Today was Billy's birthday!    I imagine Jean is cooking him a fantastic birthday dinner!

I haven't had a lot of time to compose my thoughts and share what's happening on our new adventure.

I love being close to the ocean!  I really like our new employer.  I love the fact that the grocery stores here have incredible gluten free selections!

The park . . . . rustic is a kind word.  Our rig is a 97 . . . . I think it's the newest rig here.  I realize how truly blessed that Bob and I are able to live the life we do and have our health.  I was not sure I wanted to stay . . . and I still have my doubts  (Jeff & Berta offered to help us move back to Wa. in the Spring).  Most of the residents seem very nice - but very down on their luck, disabled, or ?  There are a lot of senior citizens in here that live in conditions that make me want to cry and I understand why the owners turn a "kind eye".   It is a far cry from the millionaire class at the golf course . . . we are making sure that we keep everything locked up, at least until we feel more comfortable with the residents.  There used to be a lot of druggies in here and they have all been evicted.  

The owners have gone out of their way to accommodate us and make sure that we are comfortable.  I have a business cell phone, a "nice" RV site, extra storage space, they are installing broadband internet and a land line for us - at their expense.  2nd day I got keys, combinations, a laptop, CC swiper for the cell phone, and all the necessary passwords and accounts.  We have a view of the river through the evergreens and the dumpy trailers.  As rough and decrepit as 90% of these rigs are . . . most of them have Christmas decoration!  

Bonus points . . . my desk looks out onto the Alsea River.  Although we haven't seen them yet, there are elk, river otters (and baby otters!), and lots of different ducks and birds.  Beaches are close!  Now to find doctors and explore all the things there are around here (including bead stores, crafty places, harbors, etc)  We are not quitters so we will see how much of a difference we can make!  Karin said we would fit right in . . . I don't want to fit right in, I want to be an example!

Trixxee, Maryann, Daphne - everyone in the path of the fires and freezing weather - are you all OK?  Please take a moment when you can so that this old lady doesn't worry . . . .

It's time to review our Mystery-Box meals. What did you make with:

• Reimagined Thanksgiving leftovers
  
• Almonds
  
• Popcorn
  
• Bacon
  
• Zucchini
  

• 1 C Leftover sage stuffing
  
• 1 C Shredded leftover turkey
  
• 1 C Popped popcorn
  
• 1/2 C Ground almonds
  
• 1/2 C Grated zucchini
  
• 2 Rashers of cooked bacon, crumbled
  
• 1 Egg
  
• 2 Tbsp Finely chopped Italian parsley
  

• 1 Egg, beaten
  
• Cornstarch, as needed
  

• 1/2 Can (7 Oz) Cranberry sauce
  
• Sliced, pickled jalapeños, to taste
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  

1. Combine all ingredients together in a large bowl. 
   
2. Form mixture into 6 croquettes (about 1/2 C of mixture per croquette).
   
3. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. 
   
4. Dip a croquette into beaten egg to coat.
   
5. Roll the croquette in cornstarch for a light coating. 
   
6. Repeat with remaining croquettes.
   
7. Deep fry the croquettes (in batches, if necessary) at 350F until the insides are 165F.
   

• Purée all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
  

What's for dinner?

I have no idea since we won't be home. Ron has to take his dad to an appointment, then is meeting me at 5:30 for Katie's first high school basketball game. I have to keep a separate calendar on the fridge with all the b-ball games listed for Katie, Abby, and now Tommy. So, we might be eating hotdogs from the concession stand.

Yesterday was officially the end of Hurricane Season, so now we can start using up this year's bottled water, Spam, etc. 

Anyone have any plans, or will you just gradually work the stuff into everyday meals here and there?

Another week and we're almost in December!  What's on the menu for tonight?

Is everyone eating light leading up to the big day?  Bone-in rib eyes were on sale for $5.99/lb so we picked up a couple.  We'll share a grilled steak tonight (these things are huge), broccoli and romaine salad jazzed up with a little frizzled proscuitto and bleu cheese crumbles.

I know it's a little but does anyone have any interest in doing a Secret Santa?

What's for dinner?

Today is Ron's birthday and he wanted a pork roast. So, I got up early this morning to prep a pork shoulder roast and get it in the oven. Since this makes several meals, the l/os will get put into foodsaver bags for future meals. Will have mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, and of course, birthday cake.