INSPIRATIONAL – Page 7 – Chasing MY Life WHEREVER it Leads ME

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 11 of 2017

I hope you all had a GREAT weekend and remembered to adjust your clocks so you weren’t late this morning. We seem to have quite a few clocks so I adjusted them all late Saturday and changed all the batteries too. Ironically our atomic clock is no longer changing itself so I think it’s on its last legs. I’m just getting used to this new time and someone from a research firm called to do a survey going on 11PM last night and woke me up. So, last night’s sleep was much less than stellar.

Life has been chaotic at best with my health concerns and appointments. I had to reschedule two specialty appointments and find a new primary care manager when mine up and closed up his office with no forward or warning and without following through with ANYTHING! Fortunately my insurance was able to get me a new PCM with no wait due to the circumstances. BUT, now I have to see the new PCM before she will do referrals which is postponing appoinments already scheduled – ALL the technical loopholes are a PAIN in the butt, especially all the time spent on the phone dealing with it. Unfortunately, this has left me a bit lacking on my blogging. I am really going to try and get my groove back and post more often.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We had a rainy weekend so everything is a bit wet still, but the temperatures dropped quite a bit too making it more enjoyable around here. Looks like it will be a really nice week.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

A little blueberry yogurt and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

I’m fairly happy with the house. There is still some sorting to do in the studio, but all and all it looks great, at least until I do the laundry.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

LAUNDRY
SHOWER the dog
EBAY – we have quite a few totes full after all our sorting so really want to get moving on listing these items and moving everything out! What doesn’t sell will get donated to lighten the load.
STUDIO – sorting and paperwork
BACKYARD – we are waiting on a couple contractor projects (Garage siding and fencing) to be finished before we can complete the backyard so this will stay on the list until the rain lets up and we can actually finish it!

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

Trying to get into a few new shows, but just don’t seem to have any interest in TV right now. I did start a new book though, The Lost Girls of Johnson’s Bayou by Jana DeLeon.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS

Nothing new this week. Hubby is still working on some of my parts for assembly, but his old grinder broke and we’re waiting on the replacement.

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 EGGS	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	SANDWICHES
DINNER	CROCKPOT EXPERIMENT NIGHT	GRILL NIGHT and POTATO SALAD	PARMESAN CHICKEN MEATBALLS and PASTA	DANISH CUBE STEAKS	CORNED BEEF and CABBAGE of course with CARROTS and POTATOES	BEEF & NOODLES	ORANGE CHICKEN & CHOW MEIN
DESSERT

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

INSPIRATION

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

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 10 of 2017

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Saturday was productive even as the rain began, but we had a double header NASCAR race to occupy our afternoon and then on Sunday I made a nice brunch and ran a couple errands before the deluge of rain began and everything is now wet and soggy.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It poured ALL day yesterday and there are DEEP puddles and standing water EVERYWHERE! It’s supposed to be in the mid 70’s today, continue to rain off and on, but with all the water unless a breeze comes up it will be HUMID!! Looks like the last storm to hit the west coast is going to make our week wet and yucky here as it travels east!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

This morning is blueberry yogurt and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

The house is clean, but slightly cluttered as I began packing the bookcase and sorting for donation also.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

Hoping the contractor shows for the garage siding and side fencing, but doubt he will since things are so wet.
Keep sorting books and paperwork.
Laundry
Doctor appointment

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

It’s that time of year again when some of my favorite shows are going on hiatus and replacements are premiering. The only one I’ve seen so far is DOUBT and I like it so far, but I think it is being canceled as is TRAINING DAY with Bill Paxton’s death. TIME AFTER TIME looks promising, but I never judge a show by the pilot. I also love the kids cooking shows and MASTERCHEF JUNIOR begins this week. I liked the pilot of TAKEN also, but we’ll see where that goes. I LOVE the new CHICAGO JUSTICE as it fits right in with CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO P.D. and CHICAGO MED.

SHAY ARCHER series #4 WICKED by Jana DeLeon

CRAFTS & PROJECTS

We got started on a few Christmas presents and hubby is doing some “garage work” on some of the parts for me, but it looks like they may sit for awhile. We have started packing and are hoping to be able to sell and be out of here within a few months so will begin the assembly process of the pieces on the other end.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & FRUIT	SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	YOGURT & FRUIT	MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS	EGGS in the CLOUDS	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	SANDWICHES
DINNER	APRICOT PORK TENDERLOIN and BAKED CARROTS	SESAME PORK with PINEAPPLE and BROCCOLI	C.O.R.N.	RED, WHITE & BLUE MEATBALLS with PARSLEY NOODLES	PAN SEARED CHICKEN with HERB WINE SAUCE	CHICKEN & NOODLES	HAMBURGER STROGANOFF
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

TENDERLOIN GRILLADES
INSIDE OUT CHICKEN POT PIES
SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE with MOZZA STUFFED MEATBALLS
INSIDE OUT BEEF POT PIES (recipe later this week)

RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER

STOVE TOP MAC & CHEESE
DECADENT CHOCOLATE CAKE with MOCHA FROSTING
GOLDEN CUPCAKES with MOCHA FROSTING
LEMON CUPCAKES
ORANGE MAPLE FRENCH TOAST BRUNCH CASSEROLE

RECIPES THAT TASTED GREAT BUT WON’T BE MAKING AGAIN

It was good, but just not up “our” alley for taste.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND/THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

I am still feeling betrayed by an elder I should be able to rely on and trust, but trying not to dwell on it. I do realize he’s not in his right mind as there appears to be serious dementia and/or Alzheimers going on that has yet to be diagnosed because his normal toxic/caustic/racist nature prevents people from realizing there is a problem unless they see him daily and hear the same stories and see him forget what he just wrote down… Unfortunately there is also an outside influence by a gold digging woman who has NO idea what is really going on within his family as she has NEVER been here or met any of his family. Just working to move forward and live a better life, especially during this Lenten season. I also believe that Karma is a bitch and will take care of this for me. So, on to happy thoughts and moving life forward!

Trying to figure out my cell phone problems. My OLD cell phone was “acting” up, or so I thought. My new phone is doing much the same things. I’ve come to the conclusion that because this house sits on the boundary of 3 separate cities and 2 counties that there are some “dead” zones where cell towers overlap and that there may be no real solution until we move.

INSPIRATION

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

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MAKE A DIFFERENCE – PRAY – ACT – LOVE

As I’ve gotten older I’ve realized the importance of living my life as if every day is Christmas or better explained, to carry Christmas in my heart ALL year long. I just think life goes smoother if it becomes a way of life ALL the time, not just seasonal.

As a Christian woman I believe life is all about change and that learning to cope with it as it happens will help you through life as you help others. I believe in Murphy’s Law, the Domino Effect, Payback’s a Bitch, and Karma. I also believe that Pay It Forward and living by the Golden Rule go a long way to keep the former from happening to begin with.

I believe everything happens for a reason and that life is one big adventure. I try to see life through rose colored glasses and be as tolerant as possible. My glass is always half full, as well as refillable. I am an optimist, extremely positive minded and usually a really upbeat person so anything goes within reason.

Lent is another of those seasons that I try to carry in my heart ALL year long. The traditional purpose of Lent is preparation through prayer, penance, repentance of sins, almsgiving, atonement, and self-denial. Many Christians commit to fasting or giving up certain types of luxuries as a form of penance. Many Christians also add daily devotionals and praying to draw themselves near to God.

Traditionally Lent is described as lasting for forty days, in commemoration of the forty days Jesus spent fasting in the desert. These 40 days are marked by fasting, both from foods and festivities, and by other acts of penance. The three traditional practices to be taken up with renewed vigor during Lent are prayer – justice towards God, fasting – justice towards self, and almsgiving and forgiveness – justice towards neighbors. In these more modern times, observers give up partaking in vices and often invest the time or money saved in charitable purposes or organizations. I choose to do this ALL year long, it just makes life easier and happier. It takes so little to be a good person ALL the time.

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 9 of 2017

I hope everyone had a fantastic week. Mine was not so much, but that only makes me think this week will be better. I had my annual Ovarian Cancer check up (6 years NED), blood work and mammogram. Unfortunately it did not go as planned and we spent all day at the hospital. Then, the next day I received a call from a scheduler and was forced back for another round of testing all day Friday. Long story short everything is okay, but there was a seriously tense 72 hours there until we were sure not to mention all the invasive testing and wait times.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

An unexpected storm came through last night which is making today miserable already this morning.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Blueberry yogurt and coffee.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

A few appointments for us both and paperwork for me to find.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

We’ve been catching up on some Netflix and Amazon shows and I’m going to catch up on so cooking shows this week.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & FRUIT	SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	YOGURT & FRUIT	MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS	EGGS in the CLOUDS	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	SANDWICHES
DINNER	TENDERLOIN GRILLADES	CHICKEN POT PIE	C.O.R.N.	OUT FOR HUBBY’S BIRTHDAY	WHITE WINE CHICKEN & RICE	ROASTED PEPPER BEEF GHOULASH	APRICOT PORK LOIN with BAKED CARROTS
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

This past week brought much emotion and disappointment too. While I’m not ready to talk about any of it because of the betrayal and disregard of a loved one I know whatever happens that I’m confident that God has a plan to turn this into something good and I’m so thankful for that!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

This is another toss up week for me on pictures. Because last week was SOOOOOO bad I really loved finding my pretty African Violets full of blooms already bloomed and so many more about to. I was especially surprised since I have neglected them so much recently. I also LOVE this salad. It’s my go to comfort health food, a combination of tuna, chicken and egg salad on a bed of chopped cucumbers and grape tomatoes with homemade 1000 island dressing.

INSPIRATION

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

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 8 of 2017

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend, or still is as since it’s a 3 day weekend for President’s Day. Saturday we finished the clean up from last week’s tornado like storm damage that left us with a MAJOR roof leak into the attic and down into the laundry room as well as a window seal that failed causing a small river flowing into the atrium. Now we are ready for the current storm that started last night and just praying that all the repairs are complete enough. Yesterday we took it easy and watched the NASCAR Clash (YAY racing season has begun!), a few new movies and just relaxed.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Imagine that, it’s gray, rainy and windy, AGAIN!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Yogurt, fruit and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

I see a few clutter spots that I need to address this morning, but all in all, not too bad.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

2/20 MONDAY

groceries (weather permitting)
laundry

2/21 TUESDAY

studio organization

2/22 WEDNESDAY

early morning doctors appointments
Lunch
Mummy Exhibition at the museum

2/23 THURSDAY

estimator appointment
backyard

2/24 FRIDAY

cleaning

2/25 SATURDAY

Race
Work in Studio

2/26 SUNDAY

Work on menus and recipes
Race

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

Have been catching a few episodes on Netflix and Amazon Prime of a few favorite shows as well as a few of our normal prime time shows. I need to start a new book, but have yet to decide which one.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS

I just need to finish the binding, but the first of the Christmas presents for 2017 is almost done. Its a large Log Cabin Calico quilt.

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	BAKED EGGS and HAM	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	Y.O.Y.O.
DINNER	PEANUT BUTTER ROOT BEER BEEF STEW	CHICKEN POT PIE	APRICOT PORK TENDERLOIN and CELERY SEED DRESSING SALAD	PAN SEARED CHICKEN PARMESAN with WILTED SPINACH	SMOKEY NAVY BEAN SOUP	TENDERLOIN GRILLADES and BAKED CARROTS	CHICKEN CHOW MEIN
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

Praying that people in general become less self absorbed and start paying attention to those around them. Living in a bigger city again has reminded me that many people tend to make things WAY MORE complicated and involved than they need to in an effort to be in control of things, situations or others. Seriously, give me the country life again! And don’t even get me started on “social” media LOL

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

INSPIRATION

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

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GARBAGE TRUCK RULE

EVERY time this story makes its way into my inbox, I smile. I smile because it is SOOOOOOOO true.

GARBAGE TRUCK RULE

One day, I hopped into a taxi and took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly, a black car, jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed the brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. I mean, he was really friendly. So I asked, “Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!” This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, ‘The Law of the Garbage Truck’

He explained, “Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they’ll dump it on you. NEVER take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on with the routine life.” Don’t take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life’s too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so…… ‘Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don’t.’

Life is 10% what you make and 90% how you take!

HAPPY HOMEMAKER and MENU PLAN MONDAY week 7 of 2017

It’s week 7 of 2017 and I have to say week 6 was so horrible I want a MULLIGAN! We had a lot of family tragedy this past week with multiple new cancer diagnoses, one of which is very grim, my favorite BIL being entered into hospice for his cancer, the very sudden passing of a dear friend and just plain malaise because of it all. since I still feel so poorly. I’m ready for a GOOD week.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It has been quite gray and cloudy and extremely warm again, but we’re supposed to cool off the next several days and actually have some rain too. If it’s going to be gray and cloudy anyway, I WANT rain!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

A scrambled egg, toast and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

The house is quite put together considering how out of it I have been recently.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

The new tile guy came (45 minutes late) to give us an estimate to complete the master shower this past weekend and it was OUTRAGEOUS!! He’s not even licensed or bonded! and his bid was 3 times as high as any of the licensed and bonded contractors! So, I did some research and we found a product available at home depot that will refresh the existing grout. I’ve been working for several days on cleaning the individual grout lines (and there are a ton of them with the tiny tiles) which I should finish this morning and then I will use the POLYBLEND GROUT RENEW in DELOREAN GRAY. If all goes well, Friday morning we will be showering in there again instead of the spare bathroom!
I also spent some time working in the studio last week and believe it or not am making headway!
Standard cleaning, vacuuming, and laundry.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

I’ve been catching up on my cooking shows. I LOVE Guy’s Grocery Games, Guy’s BIG Bite, Valerie’s Home Cooking, Diners Drive-ins and Dives.

I’m also still reading the OKLAHOMA BRANDS series by Maggie Shayne.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS

Hubby actually helped me with several parts of some Christmas presents that are FINALLY in the works. They were supposed to be ready for 2016, but obviously they will be 2017 instead. I’ll be sharing some pictures soon as the ieces come together.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE	SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	YOGURT & FRUIT	MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS	EGGS in the CLOUDS	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	SANDWICHES
DINNER	LEMON SPAGHETTI with SHRIMP	SLOW COOKER CHICKEN CACCIATORE with BUTTERED PARSLEY NOODLES	C.O.R.N.	PAN SEARED LEMON PEPPER CHICKEN and PARMESAN GNICCHI	RECIPE EXPERIMENT NIGHT	OVEN BAKED TACOS and SAKAD	MEATLOAF with PARMESAN MASHED POTATOES & BROCCOLI
DESSERT		TIRAMISU PUDDING CAKE	TIRAMISU CAKE		CHOCOLATE CHIP CANNOLI

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

CHICKEN FRIED CHICKEN with PARMESAN MASHED POTATOES and PEPPERED GRAVY

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

With all the sadness going on in my life right now I have really been thinking about trying harder to stay positive and appreciate life more.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

I couldn’t decide which picture was my favorite. The sunset Wednesday night was absolutely beautiful, but I also loved Tuxedo in the neighbor’s palm tree.

INSPIRATION

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

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 5 of 2017

I hope everyone had a wonderful week. I’m still a bit under the weather, but trying my best to get life back on track! Making a plan for the week seems to help.
OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

The weather has been beautiful and crisp the past week. We really needed that so the roof had time to dry out from that horrible leak we had the day we received 5 inches in 3 hours. The roofer was here last Saturday and believes he fixed the problem, but only the next rain storm will tell. The weather this week is supposed to be about 5 degrees warmer, but just as beautiful. I hope it lasts as we are still waiting on the masonry guy to come fix the bricks on the back of the house.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Coffee and toast is all that seems appealing this morning.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

The house doesn’t actually look bad, but does look like I’ve been under the weather. It has that lived in look that needs sprucing up which is exactly where I will start the week before I run out of energy.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

1/30 MONDAY

Phone Calls
Paperwork
Errands
Laundry
Cleaning
Vacuuming

1/31 TUESDAY

Start prep on Master Shower for contractor to refinish – we’re saving a ton of money ($350) by doing the prep work ourselves.
Caulk Atrium windows

2/1 WEDNESDAY

Pest Control to get started on the Spring regime
Order sand for delivery
Central Market for hubby’s favorite pepperoncinis and a few favorite cooking oils and spices.

2/2 THURSDAY

6 year cancerversary celebratory lunch trying a new restaurant
IKEA for a small spice cabinet to match the one I already have as I have finished combining, sorting and purging the spices.

2/3 FRIDAY

Contractor here to refinish shower so I have to be somewhere, anywhere else as I can’t be around the toxic fumes due to my compromised respiratory system.

2/4 SATURDAY

Studio!!!!!!!!!!

2/5 SUNDAY

SUPERBOWL LI – FALCONS vs. PATRIOTS

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

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

READING
Secrets and Lies ~ THE OKLAHOMA BRANDS #3 by Maggie Shayne

CRAFTS & PROJECTS

I’m working my way towards the corner of the studio so I can finish a small sampler quilt (all it needs is binding) that matches the large quilt in the living room and will hang on the new quilt bar my mom got me for Christmas.

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	PANCAKE LASAGNA	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	SANDWICHES
DINNER	GRILLED CHEESE & TOMATO SOUP CASSEROLE	CHICKEN CHILI	C.O.R.N.	CADILLACS PARMESAN ROAST BEEFS	BAKED WHITE FISH & SALAD	KENTUCKY HOT BROWNS	BEEF STROGANOFF
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

I am so tired of all the political “screaming” and protesting. I have been trying to find positive things to latch onto instead. I ran across a historical woman the other day that really spoke to me about courage. Nancy Wake, ever heard of her? Me either and I have a Women’s Studies minor. She was a woman of conviction who made a major effort to WWII. Here is the link to Nancy Wake and well worth the read. Another woman worth your time was Septima Clark. Septima Clark made a major difference in the South by teaching blacks to read so they could gain their voting rights.

On another note, so many iconic actors and actresses have passed away recently. Mary Tyler Moore is affecting me the most for so many reasons and so many shows from my early years, Mary Tyler Moore Show, Rhoda and the old black & white Dick Van Dyke Shows, but one movie which wasn’t her best, but resonates with me right now because of the content is Finnegan Begin Again which starred her, Robert Preston and Sam Waterston. It was about a man (Robert Preston) who is retired and taking care of his senile wife. He can’t get her to allow him to throw anything out and their house has become unmanageable. He meets a woman, Mary Tyler Moore who is dating a man, Sam Waterston with whom she is hopelessly mismatched. They become confidants and each allows the other to share their life and experiences with them. The movie was cute, but the scenes where Mary and Robert rig up a trash chute from the second story to get rid of his wife’s pack rat items is what really resonates with me. And because she was senile they had to go through EVERYTHING before tossing it because she hid things inside of things which is what really reminds me of this place!

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

Organization!
ELIMINATING things from my life!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

INSPIRATION

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

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 4 of 2017

As many of you know I have been working to get my new website, Chasing MY Life, up and running. Well, it’s up and it’s running. It still needs some tweaking, but all in good time. I will mirror post for awhile and eventually just use Savory Kitchen Table as my personal recipe box. Tell me what you think about the new site.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We have had a torrential week of rain with major flooding in the area. Fortunately we have not been flooded here in the house, only the garage, but we did end up with 2 fairly severe leaks that make me think of the old house in It’s A Wonderful Life when they first moved in. All I can say is thank god for beach towels and buckets! Hubby is waiting for things to dry out a bit so we can assess the damage and do the repairs. Once the rain moved through we ended up with severe winds that required emptying the backyard of anything not nailed down, but on the up side it’s helping to dry things off up on the roof.

Today though is GORGEOUS! We are supposed to be sunny all week. Unfortunately this close to the coast I NEVER bank on anything. The torrential rain we had last week occurred while we were only under a 20% chance of rain and those days started out gorgeous too.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Ensure clear and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

It looks pretty good. I had a very productive week stuck inside last week’s rain. I was able to go through the baking cabinet and the linen closet and took another 5 bags to the women’s shelter.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

I’ve been down with laryngitis and a cold or something last week also so will take it fairly easy this week. With NO immunity because of the SLE hubby thinks I picked up a bug from all the digging in the filthy dirt (the local cats as well as my cousin’s cats had been using that area as a BIG cat box) it last week. I wore gloves, but evidently that wasn’t enough.

Paperwork
EBAY
Phone Calls
Make appointments
Sort China Cabinets
ERRANDS

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

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

READING

Secrets and Lies ~ THE OKLAHOMA BRANDS #3 by Maggie Shayne

CRAFTS & PROJECTS

Probably nothing this week, but hopefully soon.

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	PANCAKES	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	SANDWICHES
DINNER	GARLIC WINE CHICKEN	PEPPERONI MAC & CHEESE	C.O.R.N.	CHICKEN with MAGGI CREAM SAUCE	SLOPPY JOES	CHICKEN FRIED CHICKEN	WHITE CHICKEN LASAGNA
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

5 CHEESE GOURMET MAC & CHEESE
PARMESAN ROASTED CARROTS (recipe to come this week)
GARLIC CREAM CHICKEN (recipe to come this week)
SHEET PAN SWEDISH MEATBALLS (recipe to come this week)

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPSHOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

Between storms hubby kept plugging away on the fencing. He was able to get the new downspout area done which I for some reason did not yet get a picture of as well as this section near the utilities. Eventually there will be a short privacy fence keeping all these utility pieces out of sight.

INSPIRATION

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

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER and MENU PLAN MONDAY

I HOPE EVERYONE HAD A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS. It always seems so much better to me when Christmas falls on the weekend. We had a quiet weekend with just the 2 of us, football, church and a Christmas party on Saturday. Christmas day was just us so I made a small Tropical pork roast with Potatoes AuGratin and maple glazed Brussels sprouts with cherry pie galette for dessert. We also watched my obligatory seasonal favorites It’s A Wonderful Life (1946), White Christmas (1954) and the original Home Alone (1990). Our family will be here to celebrate tomorrow.

Hallmark Movies and Mysteries channel played a YULE LOG with puppies, kittens, and Christmas music for 24 hours which made good background.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
Unfortunately it’s gray and warm with thunderstorms. I spent the entire Christmas season missing snow and cold. I am really looking forward to next year being back in the Pacific Northwest or the North woods or somewhere cooler than here. I hope.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
Some spam and scrambled eggs.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
I’m pretty happy. Just a couple loads of laundry, vacuuming and general cleaning before family gets here for “Christmas”.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS
Nothing but enjoy family and help Carlie get settled in.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR
I will finish up the Christmas movies on the DVR and hope to start a new book now that the holidays are quieter.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
I’m going to start working on the studio in earnest after the first and hope to be “CRAFT READY” by the time we get back from our spring trip in April. This will be our first trip seeking out our final project house so we can leave this HOUSE FROM HELL behind us and settle for a long while.

KITCHEN WISHES
My Kitchen Aid Mixer is starting to give up the ghost. As sad as that is, I have used it A LOT and for 23 years next month. I purchased a professional model after the 1994 Northridge Earthquake demolished my kitchen and EVERYTHING in it as well as the rest of the house. So, I guess I got my money’s worth, I’ve even painted it twice, but I will be sorry to see it go. I’m thinking about this pretty silver one. It’s not the professional model, but I do love the glass bowl! Glass bowls are so much easier to see that things are mixed well on the bottom.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & FRUIT	SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE	BREAKFAST CASSEROLE	PUMPKIN BREAD FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE	C.O.R.N.	C.O.R.N.	PANCAKES, BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	??	??	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	SANDWICHES
DINNER	C.O.R.N.	ALOHA BBQ RIBS, WAGON WHEEL BEANS and CROCK POT LOADED POTATOES BACON & EGGS	??	OUT	FREEZER SURPRISE	GRILLED STEAKS, BAKED POTATOES and CORN ON THE COB (hubby’s request for New Year’s Eve at home)	BLACK EYED-PEA CHILI
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY
January will be “GET A BACKYARD MONTH” and that is making me very happy! There are only a few months of the year you can use a patio here, at least in my opinion, and February through April are it. The backyard was just like the house and garage – completely overrun with a hoarders dream – STUFF. It also had some structural issues that will need to be addressed first which will require a pallet of sand bags to be delivered to begin leveling it out. We found this past week that the fence is riddled with termites so hubby has already started changing out the fence board by board. All in ALL this will be a simpler project in concept, but harder in back breaking effort. I also found a shade cloth that fits perfectly so we will be installing that too. I will be thrilled if we can get the shade cloth, sand and fence done in January so we can lay pavers and sod in February. That leaves March for sealing the garage floor.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

I always have a lot of fun doing a long distance version of elf on the shelf for my favorite munchkins. This year was twin elves, Ralph and Walter (names were borrowed from the show Scorpion). They made their way to Oregon in time for a Christmas surprise visit with their cousin Sam who spent last year with us before making his way to Oregon in time for Christmas 2015.

We had fun opening our gifts and stockings. I especially love Sammy the owl and my new picture book from my favorite munchkins.

I LOVE my new glass art ornament from my brother and SIL – so cute.
INSPIRATION

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

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving! Ours got a little mixed up and we actually ended up working part of the day before heading over to my uncle’s house for dinner. LOL he called and said he was putting in the turkey (it was smoked and just needed to warm) and heading for a shower. We were going to originally eat between 1 and 2 o’clock, but he and my aunt got hung up at church when they dropped off the turkeys they had prepared for the meal for the needy and next thing you know it’s 2 o’clock and they were just getting home. Hubs and I got there and my uncle was still in the shower and my aunt (who has Alzeimer’s) was so surprised to see us. After all the work at the church she forgot it was Thanksgiving and that anyone was coming over. My cousin showed up shortly after we did and it occurred to us that we weren’t smelling turkey. Long story short, as if that’s possible, Kevy and I started trying to throw together dinner. He peeled potatoes and I cut. We threw the turkey in to warm and started a search for a vegetable. As the potatoes finished boiling, I drained them and he went for the milk. LOL there was NO milk! Then we could find the mixer, but NO beaters. We ended up using Redi whip (made with real cream) and butter and they were good! It was NOT a conventional meal, but we had a good time and laughed A LOT!

WEATHER OUTSIDE
It turned cold on Saturday and rainy too. Looks like winter is finally here.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK
Lots and lots, but I find I do better with making lists!

Monday – Measure for the new bedroom window and get it ordered. Finish wrapping the Christmas presents that need to be mailed, get them boxed up and addressed. Start patch work in the bedroom and the carpet guy will be here to measure in the afternoon.
Tuesday – The electrician will be here to look at our screwy wiring and it’s trash day so have to be available to help the guys and give them their beer and soda.
Wednesday – We’re taking the day to visit all the Habitat for Humanity Restores in the area to seek out necessary parts we need, pick up the cleaning and do the grocery shopping.
Thursday – finish patch work on bedroom and begin removing vanity and kitchen cabinets for the dumpster which should arrive in the afternoon.
Friday – Load dumpster and it will probably take ALL day.
Saturday – Finish wrecking out and/or loading the dumpster!
Sunday – taking the day OFF! When we did our last remodel hubby set a rule that we would quit by 6PM every day and Sundays were to be days where we only did what we wanted and I didn’t cook. The didn’t cook part didn’t last as I finally convinced him that cooking was something I wanted to do!

CURRENTLY READING

It’s only Love – Green Mountain #5 by Marie Force

TELEVISION / DVR
We’re catching up on a few movies we had been wanting to see and not much else – just too tired at the end of the day.

HOUSE PROJECTS
We are trying to finish the bedroom and the kitchen before Christmas. If we are lucky that will extend to the living room, but I really doubt it. So far each project seems to be plagued by the domino effect and each task is more difficult than it should be.

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	Crockpot Lasagna	Black Bean Chili	C.O.R.N.	C.O.R.N.	Texas Red Chicken	Chuck Wagon BBQ Bean Dinner	C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

wrapping gifts for my favorite munchkins
getting closer to sleeping in my own bed
cooler weather

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

INSPIRATION

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

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

We are closing in on 19 days since we arrived. To date hubs and I have logged 332 hours. We have found the house and there is only one LARGE piece left in the house to be moved and we found most of the side yard this weekend while preparing for the foundation work that begins tomorrow, but we have yet to find the garage!

We are beginning to see the light AND the potential again, but we ARE overwhelmed to say the least. We knew it needed work, but until we got here and were able to get her things out we, including my uncle, had NO idea how much work.

We have decided that as soon as the foundation work is done we will do the master bedroom and bath first. At least that way at the end of a hard day we will have a place of respite where we can close ourselves off from the rest of the work to be done.

WEATHER OUTSIDE
I noticed last night that I could see the stars to the east, but the clouds were beginning to shroud the moon to the west and then this morning the clouds are thick as mud so I think I believe them this time that there is a serious storm headed our way – right along with a tornado watch.

TO DO FOR THE WEEK

Shift furniture and boxes as needed for the foundation crew.
Try and find a few necessary cooking utensils I’m still missing.
Start removing carpet in manageable pieces where the non-carpet flooring will be installed.

CURRENTLY READING
I have been too tired to do much more than fall in bed after the 10-15 hour days of serious manual labor recently, but am hoping to finish this book soon.

Alison Kent’s The Comfort of Favorite Things #5 Hope Springs

TELEVISION / DVR
LOL who has time? We also can’t get internet and TV until after the foundation work is completed this week so have seen a few DVDs in the little down time we have forced ourselves to take.

HOUSE PROJECTS
I will have to keep you posted on this category. There is so much to do that we are still trying to make a priority list for after the bedroom!

KITCHEN WISHES
LOL this category is HUGE right now, but I am getting my new refrigerator on Friday!

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
Since it will be awhile before the kitchen is up and running I went looking for my cookbook box, more specifically for the cookbook box with the slow cooker cookbooks in it. We tried one last night that I am now calling Italian Ham and potatoes. LOL I had to adapt it though. Despite the title of the cookbook, Slow-Cooker Cookbook, I found after I bought the ingredients it was actually a recipe for the oven. I was a bit more careful in reading the recipes for the rest of the week.

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & FRUIT	SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	YOGURT & FRUIT	MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS	TOAST & YOGURT	AVALON DINER
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	??	??
DINNER	GARLIC CHICKEN	BRAISED HORSERADISH BEEF	C.O.R.N.	BOSTON BAKED BEANS & PORK	SLOW BAKED BEEF with POTATO CRUST	CHICKEN IN SMOKY BACON SAUCE	APPLE & CIDER CHICKEN & VEGGIES
DESSERT

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

Working side by side with hubby to make a better life.
Seeing potential in the house and backyard.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA
The neighbor’s cat just loves sunbathing on the roof and will spend all day in the same place.

INSPIRATION

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

Category: INSPIRATIONAL