What does the Farmer say? Farm Lines?

I love farmers. I love parodies. Put them together and you get these. No, I couldn't choose which one, so you get the chance to experience both.

And next time you eat--thank a farmer. Hey, it's almost Thanksgiving here in America. Add these folks to your thankful for list. You won't be having dinner without them!

Cell Block, uh... Spell Block Tango

 The first has a favorite as Cap'n Hook, the second has my favorite villain. How to choose?

Either way, enjoy some Disney magic from Chicago.

A Little Klingon Music For Saturday

(And yes, I know I missed blogging yesterday...I'll catch up.)

The Plus One Report

I planned to write this blog yesterday, but I was distracted by a breadstick. It just goes to show me, that a distraction doesn't have to be shiny!

So, on with a few comments on the HyVee Employee Recognition banquet.

I learned some interesting facts about the company (waving to the social media watchers!) and enjoyed the CEO's talk. A room with nearly 800 people can raise a lot of energy. And this was only one of many recognition events. HyVee is a big company.

Jennifer--with her 5 year flowers

The sister tends to be a little shy, and I know the recognition part of the evening was a bit of a trial. She stood in a LONG line waiting her turn to cross the stage, and get her picture taken with the CEO shaking her hand. While being shown on two huge screens. I complement the organizers for, well, their organization. Getting that many people organized and across the stage in a relatively short amount of time was pretty impressive.

My hands hurt from clapping for each and every one of those recognized. In a world where people tend to float from one job to another (been there, done that), I'm impressed with the number of folks who've worked for HyVee for 20, 30, 40, 45 years!

yum, blurry lettuce

Of course I critiqued the meal. Hey, I'm a cook. It's what I do.
The salad was crispy and delightful--a lettuce wedge with bacon and bleu cheese crumbles, although the accompanying bleu cheese dressing made it a bit heavy.


For the main dish there was the requisite chicken breast with a fresh salsa. The chicken was well cooked and juicy--kudos. Three medallions of beef were okay. I do take issue with the potatoes. Mashing purple potatoes makes a grayish, gooey mass. They tasted okay, but...

Three wilty, overcooked asparagus dressed up the plate.




Dessert--chocolate cake. Well, half of one. With the other half a mass of whipped cream that tasted like a pre-made product with just a bit more vanilla and sugar. There was a tiny bit of sauce, I suppose vanilla, but I couldn't really tell. And a half strawberry for garnish. Now, if it were me, I would have put the strawberry so the pretty side shows, rather than the cut side.

    All in all, it was a delightful evening that I enjoyed sharing with my sister. Thank you to HyVee for the grand event, and especially for hiring a bus so I didn't have to drive! It's the small things...

All It Takes Is A Little Dough

To make a common breadstick into something... else.

Or is it only in my mind?

And no, I didn't serve this one at lunch today.

The Plus One

This evening the sister is one of many being recognized by HyVee for years of service. The fun will take place in another city, in a huge venue with a grand number of guests. I'm her plus one and delighted to be there to support her.

Besides, we'll be riding a bus with other employees. I don't have to drive!
There will be a meal that I don't have to cook or clean up after. Of course, out of professional interest, I will critique said meal and service. No matter where I go...

We need a relaxing evening and some sister time. So being the plus one is a good thing. 

National School Lunch Week 2014

At my DDJ (Delightful Day Job) it's National School Lunch Week. We're joining in with schools across the nation in celebration of healthy and tasty school lunches. This year's theme is, as shown in the picture, School Lunch Across the USA. After dividing the nation into five regions, I've planned lunches that feature foods and dishes from each area. Hey it worked out great--five regions, five days, five fun meals. (If you're interested in the menu, you can hop over to the lunch lady blog and see what's for lunch each day.)

National School Lunch Week facts--

Created in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy, NSLW is:

**A celebratory week of events and activities promoting the benefits of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).

**The NSLP began in 1946 and is the largest of the federal child nutrition programs.

**In 180 school days, 5.2 billion school lunches are served in 99,000 schools— that is approximately 32 million healthy

meals per day!

**95% of U.S. elementary and secondary school students are enrolled in schools that participate in the NSLP.

The wild and colorful board in my lunchroom.

So, even though the government is shut down--and yes, that does affect school lunch programs--we're havin' some great food this week and celebration the diversity of our nation.

But tell me...what was your favorite lunch when you were in school? (Chili and cinnamon rolls is still a favorite here!)