SNAPPER WRAPPERS

SNAPPER PATRICK from PAT’S FISHERMAN’S WHARF was a fantastic choice!!  I will make this again and again, but next time I will go simpler and make it more of a casserole bake.

SNAPPER WRAPPERS
1 pound lump crabmeat, drained (I used chopped flaked Krab)
4 skinned red snapper fillets (any white fish would work)
1 teaspoon salt (we felt this was too much-next time I’ll use 1/4 teaspoon)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (we felt this was too much-next time I’ll use 1/2 teaspoon or fresh)
1 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons water
lemon wedges (I used lemon slices under each roll up while cooking)

  • Preheat oven to 400˚.
  • Pick crabmeat, removing any bits of shell.
  • Cut snapper fillets in half lengthwise.
  • Top each fillet with about 1/3 cup crabmeat.
  • Roll up fillets and secure with wooden toothpicks.
  • Blend together the salt, garlic powder and red pepper.
  • Combine melted butter and water in the bottom of your baking dish, blending well.
  • Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of seasoning mix over top of the butter  mixture.
  • Arrange roll ups in baking dish.
  • Sprinkle roll ups with remaining seasoning mixture.
  • Bake uncovered for 16-18 minutes or fish flakes when tested with a fork.
  • Plate roll ups. 
  • Spoon pan drippings over roll ups before serving.
  • Serve with lemon wedges.

SNAPPER WRAPPER CASSEROLE

Snapper wrappers are a recipe I made several years back (2014) and vowed to turn into a casserole.  Well, I’ve finally done it 😀

SNAPPER WRAPPER CASSEROLE Serves 4-6
1 pound lump crab meat, drained or KRAB from the meat department works great too
4 skinned red snapper fillets or any white fish of your choice

3-4 FINELY chopped green onions

FRESH
ground sea salt and black pepper

1 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
2 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
2 LARGE lemons, 1 juiced, 1 sliced into wedges for serving
1 tablespoon white wine
1/4 cup butter, melted

  • Preheat oven to 400˚.
  • Pick crab meat, removing any bits of shell or FINELY chop the KRAB.
  • Whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, wine, garlic and red pepper in shallow dish.
  • Generously season the fish fillets with the FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Combine the Crab with the green onions.
  • Dredge the fish fillets in the butter mixture
  • Arrange one-third of the fish fillets in the bottom of an 8×8 baking dish.
  • Top with about 1/3 cup crab meat.
  • Repeat layers.
  • Drizzle remaining dredge liquid over top layer.
  • Bake uncovered for 16-18 minutes or fish flakes when tested with a fork.
  • Spoon any pan drippings over top before serving.
  • Serve with lemon wedges.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 25 of 2020

GOOD MORNING dear friends.  I hope you had a GREAT week and weekend!

While I’m “AWARE” of all that’s going on around me, I’m choosing to maintain a sense of normal best as I can.  It would be so easy to dwell on all that is wrong with just about everything to do with the world right now; the virus, the conflict… well 2020 in general! I did see the perfect MEME the other day though that made me LOL 😀 and if you’re a SYFY fan will make you laugh also! ALL kidding aside, I am putting everything in the hands of faith and optimism that everything will truly work out well… eventually… in the end.

Enough on that, let’s move on to Happy Homemaker Monday!

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING The weather has been really crazy lately!  The last several weekends have been cool and stormy and then the weeks heat up to extremely warm by Friday before starting the whole cycle over! 

This week looks to be starting similar in the low 60’s and ending in the high 80’s.  So today and tomorrow, I’ll be wearing socks and tennies instead of my standard summer flip flops 😀

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE My standard fare of hot water and baby food and a banana

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE, WEEKLY TO DO LIST, HOUSE & CRAFT PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS

MONDAY
  • errands
  • planning a trip
  • paperwork etc…
TUESDAY
  • bowling maybe – the alley just opened and we’re thinking early on a weekday might be safe
WEDNESDAY
  • menu planning
  • recipe updates
  • blog updates
THURSDAY
  • cleaning and laundry
  • continue organizing storage
FRIDAY
  • Hubby has a blood donation appointment
  • errands
SATURDAY
  • Farmer’s Market? we’ll see what’s available
SUNDAY
  • ??

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV  I watched a really sweet film on Netflix called THE HEALER that is dedicated to Paul Newman and all the kids battling cancer.  We used to live near THE PAINTED TURTLE CAMP which was actually an old Thousand Trails campground that his foundation purchased and converted.  My girlfriend and I helped clear the grounds and plant new trees before they opened and make quilts for their quilt program.  I also finally got completely caught up on all the backed up cooking shows.  Now if I could get caught up on all the Hallmark movies on the DVR.

I’M READING 2 books right now and can’t seem to put either down.  I love both authors and their story telling abilities to weave history into current day life.  The first is Gill Paul’s Lost Daughter and the 2nd is Lisa Wingate’s The Book of Lost Friends.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA On a whim we took a trip to Wildlife Safari last week where humans are captive in their cars and the animals roam free.  Our local Wildlife Safari has a globally successful cheetah breeding program. We were fortunate enough to run into a docent that was FULL of wonderful information. Unlike other jungle cats, female cheetahs are loners and do not bond with others, whereas male cheetahs MUST bond with other males to survive.

They have several new cheetah cubs, but they won’t be released for public viewing for another 4-5 weeks and I just wish we’d been able to get better pictures of the cheetahs, but the giraffes and elk were full of piss and vinegar! 😀

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
CHEESY TACO PASTA & SALAD
CHICKEN with CREAMY SUN DRIED TOMATO SAUCE & SALAD
BUTTER BRAISED PORK ROAST & SCALLOPED POTATOES
C.O.R.N.
SNAPPER WRAPPERS, SKILLET CORN and SALAD with SPICY 1000 ISLAND
BUTTERMILK ROAST CHICKEN & GREEN BEAN and CHEDDAR CASSEROLE
LEMON CHIVE PAN SAUCE CHICKEN & SALAD and CHEDDAR MUFFINS
DESSERT
LEMON CHERRY AUSTRALIAN CHEESECAKE
 

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

  • IMOGENE’S CHICKEN
  • BALSAMIC GLAZED FRUIT
  • CHEESY TACO PASTA
  • SKILLET CHOPS & OVEN BRAISED RAINBOW CARROTS
  • NATCHITOCHES MEAT PIES

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 2 of 2017

Good morning and Happy Monday. I hope you had a wonderful weekend and if you are a football fan that your teams won.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
It is gray, but no threat of rain, at least I think.  Last week was COLD (for here) and this week is supposed to warm up into the 60’s and 70’s.  I will never get used to the heat in the winter or the quickness that the temperatures flux here.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
I made an omelette in a cup with my coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
I’m happy with all we have gotten done and there is very little actual mess.  Just the standard after the weekend clutter. Hubby and I have agreed to continue paring down the house. There are just so many things we don’t use anymore.  Technology has changed things a lot so we rounded up 50+ DVD’s to donate also. I’ve started a new spiral binder for 2017.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS
MONDAY 

  • Home Depot run – order 100 bags of leveling sand for backyard.  We brought home 900 pounds (12 bags) the other day to see how far it would go and I have to say it will be worth the delivery fee for a forklift to bring the pallet right to where we need it.  
  • Grocery Store
  • Errands
  • Paperwork

TUESDAY

  • STUDIO!!!!!!!!!!!! I get started and even make headway, but then get discouraged as there is not enough space.  Deciding what to keep is such a daunting process especially while this space is being used as a catch all for Christmas decorations that I refuse to store in the attic or garage because of the ungodly weather here, the cat, our office, etc… Downsizing seemed like a great idea, but going from 3000 square feet to 1750 square feet is HARD!!! My studio here would fit in my last studio twice over and the Christmas decorations were in the barn there so that alone gave more space.
  • EBAY!

WEDNESDAY

  • Work on leveling backyard.
  • Install new back gate and start on fence planks.

THURSDAY

  • Backyard again

FRIDAY

  • Cleaning 
  • Laundry

SATURDAY

  • Studio
  • EBAY
  • Football Playoffs

SUNDAY 

  • Studio
  • Football Playoffs

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

  • BIG BANG THEORY
  • WHEN CALLS THE HEART
  • PURE GENIUS
  • NCIS
  • BLUE BLOODS
  • THIS IS US
  • GRIMM
  • THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE
  • GOLIATH
  • BULL
  • SCORPION
  • SUPERGIRL
  • CHICAGO MED, PD, FIRE
  • HEARTLAND
  • HEART OF DIXIE
  • STRANGER THINGS
  • Z-NATION
  • DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • MADAM SECRETARY
  • ONCE UPON A TIME
  • CHESAPEAKE SHORES
  • ICE PILOTS
  • ETC……. I’m sure I forgot a few…

READING

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
??

KITCHEN WISHES
This category is always in flux!  Especially in this house as I continue to go through and downsize unnecessary dishes and Tupperware.  I am trying to get to my “CORE” pieces.  You know the ones you gravitate to on a regular basis.  If I haven’t used it in the past year, I probably never will and will be leaving it behind.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
EGG NOG PANCAKES
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
C.O.R.N.
MEATLOAF AND SALAD
CHICKEN & NOODLES
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER

  • EGGNOG PANCAKES with MAPLE BUTTER RUM DRIZZLE

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND
I’ve been trying to decide what to do next after this house.  We know we’ll end up with another project house, but one of OUR choosing so are trying to pick an area that suits us best so that hubby has some outside interests, places to go, organizations to get involved with to help others… preferably a LARGE military base so we can go back to commissary/PX shopping…

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • RESEARCH for getting the hell out of here.
  • Minimizing the studio stash.
  • Completed projects.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA
Not a great photo, but it does show progress on the dog run area! Especially compared to what it looked like a year ago when the air conditioner was slanted and the area was so overgrown and filled with dead plants and trash that you couldn’t even tell.

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY 11~21~2016

Good Morning everyone. I hope you had a great week.  Monday is upon us again and it’s time to kick it into high gear with Thanksgiving only 3 days away.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
It’s absolutely GORGEOUS.  The overnight temperatures have been so low that the days are EXTREMELY pleasant and today will be no exception. The rest of the week is supposed to be ALL the same except for some rain on Wednesday morning. Thanksgiving should be PERFECT.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
Oatmeal with brown sugar and golden raisins with coffee of course.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
It’s a managed chaos as I am compiling everything I can into the dining room to make the carpet installation go quickly and smoothly.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS
The carpeting was supposed to be going in right after Thanksgiving, but there is delay – (of course there is) and it won’t be installed until December 6th  so we are doing double duty this week and next trying REALLY hard to finish up ALL the messy projects that require paint or grout. I’m still being a squeaky wheel trying to get them to move it up to the original date.

  • Monday – paint kitchen ceiling now that it has set for an entire week and should be really dry from the new mud.
  • Tuesday – finish caulking nail holes in all the new molding and paint as much as we can.  Molding and all the fine lines seems to take twice as long.
  • Wednesday – finish painting and do last layer of grout on entry way.
  • ThursdayHAPPY THANKSGIVING! It’ll just be the 2 of us so I have ALL day to cook and watch the parade and football. I’m going to try an apple cider brined turkey.  I figure with just the 2 of us, it’ll be a good time to experiment.  The rest of the meal will be tried and true traditional recipes
  • Friday – SORT, SORT, SORT in the studio.
  • Saturday – SORT, SORT, SORT in the studio.
  • Sunday – ?????  and Football

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

  • BIG BANG THEORY
  • PURE GENIUS
  • NCIS
  • BLUE BLOODS
  • THIS IS US
  • BULL
  • SCORPION
  • SUPERGIRL
  • CHICAGO MED, PD, FIRE
  • THE GOOD PLACE
  • HEARTLAND
  • HEART OF DIXIE
  • STRANGER THINGS
  • LONGMIRE
  • Z-NATION
  • DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • MADAM SECRETARY
  • ONCE UPON A TIME 
  • CHESAPEAKE SHORES
  • ICE PILOTS
  • ETC……. I’m sure I forgot a few…

READING

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
As soon as Thanksgiving is over I will get started for real – I have NO choice!

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
OUT
BACON & EGGS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
C.O.R.N.
all from scratch: APPLE CIDER BRINED ROAST TURKEY, PARMSAN MASHED POTATOES, DRESSING, GRAVY, GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE, CRANBERRY SAUCE
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND
Praying for my Uncle Bob and his condition.  He’s had managed (treated and then in remission) bone cancer for many years, but unfortunately it has now metastasized to his brain in a late stage form and we are on a day to day basis as he struggles with this.  My mom will be flying back to Pennsylvania to see him on Thanksgiving day.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • My ability to roll with the punches as we experience more delays at completing the house from hell.
  • A small, but planned relaxing Thanksgiving weekend.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA
The wall crack is from the large vent to the slab and was more noticeable before the foundation work.  He has now taped it twice (the first taping was done poorly and bubbled and cracked immediately) and retextured the ENTIRE wall to match. Even with him here for 2 days he left imperfection “issues” that I was able to sand and patch.  I really didn’t want that man in my house a 3rd time.  After the first time I asked his boss to make sure he brought different tarps with him the next time as the tarps smelled to high heaven with mold and mildew and I have such a compromised immunity it was too much risk.  Well, he fooled me.  He just didn’t bring any tarps the 2nd time.

So much with waiting 3 months for the highly recommended contractor.  He won’t be receiving any recommendations from us!

These are the before and after from the recent dry wall guy hassles.  I was able to sand and fix his imperfection “issues” and they are no longer noticeable.

Once the carpeting goes in and the furniture is back in their proper places it will look more finished.
INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

HAPPY HOMMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

I hope everyone had a WONDERFUL fall weekend. I LOVE this time of year.  My neighbor and I went to a local craft fair and then hubby and I went to the Farmer’s Market on Saturday.  After the Farmer’s Market we had a late lunch at Bernie’s Burger Bus which had been featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners Drive-Ins and Dives. Dang if those weren’t the best burgers ever!

I spent Sunday then sorting through scrap booking, jewelry beading and craft items filling donation bins and boxes for friends.  I’ve made a decision to scale back on my activities  to only those that give me pure joy.  LOL yu will notice I didn’t mention quilting, card making or canning.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
Last weekend WAS gorgeous and this week is supposed to be even better!  FINALLY!!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
Honey Nut Cheerios with a banana and Coffee

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
I’m amazed it’s as tidy as it is after I tore through all the crafts yesterday.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

  • Renew tags on the car.
  • Deep clean the living room and prep the wall area for the drywaller.
  • Couple loads of laundry.
  • Drop of next load of donations.
  • Seal garage inside and out so we can begin backyard work.
  • Do some eBay listings.
  • Do some organization in my studio.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

  • BIG BANG THEORY
  • NCIS
  • BLUE BLOODS
  • THIS IS US
  • BULL
  • SCORPION
  • SUPERGIRL
  • CHICAGO MED, PD, FIRE
  • THE GOOD PLACE
  • HEARTLAND
  • HEART OF DIXIE
  • STRANGER THINGS
  • LONGMIRE
  • Z-NATION
  • DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • MADAME SECRETARY
  • ONCE UPON A TIME 
  • CHESAPEAKE SHORES
  • ETC……. I’m sure I forgot a few…

READING

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
Nothing this week, BUT next week… I’m going to start some canning projects.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK


MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
EGGS in the CLOUDS
BACON & EGGS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
C.O.R.N.


CREAM OF CELERY SOUP (new recipe)
DESSERT







SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

I hope everyone has plans for a restful time with family and friends today and that you had a great weekend. Ours was productive, but quiet as by afternoon the heat and humidity have gotten the best of me and I’m forced to take some down time.  I did try and do mainly indoor activities like sorting pictures and negatives, staining cabinets, baking cookies, marinating the carne asada for today, etc… We will be staying home, barbecuing, watching a couple movies and the fireworks.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
It looks so pretty with big fluffy clouds and sunny skies.  You would think it was spring.  Then I opened the door and the 90 degree heat and 70% humidity hit me like a frying pan in the face.  I think I will be staying inside again except for grilling the meat later.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
Honey Nut cheerios with a sliced banana and green tea.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
I’m glad I got all the cleaning done yesterday so I can just relax and read all day or do what I want.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK/HOUSE PROJECTS
The plumbers were supposed to be here last Friday and we were planning on having the laundry area almost finished by today, but they ran into problems on their previous job and asked if they could reschedule.  They are so good at what they do we agreed and adjusted our sails to other projects for the weekend.

CURRENTLY READING
I have not been very focused lately on reading and only manage to get a few pages read before my eyes are just to tired so I’m still reading:

TELEVISION / DVR
We’ve been trying that new series, BRAIN DEAD, but still aren’t sure about it yet. We’re also trying the new AMERICAN GOTHIC, but I think they are trying to hard to be “unpredictable”.  ZOO started again and we really enjoy that along with AMERICAS GOT TALENT and HOME FREE.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
Nothing new this week, but seriously getting closer to being able to spend some time working on quilts and Christmas projects.

KITCHEN WISHES
Even here in the kitchen I have been paring down and cleaning cabinets, but there are a few things I would like to replace some items tat have reached the end of their life. I’m thinking of replacing my 20 year old pots and pans with these copper ones.  Does anyone have these and have any reviews?

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK


MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
CEREAL & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
PANCAKES & BACON


TOASTED FRENCH TOAST
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
CARNE ASADA & CORN ON THE COB
CHILI CHICKEN & VEGGIES
C.O.R.N.
PORK & TOMATILLO STEW
MEATLOAF & SALAD
RECIPE EXPERIMENT NIGHT
DESSERT







SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

ON MY MIND
What is going on with people?  Hubs and I were at Walmart (not my favorite store, but it is what it is some days) and waiting in line 3rd back.  The woman in front was making the cashier price match EVERYTHING! (honestly she should have just gone to the other store she had the ad from) and it was taking FOREVER!

A new cashier  opened next to her and said next in line.  The woman in front of us (2nd back) already had all of her things on the conveyor belt so told us to go ahead, but before we could get there the person from the end of the line (about 7th back) was there and then the mouthy rude witch behind us had grabbed one thing from her basket and run over to put it onto the conveyor belt and was motioning for her friend to get there.  Now mind you we are already there and she is physically moving our basket and preventing us from putting anything on the belt all the while telling us we should have “moved our asses) faster. I truly believe if we had insisted she would have begun a brawl.

Her friend was mortified (good for her) and we just said go ahead we’ll just stay in the other line and trade you. Then the guy behind them accuses us of cutting in front of him all because he was on his phone and not paying ANY attention at all.  While we were still waiting to pay, the mouthy rude witch then flips us off as she walks by!!

Just one more example of why we will NOT be staying here! Ironically, I heard on the news yesterday that Miami, Florida won the title of MOST RUDE in the U.S. which I find really ard to believe there is any place worse than here!

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

Whiskey hanging out with me while I cook.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

My violets LOVE this window.

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER AND MENU PLAN MONDAY

Our week did NOT go as planned, but ended up being just as productive as if it had, so ALL is good. LOL I spent most of yesterday sorting through ALL of our holiday decorations (including those things from both grandmothers) trying to reduce and decide on whether we keep it, donate it, toss it or if there is enough sentimental value to call family members to see if they want it. I can’t believe how much time this takes.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
The weather the past few days has been GORGEOUS! But all good things come to an end and today looks like it’s going to be one of those days, oops I mean weeks. It’s going to be warm, humid and stormy most of the week.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

  • I will be spending most of today finishing the sort through Christmas ornaments and doing some much needed paperwork.
  • Tuesday we will be painting the spare bedroom and bathroom as well as installing the vanity in the spare bathroom.
  • Wednesday we will be ordering the new washer and dryer as well as picking up the sink for the spare bathroom.
  • Thursday-Saturday we have decided we need to have a few days to finish ALL the little bits and pieces.  There are several areas where we have had to wait for parts to arrive so moved on to something else and now it’s time to double back, etc…  If this goes smoothly on Thursday and Friday we hope to put the final coat of paint on the master bath Saturday.

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
Not looking forward to much this week.  We have been catching up on a few movies and seen some recently that were pretty good or at least thought provoking:

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
Not much going on this week.  I have been working on some sketches for a few new ideas.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK with their recipe links

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
FRIED SPAM AND EGGS (HUBBY’S REQUEST)
PANCAKES
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
7UP STEAK & BAKED POTATOES
C.O.R.N.
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

I had a horribly busy week between the house projects and my aunt’s surgery and I think I overdid. Even yesterday morning I woke up pretty good, but ended up sick by the afternoon.  I’m still feeling a bit under the weather today, but will try to get a few things done anyway.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
It’s too warm for February and we’re having cloudy days with a big storm on the way.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK
It looks like we’ll finish the master bathroom this week and be well under way to completing the spare bathroom.  I’m hoping to also have the living room painted by the weekend.

CURRENTLY READING

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

ON MY MIND
I’ve been feeling so overwhelmed at ALL there still is to do here.  My logical mind KNOWS we are making progress, but I’m just so tired that some days it stills seems insurmountable.  That said, here are a few pictures of what we did get accomplished this week.

Playing with the pattern.
ALL glued down and setting up!
We STILL don’t know what ALL those holes in the wall were for, but hubby did get the thermostat moved to the living room side of the wall and got the piece of drywall cut out and replaced.  I will get it patched and get this alcove painted this week.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • Pretty Sunsets
  • Long walks with the dog
  • Small project completions

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

I ordered this pillow from a friend this weekend that sells Thirty-One products.

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

We had a productive, but also a lazy weekend here. I was able to catch up on a bunch of paperwork though I am NO where near done! I was able to complete more of my “reading” corner in the master bedroom and hung my newly stained shelf in there also.  I read somewhere that your dresser an nightstand tops should be clear for a more soothing “air” to the room.  Well, a clear dresser top will NEVER happen at our house, but the shelf is going to help A LOT!  I need to make another one for hubby’s side of the room.

We had a quiet Valentine’s Day dinner at home, but went out for lunch at one of my favorite seafood restaurants and were not disappointed.  We also rented the movie, The Martian.  We really enjoyed this movie – the possibilities of space and the will to survive are so mind boggling.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
It is gray and overcast with a threat of a thunderstorm soon.  It’s supposed to be warmer this week and I am NOT ready for warm weather!

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
  • 5 year oncology check up
  • ZOO
TUESDAY
  • unload studio of all boxes and such
WEDNESDAY
  • hospital – my aunt is having surgery to replace the knee she shattered recently – ALL prayers welcome as she has a heart condition, an aspergilus allergy and is an Alzheimer’s patient.
THURSDAY
  • paint studio & begin again LOL
FRIDAY
  • Organize studio items
  • be available to help hubby with wainscoting and bathroom fixtures installation
SATURDAY
  • Farmer’s Market
  • install kitchen molding and paint it
SUNDAY
  • cleaning and laundry

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR
We’re still just watching whatever comes our way.  We’re still working long days.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
I made a few prototypes this past week for some really neat things, but want to perfect them a bit more before I share them.

HOUSE PROJECTS
LOL this is a never ending category, but we are hoping to have the house in working order by the time we host Easter.  It is possible. It is even probable. WE WILL SUCCEED!

KITCHEN WISHES
I’m getting a replacement stove on Tuesday as I’m having a continuous issue with uneven heating.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • LESS stress
  • Project completions
  • MORE energy

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

There is still A LOT of trim work to do, but I love my “Tom Sawyer meets the Waltons” look for the kitchen.  I did get a few shelves done in the kitchen and LOVE having ingredients at hand!

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

Seems like summer is passing by pretty quickly.  We’ve been really busy with multiple projects and now we’re finishing up some medical appointments and packing before our move.

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
It was supposed to be several degrees cooler today, the day I have to work in the steamy hot storage area, but evidently that weather pattern has stalled until later in the week, but I need to get this done now in preparation for the BIG move.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK
Monday – STORAGE! Prep and organize for the BIG move
Tuesday – not sure yet – it is so rare to get a free day 😀
Wednesday – Hubby Physical Therapy & grocery shopping
Thursday – Hubby Eye surgery
Friday – Post Op appt.
Saturday – Blackberry Festival (if hubby is up to it)
Sunday – D.W.Y.W. day (Do What You Want day)

CURRENTLY READING

TELEVISION / DVR

  • Astronaut Wives Club 
  • Hell On Wheels
  • Complications
  • The Strain
  • Proof
  • Dark Matter
  • Devious Maids
  • The Last Ship
  • Falling Skies
  • Under the Dome
  • Rookie Blue

BREAKFAST
DINNER
DESSERT
MONDAY
Cereal & Fruit
Y.O.Y.O. / C.O.R.N.
TUESDAY
Bagel & cream cheese
EXPERIMENT NIGHT
WEDNESDAY
Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola
THURSDAY
Scrambled Eggs with Toast
FRIDAY
Yogurt with Blueberries & Granola
SATURDAY
something Peach
SUNDAY

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES  FROM LAST WEEK

RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER
I promised myself NO MORE recipes until after the BIG move, but couldn’t resist these:

  • Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cobbler
  • Bananas Foster Bake
  • Blackberry Apricot Slump
  • Pear Cheese Danish Slab
  • Pumpkin Pan Pie
  • Ginger Cookies
  • Sweet Raisin Tamales
  • Pluot upside-down cake
  • Bacon Buttermilk Scones
  • Salted Caramel Pie
  • Summer Corn Chowder
  • Oven Roasted Tomatoes
  • Mandarin Sunburst Salad
  • Tandoori Chicken
  • Marinated Skirt Steak
  • Skirt Steak Pinwheels

  • You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
  • You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
  • You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
  • You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.
  • You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
  • You cannot build character and courage by taking away people’s initiative and independence.
  • You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves.”
 ~  Abraham Lincoln

THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY

  • Fall approaching – it’s my favorite season
  • Completed Projects
  • Sweet Pineapple
  • Cool breezes

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

INSPIRATION

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

Good Morning! I had a fairly SLOW and VERY WET weekend and have a very early appointment this morning so I’m getting going early.

I’m one of those people who unfortunately tends to remember dates and today is the anniversary of the Sylmar earthquake, my first one when I was quite young. LOL, I hate that I remember these things. I found this documentary video that I’d never seen.

Join in with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy Homemaker Monday.  Be sure and stop by to see what it’s all about!

BREAKFAST: A big cup of green tea and a banana and a tangerine for the road.
TODAY’S TO DO LIST:
  • Dr. Appointment
  • Errands – Oil Change and tire rotation

CURRENTLY READING:

ON THE TELEVISION:

Just the same old, same old until a few favorites start again next week.

WEATHER:

January was REALLY foggy and damp, but still warmer and drier than most so I got really spoiled and wasn’t ready for the February temperature drop and rain, but here it is!

     Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie


    DATE BREAKFAST
    DINNER
    MONDAY 2/9 FRUIT
    Snapper Wrappers
    TUESDAY 2/10 BAGEL & CREAM CHEESE
    Smokey Navy Bean Soup
    WEDNESDAY 2/11 YOGURT
    Pink Lemon Chicken
    THURSDAY 2/12 FRUIT
    French Onion Soup with Mac & Cheese Croutons
    FRIDAY 2/13 CEREAL
    Croque Madames
    SATURDAY 2/14 Luau Benedicts
    Grilled Steaks & Baked Potatoes with Cheesecake for Valentine’s
    SUNDAY 2/15 Farmer’s Breakfast 
    Caribbean Pork Steaks 

    I actually found (made) some time to do a DIY project.  Every year at Christmas time I go looking for decorative Christmas ornament hooks. They are always so expensive when you can find them!  Then recently I found some “country” ones in a catalog as a Christmas close out and they were 80% off!  

    The only problem was the color, but a can of silver spray paint fixed that!  The other problem is that Christmas hooks tangle up so much.  So, after these were dry I lined them up and used tie wraps to keep them in group ready for next year’s ornaments. 
    Next year before adding the ornaments I think I’ll add some red beads to each one.
    LAST WEEK’S RECIPE EXPERIMENTS
    THIS WEEK RECIPES TO TRY 
  • FRENCH ONION SOUP with MAC & CHEESE CROUTONS will post tomorrow.

      The storm broke in just the perfect spot to the west as the sun set Saturday night and then it returned to the regularly scheduled rain followed by a thunderstorm and heavier rain!

      As I rotate out my worn out (at least for my face and body) loofa wash cloth and back scrubbing cloth I use them as cleaning rags.

      I found a new blog this week to challenge my thinking outside the box while cooking and creating recipes, The Food in My Beard.

      I had a horrible week dealing with my primary care doctor’s office.  They are horrible, they don’t return calls, have an excuse for everything, promise and then never follow through, always send my referrals to the wrong insurance company… I’m PRAYING that common sense prevails with some medical issues and the imbeciles, idiots, ignorant, clueless people handling the paperwork and appointments dealing with it.