Saturday Surfing July 18

I can’t believe that this is the next to the last Saturday in July. I had meant to do some serious planning so I could be more effective in the fall but it doesn’t look that that is happening any time soon. We are having a great time this summer, trying to get in things like mountain biking, the fountains at a local mall, and lots of family time. We met my oldest daughter and son-in-law there last week for a picnic and had a great time. I have started making Sean and Nick wear T-shirts because they are so prone to burning even with sunscreen.

Nick (9) enjoying the fountains. It was 102F at 6 p.m.

Yes, that is my SON. He likes his hair long and I see no reason to change that. Unfortunately he takes a lot of flack for it..but then, so did Matt until he got old enough to stick up for himself. I sure don’t understand people.

I had my followup with oncology on Wednesday. No cancer cells were found in the tumors, however they did find follicular cells which are an indicator. So I had three options:

1. Have biopsies every 3-6 months to monitor changes
2. Have the problem half of the thyroid removed and have biopsies yearly to monitor changes
3. Have the whole thing taken out and go on medication to replace the thyroid hormone

I chose #3 because I need thyroid hormone anyway. I have most of the indicators of hypothyroidism, including (blah) weight gain. Hopefully they will be able to get it adjusted to where I can actually eat. I don’t mind not having an appetite/not eating but I hate that despite the low calorie intake I am gaining weight… and I am exhausted much of the time.

Anyway..that should be going down in the next two weeks sometime. I will not miss a whole lot..because it should only be about two days in the hospital and then home. I will let you know for sure when I know.

Here are my picks for some of the coolest recipes of summer…

• Deeba at Passionate About Baking has an amazing chicken and cheese lasagne with homemade ricotta. Her images are always beautiful.
• Kevin at Closet Cooking created a Roasted Strawberry Saganaki Salad which sounds unusual and delicious..and looks fantastic.
• Valli created a delicious looking and sounding Mediterranean  Pasta Salad with her usual magic abilities in the kitchen. So much More Than Burnt Toast on her blog!
• Dharms Stuffed Peppers. ‘Nough said. Dad~Baker & Chef is one of my favorites, even if Dharm does have a slight persona confusion with Agent 007.
• Caitlin at Engineer Baker always has yummy stuff when I stop by…Sour Cherry Pie certainly qualifies!
• Did you see Kelly’s (Evil Shenanigans)  Spicy Red Bean Soup?  It goes on the favorites list.
• Diana from Cookerati has a great post about Farmer’s Markets. I want to go to mine, I should, and I will..if only Marc didn’t work on Saturdays, I didn’t hate driving downtown, and other excuses.
• Lemon Pi, Green Tea Macarons
• If you ever wanted to know how to do Marshmallow Fondant then head over to I Heart Cuppycakes
• Susan at Sticky, Gooey, Creamy, Chewy posted a great recipe for Creme Fraiche Ice Cream

I know it’s short and sweet today but I have a little girl with an upset tummy who needs mommy time.

image: (c) marye audet