Category: HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENU PLANS & RECIPES week 30 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.209

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

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

Good morning friends!! I am trying to get around and visit more, but I honestly have almost no spare time with everything going on. I certainly expect things to change after this sale is over!

Things are coming together for the estate sale FINALLY! Friends & Family day is a soft open on Thursday and then we are going to streamline the sale with just Friday, Saturday and Sunday this week and Friday and Saturday next week. We will be listing a few things on Craig’s list and Facebook Marketplace trying to sell EVERYTHING with nothing left over.

I have kept up with my Eagle’s duties and now with the BBQ ThrowDown (I’m still waiting to hear the scholarship totals) behind us, I can actually breathe a little better. We do have the Blackberry Festival coming up, but that will be a piece of cake by comparison and is literally the weekend before we go away so it will be a fun intro to our trip. My only duties for the festival are helping a girlfriend with one of the breakfast items she’ll be serving at her bar and grill. I’ll talk more on that next week as we are still perfecting the recipe, but I promise you it will be awesome!!!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

This week will be pretty boring weather wise and that’s just okay by me! Highs this week will be between 82° and 89° with lows between 56° and 59° making it almost perfect weather with cool evenings and mornings with just a few hours of actual heat in the afternoons.

ON MY MIND

Honestly? I have too much on my mind, but I’m choosing to trust that things will work out just the way they are supposed to! I’m trying VERY hard NOT to overthink anything or worry too much.

I do know that we have an anniversary coming up and we are NOT going to postpone the few days we had planned at the coast no matter what comes up. We have already postponed EVERYTHING the past several months during my step dad’s illness and we need a break so we can breathe better!!!!

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I was quite productive yesterday and did 4 loads of laundry as well as cleaned window tracks and blinds as well as vacuumed so I will be working in the garage today trying to finish pricing and organizing things for the estate sale.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I literally only need a few things and will work them into my Eagle’s and OFFYCE shopping on Tuesday.
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS No real projects other than the estate sale, but will be going to the coast in 3 weeks. 😊
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING this is a category I NEED to get serious about soon. I’m running out of menu plans 😂
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • We did watch a Gerard Butler movie that was pretty good. It’s a few years old, but I’d never heard of it, PLANE. We also watched STAR TREK INSURRECTION and that was pretty good too.

READING TIME

I’m trying to finish THE GUEST LIST by Lucy Foley, but keep falling asleep 2 paragraphs in 🙂

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀
7/28 MONDAY
7/29 TUESDAY
7/30 WEDNESDAY
7/31 THURSDAY
8/1 FRIDAY
8/2 SATURDAY
8/3 SUNDAY
DINNER
BURRITO BAKE 
BRISKET in a  BISCUIT with JALAPENO BLACKBERRY JAM 
 TUSCAN HERB CHICKEN
 FRENCH ONION CHICKEN BAKE
 CHICKEN CHILAQUILES
 CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
 PEPPERONCINI CHICKEN & RICE
DESSERT
 
MAGIC BLONDIES
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

My tomatoes are going crazy!!!! And they are sooooooo sweet this year. This was last night’s haul and the haul from the day before was just as good. The little Sugar Rush grape tomatoes are the ones we snack on while watching TV at night.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • FRENCH ONION CHICKEN BAKE
  • MORTON’S CHICKEN CHRISTOPHER

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENUS and RECIPES week 29 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.202

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

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

Monday I had several meetings and Tuesday and Wednesday was spent with Eagle’s duties.Thursday and Friday were spent prepping for cooking for the Eagle’s Friday night.

Then on Saturday and Sunday we had our 3rd annual BBQ Showdown, a sanctioned BBQ competition hosted here in our little town that also includes a HUGE corn hole competition. I worked both days selling tokens and SWAG.

A couple friends of ours are part of the organizers and put their heart and soul into ALWAYS making it a HUGE success. From year 1 it has been just that, a HUGE success. Both previous years after expenses (costs, prize money and trophies) they have given away over $20,000.00 in TRADE scholarships that Mike Rowe would be proud of. This year is no different and there will be even more in scholarships. I hope to have that number when I post on Thursday. It continues to grow EVERY year as well as being a great influx to the economy of our little town with FULL hotel rooms, campgrounds and restaurants.

This year they added an ancillary competition using blueberries from our local Blueberry supplier, NORRIS BLUEBERRY FARM in the farm community on the edge of town. They opened up the competition to the public as well as the BBQers and so I entered one of our favorite recipes for pie bars. I was required to have a “team name”, hence the BLUE MOON BAKER name for the bars. Turns out I was the ONLY community member against 45 professional BBQ teams. I don’t think I ever had a chance 😂 But, I actually placed 10th out of 46! Not bad for a home baker 🙂

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Last week was a scorcher with highs in the high 90’s and low 100’s with lows in the 70’s at night so it never really cooled off. Last night rained a bit and this week is supposed to be much better with highs in the low 80’s and lows back into the 50’s at night.

ON MY MIND

Trying to figure out the estate sale while doing right by my step dad’s memory, my stepsisters and my mom’s wishes. There is a level of difficulty with emotional ties and tangible items. We also have the memorial to plan for and there are quite a few details to be handled.

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I was able to get the laundry done on Saturday night and everything is otherwise pretty tidy.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have a hair cut and pedicure on Thursday when I’ll do some grocery shopping.
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS Travels are on hold until late September. I need to finish and print the Eagle’s newsletter this week.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I printed out a few recipes for next week, but need to do some research for menu planning after that.

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • I have some Hallmark Christmas in July movies and some cooking shows. We did watch a cute movie with Mel Gibson, Monster Summer. There hasn’t been much else on TV.

READING TIME

Book club has started again and we’re reading THE GUEST LIST by Lucy Foley.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀
7/21 MONDAY
7/22 TUESDAY
7/23 WEDNESDAY
7/24 THURSDAY
7/25 FRIDAY
7/26 SATURDAY
7/27 SUNDAY
DINNER
 CHILI LIME PORK, MASHED POTATOES & GREEN BEANS
 CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
 CHEESY SHELLS AND SAUSAGE with SALAD
CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
 TUSCAN HERB CHICKEN and SALAD
CHICKEN CHILAQUILES and SPANISH RICE
DESSERT
 
BLUE MOON BLUEBERRY BARS 
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • CHILE LIME PORK CHOPS
  • BLUE MOON BLUEBERRY PIE BARS

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENUS & RECIPES week 28 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.195

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

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

I did some car maintenance, got a pedicure and picked up groceries. I was also house and cat sitting all week. While I had a week with less Eagle’s duties, I also realized just how far behind I’ve gotten on my own paperwork and such so guess what I’m doing today. I spent the weekend sorting through the pantry and spices and menu planning.

Despite all that, a girlfriend and I took Friday off and went shopping in a real city where I bought a few new blouses and a summery purse, had a relaxing lunch at a sweet restaurant by the river and I picked up my Hallmark Premiere ornaments before we headed home. YEP, Christmas ornaments.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Summer reared its ugly head this past week with triple digits and scorching heat. This week is supposed to be a bit better, but will still be in the high 80’s and low nineties. I welcome needing to get some inside work done.

ON MY MIND

It sure seems like the weather is changing all over the country and for the worse in so many of those places! 

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING getting ready to do another deep clean as we get ready for the BIG estate sale/rummage sale
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS car appointment on Wednesday and pick up the groceries for cooking at the Eagles on Friday night.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’ve picked several recipes for this week and matched them up with their ingredients and specialty spices.
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • Just a couple of cooking and baking shows. I’m still watching JAG during the day as a background while I work.

READING TIME

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀
7/14 MONDAY
7/15 TUESDAY
7/16 WEDNESDAY
7/17 THURSDAY
7/18 FRIDAY
7/19 SATURDAY
7/20 SUNDAY
DINNER
 CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
 CHICKEN STRAWBERRY SALAD
 CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
 CREAMSICLE CHICKEN
 CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own 
  YOYO you’re on your own  YOYO  you’re on your own
DESSERT
 
 
 APPLE  BLACKBERRY COBBLER

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

I picked up a little treat toy for KitKat, my cat charge this past weekend she loves it! We went out for dinner to a burger joint on the river with her mom and dad last night when they got home and she actually took a picture of me I don’t hate for a change. 

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 27 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.188

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

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

Good morning dear friends. Last week is a complete blur for me. YAY the cribbage tournament is FINALLY over. Before and during the tournament where I had to get up at 5 AM every day and work 10-12 hours straight. That’s in addition to everything else that’s going on around here. My girlfriend and I had just agreed this was probably going to be the last time we did it. We absolutely LOVE the players and really enjoyed the work, but it’s a TON of time and work that we do as volunteers!

We did decide that if we did it again we’d do it as our own catering company so we could make the money to make it worth our while. But, to our surprise, the guy that runs the tournament announced that he was moving next week and handing the torch to a younger guy who lives quite a ways away. So, it looks like this was our last job anyway.

That said, I will finally have the time to get caught up around the house as well as with blogging visits to all of you!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We’ve been quite cool of an evening for this time of year. I even wore a heavy sweatshirt during the fireworks on the 4th, but that all supposed to change this week with highs in the mid 90’s! At least the night time lows will still be going down into the 50’s to give us nice mornings and evenings.

ON MY MIND

I’m praying for all those people and families devastated by the flash flooding that occurred when the two tropical storms merged and stalled over central Texas. It sure seems like the weather is changing all over the country and for the worse in so many of those places!

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I did get 2 loads done last night, but still have 2 to do.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’m going to head to town and pick up a few groceries today and have a pedicure on Thursday, but otherwise will be staying close to home to get caught up around here.
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS All of this is still on hold until after the memorial in late August.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m getting back into the swing of things with a summer menu full of salads and lighter meals.
DVR/TV
  • There’s nothing much on TV, but we still try and end the day with a comedy and never the news. 

READING TIME

I finished the Rose Landgreen mysteries by Sigrid Holm and have moved in to a light summer read, Finding Grace the first of 4 in a series by B.E. Baker

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀
7/7 MONDAY
7/8 TUESDAY
7/9 WEDNESDAY
7/10 THURSDAY
7/11 FRIDAY
7/12 SATURDAY
7/13 SUNDAY
DINNER
 CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD
 CHICKEN ALFREDO
 CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own 🙂
 OUT 
WITH A FRIEND 
FRIED CHICKEN & POTATO SALAD
 PORK CHOPS, MASHED POTATOES & GREEN BEANS
DESSERT
 
APPLE BLACKBERRY CRUMBLE 
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

I didn’t get much time off for the 4th of July, but I did get home in time for my neighbor’s fireworks display with all the grand kids. You can tell from the picture why she’s their favorite 🙂 These were my 3 favorites, the HOT Burger, the ALIEN and the SHOW OFF that we saved for the grand finale.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • MEATBALLS IN BUTTERMILK MUSHROOM SAUCE
  • MAPLE COUNTRY RIBS

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENU & RECIPES week 26 of 2025 ~ blog 365.181

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

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

It seems like all my days are running together and I can’t get caught up. I’ve been working hard at getting as many things off my plate as possible. I did get several large projects accomplished and will do much more this week after the Cribbage tournament.

I cannot believe we are halfway through this year! I have not come close to getting anything done yet!!!!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Today is supposed to surge close to triple digits, but the rest of the week is supposed to be in the mid 80’s. It’s also been quite humid and breezy for us.

ON MY MIND

I’m trying to put more thought into where we go from here. There are so many questions…What does my mom need?, the estate sale at the end of July, the memorial in August – though we did choose an “in lieu” of charity for flowers – we chose Hospice Care of America because the hospice crew was genuinely so caring and wonderful!, the memorial reception food and accommodating all the out of the area people…

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING Deep cleaning closets and drawers
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS All the shopping will be Tuesday for the Cribbage Tournament
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS nowhere until late August
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING need some lighter salads 

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • STREAMING I’ve been binge watching JAG while cleaning out and prepping for the estate sale at the end of July. 

READING TIME

I’m reading the 3rd book, BONE FIRE in the Rose Landgreen mysteries by Sigrid Holm.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀
6/30 MONDAY
7/1 TUESDAY
7/2 WEDNESDAY
7/3 THURSDAY
7/4 FRIDAY
7/5 SATURDAY
7/6 SUNDAY
DINNER
 MARRY ME CHICKEN & SMOKED BAKED POTATOES
MISO CHICKEN & COLESLAW 
 CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
 working ALL day at the Eagles defrosting the freezer and changing out to a new refrigerator so it will also be a CORN/YOYO night.
BBQ at a friend’s house 
I’ll be working the Eagle’s CRIBBAGE tournament – so eating out! 
 I’ll be working the Eagle’s CRIBBAGE tournament – so eating out! 
DESSERT
 
CINNAMON SWIRL COFFEE CAKE 
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

I did take a couple hours last week and take a class to make a patriotic welcome sign. Unfortunately, the sun was full force when I took the picture.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • NOT SURE YET!

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY week 25 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.174

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

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

I’m still trying to play catch up from the past couple of months, but feel like I’m getting further behind. I’m just so exhausted all of a sudden! I’ll do what I can to get ahead of the game this week!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Friday and Saturday brought a bunch of rain AND cold! I actually wore a sweatshirt for the first 3 days of summer! But, that is going away this week as the regularly scheduled sunshine is back and we’re supposed to hit low to mid 80’s ALL week.

ON MY MIND

I’m thinking about where we go from here. What does my mom need?, the estate sale at the end of July, the memorial in August, the reception food and accommodating all the out of the area people…

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I’m actually up to date, but wonder how long that will last…
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’m trying REALLY hard to clean out the freezer and pantry…
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS everything is put off until the end of summer after the memorial and estate sale… EXCEPT for a class with girlfriends on Wednesday night 🙂
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING looking for recipes that utilize what is on hand…

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • I’ve been watching the Librarians on Paramount +
  • Catching up on cooking shows – BBQ Brawl, Duff Goldman Cake competition, Guy’s Grocery games…

READING TIME

I just started the 3rd Rose Landgreen series book, BONE FIRE by Sigrid Holm.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀
6/23 MONDAY
6/24 TUESDAY
6/25 WEDNESDAY
6/26 THURSDAY
6/27 FRIDAY
6/28 SATURDAY
6/29 SUNDAY
DINNER
HAM HOCKS AND BEANS 
 FREEZER MYSTERY BOX (the label fell off and I can’t remember what it was even though it’s only a couple months old!)
 CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
 CHICKEN WINGS AND BBQ BEANS
CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
 MISSISSIPPI CHICKEN and APPLE BROCCOLI SALAD
 ROOTBEER CHICKEN SLIDERS AND POTATO SALAD
DESSERT
 
 
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

My girlfriend just spent 10 days in Germany, Switzerland and Prague having the time of her life. I was so honored she brought me the cutest glass blown German Christmas ornaments because she knows it’s my favorite holiday and some chocolates and the prettiest book mark from Switzerland and the Prague!

The past couple years I have been buying my seedlings at the Feed CO-OP and they have been growing like they are on steroids! I’ve already had tomatoes this year from 2 tiny seedlings despite the cold! And my clematis is growing like it’s radioactive!

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • GREEN PEA CASSEROLE
  • MEATBALLS in BUTTERMILK SAUCE
  • MARINATED CUCUMBER, ONION & TOMATO SALAD

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, RECIPES & MENU week 24 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.167

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

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

It’s been a super long, busy, sad, confusing, frustrating week, but when all is said and done it will all be okay.

My stepdad passed peacefully last Thursday at home in hospice. My stepsisters were both here with him. His cancer “journey” was aggressive and fast, a mere 8 weeks from beginning to end.

I do have to say that fortunately the hospice arm of the ONLY health care service in the county was made up of VERY caring nurses that helped make his last few days peaceful.

My stepsisters live many hours away and there is a lot to get done so hubs and I are doing what we can to help mom get through this.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

The weather has turned much cooler and is much more pleasant than it has been the past few weeks. We’re now in the 70’s and 80’s during the day and 40’s and 50’s at night.

ON MY MIND

How to make this a smooth transition for my mom and stepsisters as we progress through these next steps of finalizing my stepdad’s estate. 

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING There is so much to do with returning the medical equipment, boxing up financial paperwork for my stepsister to deal with her dad’s estate and boxing up the mementos from their dad. Their mom also dies of a long drawn out cancer many years ago so I know this was especially hard on them. They’ve asked me to deal with selling off his estate for them.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS We have plenty of groceries, but I do have a pedicure this week and several loads of things to drop off at Salvation Army. Wednesdays are for Eagle’s shopping and this week I’m also covering the kitchen several days for a friend who is going to state conference.
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS While we had to cancel going to the family reunion, we we will be re-planning our vacation for August after the memorial in July and the estate sale.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING We’re going to try and get back on a normal schedule so I’ll be delving into a menu plan later today.

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • I really need to clean out the DVR and get caught up soon.

READING TIME

I’m reading LAKE LURE the Rose Landgreen Mysteries #2 by Sigrid Holm

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀
6/16 MONDAY
6/17 TUESDAY
6/18 WEDNESDAY
6/19 THURSDAY
6/20 FRIDAY
6/21 SATURDAY
6/22 SUNDAY
DINNER
 HAM HOCKS AND BEANS
STUFFED BAKED POTATOES 
 BEEF STROGANOFF AND GLAZED CARROTS
TOSTADAS 
 CALZONES and ITALIAN SALAD  
 PORK STEAKS & SCALLOED POTATOES
 CHEESY MEATBALLS & PASTA
DESSERT
 
DOUBLE MILK FUDGE BROWNIES 
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

We tried a new food truck last week that was super tasty and healthy too! They hang out at a favorite local brewery on Thursdays.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE 
  • STRAWBERRY SPOON BREAD/CAKE

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

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
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING WOW I’m actually caught up! Except for the deep clean I’m doing on our bedroom in pieces.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I do need some groceries later today. I also have an eye doctor appointment on Wednesday and a hair appointment on Thursday. I have the Eagle’s shopping to do on Wednesday and am glad to be free of any cooking duties this week 😀
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS We’re still doing any traveling while everything is up in the air with my stepdad, but hubby has taken on a couple projects for a friend rebuilding her chemical station for the bar sanitizer at our local favorite dive bar.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m trying to develop a menu to make my stepdad happy while still staying within his nutritional needs while on hospice.

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • The House with a Clock in its Wall, The House on 92nd Street, Airport, To Catch a Thief

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
6/10 TUESDAY
6/11 WEDNESDAY
6/12 THURSDAY
6/13 FRIDAY
6/14 SATURDAY
 6/15 SUNDAY
DINNER
 MYRA’S FLANK STEAK, ONION CUCUMBER SALAD, SMASHED GARLIC POTATOES
 SLOW COOKER PORK CHOPS, GLAZED CARROTS and SALAD
 MARRY ME CHICKEN, BUTTERED NOODLES and PEAS
 POT ROAST SMOKED HAM, CORN on the COB, SLICED TOMATOES
 SLOW COOKED BEEF, MASHED POTATOES & GRAVY
BABY BACK RIBS, MAC SLAW & BAKED BEANS 
 ??
DESSERT
 
 
 

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

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, RECIPES & MENU week 22 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.153

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 dear friends. I feel like I’ve been neglecting blogland because I’ve been so busy. I hope to visit you all tonight!

YAY!!! The wedding I catered this past weekend is over and went off without a hitch. The estate sale my friends and I have been working on is over (for the public part) and felt like it lasted FOREVER with quite rude and demanding people!! And last Friday’s dinner that my girlfriend and I made SOLD OUT. I have another fundraising dinner this Friday and I’m filling in for a friend on Tuesday as well as the last cribbage tournament at the end of the month, but then I’ll be taking some breaks for my sanity. The candle I’ve been burning at both ends is running out of wick!!!!!

Life is still quite uncertain for us and everything is on a day to day basis as my stepdad’s condition continues to deteriorate. Health care here is horrible and as I’ve said before borders on negligence in this county. I actually received a phone call from the ONLY home health agency in the county asking to put him on a “robotic” maintenance since they can’t attend to him as regularly as the doctor prescribed.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We’re finally approaching spring weather and are expecting some low 80’s this week with constant sunshine. We’ve been having some really cool winds this past week, but LOTS of sunshine so I’m happy!

TO DO LIST, TV/DVR, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING YAY! Done for a few days.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’ll be shopping later today and getting a few things for my mom also.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m looking for some lighter meals and salads for the summer.
TV/DVR
  • Just a few cooking shows to catch up on

READING TIME

I’m trying to finish FOREST TRAP the ROSE LANDGREEN MYSTERIES by SIGRID HOLM, but keep falling asleep before I finish a paragraph…

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀
6/2 MONDAY
6/3 TUESDAY
6/4 WEDNESDAY
6/5 THURSDAY
6/6 FRIDAY
6/7 SATURDAY
6/8 SUNDAY
DINNER
PORK CHOPS and GLAZED CARROTS 
 BLT WRAPS & FRUIT SALAD
 OUT with FRIENDS
 BUNLESS BURGERS & BBQ BAKED BEANS
 cooking at the Eagles MEXICAN CHICKEN COBB SALAD, homemade TORTILLA CHIPS & SALSA with CHEESECAKE
 STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD
 FRIED CHICKEN & BEAN SALAD
DESSERT
 
 PEANUT BUTTER BROWNIES
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

KitKat is one of my favorite felines! I’ll be watching her for another 2 weeks while mom and dad go gallivanting around the countryside!

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • BAKED PORK CHOPS with APPLE STUFFING
  • TEXAS BUTTERMILK SHEET CAKE BROWNIES

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENUS & RECIPES week 21 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.146

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

WOW, is it really Monday again? Last week was again a blur of work, phone calls and errands associated with all the things that come with preparing for a sudden onset life changing illness of a family member while working to meet a deadline on the new estate sale house we took on.

We are still waiting on tests and results for my stepdad, your prayers are all appreciated. Let me reiterate that the health care in this county SUCKS! In my opinion it border lines on complete negligence.

On a happier note we started the sale with a friends and family day last Thursday that was a HUGE success, but it made for a VERY long weekend where I once again didn’t get as much accomplished at home let alone get to visit any of your blogs.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Yesterday was COLD for the end of May (62, rainy and windy), but today is supposed to be 80 and sunny as is the rest of the week. 🙂

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I have a load of bedding to do, but otherwise am pretty caught up.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have tons to do for cooking at the Eagles on Friday night and catering a wedding on Saturday. Some of the errands are in a town an hour away, so fortunately they coincide with my oncology follow up – I fully anticipate another clean bill of health. 🙂
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS Everything is on hold for now.

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • 24 in 24, AMERICA’S GOT TALENT, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, GUY’S GROCERY GAMES

READING TIME

I’ve been so busy that I have been falling asleep the minute my head hits the pillow.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀
5/26 MONDAY
5/27 TUESDAY
5/28 WEDNESDAY
5/29 THURSDAY
5/30 FRIDAY
5/31 SATURDAY
6/1 SUNDAY
DINNER
 MEATLOAF and TWICE BAKED POTATOES
HALIBUT ENCHILADAS with CREAMY WHITE PINTO BEANS
 PAN FRIED PORK CHOPS with CHILI GLAZED CARROTS
 PHYLLO CHICKEN POT PIE
 CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD
CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
 We’ll be at a graduation party.
DESSERT
 
 
 STRAWBERRY SPOON BREAD

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

This is Carl aka Morris, the friendliest cat in the world. He’s been hanging around the recent estate sale I’ve been working. He actually lives next door, but Donna, the woman who lived there had been feeding him and her brother who hired us said EVERYTHING GOES including and ESPECIALLY the cat!! But, the cat refuses to leave and meets me at the door EVERY morning before promptly making himself at home.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • CAITLYN’S CORNED BEEF
  • PAN FRIED CHICKEN in SHERRY MUSHROOM CREAM SAUCE

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENUS & RECIPES week 20 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.139

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

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

WOW, is it really Monday? Last week was a blur of work, phone calls and errands associated with all the things that come with preparing for a sudden onset life changing illness of a family member while working to meet a deadline on the new estate sale house we took on.

We spent the weekend preparing for and participating in a BBQ competition to benefit the Mercy Children’s foundation. It was the first time our team had participated and we had a GREAT time. Today will be short and sweet. I’m just exhausted and have so many things to do this morning to help my mom arrange this home health care situation.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We’re cold and rainy here again. It was almost miserable at the BBQ competition yesterday. I had on a turtleneck on as well as a hoodie and sweatshirt ALL day. I don’t think we got above 52° and it was cloudy as well as windy! This week is supposed to be a combination of all of that so I’m glad I didn’t pack away the cold weather gear just yet this year. 

TO DO LIST, TV/DVR & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I did get 2 loads of laundry done after we got home last night.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS ?? so much – where to start
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING This is day by day trying to come up with high protein, low sodium, low carb, low fat recipes that my stepdad can eat during his radiation treatment.
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • I need to get caught up on 24 in 24, Spring Baking Championship and Guy’s Grocery Games.

READING TIME

I was supposed to be out of town for the family reunion so was going to miss book club anyway, but when things changed and we had to stay here I rejoined the BBQ team for yesterday and still missed book club. Also on the team was my friend Nicole who was skipping book club too. We commiserated on how little time we had each had to ready lately. While we at the event both our phones started pinging from the book club group text page. Absolutely everyone had to cancel except one person. Nicole and I were laughing so hard. 😂

I’m still reading Forest Trap by Sigrid Holm.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀
5/19 MONDAY
5/20 TUESDAY
5/21 WEDNESDAY
5/22 THURSDAY
5/23 FRIDAY
5/24 SATURDAY
5/25 SUNDAY
DINNER
 PHILLY CHEESESTEAK STUFFED PEPPERS
 VEGETABLE FRITTATA
 PAN FRIED CHICKEN with FRIED CAULIFLOWER RICE
 CHEESY MEATBALLS and PASTA
MEATBALL SAMMIES
 BBQ WINGS and KOOSLA MAC SLAW
 OUT
DESSERT
 
 
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

Presenting our dishes for judging.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • SOUTHERN WALNUT APPLE CARROT CAKE

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

  • TENNESSEE ONIONS
  • CREAMY HAM & POTATOES

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
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I have a couple loads of laundry to do and some general de-cluttering.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I will need to do a bit of shopping for groceries since we weren’t supposed to be here this week, but have a clear calendar of actual errands.
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS ON HOLD
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING this is a day by day category right now.

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • STREAMING We’re almost done with The Gilmore Girls and have been watching Lucifer and The Librarians.
  • CABLE I have a few Hallmark movies left on the DVR and a couple episodes of Spring Baking Championship and 24 in 24.

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
5/13 TUESDAY
5/14 WEDNESDAY
5/15 THURSDAY
5/16 FRIDAY
5/17 SATURDAY
5/28 SUNDAY
DINNER
 BBQ PULLED PORK and MACARONI COLESLAW
 SLOPPY JOES and  CHEESY POTATOES
 HAM STEAKS with STUFFED MAC & CHEESE
 VOODOO CHICKEN WINGS and POTATO SALAD
 OUT
 OUT
 BBQ COMPETITION
DESSERT
 
 
 

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