Thank you Page! I also have 'surprise' meals sometime. An idea to share with you that my family likes is Blue Cheese hamburgers. I just crumble a little in center of patty when forming. I've also put sliced mushrooms in them as well. The cheese melts when grilled and are very good (if you like blue cheese)! In regard to the meat loaf, it sounds very good. Sometimes I add grated carrots to mine and/ or some chopped green pepper. Thank you for sharing this with us. I was wondering what to do for dinner tonight and you just helped me make up my mind. By the way I agree using oatmeal vs. crackers. One time I didn't have oatmeal and used some crumbled homemade sourdough bread softened in beaten egg. My family said they preferred it that way & hoped I always be out of oatmeal. Ha, children can be brutally honest at times. Thank you again!