GOOD MORNING sweet friends. I have come to really love these Monday mornings to recap my week and plan the new one.   I hope you had a GREAT weekend.  Ours was quiet, but SUPER productive as we cleaned, packed and started to close up this house. Closing the house is simple as long as you follow a logical check list, but I also did a deep clean (things like pulling out the oven, refrigerator and washer dryer to clean behind them, window sills, and under the bed…the dust here in the desert finds its way in no matter what you do!!!!) since my mom will be here in a month.

Packing was the hardest part since this is a multi leg journey.  I’ve organized the bags according to location, but there is also the garment bag with the dress clothes for the wedding which is an awkward piece. We will be leaving here soon after this post 😀

We did work in a visit with my favorite uncle and his family who live nearby for my birthday on Saturday and we did also get all 3 NASCAR races watched in between and even a little football. My birthday dinner (at least on the real day) ended up being 5 GUYS BURGER and FRIES which lasted me 2 meals so I was good.  I did miss having cake – probably the only day of the year I really eat it and LOL now I cannot ever have it again 🙁 Hubby gave me a trip to Disneyland and my favorite Disneyland restaurant for my birthday so we will be eating at Blue Bayou tonight after we get checked in.

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday to visit with a great group of ladies.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – It will hit triple digits before we actually leave today, but YAY this will be the LAST time I EVER say that 😀 I have on gray capris and my favorite tye dyed off the shoulder top with sandals.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Mixed Berry yogurt, green tea and some grapes

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY 

• I’m praying for the safety and well being all those in Hurricane Florence’s path as they deal with their clean-up and rebuilding.  I have serious empathy after surviving Hurricane Harvey last year.  It takes a community working together to survive and rebuild stronger.
• While I’m NOT 100%, I AM stronger than I was when we got here and have more stamina MOST days so I’m very thankful for that. I know this will be a work in progress and not happen overnight after my body has endured so many traumatic things the past 7 years.
  

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – My old neighbor sent me a surprise birthday gift that is perfect for the fall season I’m craving! Fortunately, we will be north by the end of the month.

INSPIRATION

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

This is a completely free week as we begin our trek north via Disneyland (Hubby’s birthday gift to me), Hearst Castle, our nephew’s wedding and visiting with friends and family along the way!

I’M READING & WATCHING – Three Sisters Catering Book #1 Pinch of Salt

We found a new to us series on NETFLIX that has been fun. Death in Paradise.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK – on the road this week so really unsure except for my birthday dinner on Monday 😀

	BREAKFAST	LUNCH	DINNER	DESSERT
MONDAY – FRIDAY	GREEN TEA, BANANA & YOGURT	??	MONDAY dinner at the Blue Bayou TUESDAY ?? WEDNESDAY ?? THURSDAY ?? FRIDAY ??	??
SATURDAY			SATURDAY Whatever they are serving at the wedding 😀 LOL I cannot remember what we signed up for 😀
SUNDAY			SUNDAY SIL’s choice

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• CARAMEL APPLE SLAB PIE
• SUMMER SALAD WITH PEACH VINAIGRETTE
• ORANGE BRAISED CHICKEN
• CARAMEL APPLE HAND PIES
• SAUSAGE BRUNCH PIES

GOOD MORNING dear friends.  I hope you had a GREAT week.  Mine was busy, but productive. We attended hubby’s airborne picnic on Saturday.  It was SUPER hot and I didn’t do very well with the combination of the heat and the food, but am glad he got to go. I spent most of yesterday recuperating.

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.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – Only 2 more Mondays in this horrid triple digit heat.  I’m already in my swimsuit this morning and ready to get my workout done.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Green Tea, yogurt and banana

CRAFTS / PROJECTS – nothing until after our migration

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

It’s Ovarian Cancer and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – I didn’t get any good pictures this week.

INSPIRATION – I can’t believe it’s been 17 years since this horrific event.AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS /  APPOINTMENTS

• LAUNDRY… just a couple loads of clothing and towels
  
• LIVING AREAS… I’m doing a deep clean today
  
• KITCHEN… pretty clean
  
• YARD… nothing much, but hubby is giving the BBQ a serious deep clean
  
• BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday post planning
• PROJECTS… nothing till after our migration
  
• APPOINTMENTS… dentist, nails
  
• TO DO… we’re going to go to the county fair for my birthday and to see Peppermint with Jennifer Garner this week.
  

I’M READING – Murder at Merisham House

A mansion, a title and marriage to a wealthy Lord – Lady Eveline Cartwright has it all. Unfortunately, it’s not enough to prevent her being bludgeoned to death one night in the study of Merisham Lodge, the family’s country estate in Derbyshire. Suspicion quickly falls on her ne’er-do-well son, Peter, but not everyone in the household is convinced of his guilt. Head kitchen maid Joan Hart and lady’s maid, Verity Hunter, know that when it comes to a crime, all is not always as it seems. With suspicions and motives thick on the ground, Joan and Verity must use all the wit and courage they possess to expose a deadly murderer who will stop at nothing to achieve their aim…

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH – we’ve been watching NASCAR (when it’s not rained out). This is the last week before the CHASE play offs.  Football has started and while we are watching we are not as diligent as years past because of all the political stuff.  We did binge watch Jack Ryan on Amazon Prime and Iron Fist on Netflix.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP – I tried this yesterday and it not only works, but the bacon was tastier and crisper too.MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	BREAKFAST	LUNCH	DINNER	DESSERT
MONDAY – FRIDAY	GREEN TEA, BANANA & YOGURT	CHICKEN, TUNA or GREEN SALAD	MONDAY CHICKEN DUMPLING STEW TUESDAY ORANGE BRAISED CHICKEN & RICE WEDNESDAY  C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night THURSDAY  HONEY ORANGE CHICKEN & STIR FRIED VEGGIES FRIDAY DRUNKEN CHICKEN & TOMATOES	PINEAPPLE CHEESE PIE
SATURDAY			SATURDAY  ROCHESTER CHICKEN ala IMMIGRANTS
SUNDAY			SUNDAY C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• BOURBON CHICKEN & HERB BISCUITS 
• BEEF RAGU 
• SPINACH STRAWBERRY SALAD with POPPY SEED DRESSING 
• SLOW COOKED SWEDISH MEATBALLS 

GOOD MORNING sweet ladies.  I’m so happy September is here!  That means fall is right around the corner along with PUMPKIN SPICE EVERYTHING! 😀 I hope you had a great weekend and are having a great holiday too!

Ours is quiet and we are getting some honey do’s done before we call our time here over.  Hubby replaced the hardware (wheels and guides) on the sliding screen door and I cleaned out the tracks with a toothbrush – the dust and dirt from the wind beats the door all up.  We watched the NASCAR races, did some pool time and binge watched some Jack Ryan on AMAZON too.

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.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – We’re still running in the triple digits, but we leave here in 2 weeks so I can handle anything at this point. 😀 It’s supposed to be a gym day, but with being a holiday we’re just doing pool time and avoiding the crowds at the gym so I’m wearing a swimsuit and cover up.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – A banana and green tea with some honey nut cheerios

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

• Fall is almost here and it’s my favorite season
• It’s almost comfort food season full of soups, stews, cinnamon and spice 😀

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – From our trip to San Diego last week.  I’m working on a post for the rest of the pictures. We fit a lot into just a few days, so it is taking me a while to get them all edited.

INSPIRATION AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS /  APPOINTMENTS

• LAUNDRY… just a couple loads of clothing, sheets and towels
  
• LIVING AREAS… nothing, I did a deep clean yesterday
  
• KITCHEN… pretty clean
  
• YARD… nothing much
  
• BLOG… some recipe updating and future post planning
• PROJECTS… Christmas cards
  
• APPOINTMENTS… nothing much this week
  
• TO DO… lunch with friends
  

I’M READING -Nothing this week but I need to get organized

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH – The fall schedule starts soon so we have just been watching some Netflix, Hulu and Amazon

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	BREAKFAST	SNACK	LUNCH	DINNER	SNACK/DESSERT
MONDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	PORK CHOPS with ROASTED APPLES & BRUSSELS SPROUTS	PROTEIN SHAKE
TUESDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	PINEAPPLE CASHEW CHICKEN	PROTEIN SHAKE
WEDNESDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night	PROTEIN SHAKE
THURSDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	GRILLED HULI HULI CHICKEN & SALAD	PROTEIN SHAKE
FRIDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	VENETIAN CHICKEN & RICE	PROTEIN SHAKE
SATURDAY	??	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	LEMON CHICKEN PAILLARD & SALAD with HONEY BUTTERMILK DRESSING
SUNDAY	??	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	CHICKEN IN OREGANO CREAM SAUCE with PARMESAN MASHED POTATOES	PROTEIN SHAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• HONEY RANCH BBQ PORK CHOPS
  
• SPICY ORANGE CHICKEN 
• COCOA MERINGUE KISSES 
• CAJUN CREOLE CHICKEN THIGHS 
• SWEET & SOUR CHICKEN WINGS 

GOOD MORNING everyone.  It is a beautiful morning here!  I had a GREAT weekend and am looking forward to a WONDERFUL week.  I know many of you are preparing for your kiddos return to school and hope you’re able to have a bit of free time soon. On to this morning’s Happy Homemaker and Menu Plan Monday.

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.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – It will be triple digits again, but on the low end and the humidity is back down into the teens so it’s actually quite nice of an evening and especially in the mornings. 

The pool is really nice again too.  I have on black leggings with a favorite Pink Floyd t-shirt on my way to the gym and then the pool.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Green tea, peach yogurt and a banana

ON MY MIND/HEALTH UPDATE & PROJECTS

• Menu Planning and trying to make it fit with what’s in the pantry and freezer as we wind down on our stay here is becoming a little more difficult, but cooking in general has become less of a challenge as I’ve adjusted to our new “normal” and lesser portion size. LOL, eating not so much though, but at least I’m alive to bitch about it! 😀
• As I’m approaching a new milestone and the 3rd quarter since surgery I am a bit stronger, though I still tire quite easily, have not really regained my strength (though I’m trying – the gym and pool have really helped) and still have a LONG ways to go on getting my muscle tone back. The hardest part has been having so few clothes that fit and with winter approaching that will be my next challenge.  Summer was easy since I’ve lived in workout clothes and swimsuits.
  
• I’m also still battling a “Port Site Infection”, a fairly rare, but yet not uncommon surgical suture site issue. If it is not one thing it is another it seems.  The doctor I saw here was really not much reassurance so I will see how it is when we get back north next month and see the new doctor my friend recommended.
• I’m also wondering about when journalism as a whole became so backwards.  When I took journalism in college I was taught a lot about articles titles and what they convey, font size, etc… Hubby and I were reading the newspaper yesterday (yep a real one) and I saw an article title that made sense, but could have made more sense with more respect for a state, with no abbreviations AND in the same amount of space, but better spaced!  It’s like the proofreader and editor took the day off and the author took the easy way out without using their brain.

“Ore. hazelnut growers

expect bumper crop”

or it could have been:

Oregon growers expect

bumper hazelnut crop

 

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – we’ve had some amazing sunsets these past few weeks and they weren’t even smoke infused.

INSPIRATION AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS /  APPOINTMENTS

• LAUNDRY… just a couple loads of clothing and towels
  
• LIVING AREAS… clean
  
• KITCHEN… pretty clean
  
• YARD… nothing much
  
• BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and some holiday post planning
• PROJECTS… still trying to get motivated to do the Christmas cards
  
• APPOINTMENTS… quarterly blood work, gym
  
• TO DO… not  sure yet
  

I’M READING – Summer Lake romance box set 4-6 by SJ McCoy

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR WE RECENTLY WATCHED

• TIN STAR – about a London detective that moves to the Canadian Rockies for a simpler life only to have it complicated by a BIG oil company moving into town and bringing all the organized crime and lifestyle with it or so it seemed until his undercover life comes back to haunt him and his family.
• 11-22-63 – about a time traveler going back to change the events around the JFK assassination.
• We also watched a great movie this past weekend. I’d never heard of it, but found it on Netflix and really enjoyed it, THE GUERNSEY LITERARY & POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY. The story is told in reflection but is centered around WWII and the island of Guernsey (part of the Channel Islands) in the English channel off the coast of Normandy. I just LOVE period stories about WWII.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	BREAKFAST	SNACK	LUNCH	DINNER	SNACK/DESSERT
MONDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	SWEET & SOUR CHICKEN WINGS	PROTEIN SHAKE
TUESDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	PECAN CHICKEN with MAPLE CREAM SAUCE	PROTEIN SHAKE
WEDNESDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night	PROTEIN SHAKE
THURSDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	STICKY SPICY ORANGE CHICKEN	PROTEIN SHAKE
FRIDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	CREOLE CHICKEN THIGHS with RICE&BEANS	PROTEIN SHAKE
SATURDAY	??	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	SLOW COOKER SWEDISH MEATBALLS & NOODLES	CARAMEL APPLE SLAB PIE
SUNDAY	??	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	BOURBON CHICKEN & HERB BUTTERMILK BISCUITS	PROTEIN SHAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• BRUSCHETTA AVOCADOS
• GREEK GAZSPACHO PASTA SALAD
• PECAN CHICKEN with MAPLE CREAM SAUCE
• SWEDISH MEATLOAVES with MASHED POTATOES, ROASTED CARROTS and LINGONBERRY JAM

GOOD MORNING everyone. I can’t believe it’s Monday again already. We had a busy week and weekend too. We did lunch with some friends one day, dinner with some other friends one night, went to a BBQ, watched all the Nascar races as we approach the end of the season, did several days at the gym, and went to Pioneer Town for our anniversary that snuck up on us 😀

Pioneer Town really was a bit of a disappointment as it is no longer anywhere close to what you see on the Wikipedia page, but I’ll cover that in another post with my pictures. The NASCAR races were good and exciting though!

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.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – Still hot here.  This week will still be in the triple digits yet again, but with a bit cooler evenings and tolerable, and with only 4 weeks until we make our slow trek north and with every subsequent leg the weather will get cooler and cooler. 😀

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Green tea of course with a banana and peach yogurt

ON MY MIND – When did we as a society allow insurance companies to make our medical decisions?  When I was a kid you went to the doctor, they did what was necessary, billed your insurance who paid R&C (reasonable and customary) and you paid the difference, usually 20% and everyone was happy.  Now, the insurance company can decide that what my doctor is referring me to and for is either unnecessary or too far away and that I have to do without or choose a “closer” provider.  And forget traveling!  They have literally told me not to travel if I am going to need any medical attention that cannot be covered by urgent care! WTH?

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY – I am progressing in this recuperation! BUT, that said this experimenting with food still sucks.  I find myself going back time and again to the same old things that work, but that is such a SMALL list that it becomes quite boring day in and day out.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – We had dinner with some of our oldest friends last Tuesday.  It was SOOOOOOOO good to see them!

The restaurant we went to was GREAT and we were early enough to get a PRIMO table in the bar which happened to be having an ALL night happy hour. So, 4 1/2 hours later with excellent drinks and appetizers we all but closed the place down and had a GREAT time in the process.  😀 

Our server/bartender was even kind enough to take several pictures.  And you know what?  We really haven’t changed all that much over the years!  We are all very glad though that our “younger” adventures (some were pretty wild!!!) took place before the internet and there is NO FOREVER proof that it even ever happened! 😀

We don’t get to see each other often, especially when we were back east, but now that we’re all on the same coast again we’re planning an adventure for hubby’s next birthday or maybe before.

INSPIRATION

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

• LAUNDRY… just a couple loads of clothing and towels
  
• LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… pretty clean
  
• YARD… nothing much, just a little weeding
  
• BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and even some holiday post planning
• PROJECTS… not much this week
  
• APPOINTMENTS… a couple of follow ups and meeting my ‘cuz for happy hour 1 night
  
• TO DO… gym and then still deciding, maybe the mountains one day to cool off.
  

I’M READING -Book #3 Summer Romance series by SJ Mccoy

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH – A couple of Garage Sale movies with Lori Loughlin and a Chesapeake Shores episode

WHAT’S IN THE CRAFT BASKET – still the Christmas cards.  I got the itch and got all the parts, but haven’t had the energy or inclination to go any further 🙁

WHERE I’VE BEEN SURFING ON THE NET – no where new this week.  I was busy and extremely tired this week so just didn’t get the urge to surf much.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	BREAKFAST	SNACK	LUNCH	DINNER	SNACK/DESSERT
MONDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	CREOLE CHICKEN THIGHS & RICE	PROTEIN SHAKE
TUESDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	HONEY BBQ PORK CHOPS & SALAD	PROTEIN SHAKE
WEDNESDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night	PROTEIN SHAKE
THURSDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	SPINACH & STRAWBERRY SALAD with POPPY SEED DRESSING	PROTEIN SHAKE
FRIDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	BOURBON CHICKEN and BISCUITS	PROTEIN SHAKE
SATURDAY	BACON & EGGS	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	SLOW COOKER SWEDISH MEATBALLS & NOODLES	COCOA MERINGUE KISSES
SUNDAY	HAM & CHEESE OMELTTES	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	HULI HULI CHICKEN	PROTEIN SHAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• SWEET SOY PORK CHOPS, CURRANT SCALLION RICE & SHALLOT BACON SNAP PEAS
• CHICKEN & CORN ENCHILADAS
• CREAM BRAISED CHICKEN & VEGGIES
• CROISSANT BERRY FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE

GOOD MORNING everyone. I hope you had a wonderful weekend. It was a quiet weekend here, but productive and full too. The temperatures have been more tolerable, but the smoke from the fires is heavy and making my eyes burn so we spent time inside watching racing, pre-season football, some odd ball movies and did some honey-do repairs around here. We’re back to routine this morning and off to the gym when I finish this post.

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.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – It’s horribly smoky still with seriously poor air quality topped off by the horrible Salton Sea smell.  It will be an “indoor day” with no pool time, but I will spend some extra time at the gym to replace the pool and bike time.  It’s still terribly warm, but the evenings are cooling down to the low 80’s.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – I’m on my 3rd cup of green tea and have already had a peach yogurt, but plan on having a banana also before I leave for the gym.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY – we’re on the countdown to the vacation end of this recuperation process. Vacation will will include the San Diego zoo (end of August), my birthday, Disneyland (mid September), a visit with hubby’s almost 97 year old father and Hearst Castle, our nephew’s wedding (Saturday the 22nd), a visit with SIL…

Also this is our anniversary week so I’m looking forward to some fun times together and with friends. I made this to put on hubby’s facebook wall on our anniversary.

I was able to add another machine to my routine last week and while it kicked my butt, I’m happy to be progressing.  The weight loss has slowed to ounces and even balanced out a bit as the previously “missing” muscle is being replaced with again active muscle.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – smokey sunsets from the lingering fires 🙁

INSPIRATION

SOMETHING INTERESTING I SAW

This first one isn’t interesting so much as it is sad.  A piece of my childhood burnt down Saturday night 🙁 So sad – picture from the SIGNAL

Hubby shared this on my facebook wall this past week.  I’m pretty sure he’s still laughing though I’m not sure why as neither of us has ever left the keys in the ignition or had a car stolen LOL 😀 I thought it was so cute though that I would share it with you.

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

• LAUNDRY… just a couple loads
  
• LIVING AREAS… looking pretty tidy after a deep clean
  
• KITCHEN… pretty clean, but starting to dwindle things down
  
• YARD… nothing much
  
• BLOG… still doing some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday post planning
• TO DO… oil change on the car
• PROJECTS… Christmas Cards
  
• APPOINTMENTS… dinner with Paul & Deb, Lunch with Dick & Kay, our anniversary dinner, BBQ at Robin & Tom’s house
  

I’M READING UNLUCKY by Jana Deleon and Where The Hurt Is by Chris Kelsey

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH – Nothing too much, but am starting to see previews for the fall lineup.  I have a few things recorded on sling and a list of things to see on netflix, amazon and hulu.

WHAT’S IN THE CRAFT BASKET – Christmas Card parts

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	BREAKFAST	SNACK	LUNCH	DINNER	SNACK/DESSERT
MONDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	ALL DAY BRISKET with TARRAGON GREEN BEANS	PROTEIN SHAKE
TUESDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	APRICOT CHICKEN and SALAD	PROTEIN SHAKE
WEDNESDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night	PROTEIN SHAKE
THURSDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	CREAM BRAISED CHICKEN	PROTEIN SHAKE
FRIDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	CHICKEN DUMPLING STEW	PROTEIN SHAKE
SATURDAY	QUICHE	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	SWEDISH MEATBALLS and PARSLEY NOODLES with LINGONBERRY JAM	COCOA MERINGUES
SUNDAY	CHEESECAKE PANCAKES	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	BISTRO SANDWICHES with BACON GREEN ONION DIP	PROTEIN SHAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• FIG GLAZED CHICKEN & WHITE BEANS
• HONEY SRIRACHA CHICKEN
• AVOCADO PEACH CHICKEN & HONEY LIME VINAIGRETTE
• BACON GREEN ONION DIP

GOOD MORNING dear friends.  I hope you had a wonderful week.  Last week was good for me and we had a wonderful weekend despite some internet issues that tried to interrupt it. It was busy and full of fun and laughter with loved ones. I can’t believe it’s August already and we’re just 6 weeks away from our next trek.

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.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – As ALWAYS here in August it is slated to be triple digit warmth this week, but at least nothing is predicted to be higher than 115 and lows in the 80’s at night and a clear week with no chance of rain.

I’m dressed for the gym in purple yoga capris and matching t-shirt.  Unfortunately the darn washing machine ate one of the matching socks 🙁 so I haven’t quite decided on footwear yet.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – This is such a boring category for me LOL Green tea and black cherry yogurt are my go to breakfast.

CRAFTS / PROJECTS – I started the Christmas cards, but don’t have enough done to really take any pictures yet.  My new elf arrived this week though and I love her.

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY – I am seriously thrilled to be feeling a bit stronger and am always sad when the 2 steps forward equal 4 steps backward, but at least it’s not the 20 steps backward I was taking in the beginning of this recuperation process.  Experimenting with foods and trying to eat more is still an issue even though it is not as big an issue so there’s hope that it continues to equal less and less steps backwards as time goes on.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – I got to spend some time this weekend with 2 of my nieces and their mom for some long overdue girl time.  Coordinating our schedules has been difficult, but we finally coordinated it and made it happen and we packed a lot into just 24 hours and it was a special time especially with Katie pregnant with her first child! I have always been able to tell them apart (identical twins) but Katie’s Baby bump I’m sure helps others now 😀 and she looks so cute! Lulu and I should have changed places since My shirt and Katie’s skirt are so similar!  I was also able to give Katie her baby album in person!

Hubby came and picked me up from where we’d been staying and some man was nice enough to take a picture of all of us too 😀

INSPIRATION AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS /  APPOINTMENTS

• LAUNDRY… just a couple loads of clothing and towels
  
• LIVING AREAS… I need to sweep and mop
  
• KITCHEN… pretty clean
  
• YARD… nothing much, but do need to do some pruning and the patios need to be hosed down soon
• BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday post planning
• PROJECTS… Christmas cards
  
• APPOINTMENTS… nothing this week specific besides lunch with family on Tuesday
  
• TO DO… gym, pool, biking, pick up alterations

CURRENTLY READING 

• Jana DeLeon’s Miss Fortune Series #12 Reel of Fortune
• Summer Lake Romance Book #3 by SJ McCoy

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH – We started a wonderful new (at least new to us) and funny series, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.  Fortunately we don’t have any small children around because the language is a bit much, but after a couple episodes we realized it was written by Amy Sherman-Palladino who wrote one of our very favorites series, Gilmore Girls. So, we binge watched the first season and are looking forward to the second season. we also found a Stephen King series premiere for CastleRock that we’re going to watch. Unfortunately I need to download another app and just didn’t feel like getting into it last night so will get that done sometime this week.

WHAT’S IN THE CRAFT BASKET – Christmas cards

WHERE I’VE BEEN SURFING ON THE NET -Nowhere really as the internet was down several days 🙁

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	BREAKFAST	SNACK	LUNCH	DINNER	SNACK/DESSERT
MONDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	MEATLOAF & GRAVY with SALAD	PROTEIN SHAKE
TUESDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	CHICKEN FLAUTAS and SALAD	PROTEIN SHAKE
WEDNESDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night	PROTEIN SHAKE
THURSDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	CREAMED BRAISED CHICKEN AND VEGGIES	PROTEIN SHAKE
FRIDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	ORANGE CHICKEN & SCALLION RICE	PROTEIN SHAKE
SATURDAY	CHEESECAKE PANCAKES	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	CHICKEN AND CORN ENCHILADAS	COCOA MERINGUE KISSES
SUNDAY	BISCUITS & GRAVY	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	CHICKEN DUMPLING STEW	PROTEIN SHAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• WALNUT CRANBERRY PEAR SALAD with CHERRY LEMON VINAIGRETTE 
• SWEET AND SOUR CHICKEN DIP
• CORNBREAD TAMALE PIE
• CHILI SKILLET

GOOD MORNING sweet ladies. Can you believe August starts this week.  By my calculations that puts fall within reach, 54 days to be exact! And then that means Christmas is only 149 days away!!  Somewhere along the way I miscalculated the weeks for this category, but am starting fresh this week 😀

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.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – We are still in triple digits, but the heat index is lower as is the humidity so it is much more tolerable. It is also getting lower at night making everything a bit more comfortable.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Green tea, a banana and peach yogurt

CRAFTS / PROJECTS – WOW I actually have something for this category this week!!!  My niece is having her first baby and I wanted to do something special for her.  Her mom suggested we do a joint quilt since all of my quilting supplies are in storage, but I thought about it and decided the quilt should be from grandma alone.  So I decided to do a scrapbook, a BLANK scrapbook.  All she’ll need to do is fill in the blanks and add pictures.  I’ve done these for other nieces and they really loved them, especially with being BUSY first time moms.  Here’s a collage of the cute album and a few of the pages.  The whole pictures are here at this link.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – While the situation is SOOOOOOOO VERY unfortunate, there have been some interesting skies this week.  The IDYLLWILD fire is only 5 days old and has been so devastating.  I pray for complete containment VERY soon.  The area had barely recovered from 5 years ago. Arson is a crime that makes me so VERY VERY angry!

INSPIRATION

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

• LAUNDRY… just a couple loads of clothing and towels
  
• LIVING AREAS… pretty clean and tidy
  
• YARD… nothing much
  
• BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and some holiday post planning – the holidays are really getting close!
  
• PROJECTS… Christmas cards, yes you read that right, I’m making my Christmas cards this week, finish transferring addresses into the new book, finish updating password book and internet sites
  
• APPOINTMENTS… pick up new glasses, dental appointment
• TO DO… gym, pool, errands, groceries
  

CURRENTLY READING

I’m in book 2 of the Summer Lake Romance Series by SJ McCoy

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH – A few Hallmark movies I recently taped, a few new cooking channel shows

WHERE I’VE BEEN SURFING ON THE NET – Nowhere special, but have been checking the Fire Status sites keeping track of the updates in our area.  Fortunately for us our biggest problem is the car and pool covered in ash and smoke in the air making outside activities a non-starter.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	BREAKFAST	SNACK	LUNCH	DINNER	SNACK/DESSERT
MONDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	SWEDISH MEATBALLS and PARSLEY NOODLES	PROTEIN SHAKE
TUESDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	CHICKEN & CORN ENCHILADAS	PROTEIN SHAKE
WEDNESDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night	PROTEIN SHAKE
THURSDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	HONEY SRIRACHA CHICKEN & SALAD	PROTEIN SHAKE
FRIDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	TAMALE PIE	PROTEIN SHAKE
SATURDAY	??	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	CHERRY BALSAMIC PORK CHOPS with PINEAPPLE COMPOTE	COCOA MERINGUE KISSES
SUNDAY	??	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night	PROTEIN SHAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• CHERRY BALSAMIC GLAZED PORK CHOPS with PINEAPPLE COMPOTE 
• MONTE CRISTO SANDWICHES 
• ANTIPASTO SALAD with CREAMY ITALIAN VINAIGRETTE
• TACO SALAD
• APPLE SALAD with LEMON HONEY VINAIGRETTE
• BLT PASTA with GARLIC BREAD CRUMBS and WINE SAUCE

GOOD MORNING friends! Are you ready to dive into the last week of July? Personally I HATE summer and LOVE fall so this is the time of the year I start hoping time actually moves faster so I can get to the cooler sweater weather of FALL.

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.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – We are under an EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING still this week so I’m going to be laying low after getting an early start to the pool and gym.  I have on my blue yoga pants and matching affirmation t-shirt. Our highs are supposed to top the 120s and our lows bottom out around 91! BUT, the humidity is dropping back dow into the teens so at least the pool will feel a little better.

We are already in triple digits before 7 am and are supposed to hit 118 today. They have been cherry picking the palm trees here to clean them up.  Unfortunately, I’m allergic to them so all this activity is leaving me a bit sniffly. Good news is that the rest of the season will be better after this week.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Green tea, a banana and a peach yogurt

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

• As of July 17th, it’s official that my abusive, toxic, no account uncle is FINALLY out of our lives forever.  He has made our life a COMPLETE nightmare for OVER 3 years taking complete advantage of us, swindling us, jeopardizing my health and downright being abusive, but he is officially a part of our past now. NOW we are moving on knowing we did the right thing for the right reasons, just for the wrong person.
• I am getting a bit stronger every day though the process is taking longer than I care to admit. I pulled a muscle pretty bad overdoing it at the gym last Thursday and woke up in serious pain Friday so took a few days off from the gym and concentrated on the pool instead.  The pool has felt like a bathtub though because of the extreme heat here.
• We are planning a couple of little side trips over the next couple months, Disneyland and the San Diego Zoo to make us happy.  Since we have not had a REAL vacation in years because of my health and the HOUSE FROM HELL nightmare, we are REALLY looking forward to them. What is your favorite zoo exhibit and/or Disney ride?  Personally, I’m looking forward to the giraffes and the Pirates of the Caribbean with lunch at the Blue Bayou for their Monte Cristo sandwich YUMMY! I’m not quite sure where the name Monte Cristo sandwich originally came from.  Seems like it was originally called a “French sandwich”, the “Monte Cristo” appears to have been renamed by Disney in the 1950’s as a nod to the French adventure novel and film The Count of Monte Cristo. The Monte Cristo hit the big time in 1966, when it was featured on the menu at the Disneyland’s Blue Bayou restaurant. We’re also researching some of the Gaslamp district and Sea port Village places in San Diego to have a drink and an appetizer. So far on the list is Buster’s Beach House and The Prohibition Lounge.
  

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA – I finally finished editing the pictures from my SIL’s house and the trip down here. The first one was cask makers in Santa Barbara and the last one is my niece’s dog, Peanut with her ball waiting for one of us to play with her. The middle picture is an encore because I just love this picture of my very favorite tree, the Moreton Bay Fig Tree originally planted in 1876.  Here’s the link if you’d like to read the history.

INSPIRATION –  It was tough to decide on this category this week with everything going on regarding the house, family betrayal, the loss of that family and being swindled out of money, time and health by someone you trusted your whole life so I’m going with two inspirations.

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

• LAUNDRY… just a couple loads of clothing and towels
  
• LIVING AREAS…needs a light sweeping and dusting
  
• KITCHEN… nice and tidy
  
• YARD… a few replacement plants for a couple pots
  
• BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday post planning
• APPOINTMENTS… dentist, glasses
  
• PROJECTS… surprise for my niece
  
• TO DO… gym, pool, errands, groceries
  

CURRENTLY READING

I’m in book 2 of the Summer Lake Romance Series by SJ McCoy

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH – The Great American Food Truck Race starts this week and I’m enjoying Reverie for the summer along with America’s Got Talent, Salvation and MasterChef. We also started a couple of Netflix series to binge watch. Colony and Shooter.

WHAT’S IN THE CRAFT BASKET – I just found out my niece is pregnant with her first child so I’m planning a sweet little quilt.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	BREAKFAST	SNACK	LUNCH	DINNER	SNACK/DESSERT
MONDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	PAN SEARED SWORDFISH with LEMON SAUCE	PROTEIN SHAKE
TUESDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	STUFFED CHICKEN ALFREDO SHELLS	PROTEIN SHAKE
WEDNESDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night	PROTEIN SHAKE
THURSDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	CHEESY CHICKEN PANCAKES	PROTEIN SHAKE
FRIDAY	GREEN TEA & YOGURT	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	CHICKEN PARMESAN MEATBALLS	PROTEIN SHAKE
SATURDAY	??	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	PINEAPPLE CASHEW CHICKEN
SUNDAY	??	PROTEIN DRINK	CHICKEN or TUNA SALAD	CARNE ASADA on the grill with SALAD	PROTEIN SHAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• STUFFED CHICKEN ALFREDO SHELLS
  
• PAN SEARED SWORDFISH and LEMON SAUCE
  
• CHEESY CHICKEN PANCAKES 

GOOD MORNING sweet ladies. I hope you had a GREAT week and are looking forward to an even better one this week.

We’ve been away a few days visiting family and friends on a whirlwind trip, but are back today and looking forward to getting back into routine until we visit with friends next month for our anniversary.

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.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – It’s sunny and pretty.  We’re supposed to hit triple digits ALL week with nighttime temperatures in the low 80’s with humidity hovering around 30% so pool time will be earlier in the day so it’s not like a bathtub! 😀

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – Green tea and honey nut cheerios.  I pushed the envelope experimenting with food this weekend while we were away, so will be staying closer to my routine diet this week to equalize everything

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

• Met with a friend this past weekend who is going to help facilitate moving forward with the failed mesh issues that caused my recent health issues and I’m looking forward to getting a few things off my plate of stress really soon.
  
• We started our serious research for our next project last week and have maps and notes everywhere.  For every place we like someone suggests yet another to look at.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – It’s pool time! 😀

INSPIRATION

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

• LAUNDRY… just a couple loads of clothing from our trip
  
• LIVING AREAS...neat and tidy
  
• YARD… nothing much
  
• BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and even some holiday post planning

CURRENTLY READING AND ON MY WAIT PILE

• SUMMER LAKE ROMANCE SERIES by SJ MCCOY

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH

Just a few Christmas movies and cooking shows

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	BREAKFAST	SNACK	LUNCH	DINNER	SNACK/DESSERT
MONDAY	SMALL BANANA & GREEN TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	TUNA or CHICKEN	DEPRESSION BURGERS	PROTEIN SHAKE
TUESDAY	PEACH YOGURT & GREEN TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	TUNA or CHICKEN	GRILLED CHICKEN & SALAD	PROTEIN SHAKE
WEDNESDAY	SMALL BANANA & GREEN TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	TUNA or CHICKEN	C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night	PROTEIN SHAKE
THURSDAY	CHERRY YOGURT & GREEN TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	TUNA or CHICKEN	CADILLACS & COLE SLAW	PROTEIN SHAKE
FRIDAY	BERRY YOGURT & GREEN TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	TUNA or CHICKEN	GRILLED HALIBUT & SALAD	PROTEIN SHAKE
SATURDAY	QUICHE LORRAINE	PROTEIN DRINK	TUNA or CHICKEN	C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night	LEMON BLUEBERRY TURNOVERS
SUNDAY	OVERNIGHT FRENCH TOAST	PROTEIN DRINK	TUNA or CHICKEN	MONTE CRISTOS	PROTEIN SHAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• DEPRESSION BURGERS
• LEMON BLUEBERRY TURNOVERS
• TROPICAL BBQ MEATBALLS

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.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING – Right now I have on my work out clothes to leave for the gym, but you know how some people throw their socks in the oven before they put them on in the winter?  Well, I’m throwing my clean clothes in the freezer while I’m in the shower after the gym before I put them on because it’s so hot here. Last Friday and Saturday were miserable!! This picture is from about 2:30PM Friday.

We had a freak wind and sand storm in the middle of the night that has left this morning in a gray eerie cast, but it’s still hot, hot and more hot, but I LOVE that the humidity is only about 25-40% this week with some monsoonal moisture having come out way a bit early for the season, but still so much better than south east Texas was with its super HIGH humidity 😀 Highs this week are still supposed to be around 115-120° and the lows around 90°.  I laugh at the people here complaining about the humidity 😀

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE – green tea and peach yogurt today

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY – Life in general continues to make me happy these days. 

I recently read somewhere that the happiest places in the world are those where enlightened leaders shifted their focus from economic development to promoting quality of life. I’m still looking for THIS!! THIS is the place we are looking for to live!  😀 Anybody know where it is? We’ve been taking the inside time during the heat of the day to do research over some potential areas we like.

On another note, this is for the WITCH at home depot yesterday who called me a bitch for suggesting she allow people to leave the store. She was pacing across the exit having a loud argument on her phone while people tried to keep sidestepping her. LOL calling me a bitch for pointing out that she was blocking traffic could have been avoided if she’d been on speaker phone so we could hear both sides of the call At the very least we would have all been amused and entertained.

HEALTH UPDATE – We are still following a “recovery” routine.  It’s seems slow to me, but it has only been a little over 2 weeks – I’m just anxious to get back to “normal” or an acceptable facsimile.  An hour at the gym in the mornings using the machines specific to building up the muscle I’ve lost and then 2-5 miles on the stationery bike plus 2+ more on the treadmill. I’ve been adding a machine, reps or miles here and there. 

Then it’s home for pool time while it’s still somewhat cooler.  I use a “volleyball” as a flotation device that I sit on and then use my arms especially to tread water back forth for several laps.  I also have a set of water aerobic weights I use before I finish with several regular swimming laps and then just some plain old sun time. 😀

After dinner when the sun sets and the temps have dropped below 100° we do several miles on the “regular” bike before showering and calling it a night. Though the past 3 nights were still over 100° at 10 o’clock so we did forgo the bike rides.

I am getting more calories and eating better as well as building back the muscle, but am still losing weight so still keeping a close eye on the “BIG” picture. So, I decided that at a little over 7 months post surgery it was time to do as the doctor suggested and experiment with more and more food.  It will be okay he said.  It will get easier he said.  As time goes on more and more food will agree with you he said.  So far he is batting ZERO or really close to it!!! My experimentation keeps ending in bad reactions with downtime that seems to set me back! BUT, I will keep trying.

The continued goal is to keep up this very specific daily routine between now and our nephew’s wedding in late September in hopes that I can look decent in a dress! as well as get my stamina and strength back so I can lead a good daily routine in life.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – saw this guy hanging out at the neighbor’s house.

I love this old fire station in Carmel – it’s just so quaint.

Another one of my SIL’s wildflowers that intrigued me.

INSPIRATION

SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED – We watched a few movies to stay in from the heat. The NASCAR XFINITY race was quite exciting and the MONSTER race was REALLY good too.

• 🙂 HOSTILES
• 🙂 DEEP BLUE SEA 2
• 🙂 DR STRANGE
• 🙂 7 GUARDIANS OF THE TOMB
• 🙂 I AM WRATH
• 🙂 SORCERER
• 🙂 SAN ANDREAS

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

• LAUNDRY… just a couple loads of clothing and towels
  
• LIVING AREAS… pretty clean and tidy
  
• YARD… nothing much
  
• APPOINTMENTS… A/C tune up, dentist…
• BLOG… still doing some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday post planning

CURRENTLY READING

• SUMMER LAKE ROMANCE series by SJ MCCOY
• BARBARA FREETHY’S PERILOUS TRUST

WHAT IS ON THE DVR OR LIST TO WATCH

 Just a few SYFY and Hallmark Christmas movies that I taped. Yeah, I know it’s a weird mix 😀

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	BREAKFAST	SNACK	LUNCH	DINNER	SNACK/DESSERT
MONDAY	CHEERIOS, SMALL BANANA & GREEN TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	TUNA OR GCB (chicken breast)	STICKY PINEAPPLE CHICKEN & SALAD	PROTEIN SHAKE
TUESDAY	PEACH YOGURT & GREEN TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	TUNA OR GCB (chicken breast)	MOJO CHICKEN TOSTADAS	PROTEIN SHAKE
WEDNESDAY	CHEERIOS, SMALL BANANA & GREEN TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	TUNA OR GCB (chicken breast)	CORNBREAD TAMALE PIE	LEMON GLAZE BERRY TURNOVERS
THURSDAY	CHERRY YOGURT & GREEN TEA	PROTEIN DRINK	??	??	PROTEIN SHAKE
FRIDAY	??	PROTEIN DRINK	??	??	PROTEIN SHAKE
SATURDAY	??	PROTEIN DRINK	??	??	PROTEIN SHAKE
SUNDAY	??	PROTEIN DRINK	??	??	PROTEIN SHAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• MOJO (CUBAN) CHICKEN TOSTADAS 
• BUFFALO MEATBALL SLIDERS 
• BLT SALAD with CREAMY CHIVE DRESSING
  
• HAWAIIAN STIR FRY PINEAPPLE BOATS
  
• PINEAPPLE PEPPER LIME CHICKEN