SWEET POTATO SALAD

 

SWEET POTATO SALAD

I’ve had them baked, candied, chipped and fried. What about in a salad? Would it be the same as a white potato salad? Turns out there’s more than one version, which I expected.  I  consulted many recipes. Among them  All the Healthy Things, tasty.co , eating bird food and more. I  eventually put together my own spin  based on what I had at home.  

One constant in all recipes was that the potatoes needed to be peeled, cubed, drizzled with oil and baked in the oven until tender. 

My salad included:                                       Their salads included:

bed of mixed greens  →                                   kale

charred sweet potatoes➡➡                             same

chopped pecans➡                                            walnuts, chick peas, red beans,

                                                                          avocado,  more  

cheddar cheese➡                                              feta, parmesan          

raisins→                                                            dried cranberries, & more

                                                                           

bacon bits→                                                       chicken, ham  

bottled raspberry vinaigrette🠆                            homemade  vinaigrette                                                                                                            

 

Did I mention I'd made a large casserole of macaroni and cheese?

So, in order to balance things out I had the salad and a portion of mac & cheese.  The rest of this casserole  will be portioned out and frozen for those days when I want mac & cheese. 

SECOND DAY

This time I topped it off with chicken and the vinaigrette.

This salad is a winner in my book. I will be making it again.

 

Archwell Health

Located where Rite Aid once was, Archwell is a health clinic for those aged 60 and above located in Roebuck Center.  I'd long wanted to know what services they provided. Today's Open House afforded me that opportunity.

After registering, attendees were free to mingle with other guests and explore vendors. Some people I met were already members of Archwell and seemed to be pleased with the offerings.  There were representatives from  Medicare Advantage , Salvation Army, Jefferson County Department of Senior Services and the staff at Archwell.

The tour guide gave us valuable information and answered our questions. Doctors book no more than 5 patients a day. Being able to see a/your primary care physician when needed was a positive that got my attention. Having to wait two weeks to see a doctor and given little time of his or her time is a turn off for me. Also, patients see the same doctor when they visit. 

I asked if there is a fee to join Archwell and was told no. 👍  Although, there are caveats to everything. There are only two insurances they accept. Those are Cigna and United Health Care.  Sadly, I do not have either of those.🙁 I know that I have the option to change from what the retirement board gives me but, I am hesitant to do so. I don't care to investigate options. I don't want to do THAT much thinking.  

It was  a wonderful event. The staff was friendly and accommodating.  The schedule in the picture above shows programs and activities they have during the week.  Non members are welcomed to attend. 

That's it***

 

 

Alex Bugnon, featured artist at fundraiser for Maranathan Academy

Maranathan Academy is located in Birmingham, Alabama. It's main purpose is to save and educate critically at-risk youth. These are youths, male and female that have been bullied, gang affiliated, abused, expelled from school and often get stuck in the cracks of society or end up imprisoned or dead. Through the efforts of  Maranathan Academy with its staff and volunteers many youth  are given the chance to turn their lives around toward a positive future. 

 Four time gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross ( middle in hot pink) was honored with a crystal glass  trophy presented by Donna Dukes (left in red), Executive Director of Maranathan Academy. 

Ms. Richards-Ross spoke briefly offering words of  hope and inspiration. She emphasized that her gold medal(s) win did not come easily.  Though she didn't win the gold the first or second times, she did not give up. Immense training and tireless effort was what finally allowed her to reach her goal. 

 Featured performer Alex Bugnon.

Opening performance 

Jamming

Closing performance  

All musicians were introduced by Alex Bugnon. The young man in front playing saxophone was over -the- top outstanding for someone so young. His father is the drummer.

This was a wholesome, enjoyable event for a very worthy cause.

That's it ***