Category: INSPIRIVITY
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
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DVR/TV TIME
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
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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
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6/10 TUESDAY
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6/11 WEDNESDAY
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6/12 THURSDAY
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6/13 FRIDAY
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6/14 SATURDAY
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6/15 SUNDAY | |
DINNER
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MYRA’S FLANK STEAK, ONION CUCUMBER SALAD, SMASHED GARLIC POTATOES
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SLOW COOKER PORK CHOPS, GLAZED CARROTS and SALAD
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MARRY ME CHICKEN, BUTTERED NOODLES and PEAS
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POT ROAST SMOKED HAM, CORN on the COB, SLICED TOMATOES
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SLOW COOKED BEEF, MASHED POTATOES & GRAVY
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BABY BACK RIBS, MAC SLAW & BAKED BEANS
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DESSERT
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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
- PAN FRIED CHICKEN with SHERRY MUSHROOM CREAM SAUCE
- CAITLYN’S CORNED BEEF
- TAMY’S SOUTHERN APPLE WALNUT CARROT CAKE
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
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DVR/TV TIME
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
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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
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5/13 TUESDAY
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5/14 WEDNESDAY
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5/15 THURSDAY
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5/16 FRIDAY
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5/17 SATURDAY
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5/28 SUNDAY
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DINNER
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BBQ PULLED PORK and MACARONI COLESLAW
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SLOPPY JOES and CHEESY POTATOES
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HAM STEAKS with STUFFED MAC & CHEESE
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VOODOO CHICKEN WINGS and POTATO SALAD
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OUT
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OUT
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BBQ COMPETITION |
DESSERT
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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
TGIF ~ BLOG 365.115
HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENU & RECIPES week 10 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.69
Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
GOOD MORNING LADIES! Did you remember to adjust your clocks? Personally I wish they’d pick a time and just stay with it!! That first Sunday after the time change is ALWAYS the hardest for me and this year was no different because it was dark, cloudy and foggy! To make matters worse, I’m not even sure how it’s Monday again. I feel like I lost an entire week! I’m pretty good about getting around to visit everyone, but I sadly fell short last week. I will be better this week! 😀
LAST WEEK RECAPPED
The week was full of “fires” to put out so I won’t bore you with too many details, but I ended up spending a lot of unplanned time at the Eagles including working the fundraiser dinner Friday night. Monday through Friday were jam packed with “STUFF”. Saturday I took a paint class and then hubby and I went out for dinner at a favorite haunt. Sunday was doing normal chores to catch up on laundry and cleaning and helping an elderly friend with some house maintenance.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
Welcome to the Pacific North West where your spring flowers prematurely bloom at the first sign of sunshine only to be beaten back down by pouring rain and snow and you are always only a layer or two from shivering.
While the EAST is supposed to have a warm-up this week, we’re just the opposite with thunderstorms and snow!
MONDAY Cloudy 65/41
TUESDAY Cloudy 47/40
WEDNESDAY Rain 49/37
THURSDAY Thunderstorms/Snow 47/34
FRIDAY Snow/Rain 46/34
SATURDAY Rain 45/ 39
SUNDAY Rain 45/34
ON MY MIND
I lost last week! I really do NOT know where it went and mainly because of other people and having to pivot to pick up the slack. I know I’ve said it before, but I’m getting super close to throwing in the towel on the Eagles and the continually growing issues at hand. :SIGH: 😔 See my funny for today. I picked it long before today, but boy does it fit!!!!!
TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS
THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
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DVR/TV TIME
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
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READING TIME
I’m between books, but hope to start a new one tonight.
FUNNIES
MENU PLANS
BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀
3/10 MONDAY
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3/11 TUESDAY
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3/12 WEDNESDAY
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3/13 THURSDAY
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3/14 FRIDAY
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3/15 SATURDAY
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3/16 SUNDAY
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DINNER
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MEETING NIGHT
CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT or YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN
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MEATBALL SALAD
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STUBBY CHICKEN
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SHORT CUT CHICKEN CORDON BLEU
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OUT with FRIENDS
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PIZZA EGG ROLLS
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CHICKEN SALTIMBOCCA |
DESSERT
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SALTED CARAMEL PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE
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FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA
I am not entirely happy with my picture “A Walk in the Wilderness”, but I’ll keep working on it, the bushes in particular 😀
INSPIRATIONS
LIFE TIP
HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP
RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK
- LOADED SEAFOOD CHOWDER
- BUFFALO CRUSTED BAKED FISH & CHIPS
RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK
WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS
TGIF ~ BLOG 365.66
HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENU & RECIPES week 8 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.55
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 with pre-Spring cleaning, sorting and organizing as well as my many Eagles duties, but my weekend was kind of lazy, yet productive!
Saturday was A LOT of cleaning and laundry. We began working on power washing the back patio, patio cover and gutters. For some reason they have gotten exceptionally mossy and slimy so far this year. We even found horrible moss patches on the new roof that we’re working hard to eradicate before it gets a foothold that can’t be stopped.
I even took time to have lunch with a friend on Sunday and watch ALL the NASCAR races (which were recorded) since it was raining so much and all outside cleaning came to a stop.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
Beware of captions that say a warm up is on the way, BUT, don’t put away the winter coats! That’s how SNOWMAGEDDON started a few years back!
Monday 57/44 ~ 1 inch RAIN
Tuesday 57/44 ~ 1 inch RAIN
Wednesday 58/35 ~ CLOUDY
Thursday 58/34 ~ CLOUDY
Friday 58/44 ~ CLOUDY/RAIN
Saturday 56/43 ~ 1 inch RAIN
Sunday 55/38 ~ 1/2 inch RAIN
ON MY MIND
TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS
THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
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DVR/TV TIME
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
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READING TIME
I finished PICTURES OF YOU by Emma Grey last week and started THE BOYFRIEND by Frieda McFadden for book Club, but really want to start RUN, ROSE, RUN by James Patterson and Dolly Parton as well as so many more titles, so may be dropping book club 🙁 to read on my own.
FUNNIES
MENU PLANS
BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀
2/24 MONDAY
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2/25 TUESDAY
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2/26 WEDNESDAY
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2/27 THURSDAY
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2/28 FRIDAY
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3/1 SATURDAY
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3/2 SUNDAY
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DINNER
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CHICKEN TETRAZZINI and a fresh batch of SWEET BBQ SAUCE
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PASTEL AZTECA
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PIGEON RIVER CHICKEN
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BAKED MANICOTTI with MEAT SAUCE
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cooking at EAGLES QUESADILLAS with MEXICAN CORN SALAD and MEXICAN ROSETTE CHURROS
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CHICKEN SALTIMBOCCA
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HUBBY’S BIRTHDAY HIS CHOICE |
BREAKFAST
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CANADIAN BACON ONION QUICHE
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FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA
This happened last year also. Spring blooms thinking it’s time only to be beaten back down by cold, rain, wind and/or snow 🙁
INSPIRATIONS
LIFE TIP
HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP
RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK
- EARTHQUAKE CAKE
- BEAN & BBQ BEEF STEW
- HALUSKI aka POLISH COLESLAW
RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK
WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS
HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENU & RECIPES week 7 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.48
Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
LAST WEEK RECAPPED
WHEW! The last 2 weeks have been a constant blur!!! I finished the last “PLANNED” event on Friday night only to have a monkey wrench thrown into the rest of the month. Saturday was spent doing laundry and house chores as well as a lot of recipe sorting. I’m hoping to finish sorting through the tote I’ve been working on so I can make a “quarterly” menu plan and eliminate a bunch of scrap paper. Sunday was supposed to be a “slow” day at home watching racing and being lazy, but ended up being gone to lunch with friends and then several hours of Eagle’s chores. I’m looking forward to staying home today and getting caught up on what I didn’t get done yesterday.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
It’s going to be a super wet week and still quite cool with highs in the low 40’s. I’ll be doing layers upon layers with turtlenecks and flannels with Levis & UGGs.
ON MY MIND
So many people are anxious to “join” organizations, but I have noticed that so many are NOT willing to put the effort into sustaining them. We have had a HUGE influx of members because of our Tuesday line dancing night, but that’s the extent of their involvement. There was a “VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION” night with Italian bakes and dessert last Friday, but when all was said and done I observed that the people that participated in the bakes and desserts, set-up, break down and clean-up were the same volunteers being “celebrated”. Volunteers ate for free, all others it was a $10 all you can eat night and we did raise almost $500 for charity, but it seemed quite a bit of work and so so lopsided. 🙁
I had been asked to take over Friday night dinner coordination in June when the current lady was not going to renew her membership because of commitments elsewhere, but was a bit surprised when she announced it at the last meeting and that it would begin March 1st. And then to top it off the woman doing February 28th and canceled on Saturday so I’m hitting the ground running scrambling from the git go. 🙂 I do have some hopefully fresh ideas to generate more participation and support, so we’ll see.
TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS
THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
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DVR/TV TIME
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
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READING TIME
I should finish PICTURES OF YOU tonight. Book Club picked a new book because most people found it “BORING” and called it a DNF (do not finish and I have never NOT finished a book) book which only tells me I’m not well fitted with this group that prefer psychological thrillers.
Most of those that found it boring gave up by page 20, which I find alarming as the book has 350 pages so they really didn’t give it a chance.
Two other friends are liking as much as I do and we have all vowed to finish it. One has finished it and declared it is definitely a book to finish.
FUNNIES
MENU PLANS
BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀
2/17 MONDAY
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2/18 TUESDAY
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2/19 WEDNESDAY
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2/20 THURSDAY
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2/21 FRIDAY
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2/22 SATURDAY
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2/23 SUNDAY
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DINNER
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SALSA VERDE CHICKEN CASSEROLE
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FIREHOUSE SPECIAL
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CORNED BEEF HASH ~ DINNER STYLE
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PORK CHOPS, MASHED POTATOES and MILK GRAVY with COUNTRY DRESSING
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CREOLE HALIBUT
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CORNED BEEF SAUERKRAUT BAKE ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ HONEY ORANGE COTTAGE CHEESE PANCAKES (breakfast)
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LIME GLAZED PORK CHOPS with COUNTRY DRESSING ~~~~~~~~ OVERNIGHT HAM& EGG CASSEROLE (BREAKFAST) |
DESSERT
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WACKY CAKE
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FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA
I borrowed some chafing dishes from a friend (she had owned our favorite deli – Nellie’s Deli but retired last July) and she brought me these sweet treats along with the chafing dishes! How sweet is that? And this was the sky over the pond after the event Friday night.
INSPIRATIONS
LIFE TIP
HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP
RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK
- SODA SAUCE PORK LOIN & MASHED CARROTS
- PORK CHOPS in CREAMY GARLIC SPINACH SAUCE
RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK
WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS
HAPPY NEW YEAR! WORDLESS WEDNESDAY ~ BLOG 365.1
WORDLESS WEDNESDAY ~ BLOG 366.360
WORDLESS WEDNESDAY ~ BLOG 366.346
HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY week 49 of 2024 ~ BLOG 366.344
Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
WEEKEND RECAP
Thursday morning’s earthquake off the coast of California triggered a TSUNAMI warning for us. Have seen the signs for years, but never experienced an actual warning until now. Friday was spent cleaning and finish winter prep around here.
On Saturday I FINALLY completed my holiday decorating inside and hubby finished the outside just before the rain began. We literally finished just before we had to leave and meet friends to watch the DUCKS vs. PENN STATE game which did not disappoint. DUCKS won (45-37) and are now 13-0! We ALL had a GREAT time.
Then on Sunday we stored all the boxes from the decorating and I began planning my baking schedule for the neighbor plates I’ll be making and checking to see if I had all my ingredients. I also started arranging things for girl’s night this next Wednesday. I’ve also been wrapping the gifts for the Foster kids that I’ll be delivering this next week. Congratulations Jean on the Chiefs win last night – 2 inches more to the left and it would have been a loss.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
12/9 MONDAY – MOSTLY SUNNY after the fog burns off 43°/26°
12/10 TUESDAY – MOSTLY CLOUDY after the fog burns off 44°/30°
12/11 WEDNESDAY – MOSTLY CLOUDY after the fog burns off 46°/38°
12/12 THURSDAY – RAINY 46°/38°
12/13 FRIDAY – RAINY 45/37°
12/14 SATURDAY – RAIN!!! 45°/38° YUCK WE’RE DOING WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA AT 1PM 🙁
12/15 SUNDAY – RAINY 44°/38°
TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS
THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
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DVR/TV TIME
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
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READING TIME
FUNNIES
MENU PLANS
BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀
12/9 MONDAY
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12/10 TUESDAY
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12/11 WEDNESDAY
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12/12 THURSDAY
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12/13 FRIDAY
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12/14 SATURDAY
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12/15 SUNDAY
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DINNER
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roast chicken, glazed carrots & mashed potatoes
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brisket sandwiches and coleslaw
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beef stew and biscuits
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lemon chicken and rice soup
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out
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CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
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pot roast, glazed carrots and mashed potatoes |
DESSERT
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grasshopper brownies
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bacon and waffles
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FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA
I have a friend that LOVES to try all the crafts she sees on Facebook and she made this BIG star for me out of yard sticks and light string! I LOVE it!!!
INSPIRATIONS
LIFE TIP
HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP
RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS WEEK
- OLD FASHIONED OATMEAL RAISIN COOKIES
- CRAZY PIZZA BREAD
- LAYERED SALAD
RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK
WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS