KUNG PAO SCALLOPS WITH A TOUCH OF GRANDDAUGHTER

My granddaughter, Kaitlyn (Katie Bug we call her), spent the night with us last night, and usually we have a big breakfast together, however, today was Judy's "girlfriend luncheon" day, so there was no breakfast.  Judy did not feel like breaking the date, since it had been planned for a month, so Katie and I decided to have an "adventure" day.

She and I used to have "ventures", as she called them (as I've written before), when she was a little thing, and I always cherished those times.  Today was no exception, except that it was more of a lunch date rather than a ride through the country side or a hike.

She decided she wanted to go to P. F. Chang's, so off we went through the rain to Knoxville.

The place was filled with the "sad" working lunch crowd, and it felt so good to know I was retired and didn't have to rush through a meal and get back to work.  We took our time, knowing the only thing we had to rush back to was maybe a nap!

We continued the conversations we had on the 40-mile ride over our "hot and sour" soup appetizer.  She is quite a conversationalists, and very knowledgeable about current events, and worries a lot about the struggles of people today.  We talked about gun and drug control, and various ways they could be controlled, a little politics, school classes, and, of course, boyfriends.

I love these talks.  It helps me get into her mind, and possibly instill some guidance or direction from my life's experience.  Bottom line...I thoroughly enjoyed our day!  I love her so much, and these times help me worry less about her while she's away at school, and her future.

She ordered the CRISPY HONEY SHRIMP, and, as usual, I went for the spicy KUNG PAO SCALLOPS, stir-fried with peanuts, chili peppers and scallion!  I love the "hot bite" of this dish, and the crunch of the peanuts. Both dishes were suburb! I can say that because I tasted of her's too! 

Thank you sweetheart, for the lovely day!  I hope you and Papaw get to enjoy many more days like this in the future.  You are special to me and I'll never forget our time together.

KUNG PAO CAVEMAN?

Six of us went to the Knoxville Travel Show today that was held on the Convention Center near the World’s Fair site. It was $5 to get in and we picked up lots of brochures and free travel gear. The highlight, if there was one, was the Holland Great Land cruises to Alaska. My wife and I have wanted to go back for over 10 years.

Holland has a tour that is boat, train, and bus that would be great if we could afford it. The trip lasts 21 days with 2 nights in Denali National Park! I think we started saving today!

Anyway, Judy’s sister Terri and her husband Steve joined us for supper (that’s dinner to you Yankees) at P. F. Chang’s, which is one of my favorite places in Knoxville. It wasn’t quite caveman, but Caveman has been wanting some seafood with spices, some nuts, a little brown rice, and some Kirin Ichiban.

We began (and I forgot to thank them for buying the appetizer) with CHANG`S CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAPS, which is quickly cooked spiced chicken served with cool lettuce cups and hot sauce.

I had the KUNG PAO SCALLOPS AND SHRIMP, which are quick-fired with peanuts, chili peppers, and scallions. My hot favorite! The only other thing I might try instead next time was what Steve ordered. He ordered a new dish called SHRIMP AND SWEET GLAZED WALNUTS, and it was very tasty!

The plate photo in no way represents the total meal…that’s just what I moved to my plate showing off with my chopsticks! Believe me; you will be full when you leave!

As usual, no room for desserts!