Easy Holiday Main Dish–Squash Pie

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easy holiday main dish squash pieAn easy main dish squash pie for Thanksgiving dinner is definitely breaking from tradition and can be difficult for a family.

When my husband heard our friend was making squash pie for Thanksgiving dinner, he was obviously not excited! In fact, he asked what he would be eating. Of course, we had other food, but it turns out that the beautiful, juicy, yummy pie was the big hit of the day!

Our friend had driven eight hours to spend the week with us and help as I continue to gain strength and mobility. June does not eat meat but she can sure pack some good tastes into common veggie and fruit dishes. Add good grains and cheeses and, wow, we did feast! (And, yes, the poor hungry man did get plenty of meat and taters!)

June came prepared to encourage and help in ways I would not have envisioned. My next article will include some of those hints for you. Right now, let’s bake that pie!

Ingredients for Summer Squash Pie

1 unbaked pastry shell (9″)

2 1/2 cups sliced zucchini (1/4″ slices)

1 tsp canola oil (or vegetable oil)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon thyme

1/4 tsp EACH garlic powder, paprika, pepper

2 large tomatoes sliced

1 cup (4 oz.) shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

3/4 cup mayonnaise

  1. Line unpricked pastry shell with a double thickness of heavy duty foil. Bake in pre-heated oven at 450 degrees for 5 minutes. Remove foil; brush lightly with egg. Bake 5 minutes longer. Remove to a wire rack to cool. Reduce oven to 350.
  2. In a large non-stick skillet, saute zucchini and yellow squash in oil for 10 minutes or until they are very tender. Sprinkle with seasonings; spoon into pastry shell. Top with sliced tomatoes. Combine the cheese and mayonnaise, spread over the top.
  3. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Refrigerate leftovers.

NOTE: Reduced fat or fat free mayonnaise is NOT recommended for this recipe. June used a gluten-free crust and it was delicious.

Let me hear from you if you try this or if you have a squash pie recipe to share. I am sold on new ways to enjoy eating healthier.

Hugs,

If you’ve enjoyed my book, My Mother My Child, please go to Amazon and leave a comment. Haven’t read it yet? Well …

 

 

 

4 Lessons From Caregiver Turned Caree

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4 lessons from a caregiver turned careeA very personal story from a new perspective.

Over-the-counter medicines were of no avail. September 28 I headed for the local clinic to get help with my congestion. I had no intention of being gone more than an hour or so.

Before I knew it, I was in an ambulance on the way to the hospital. Forty (40) days later I returned with oxygen, home health, and a calendar filled with medical appointments. One collapsed lung, pneumonia and other related issues. From eight days in ICU, hospital stay, and four weeks in rehab, I gained a new perspective on what it means to be the one receiving the care.

Exciting end of journey at the close of this article. I pray the following list will give you a new perspective as you care for those you love—and for yourself!

#1 Priorities can change without warning. I walked away from two desks and a table piled high with what I was sure were very important projects for me to finish. My computer and the five e-mail addresses that I checked daily (a few times each day) would go untouched for forty days! My husband, who depended on me to fix meals, keep house, and run the office would suddenly be the one in charge of everything!

Surprisingly, life went on without me. While I lay in that hospital bed praying to get well, my husband managed to maintain the home and business while visiting me each day.

#2 You may have to learn to depend on others. I am independent to a fault. It is difficult to ask for help or accept it when offered. My four weeks in rehab began with me in a wheelchair; someone else deciding where I would go and when. My private life gave way to the bidding of nurses, CNAs, and therapists. I never wanted to change in front of someone and now strangers were giving me a shower.

Although this was difficult for me to accept, I knew it was for my good. I am so thankful for those who cared for me, and accepted me warts and all!

#3 Visitors are not always a good thing. My doctors and my husband agreed that I should not have visitors for several weeks. I needed time to adjust and hospital staff needed freedom to do their jobs. After I began feeling better, I was ready for some short visits from friends and family. Even then, I tired easily and was ready to rest when they left.

I continue to be amazed at how quickly my life changed. I was busy, very busy, daylight to dark and beyond. Now, it was taxing to get through a few hours without rest.

#4 Cards are always a good thing. I received cards everyday; and was thankful for them. The hours spent alone in that tiny room brightened as I read and re-read the sentiments on each one. I prayed for those who took the time to send them. I praised God for His love shown through them.

I have sent cards often; now I realize their value and will be more careful to continue. Again, I praise God for how He shows His love in such simple ways.

And now, as promised, the end of the journey; or is this the beginning?

God allowed me to have ample time to rest and recoup. He protected me in so many ways; my lack of oxygen over several months could have caused so much internal damage. He provided me great care and therapy—continuing still—and has given me renewed strength and determination to care for myself.

I am still on oxygen for a bit; not all the time. My blood pressure and other meds was cut in half, and the breathing treatments will be temporary as I continue to mend. I’m still very, very tired but so thankful to be improving each day.

Sunday I will go to church with my husband for the first time since September, snow or no snow! I will worship my Lord and Savior with new gusto. I am indeed thankful this holiday season!

Hugs and blessings,

Shopping for gifts? Don’t forget a copy of My Mother My Child with discussion guide; great reading and valuable tool for those you love.

 

5 Keys to Safe Uncluttered Living Areas

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5 keys to safe uncluttered living areas

Simple solutions to safe, uncluttered living areas.

Needs change as you care for a loved one; whether in their home or yours. It can be overwhelming to maintain a safe, uncluttered environment. Here are five simple ways to make living areas more enjoyable for everyone in the household.

Actions depend on several factors:
Is the person you are caring for confined to a room or the entire home? What about their mobility; move on their own? With a walker? Wheelchair?

Critical easy to-do list for every family. For this article we will assume an elderly person is able to move around on his/her own with some assistance from walker or chair.

#1 FLOORS: Are they easy to navigate or are they slippery or rough? Did you remove any area (aptly called throw) rugs. Do they have appropriate footwear, not slippery soles, etc.?

#2 FURNITURE: Are there small tables, plants or other items that would be easily tipped over or tripped on when one is going to the bathroom or kitchen? What about shelving units near the traffic area? Are they top heavy? Securely in place?

#3 LAMPS & ELECTRONICS: Are lamps easy to reach and turn on and off? Is the phone in reach, if applicable? Can they turn on the radio or television? Is the traffic area clear of cords?

#4 PERSONAL NEEDS: Is there a small tray or table for books and personal needs within reach? Does your loved one have access to water or have a pitcher and water cup handy? Is a box of tissue or some paper towels?

#5 MIRRORS: Do they enjoy seeing themselves in the mirror? Or does their reflection in the mirror bother them? (My mother enjoyed the mirrors, others may be frightened by the images they see or the movement as they pass by.)

Caring for others is a lifetime learning experience. Small things that we never even consider can be overwhelming to someone who is ill or elderly.

Another note on keeping others comfortable as you care for them: sit a spell in their chair. Seriously. One day I sat in Mother’s chair to rest a bit from cleaning. I was shocked to realize how uncomfortable it was. It looked just fine but the cushions were worn and back support was nil. A new chair was ordered right away. Take time to sit where they sit; look at what they see everyday. How can you improve their environment?

Have a great week; let me hear from you soon.

Hugs,

Have you checked out my articles in the Springfield Writer’s Guild Anthology yet? You’ll enjoy Creative Collections.