Thank you to everyone for your prayers, thoughts, and well wishes. Emotionally and physically I have been drained. I felt like I was bearing a burden I didn't know how to continue to bear. We are still waiting for answers to Grumpy's health issues, but with me starting to feel better and more myself, I will be able to deal with his issues with him better than if I were in so much pain still.
I was so touched by so many messages I received and they all were greatly appreciated. Just yesterday afternoon, Grumpy came in the house and said to me, "Who do you know in the Netherlands?" LOL. I immediately knew I must have received a card from Marthe of Culinary Delights. Marthe is one awesome woman. She is so thoughtful and kind and someday will make some young man a very lucky man. Not only did Marthe send me a get well card, but she sends me one with the most adorable little kitten on it. This young girl, who lives so far away, seems to know what I like so well without even meeting me in person! Thank you Marthe!
I especially want to thank my son Justin for coming on here with his adorable post (and must I say it made me smile so big to see him say what he did!) to let you all know I made it through my surgery. I'm sure if I asked him or Kristina (or even Christopher for that matter!) to post something for me, they would have done it! Even if Justin would have had to post something "box made." lol
I haven't had much of an appetite. The surgery was done through my throat. I had to have a tube down my throat, and they also had to move my esophagus aside to get to my spine. It really is a scary procedure when you think about where they go through to get to what they need to do. BUT, I was in the most capable hands in Northern New York and he did an awesome job. I was actually only in the hospital one night. The hardest part has been the nausea from the anesthesia and the drugs. I'm not complaining about the weight I have lost from it! I do think that he should have considered a "chin lift" while he was at it though. hehe.
Right before I went into the hospital I received the Kraft Food & Family magazine. I had seen a recipe for skillet potatoes with cheese and bacon. I knew I would be making that dish as soon as I was up to it....and last night was the night. This is a very simple dish and of course, it is yummy....it has bacon! and cheese! How could it not be yummy? If your not a meat eater, you could substitute the Morning Star Farms Bacon Strips (which I think are just as yummy and better for you than the real thing).
Skillet Potatoes with Bacon & Cheese
adapted from Kraft Food & Family
5 medium sized red skinned potatoes, scrubbed and thinly sliced
5 slices thick sliced bacon
1 medium onion
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Salt & Pepper to taste
Fry bacon until crisp, remove from pan and set aside. Remove all but 1 tablespoon bacon fat from pan. Add chopped onion and cook for 1-2 minutes, then add layers of sliced potato. Season to taste, cover, and cook until potatoes are tender. Approximately 20 minutes. Stir 2-3 times during cooking time. When done, turn off heat, sprinkle cheese over potatoes, then sprinkle bacon. Let sit for about 5 minutes then serve!
Lynda
Glad that you are feeling better. Don't try to do too much.
This dish is comfort food at its best! Looks great!
Lynda
So glad that you are feeling better!This dish looks yummy and comforting! Take care of yourself; don't try to do too much.
The Duo Dishes
That is a breakfast that will have you feeling good no matter what.
Kevin
Potatoes with bacon and cheese is such a great combo!
JMom
Welcome back! I'm glad to hear that all went well with the surgery and you're already up and about. Imagine that, you're already cooking! 🙂
BTW, Justin did a great job guest blogging for you!
Take it easy, don't do too much too soon.
Bellini Valli
We are so happy to hear that you are feeling so much better and I am sure you will be able to tell when you need to rest. Your family was just so cute and we appreciated getting an update from Justin. We know you are in good hands:D
Pam
Justin is so sweet, I was glad to hear you are on the mend.
The skillet potatoes would be so delicious for breakfast right now - they look fantastic.
Gera @ SweetsFoods
Shelby Very Happy to see you here!!! Take it with calm and hope a rapid full recovery :))
Btw, delicious skillet potatoes!!
Cheers for you!!
Gera
Sabrina
Shelby! I have been so out of the blogging loop lately... And I didn't even know you were having surgery.
I hope your recovery is going well and that you are relaxing peacefully!
Thinking of you!
Take care!
Elyse
I am so thrilled to hear that you're feeling better. I've been thinking about you lately and anticipating your welcome-back post. Keep up the recuperation!! Here's hoping you helped yourself to a big ole serving of those wonderful skillet potatoes (maybe those were enough to bring back some semblance of an appetite?). Keep feeling better!!
Creative One
I am so happy that you are starting to feel better. Hope all Grumpy's health issues get worked out. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Delicious looking dish!!! I am definitely going to make that soon.
shellyfish
So so so happy to see you're on the mend, but please don't over do it! Take your time and heal fully!
Sounds like it was kind of scary - you're a real trooper!
Jo
I am so glad you are feeling better... please be easy with yourself, still! *hugs* and good thoughts to you 🙂
Darius T. Williams
Glad you're feeling better...um, pass the potatoes PLEASE! WHEW! Those look divine.
CookiePie
I'm SO glad to hear that you're on the mend! Thinking of you and wishing you all the best for a safe, speedy and full recovery.
tamilyn
Glad to hear that it is better each day!
I too just saw that recipe and looked at the Dude and said it would have to make an appearance soon!
JyLnC
I'm glad you're feeling better and this looks easy and delicious. I think I might try it with Canadian Bacon which is a little healthier than regular bacon.
recipes2share
It is so good to have you back again - We have missed you! Fiona X
Megan
Yay for feeling better! Interesting way to perform the procedure, but it does shorten the recovery time, doesn't it?
Glad you're back in action, feel better and keep the paid meds close by!
Gabe's Girl
Yay! I am so happy you are feeling better! You are a trooper, no doubt about it. You are amazing to cook so soon during recovery. Take care and get plenty of rest.