Just a quick update.  My brother passed away on September 14.  He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on June 28.  He went very quickly and now is without pain.  During his illness I became ill with a viral infection called Parvovirus B19.  I had two emergency room visits and spent three days in the hospital while they tried to find out what was wrong with me.   In children it is called fifth disease, but if it hits adults it attacks the joints.  In my case it settled in the hips.  I am slowly recovering.  It's been three weeks now and I'm still using a walker.  Each time I try and just use walking sticks I pay for it in the evening with lot's of pain.  I'm trying to be patient and I do realize that each day I'm getting a little stronger and I'm thankful for all of your prayers offered in my behalf.  My brothers's have teased me that I have a puppy disease and I've gone to the dogs.  HA HA  My brother in law teased me about what some people will do for attention.  HA HA again.   Thanks for the love. 

Broccoli Salad

I typed this one up for myself today and thought I better add it here too. This recipe is from my Aunt Vickey. I have had a lot of Broccoli Salads, but this one is my favorite.

Broccoli Salad Vickey Carlson

2 heads broccoli – cut into very small bite-size pieces
12 strips bacon – crisped and crumbled
1 small apple – chopped fine
½ onion – chopped very fine/ or grated (maybe less if onion is strong)
1 cup grated cheese
1 cup sunflower seeds


Dressing:
½ cup mayo
½ cup sugar
2 Tbsp. white vinegar


Mix dressing and pour over salad just before serving.

Santa Rosa Rice Salad

Santa Rosa Rice Salad

1 box long grain wild rice (Uncle Bens Original) cook and let cool
1 lemon, juiced
3 boneless skinless chicken breast, cooked, seasoned, and cubed
4 green onions, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
1 yellow pepper, chopped
3 oz. pea pods, blanched 1 minute
2 medium avocados
1 cup pecans, chopped
¼ - ½ cup cilantro, chopped

Dressing:
2 cloves garlic
1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon sugar
¼ teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup rice vinegar
1/3 cup olive oil

Mix up dressing. Add everything together, except avocados and pecans, including dressing and chill 2 to 4 hours. Just before serving add nuts and avocados.