Day 3 in the Hospital

Well, here I sit once again in a hospital room wide awake while Jerry is sound asleep. No big deal, that's the way it is most nights at home. He didn't get much sleep last night. It was a doozy, but now with the pain medication adjusted and solid food on the menu, he's doing much better. In fact he's progressing better than the norm. We're very thankful for that. He had some visitors today and also received lots of cards and calls wishing him a speedy recovery or offering to do anything needed. Boy it's great to have such a great family and great friends. I used to take that for granted, but I sure don't anymore. I know there are at least two patients on this floor that have had not one visitor. I don't know if they have any family or not. I don't know what kind of surgery the other patients have had, but Jerry's kept me pretty busy doing lots of little things he can't do by or for himself yet, and If I weren't here he'd have to call the nurse tech (that's what they call them here). She has five or six other patients to tend to and if she had to help Jerry like I have been, she'd spend most of her time in here. I guess that's why they encouraged me to stay. It also explains the built-in bed in each room. It looks kind of like a window seat with attached cushions. A single sheet fits over it quite nicely and the patient can call you any time during the night and easily wake you when help is needed. Hummmm!!! Good News! We should be out of here Monday. I'm looking forward to my samo, samo routine. Another thing I use to take for granted and even sometimes bemoaned, but it looks pretty inviting right now. Wow, I'm on a roll. I've posted twice in three days on this blog. Maybe next time I'll have another new recipe to share. I'm looking for a Cream Cheese Kringle recipe. Can't wait to try it!

Happy Birthday to me!!

This will be a very memorable birthday for me. I'm sitting here in a hospital room while Jerry sleeps -thank goodness he can. He had his surgery today and everything went well except for the long wait to get to surgery. We arrived at 11:30 A.M., he was taken to pre op at 12:30 P.M., but didn't get to the operating room until 4:30. He was in recovery a little after 7:00 and got to his room at 9:15. What a day. He hasn't eaten solid food since Wednesday morning. However, I'm not complaining, and he isn't either YET, because the surgery was completely successful. Of course, we won't know for sure about the cancer until Monday when the path report comes back, but the doctor was very confident that it was all contained within the prostate, and since that's been removed ---wa la ---he's cancer free. Yipee!!! Now the long recovery and keeping him from overdoing. The first two weeks shouldn't be a problem, but after that I may have to get mean.

One other thought before I sign off. I sure am blessed with great family and great friends. Thanks!

P.S. He was sleeping. He's now asking for ice. That's a good thing.

Danish Kringle

Well, I gave it a try. I attempted to make a Danish Kringle. This is the recipe I liked the best. I think it's one of the easiest. Here's the recipe and pictures of the results.

Kringle Recipe

Yeast Dough Ingredients

1 Pkg yeast 1/2 Cup cold butter
1/4 Cup warm water (110º) 2 Cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt 1/2 Cup warm milk (110º to 115º)
1 egg beaten 1 Tbsp sugar

Nut Filling Recipe Glaze Recipe
1 1/2 Cups finely chopped pecans 1 Cup powdered sugar
1 Cup firmly packed brown sugar 4-5 tsps water
1/2 Cup butter (room temperature) 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Mix all ingredients thoroughly.

The dough
In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
Mix flour and salt in large bowl. Using a pastry blender cut the cold butter into flour and salt mixture until particles are the size of small peas. Add yeast mixture, sugar, warm milk, and egg. Beat until smooth (dough will be very soft). Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours but not more than 24 hours.

When ready to use, remove from refrigerator, punch down dough and divide in half. Return the other half to refrigerator. On a well-floured surface, working quickly, roll into a 15 x 10 inch rectangle, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch think. (If dough gets too warm from handling, return to refrigerator)

Spread half of the prepared nut filling down the center of the rolled-out dough rectangle in a 2 inch strip. Fold sides of dough over filling, overlapping 1 1/2 inches; pinch edges to seal.

Form roll into a circle and pinch ends together. Place seam side down on a large greased baking sheet. Repeat same process with remaining dough and filling. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes or until double in size.

Preheat oven to 375º. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes.

Spread Glaze over Kringles. Sprinkle with chopped pecans.

Haddon Thomas DeMoure's 3rd Birthday

Haddon turned three November 17. He wanted his birthday party at Grandpa and Grandma's, and as you can see he had quite a time. He was so excited he didn't eat his cake and ice cream. Oh yeah, I think he finally ate half of a cupcake. He sure had a good time. He couldn't believe he got just about everything he asked for. 

We finally got all five grandkids in one place at the same time just long enough to snap a photo. It isn't the best, but at least you can see them all. 

Mom's 90th Birthday Bash

Mom had a great day Saturday. She made it all day and into the evening. We went to Celebritys for dinner after the open house. Lots of pictures were taken, and I attempted to get the best ones in this little slide show.