>The guild I used to belong to did one better. The old folks pieced tops
>as part of their occupational therapy. They could hardly see, and they
>didn't have the best fabric to work with from the start. The stitches
>were terrible, and their fabric choices were the worst. And they didn't
>want to quilt the quilts. (For the unitiated, that is, they didn't want
>to do the stitching through all 3 layers to hold them together. They
>only wanted to make the tops which is considered the fun part.) Still,
>no one could stand the idea of letting them think they were making
>something useful, followed by throwing the attrocities away. My guild
>would take the tops, add fabric to make them more appealing, layer them,
>and quilt them with fabulous decorative machine stitching. Then we'd
>donate them to wherever the old folks wanted the quilts to go.
>
>
>But recently I've been donating quilts to the cancer ward of one
>particular hospital. A friend organizes. People getting chemotherapy
>can get very dry skin which makes even ordinary sheets feel like
>sandpaper. Also, the wards tend to be airconditioned to very cold. We
>make quilts with flannel backs, colorful tops, and the lightest
>polyester batting.

Not snipping a damned thing. WOW, Lia. Fabulous! God bless each and
every one of you for ALL of your endeavors. Old folks be near and
dear to my heart, but goodness knows, kindness and generosity are
needed all over the place.

God bless you and your kind heart,
TammyM

TammyM wrote:

> WOW, Lia. Fabulous! God bless each and
> every one of you for ALL of your endeavors. Old folks be near and
> dear to my heart, but goodness knows, kindness and generosity are
> needed all over the place.


Aw, shucks. I make it sound like I do nothing but make quilts for
donation. The truth is that I make quilts that I like, enter shows, try
to sell some, and donate a few now and then. I make an effort to be
good, but I'm not good through and through. Your kind words are
appreciated, though.


--Lia