HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY – Chasing MY Life WHEREVER it Leads ME

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY week 43 of 2025 with RECIPE LINKS & MENUS ~ BLOG 365.300

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

IT’S MONDAY!!!

GOOD MORNING sweet friends. I’m sitting here savoring my coffee and the quiet house while I make my list(s) for the week and before I have to get ready to brave the brisk morning breeze for some early morning appointments.

Can you believe we’re in the last week of October already? I find it utterly mind boggling. Thanksgiving is only a month away and Christmas is only 60 days away!!

We’re going to a friend’s house for Thanksgiving this year and I’m taking the dressing and dessert. So I don’t have the stress of too much food preparation, decorating or even clean up so that’s a bit of a relief. I actually wrapped 3 Christmas presents this past weekend and am contemplating where to put the tree this year.

I’ve been slacking a bit on BLOGTOBER, but did get a couple posts in last week for my favorite fall clothing and a public service announcement about Christmas. Honestly, my heart and mind have already moved on to BLOGMAS.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It has been quite cool and wet this past weekend and we even had a small thunderstorm, but we’re supposed to dry out a bit this week (at least until Saturday when the rain is due to begin again) and be clearer. That will make it a bit cooler though and I’m ready! Daytime highs will be in the mid 50’s and nighttime lows in the mid 30’s.

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY, WHAT’S ON MY MIND, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV

TO DO: LAUNDRY & CLEANING With the rainy weekend I was able to get the laundry and cleaning completely up to date. I’m also going through the closet and all my drawers sorting out things for this early winter and donating what I can. The local trash company is going on an odd schedule for the next 3 weeks so hubby and I have been trying to chop down, cut small and make all the outside detritus fit into the odd scheduled days for pick up where and when we can if it’s not too rainy.
TO DO: GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’ll be in town today and will get just a few oddball things like laundry soap and shoelaces to finish up the week.
PROJECTS & TRAVELS On hold yet again 🙁
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m definitely looking for some hearty slow cooker recipes for this next month.
DVR/TV I know the new season is barely started, but I’m already behind!!!!
ON MY MIND I’ve been thinking about the fastly approaching holidays – Thanksgiving in a month and Christmas in two months and how to navigate those this year. My mom’s upcoming knee replacement surgery, navigating family relations that are out of whack and life changes in general.
THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY I know I’m weird, but I LOVE all this rain and cold we’re getting early this year. With the time change coming next weekend it seems to be discombobulating me a bit this year!

READING TIME

I’m starting a new book tonight, A FLICKER IN THE DARK by STACY WILLINGHAM. I’m trying to get caught up on book club.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

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

	10/27 MONDAY	10/28 TUESDAY	10/29 WEDNESDAY	10/30 THURSDAY	10/31 FRIDAY	11/1 SATURDAY	11/2 SUNDAY
DINNER	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	SLOW COOKER PEPPER STEAK	CHILI CON CARNE QUESO CUPS & SALAD	MANDARIN CHICKEN & RICE	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	PASTA ala PASSION an OLD RECIPE BOX CHOICE	HONEY JALAPENO SOY CHICKEN
DESSERT		AUTUMN SNICKERDOODLES

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

I wasn’t in a great location for the photos, but the rainbows were amazing this week when they happened.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

COPY CAT LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE PARMESAN CRUSTED CHICKEN with HOMEMADE MARINARA
BAKED FETTUCCINE ALFREDO and WARM TOMATO BROCCOLI SALAD

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

AUTUMNAL SALAD
updated CHICKEN PARMIGIANA
BRAISED WHITE BEAN & SAUSAGE ONE POT MEAL

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY week 42 of 2025 with MENUS & RECIPE LINKS ~ BLOG 365.293

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

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

AHHHHHH a weekend away was just what the doctor ordered! Five years ago hubby and I went to the GREAT JUNK HUNT at the fairgrounds in the county 100 miles to the south of us for a weekend away and it was wonderful. I found not one, not two, not even three, but FOUR vintage recipe boxes.

Two years ago my girlfriend and I went to a great holiday market at the same fairgrounds south of us. We did it all in one day along with a trip to a HUGE Hobby Lobby and it was A LOT to cram in.

Last year we planned it as a weekend and took hubby along. Unfortunately, the holiday market was not as good as the previous year, though we did manage to find several of our favorite vendors and start the Christmas shopping with a bang!

But, this year we went 100 miles north to a GREAT JUNK HUNT and had just as much fun, if not more even though the JUNK HUNT itself was not very good! I’m always on the hunt for more vintage recipe boxes or sewing drawers and found neither this trip!

We were also able to get in some quality antiquing time and FINALLY visited a wonderful architectural salvage house that I’ve been bragging to my girlfriend about for years. She was an interior designed and loves all things architecturally old and vintage.

We also had some great happy hour times sitting and chatting, laughing and enjoying each other’s company at the hotel we stayed at for Friday and Saturday nights as well as checking out some wonderful restaurants that were new to us MOM & POP places. My favorites were Filberts Farmhouse kitchen where Dana had the tomato bisque and I had the most delicious butternut squash bisque with cranberry coulis and we split a Chicken Parmigiana sandwich, Pastini’s Mushroom ravioli with a caramelized leek sauce with garlic bread and Hops&Drops homemade Southwestern taquitos!

Last week’s BLOGTOBER shares were for my favorite:

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Our much needed rain is coming in spurts, but I’ll take it! We are just jumping from summer to winter this year though. Fall is getting lost in the mix! This week’s forecast is cloudy, highs in the 50’s and 60’s with lows in the upper 30’s and some rain each day with much heavier rain coming for next weekend.

ON MY MIND, TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, TRAVELS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I need to get caught up on laundry and the chores I didn’t get done while we were away.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I definitely need to get some groceries and I have pedicure tomorrow so will probably do it then. Wednesday will be the normal Eagle’s shopping and we’re having lunch with some dear friends on Thursday.
PROJECTS & TRAVELS We’re working on a plan for a trip in November, but that will be determined by the discontinued part arrival and mechanic’s time frame for the car we’ll take on the trip.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING planned through October and into November for now. I had hoped to find more recipe boxes this weekend to finish up November, but will dig into my files instead.
DVR/TV We’ve changed internet companies and eliminated DISH so there isn’t really any DVR anymore and TV is up to our whims and streaming services. I’ll have to learn a new “normal” to see my “regular” shows.

READING TIME

FUNNIES

The dates are a little off, but the sentiment is the same. 🙂

MENU PLANS

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

	10/20 MONDAY	10/21 TUESDAY	10/22 WEDNESDAY	10/23 THURSDAY	10/24 FRIDAY	10/25 SATURDAY	10/26 SUNDAY
DINNER	JOY’S PASTA ala PASSION	LEMON PORK CHOPS	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	CHICKEN LEMONAISE	NAN’S PORK CHOPS	MANDARIN CHICKEN	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
DESSERT

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

I made a little progress on the new sewing cabinet.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

AUTUMNAL SALAD
BRAISED WHITE BEAN & SAUSAGE ONE POT MEAL

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENUS & RECIPE LINKS week 41 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.286

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

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

I did the Auxiliary Friday night dinner of my great gram’s chicken and noodles over mashed potatoes (kind of like an inside out chicken pot pie) which is ALWAYS a favorite of mine, even with 2 starches! We did okay, but there were many events in many locations and a tremendous rainstorm that I think hindered our attendance. I also finally got a fairly decent photo of this dish to update the blog.

Saturday we drove an hour to the “city” that has decent shopping to pick up my Hallmark order and have a nice lunch at PF CHANGS. We have no Hallmark store any longer (or any other decent major shopping) and only a handful of restaurants so it was a nice change. Since we’ve lived here, the area (within 25 miles) is “growing” housing wise, but decreasing in shopping, restaurants and healthcare. It makes no sense to me! We’ve lost the local hardware store and the one in the next town is about to close, Macy’s, JC Penney’s, Sears, Charlie’s BBQ, Loggers, Rite Aid, a Walgreens, Pedotti’s Italian, Cigno’s Italian, Nellies, FNB, Tolleys, Albertsons, PIER 1, Big Lots, JoAnns, Clarices, K-Mart…And yes I know many of those were lost nationwide, but…we now have 7 Mexican restaurants, just as many second hand stores and the town all but rolls up the sidewalks at dusk and on Mondays.

It was a rainy weekend again and I spent Sunday starting with breakfast at a friends bar & Grill, but then coming home for racing and football while lounging around researching recipes as well as 3 loads of laundry and oiling and cleaning up my “new” sewing cabinet.

On the way home from the city Saturday we stopped at two of our favorite antique stores after the Hallmark store and lunch and then we stopped in another favorite little town on the way back where I found the most unique sewing machine table. Actually, hubby found it for me, but it’s gonna be beautiful when we’re done with it and it was dirt cheap. Someone had added some cheap legs that didn’t match and it needed oiled A LOT, but other than that thee was just a small broken knob that is fortunately on a bottom drawer so not even noticeable when it’s all back together. I didn’t find anything else except these adorable scarecrow ghosts that I’ll use for two friends that have Halloween birthdays.

I’ve been joining in on BLOGTOBER for the prompts that speak to me and even adapting them to fit my life. Yesterday I did a compilation of some of my favorite apple recipes called ALL THINGS APPLE.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It rained A LOT over the weekend, which we really needed, but it should conclude this afternoon, but the next several days, while cool (mid 50’s during the day and lows in the 30’s at night) are only supposed to be cloudy until the end of the week when the rain begins again. 🙂 I LOVE FALL!

ON MY MIND, TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, TRAVELS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV

LAUNDRY & CLEANING Pretty tidy besides some totes I need to move to the garage when the weather is less rainy tomorrow.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS With going out of town on Friday I’ll only be shopping for the Eagles and maybe the Offyce this week.
PROJECTS & TRAVELS We’re headed off this weekend with a friend to go to the GREAT JUNK HUNT and some favorite antique stores as well as a favorite architectural salvage house.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m hoping to find more vintage/antique recipe boxes next weekend and then I’ll put together another menu plan for November and December.
DVR/TV The new season has begun and now I need to play catch up and decide which shows to keep watching and those to abandon.

READING TIME

I’m about to finish the BOOK WOMAN’S DAUGHTER by Kim Michelle Richardson. Book club is meeting next weekend, but I’m going to be out of town and am honestly so far behind now I may just be bowing out of book club all together.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

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

	10/13 MONDAY	10/14 TUESDAY	10/15 WEDNESDAY	10/16 THURSDAY	10/17 FRIDAY	10/18 SATURDAY	10/19 SUNDAY
DINNER	Eagle’s meeting night CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	CHILI con CARNE QUESO CUPS	AZZOLINA SPAGHETTI also making a crock pot of CHILI MAC & CHICKEN VERDE CHILI for the Eagles to serve at BUNCO night	BAKED TUSCAN CHICKEN	OOT (out of town)	OOT (out of town)	OOT (out of town)
DESSERT

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

One of my favorites from PF CHANG’S is their Teriyaki Chicken and Fried Rice!

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

ITALIAN GRINDER SALAD
APPLE PIE DUMPLINGS

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENUS & RECIPE LINKS week 40 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.279

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

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

GOOD MORNING!! Welcome, grab some coffee and let’s chat.

We went to the Farmer’s Market and Oktoberfest on Saturday, but it was pretty rainy and we ended up quickly only picking up what I needed for the menu and heading out to a neighboring town for lunch with a stop along the way at a favorite junk store where I scored a few favorite things and a couple pieces of “brand new” vintage ™Tupperware.

WOW, is it really the first Monday in October already? Last week was busy, BUT, I did something yesterday that I’m always threatening to do, but rarely get the chance to. I got up without an alarm, made coffee, threw things in the slow cooker for some soup, wrote some recipes, watched a NASCAR race and a football game before I ever considered taking a shower and getting dressed. It was the most relaxed I have been in months!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Today is going to be gorgeous (high 70’s) as is tomorrow and then we take a MAJOR dip in temperatures (low 50’s) and some more rain. I’m good with that as I just finished washing and hanging my cold weather gear.

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV

LAUNDRY & CLEANING Despite taking and relaxing all day yesterday I was able to do the laundry. Tomorrow is cleaning day after taco Tuesday.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’m headed to the grocery store in a bit as well as run errands. I’m hoping to finish cleaning out the rest of the estate sale items today and tomorrow for delivery to the abused women’s center on Wednesday. Our auxiliary is supporting this center this year and going out of our way to send them everything we can.
PROJECTS & TRAVELS I made our reservations for the trip to the Junk Hunt and antiquing with my girlfriend.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m delving into my new recipe box of tricks with high hopes for some new fall recipes. I’m also going to be joining in on A Simple Life’s BLOGTOBER prompts where I can.
DVR/TV The new season has began, but we have yet to get into a routine. I have been keeping up with Halloween Wars and Halloween Baking Championship so far.

READING TIME

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

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

	10/6 MONDAY	10/7 TUESDAY	10/8 WEDNESDAY	10/9 THURSDAY	10/10 FRIDAY	10/11 SATURDAY	10/12 SUNDAY
DINNER	TUSCAN CHICKEN PASTA SALAD	I’m cooking PORK POZOLE at the Eagles	CHICKEN PAPRIKASH SOUP	CHICKEN MARSALA BAKE	CORN/YOYO Clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own – cooking GRAN’S CHICKEN & NOODLES at the Eagles with PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE BARS	CRANBERRY CHICKEN (SLOW COOKER)	MUSHROOM BEEF STROGANOFF (SLOW COOKER)
DESSERT		MAGIC COOKIE BARS		BLUE CARROT BUNDT CAKE

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

Most of you know how much I LOVE old handwritten recipes and then re-creating them. We are going to a Great Junk Hunt in a couple weeks and I will search for more, BUT we stopped in a favorite little junk store to browse during last Saturday’s rain and I made an early score with not one, but two boxes stuffed full of yummy recipes, most of which were not only dated but had names like Aunt Helen’s… as well as descriptive adjectives like “excellent – make again”. Plus, they were really cute boxes in great shape.

I’ve sorted them out to those I want to re-create for myself and the blog and have an additional stack that will be coming your way Jean. 🙂

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

Fantasy Landscape in the road on a cloudy day

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

EVERYMAN STEAKS, MUSHROOM GRAVY & MUSTARD EGG NOODLES
BAKED CRACK CHICKEN

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENUS & RECIPES week 39 of 2024 ~ BLOG 365.272

I absolutely LOVE doing Happy Homemaker Mondays so extensively. They truly help keep me focused and on track. It helps me summarize the past week and lay out a fairly concise plan for me to follow this week. Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

WOW where did last week go? I still have things to do on last week’s to do list which will make this week incredibly busier when I add them to this week’s list.

I spent several days last week helping a girlfriend with her MIL’s estate sale where I was able to get several things for the foster kid Christmas program and a pretty pink comforter set for the spare bedroom. I did her marketing and strategic placement of many things and fielded the Facebook Marketplace messages as well as local friends.

I also had an antique reseller pick up the last of my stepdad’s things from our house for consignment. There was also an oil change and brakes on my car, brunch with a fun friend, grocery shopping, farmer’s market, laundry, book work, paper work, medical testing, phone calls, yard clean up to get ready for winter and general organization.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

YAY, IT’S RAINING! And boy do we need it! The temperatures have dropped significantly too. I’ve pulled out the flannels too. Highs this week will be in the 60’s and low 70’s (maybe) with lows in the 40’s 🙂

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I was able to get the laundry done yesterday and much of the cleaning so have at least a good head start this week on the chores.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have a pedicure this morning and will stop at the butcher, Staples and WalMart for a few things I couldn’t get at the grocer.
PROJECTS & TRAVELS We began planning a trip for late October with 2 friends and so far one has canceled 🙁 I’m thinking it may not happen.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I copied a few recipes yesterday to work on for late October as well as a few for making holiday gifts.
DVR/TV The new season has started, but I’ve only seen a few shows so far: Halloween Wars, Halloween Baking, Amazing Race, The Floor, Law & Order, Law & Order SVU…

READING TIME

Book Club was canceled yesterday, which for me is good because I haven’t even started the book 😂 I’m trying to finish the Book Woman’s Daughter, but keep falling asleep!

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

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

	9/29 MONDAY	9/30 TUESDAY	10/1 WEDNESDAY	10/2 THURSDAY	10/3 FRIDAY	10/4 SATURDAY	10/5 SUNDAY
DINNER	Reuben Braid	Steak Burgers and Potato Salad	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator or you’re on your own	Baked Fettuccine and Green Beans	Chile con Carne Queso Cups	French Country Soup and Crusty Bread	Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta
DESSERT			Blue Carrot Bundt Cake

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

I’m not a Bloody Mary drinker, but did have to admire this brunch worthy one at a local haunt!

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

BAKED PINEAPPLE TERIYAKI CHICKEN
COPY CAT EVERYTHING CAESAR DRESSING

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENUS & RECIPES week 38 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.265

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

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

Hello lovely ladies! It’s not only a ‘BER month, but it’s also now officially FALL! I cannot tell you how happy that makes me! We welcomed it yesterday with temperatures in the 50’s and a little bit of rain 🙂

Saturday we went to the Farmer’s Market for all the produce I need for the week, did the grocery shopping, had a nice lunch at a favorite haunt, watered plants inside and out for a traveling friend, met with people buying a hutch from her (of course they called to do it while she was gone) and met up with another friend for a drink and dinner. All in all a really relaxed day and weekend!

Sunday started by having brunch with friends and since it was still cool, rainy and a Sunday after brunch, I spent the day watching football, researching recipes and preparing a few ideas for BLOGMAS 2025. Yes, I said BLOGMAS. Can you believe we are 3/4 of the way through this year?

BLOGMAS 2025 begins in 66 days which means, just for your information, that Christmas is only 94 days away! I’m planning to add a daily tip or idea this year to help keep the homespun and positive ideas flowing throughout the season.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Fall has arrived with ACTUAL fall weather! The night time lows are now dipping into the 40’s which makes the predicted 80 degree highs almost laughable since it takes until 3PM to get there and they only last about an hour because it’s supposed to be partly cloudy all week 🙂 Have I mentioned how much I LOVE Fall?

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV

LAUNDRY & CLEANING Even though yesterday was a lazy day I did manage to get 3 loads of laundry done. I’ll be doing some deep cleaning tomorrow after the antique guy picks up the furniture for consignment.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS All caught up except for the Eagle’s shopping which I’ll do after my early morning test appointment on Wednesday.
PROJECTS & TRAVELS We are planning a trip with friends for the 3rd week in October to do some junk hunting and antiquing. We’re also beginning to plan that long awaited to trip to visit family that we cancelled when my step dad fell ill.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m all planned through October and looking forward to late fall recipes when we return from out trip.
DVR/TV The new fall shows begin this week, but I haven’t even begun to research what I want to watch.

READING TIME

I just finished BOOK WOMAN of TROUBLESOME CREEK and am about to start THE BOOK WOMAN’S DAUGHTER BY Kim Michelle Richardson.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

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

	9/22 MONDAY	9/23 TUESDAY	9/24 WEDNESDAY	9/25 THURSDAY	9/26 FRIDAY	9/27 SATURDAY	9/28 SUNDAY
DINNER	MEETING NIGHT CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	TUSCAN CHICKEN PASTA SALAD	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	AUTUMN SALAD	LINGUINI & MEATBALLS in CREAM SAUCE with GREEN BEANS	GREEN ENCHILADA CHICKEN SOUP	SAUCY BAKED CHICKEN & COLESLAW
DESSERT		BLUEBERRY CARROT BUNDT CAKE

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

BAKED MONTE CRISTO SANDWICHES
HAWAIIAN FRIED RICE
HAWAIIAN COLESLAW

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENUS with RECIPES week 37 of 2025~ BLOG 365.258

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

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

I have got to find a way to slow everything down!!! I want to enjoy each and EVERY day of the fall season. We’re already at mid September so it’s already moving TOO fast!!.

Last week was a jumble of activities that also included cooking at the Eagle’s one night, an auxiliary meeting that I barely got my report done for, lots of shopping and computer work for the Eagles also on top of everything I need(ed) to do at home.

BUT, the best part was “lunch” with a close friend. Years ago we agreed at this age we needed to do more one on one lunch dates and such as we share a birthday month. LOL She’s never lied to me before, but she did this week and it led to her getting me to a ‘SURPRISE PARTY‘ at a favorite local winery! My first ever surprise party that included crowns, birthday girl pins and magic wands with LOTS absolutely beautiful flowers from my friend’s yard!

Then on Sunday we went for a “normal” lunch at the same close friend’s bar and grill… and she got me again with another set of friends, more flowers and balloons! I absolutely LOVE balloons!! I am certainly blessed to have such wonderful friends! And thank you Nicole for trying so hard to make a sugar free dessert!! I love you all.

Hubby woke me with coffee and breakfast in bed for my birthday this morning, so I’m lingering here in bed to write this post and actually having a lazy morning! We’re then having lunch with my mom and then just the two of are going to a favorite restaurant for appetizers and drinks this evening.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Fall is here!!!!! And I’m loving EVERY minute of it!! It’s supposed to be near 80°, but we woke yesterday to rain and 60’s that lasted all day 🙂 And the rest of the week is supposed to be quite similar.

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I did 4 loads of laundry yesterday, prepped the meat for the Tuesday special at the Eagles as well as prepped multiple meals for this week at home. Hubby isn’t “allowing” me to do anything today whether I want to or not. I do have a few phone calls that won’t wait and don’t care that it’s my birthday tho LOL 😀
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have a small list of items I need this week and will pick them up when I do the Eagle’s shopping on Tuesday, a medical test on Wednesday and helping a friend organize an estate sale on Thursday.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I found several cook books while helping my friend with her MIL’s things for the estate sale and have been enjoying not only reading them, but finding some new recipes for fall and the next several weeks.
DVR/TV I’m working on my mom’s internet/TV and trying to come up with a plan to cut her costs, increase her productiveness as well as update her TV and APPS.

READING TIME

I began THE BOOK WOMAN OF TROUBLESOME CREEK by Kim Michelle Richardson and am enjoying, but have been so tired I’m not getting very far each night. Book club met yesterday and we are starting SOMEONE IN THE ATTIC by Andrea Mara.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

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

	9/15 MONDAY	9/16 TUESDAY	9/17 WEDNESDAY	9/18 THURSDAY	9/19 FRIDAY	9/20 SATURDAY	9/21 SUNDAY
DINNER	OUT FOR BOTH LUNCH AND DINNER	BAKED FETTUCCINE ALFREDO & BROCCOLI	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	EVERYMAN STEAKS & MUSTARD NOODLES	CHILI CON CARNE CUPS & SALAD	PASTA with BUTTERNUT SQUASH and SAGE and PORK CHOPS	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
DESSERT		BLUE CARROT BUNDT CAKE

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

We had dinner with some friends the other night out on their deck and they have the prettiest ragdoll cat and of course my favorite KitKat. I was able to get some great pictures of Blue in particular down watching for birds.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

NUTTY PEACH SQUARES
BLOODY MARY PICKLES
SUNSHINE CAKE aka PIG PICKIN’ CAKE

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, RECIPES & MENUS week 36 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.251

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

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

Once again the week flew by too fast and I had way too much to do to enjoy much of it. So much of it was mundane, but necessary tasks that I am glad to have over! I’m looking forward to a slower pace this week. It will culminate with a birthday lunch with a dear friend next weekend. Our birthdays are 10 days apart so we try and take each other out for a fun day each year.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We had a FANTASTIC thunderstorm last Wednesday that showed up out of the blue, gave us one heck of a show and also cooled things off quite nicely. Fortunately, most of the lighting was going sideways and not starting new fires in the area. This week is starting out with those same cooler temperatures and some more rain.

ON MY MIND

I refuse to sound monotonous here, so let’s just say things are still settling around here 🙂

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I’m pretty much up to date. Then again are we ever truly up yo date with laundry?
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’ll be in town tomorrow for a hair cut and pedicure so I will pick up groceries then. We still have our main car in the shop for an electrical issue and as soon as it is done the other one will be going in a list of things.
PROJECTS & TRAVELS These things are still on hold for now.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I spent most of yesterday researching and planning about the next 3-4 weeks of recipes.
DVR/TV The new season is about to start in a couple weeks, but I’m not sure what’s even going to be on these days.

READING TIME

I just finished THE BOOK OF LOST AND FOUND by Lucy Foley and began THE BOOK WOMAN OF TROUBLESOME CREEK by Kim Michelle Richardson. Book club met yesterday and we are starting SOMEONE IN THE ATTIC by Andrea Mara.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

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

	9/8 MONDAY	9/9 TUESDAY	9/10 WEDNESDAY	9/11 THURSDAY	9/12 FRIDAY	9/13 SATURDAY	9/14 SUNDAY
DINNER	GREEN CHICKEN ENCHILADA SOUP	CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD with EVERYTHING BAGEL CAESAR DRESSING	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	HAWAIIAN FRIED RICE and COLESLAW	PORK POSOLE & CRUSTY BREAD	CROCK POT REUBENS	??
DESSERT			CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CHEESECAKE BARS

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

My friend got these adorable coasters as a gift yesterday – they’re just so cute!

LIFE TIP

INSPIRATIONS

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

AUTHENTIC CARNITAS

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

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 🙁 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 😀

	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			CHOCOLATE CHIP PEANUT BUTTER CHEESECAKE BARS		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 🙂 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

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. 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 😀

	8/25 MONDAY	8/26 TUESDAY	8/27 WEDNESDAY	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 Eagles 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					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

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, RECIPES, MENUS week 33 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.230

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

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

WOW once again last week sped by and here we are again at Monday. Today is our anniversary, but it’s Monday and everywhere we’d like to go to celebrate is closed so will celebrate tomorrow while we are at the coast for an appointment for hubby.

I’ve spent most of last week packing away and sorting the things from the estate sale for donation this week. When I wasn’t doing that I was prepping for the Blackberry Festival special that some friends and I talked another friend into running. We did a Blackberry Brisket Biscuit and it was a huge success. I made the homemade biscuits and Blackberry Jalapeno jam (I even strained it 3 times to get rid of the seeds) and my girlfriend’s hubby smoked a brisket. He’s also a graphic artist and made us a cool banner.

The Festival itself was fun, even with the rain! The rain kept the temperatures down and I even found myself wanting a hoodie at one point while we were checking out all the old classic cars. I’ll put some pictures down in the favorite photos from the camera section. We then went downtown to the Farmer’s Market for some gorgeous carrots, fresh small head cabbage, sun dried tomatoes and then went by my favorite permanent Veggie farm where I bought some sourdough cinnamon rolls and peaches.

I do have to get back on track this week and get some things done!!!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It’s been quite cloudy since the rain and that’s making it A LOT humid and muggy! We’re supposed to move back to the high 80’s and clouds most the week.

ON MY MIND

There has been so much going on for so long I can’t even keep my thoughts straight. Just when things seemed to be settling down we found out my brother will be having open heart surgery in a couple weeks because of an aneurysm. Trying to stay positive for him and keep my mom from worrying too much. He has good doctors. He’s only 3 years older than my dad was when he passed from a massive heart attack so it’s a bit scary.

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I have quite a bit of both to do before the memorial for my stepdad on Saturday as I’m sure people will be coming back to the house after.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’ll be doing the grocery shopping on Thursday because of hubby’s out of town appointment on Tuesday, working at the Eagles on Wednesday and our anniversary today.
PROJECTS & TRAVELS Once again we’ve postponed ALL our trips until things settle down with family.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING Fall is quickly approaching and I’m anxious to do some stews and slow cooking.
DVR/TV We’ve been so busy I’ve barely seen many of my favorite shows, but look at this more this week.

READING TIME

I’m reading THE BOOK of Lost and FOUND by Lucy Foley. I chose this book based on the last one I read by her and I love her style though this book is quite a bit different, but in a good way.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀 This will be a strange week with the upcoming memorial on Saturday and friends and family in and out for several days so am not planning too many meals and just going with the flow.

	8/18 MONDAY	8/19 TUESDAY	8/20 WEDNESDAY	8/21 THURSDAY	8/22 FRIDAY	8/23 SATURDAY	8/24 SUNDAY
DINNER	FRENCH ONION MEAT LOAF, ROASTED BABY POTATOES & BUTTERNUT SQUASH	OUT for the day with hubby so will celebrate our anniversary somewhere nice	OUT with GIRLFRIENDS	??	??	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
DESSERT

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

HAWAIIAN SHEET PAN CHICKEN
CHEESY ITALIAN & SAUSAGE PASTA

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENUS & RECIPES week 32 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.223

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom and be sure to wish her happy birthday! Yesterday was her birthday so in my book she gets to celebrate all week.

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

Good morning dear friends. It sure seems like last week, the first week of August literally flew by me. Last week had many appointments and Eagle’s responsibilities as well as the final preparation for the 50% off weekend. The “garage sale” part of the estate sale is over, but I still have large pieces of furniture that no one seems to want at any price. A very dear friend is coming over later this morning to help me box up the clothing, shoes and small chachki type items for donation to the appropriate places. Before declaring it completely over and donating the furniture I’ll try some more Craig’s List and Marketplace listings.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We’re under a severe heat advisory since yesterday and in the triple digits so am trying to hibernate a bit. Fortunately, we have an air conditioner in the workshop portion of the garage that we’ll be working in today. The temperatures should dip back down by mid week.

THIS WEEK

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I am up to date on laundry, but will need to do some serious cleaning after this week and everything is finished being sorted and packed for donation.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have a small list for the butcher and produce that I’ll do before today’s appointment in town. This week I have a mammogram and a bone density scan. I also have the Eagle’s shopping to do and delivering the donation boxes.
PROJECTS & TRAVELS Everything is still on hold until things settle down after the memorial and some family medical things.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’ve been stalking recipes from Pinterest that sound good for the next couple weeks. I can’t believe how close we are to fall and that will be a whole new search!
DVR/TV It was so hot yesterday that we hibernated with movies after the birthday party. We saw JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH with Brendan Fraser, JOURNEY 2 THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND with Dwayne Johnson and Michael Caine as well as THE MAGNETIC MONSTER from 1953.

READING TIME

Book club met yesterday, but I was at a birthday party. I did finish the book and got there just in time for the last few minutes of discussion. They’ve chosen 2 new books and I haven’t decided which one to read first. They’ve chosen LOVE, MOM by Iliana Xander and A FLICKER IN THE DARK by Stacy Willingham.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

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

	8/11 MONDAY	8/12 TUESDAY	8/13 WEDNESDAY	8/14 THURSDAY	8/15 FRIDAY	8/16 SATURDAY	8/17 SUNDAY
DINNER	CORN/YOYO CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT or YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN	HAWAIIAN SHEET PAN CHICKEN	CORN/YOYO CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT or YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN	CHIPOTLE RANCH CHICKEN BURRITOS	CORN/YOYO CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT or YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN	SPINACH ARTICHOKE PENNE PASTA SALAD	TUSCAN CHICKEN
DESSERT		BANANA BREAD CINNAMON ROLLS

FAVORITE PHOTOS

I had to laugh at this sign in front of the newly re-opened bookstore that had burned in an electrical fire last year. And these are our favorite summer TV snacks. I will be planting these tomatoes again and again each year – they are so sweet it is like eating candy. The cute face belongs to Elliott a Spanish Mastiff puppy who came to visit the estate sale over the weekend. We dropped off some metal pieces for recycling and found this brand new “claw” had been sent for recycling. It was huge! And I just love the field picture for some unknown reason. It is usually full of sheep and much greener!