Category: BLOG 365

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENUS & RECIPES week 35 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.244

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 sweet friends. Last week was busy and sped by just as the whole summer seems to have done. But, I am looking forward to Fall. Fall is my season and my happy place! Especially when I can be home! I cooked Friday night’s dinner at the Eagles and it was slow, but consistent! So, all and all we had a good night for charity!

Saturday we went to the farmer’s market and had lunch out. I also made a BIG batch of Sunday Gravy using up a bunch of the overripe tomatoes from the garden.

Then on Sunday we went to brunch with the gang that put on the DIGG’s BBQ competition, BBQ Throw Down and breakfast for the Blackberry Festival weekend before relaxing for the rest of the day. I spent the relaxing part getting caught up on some dinner menu profit reports for the Eagles. We also finally got our plaque and apron for winning at the DIGG’s competition.

We tied for 1st in the BEEF category with Tony’s beef, placed 2nd with Dan’s BBQ Beans in meaty side dishes and 2nd and 3rd in side salads with Heather’s Macaroni salad and my Mac Slaw.

We are still dealing with some things regarding my stepdad’s passing and the estate sale that need resolution, but we’re moving forward day by day with grace to resolve those things. I spent a couple of days boxing up the remaining unsold items and cleaning the garage out. I placed the unsold items in the shed and will give it 30 days for my step sisters to pick up the items before donating those things also. Of course I’ll get donation receipts to forward on to his estate. It’s just so sad that it became all about money to them šŸ™ and that what’s left of his life is pieces of furniture and tools that no one wants. To me, it’s even sadder that I’ve been more of a daughter to him than his own flesh and blood. They never came to visit him until he was dying. At that they didn’t even offer to help him until the very end. His getting to see them was always on their terms and he had to travel to them – it’s just so sad. Several years ago (PRE-COVID) when he and mom returned from a trip to Nova Scotia they both were sick. They thought they’d get over it in time, but I finally insisted they at least go to urgent care where they were both diagnosed with pneumonia. His was bad enough that they promptly admitted him to the hospital where he spent 2 weeks. He was so week he was then transferred to rehab for several more weeks. Neither step sister came to visit then or even offer to help as I dealt with our sick parents. One of them did send me a text asking to let her know if he was going to die so she could come visit. They only leave a few hours away!!!

I have the solace of the last few years in knowing that he thanked me regularly for taking care of him and mom as they got older. One of the last things he said to me was thank you and to be sure and take care of my mom, the love of his later life.

They stormed out (literally) last week without several things, one of which was his spare change collection of $18.46. When they stormed out they slammed the storm door into the porch light breaking the storm door, pulling it out of the casing and leaving the screws hanging. So, I put the spare change to good use buying the replacement parts to fix the door. Ironically, the youngest one in her mind had turned the very existence of that spare change collection into a missing silver bar collection that never even existed.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

One more week of high temps (high 80’s and low 90’s), but at least nights are REALLY starting to cool off (low 50’s) so the mornings have been absolutely gorgeous!

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING Both are caught up! YAY!!!
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS Just a few short errands this week besides working at closing out the last fiscal year and boxing up Eagle’s Auxiliary records as well as the shopping for the Eagles and Offyce.
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS Still on hold a bit longer.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I have a list of several new things I want to try, but will research them deeper this week.
  • DVR/TV We’ve started watching STARGATE SG1 over again of an evening. We then switch to the BOB NEWHART SHOW for comedy before going to sleep.

READING TIME

I’m just about finished with THE BOOK OF LOST & FOUND by Lucy Foley and will then be starting A FLICKER IN THE DARK by Stacy Willingham for book club.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt šŸ˜€
Ā 9/1 MONDAY
9/2 TUESDAY
9/3 WEDNESDAY
9/4 THURSDAY
9/5 FRIDAY
9/6 SATURDAY
9/7 SUNDAY
DINNER
HOMEMADE CARNITAS, REFRIED BEANS AND RICE
CHICKEN STROGANOFF & GREEN BEANS
CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
MONTE CRISTOS & COLESLAW
CROCKPOT REUBENS
CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
CHICKEN JOES & PASTA SALAD
DESSERT
Ā 
CHOCOLATE CHIP PEANUT BUTTER CHEESECAKE BARS
Ā PEACH SQUARES

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

The Farmer’s Market was WONDERFUL this week and I’m really sad that this season has so few weeks left to it. I did LOVE this adorable little girl who was out trying to catch bubbles šŸ™‚ The stray husbands holding bags are always fun to watch also. I got everything from my list and then some.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • CIDER GLAZED CHICKEN THIGHS

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

CREAMY TUSCAN CHICKEN ~ BLOG 365.240

CREAMY TUSCAN CHICKEN Serves 3-4

2 pounds chicken breast tenders
FRESH ground sea saltĀ  and black pepper
1/4 cup Wondra flour
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon avocado oil
3 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
2 small carrots, cut into large matchstick pieces
Ā½ onion, diced
1/4-1/2 sun dried tomatoes, diced
2 cups FRESH baby spinach
2 cups heavy cream
Ā½ cup FRESH grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons FRESH parsley, chopped

  • Generously season chicken with salt and pepper and lightly dredge with the Wondra flour, shaking off excess.
  • Melt butter and oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.
  • Sear chicken 2 minutes per side until golden. Remove chicken to plate and keep warm. Add carrots and onions, stirring and cooking 5-7 minutes until carrots are softened.
  • Add the garlic and tomatoes, stirring to blend.
  • Add the heavy cream bringing to a SLOW boil.
  • Add the spinach, Parmesan cheese and parsley, stirring until the sauce has thickened slightly and spinach has wilted.
  • Place the chicken back in the pan, spooning the sauce on top of the chicken.
  • Serve!

FRENCH ONION MEATLOAF ~ BLOG 365.238

French onion soup is one of my favorites things to eat! With this recipe you can have all the mouthwatering flavor for a company dinner and turn the leftovers into a casual sandwich for the next dayā€™s lunch!!

FRENCH ONION MEATLOAF

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
2 LARGE onions, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 LARGE egg beaten
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped thyme
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup beef broth
1 cup shredded GruyĆØre or baby Swiss cheeseĀ 

  • Preheat your oven to 350Ā°.
  • In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sautĆ© onions 20-25 minutes until they are caramelized and golden brown.
  • Add a splash of beef broth to deglaze the pan and stir until the liquid is absorbed. Set aside to cool.
  • In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Set aside for 5 minutes.
  • Add the ground beef, minced garlic, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper, mixing until well blended.ā€Ø
  • Fold in most of the caramelized onions and half of the shredded GruyĆØre cheese.
  • Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until cooked through.
  • Sprinkle the remaining shredded GruyĆØre cheese over the top of the meatloaf and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Top with remaining onions.
  • Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENU & RECIPES week 34 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.237

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

Oh my there are parts of last week that were wonderful and parts that were so horrible I’m trying to forget them. It was a busy stressful week trying to finalize many things for my step dad’s memorial on Saturday.

The memorial itself was very nice and well done by a local pastor that has known my stepdad for quite a few years. Mom did up a photo board of pictures of him from over the years to have in the fellowship room during the reception. And then I scanned them to a flash drive for a screen display during the service. There was also a wonderful cross section of attendees from his college roommate, older sister with her son and DIL, younger brother, golf buddies, AA buddies and a whole host of friends, family and neighbors.Ā  My friend Martha who I met doing an estate sale for her daughter and son-in-law was there – she’ll be 104 in February and is sprier than most 40 year olds. It was so good to see her and get one of her hugs! My friend Nellie who used to own a local deli shop before she abandoned us to retire early catered the reception in the fellowship hall with her sandwiches, fruit and cookies.

The stressful part came on Sunday morning when my stepsisters showed up half an hour after the appointed time to settle up a few things. With grace (instead of telling you how it really went down) I’ll just say that it devolved quickly with the prickly one yelling at my mom and accusing her of things that just weren’t even possible. It ended with me “inviting” them to leave before mom had a stroke or heart attack because she was so upset. Let’s just say they expected mom to make up financially for things and choices their dad made regarding their mother’s trust over the years that mom had nothing to do with. The way they acted and the things they asked for were ludicrous and completely out of line. It was as if they expected their dad to stop living after their mom died over 25 years ago. I can unequivocally say that he would be sooooooo very ashamed of the way they acted and the things they said.

Let’s just say I believe that from here on out they will be communicating through lawyers or at the very least in public places.

I’m choosing to remain positive and pray that with MUCH grace this can be worked out amicably.

We did go to a birthday party for a spry 94 year old on Sunday afternoon.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

That cold front predicted through much of the mid west isn’t going to hit here!!!! We’re predicted to have highs in the 90’s and lows around 60 throughout the week and partly cloudy so that means a chance of mugginess too.

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING Laundry is pretty good, but now that everyone is done traipsing through the house there will be a serious deep clean going on.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’m cooking dinner at the Eagles on Friday and hosting an impromptu group for labor day so want to get my shopping done early before everybody is stocking up for the long weekend.
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS Still on hold for a bit. We’re not leaving mom alone until more dust settles around here.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m looking forward to fall recipes and am going to sit down with a few favorite cookbooks later this week to try some new recipes.
  • DVR/TV We need to clean out the DVR soon!!!!!

READING TIME

I’m working on finishing The Book of Lost and Found by Lucy Foley still. Another good reason to look forward to fall with rainy lazy Sundays.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt šŸ˜€
Ā 8/25 MONDAY
8/26 TUESDAY
8/27 WEDNESDAY
Ā 8/28 THURSDAY
8/29 FRIDAY
8/30 SATURDAY
8/31 SUNDAY
DINNER
Meeting night CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own!
CHEESY CHICKEN & BROCCOLI BAKE
CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own!
ITALIAN SUNDAY GRAVY OVER PASTA
cooking at the EaglesĀ 
MEATLOAF, ROASTED POTATOES & CARROTS with GRAVY
In celebration of Blackberry and all the work being over we’re all going out together for BRUNCH to celebrate so it’s a CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own!
CHICKEN SALTIMBOCCA
DESSERT
Ā 
Ā HAWAIIAN WEDDING CAKE

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

We need rain SOOOOOO very bad. The pond is really showing the drought. And the Black Eyed Susans are on their last legs of the season!

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • FRENCH ONION MEATLOAF

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAWAIIAN SHEET PAN CHICKEN ~ BLOG 365.233

HAWAIIAN SHEET PAN CHICKEN
A quick and easy weeknight meal. The original recipe called for rice, but we prefer a good yaki soba noodle. We also like to use some butternut squash now and then or whatever veggies I have in the drawer that need used up. Enjoy and adapt this delicious and easy Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan to your liking!

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders
1/2 cup pineapple chunks, drained
1/4 cup QUALITY teriyaki sauce
1/4 cup QUALITY honey
1/4 cup Braggā€™s Liquid Aminos
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup cooked rice or yaki soba noodles
1/2 cup chopped broccoli or diced butternut squash
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed then sliced
Sliced red onion

  • Preheat your oven to 400Ā°.
  • Lightly spray baking sheet with non-stick baking spray.
  • In a bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, honey, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar and red pepper flakes.
  • Add the chicken and marinate for at least 1 hour.
  • Place the chicken, pineapple chunks, rice (if using), broccoli, butternut squash and red bell pepper on a large baking sheet.
  • Bake 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

NOTES:

  • For a spicier dish, add MORE red pepper flakes to the marinade. If using yaki soba noodles add them during the last 10 minutes.