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We’re moving in a few weeks so I’m in this horrible LIMBO mode around here. We’re going to have a quiet week before the chaos ensues and I plan to get a lot of reading done as well as try a few new recipes and dessert.  Though, I am really prepared for this move I think and it may not be as bad as we originally thought.  I spent yesterday even making up the individual morning and night pet food bags and separated them into different boxes for the legs of the trip.  I’m also using up EVERYTHING I can in the pantry, fridge and freezer which has made for interesting menu planning.  I’m planning on there NOT be enough left to worry about.  I’ve even got the basic grocery list made for the other end!

WEATHER OUTSIDE
Summer is coming to a close here as the kids go back to school and the weather is finally cooling down a bit. We’re supposed to be in the mid 70’s ALL week YAY!  We’re even supposed to get some MUCH needed rain.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

• A couple of follow up appointments to hubby’s surgeries.
• Transferring medical and VA records
• Breaking down a storage unit and wrapping it for the move.

CURRENTLY READING
I’m working on loading up the kindle for the trip with a few extra books.

• Love After Dark by Marie Force
• The Kenneston Roses by Kathleen Brooks

TELEVISION / DVR
Trying to finish up the shows on the DVR before the new season begins.  We’re going to get a late start with the new season with the move, but we’ll adapt – it’s just TV.

• Rookie Blue
• Hell On Wheels
• The Strain
• Dark Matter
• Devious Maids
• The Last Ship
• Falling Skies

HOUSE PROJECTS ON THE BLOCK
I’m doing quite a few draw ups for the renovation work on the new house, but not going too horribly in depth until we actually get there.

KITCHEN WISHES
My birthday is coming up and here are a few of the things on my wish list.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & FRUIT	SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	YOGURT & FRUIT	MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS	CORNED BEEF HASH and OVER MEDIUM EGGS & TOAST	QUICHE LORRAINE
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	??	MOZZARELLA CHEESESTICKS
DINNER	EXPERIMENT NIGHT	SOUR CREAM MEATLOAF & VEGGIES	C.O.R.N.	HOBO FOIL STEWS & SALAD	MALIBU CHICKEN & VEGGIES	KIWI ORANGE GLAZED CHICKEN & RICE PILAF	DANISH CUBE STEAKS and GROWN UP MAC & CHEESE
DESSERT						HUMMINGBIRD CAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

• HOBO Chicken Casserole
• Strawberry Baked Beans
• Beef & Bean Burgers

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIPS

• Are you going to be painting soon?  We are late next month – THE ENTIRE house from floor to ceiling.  With the rainy cold weather moving in we may not be able to open the windows.  One of the BIG tips I’ve learned over the years is to set bowls of vinegar all around.  The vinegar will literally absorb the paint fumes overnight!
• A dish towel under your cutting board will do 2 things: 1) it will keep it from sliding around too much and 2) it will catch any drips when slicing juicy food.
• When searing meat DO NOT OVERCROWD your pan.  The meat needs room on all sides to get an even sear!
• When bananas are starting to get too ripe, peel and freeze them for smoothies or breads. For smoothies you can add them to the blender frozen and get a colder drink that’s extra smooth.  For breads, just let them thaw 20-30 minutes.
• Do you like your cookies moist and chewy?  Store an apple wedge in with the cookies to keep them from drying out.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

• Getting closer to our final move and gathering all the parts of our life into 1 place.
• Summer, my least favorite season is drawing closer and closer to a close and bringing in my favorite season, Autumn.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA
Saturday night’s SUPER Moon was made so much better by the colorful play of the clouds that were moving in for our rainstorm.

SUPER MOON RISING around 9PM

SUPER MOON ON HIGH around midnight

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.