Our kids gave dh and I a combo 30th Anniversary/Thank God we're done homeschooling trip to Alaska this September. We are avid campers and hikers. Always hoped we could have taken a family trip there but life got in the way, So our 6th and youngest headed off to college this year and after 25+ years of homeschooling, we are done. I don't know what's next for me but dh and I are going to thoroughly enjoy this trip. We start near Fairbanks and meander our way thru Denali, Anchorage, Seward and Homer. We have reservations for 3-4 nights at various B&B's and cabins for a total 3 and half weeks. This is a big trip and neither of us have ever been to Alaska. Any advice on groceries, restaurants, museums would be appreciated. What's must see and what's overrated or not worth the money? Our budgeted spend money would have gone a lot further 6 months ago. Thrifty suggestions most welcome. We will have kitchens at most of our stays. Although I mostly lurk, these forums have been great source of info, Thanks so much, Susan

2nd shot update Dh - undying gratitude for this thread and the warnings about gastro issues. Didn't really believe it until 36 hrs later. Could have been very ugly if he had gone onsite with clients. He stayed home to 'humor' me Kids at home (25, 21, 21, 18) - sore arms and headache, back and neck pain, better 12-36 hrs later. Dd (27) - light hives even with benadryl, sore arm and fatigue I vomited on and off for about 5 minutes right after my 2nd shot. Was prepared this time and standing outside the car, The onsite doctor stayed with me. Disappeared as suddenly as it started. I had a fever and chills and headache for several days Oldest has decided to get the J&J this week at his place of work Glad we are done and can head home to NY to see my dad in a few weeks

Dd(27) had hives all over about 4-6 hours after her 1st Pfizer dose. Benadryl for 24 hrs worked for her. She does get hives from some foods. Her second shot is this weekend. She will wait 30 minutes after this one to leave the pharmacy and her doctor wants her to take benadryl after 4 hours, hives or not.

I mostly lurk but here's our family's vaccine experiences so far My Dad (86) - both doses of Moderna - Sore arm and fatigue DH, dd(25), ds(21), dd(21), ds(18) - first dose Pfizer - mildly sore arm dd(27) -first dose pfizer - broke out in hives about 6 hrs post shot, benadryl for 24 hrs after she gets hives a couple times a year usually from food. dsil - J&J - fever and muscle pain for about 12 hrs I had the 1st dose of Pfizer with dh. Immediate onset of vomiting and nausea about 3 seconds after shot. Approx 5-6 min later it was gone like someone flipped a switch. No other symptoms. I have had similar reactions to IV meds before. My oldest was scheduled for J&J this week. Not sure what he will do, Was reluctant to begin with I'll update after second shots.

Thanks so much everyone. This place is a fountain of information whether about food or more serious topics like my dd's biopsy.

We are trying to change our eating habits. All three of my college kids are home through next semester. It's time to make a change. Thinking of trying 2-3 meatless dinners a week to start. There are so many cookbooks and blogs out there. Any recommendations? Thank you

We do a greek pizza regularly. Your toppings are great. The only different thing I do is infuse the olive oil with garlic and some spicy peppers before brushing it on. Combine crushed garlic cloves and peppers with some olive oil. Heat through and let sit until cool. Strain and brush. Not authentic I'm sure, but really tasty.

Thank you for the responses. Just being able to talk about helps. Dd has requested that no one other dh be told until we know something concrete. (she knows I was asking here) So I have a houseful and can't act worried.

My 24 year old daughter has a lump in her right breast. After an ultrasound she now has two choices. The radiologist feels strongly that it is a complex cyst and we could wait and have another ultrasound in six months or a needle biopsy now Her doctor recommends the biopsy mostly because she knows what basket case I'll be. My dh survived T-cell lymphoma but it was awful. Dd is nervous especially since no one can go with her. Can anyone tell me what may be involved with a needle biopsy?

This Faith not Fear concept was addressed at Mass over the weekend (live streamed). Father said that 'Faith not Fear' is a comforting idea. We should always turn to to God when we are afraid. BUT wearing face masks, practicing social distancing and protecting our most vulnerable IS NOT fear, it is RESPECT. It is the very cornerstone of His commandment to Love one another.

I feel sort of frivolous asking but My twins turn 21 next week. Dh and I really only drink wine. When our older three turned 21, we took them out for happy hour drinks and food. Needless to say we aren't for the twins so taco bar and daiquiris at home. Suggestions for daiquiris would be appreciated. I've seen ready made mixes. What would we need to make some with strawberries? There are so many recipes on google and they vary so much. Thank you

Moroccan Chicken Stew and Naan

Totally agree with Firefly Also miss The Last Ship, Dark Matter and Defiance

My three dd's got their first periods around 15. I was over 16 before I started mine as was my mom. None of them were regular for the first year or so. Very short duration for the first few months. The only symptom they seemed to have in common was headaches. (and very moody but they would never agree with that).

Sorry if already posted University of Alabama and UABirmingham will extended spring break starting Monday and will transition to online classes. UAHuntsville will transition to online on Mar 16. Today is first time that I have seen empty shelves in the local grocery stores. Meat, flour, sanitizer, toilet paper

We did a lot of freezer meals when our kids were little and dh worked out of town. I still make these regularly. Just pop the frozen ones in a gallon bag. Always ready side or snack. https://muffintinmommy.wordpress.com/2012/06/12/frozen-fruit-cups/

I've dealt with this compulsion since I was around 13.(40+ years) Stress, hormones and boredom are common triggers but even removing the triggers doesn't end the compulsion. I'm seeing some unkind posts about your son but I can guarantee that he is not to blame for your dd pulling her hair. This is her reaction or compulsion. This is a separate issue that may or may not escalate. Some strategies work better for me than others. I would consider my condition to be mild. There are very serious variations of this behavior. Please pm if you would like more info.

Our twins were born when I was 2 months shy of 41. Our youngest of 6 was born just before I turned 43. Easiest pregnancy of all.

We have a Christmas tradition of cookies and milk ( or hot buttered rum) after Midnight Mass. I try to make everyone's favorite cookie for the platter. My new son-in-law has requested an Italian Fig Christmas cookie. Any family recipes? Thank you

Dd's wedding was 3 weeks ago. 160 invited, 89 RSVP'd, 138 showed up. Wedding website, phone and text message RSVP were options and we phoned our older family and friends to be sure they were coming. I had planned seating for 125 to be safe. Plenty of food but seating was an issue. Made for a tense and unpleasant few minutes. Totally unnecessary and rude. Unfortunately not our side of the family or I probably would have told them to sit outside. Thankfully the bride and groom had not arrived yet. We have 5 more kids and if they should marry, all invites will clearly state No RSVP, No ENTRANCE. Most wedding crashers were under 35 and laughed it off as "I forgot to rsvp but knew we would welcome"

update

The wedding is Saturday. I will update with results.

Thanks for the suggestions. I will add a fresh fruit or veggie tray. There will be tortilla chips so should I add a vegetarian bean dip? There is 4 tier wedding cake, a half sheet grooms cake, cannoli and minature pumpkin breads for dessert. we really aren't drinkers but the groom's family is. Wine is the only alcohol allowed. Do I need more than 8 gallons of wine punch? I swear I've been having nightmares in which I run out of food and drink.

Thank you to everyone who offered advice. The day was wonderful. We had 130+ guests. There were plenty of leftovers but not excessive. If I were to do this again, I would have more appetizer food. People were starving when they got to park. As advised here, I bought more wine and lemonade. Very glad I did. I would also drop one main dish. There were too many things to pick from. Mac and cheese baked beautifully in roaster ovens and I will definitely do that again. The geode cake was a hit As I wrote in previous post my dd is getting married on Saturday. We are self catering for about 110 people. HELP!! I really thought I had it under control but now don't know. Could you all take a look the menu and let me know what you think about the amount of food. And please be blunt. Wedding Mass at 1 pm.. Reception at state park event center immediately following. Appetizer table - 6 lbs of cheese balls, 3 lbs of cheese cubes, 2 large bowls of hummus, crackers, pita chips, 8-10 lbs grapes Buffet - 180 hot dogs and buns, 45 lbs of shredded pork, 150 slider rolls, various bbq sauces, 2 full size steamer pans of mac & cheese, 5 lbs coleslaw, 5 lbs bean salad, 150 Tamales, 2 large bowls of salad greens and fixings, 3 large bags of chips 150 water bottles, 8 gallons lemonade, 4 gallons apple cider punch, 8 gallons wine punch Mostly adults and teens. Thank you

My oldest daughter's wedding is Saturday. The reception is being held at a local state park and our whole family is cooking the country style buffet. I'm using a tried and true recipe for mac & cheese for 100 people. The event center called today to tell us that commercial oven is not working and won't be by Saturday. Has anyone made mac & cheese in a 18 or 22 qt electric roaster oven? I have a couple of these I could use. We will use steam tables to keep warm but now there's only a small range. Some friends will set up the food but mac & cheese will need to bake first. The park is too far to cook at home. Any advice? Thank you.