Yesterday I met up with my friend, Betty, for lunch at Panera Bread Company in Eagan. Betty & I met about 17 years ago, when I transferred over to the preschool center that she was working at, on Grand Ave, in St. Paul. I actually became her boss, but that was just a title for me, she ran the school much better than I did and I could certainly rely on her for any and all questions that I had. We made a great team and had a fun time working there. I eventually left to be a stay-at-home mom, but we have kept in touch ever since. We used to see each other more often than we do now, but our lives have gotten busier and we manage to see each other once each season…spring, summer, winter & fall. Although it’s been so many years since we worked together, Betty & I can sit down and start talking like it was yesterday. We keep each other up-to-date on our families as well. My family updates are much duller compared to her stories. Betty’s are like a soap opera and I can’t wait to hear what I missed. Sad, isn’t it? But we share the good and the bad news and that’s what keeps us connected. Betty is retired now and is enjoying traveling with her husband, playing with her grandkids and having lunch with good friends. Sounds wonderful doesn’t it. Yay Betty, you made the blog!!
Betty & I goofing around w/my camera.
Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day…it is also the day Megan gets her braces put on. This morning, I drove Megan over to the orthodontist for her appointment. It was suppose to take two-hours to put these full-mouth braces on, but after an hour, she texted me and said that she was done. I took that as a good sign.
Working on a beautiful smile...
When I was in 9th grade, I had to have braces, so I knew her mouth would be a little sore for a day or two. This got me started on a day of cooking soft foods. I had gone grocery shopping the day before and picked up some cinnamon rolls (one of Megan’s favorite treats). I read the directions and it said to take them out, put them in a pan and let them rise for 4-6 hours, then cook. Perfect, I thought. I’ll make them for an afternoon treat. Well, by 2:00, they were still as little as when I took them out. No rising had occurred. So I put them in the microwave and made chocolate chip cookies instead.
Nothing like a pan of warm cookies!
My plan worked…the heat from the oven, helped the cinnamon rolls get started on their rising process and by 5:00, they were ready to bake. So instead of afternoon treats, we enjoyed them for dessert.
Mmm...dig in!
Some of my other “soft foods” included, Wild Rice Soup for dinner tonight and I made a big batch of spaghetti sauce for the crock-pot tomorrow.
Warms you right up!
Just add garlic bread!
Megan appreciated the easy-to-eat foods. It’s tough those first few days and just trying to adjust to your eating habits. The one thing Megan was craving today was a smoothie. Since it was so nice out today, she and her two friends walked over to McDonalds and enjoyed these. Nice idea and good to hang out with friends to keep your mind off of your teeth for awhile.
I’m sure Megan will be chewing her food in a normal fashion within a few days and all will be well again and no Motrin needed. I’ll be happy about that, because I’m not sure how long I can go, only making soft, mushy foods. ha~
Ahhhhhh, thanks for the kind words. Going to work didn’t really feel like
work when you were the director!
Megan, hang in there!!!
Elizabeth
What an enjoyable way to spend sunday lunch catching up with your dear friend.Hope Megans mouth feels better soon,you are a good mum all those yummy soft treats.