HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY – Chasing MY Life WHEREVER it Leads ME

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 27 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.188

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

Good morning dear friends. Last week is a complete blur for me. YAY the cribbage tournament is FINALLY over. Before and during the tournament where I had to get up at 5 AM every day and work 10-12 hours straight. That’s in addition to everything else that’s going on around here. My girlfriend and I had just agreed this was probably going to be the last time we did it. We absolutely LOVE the players and really enjoyed the work, but it’s a TON of time and work that we do as volunteers!

We did decide that if we did it again we’d do it as our own catering company so we could make the money to make it worth our while. But, to our surprise, the guy that runs the tournament announced that he was moving next week and handing the torch to a younger guy who lives quite a ways away. So, it looks like this was our last job anyway.

That said, I will finally have the time to get caught up around the house as well as with blogging visits to all of you!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We’ve been quite cool of an evening for this time of year. I even wore a heavy sweatshirt during the fireworks on the 4th, but that all supposed to change this week with highs in the mid 90’s! At least the night time lows will still be going down into the 50’s to give us nice mornings and evenings.

ON MY MIND

I’m praying for all those people and families devastated by the flash flooding that occurred when the two tropical storms merged and stalled over central Texas. It sure seems like the weather is changing all over the country and for the worse in so many of those places!

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I did get 2 loads done last night, but still have 2 to do.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’m going to head to town and pick up a few groceries today and have a pedicure on Thursday, but otherwise will be staying close to home to get caught up around here.
PROJECTS & TRAVELS All of this is still on hold until after the memorial in late August.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m getting back into the swing of things with a summer menu full of salads and lighter meals.

DVR/TV

There’s nothing much on TV, but we still try and end the day with a comedy and never the news.

READING TIME

I finished the Rose Landgreen mysteries by Sigrid Holm and have moved in to a light summer read, Finding Grace the first of 4 in a series by B.E. Baker

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	7/7 MONDAY	7/8 TUESDAY	7/9 WEDNESDAY	7/10 THURSDAY	7/11 FRIDAY	7/12 SATURDAY	7/13 SUNDAY
DINNER	CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD	CHICKEN ALFREDO	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own 🙂	OUT	WITH A FRIEND	FRIED CHICKEN & POTATO SALAD	PORK CHOPS, MASHED POTATOES & GREEN BEANS
DESSERT		APPLE BLACKBERRY CRUMBLE

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

I didn’t get much time off for the 4th of July, but I did get home in time for my neighbor’s fireworks display with all the grand kids. You can tell from the picture why she’s their favorite 🙂 These were my 3 favorites, the HOT Burger, the ALIEN and the SHOW OFF that we saved for the grand finale.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

MEATBALLS IN BUTTERMILK MUSHROOM SAUCE
MAPLE COUNTRY RIBS

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

MARRY ME CHAMPAGNE CHICKEN

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENU & RECIPES week 26 of 2025 ~ blog 365.181

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

It seems like all my days are running together and I can’t get caught up. I’ve been working hard at getting as many things off my plate as possible. I did get several large projects accomplished and will do much more this week after the Cribbage tournament.

I cannot believe we are halfway through this year! I have not come close to getting anything done yet!!!!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Today is supposed to surge close to triple digits, but the rest of the week is supposed to be in the mid 80’s. It’s also been quite humid and breezy for us.

ON MY MIND

I’m trying to put more thought into where we go from here. There are so many questions…What does my mom need?, the estate sale at the end of July, the memorial in August – though we did choose an “in lieu” of charity for flowers – we chose Hospice Care of America because the hospice crew was genuinely so caring and wonderful!, the memorial reception food and accommodating all the out of the area people…

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING Deep cleaning closets and drawers
GROCERIES & ERRANDS All the shopping will be Tuesday for the Cribbage Tournament
PROJECTS & TRAVELS nowhere until late August
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING need some lighter salads

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

STREAMING I’ve been binge watching JAG while cleaning out and prepping for the estate sale at the end of July.

READING TIME

I’m reading the 3rd book, BONE FIRE in the Rose Landgreen mysteries by Sigrid Holm.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	6/30 MONDAY	7/1 TUESDAY	7/2 WEDNESDAY	7/3 THURSDAY	7/4 FRIDAY	7/5 SATURDAY	7/6 SUNDAY
DINNER	MARRY ME CHICKEN & SMOKED BAKED POTATOES	MISO CHICKEN & COLESLAW	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	working ALL day at the Eagles defrosting the freezer and changing out to a new refrigerator so it will also be a CORN/YOYO night.	BBQ at a friend’s house	I’ll be working the Eagle’s CRIBBAGE tournament – so eating out!	I’ll be working the Eagle’s CRIBBAGE tournament – so eating out!
DESSERT		CINNAMON SWIRL COFFEE CAKE

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

I did take a couple hours last week and take a class to make a patriotic welcome sign. Unfortunately, the sun was full force when I took the picture.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

NOT SURE YET!

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY week 25 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.174

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

I’m still trying to play catch up from the past couple of months, but feel like I’m getting further behind. I’m just so exhausted all of a sudden! I’ll do what I can to get ahead of the game this week!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Friday and Saturday brought a bunch of rain AND cold! I actually wore a sweatshirt for the first 3 days of summer! But, that is going away this week as the regularly scheduled sunshine is back and we’re supposed to hit low to mid 80’s ALL week.

ON MY MIND

I’m thinking about where we go from here. What does my mom need?, the estate sale at the end of July, the memorial in August, the reception food and accommodating all the out of the area people…

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I’m actually up to date, but wonder how long that will last…
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’m trying REALLY hard to clean out the freezer and pantry…
PROJECTS & TRAVELS everything is put off until the end of summer after the memorial and estate sale… EXCEPT for a class with girlfriends on Wednesday night 🙂
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING looking for recipes that utilize what is on hand…

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

I’ve been watching the Librarians on Paramount +
Catching up on cooking shows – BBQ Brawl, Duff Goldman Cake competition, Guy’s Grocery games…

READING TIME

I just started the 3rd Rose Landgreen series book, BONE FIRE by Sigrid Holm.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	6/23 MONDAY	6/24 TUESDAY	6/25 WEDNESDAY	6/26 THURSDAY	6/27 FRIDAY	6/28 SATURDAY	6/29 SUNDAY
DINNER	HAM HOCKS AND BEANS	FREEZER MYSTERY BOX (the label fell off and I can’t remember what it was even though it’s only a couple months old!)	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	CHICKEN WINGS AND BBQ BEANS	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	MISSISSIPPI CHICKEN and APPLE BROCCOLI SALAD	ROOTBEER CHICKEN SLIDERS AND POTATO SALAD
DESSERT

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

My girlfriend just spent 10 days in Germany, Switzerland and Prague having the time of her life. I was so honored she brought me the cutest glass blown German Christmas ornaments because she knows it’s my favorite holiday and some chocolates and the prettiest book mark from Switzerland and the Prague!

The past couple years I have been buying my seedlings at the Feed CO-OP and they have been growing like they are on steroids! I’ve already had tomatoes this year from 2 tiny seedlings despite the cold! And my clematis is growing like it’s radioactive!

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

GREEN PEA CASSEROLE
MEATBALLS in BUTTERMILK SAUCE
MARINATED CUCUMBER, ONION & TOMATO SALAD

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, RECIPES & MENU week 24 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.167

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

It’s been a super long, busy, sad, confusing, frustrating week, but when all is said and done it will all be okay.

My stepdad passed peacefully last Thursday at home in hospice. My stepsisters were both here with him. His cancer “journey” was aggressive and fast, a mere 8 weeks from beginning to end.

I do have to say that fortunately the hospice arm of the ONLY health care service in the county was made up of VERY caring nurses that helped make his last few days peaceful.

My stepsisters live many hours away and there is a lot to get done so hubs and I are doing what we can to help mom get through this.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

The weather has turned much cooler and is much more pleasant than it has been the past few weeks. We’re now in the 70’s and 80’s during the day and 40’s and 50’s at night.

ON MY MIND

How to make this a smooth transition for my mom and stepsisters as we progress through these next steps of finalizing my stepdad’s estate.

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING There is so much to do with returning the medical equipment, boxing up financial paperwork for my stepsister to deal with her dad’s estate and boxing up the mementos from their dad. Their mom also dies of a long drawn out cancer many years ago so I know this was especially hard on them. They’ve asked me to deal with selling off his estate for them.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS We have plenty of groceries, but I do have a pedicure this week and several loads of things to drop off at Salvation Army. Wednesdays are for Eagle’s shopping and this week I’m also covering the kitchen several days for a friend who is going to state conference.
PROJECTS & TRAVELS While we had to cancel going to the family reunion, we we will be re-planning our vacation for August after the memorial in July and the estate sale.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING We’re going to try and get back on a normal schedule so I’ll be delving into a menu plan later today.

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

I really need to clean out the DVR and get caught up soon.

READING TIME

I’m reading LAKE LURE the Rose Landgreen Mysteries #2 by Sigrid Holm

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	6/16 MONDAY	6/17 TUESDAY	6/18 WEDNESDAY	6/19 THURSDAY	6/20 FRIDAY	6/21 SATURDAY	6/22 SUNDAY
DINNER	HAM HOCKS AND BEANS	STUFFED BAKED POTATOES	BEEF STROGANOFF AND GLAZED CARROTS	TOSTADAS	CALZONES and ITALIAN SALAD	PORK STEAKS & SCALLOED POTATOES	CHEESY MEATBALLS & PASTA
DESSERT		DOUBLE MILK FUDGE BROWNIES

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

We tried a new food truck last week that was super tasty and healthy too! They hang out at a favorite local brewery on Thursdays.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE
STRAWBERRY SPOON BREAD/CAKE

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENU & RECIPES week 23 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.160

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

Every week has been trying lately for the past 6-7 weeks, but this past week in particular was one of the worst. We began Monday with 8 hours at the hospital and an ER doctor that I will be filing a formal complaint against. Getting decent healthcare shouldn’t be so hard! My stepdad was in for the whole week and after many doctors, a palliative team and discussions he will be coming home hospice later today. All further treatment and testing has been canceled 🙁

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We’ve been unseasonably hot and under heat advisories this past week. Yesterday topped at 101° and today is supposed to be 98°, but by Thursday we’re supposed to be back down around normal in the high 70’s. Fortunately the night time is still getting down into the 50’s.

ON MY MIND

Doing hospice with grace and a dysfunctional blended family. I guess that statement says A LOT as well not enough. It’s also difficult for me because of my immunocompromised standing. I can do A LOT of things… cooking, patient advocacy, errands, phone calls, but…the whole process of hospice is on a case by case basis and needs to tailored around the patient in my opinion. The health care in this county is still atrocious, and MANY of the doctors should be barred, but I have to admit the palliative care switching to hospice has been quite efficient.

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING WOW I’m actually caught up! Except for the deep clean I’m doing on our bedroom in pieces.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I do need some groceries later today. I also have an eye doctor appointment on Wednesday and a hair appointment on Thursday. I have the Eagle’s shopping to do on Wednesday and am glad to be free of any cooking duties this week 😀
PROJECTS & TRAVELS We’re still doing any traveling while everything is up in the air with my stepdad, but hubby has taken on a couple projects for a friend rebuilding her chemical station for the bar sanitizer at our local favorite dive bar.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m trying to develop a menu to make my stepdad happy while still staying within his nutritional needs while on hospice.

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

The House with a Clock in its Wall, The House on 92nd Street, Airport, To Catch a Thief

READING TIME

I’m still trying to finish Forest Trap but continue to fall asleep quickly!

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	6/9 MONDAY	6/10 TUESDAY	6/11 WEDNESDAY	6/12 THURSDAY	6/13 FRIDAY	6/14 SATURDAY	6/15 SUNDAY
DINNER	MYRA’S FLANK STEAK, ONION CUCUMBER SALAD, SMASHED GARLIC POTATOES	SLOW COOKER PORK CHOPS, GLAZED CARROTS and SALAD	MARRY ME CHICKEN, BUTTERED NOODLES and PEAS	POT ROAST SMOKED HAM, CORN on the COB, SLICED TOMATOES	SLOW COOKED BEEF, MASHED POTATOES & GRAVY	BABY BACK RIBS, MAC SLAW & BAKED BEANS	??
DESSERT

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

My spring flowers are finally making an appearance and I’m wondering what the story behind the feathers is 😀

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

MAC SLAW
MINI CHOCOLATE CHIP CHEESECAKE CANNOLI CUPS

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, RECIPES & MENU week 22 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.153

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED & ON MY MIND

GOOD MORNING dear friends. I feel like I’ve been neglecting blogland because I’ve been so busy. I hope to visit you all tonight!

YAY!!! The wedding I catered this past weekend is over and went off without a hitch. The estate sale my friends and I have been working on is over (for the public part) and felt like it lasted FOREVER with quite rude and demanding people!! And last Friday’s dinner that my girlfriend and I made SOLD OUT. I have another fundraising dinner this Friday and I’m filling in for a friend on Tuesday as well as the last cribbage tournament at the end of the month, but then I’ll be taking some breaks for my sanity. The candle I’ve been burning at both ends is running out of wick!!!!!

Life is still quite uncertain for us and everything is on a day to day basis as my stepdad’s condition continues to deteriorate. Health care here is horrible and as I’ve said before borders on negligence in this county. I actually received a phone call from the ONLY home health agency in the county asking to put him on a “robotic” maintenance since they can’t attend to him as regularly as the doctor prescribed.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We’re finally approaching spring weather and are expecting some low 80’s this week with constant sunshine. We’ve been having some really cool winds this past week, but LOTS of sunshine so I’m happy!

TO DO LIST, TV/DVR, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING YAY! Done for a few days.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’ll be shopping later today and getting a few things for my mom also.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m looking for some lighter meals and salads for the summer.

TV/DVR

Just a few cooking shows to catch up on

READING TIME

I’m trying to finish FOREST TRAP the ROSE LANDGREEN MYSTERIES by SIGRID HOLM, but keep falling asleep before I finish a paragraph…

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	6/2 MONDAY	6/3 TUESDAY	6/4 WEDNESDAY	6/5 THURSDAY	6/6 FRIDAY	6/7 SATURDAY	6/8 SUNDAY
DINNER	PORK CHOPS and GLAZED CARROTS	BLT WRAPS & FRUIT SALAD	OUT with FRIENDS	BUNLESS BURGERS & BBQ BAKED BEANS	cooking at the Eagles MEXICAN CHICKEN COBB SALAD, homemade TORTILLA CHIPS & SALSA with CHEESECAKE	STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD	FRIED CHICKEN & BEAN SALAD
DESSERT		PEANUT BUTTER BROWNIES

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

KitKat is one of my favorite felines! I’ll be watching her for another 2 weeks while mom and dad go gallivanting around the countryside!

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

BAKED PORK CHOPS with APPLE STUFFING
TEXAS BUTTERMILK SHEET CAKE BROWNIES

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENUS & RECIPES week 21 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.146

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED & ON MY MIND

WOW, is it really Monday again? Last week was again a blur of work, phone calls and errands associated with all the things that come with preparing for a sudden onset life changing illness of a family member while working to meet a deadline on the new estate sale house we took on.

We are still waiting on tests and results for my stepdad, your prayers are all appreciated. Let me reiterate that the health care in this county SUCKS! In my opinion it border lines on complete negligence.

On a happier note we started the sale with a friends and family day last Thursday that was a HUGE success, but it made for a VERY long weekend where I once again didn’t get as much accomplished at home let alone get to visit any of your blogs.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Yesterday was COLD for the end of May (62, rainy and windy), but today is supposed to be 80 and sunny as is the rest of the week. 🙂

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I have a load of bedding to do, but otherwise am pretty caught up.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have tons to do for cooking at the Eagles on Friday night and catering a wedding on Saturday. Some of the errands are in a town an hour away, so fortunately they coincide with my oncology follow up – I fully anticipate another clean bill of health. 🙂
PROJECTS & TRAVELS Everything is on hold for now.

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

24 in 24, AMERICA’S GOT TALENT, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, GUY’S GROCERY GAMES

READING TIME

I’ve been so busy that I have been falling asleep the minute my head hits the pillow.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	5/26 MONDAY	5/27 TUESDAY	5/28 WEDNESDAY	5/29 THURSDAY	5/30 FRIDAY	5/31 SATURDAY	6/1 SUNDAY
DINNER	MEATLOAF and TWICE BAKED POTATOES	HALIBUT ENCHILADAS with CREAMY WHITE PINTO BEANS	PAN FRIED PORK CHOPS with CHILI GLAZED CARROTS	PHYLLO CHICKEN POT PIE	CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	We’ll be at a graduation party.
DESSERT					STRAWBERRY SPOON BREAD

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

This is Carl aka Morris, the friendliest cat in the world. He’s been hanging around the recent estate sale I’ve been working. He actually lives next door, but Donna, the woman who lived there had been feeding him and her brother who hired us said EVERYTHING GOES including and ESPECIALLY the cat!! But, the cat refuses to leave and meets me at the door EVERY morning before promptly making himself at home.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

CAITLYN’S CORNED BEEF
PAN FRIED CHICKEN in SHERRY MUSHROOM CREAM SAUCE

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

SLOW COOKER CRACK CHICKEN
TAMY’S SOUTHERN APPLE WALNUT CARROT CAKE

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENUS & RECIPES week 20 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.139

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

WOW, is it really Monday? Last week was a blur of work, phone calls and errands associated with all the things that come with preparing for a sudden onset life changing illness of a family member while working to meet a deadline on the new estate sale house we took on.

We spent the weekend preparing for and participating in a BBQ competition to benefit the Mercy Children’s foundation. It was the first time our team had participated and we had a GREAT time. Today will be short and sweet. I’m just exhausted and have so many things to do this morning to help my mom arrange this home health care situation.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We’re cold and rainy here again. It was almost miserable at the BBQ competition yesterday. I had on a turtleneck on as well as a hoodie and sweatshirt ALL day. I don’t think we got above 52° and it was cloudy as well as windy! This week is supposed to be a combination of all of that so I’m glad I didn’t pack away the cold weather gear just yet this year.

TO DO LIST, TV/DVR & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I did get 2 loads of laundry done after we got home last night.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS ?? so much – where to start
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING This is day by day trying to come up with high protein, low sodium, low carb, low fat recipes that my stepdad can eat during his radiation treatment.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

I need to get caught up on 24 in 24, Spring Baking Championship and Guy’s Grocery Games.

READING TIME

I was supposed to be out of town for the family reunion so was going to miss book club anyway, but when things changed and we had to stay here I rejoined the BBQ team for yesterday and still missed book club. Also on the team was my friend Nicole who was skipping book club too. We commiserated on how little time we had each had to ready lately. While we at the event both our phones started pinging from the book club group text page. Absolutely everyone had to cancel except one person. Nicole and I were laughing so hard. 😂

I’m still reading Forest Trap by Sigrid Holm.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	5/19 MONDAY	5/20 TUESDAY	5/21 WEDNESDAY	5/22 THURSDAY	5/23 FRIDAY	5/24 SATURDAY	5/25 SUNDAY
DINNER	PHILLY CHEESESTEAK STUFFED PEPPERS	VEGETABLE FRITTATA	PAN FRIED CHICKEN with FRIED CAULIFLOWER RICE	CHEESY MEATBALLS and PASTA	MEATBALL SAMMIES	BBQ WINGS and KOOSLA MAC SLAW	OUT
DESSERT

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

Presenting our dishes for judging.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

SOUTHERN WALNUT APPLE CARROT CAKE

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

TENNESSEE ONIONS
CREAMY HAM & POTATOES

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, RECIPES & MENUS week 19 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.132

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

The name of my blog, “Chasing MY Life” and my subtext, “It Is What It Is” has NEVER been more fitting than it is right now. Hubby and I have always agreed that we end up where we are the most needed to help. This attitude certainly makes adjusting to the changes life is throwing in our path MUCH more easily navigated.

Things changed quickly last week with my stepdad. He ended up back in the hospital with complications. He was sent home over the weekend and we’re doing what can be done to make him comfortable. There should be some conclusive results early this week, but things are progressing faster than anyone expected. 🙁

Hubby and I have pivoted to make things easier for my mom to care for him and will unfortunately miss our family reunion. I will coordinate from here and make the arrangements for next year so everyone will have it in place as they leave. We will go see as many of them individually as we can in a few weeks to make up for missing the family reunion. It won’t be quite the same, but as I always say, “It Is What It Is”!

On the flip side, there were a few people having to fill in for me and my regular Eagle’s duties that are relieved I will still be here to make their lives easier. There was also 2 events that we were really disappointed that we were going to miss that we are now going to be able to participate in. We’ll also be around for the city wide garage sale weekend.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Last week’s glorious weather has returned to our regularly scheduled Pacific North West uncertainty of cold and rain. This week is once again predicted to be in the high 50’s and 60’s for highs with periodic rain.

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I have a couple loads of laundry to do and some general de-cluttering.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I will need to do a bit of shopping for groceries since we weren’t supposed to be here this week, but have a clear calendar of actual errands.
PROJECTS & TRAVELS ON HOLD
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING this is a day by day category right now.

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

STREAMING We’re almost done with The Gilmore Girls and have been watching Lucifer and The Librarians.
CABLE I have a few Hallmark movies left on the DVR and a couple episodes of Spring Baking Championship and 24 in 24.

READING TIME

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	5/12 MONDAY	5/13 TUESDAY	5/14 WEDNESDAY	5/15 THURSDAY	5/16 FRIDAY	5/17 SATURDAY	5/28 SUNDAY
DINNER	BBQ PULLED PORK and MACARONI COLESLAW	SLOPPY JOES and CHEESY POTATOES	HAM STEAKS with STUFFED MAC & CHEESE	VOODOO CHICKEN WINGS and POTATO SALAD	OUT	OUT	BBQ COMPETITION
DESSERT

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

I’m in love with this picture of my niece Olive. Those little pink converse tennies…

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

CREAMY HAM & POTATOES
TENNESSEE ONIONS

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

CHICKEN CORDON BLEU
GRUYERE POTATO CASSEROLE
DRIED CHERRY SALAD
PEANUT BUTTER PIE
PIZZA EGG ROLLS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, RECIPE & MENU week 17 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.118

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

Last week was a zoo and MANY parts of it are still ongoing and just can’t be put into words just yet – enough said.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

MONDAY 68/45 CLOUDY
TUESDAY 69/46 RAIN
WEDNESDAY 72/44 CLOUDY
THURSDAY 81/47 SUNNY
FRIDAY 63/45 RAIN
SATURDAY 61/40 RAIN
SUNDAY 67/42 CLOUDY

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I finished the laundry yesterday
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have several appointments this week and will work the groceries and misc. errands into those times.
PROJECTS & TRAVELS All up in the air right now
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING Also all up in the air for the foreseeable future.

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

STREAMING We’ve been watching GILMORE GIRLS and LUCIFER ON NETFLIX
CABLE The DVR SCREWED UP recording 24 in 24 🙁 so I’ll watch it on demand later today probably. I need to catch up on THE CHICKEN SISTERS, TRACKER and ELSBETH. Oh and THE SPRING BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP

READING TIME

I think I’m going to drop book club. The women in this club other than one friend are into some really deep dark things that just don’t interest me. I’m starting a new book today that is going to be a fun read I think. A NOT-SO SHOCKING MURDER by Lily Stirling.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	4/28 MONDAY	4/29 TUESDAY	4/30 WEDNESDAY	5/1 THURSDAY	5/2 FRIDAY	5/3 SATURDAY	5/4 SUNDAY
DINNER	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own – MEETING NIGHT	CRACK CHICKEN & VEGGIES	CRANBERRY CHICKEN SALAD and MACARONI COLESLAW	CHICKEN with APPLES & HONEY	OUT	BEER CAN CHICKEN & ROASTED POTATO SALAD	KANSAS CITY BBQ CHICKEN
DESSERT					CHOCOLATE CHIP CHURRO CANNOLI CUPS

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

I went to the local quilt show last Friday. The show was a bit smaller this year, but I still found some quilts that inspired me.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

FIREHOUSE SPECIAL
SALSA VERDE CHICKEN CASSEROLE

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAWAIIAN BANANA BREAD
OLD FASHIONED TUNA CASSEROLE

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENU & RECIPES week 16 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.111

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

My week was busy, but fortunately calmed down on Saturday and I took it REALLY easy on Easter so I’m beginning to feel recharged and ready to hit the ground running this week. I was able to get caught up on many things FINALLY!

I hope everyone had a great holiday whether you celebrated Passover or Easter. Ours was really quiet. We had brunch with a few friends and laughed A LOT! We were supposed to have a fairly large dinner, but my step dad became sick and I didn’t want to expose any of mom’s elderly friends that I had invited to his illness. So I cut the ham in half and only made half the batches of everything else. I served my mom and step dad separately as I can’t be exposed either due to my own immuno-compromised system.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Looks like spring is here to stay FINALLY!
MONDAY ~ 66/40
TUESDAY ~ 65/38
WEDNESDAY ~73/40
THURSDAY ~ 68/46
FRIDAY ~ 55/42 – RAIN
SATURDAY ~ 58/43 – RAIN
SUNDAY ~ 64/45

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

I’m going to do a bit of shopping for a few groceries today, doing the Eagle’s shopping on Wednesday, having lunch with a girlfriend on Thursday and going to the annual Quilt Show on Friday.
We’re planning the trip for the family reunion and another trip in June to go see our son and his wife in their new town in the MidWest.
We’ll be leaving on Mother’s Day for our family reunion trip so I’m NOT too concerned with meal planning or menus until we get back.
Call my hairdresser for another appointment and figure out why my hair won’t hold color? That beautiful color from last week is gone already despite using the specific shampoo she gave me 🙁

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

We watched a few movies over the weekend on NETFLIX: LUCY, HOSTAGE and KRAVEN the HUNTER and I watched a few episodes of the latest season of SWEET MAGNOLIAS and LUCIFER.
We’re finishing cleaning up the DVR and just have a cooking shows to clean up.

READING TIME

My girlfriend and I were talking about book club and the direction it has taken. Neither of us are happy with the direction it has taken 🙁

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	4/21 MONDAY	4/22 TUESDAY	4/23 WEDNESDAY	4/24 THURSDAY	4/25 FRIDAY	4/26 SATURDAY	4/27 SUNDAY
DINNER	CHILI BURGERS and COLESLAW	MEATLOAF, MASHED POTATOES with ROAST CARROTS	CORN/YOYO CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT or YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN	HALIBUT ENCHILADAS over CREAMY BUTTER PINTO BEANS	CORN/YOYO CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT or YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN	PARMESAN CHICKEN and SALAD	BAKED CHICKEN & FRIED CORN
DESSERT

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

Spring blooms are finally making an appearance around here. I LOVE these old antique German Bearded Iris bulbs I brought back from our old house in Michigan.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

HAWAIIAN BANANA BREAD
BETTER THAN GRAMS TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

TETRZZINI
SALSA VERDE PASTEL AZTECA

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENU & RECIPES week 15 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.104

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

I can’t believe we’re already half way through April!! I worked several events at the Eagle’s last week on top of my normal duties. It seems like every minute was spoken for. I did get the tomato seedlings planted and the wrought iron porch furniture painted with fresh Rustoleum™ to cover the winter rust that settled in.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

I’m afraid to trust the weather prediction! Supposedly it will NOT rain this week, just be cloudy and is supposed to be in the 60’s and low 70’s. We’ll see – yesterday it said it was going to be sunny all week and in the upper 70’s and 80’s – it changed that quickly!

It’s still supposed to be in the high 30’s at night so each day will take a while to warm up and the breeze has been down right cold. Even working up a sweat yesterday while taking care of very manual labor, the minute I quit working and stood still for five minutes I had to put my sweatshirt back on.

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I’m still working on de-cluttering and spring cleaning.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have early morning doctor appointments on BOTH Tuesday and Wednesday so will pick up what I need for Easter dinner and the errands at that time. I also have an Eagle’s meeting tonight.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I have nothing planned past this week so really need to get that handled tonight.

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

STREAMING We’re still working on GILMORE GIRLS at night. We’re thinking about getting a new streaming service and seeing some shows we’ve been wanting to watch.
CABLE The DVR is all but empty and most shows will be going on spring hiatus this week or next.

READING TIME

I need to start the book for book club, but right now I’m reading The Wyvern Protection Unit by C.D. Corri

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	4/14 MONDAY	4/15 TUESDAY	4/16 WEDNESDAY	4/17 THURSDAY	4/18 FRIDAY	4/19 SATURDAY	4/20 SUNDAY
DINNER	MEATBALLS SANDWICHES	BLACKBERRY BAKED CHICKEN and FRIED CORN	YUMMY BALLS aka OLD FASHIONED PORCUPINE BALLS	CHICKEN PARMESAN	working at the EAGLES CHILI BURGERS	MEXICAN STUFFED PEPPERS	~EASTER~ PINEAPPLE GLAZED HAM, MASHED POTATOES, GLAZED CARROTS
DESSERT							APPLE WALNUT CARROT CAKE with CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

Worked at the cemetery yesterday to help my girlfriend and her hubby clean up the winter debris. We had an extremely stormy, windy and wet winter that took down a few of the BIG trees and tons of limbs that had to be cleaned up. I should have taken a picture of the burn pile that we’ll do later with hot dogs and marshmallows. 🙂 The burn pile is about 8 feet tall, 40 feet long and 20 feet wide! That doesn’t include the big tree pieces that she’s trying to give away for firewood.

Her family has “owned” the cemetery since 1926 and someone from her immediate family has been the caretaker ever since. Al and Mary Pepiot were her parents and she maintains the family plots. They sell affordable plots with deeds and each plot is maintained by that family, but she does the overall mowing and general clean-up of the overall cemetery.

I especially love her aunt’s headstone. One side looks so traditional and then the backside lists all the men she was married to over the years. The oldest headstone I could find was mid 1800’s. Unfortunately a few years back some teenagers went out and broke several of the older headstones 🙁

So I did the drastic change. It’s supposed to be a silver/gray sable combo. Unfortunately, my hair doesn’t take dye well and I’ll probably be back to my god given beach blonde within the month. Oh well.