Celebrations and Cheddar Cheese

We celebrated the 25th anniversary of cancer survivorship this past Saturday.

Twenty-five years ago, (December 1985), my daughter was diagnosed with acute lymphocetic leukemia (A.L.L.) She was not quite three years old. This past weekend, she hosted a "Sparkling Celebration" (cocktail party) to thank all those who were part of her life then and now. It was a lovely evening at the Overture Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Family, friends and medical personnel were on hand to share the special night. A number of us shared stories/memories of those times and my sister and nephew put together a beautiful photo video with music that was very touching. All in all, it was a wonderful evening...I truly believe in miracles!

It's also time to celebrate all CHEESEHEADS!

The Green Bay Packers won their playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles so it's on to Atlanta next Saturday. GO PACK!

And speaking of cheese, I found this great recipe:

Cheesy Flat Bread
1 loaf (1 pound) frozen bread dough, thawed
3 Tbsp. butter or margarine, softened
2 Tbsp. finely chopped onion
2-3 Tbsp. finely chopped onion
2-3 Tbsp. paprika
½ tsp. dried oregano or basil
½ tsp. garlic powder
1 c. (4 oz.) shredded cheddar cheesePat dough onto bottom and up sides of greased 14” pizza pan or 15x10x1” baking pan, forming a crust. Spread with butter. Sprinkle with onion, paprika, oregano and garlic powder. Prick crust several times with fork; sprinkle with cheese. Cover and let rise in warm place for 30 minutes. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Yield: 8 servings.

Kids...and...more Kool-Aid

My interview today was with Dr. M. Maitland DeLand, a radiation oncologist specializing in women's and children's cancers. Her new book, "THE GREAT KATIE KATE TACKLES QUESTIONS ABOUT CANCER", is a great picture book to get children talking about their fears.



When a family receives that initial diagnosis it can be devastating. Twenty-five years ago, I was struggling with this issue when my daughter was diagnosed with leukemia just prior to her 3rd birthday. (I'm happy to report that she has become a wonderful young woman, and now works for the American Cancer Society). Dr. Deland's book deals with the many questions and worries that children (and their parents) may have, about chemotherapy, the machines used for radiation treatments, the procedures, the hospital stays and much more. She give fear a silly name, "The Worry Wombat" and shows us how talking through the tough issues with the doctors, nurses and parents can help alleviate those worries and fears. A great book!

How about a Kool-Aid float this holiday weekend?

In large pitchers mix 3 envelopes unsweetened strawberry Kool-Aid with 3 c. sugar and 6 c. cold water according to the package directions. Stir in 1 (12 oz.) can orange juice concentrate, thawed. Just before serving add 1 quart ginger ale. Pour into tall glasses. Add scoops of raspberry sherbet. Top with a dollop of Cool Whip and a few blueberries and you've got yourself a very patriotic beverage!

Tip of the day: If you're going to be out partying or picnicking this weekend and the flies are bothering you try this: Take 6-7 pennies, place in a small zip-lock bag with a little bit of water. Hang up near your picnic area and the flies will not bother you! I haven't tried this yet, but intend to put it to use... Let me know if it works for you

Quote of the day: What doesn't kill you, will only make you stronger

(A favorite quote of my "Katie-Kate")