Donut of Misery, the 2011 version

Although I certainly wouldn't choose to have my sweet husband deployed, I understand better than most why he has to go, and support him in what he does - and part of that support is offering up some humor whenever possible. I suppose it also helps that I've been downrange a time or two myself. 

It's been way too long...but I'm back.

It's almost mind-boggling to me how long it has been since I've blogged. It's been, actually, since I was about 20 weeks pregnant, which seems like a lifetime ago. In some ways, it was a lifetime ago. More on that later.

Chicken and white bean chili and a trip to the Keys

I have been spoken to firmly about why I haven't been posting, so I'm back now and deciding to update this woefully neglected blog.  In my defense, I spent the last two weeks in FL with my Mama - she had surgery (nothing complicated), and I flew down there to help take care of her, cook, grocery shop, all that good stuff.  We also managed to make a trip down to a family friend's home in the Keys...in my opinion, there's nothing more healing than salt water and the sound of the ocean.  Our friends - who you would recognize if you were at our wedding, as Richard gave the father of the bride speech, he was one of my Dad's closest friends and he and his wife have always been close with me and my Mom - have the most lovely house on the Gulf of Mexico. 

Rant Blog

Today's blog has nothing to do with food, but rather, a rant that I've been wanting to have for awhile but so far, I've only had to John. However, I'm going to go ahead and have it here because I can.

Chicken, veggie, and fruit kabobs

Just for fun, I thought I'd throw some easy recipes out there for summertime.  John just got a new grill for his birthday, so every weekend we like to grill steaks, burgers, et cetera. However, I really want to start experimenting with things outside of the standard grill and BBQ fare, and so I am starting small and working my way up.

Casserole disasters and tooterfish dreams...

Lately, I've been a kick where I want to make casseroles. King Ranch casseroles, tuna fish casseroles, anything that I can just throw into a dish and then throw into the oven sounds good to me. Unfortunately, however, the love of my life is much less interested in these pursuits than I am, and so nary a casserole has been seen in my kitchen.

Secret blogs and Chinese Chicken Lettuce Wraps

So, friends in the blogosphere, you've noticed that my blog has become private. I'm completely safe, and there's nothing crazy going on with blog stalkers or people who have become violent in an attempt to make me confess my Mom's secret bulgogi recipe. (Don't get any ideas - I'll cook it for you anytime, but I'd never share the actual recipe. Have you ever been beaten with chopsticks? I have, and it's not pretty.)