Chicken Parmesan Meatball Sandwiches

When I texted my Mom about this concoction, she asked "Is that one meal, or three?" I explained it a bit more and she said "So yeah, three." I promise it's NOT as complicated as it appears. There are a bunch of steps, but they're simple. And worth it. And your mouth will be watering by the time it's ready!

Big things, yummy things and blue things.

We, like many of you I'm sure, watched the Olympic Opening Ceremonies last night. We got started a little late, but I think we caught most of it. It was quite epic, wasn't it!! Some of my favorite parts were when the rings were joined and showered gold sparks (gave me goosebumps!), the children's choir singing "God Save the Queen", (got me all choked up and I wished I was British, yet again!) Mary Poppins vanquishing the baddies, and of course, Mr. Bean and his one note. I loved it when he made faces at the pianist.

The Queen's entrance was a riot. (She didn't really jump out of that airplane, right??) I love that she so obviously has a sense of humor. Sometimes the commentors were a bit annoying, but I did learn a few things! I didn't know about the 2 times London basically saved the Olympics. They certainly deserve to be the first city to host it 3 times! And wow, when all the little torches became one giant flame... that was amazing. Quite the epic fireworks show too! I must admit, after all that, I thought, "and we're ending with Paul McCartney? Really?" but getting the whole stadium, visitors and athletes from around the world to sing with him, that was a perfect ending. Loved it.

Bracken enjoyed the Olympics too! Okay, I fib. She enjoyed watching me eat popcorn. She knows I'll always share. Even though I shouldn't.

We went to the farmer's market again today. The produce stalls are increasing! Hooray! In a few weeks we'll probably be able to get all our produce there. I don't care if it's a little more expensive, it is so worth it! It tastes better and lasts longer. We got corn (hooray!!), green beans, tomatoes and peaches. And of course, another heavenly limeade. Mmmmm...

Look at my beautiful little hydrangea!! I think I'll name her Bonnie. I'm sorry, what? You don't name your plants? Well, I do. Not always, but some just cry out for a name. Like this one. :) Stephen wanted to get me one in the hospital, but wasn't sure if I liked them. I do! So he told me to pick one out at the store. *happy dance* Our grocery store actually has a lovely flower area. I picked a little one, because I want it to be easy to take with us when we move. She was just so perfect, with a few green-shaded petals and not a wilted one to be seen! She made me so happy I practically snuggled her all the way home.

Now I need to find a pretty flowerpot. Eventually, when we buy a house, I would love to plant her outside!! Unfortunately, I don't really have much of a green thumb... in fact, I kinda have a brown thumb... plants don't live long around me... I don't know why!! Does anyone have any tips for the "care and feeding" of a potted hydrangea??

Another silly blue thing. I'm a kinda addicted to salt water taffy at the moment, and blue raspberry is my favorite. Stephen grumbles at me when I buy it. I guess I do feel a bit guilty, but what's the fun of being "all growed-up" if I can't do whatever on earth I want from time to time?? And speaking of yummy things, I just HAD to use those fresh tomatoes today, so I made my favorite sandwich in the whole world... a BLAT!! Hee hee :) A BLAT is a bacon, lettuce, avocado, and tomato sandwich. Have you ever added avocado?? It's positively delicious!

Eh, it didn't photograph very well, but it was scrumptious. I always pepper my bacon when I fry it up (or rather, when I ask Stephen to fry it up for me... I always manage to burn it. One of the few things I just can't cook right!!) and sprinkle a teeny bit of salt on the tomatoes. Spread mayonnaise on toasted bread, top with lettuce, avocado, bacon, and tomato. You have built a BLAT! I love that name. 

This has the perfect sandwich ratio for me. 85% veggies, 15% meat. That's how I like my burgers too. Sometimes I wonder if I am borderline vegetarian... nah.

Does this count as a recipe??