GOOD MORNING dear friends.  We traveled over 500 miles yesterday.  I have to say I was very anxious about it.  We only had to stop for gas once and drive through for lunch, but I still had reservations about traveling at all– especially since we were traveling towards areas with much higher numbers of COVID cases and denser populations than where we live.  I have to say it was very apocalyptic – no one out and about for the most part, empty freeways…

Now that we’re here, I’m okay, at least until we leave to go home.  SIL lives on a VERY large piece of property by herself so I’m much more comfortable now.  SIL has a honey do list of things for me to accomplish right here without venturing out into people populations, so I’m looking forward to getting started on that today! 

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING Enjoying the cooler, but dryer weather here near the coast at SIL’s house 😀  The highs here this week should be around 60° with cool evenings and only a bit of clouds unlike all the rain at home!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Same old thing! Hot water and toddler squeeze pack

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE, WEEKLY TO DO LIST, HOUSE & CRAFT PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS We’ll be at my SIL’s houses this week, so I have nothing planned 😀

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV We’ll be at my SIL’s houses this week, so I have no idea what will tape while we’re gone 😀

I’M READING I loaded a couple books before we left, but have yet to start a new one.  I finished Hearts on Fire: A St. Caroline Small town series by Julia Gabriel on the way down and will either start Jana DeLeon’s Bullets and Beads from her Miss Fortune Series or her Wrong Side of Forty or maybe Forever Orange Blossoms by Ava Miles part of her The Merriams series.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA So I have a question?  Are they still CALIFORNIA poppies if they are growing wild elsewhere? 😀

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK We’ll be at my SIL’s house this week, so I have no planned meals 😀

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• BAKED ZITI
• COWBOY BROWNIES
• PORK CHOPS in TOMATO GRAVY
• HONEY BUTTER ROLLS
• ASIAN CHICKEN ala SLOW COOKER
• HONEY BUTTER DIP BISCUITS

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• BAKED EGGS
• MAGIC COOKIE BUTTER BARS
• MEXICAN COBB SALAD with JALAPENO RANCH DRESSING

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• • SMOKED PORK CHOPS & SAUERKRAUT ala SLOW COOKER

• CRISPY OVEN FRIED CHICKEN
• VIETNAMESE CUCUMBER SALAD
• STRAWBERRY RHUBARB PIE
• PARMESAN RANCH ROLLS

GOOD MORNING I hope everyone had a WONDERFUL Mother’s Day!  It was quiet here, but I did make mom her requested Mother’s Day menu and it was a hit that produced 2 new recipes.  😀 We also went to feed the peacocks while the weather was still good so all and all, it was a good day.  I did have a small reaction that left me losing a few afternoon hours, but fortunately it didn’t last all that long.

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING Last Friday was 90 degrees and sunny, today is supposed to be 70 and the rain is back.  Tomorrow is supposed to be 60 and rainy the rest of the week.  Thus is May in the Pacific Northwest. So back to Levis and long sleeves t-shirts.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water, banana and toddler baby squeeze

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE, WEEKLY TO DO LIST, HOUSE & CRAFT PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS With everything still shut down, it’s getting harder to make a weekly plan 🙁

MONDAY	phone calls to locate some missing shipments
TUESDAY	cleaning and laundry
WEDNESDAY	filing and organizing
THURSDAY	??
FRIDAY	??
SATURDAY	Farmer’s Market NOT 🙁
SUNDAY	??

DVR/TV

• Hallmark movies
• Cooking Shows
• OUTLANDER
• UPLOAD

I’M READING

• Hearts on Fire: A St. Caroline Small town series by Julia Gabriel

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA I was rewarded with great shots (front and back) 😀 of a Peacock hamming it up in full plume for the camera.

And a few good shots from Saturday’s drive and lunch at the Narrows to get out a bit into the sunshine and warm air.

Hubby and I took advantage of the cool morning before the afternoon heat and painted the wall behind the new barrels before he adjusted the sprinklers for the new flowers mom picked out.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	??	??
LUNCH	TURKEY & CHEESE WRAPS	GRILLED CHICKEN & TOMATOES	MEAT & CHEESE WRAPS	??	SALAD & FRUIT	??	??
DINNER	SEAFOOD SALAD & PARMESAN ROLLS	OPEN FACED BURGERS & MEXICAN STREET CORN	CHICKEN, BROCCOLI & STUFFING CASSEROLE with SALAD	C.O.R.N.	??	??	??
DESSERT						STRAWBERRY RHUBARB PIE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• CRUNCHY SNAP PEA POPCORN SALAD
• LASAGNA with MEATY SAUCE
• GOLDEN POPOVERS
• SWISS CHICKEN & CORN CASSEROLE
• SLOW COOKER POLYNESIAN CHICKEN
• HAWAIIAN POTATO PASTA SALAD

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• ORANGE CHIPOTLE CHICKEN
• SAUSAGE BRUNCH PIES
• ORANGE BRAISED CHICKENRECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO
  

• HONEY BUTTER DIP BUTTERMILK BISCUITS
• HONEY BUTTER ROLLS ala SANDRA & SALLY
• PORK CHOPS in TOMATO GRAVY
• BAKED ZITI
• COWBOY BROWNIES

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

GOOD MORNING Can you believe it’s May already?  I know we lost March and April to the pandemic, but when did May sneak up on us?  And it looks like we’re going to lose it to the pandemic also.  How are you all doing?  Keeping your spirits up?  I pray you are.  Even for the most positive person this is A LOT to ask.  We are usually preparing for our annual family reunion at this time of year (haven’t missed one in 30 years).  I took over the majority of the organization from my niece this last year. But, unfortunately, this year I had to cancel 100 people from doing one of their very favorite things – getting together and spending time loving each other 🙁  The beach campground we just started using last year to have it at has worked with us to extend our reservations into 2021.  Right now they’re only accepting shelter in place RVers.

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING Highs in the 60’s, lows in the 40’s for the week with a single day threat of showers. Typical dress of the day – Levi’s and a 3/4 sleeve t-shirt.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water and Carrot, Apple & Pineapple toddler pack

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE, WEEKLY TO DO LIST, HOUSE & CRAFT PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS

MONDAY	phone calls paperwork
TUESDAY	work in storage for a few hours
WEDNESDAY	endocrinologist appointment grocery store while I’m in town
THURSDAY	blog recipe updates over at food blog Savory Kitchen Table
FRIDAY	Filing
SATURDAY	Farmer’s Market (I wish)
SUNDAY	cleaning and laundry

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

• Hallmark movies
• Cooking Shows
• FINALLY started OUTLANDER and a new Amazon show UPLOAD

I’M READING Hearts on Fire: A St. Caroline Small town series by Julia Gabriel

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA I did get a couple of cool #RailArt pictures when we had to go to town last week.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	??	??
LUNCH	TURKEY & CHEESE WRAPS	GRILLED CHICKEN & TOMATOES	MEAT & CHEESE WRAPS	??	SALAD & FRUIT	??	??
DINNER	PORK CHOPS & SAUERKRAUT	VINEGAR CHICKEN & CUCUMBER SALAD	BBQ CHICKEN & CABBAGE SLAW	CHICKEN CHILE VERDE & SALTED WATERMELON SALAD	SALAD with AVA’S DRESSING & PARMESAN ROLLS	HAM & BROCCOLI CASSEROLE with SALAD & PEPPER DRESSING	OVEN FRIED CHICKEN, STREET CORN, & SALAD
DESSERT						STRAWBERRY & RHUBARB PIE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• ITALIAN GARLIC SUPREME PIZZA
• ANTIPASTO PASTA SALAD
• ZUCCHINI GINGER CAKE
• unMORAVIAN CHICKEN PIE
• INSTA POT BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• WAVE ROCKING MERMAIDS
• HINT of CHOCOLATE ORANGE CAKE
• TOMATO BEEF STROGANOFF
  

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• SLOW COOKER POLYNESIAN CHICKEN
• HAWAIIAN POTATO SALAD
• CRUNCH SNAP PEA POPCORN SALAD
• GOLDEN POPOVERS
• LASAGNA with MEATY SAUCE
• SWISS CHICKEN & CORN CASSEROLE

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

GOOD MORNING I sure hope you are all doing well throughout this unprecedented time!  I pray this is all over soon.  The loss of life and economic devastation is hitting the world, our nation and our individual communities so hard! I truly believe that life as we knew it will never be again, though I pray I am so wrong!

I have been keeping as much as possible to my routines as much as possible though I did take some time yesterday and create a “What did you do during COVID-19 chart” to make me feel better about what I accomplished during these past weeks.  You can see it HERE.

I’ve been trying to pay more attention to nature around here also. It seems that everything is the same for the animals – the geese are back at the pond nesting in the same place and the osprey too up on their perches. And the hummingbirds are still demanding to be fed by emptying their feeders regularly.  Spring has sprung as the early bulbs have bloomed and just about passed, pansies and the clematis are really taking off and beginning to trail up the trellis, and the tomatoes and zucchini are really starting grow strong and tall.  The nasturtiums are doubling in size every day or so it seems and the lizards are back sunbathing on the rocks in the afternoons.

Here’s a suggestion also.  Set your calendars. According to this article at Physics-Astronomy.com, the moon, Jupiter and Venus are going to be showing off for us on the 16th of May 2020, by aligning in a rare position that will form a smiley face in the sky!

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING Today and tomorrow are supposed to be pretty nice, but after tomorrow the temperature drops and we really are supposed to get that promised rain.  I have on Levis, a purple 3/4 sleeve t-shirt and gray pops.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water and Carrot Apple Pineapple squeeze food

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE, WEEKLY TO DO LIST, HOUSE & CRAFT PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS

MONDAY	gardening & pruning cleaning & laundry quilt
TUESDAY	quilting menu plan
WEDNESDAY	jigsaw puzzle – I really want this finished quilting
THURSDAY	paperwork, filing & organization
FRIDAY	Hubby blood appointment – the only thing even on this week’s calendar
SATURDAY	Farmer’s Market I WISH!
SUNDAY	cleaning and laundry

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH / SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED FINALLY I started Outlander and will be binge watching it most the week and am still watching a bunch of Hallmark movies I taped as well as the last of the cooking shows.

WHAT I’M READING For some reason I was having trouble getting into my last book, The Cookbook and have switched oven to Jana DeLeon’s Bayou Bodyguard.  I’ll go back to the other after and see if I can get into again as it got good reviews and I don’t like to not finish a book!  Sometimes, just switching genres helps me.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

We have been super busy with projects while the weather was nice.  We had a super productive weekend, but this was one of the biggest projects – re-grouting the pavers into the backyard.

The sky the other night was gorgeous.  Unfortunately, this picture doesn’t do it justice.

We had the BEST artichoke this past week also! Super tender, sweet and just plain YUMMY!

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	CHILE CORN CHICKEN CUSTARDS	EGGS BENEDICT
LUNCH	TURKEY & CHEESE WRAPS	GRILLED CHICKEN & TOMATOES	MEAT & CHEESE WRAPS	??	SALAD & FRUIT	HAM SANDWICHES	??
DINNER	ANITPASTO PASTA SALAD	NATCHITOCHES MEAT PIES & SALAD	PORK STUFFED SHELLS & SALAD	C.O.R.N. (clean out refrigerator night)	CHEESY STUFFED PIZZA RING & SALAD	HAM & BROCCOLI NOODLE CASSEROLE	C.O.R.N. (clean out refrigerator night)
DESSERT		CARROT CAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• BRAISED BEEF SHORT RIBS
• BAKED PINEAPPLE CASSEROLE
• CARROT RAISIN SALAD
• PINEAPPLE ORANGE ROAST HAM
• PASTA WITH CREAMY ARTICHOKE MUSHROOM RAGU

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• MRS. GIBSON’S CHOCOLATE CHEWS
• BEET PICKLED DEVILED EGGS
• SWEET & SOUR CABBAGE ROLLS

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• WHITE CAKE with CREAM CHEESE BUTTERCREAM
• updated ITALIAN GARLIC SUPREME PIZZA
• EGGS BENEDICT
• PORK CHOPS in TOMATO GRAVY
• POPPY SEED BLUEBERRY ROLLS

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

GOOD MORNING I hope you all had a blessed Easter though I’m sure it was probably quieter than normal for most. I know it was here!  I REALLY missed the munchkins and family time.  Cooking for 2 on a holiday is just weird!

I also hope you are all finding ways to stay on a basic routine and busy.  I find it really helps keep me sane! I’ve helped hubby with a few projects outside like the pressure washing which always takes so much energy to get it all done, but it’s a necessary evil up here to keep the moss at bay.  He has also gotten rid of all the wasp nests that were being formed in the eave areas and rebuilt the wooden garage step and fixed the mudroom step and rebuilt the sprinkler box frame and finally finished the lower fence border.  Now he’s painting a shelf unit he built for me.  It was raw wood and it’s taking about 4 coats to match the red hope chest.

I pray that when this is all over and we “return to normal” that we all evaluate just what should be in that “normal” now that we have been forced to slow down and realize we really don’t have to do it ALL!  I pray that families have reconnected, eaten their meals together, sat and talked and/or laughed together, walked or gardened, played board games, solved jigsaw puzzles…  You see where I’m going with this.  I do find it a bit disconcerting that Dominoes pizza is hiring 10,000 employees to deal with the uptick in pizzas!

Hubby wants to do his part to answer the call for blood and he is a universal type “O”.  The red cross has set up a special donation site in town for 2 days so he has an appointment to give blood today.  Unfortunately, they won’t take mine because of my underlying conditions, but I’ll be tagging along.  I will stay in the car to read while he is inside and then he’ll take me to do some much overdo grocery shopping and then we’ll be back here to shower off the excursion.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING As always at this time of year, the prediction and the reality of the weather are ALWAYS different.  They predict mid 60’s and party cloudy or sunny for most of the week with lows in the high 30’s or low 40’s.  What they don’t mention is the morning fog that takes forever to burn off and only allows that high and sun to be around for a few hours before the sun sets. 😀  We actually need rain – not something you would usually hear from the Pacific Northwest.  And if their predictions are correct we’ll have just that by the end of the week.  I’m wearing Levi’s, one of my favorite 3/4 sleeve T-shirts and tennies.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water and baby food

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE, WEEKLY TO DO LIST, HOUSE & CRAFT PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS

MONDAY	Grocery shopping Hubby Red Cross appointment for blood donation Work on Blue Mirepoix quilt
TUESDAY	paint shelving unit to match hope chest work on Catty Corners Quilt finish jigsaw puzzle that it giving me a headache
WEDNESDAY	cut quilt pieces clean out photo file clean out email SPAM folder
THURSDAY	paperwork and filing menu plan vacuum
FRIDAY	weed POLISH kitchen counter tops work on Christmas ornament “hooks”
SATURDAY	Farmer’s Market NOT, but a girl can dream 😀 Clean baseboards
SUNDAY	cleaning and laundry

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED

Everything is pretty much over for the season (or longer ??), but I’ve been watching a lot of Game Show Network, Hallmark movies, the Cooking channel “home” episodes of the Joanna Gaines, Guy Fieri and even the Pioneer Woman, Netflix movie, Badland and we started the  Amazon series, Tales From the Loop.

I’M READING The Cookbook a novel

What if your grandmother’s old Betty Crocker cookbook contained mysterious messages that would shockingly change your life? For Kate Miller all is perfect. She is falling in love with the ideal man while advancing in her professional career. Then her neat and ordered life crashes.

She receives a strange email from her deceased grandmother. Coupled with this, her apartment is burgled and her cookbooks are stolen, the ones she was instructed to preciously guard. After hiring a quirky private detective she goes on a quest that leads to an impossible truth.

This exciting action thriller is interlaced with memories of tastes, smells and laughter in the kitchen, and how a grandmother lovingly prepared a young girl to face enormous challenges. Not only did Kate learn the craft of cooking, but also values from old-world traditions. These savoury breaks in the story provide unusual twists not typically found in bestseller action-thriller novels.

Those lessons passed from one generation to the next give Kate the strength to face powerful forces. While solving mysteries she is led on a journey of self-discovery, having to ask hard questions. What is this disconcerting game that her grandmother is playing and for what purpose? Is her past just an illusion? And, why are these malevolent people intent on extracting some unknown truth from her?

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA One day last week the peacock food bin was full and even though we knew the park gates would be closed we decided to get out of the house for a small drive which we figured would be safe since we weren’t really stopping or getting out anywhere. We knew the peacocks would be near the fence looking for their hand-outs especially since the gates were closed.  We weren’t wrong 😀  I just tossed the food over the fence to them and they were thrilled, but even they were practicing social distancing 😀 at least more than usual. We also passed by this cute mannequin that this family dresses up every season.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	LEMON BLUEBERRY PANCAKES	SHIRRED EGGS
LUNCH	LEFT OVER EASTER HAM SANDWICHES	LEFT OVER EASTER HAM SANDWICHES	TUNA SALAD	C.O.R.N. CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT	SALAD & FRUIT	LEFT OVER EASTER HAM SANDWICHES	C.O.R.N. CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT
DINNER	HAM TETRAZZINI and SALAD	CHICKEN & RICE CASSEROLE with PARMESAN PAN ROLLS	MONROVIAN CHICKEN PIE and SALAD	C.O.R.N. CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT	SWISS CHICKEN and CORN CASSEROLE	PORK CHOPS with TOMATO GRAVY and GOLDEN POPOVERS	C.O.R.N. CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT
DESSERT		ROOT BEER BROWNIES

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• SNICKERDOODLE THUMBPRINTS
• CHICKEN TETRAZINNI
• ORANGE RICOTTA PANCAKES with MAPLE INFUSED ORANGES
• FIESTA DROWNED EGG SOUP
• CREAMY ONION MUSHROOM CHICKEN

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• BUTTERMILK CHICKEN FRIED STEAK
• CONEY ISLAND TATERS
• BBQ CHICKEN COBB SALAD
  

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• PINEAPPLE ORANGE HAM
• CARROT PINEAPPLE SALAD
• PASTA WITH CREAMY ARTICHOKE RAGU

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

GOOD MORNING everyone! I hope you are able to keep your spirits up and your families active and in some sort of routine. I pray every day that we begin to see a flattening of the curve. I find getting up, showering and dressing as if it was any other day has helped me NOT get depressed as we wait this all out.  Creating a routine has helped tremendously!

Many years ago (10 to be exact) when we were care taking for one of my aunts, I was working day and night sometimes to get everything done.  Hubby suggested then a “Sunday plan” where I did nothing except what I wanted on Sundays and that included a C.O.R.N. (clean out refrigerator night) day for all.  At first I hated it because it messed with my routines, but it eventually grew on me and I LOVED it.

Now, everyday feels like a Sunday.  It was everyone else having a routine away from home that allowed me to keep track of what day it was and what needed to be done at any given time. I loved being a homemaker and a homebody, but I did get to go and shop several times a week for fresh ingredients for scratch cooking.  I have to admit I am really craving FRESH fruits and vegetables! I did clean out the vegetable bins yesterday and was able to prep several items for flash freezing so they did not go to waste.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING The weather has been sporadically “weird” each and every day.  Yesterday was particularly weird.  It started gray and cloudy and cold and then it became seriously sunny and warm, for about 1 1/2 hours.  And then despite being in the pacific north west, a mid western lightning and thunder storm blew in all at once – LOUD, BIG & BOLD, AND FAST.  The temperature dropped 20 degrees, the wind kicked up something fierce, it was hailing and began pouring buckets sideways!  The thunder and lightning was so close I unplugged anything with power and a computer!

That said, it’s supposed to only be cloudy and cool most of this week, but I have learned to take the weather at this time of year an hour at a time.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE I had been doing quite well, but not so much lately.  This past week in particular has had a ton of severe ups and downs!  So I’m seriously back to basics.  Breakfast is hot water and baby food.  I do like the toddler pouches though.  This morning is apple, carrot pineapple.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE, WEEKLY TO DO LIST, HOUSE & CRAFT PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS

MONDAY	Laundry, deep clean kitchen, vacuum Finish binding on red, white and blue quilted table runner
TUESDAY	Finish binding on brown wall hanging quilt Finish binding on orange paisley quilt Weed flower boxes
WEDNESDAY	Paint shelving unit to match red hope chest Cut strips and begin sewing Mirepoix quilt
THURSDAY	2nd coat of paint on shelving unit Update blog recipes
FRIDAY	Organize some filing Work on Mirepoix quilt
SATURDAY	Farmer’s Market is what I’d like to do, but I guess I’ll quilt instead Work some more on organizing filing
SUNDAY	EASTER

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED I DVRed a bunch of movies and cooking shows and have been “watching” them primarily as background noise.  I’ve been watching the Diagnosis Murder series from the 90’s  – I had missed them when I was in college.

I’M READING  I’ve REALLY been so busy staying busy that I haven’t actually done as much reading as I thought I would during this isolation time.  I’m still reading, but about to finish Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA I planted flowers way too early and have been praying they survive the recent frosts we’ve had.  I took these pictures early on Sunday before the horrendous storm so hope they survived the storm.  I’ll check it later this morning after the fog lifts and it gets light. Ironically the flowers climbing up the barrel are Chinese Froget-Me-Nots.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	QUICHE	FARMER’S EGGS & BACON
LUNCH	TURKEY & CHEESE WRAPS	GRILLED CHICKEN & TOMATOES	MEAT & CHEESE WRAPS	C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night	SALAD & FRUIT	GRILLED TURKEY SANDWICHES	JEZEBELS
DINNER	HOMEMADE FETTUCINE & ARTICHOKES	DROWNED EGG SOUP	SPRING SALAD with AUNT TRISH’S DRESSING	C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night	CHICKEN TETRAZZINI and GOLDEN POPOVERS	CHICKEN & RICE CASSEROLE	EASTER with BAKED HAM, BAKED PINEAPPLE, GREEN BEANS and BOSTON CREAM PIE CHEESECAKE
DESSERT		ISOLATION COOKIES

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• • CINNAMON CRUMB STREUSEL COFFEE CAKE
  • LEMON BLUEBERRY PANCAKES
  • NOLAN RYAN MEATLOAF with LAVA BBQ SAUCE
  • WEEKNIGHT MOZZA CHICKEN
  • INSTA-POT AWARD WINNING TEXAS BEANLESS RED CHILI
  • JEZEBELS

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• ORANGE RICOTTA PANCAKES with MAPLE INFUSED ORANGES
• PASTA with CREAMY ARTICHOKE RAGU
• CREAMY ONION MUSHROOM CHICKEN ala SLOW COOKER

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• CROCK POT MOO SHU CHICKEN & ONION PANCAKES
• BAKED HAM & CHEESE SANDWICHES
• COCOA FUDGE BROWNIES

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

GOOD MORNING I hope you are all able to stay home and healthy.  I also hope you’re not going too stir crazy.   I know this WHOLE situation is weighing heavily on us as individuals AND as a society.  I LOVE being home, but now that I’m TOLD to be there it bothers me and I’m itching to be able to go somewhere, anywhere JUST because I want to. Today is day 13 for us of non-essential businesses being closed and because of my compromised immunity I had already “put” myself in a semi-lockdown position when I originally had bronchitis on the first and the virus was still primarily in China for the most part, so I’m really itching with cabin fever now on day 30!

I cannot stress how much I feel that keeping a schedule even though at home is super important.  So, no matter how much I DON’T have to do, I am still making my lists, getting up on schedule, showering and attacking my day with as much positive enthusiasm as I can!

Personally, I’m trying to stay as busy as I can so I worry less.  I’ve begun some handmade Christmas projects and even a jigsaw puzzle as side activities between my normal daily routine! I do check the news in the morning and again in the evening, but in between we leave the TV off of the news to help reduce stress levels.  The media is horrible and does nothing but raise anxiety levels for me.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING Gray, windy and rainy today.  It’s supposed to be around 50 so I’m wearing Levis, a long sleeved V-necked tee and UGGs.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE  Hot water, berry yogurt and a banana

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE, WEEKLY TO DO LIST, HOUSE & CRAFT PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… I have been MEGA spring cleaning so there really isn’t much to do.  I do have a load of laundry to do and will do a little vacuuming.
  
• YARD… With the rain, nothing today
  
• CHORE I’M NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO… LOL 😀 they really are all done with all this time on my hands.
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… nope, not this week – everything is on hold!  We will be getting some groceries tomorrow afternoon.
  
• BLOG… a few new recipes and updating the recipe index on both blogs.
  
• TO RELAX THIS WEEK I’LL… to me is synonymous with CRAFTS & PROJECTS…  I got the bindings cut for 3 small quilts and the quilts squared up and ready.  I’m also about halfway through 2 mixed media projects.
  

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED  We’re all caught up on the DVR besides the Hallmark Christmas movies I’ve been taping – they make great background during the day as I accomplish projects.  Hubby and I did watch an old Arnold Schwarzenegger film, Aftermath of Netflix and Village of the Damned on Svengoolie.  I also FINALLY saw Valentines Day from several years ago with a ton of big name stars – Julia Roberts, Jennifer Garner, Ashton Kucher, Hector Elizondo, Queen Latifah, Kathy Bates and …

I’M READING I’ve been so busy staying busy that I haven’t actually done as much reading as I thought I would during this isolation time.  I’m still reading Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	ORANGE PANCAKES	SCRAMBLED EGGS & TOAST
LUNCH	TURKEY & CHEESE WRAPS	GRILLED CHICKEN & TOMATOES	MEAT & CHEESE WRAPS	C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night	SALAD & FRUIT	POTATO PANCAKES	??
DINNER	NOLAN RYAN MEATLOAF	JEZEBELS	SLOPPY JOE POT PIE	C.O.R.N. clean out refrigerator night	CHICKEN FRIED STEAKS with PEPPERED GRAVY	CREAM OF TOMATO SOUP & GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES	SALAD of some sort
DESSERT		??

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• POTATO SALAD with RED ONION VINAIGRETTE
• ROASTED CHICKEN with BLACK BEAN SALSA
• SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK
• BLACK BEAN, BEEF & POTATO ENCHILADAS
• BRAISED RED CABBAGE

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• JEZEBELS
  
• LEMON BLUEBERRY PANCAKES
• CINNAMON CRUMB STREUSEL COFFEE CAKE
• WEEKNIGHT MOZZA CHICKEN
• NOLAN RYAN MEATLOAF

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CHEESECAKE
• ELVIS PRESLEY POUND CAKE
• SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE CAKE
  

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

These both came across my facebook memory feed over the weekend and it seems like the PERFECT time to share them as reminders that this too shall pass if we give it time and have patience!

GOOD MORNING sweet friends.  I hope today finds you well.  I know we’re all getting a little stir crazy.  I’ve been staying busy with DEEP serious spring cleaning and garden prep while we had a few really nice days, but a new storm blew in over night, the temperature has dropped 20 degrees and it’s raining again. So , in some respects much is the same in my world.

I pray every day that we as a society stay calm, do what’s right to keep EVERYONE safe by being a little bored and staying home.  There are just too many variables to take chances.  I also PRAY that this “isolation” is something that actually brings us all closer together with a better understanding of community. So for a sense of normalcy let’s get onto Happy Homemaker today.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING The high for today is supposed to get to 45, but I have my doubts.  It’s gray and rainy.  I have on Levi’s, a soft favorite hoodie and UGG’s.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water, peach yogurt and a banana

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE, WEEKLY TO DO LIST, HOUSE & CRAFT PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… still working on a deep clean, have a couple loads of laundry to do, dust mopping and vacuuming also need done.  I did get a deep clean done on some lamps and shower tracks over the weekend.
  
• YARD… Hubby finished working on the new garden boxes and weeded the soil before adding and turning the soil.  He also finished screwing in the 3rd rail on the fence and updating the raindrip system for the garden boxes and flowers. Spring bulbs have started coming up, but our lows at night are back down into the high 20’s and low 30’s so I’m still hoping they won’t freeze.
  
• CHORE I’M NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO…  There are still 2 “dust collector” large ledges in the living room that need everything taken down, dusted and put back up – just a lot of up and down on the ladder with furniture in the way.
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… the appointments scheduled for this week have been cancelled and I’ll be staying in and working on some long procrastinated projects.
  
• BLOG… I’ll also have some time this week to get caught up on long overdue recipes to write and photo editing.
  
• TO RELAX THIS WEEK I’LL… to me is synonymous with CRAFTS & PROJECTS… I finished refinishing the drop leaf table and I FINALLY started the mixed media project that I hope to actually get finished this week since it’s a multi-stage project and if there is still time, a couple of small quilts that need borders.

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED Got caught up on the DVR, have been watching lots and lots of cooking shows and started a new Netflix series called Northern Rescue.  We also watched several movies – JUMANJI the next level, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, 2012 and a documentary about Betty White on Netflix.

I’M READING Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA This is one of my favorite flowers from this weekend’s planting.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	ORANGE PANCAKES	LEMON PANCAKES
LUNCH	TURKEY & CHEESE WRAPS	GRILLED CHICKEN & TOMATOES	MEAT & CHEESE WRAPS	C.O.R.N. CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT	SALAD & FRUIT	??	??
DINNER	HOMEMADE PASTA & ARTICHOKES	BEAN BEEF & POTATO ENCHILADAS	ROAST CHICKEN & BRAISED RED CABBAGE	C.O.R.N. CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT	RUEBEN ROLL UPS	BREAD SALAD with OVEN DRIED TOMATOES & CHEESES	SPICY PEANUT CHICKEN & BROCCOLI
DESSERT		COWBOY BROWNIES

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• ISOLATION COOKIES
• SPICY PEANUT CHICKEN & BROCCOLI
• BUTTERMILK CHICKEN FRIED STEAK & COUNTRY PEPPERED GRAVY 
• INSTAPOT CHICKEN & DUMPLINGS
• HONEY MISO FISH FILLETS & CAMP CARROTS

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• FRENCH ONION PEPPER BACON SOUP
• APPLE PUMPKIN BRULEE TART
• PICKLE BRINED FRIED CHICKEN
  

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• ROAST CHICKEN with BLACK BEAN SALSA
• BLACK BEAN, BEEF & POTATO ENCHILADAS

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

GOOD MORNING ladies.  I hope you are all feeling well and staying as stress free as possible during these crazy times.  Personally, I choose to remain positive and am surrounding myself with early spring cleaning projects around the house and lots of reading while I stay home.  Being immuno-compromised I worry, but REFUSE to panic worry and am just staying home and busy while I pray that others do the same and an answer is found to a vaccine and cure.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING It snowed last night all around us, but not on the valley floor.  It’s gray and cloudy about 30.  We’re supposed to be in the low 50’s during the day and low 30’s at night this week.  In other words, normal Pacific Northwest pre-spring weather where you dress in multiple layers that you take on and off as the day goes on and the sun plays hide and seek with the clouds.  I have on Levi’s, a lightweight hoodie and UGG’s.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water, black cherry yogurt and a banana

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE, WEEKLY TO DO LIST, HOUSE & CRAFT PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… working on a deep clean, have a load of laundry to do, dust mopping and vacuuming also need done.  I did get a deep clean done on the stove and oven over the weekend.
  
• YARD… Hubby is going to finish working on the new garden boxes on the days without rain.  He’s almost done with screwing in the 3rd rail on the fence. Spring bulbs have started coming up, but our lows at night are back down into the high 20’s and low 30’s so I hope they won’t freeze.
  
• CHORE I’M NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO… Every year I do a deep clean of the tops of the window molding door jambs, the fan blades and globes which are some of my least favorite chores.  I run the globes through the dishwasher and then trade them with the next one until they are all clean and sparkling.  It always amazes me how much dust can accumulate on door jambs and tops of windows.  There are also 2 “dust collector” large ledges in the living room that need everything taken down, dusted and put back up – just a lot of up and down on the ladder with furniture in the way.
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… fortunately, there were no appointments scheduled so this week I’ll be staying in and working on some long procrastinated projects.
  
• BLOG… I’ll also have some time this week to get caught up on long overdue recipes to write and photo editing.
  
• TO RELAX THIS WEEK I’LL… to me is synonymous with CRAFTS & PROJECTS… I have a table to finish refinishing, a mixed media project that I hope to actually get to and if there is still time, a couple of small quilts that need borders.
  

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED Getting caught up on the DVR, lots and lots of cooking shows and started a new Netflix series called Northern Rescue.

I’M READING The Last Letter From Your Lover by Jojo Moyes

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	LEMON BLUEBERRY PANCAKES	EVERYTHING BAGEL DUTCH BABY
LUNCH	TURKEY & CHEESE WRAPS	GRILLED CHICKEN & TOMATOES	MEAT & CHEESE WRAPS	C.O.R.D. CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR DAY	SALAD & FRUIT	PASTRAMI SANDWICHES	TUNA SANDWICHES
DINNER	4 INGREDIENT CHICKEN & SALAD	NOLAN RYAN MEATLOAF & SALAD	SOURDOUGH CHICKEN FRIED STEAK & COUNTRY GRAVY	C.O.R.N. CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT	INSTA-POT CHICKEN & DUMPLINGS with SALAD	ROAST CHICKEN AND TART BLACK BEAN SALSA	SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS with SALAD
DESSERT		CHEWY CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES				COWBOY BROWNIES

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• PLUM SLAB PIE
• CHICKEN PARMAGIANO
• CHICKEN PARMESAN BUNDLES
• BBQ PULLED PORK
• SPAGHETTI SOUP

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• APRICOT CHERRY GALETTE
• CHICKEN FRICASSE
• FIESTA CHICKEN LASAGNA
  

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• HONEY MISO COD & CAMP CARROTS
• BLACK BEAN, BEEF AND POTATO ENCHILADAS

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP This seems like a good time to share this:

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

GOOD MORNING Did you remember to reset your clocks?  I always do it on Saturday evening so I can’t forget. 😀  I hope you all had GREAT weeks and even better weekends.  For me, I’m just not ready to think about how close we’re getting to being in the 2nd week of the 3rd month already!!!!!  Fortunately I’m feeling much better and am going to try and get caught up on everything I didn’t get done last week, including my menu planning.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING It’s that time of year that the weather is more deceptive than normal!  There are a few “pretty” afternoons, but the temperatures and clouds aren’t yet reliable and this week the lows are supposed to be in the high 20’s and low 30’s so even if the temperature rise into the 50’s during the day, it’s for all of an hour before the sun sets.  The time change will help though I’m sure.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water, Peach and Apricot baby food

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE, WEEKLY TO DO LIST, HOUSE & CRAFT PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… Laundry is caught up and bathrooms are clean.  I do need to dust mop and vacuum as well as empty the dishwasher.
  
• YARD… rebuilding the garden boxes 🙁 the “new” boxes from last year just aren’t holding up.  Hubby is going to finish putting the “3rd rail” on last year’s fence as it has begun to warp despite all the pre-drilling and screws used instead on nails.
  
• CHORE I’M NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO… What would have been on this list for today HAD to be done when the refrigerator filter failed and left a huge puddle of water everywhere.  The manufacturer recommends changing the ice maker water filter every 6 months.  Needless to say this one went slightly over.  The ice had started coming out permanently crushed and when I did the research they attributed it the water filter needing changed.  I ordered new ones, but the day before they arrived the old filter refused to stay locked in place and puddled into the bottom of the deli tray and under all the produce drawers making a HUGE mess!
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… a couple of appointments, a few errands, some groceries and odd purchases.
  
• BLOG… I want to get inspired to do some new things, but just haven’t been able to clear my plate of some ongoing projects or get the motivation 🙁
  
• TO RELAX THIS WEEK I’LL… to me is synonymous with CRAFTS & PROJECTS… still pending is a mixed media project and a couple of small quilts.
  

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED We watched an old Svengoolie movie, Cry of the Werewolf,  a couple of dramas on Amazon, NASCAR Xfinity and the CUP series as well as some more old Cheers reruns from Netflix.

I’M READING Still Me by Jojo Moyes

Louisa Clark arrives in New York ready to start a new life, confident that she can embrace this new adventure and keep her relationship with Ambulance Sam alive across several thousand miles. She steps into the world of the superrich, working for Leonard Gopnik and his much younger second wife, Agnes. Lou is determined to get the most out of the experience and throws herself into her new job and New York life.

As she begins to mix in New York high society, Lou meets Joshua Ryan, a man who brings with him a whisper of her past. Before long, Lou finds herself torn between Fifth Avenue where she works and the treasure-filled vintage clothing store where she actually feels at home. And when matters come to a head, she has to ask herself: Who is Louisa Clark? And how do you find the courage to follow your heart—wherever that may lead?

Funny, romantic, and poignant, Still Me follows Lou as she discovers who she is and who she was always meant to be—and learns to live boldly in her brave new world.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA I didn’t get out last week after getting sick so didn’t even pick up the camera 🙁

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK With getting sick last week my whole menu plan went out the window so I’ll try again this week!  I’m even going to make some homemade pasta this week.

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	??	ORANGE PANCAKES
LUNCH	TURKEY & CHEESE WRAPS	GRILLED CHICKEN & TOMATOES	MEAT & CHEESE WRAPS	??	SALAD & FRUIT	PIZZA	ANYONE’S GUESS 😀
DINNER	ARTICHOKE CREAM PASTA with HOMEMADE PASTA	BLACK COD, HERBED RICE PILAF & SALAD	BOLOGNESE RAVIOLI & SALAD	C.O.R.N.    clean out refrigerator night	CHICKEN PARMESAN BUNDLES and SALAD	BBQ SPARE RIBS and SALAD	C.O.R.N.   CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• BANANA CREAM CHEESECAKE
• JACK ALLEN’S MAMA’S CHICKEN
• SLOW COOKER PORK CHOPS & RICE
• BACON GRUYERE QUICHE
• SUN DRIED TOMATO BASIL VINAIGRETTE
• JACK ALLEN’S MEATLOAF

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• BEEF RAGU
• TUSCAN CHICKEN LASAGNA
• TARRAGON VINAIGRETTE
  

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• BBQ PULLED PORK
• CHICKEN PARMESAN BUNDLES

INSPIRATIONAL

and just for a little light-hearted fun:

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

GOOD MORNING I have to start my day by wishing my wonderful hubby HAPPY BIRTHDAY!  He is the best man I know and am proud to call him mine 😀

It was a cold, wet and windy weekend here – the kind of weather pattern that EVERY hour was different!  Saturday morning was sunny, but cold so we decided to take a bunch of stale bread, chips and cereal over to feed the peacocks and we literally encountered a half dozen different weathers!  It’s only 10 miles away.  We found a dry spot under a shed to leave their food and headed home as the sleet and wind was more than we wanted to deal with!  We watched old movies, NASCAR and I baked hubby’s cheesecake for today so it would have plenty of time to chill 😀

I felt a bit achy and lethargic over the weekend and started a bit of a cough that is getting worse and wet so will be staying in until I’m better.  I did get a flu shot and haven’t been anywhere too much around people so hoping it will pass in a day or two if I stay down and warm.

Don’t forget that we switch time next weekend too!

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING The sunny deceptive warm afternoons of last week are gone and we’re back to normal cold, wet weather here.  Highs in the 40’s, lows in the 30’s, windy and wet.  I’m not going anywhere today until late afternoon so I’m wearing yoga pants and a favorite old soft sweatshirt with fuzzy slippers!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water and peach yogurt

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE, WEEKLY TO DO LIST, HOUSE & CRAFT PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… House got a deep clean last week, but I still have a load of laundry to do.
  
• HOUSE & YARD… backyard garden boxes need some attention as they are not weathering well in the winter months, replacing weatherstripping on the mudroom and garage doors and hubby is hoping to get the last 18 supports done on the fence he re-did last year – he was hoping they might not need done, but the weather has indicated otherwise 😀 …
  
• CHORE I’M NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO… ANTS!!!!!  I HATE this time of year when the crazy ants come inside.  They are not looking for food or even water and they turn up in all the weirdest places – like out of electrical outlets or making a pilgrimage to the dryer!  I bought all new ant traps for inside and outside their normal areas.  I’ve caulked along baseboard seams and venting.  They appear to be coming from under the house and seem impervious to any and ALL ant traps or deterrents So the chore is to try and find yet another way to eliminate them…
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… eye doctor, pedicure, grocery shopping, errands, meeting…
  
• BLOG… A few new recipes will post this week.  I’ve gotten my “recipeBox” blog, Savory Kitchen Table pretty much up to date… I think!
  
• TO RELAX THIS WEEK I’LL… to me is synonymous with CRAFTS & PROJECTS… With the blanket chest and flowers beds done, I am seriously hoping to get to a quilt or mixed media project this next weekend.

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED We watched a couple old Svengoolie movies that were on the DVR and a political drama on Netflix as well as NASCAR and some old Cheers reruns from Netflix.

I’M READING The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes – a WWI tale that traverses a century of history and provenance of a painting as it interacts with the people who see it.

Paris, World War I. Sophie Lefèvre must keep her family safe while her adored husband, Édouard, fights at the front. When their town falls to the Germans, Sophie is forced to serve them every evening at her hotel. From the moment the new Kommandant sets eyes on Sophie’s portrait—painted by her artist husband—a dangerous obsession is born.

Almost a century later in London, Sophie’s portrait hangs in the home of Liv Halston, a wedding gift from her young husband before his sudden death. After a chance encounter reveals the portrait’s true worth, a battle begins over its troubled history and Liv’s world is turned upside all over again.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA The Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Barrels we bought have worked well to cover the stumps that were impossible to dig out.  They will also last a long, long time.  Hubby used the bottoms he cut out as pavers.  I found some long “dead” bulbs in the shed and have been pleasantly surprised to see that a couple appear to actually be taking root.  We’ll see 😀

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	SHIRRED EGGS	APPLE FRENCH TOAST
LUNCH	TUNA MELTS	GRILLED CHICKEN & TOMATOES	MEAT & CHEESE WRAPS	~C.O.R.N.~ clean out refrigerator night	SALAD & FRUIT	PICNIC?	CHILI
DINNER	Hubby’s Choice Pan seared New York Steak, baked potatoes and salad with BANANA CREAM CHEESECAKE	BOLOGNESE RAVIOLI and SALAD	BLACK COD, HERB RICE PILAF and SALAD	~C.O.R.N.~ clean out refrigerator night	CHICKEN APPLE BUNDLES and COLE SLAW	BACON GRUYERE QUICHE	JEZEBEL SAUCE and CREAM CHEESE with CRACKERS
DESSERT						MRS. GIBSON’S CHOCOLATE CHEWS

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• BAVARIAN MEATBALLS
• TAMALE BUNDT PIE with SALSA VERDE CREMA
• BEER BRAISED PORK CHOPS
  

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• BANANA CREAM CHEESECAKE
  
• SUN-DRIED TOMATO BASIL VINAIGRETTE
• SLOW COOKER PORK CHOPS & RICE
• JACK ALLEN’S MEATLOAF (sort of)
• BACON GRUYERE QUICHE
  

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP Using LARGE mismatched buttons to keep earring sets together can be super helpful.

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP