GOOD MORNING As we enter the 2nd half of 2020 I pray that the second half is SOOO SOOO much better than the first half! I recently saw a meme somewhere that suggested we have a “half year” new year’s eve party on June 30th to start fresh for July. 

And for anyone who needs to know:

I also saw this cute little cartoon for July 😀

Last week was kind of a blur for me and I’m not sure why exactly!  I do know that things we used to take for granted are now a lot more work.  We’re planning a trip to see a friend and in the past we would just take off during the week and see how far we got and then find a hotel for the night.  Not now though!  I spent a couple days researching routes, distances, hotels, etc… so we can stay safe.  I’ll pack a cooler with foods for the trip from here to there so we don’t have to stop except for gas. There is NOTHING NORMAL about this year!

We had a few days of excessive heat last week and then it cooled off significantly with rain that moved in Saturday night.  We had a good weekend though… I did the laundry and some cleaning on Saturday followed by an afternoon drive where I got some great barn pictures and yesterday was MUCH cooler, rainy and lazy on the whole, but we did BBQ some chicken, watch some NASCAR and binge watched some more of The Last Ship.

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 It looks like it is going to be a relatively mild week.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water and Apricot Carrot Pineapple baby food squeezee

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

MONDAY	MENU PLAN & MAKE GROCERY LIST FOR TOMORROW
TUESDAY	GROCERIES & ERRANDS
WEDNESDAY	ORDER A BIRTHDAY PRESENT TO BE DELIVERED AFTER THE 8TH
THURSDAY	PAPERWORK, CALLS & MISC.
FRIDAY	LAUNDRY & CLEANING
SATURDAY	CONFIRM HOTEL RESERVATIONS FOR NEXT WEEK
SUNDAY	PACKING FOR TRIP

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV We just started season 2 of The Last Ship. We also watched a couple of movies on imDb – Hotel Artemis and Lonesome Dove Church.  Like always there are also cooking shows and Hallmark movies to watch.  Christmas in July begins July 10th 😀

I’M READING

Lately I’ve had 2 books going at all times. I just finished Lisa Wingate’s The Prayer Box and am starting The Book of Lost Friends and  Hurricane Season by Lauren Denton.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA Saturday afternoon was so nice we took a little drive and I got a few fun country photos.  The clouds were really pretty against the blue sky and sunny afternoon.

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
DINNER	CHICKEN FRICASSE, CREAMED CORN, &CORN CHEDDAR MUFFINS	RANCH CHOPPED SALAD & FARMHOUSE BUTTERMILK DRESSING	C.O.R.N. Y.O.Y.O.	LEMON ARTICHOKE CHICKEN & SALAD	CHILI STUFFED ZUCHINNI & SALAD	GRILLED CHICKEN, PEACHES & GREEN TOMATOES with SALAD	CHERRY BALSAMIC PORK CHOPS & SALAD
DESSERT		WATERMELON & BALSAMIC GLAZE				CREAMSICLE CHEESECAKE

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS UPCOMING WEEK

• PAN SEARED CHICKEN with LEMON CHIVE SAUCE
• BACON CHEDDAR CORNBREAD
• BUTTERNUT SQUASH, BACON & APPLE HOT DISH

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• BEEF STROGANOFF SANDWICHES
• CHICKEN CHILE VERDE
• SALTED WATERMELON SALSA SALAD

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• LEMON THYME MARINATED FRIED CHICKEN
• SHEET PAN VINEGAR CHICKEN
• SNAPPER WRAPPER CASSEROLE

GOOD MORNING I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and all your dads and hubbies had a relaxing father’s day.  I’m in a bit of a hurry this morning so I’ll make this quick.

An old friend from my early blogging days has rejoined the blogging force and I joined in with her yesterday for Sunday 6.  It is a really good lead in to today’s Happy Homemaker and Menu Plan 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 I have a long day starting with my mammogram at 830AM so have dressed comfy in jeans and a lightweight blouse with my favorite sandals to accommodate today’s heat.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE I’ll grab a banana and a bottle of water as I run out of the house to eat on my way.

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

MONDAY	Mammogram Nail appointment Errands and groceries
TUESDAY	Pack up some things (winter blankets, etc…) for storage
WEDNESDAY	Letters, filing and phone calls
THURSDAY	Inventory freezer and pantry
FRIDAY	Cleaning & Laundry
SATURDAY	Project Research
SUNDAY	??

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV We finished the Homeland Series – boy was that addicting!  Claire Danes did an excellent job (as did everyone else, but WOW just WOW was she convincing). We’re about to begin The Sopranos which we missed the first time around. We’re also watching TAXI and DHARMA and Greg which are always fun. We’re really addicted to binge watching shows these days. There are some cooking shows and NASCAR on the DVR to catch up on.

I’M READING Lately I’ve had 2 books going at all times. This week is Lisa Wingate’s The Book of Lost Friends and The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate.  Next up will be Hurricane Season by Lauren Denton

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA There are a few this week.  I’m really loving all the floral color at this time of the year.  And a local tavern recently sold.  They’re testing out paint colors (we vote for the green that’s not in this picture) and they added some motorcycle parking spots.  I love that someone thought outside the box and added this cute little broken down pink bike for some humor. And I can’t believe that bumble bee posed for me and I was able to get the veins in his wings while I was on the move with just an iPhone!

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
DINNER	CHICKEN CACCIATORE & SHEET PAN SCALLOPED POTATOES	VINEGAR CHICKEN & TURNIP POTATO GRATIN	STUFFED PEPPERS & CABBAGE SLAW	C.O.R.N. acronym for clean out refrigerator night	CHICKEN PEANUT STEW & CHEDDAR MUFFINS	CHICKEN FRICASSEE, CREAMED CORN, & SALAD	APRICOT BBQ CHICKEN & BUTTERNUT, BACON, APPLE HOT DISH
DESSERT		LEMON LIME AUSTRALIAN CHEESECAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• AUSTRALIAN CHEESECAKE
• NATCHITOCHES aka CAJUN EMPANADAS
• SKILLET CHOPS & OVEN BRAISED RAINBOW CARROTS
• CHEESY TACO PASTA
• BUTTER BRAISED PORK ROAST
• BALSAMIC GLAZE for FRUIT
• IMOGENE’S CHICKEN

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• LEMON CHICKEN COSTOLETTA
• BANANA CREAM CHEESECAKE
• EGGS BENEDICT with LEMONY HOLLANDAISE SAUCE

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• CHEDDAR, GREEN BEAN & BREAD CASSEROLE
• SNAPPER WRAPPER CASSEROLE
• LEMON THYME MARINATED FRIED CHICKEN
• VINEGAR CHICKEN

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

• BRAISED BEEF SHORT RIBS
  
• PLAIN ‘OL ROAST CHICKEN
• STRAWBERRY RHUBARB PIE
  

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• SLOPPY JOE CASSEROLE
• BAKED ASIAGO PARMESAN MEATBALLS
• PAN SEARED CHICKEN with CREAMY TOMATO BASIL SPINACH CREAM SAUCE
• BACON BROWN SUGAR GARLIC CHICKEN
• CHICKEN THIGHS with CREAMY BACON MUSHROOM THYME SAUCE
  

GOOD MORNING My head and heart just hurt from EVERYTHING so far in 2020 so let me just say

and get on with having a better week full of positivity, hope and amazing calmness!

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 We had another cold and stormy weekend (yesterday hardly reached 50°), but it is supposed to get back to “normal” this week with day time highs mostly in the 70’s and night time lows in the 50’s.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water and banana

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

MONDAY	blog organization cleaning & laundry
TUESDAY	recipe updates new roof begins
WEDNESDAY	storing winter clothes storage organization
THURSDAY	errands and shopping blood draw appointment
FRIDAY	storage organization
SATURDAY	Farmer’s market maybe
SUNDAY	races, cooking shows

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV We reactivated HULU so we could watch Homeland with Claire Danes and Mandy Patinkin with my SIL. She’s just started season 8 and we’re binge watching to catch up, but just started season 4.  Also saw a “new to us” movie that was really interesting, but 10 years old called THE WAY BACK with Ed Harris and Colin Farrell.  We’ve also been watching Svengoolie on Saturday nights (our normal SYFY night) and saw Bride of Frankenstein (1935) with Boris Karloff and Elsa Lanchester.

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 This guy on the back fence this past week just seemed fitting to me for ALL that I’m searching for 😀

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
DINNER	C.O.R.N.	NATCHITOCHES MEAT PIES & SALAD	CHICKEN POMODORO & SALAD with MIKE’S BREAD	BACON BROWN SUGAR GARLIC CHICKEN & VEGGIES	PARMESAN MEATBALL BAKE & SALAD	PEACH & GOAT CHEESE SALAD	CHICKEN with LEMON CHIVE PAN SAUCE & SCALLION PANCAKES
DESSERT		OATMEAL TREASURE COOKIES				CHOCOLATE ALMOND ICE CREAM BARS

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• BEEF STROGANOFF SANDWICHES
• STRAWBERRY RHUBARB PIE
• FRESH UPDATED COLE SLAW
• SPINACH ARTICHOKE RAVIOLI LASAGNA
• BAKED GARLIC BUTTER PARSLEY CHICKEN

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• APPLE CIDER PAN GRAVY PORK CHOPS with APPLE STUFFING
• RICOTTA MEATBALLS & GRAVY
• CHICKEN & CHEESE ENCHILADAS

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• CREAMY BACON MUSHROOM THYME CHICKEN THIGHS
• BACON BROWN SUGAR GARLIC CHICKEN
• SLOPPY JOE CORNBREAD CASSEROLE
• CHEESY TACO PASTA
• PAN SEARED CHICKEN with CREAMY TOMATO BASIL SPINACH SAUCE

GOOD MORNING dear friends.  I CANNOT believe that we’re into June!  This year is almost half over and half of that was spent quarantined.  What a strange world and time we are living in. Has anyone else noticed how what we intend to do or get done doesn’t seem to fall into place lately? Or, is it just me?

We enjoyed our trip to SIL’s house and the lake over Memorial Day, and are glad to be home, but also “anxious” for any semblance of normality.  Hubby did confront some uncomfortable family issues over the passing of his father and the execution of the family trust with a different SIL, so I pray that they all work this out without any more issues (though we are not holding our breath as it seems she cannot seem to tell the truth)!  Please keep them and us in your prayers.

We did a little exploring of some potential areas to migrate to and find a house project.  We are trying to move ahead and seem to be getting closer!

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 We had a wet and cold storm on Saturday with lingering clouds into Sunday, but it’s going to be a gorgeous week in the low to mid 70’s and sunny.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water and apple peach baby food

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

MONDAY	I have a pedicure appointment and am wondering how that will go – such a new “changed” “normal” we are enduring.
TUESDAY	Some phone calls I need to make.
WEDNESDAY	Laundry/ Cleaning
THURSDAY	Storage clean-up and organizing
FRIDAY	??
SATURDAY	Farmer’s Market maybe?
SUNDAY	??

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV We rented the Invisible Man which was actually quite good.  We’re also halfway thru season 3 of Homeland and have started Snow Piercer which is really a bit odd.  Also we have some Good Witch, Worst Cooks, Guy’s Grocery Games and Beat Bobby Flay episodes to watch.

I’M READING A Forever of Orange Blossoms, The Merriams by Ava Miles

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA We went to the local farm market that just reopened.  They were quite limited, but I did find a few things I needed.  I also took this cute shot on our way out.  Gotta love country life.

We took the back way to see the wildlife, but I LOVE all the old barns along the way!

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
DINNER	SPINACH ARTICHOKE RAVIOLI LASAGNA, SALAD & GARLIC BREAD	CREAMY BACON MUSHROOM THYME CHICKEN & ASPARAGUS	CREAMY TOMATO BASIL SPINACH CHICKEN & SALAD	SLOPPY JOE CORN BREAD BAKE & SALAD	CHEESY TACO PASTA & SALAD	MEATBALL PARMESAN BAKE & SALAD	POTATO HAM CORN CHOWDER & HONEY MILK ROLLS

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• SALTED WATERMELON SALSA SALAD
• SLOW COOKER CHICKEN CHILE VERDE
• STUFFED SHELLS
• BRUSSELS SPROUTS SALAD with BACON VINAIGRETTE
• DIMPLES BBQ CHICKEN
• CANDY BAR RICE KRISPY TREATS (these were a BIG hit over Memorial Day weekend)

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• THYME BALSAMIC PORK CHOPS
• RED PEPPER GLAZED HALIBUT
• BANANA BEIGNETS with CREAM CHEESE DIPPING SAUCE
  

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• FRESH updated COLE SLAW
• STRAWBERRY RHUBARB PIE
• BEEF STROGANOFF SANDWICHES

GOOD MORNING I hope everyone had a wonderful  Memorial Day Weekend and are staying safe.  I’m keeping everyone in my prayers during this CRAZY reopening of the country.  Despite this small trip. I’m personally not ready to mainstream ANYTHING!  I’m also keeping all of you in my prayers that live anywhere near these horrific storms that are all over the country right now. I’m sorry I didn’t get by to visit everyone while I was with family, but I will this week! 

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 It was quite warm this past week while we were visiting family.  We’re glad to be heading back north tomorrow to cooler weather, even though it’s a bit wetter. I have on Levis with a western plaid shirt.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water and toddler squeeze pack (apple and peach)

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

MONDAY	Apple store with protection for phone repairs and take trash to dumpster
TUESDAY	Start for home via a new route our nephew suggested.  We have reservations halfway and I have Clorox wipes to wipe down the hotel room and fixtures just to be safe.
WEDNESDAY	Do a drive through on our way home of a few cities that we are looking to settle permanently in.
THURSDAY	Laundry and settle in.
FRIDAY	Groceries and new glasses.
SATURDAY	?? catch up on DVR
SUNDAY	??

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV Not sure what’s on it, but we’ll get caught up and evaluate from there

I’M READING I loaded a couple books before we left, and I finished Hearts on Fire: A St. Caroline Small town series by Julia Gabriel on the way down and then started Jana DeLeon’s Bullets and Beads from her Miss Fortune Series which I’ll finish tonight probably and then I’ll begin Forever Orange Blossoms by Ava Miles part of her The Merriams series.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA Here are a couple shots (some of your may have already seen them on InstaGram) from our trip to the lake.  The best part was certainly seeing family – family that we know had been sheltering in place until they too traveled to the family “compound” – 3 sequential houses on the lake for a few days. We relaxed, wake boarded on the lake, watched the wildlife on the deck, read, watched movies,  BBQed and I felt safe with people I know. 

I am NOT ready to be out in public on a regular basis!  I will also be happy to be home this week where I feel even safer. 😀 But I will have some great memories from this week.  I also got to meet my latest nephew, Dane!  From a socially safe distance of course.  I was dying to hold him, but can wait for his safety. 😀

My late brother-in-law has built a great life for the family in this sequestered cul-de-sac on a private lake.  Ray also LOVED crows and collected them (not real ones) 😀 Ever since he passed whenever we see crows it’s a family thing to say #RaysWatchingOverUs. 

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	BABY FOOD SQUEEZE & HOT WATER	BABY FOOD SQUEEZE & HOT WATER	BABY FOOD SQUEEZE & HOT WATER	BABY FOOD SQUEEZE & HOT WATER	BABY FOOD SQUEEZE & HOT WATER	??	??
LUNCH	SIL’S CHOICE	ON THE ROAD	ON THE ROAD	TUNA SALAD & VEGGIES	SALAD & FRUIT	??	??
DINNER	SIL COOKING	ON THE ROAD	??	??	??	??	??
DESSERT						??

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• PARMESAN RANCH ROLLS
• PINEAPPLE STRAWBERRY SALSA
• VIETNAMESE CUCUMBER SALAD
• CRISPY OVEN FRIED CHICKEN
• SMOKED PORK CHOPS with SAUERKRAUT

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• LEMON CHICKEN COSTOLETTA
• BANANA CREAM CHEESECAKE
• EGGS BENEDICT with LEMONY HOLLANDAISE SAUCE
  

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• SALTED WATERMELON SALSA SALAD
• SLOW COOKER CHICKEN CHILE VERDE
• STUFFED SHELLS
• BRUSSELS SPROUTS SALAD with BACON VINAIGRETTE
• DIMPLES BBQ CHICKEN
• CANDY BAR RICE KRISPY TREATS (these were a BIG hit over Memorial Day weekend)

GOOD MORNING dear friends.  We traveled over 500 miles yesterday.  I have to say I was very anxious about it.  We only had to stop for gas once and drive through for lunch, but I still had reservations about traveling at all– especially since we were traveling towards areas with much higher numbers of COVID cases and denser populations than where we live.  I have to say it was very apocalyptic – no one out and about for the most part, empty freeways…

Now that we’re here, I’m okay, at least until we leave to go home.  SIL lives on a VERY large piece of property by herself so I’m much more comfortable now.  SIL has a honey do list of things for me to accomplish right here without venturing out into people populations, so I’m looking forward to getting started on that today! 

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 Enjoying the cooler, but dryer weather here near the coast at SIL’s house 😀  The highs here this week should be around 60° with cool evenings and only a bit of clouds unlike all the rain at home!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Same old thing! Hot water and toddler squeeze pack

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE, WEEKLY TO DO LIST, HOUSE & CRAFT PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS We’ll be at my SIL’s houses this week, so I have nothing planned 😀

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV We’ll be at my SIL’s houses this week, so I have no idea what will tape while we’re gone 😀

I’M READING I loaded a couple books before we left, but have yet to start a new one.  I finished Hearts on Fire: A St. Caroline Small town series by Julia Gabriel on the way down and will either start Jana DeLeon’s Bullets and Beads from her Miss Fortune Series or her Wrong Side of Forty or maybe Forever Orange Blossoms by Ava Miles part of her The Merriams series.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA So I have a question?  Are they still CALIFORNIA poppies if they are growing wild elsewhere? 😀

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK We’ll be at my SIL’s house this week, so I have no planned meals 😀

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• BAKED ZITI
• COWBOY BROWNIES
• PORK CHOPS in TOMATO GRAVY
• HONEY BUTTER ROLLS
• ASIAN CHICKEN ala SLOW COOKER
• HONEY BUTTER DIP BISCUITS

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• BAKED EGGS
• MAGIC COOKIE BUTTER BARS
• MEXICAN COBB SALAD with JALAPENO RANCH DRESSING

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• • SMOKED PORK CHOPS & SAUERKRAUT ala SLOW COOKER

• CRISPY OVEN FRIED CHICKEN
• VIETNAMESE CUCUMBER SALAD
• STRAWBERRY RHUBARB PIE
• PARMESAN RANCH ROLLS

GOOD MORNING I hope everyone had a WONDERFUL Mother’s Day!  It was quiet here, but I did make mom her requested Mother’s Day menu and it was a hit that produced 2 new recipes.  😀 We also went to feed the peacocks while the weather was still good so all and all, it was a good day.  I did have a small reaction that left me losing a few afternoon hours, but fortunately it didn’t last all that long.

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 Last Friday was 90 degrees and sunny, today is supposed to be 70 and the rain is back.  Tomorrow is supposed to be 60 and rainy the rest of the week.  Thus is May in the Pacific Northwest. So back to Levis and long sleeves t-shirts.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water, banana and toddler baby squeeze

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE, WEEKLY TO DO LIST, HOUSE & CRAFT PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS With everything still shut down, it’s getting harder to make a weekly plan 🙁

MONDAY	phone calls to locate some missing shipments
TUESDAY	cleaning and laundry
WEDNESDAY	filing and organizing
THURSDAY	??
FRIDAY	??
SATURDAY	Farmer’s Market NOT 🙁
SUNDAY	??

DVR/TV

• Hallmark movies
• Cooking Shows
• OUTLANDER
• UPLOAD

I’M READING

• Hearts on Fire: A St. Caroline Small town series by Julia Gabriel

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA I was rewarded with great shots (front and back) 😀 of a Peacock hamming it up in full plume for the camera.

And a few good shots from Saturday’s drive and lunch at the Narrows to get out a bit into the sunshine and warm air.

Hubby and I took advantage of the cool morning before the afternoon heat and painted the wall behind the new barrels before he adjusted the sprinklers for the new flowers mom picked out.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	??	??
LUNCH	TURKEY & CHEESE WRAPS	GRILLED CHICKEN & TOMATOES	MEAT & CHEESE WRAPS	??	SALAD & FRUIT	??	??
DINNER	SEAFOOD SALAD & PARMESAN ROLLS	OPEN FACED BURGERS & MEXICAN STREET CORN	CHICKEN, BROCCOLI & STUFFING CASSEROLE with SALAD	C.O.R.N.	??	??	??
DESSERT						STRAWBERRY RHUBARB PIE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• CRUNCHY SNAP PEA POPCORN SALAD
• LASAGNA with MEATY SAUCE
• GOLDEN POPOVERS
• SWISS CHICKEN & CORN CASSEROLE
• SLOW COOKER POLYNESIAN CHICKEN
• HAWAIIAN POTATO PASTA SALAD

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• ORANGE CHIPOTLE CHICKEN
• SAUSAGE BRUNCH PIES
• ORANGE BRAISED CHICKENRECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO
  

• HONEY BUTTER DIP BUTTERMILK BISCUITS
• HONEY BUTTER ROLLS ala SANDRA & SALLY
• PORK CHOPS in TOMATO GRAVY
• BAKED ZITI
• COWBOY BROWNIES

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

GOOD MORNING Can you believe it’s May already?  I know we lost March and April to the pandemic, but when did May sneak up on us?  And it looks like we’re going to lose it to the pandemic also.  How are you all doing?  Keeping your spirits up?  I pray you are.  Even for the most positive person this is A LOT to ask.  We are usually preparing for our annual family reunion at this time of year (haven’t missed one in 30 years).  I took over the majority of the organization from my niece this last year. But, unfortunately, this year I had to cancel 100 people from doing one of their very favorite things – getting together and spending time loving each other 🙁  The beach campground we just started using last year to have it at has worked with us to extend our reservations into 2021.  Right now they’re only accepting shelter in place RVers.

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 Highs in the 60’s, lows in the 40’s for the week with a single day threat of showers. Typical dress of the day – Levi’s and a 3/4 sleeve t-shirt.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water and Carrot, Apple & Pineapple toddler pack

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

MONDAY	phone calls paperwork
TUESDAY	work in storage for a few hours
WEDNESDAY	endocrinologist appointment grocery store while I’m in town
THURSDAY	blog recipe updates over at food blog Savory Kitchen Table
FRIDAY	Filing
SATURDAY	Farmer’s Market (I wish)
SUNDAY	cleaning and laundry

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

• Hallmark movies
• Cooking Shows
• FINALLY started OUTLANDER and a new Amazon show UPLOAD

I’M READING Hearts on Fire: A St. Caroline Small town series by Julia Gabriel

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA I did get a couple of cool #RailArt pictures when we had to go to town last week.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	??	??
LUNCH	TURKEY & CHEESE WRAPS	GRILLED CHICKEN & TOMATOES	MEAT & CHEESE WRAPS	??	SALAD & FRUIT	??	??
DINNER	PORK CHOPS & SAUERKRAUT	VINEGAR CHICKEN & CUCUMBER SALAD	BBQ CHICKEN & CABBAGE SLAW	CHICKEN CHILE VERDE & SALTED WATERMELON SALAD	SALAD with AVA’S DRESSING & PARMESAN ROLLS	HAM & BROCCOLI CASSEROLE with SALAD & PEPPER DRESSING	OVEN FRIED CHICKEN, STREET CORN, & SALAD
DESSERT						STRAWBERRY & RHUBARB PIE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• ITALIAN GARLIC SUPREME PIZZA
• ANTIPASTO PASTA SALAD
• ZUCCHINI GINGER CAKE
• unMORAVIAN CHICKEN PIE
• INSTA POT BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• WAVE ROCKING MERMAIDS
• HINT of CHOCOLATE ORANGE CAKE
• TOMATO BEEF STROGANOFF
  

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• SLOW COOKER POLYNESIAN CHICKEN
• HAWAIIAN POTATO SALAD
• CRUNCH SNAP PEA POPCORN SALAD
• GOLDEN POPOVERS
• LASAGNA with MEATY SAUCE
• SWISS CHICKEN & CORN CASSEROLE

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

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

GOOD MORNING I sure hope you are all doing well throughout this unprecedented time!  I pray this is all over soon.  The loss of life and economic devastation is hitting the world, our nation and our individual communities so hard! I truly believe that life as we knew it will never be again, though I pray I am so wrong!

I have been keeping as much as possible to my routines as much as possible though I did take some time yesterday and create a “What did you do during COVID-19 chart” to make me feel better about what I accomplished during these past weeks.  You can see it HERE.

I’ve been trying to pay more attention to nature around here also. It seems that everything is the same for the animals – the geese are back at the pond nesting in the same place and the osprey too up on their perches. And the hummingbirds are still demanding to be fed by emptying their feeders regularly.  Spring has sprung as the early bulbs have bloomed and just about passed, pansies and the clematis are really taking off and beginning to trail up the trellis, and the tomatoes and zucchini are really starting grow strong and tall.  The nasturtiums are doubling in size every day or so it seems and the lizards are back sunbathing on the rocks in the afternoons.

Here’s a suggestion also.  Set your calendars. According to this article at Physics-Astronomy.com, the moon, Jupiter and Venus are going to be showing off for us on the 16th of May 2020, by aligning in a rare position that will form a smiley face in the sky!

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING Today and tomorrow are supposed to be pretty nice, but after tomorrow the temperature drops and we really are supposed to get that promised rain.  I have on Levis, a purple 3/4 sleeve t-shirt and gray pops.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water and Carrot Apple Pineapple squeeze food

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

MONDAY	gardening & pruning cleaning & laundry quilt
TUESDAY	quilting menu plan
WEDNESDAY	jigsaw puzzle – I really want this finished quilting
THURSDAY	paperwork, filing & organization
FRIDAY	Hubby blood appointment – the only thing even on this week’s calendar
SATURDAY	Farmer’s Market I WISH!
SUNDAY	cleaning and laundry

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH / SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED FINALLY I started Outlander and will be binge watching it most the week and am still watching a bunch of Hallmark movies I taped as well as the last of the cooking shows.

WHAT I’M READING For some reason I was having trouble getting into my last book, The Cookbook and have switched oven to Jana DeLeon’s Bayou Bodyguard.  I’ll go back to the other after and see if I can get into again as it got good reviews and I don’t like to not finish a book!  Sometimes, just switching genres helps me.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

We have been super busy with projects while the weather was nice.  We had a super productive weekend, but this was one of the biggest projects – re-grouting the pavers into the backyard.

The sky the other night was gorgeous.  Unfortunately, this picture doesn’t do it justice.

We had the BEST artichoke this past week also! Super tender, sweet and just plain YUMMY!

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	CHILE CORN CHICKEN CUSTARDS	EGGS BENEDICT
LUNCH	TURKEY & CHEESE WRAPS	GRILLED CHICKEN & TOMATOES	MEAT & CHEESE WRAPS	??	SALAD & FRUIT	HAM SANDWICHES	??
DINNER	ANITPASTO PASTA SALAD	NATCHITOCHES MEAT PIES & SALAD	PORK STUFFED SHELLS & SALAD	C.O.R.N. (clean out refrigerator night)	CHEESY STUFFED PIZZA RING & SALAD	HAM & BROCCOLI NOODLE CASSEROLE	C.O.R.N. (clean out refrigerator night)
DESSERT		CARROT CAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• BRAISED BEEF SHORT RIBS
• BAKED PINEAPPLE CASSEROLE
• CARROT RAISIN SALAD
• PINEAPPLE ORANGE ROAST HAM
• PASTA WITH CREAMY ARTICHOKE MUSHROOM RAGU

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• MRS. GIBSON’S CHOCOLATE CHEWS
• BEET PICKLED DEVILED EGGS
• SWEET & SOUR CABBAGE ROLLS

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• WHITE CAKE with CREAM CHEESE BUTTERCREAM
• updated ITALIAN GARLIC SUPREME PIZZA
• EGGS BENEDICT
• PORK CHOPS in TOMATO GRAVY
• POPPY SEED BLUEBERRY ROLLS

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

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

GOOD MORNING I hope you all had a blessed Easter though I’m sure it was probably quieter than normal for most. I know it was here!  I REALLY missed the munchkins and family time.  Cooking for 2 on a holiday is just weird!

I also hope you are all finding ways to stay on a basic routine and busy.  I find it really helps keep me sane! I’ve helped hubby with a few projects outside like the pressure washing which always takes so much energy to get it all done, but it’s a necessary evil up here to keep the moss at bay.  He has also gotten rid of all the wasp nests that were being formed in the eave areas and rebuilt the wooden garage step and fixed the mudroom step and rebuilt the sprinkler box frame and finally finished the lower fence border.  Now he’s painting a shelf unit he built for me.  It was raw wood and it’s taking about 4 coats to match the red hope chest.

I pray that when this is all over and we “return to normal” that we all evaluate just what should be in that “normal” now that we have been forced to slow down and realize we really don’t have to do it ALL!  I pray that families have reconnected, eaten their meals together, sat and talked and/or laughed together, walked or gardened, played board games, solved jigsaw puzzles…  You see where I’m going with this.  I do find it a bit disconcerting that Dominoes pizza is hiring 10,000 employees to deal with the uptick in pizzas!

Hubby wants to do his part to answer the call for blood and he is a universal type “O”.  The red cross has set up a special donation site in town for 2 days so he has an appointment to give blood today.  Unfortunately, they won’t take mine because of my underlying conditions, but I’ll be tagging along.  I will stay in the car to read while he is inside and then he’ll take me to do some much overdo grocery shopping and then we’ll be back here to shower off the excursion.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING As always at this time of year, the prediction and the reality of the weather are ALWAYS different.  They predict mid 60’s and party cloudy or sunny for most of the week with lows in the high 30’s or low 40’s.  What they don’t mention is the morning fog that takes forever to burn off and only allows that high and sun to be around for a few hours before the sun sets. 😀  We actually need rain – not something you would usually hear from the Pacific Northwest.  And if their predictions are correct we’ll have just that by the end of the week.  I’m wearing Levi’s, one of my favorite 3/4 sleeve T-shirts and tennies.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water and baby food

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

MONDAY	Grocery shopping Hubby Red Cross appointment for blood donation Work on Blue Mirepoix quilt
TUESDAY	paint shelving unit to match hope chest work on Catty Corners Quilt finish jigsaw puzzle that it giving me a headache
WEDNESDAY	cut quilt pieces clean out photo file clean out email SPAM folder
THURSDAY	paperwork and filing menu plan vacuum
FRIDAY	weed POLISH kitchen counter tops work on Christmas ornament “hooks”
SATURDAY	Farmer’s Market NOT, but a girl can dream 😀 Clean baseboards
SUNDAY	cleaning and laundry

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED

Everything is pretty much over for the season (or longer ??), but I’ve been watching a lot of Game Show Network, Hallmark movies, the Cooking channel “home” episodes of the Joanna Gaines, Guy Fieri and even the Pioneer Woman, Netflix movie, Badland and we started the  Amazon series, Tales From the Loop.

I’M READING The Cookbook a novel

What if your grandmother’s old Betty Crocker cookbook contained mysterious messages that would shockingly change your life? For Kate Miller all is perfect. She is falling in love with the ideal man while advancing in her professional career. Then her neat and ordered life crashes.

She receives a strange email from her deceased grandmother. Coupled with this, her apartment is burgled and her cookbooks are stolen, the ones she was instructed to preciously guard. After hiring a quirky private detective she goes on a quest that leads to an impossible truth.

This exciting action thriller is interlaced with memories of tastes, smells and laughter in the kitchen, and how a grandmother lovingly prepared a young girl to face enormous challenges. Not only did Kate learn the craft of cooking, but also values from old-world traditions. These savoury breaks in the story provide unusual twists not typically found in bestseller action-thriller novels.

Those lessons passed from one generation to the next give Kate the strength to face powerful forces. While solving mysteries she is led on a journey of self-discovery, having to ask hard questions. What is this disconcerting game that her grandmother is playing and for what purpose? Is her past just an illusion? And, why are these malevolent people intent on extracting some unknown truth from her?

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA One day last week the peacock food bin was full and even though we knew the park gates would be closed we decided to get out of the house for a small drive which we figured would be safe since we weren’t really stopping or getting out anywhere. We knew the peacocks would be near the fence looking for their hand-outs especially since the gates were closed.  We weren’t wrong 😀  I just tossed the food over the fence to them and they were thrilled, but even they were practicing social distancing 😀 at least more than usual. We also passed by this cute mannequin that this family dresses up every season.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	LEMON BLUEBERRY PANCAKES	SHIRRED EGGS
LUNCH	LEFT OVER EASTER HAM SANDWICHES	LEFT OVER EASTER HAM SANDWICHES	TUNA SALAD	C.O.R.N. CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT	SALAD & FRUIT	LEFT OVER EASTER HAM SANDWICHES	C.O.R.N. CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT
DINNER	HAM TETRAZZINI and SALAD	CHICKEN & RICE CASSEROLE with PARMESAN PAN ROLLS	MONROVIAN CHICKEN PIE and SALAD	C.O.R.N. CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT	SWISS CHICKEN and CORN CASSEROLE	PORK CHOPS with TOMATO GRAVY and GOLDEN POPOVERS	C.O.R.N. CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT
DESSERT		ROOT BEER BROWNIES

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• SNICKERDOODLE THUMBPRINTS
• CHICKEN TETRAZINNI
• ORANGE RICOTTA PANCAKES with MAPLE INFUSED ORANGES
• FIESTA DROWNED EGG SOUP
• CREAMY ONION MUSHROOM CHICKEN

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• BUTTERMILK CHICKEN FRIED STEAK
• CONEY ISLAND TATERS
• BBQ CHICKEN COBB SALAD
  

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• PINEAPPLE ORANGE HAM
• CARROT PINEAPPLE SALAD
• PASTA WITH CREAMY ARTICHOKE RAGU

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP