by Ann
My sisters and I hosted a small celebratory dinner for Dad for his 86th birthday, with most of his immediate family and a couple of his friends, in attendance. Like most families, we have the jokester, the tormentor, and the usual sarcasm. We know each other’s secrets and some other things, too. We get along then we don’t. We love each other, but could annihilate with a glance or an admission, as in. “I recall, when thus and so happened.” Some get along well, some better than others and some don’t get along well at all. Some are jealous, some arrogant, some too sweet and kind. Some honest and some manipulative, as they listen and observe what’s happening then lay in wait to use it to their advantage, or to laugh, or jab about it at a later date.
Some think eating at McDonald’s is the greatest, while others never eat fast food and everyone thinks that they are right. Some drink a lot and others not much. And pictures can be deceiving… as the one holding two wine bottles doesn’t indulge much at all.
Some are happy. Some are genuine and some are fake. Some are silly, some are serious and most are a mix of everything depending on their mood. Some will be angry that I put this on the internet. Others will think it’s cool! Pretty much the typical family!
And we have a former, Bishop of Oklahoma, to bless it all!
Through it all and in spite of everything, there is the connection of love. We are family! Family is the backbone of America. Not the government, but FAMILY. Those with it have a strength and support and don’t have the need to lean on others. Thank you Dad for being our impervious leader.
Happy Birthday Dad!!!
I love you very much!
Dad with his four daughters…
“We are family! I’ve got all my sisters with me!”
Debbie did the work. We all just showed up!
The joke:
at some sporting event, or in the locker room, or while chewing the fat and drinking together…
eyes out thoroughly. Just relax.
Then relaxing with a friend, munching salad and shrimp and sipping beer, at Southern Hills Country Club. A cozy, safe and wonderful world!
The next day, after visiting with friends, and before my drive back to Texas even though, I knew that it would make my four hour drive back to Texas, start a bit late, I just had to go to Goldie’s Patio Grill for one of the best burgers ever!
It was days and nights of visiting and eating. What could be better? Not much! 
I am walled in by large trucks as we crawl along. Something is not right. Something is really off! Too slow and the back up looks like it goes on forever! 
To begin, put five slices of center cut bacon on a papertowel, then into the microwave for five minutes. I don’t use a microwave often, but for crispy bacon, it’s the best and the papertowels absorb the grease. Perfection!
saute all the vegetables in the Brummel and Brown yogurt butter, add the splash of lemon juice, along with about a glass of white wine, and garlic salt to taste and parsley. Simmer while you continue preparation, taking sips of wine and nibbling cheese and olives as you go. Prepare the frozen peas in microwave as directed on the package, then pour into bowl and mix with butter, add salt and pepper to taste. Now, that I think about it, I do use the microwave several times in preparation of this dish.
Boil water, add olive oil and salt then add spinach noodles. Boil three to five minutes, making sure not to over cook.
When noodles are al dente, drain. Then in a large bowl combine the noodles and vegetables including the peas. Add a bit more garlic salt, parsley, and also more wine and butter and a generous sprinkling of Parmesian Cheese. Toss then place pieces of Havarti cheese on top. Place the bowl in the microwave for a minute to a minute and a half, until the Havarti is melted. 
Crumble the crisp bacon strips then sprinkle on top. 
