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

GOOD MORNING I hope everyone had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving full of your favorite 3 F’s – Family, Friends and food!   We had to cancel our Thanksgiving trek on Tuesday when we encountered the BIG west coast Bombogenesis storm not very long after leaving home for California.  We were going to be stopped going over the pass anyway, so we read the writing on the virtual wall and turned ourselves around and came home.  We are so glad we made that decision!  We did stop on the way home at a favorite Tavern that a friend was working at and had lunch with her.

I’m a BIG believer in things happening for a reason and I just know this was God’s way of preventing Thanksgiving from turning into WWIII among hubby and his sister over their parent’s Celebration of Life that she had scheduled to coincide with Thanksgiving Day without even consulting her other 4 siblings, but was convenient for her.  I still pray for a resolution that doesn’t divide the family any further than it already has. 

We spent Thanksgiving with friends, the same friends we had to cancel on when hubby’s sister first announced the Celebration of Life for Thanksgiving and had a great day full of some fun, our favorite people, great food and a little football too.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING It has been one COLD week up to now.  This week is a bit warmer and will be turning rainy by week’s end.  The historic west coast storm of Thanksgiving week changed our plans around BIG time so I am just taking everything one day at a time and not getting disappointed when things change.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE After an unconventional food weekend with the munchkins I’m feeling it and having a baby food and hot water morning.

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

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… laundry is done and house is pretty tidy
  
• YARD… hummingbird article that will post later
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… finish Christmas card insides and get them mailed this week, a couple of medical appointments, gift wrapping, helping mom get ready for her trip to the desert
  
• BLOG… BLOGMAS, recipes…, get caught up on my weekly link-ups that I fell behind on over the Thanksgiving week.
  
• CRAFTS/PROJECTS… I need to finish the bowling pin snowmen, decorate for Christmas.  We are using our artificial tree this year, but did support our local (AND FAVORITE) tree farm on Saturday by finding a nice wreath for the front door.
  

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

BLOGAMAS began yesterday 😀 I hope you’ll have some fun and join in as you can.  Just remember BLOGMAS for me is a NO pressure event JUST for fun! 😀

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

We are still only about halfway through Dolly Parton’s Heart Strings on Netflix – a series of heart warming stories.  We did watch Klaus and Christmas Chronicles with the munchkins on Saturday.  We had watched Christmas Chronicles last year with them when it first aired – so I guess that’s our new tradition.  We also saw the Knight before Christmas which was a cute movie.

The DVR is finally getting cleaned out with ALL the fall finales taking place.  Some of the shows we’re watching for this year are (though a couple are quickly becoming non-essential and a few others are in their final seasons):

• CRIME, POLICE & MEDICAL  – Chicago Series (Medical, FIRE and Police), Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods, Hawaii 5-0, Magnum PI, FBI, NCIS, NCIS LA, NCIS NOLA, All Rise, Bluff City Law, The Resident, New Amsterdam, The Good Doctor, StumpTown, The Rookie, Bull, 911, Emergence, Seal Team
• COMEDIES & FAMILY – Young Sheldon, The Good Place, The Unicorn, American Housewife, GOD Friended me
• REALITY – Dancing with the Stars

I’M READING I’m about to finish Charming Hannah by Kristen Proby, book #1  from her BIG Sky series but am almost finished and loaded a few fun Christmas stories for the rest of the year.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA I had the munchkins for the day on Saturday so their folks could go to the Oregon “Civil War” (Ducks and Beavers – ducks won) game with friends.  We had a “PACKED” day of fun; baking, games, , movies (Klaus and Christmas Chronicles) horsing around… but one of my favorite moments was getting to take them to see the Oakland Christmas Tree.  I was super surprised to learn they had never seen it before!  The tree is set up every year literally in the middle of the intersection in a neighboring small town.

INSPIRATION & A FUNNY

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY – Chili Hominy Bake and Salad
TUESDAY – Tomato Barley Sausage Soup with Cornmeal Pan Rolls
WEDNESDAY – Chicken Positano & Salad
THURSDAY – C.O.R.N.
FRIDAY – Lemon Chicken Paillard & Salad
SATURDAY – Homestyle S.O.S. & Salad
SUNDAY – C.O.R.N.

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• Strawberry Pretzel Dessert
• Sweet & Sour Cucumbers & Onions – American & Japanese Versions
• Garlic & Herb Pork Chops
• Pickled Beets

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• PEPPER PASTA SALAD
• MALASADAS – POTUGUESE DONUTS
• COCOA FUDGE CAKE
  

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK

• Bourbon EggNog Cookies
• Monkey Muffins
• Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
• Tex Mex Chicken Stew
• Ginger Orange Glazed Chicken

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

GOOD MORNING How was your week my friends?  Mine was busy getting ready and packing stuff to take on our Thanksgiving trip, but be a bit ready for the Christmas season as soon as we return too.  I got my Christmas cards addressed, family reunion flyers addressed, oil changed, tires rotated, laundry done and we even got in some play time at the Sip & Stroll in a neighboring town and picking up the parts to refinish a 19th century mahogany drop leaf table with barley twist legs that we had picked up at a junk store – they had no idea what they had!  It is well worn, but ALL original right down to the bumper stops and in EXCELLENT condition for a table well over 100 years old.  I’ve been wanting one like this for a LONG time.  These are the before pictures.  Imagine what a beauty it will be AFTER refinishing.  It will only take a few hours of work, $30-$40 in materials and it will be a beauty!  We picked it up for $45 and it is worth over $2000 refinished NOT that we’d sell it. 

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING It’s supposed to get up to 45° today, but I have my doubts unless the sun breaks through at some time which is NOT predicted.  It’s 33°, gray and a foggy rain right now, a little cool but otherwise normal for this time of year.  The snow prediction is definitely early for us here.  I have Levis, a long sleeve t-shirt and one of my comfiest flannels with UGGs ready for today.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Mixed Berry Yogurt & Hot water

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

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… laundry is done, bags are packed, house is tidy
  
• YARD… not a darn thing
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… it’s Thanksgiving, so nothing but what we want
  
• BLOG… Getting ahead on BLOGMAS, caught up on BLOGEMBER, upcoming recipes
  
• CRAFTS/PROJECTS… bowling pin snowmen
  

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY Praying that things go well family wise between hubby and his LIL sister regarding their parents end of life celebration.

I made a date with a friend for the upcoming Craft fair and lunch afterwards.  We’re going to have so much fun!

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED We about halfway through Dolly Parton’s Heart Strings on Netflix – a series of heart warming stories. 

The DVR is finally getting cleaned out with the fall finales taking place.  Some of the shows we’re watching for this year are (though a couple are quickly becoming non-essential and a few others are in their final seasons):

• CRIME, POLICE & MEDICAL  – Chicago Series (Medical, FIRE and Police), Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods, Hawaii 5-0, Magnum PI, FBI, NCIS, NCIS LA, NCIS NOLA, All Rise, Bluff City Law, The Resident, New Amsterdam, The Good Doctor, StumpTown, The Rookie, Bull, 911, Emergence, Seal Team
• COMEDIES & FAMILY – Young Sheldon, The Good Place, The Unicorn, American Housewife, GOD Friended me
• REALITY – Dancing with the Stars

I’M READING I’m still reading Charming Hannah by Kristen Proby, book #1  from her BIG Sky series but am almost finished and loaded a few fun Christmas stories for the rest of the year.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA Last week we had to get the oil changed and the tires rotated for our Thanksgiving week trip.  The oil change went fine, but the tire rotation was backed up for hours so Chris (the shop owner) asked if we’d come back EARLY the next morning as they were opening and he’d get us right in.  We reluctantly agreed (I was looking forward to sleeping in on Friday, but oh well).  But, boy am I glad we didn’t sleep in.  The tire rotation, Wally World and breakfast at a favorite grill were all accomplished by 9AM.  The favorite grill is farther out in the country though and I was rewarded with these fun pictures of the sun TRYING to shine through the fog in the field across from the frosted over collapsed horse stables, a side effect of Snowmaggedon 2019.

INSPIRATION & A FUNNY

Always the perfect time for an oldie but goodie!  “As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly”

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY – TEX MEX CHICKEN STEW
TUESDAY – ORANGE GINGER GLAZED CHICKEN with BACON WRAPPED ASPARAGUS
WEDNESDAY – GARLIC HERB PORK CHOPS WITH SALAD
THURSDAY – THANKSGIVING with SIL and family
FRIDAY – CHICKEN IN MUSHROOM SAUCE
SATURDAY – LEMON CHICKEN PAILLARD with SALAD
SUNDAY – FRENCH ONION PORK TENDERLOIN with CREAMED CARROTS

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• BANANA BLUEBERRY MAPLE MUFFINS
• GRILLED CHICKEN RAMEN with PEANUT SAUCE
• BACON MAC & CHEESE
• GRANS CORN PUDDING

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• TEXAS BBQ BEANS
• BLUEBERRY BANANA MAPLE MUFFINS
• PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH APPLE PIE
  

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK

• GARLIC & HERB PORK CHOPS
• BANANA UPSIDE DOWN CAKE
• LEMON CHICKEN PAILLARD
• TEX MEX CHICKEN STEW
• STRAWBERRY PRETZEL DESSERT

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

GOOD MORNING dear friends.  How was your week?  I had appointments of one kind or another every day last week making it feel really broken up and discombobulated.  I’m hoping to get more done this week AND have a little fun too as I don’t have anywhere to be for the most part.  I need to get clothes ready for the Thanksgiving week trip. 

Today is a good friends birthday – HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEATHER – and I baked muffins to go with her birthday present.  I’ll be running all of this by her house later this afternoon and posting the recipe later this week.  I can even eat these muffins since there is NO granulated sugar actually in them, but they taste great!

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING It’s starting out a bit gray and we’re supposed to have a decent amount of rain as the day goes on as well as a little tomorrow as the temperature will take a 10 degree dip this week from start to finish.  I have some Levi’s, a comfy sweatshirt and some pillow socks to wear when I get dressed.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water and baby food (Apple Carrot Pineapple) 😀

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

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… Laundry is caught up as of this morning 😀 Need a little tidying elsewhere
  
• YARD… nothing to be done right now
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… looks like a pretty good week or two until after Thanksgiving
  
• BLOG… I’m still trying to get caught up on BLOGEMBER as well as prepare for BLOGMAS and a few new recipes to post
  
• CRAFTS/PROJECTS… I FINALLY finished the Christmas Card Tower with hubby’s help, but it was A LOT of work!  I was going to make several as gifts, but unless we come up with a new design this will be a one time project.  The good thing is that it will somewhat disassemble each year by just undoing 12 screws so it will pack away flat each year.  Getting the idea out of my brain into real life only took 12 big screws, 4 medium screws, 88 tiny brass screws, 1 lazy susan so it revolves, 1 decorative mat, 1 butcher block round, 6 1×1’s cut into 2 different sizes, 8 molding pieces cut into 48 equal sized pieces, 1 painter’s tarp, a couple of 60 degree days, 3 cans of spray paint, decorative ribbon, a lot of patience and hubby’s help. :D.  BUT, it will last forever. BTW, are you ready for Christmas?

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

The DVR is still a bit backed up and we need to get caught up on quite a few shows and movies. Some of the shows for this year are (though a couple are quickly becoming non-essential and a few others are in their final seasons):

• CRIME, POLICE & MEDICAL  – Chicago Series (Medical, FIRE and Police), Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods, Hawaii 5-0, Magnum PI, FBI, NCIS, NCIS LA, NCIS NOLA, All Rise, Bluff City Law, The Resident, New Amsterdam, The Good Doctor, Stumptown, The Rookie, Madam Secretary, Bull, 911, Emergence, Seal Team
• COMEDIES & FAMILY – Young Sheldon, The Good Place, The Unicorn, American Housewife, GOD Friended me
• REALITY – The Masked Singer, Dancing with the Stars

I’M READING Charming Hannah by Kristen Proby, book #1  from her BIG Sky series

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA My Christmas cacti are REALLY happy 😀

INSPIRATION & A FUNNY

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK The plans for last week became totally topsy turvy so we’ll try for a better week this week with staying on schedule. 😀

MONDAY – WINTER PORK ROAST
TUESDAY – BUFFALO CHICKEN MEATLOAF & BACON MAC & CHEESE
WEDNESDAY – C.O.R.N.
THURSDAY – GRILLED CHICKEN with RAMEN & PEANUT SAUCE
FRIDAY – LEMON CHICKEN PAILLARD
SATURDAY – CREAMY GARLIC & HERB PORK CHOPS
SUNDAY – C.O.R.N.

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• CORN FLAKE WREATHS
• GARLIC LIME SLOW COOKER CHICKEN
• TOMATO CHEDDAR DUMPLINGS
• HONEYMOON SALAD
• CLASSIC CLAM CHOWDER

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• PORK SALTIMBOCCA
• STUFFED BALSAMIC CHICKEN
• CHICKEN IN LEMON WINE SAUCE
  

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK

• GRAN’S CORN PUDDING
• BLUEBERRY BANANA MAPLE MUFFINS
  
• GRILLED CHICKEN with RAMEN & PEANUT SAUCE
• LEMON CHICKEN PAILLARD
• CREAMY GARLIC & HERB PORK CHOPS

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

GOOD MORNING everyone.  Happy Monday!  I can’t believe how quickly time seems to fly at this time of year!  I hope you had a blessed and productive week full of family time and fun.  I got quite a bit accomplished and saw some great football (The Chiefs and Titans game was one of the best I’ve seen all season) and NASCAR too. 

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING

I follow 2 different weather pages and rarely do they agree so I usually figure it will just be somewhere in between 😀  Every now and then they come within a couple degrees of agreeing.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE We’re back to food not being a not so friendly.  So, hot water and baby food it is for breakfast.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE, WEEKLY TO DO LIST, HOUSE & CRAFT PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS FYI Christmas is only 44 days away!  Are you ready? 😀

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… pretty neat, just a little tidying to do
  
• YARD… not a single thing!
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… Hubby and I both have several this week 😀 that will make a TO DO list difficult as they are in the middle of the days
  
• BLOG… My goal is to get caught up on BLOGEMBER that I’ve fallen behind on, work on some BLOGMAS posts that can be done ahead of time and finish a couple recipes that I’ve been updating… 
  
• CRAFTS/PROJECTS… Hoping to get to the Bowling Pin snowmen, but they will probably wait until after Thanksgiving because I started a Christmas Card Tower that I need to get painted before the weather gets too cold
  

ON MY MIND I’m worried about hubby and his upcoming interaction with his youngest sister over Thanksgiving.  I know he intends to keep it civil, but she is so far over the line about her dealings with their parents passing, settling affairs and the celebration of Life that I’m afraid it will come to a major fight and legal action to straighten it out so it’s fair for all 5 kids.  Unfortunately, no one wants to stand up to her and will just allow her to “screw” them all to avoid the unpleasantness 🙁  We could use prayers that things go smoothly.

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED The DVR is getting a bit backed up and we need to get caught up on quite a few shows and movies. Some of the favorite shows this year are:

• CRIME, POLICE & MEDICAL Shows – Chicago Series (Medical, FIRE and Police), Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods, Hawaii 5-0, Magnum PI, FBI, NCIS, NCIS LA, NCIS NOLA, All Rise, Bluff City Law, The Resident, New Amsterdam, The Good Doctor, Stumptown, The Rookie, Madam Secretary, Bull, 911, Emergence, Seal Team
• COMEDIES & FAMILY – Young Sheldon, The Good Place, The Unicorn, American Housewife, GOD Friended me
• REALITY – The Masked Singer, Dancing with the Stars

We rented a couple Red Box movies over the weekend that were pretty good:

• Hobbs & Shaw with Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham – far fetched and funny 😀
• The Kitchen – about the Irish Mob with Melissa McCarthy
• The Art of Racing in the Rain – a really sweet film with Milo Ventimiglia
  

INSPIRATION & A FUNNY

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY – CLAM CHOWDER & SALAD with BLEU CHEESE YOGURT DRESSING
TUESDAY – PORK CHOPS & SCALLOPED POTATOES with SALAD
WEDNESDAY – C.O.R.N.
THURSDAY – CHICKEN FRANCAISE & CORN PUDDING
FRIDAY – CREAMY ROASTED RED PEPPER CHICKEN SOUP & PULL APART ROLLS
SATURDAY – GARLIC LIME CHICKEN, GLAZED CARROTS & SALAD
SUNDAY – C.O.R.N.

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• GRILLED GENERAL TSO’S CHICKEN
• CHICKEN CORN ENCHILADAS
• DOUBLE APPLE BUNDT CAKE
  

RECIPES WITH LINKS FROM LAST WEEK OR TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK

• CREAMY ROASTED RED PEPPER CHICKEN SOUP
• CLASSIC CLAM CHOWDER
• GOLDEN PILLOW ROLLS
• PICKLED BEETS
• CHICKEN & GREEN CHILE COBBLER
• ORANGE TERIYAKI CHICKEN

 

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

GOOD MORNING sweet friends.  I hope you all had a GREAT week and safe Halloween.  Our Halloween was a bit quieter than previous years, but the little ones had the cutest costumes.  It was another of those weeks that just flew by for me and I didn’t get my entire list accomplished. I’ll reorganize, reprioratize and try to get it finished this week 😀

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE  Normally at this time of year we are a bit dreary.  I don’t know what happened this year – maybe it was the early COLD snap or something, but it has been a perfect fall – COOL, CRISP and CLEAR.  This week is supposed to be the same, but a bit warmer day and night before the gray, rainy days look like they’ll be reappearing. 

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Banana with caramelized balsamic vinegar and hot water

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

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… looking good
  
• YARD… all set for the winter
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… hubby has a couple and I have a nail appointment
  
• BLOG… BLOGEMBER posts, a few recipes and some crafts coming up
  
• CRAFTS/PROJECTS… Bowling Pin snowman family and Christmas card tower
  

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY So far I have kept up with BLOGEMBER posts and finished strong on BLOGTOBER too.

• BLOGTOBER – FALL BUCKET LIST
• BLOGTOBER – FAVORITE SYFY TYPE SHOWS
• BLOGTOBER – CREEPY READS
• BLOGTOBER – HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS
• BLOGEMBER – THE BEST THING ABOUT THANKSGIVING
• BLOGEMBER – FAVORITE THANKSGIVING MEMORY
  
• BLOGEMBER – 5 THINGS I’M THANKFUL FOR
  

I wish they’d just leave Daylight savings time alone! Go back to the way God intended and make life just a little less confusing 😀

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED The DVR is mostly clear of our normal shows we watch and we saw a couple of Red Box movies:

• 10 MINUTES GONE
• CRAWL

I’M READING SWAMP SANTA by Jana DeLeon, part of the Miss Fortune series.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA Unfortunately this week I didn’t do anything except food photos 🙁

INSPIRATION & A FUNNY

BTW it’s only 51 days until Christmas 😀

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY – TERIYAKI ORANGE CHICKEN on the grill & SALAD with homemade 1000 ISLAND with PICKLED BEETS
TUESDAY – C.O.R.N.
WEDNESDAY – BUFFALO CHICKEN MEATLOAF & SALAD
THURSDAY – CHICKEN FRIED CHICKEN with MASHED POTATOES & PEPPERED GRAVY
FRIDAY – WINTER PORK ROAST with ROASTED CARROTS & SALAD
SATURDAY – CHICKEN & GREEN CHILE COBBLER & SALAD 
SUNDAY – C.O.R.N.

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR NEXT WEEK

• PICKLED BEETS
• CHICKEN & GREEN CHILE COBBLER
• ORANGE TERIYAKI CHICKEN

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• PIRI PIRI CHICKEN
• PEPPERED COLESLAW
• BACON WRAPPED SPAM BITES
  

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

GOOD MORNING Where did last week go?  It was Monday morning and I was working away.  Then, the next thing I knew it was Sunday afternoon!  Obviously it was a busy week and I did get a lot accomplished, but I really prefer a little slower pace where I can remember what day it is and appreciate it a little more!  Sorry I was so late visiting everyone last week, but will try VERY hard to make the rounds earlier this week.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING

Fall is in full swing here with very cool crisp nights full of freeze warnings and cool days that warm up for a couple hours in the afternoon.  Despite the picture above, more often than not mornings begin a bit gray and foggy only breaking to sunshine around lunch time for a couple hours – one of the main reasons why “snowbirds” travel south for the winter.  It will only get worse after next weekend with the time change. I wrote the 2nd because I do it BEFORE I go to bed even though it technically doesn’t change until 2AM on the 3rd 😀 

I’m on my way to the shower, but will putting on some warm socks to go with my Levi’s, teal hoodie and favorite gray POPS.

 

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE When I was at the grocery store the other day, there was a man handing out samples for this amazing Epiphany Pacific Northwest LOCAL caramelized balsamic vinegar.  One of the things that really attracted my attention was he had SEVERAL different labels for what turned out to be the SAME vinegar.  He was market testing and trying to educate people that it can be used on SOOOOOOOO many more things than what are traditionally done. 

He had samples with various “odd” foods for people to try and I have to say I was PLEASANTLY impressed.  One of those “odd” foods was a banana.  So I sampled and I probably looked like a kid in a candy store.  I know my eyes got huge with surprise and a grin broke out on my face.  This is the long way of saying that my morning banana is now made with a large drizzle of this amazing caramelized balsamic vinegar!  Oh and I have my normal hot water.

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

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… needs a bit of touch up which I will work on today…
  
• YARD… hubby finished the new flower box this past week (part of what took up so much of our time) and I repainted (for the last time) the metal trellis that the clematis grows around in the spring.  The trellis had not been done previously (and should have been) so many areas of rust have eaten through beyond repair 🙁  It does have what repair could be done and a FRESH coat of paint giving it a couple more years of life.  Hubby also got the water spigots covered and the hoses drained.
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… I finally have the appointment with my primary this week, a nail appointment and hubby has some things too at the end of the week.  We got my step dad home from rehab at the end of last week and home health care is supposed to do an assessment this week too.  And of course all the wonderful kiddies and their costumes will be here Thursday!
  
• BLOG… I need to get caught up on BLOGTOBER and am still working on a few future recipe posts.  I’m also working on BLOGMAS and a new to me set of blog prompts for November that I think I’ll call BLOGTHANKS? or BLOGEMBER?. I’ve made the list of prompts to start next Friday, but can’t settle on a name yet 😀 I’m NEEDING the prompts to keep me motivated and not have my subject matter get stale.
  
• CRAFTS/PROJECTS… I have a couple of snowmen projects to finish, but have just NOT had the time yet 😀
  

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED We caught an old movie from 2010, The Next Three Days,  on Amazon with quite a few big names (Russel Crowe, Liam Neeson, Elizabeth Banks, Daniel Stern to name a few) and are not sure how we missed it when it originally came out.

I’M READING Swamp Santa by Jana Deleon – one of the Miss Fortune series

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

There was an evening with an absolutely beautiful sunset!

George and Elmer here would like to wish you a Happy Halloween! 😀

INSPIRATION & A FUNNY

There’s still 2 months left to 2019 – make it so!

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY – POT ROAST & VEGGIES with SALAD
TUESDAY – SOUP KETTLE – an ANTIQUE RECIPE re-creation
WEDNESDAY – MINI CHICKEN POT PIES & SALAD
THURSDAY – C.O.R.N.
FRIDAY – MINI CAJUN CHICKEN POT PIES
SATURDAY – SWEET & SOUR BRISKET
SUNDAY – GARLIC LIME CHICKEN ala SLOW COOKER

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• SALTED PEANUT OATMEAL COOKIES
• BAVARIAN MEATBALLS
• GINGER ALE CHICKEN
• SCALLOPED HAM & POTATOES
• CREAMY CHICKEN & VEGGIES

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• SOURDOUGH HERB STUFFING
• GRANDMA DOLL’S POTATO SALAD
• ORANGE APPLE PEANUT SALAD

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK

• SOUP KETTLE – an ANTIQUE RECIPE re-creation
• CAJUN CHICKEN POT PIES
• GARLIC LIME CHICKEN ala SLOW COOKER

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

GOOD MORNING sweet friends.  It was a busy week that seems to have just swept by when I wasn’t looking!  I’m jumping in with both feet this morning because of an early morning appointment.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING We’re supposed to have a relatively mild and dry week with cooler crisp nights. 🙂 We have an appointment this morning so I’m wearing Levis and a burgundy lightweight sweater with my new gray POPS.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Black cherry yogurt, string cheese and hot water

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

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… Standard tidying up to do
  
• YARD… Need to cut back the clematus and start working on the flower box that is falling apart
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… I have my annual physical and follow-up for the vitamins and minerals post surgery, getting my hair done, hubby has a couple of appointments also, visiting with stepdad at rehab…
  
• BLOG… I’ve been working on Blogtober, a few recipes and BLOGMAS posts
  
• CRAFTS/PROJECTS… Made some more pumpkins with the munchkins yesterday.  I’m also working on a Snowman family made from old bowling pins.  They are still naked, but at least started 😀
  

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY Doing Blogtober has helped me get away from doing JUST recipes and I’m really enjoying it.  I think maybe I need prompts for every month of the year to keep me motivated.  Last week’s posts from BLOGTOBER include:

• Throwback Thursday
• Pumpkin Decorating Ideas
• If I won the Lottery – I’m running behind, but will catch up this week.
  
• Current Craft Project
• Fall Clothing
• Meal Planning

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

• We started a new mini series on Amazon called The Lost Room with Peter Krause, Juliana Marguiles and Elle Fanning that seems pretty interesting.  We’re hoping to finish it this week.
  
• We watched a really scary movie called Case 39 with Renee Zellweger and Bradley Cooper.

I’M READING nothing right now 🙁

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA We had our pumpkin making family day this week! I think the girls had fun making their own little families and using their imaginations to decorate them.  I made a couple new ones too for my ever growing family, including a set of twins.

INSPIRATION & A FUNNY

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY – HAM & SCALLOPED POTATOES with SALAD
TUESDAY – SOUP KETTLE – an ANTIQUE RECIPE re-creation
WEDNESDAY – MINI CHICKEN POT PIES & SALAD
THURSDAY – C.O.R.N.
FRIDAY – MINI CAJUN CHICKEN POT PIES
SATURDAY – SWEET & SOUR BRISKET
SUNDAY – GINGER ALE CHICKEN

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• SMASHED BANANA BREAD
• LEMON LIME BARS
• MEXICAN SOFRITO
• FARMHOUSE HOT DISH
• BALSAMIC CHARRED GARLIC CARROTS
• PINEAPPLE CHILI MEATBALLS

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• CHICKEN TACO CASSEROLE
• LOADED BUFFALO POTATO SALAD
• TROPICAL CHICKEN BITES
  

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK

• MINI CHICKEN POT PIES
• MINI CAJUN CHICKEN POT PIES
• HAM & SCALLOPED POTATO CASSEROLE
• GINGER ALE CHICKEN
• ANTIQUE SOUP KETTLE
• CREAMY CHICKEN & VEGGIES

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

GOOD MORNING dear friends.  I hope you had a wonderful week and weekend.  Ours was busy, but good. Hubby and I got a lot of projects accomplished and he’s about halfway through scrubbing all the gutters and covers down from the inevitable grunge that builds up in this type of climate.  We attended some local events, watched NASCAR and Football.  I did get some crafting time in as well as some “cookbook” time too 🙂 I was supposed to get some munchkin craft time on Sunday, but it was postponed to next Sunday.

We’re still dealing with illness around here and I’m really not sure how I have avoided getting any of it with my lack of immunity, but I guess staying in my ‘cave’ has paid off. 

My mom is doing better, but has a way to go.  My stepdad was finally moved from the hospital to a rehab facility to regain his strength and we have an appointment with his case manager later this morning.  Unfortunately, they are just not doing enough to keep him motivated and working forward in my opinion letting him wallow in his own self pity 🙁

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING It’s cooler weather, gray and rainy again here in the Pacific North West and I’m loving it! I have on my normal ‘uniform’ of Levis,  a brown long sleeve tee shirt and pink plaid flannel with my beige POPS.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water, peach yogurt and a Tillamook medium cheddar cheese stick

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

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… need a bit of sprucing up
  
• YARD… HA HA we did have a flower bed that needs replacing that we planning on starting this week, but depending on the rain will probably wait.  The plant itself needs cut back so we will probably get that accomplished though.
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… meet with stepdad’s case manager to work on getting him out of the rehab center, hubby has a VA appointment and last week’s fun day with the munchkins to make pumpkins was postponed until this week…
  
• BLOG… BLOGTOBER, BLOGMAS, recipes
  
• CRAFTS/PROJECTS… I finished my Pumpkin family on Saturday and you can find the directions here to make your own 😀 Also, it’s 72 days to Christmas Are you handmade gifts ready?
  

ON MY MIND  A post from my facebook memories from several years ago popped up the other day and I hate to admit I had second thoughts about re-sharing it despite it being about how I really feel.  The entire social media platform and how easily offended people are recently concerned me.  So I decided NOT to re-share it – at least not to re-share it there as I just don’t want to start any arguments or feel the need to defend myself or my beliefs.  I am sharing it here though because this is MY space and I believe this to be true.

“NOTE, CORRECTION & EDIT: LET ME BEGIN BY SAYING THAT THE FOLLOWING IS NOT AN ABSOLUTE ABOUT ALL PEOPLE. Just my perception at the time.

THANK YOU TO ALL THE WONDERFUL SAHM AND PARENTS WHO ALREADY FEEL AND ACT THIS WAY!

We have a cultural decay problem in this country. Life as we once knew it will NEVER be again. We have a lack of parenting problem in this country. As parents our jobs are to raise children into functioning adults first and to be their friend second. Teaching children to be independent, hard working, respectful, happy and gracious is the best thing you can do for them, you and for ALL the people they will encounter in the future. Teaching them about the ups AND the downs of life is realistic.

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED I think we’ve tried all the new shows and have weeded things out quite a bit as of this last week.  Some of the old favorites are still at the top of the list and a few of the new shows made the cut.  Unfortunately and sadly some of the new shows I had high hopes for just aren’t holding up to the hype 🙁 Still on the list are:

• COMEDIES – Young Sheldon, The Good Place, American Housewife, Almost Family, God Friended Me, The Unicorn, Perfect Harmony?, Bless This Mess?
• MILITARY, POLITICAL & CRIME DRAMAS and a couple that qualify as comedies – NCIS, NCIS New Orleans and NCIS LA, S.W.A.T., Seal Team, Macgyver, Law & Order SVU, Blue Bloods, Hawaii 5-0, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med, Bull, FBI, All Rise, Bluff City Law, 911, Evil, Stumptown, The Rookie AND for their final seasons Criminal Minds, Madam Secretary, Blindspot
• DRAMAS & REALITY – The Good Doctor, This Is Us, The Resident, New Amsterdam, The Masked Singer, Dancing with The Stars
• SYFY – Emergence, The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead, Flash, Supergirl, DC Legends, Orville, Supernatural (Final Season)
  
• HALLMARK – Cedar Cove, Christmas Movies, When Calls the Heart
• COOKING – Guy’s Grocery Games, Beat Bobby Flay, Worst Cooks in America Celebrity, Holiday Baking Championship, Kid’s Baking Championship, Master Chef Jr., Master Chef
• AMAZON – Mrs. Maisel

I’M READING Marie Force’s Deceived by Desire – I’ve read many of her series before, but this is the first period book of hers I’ve tried and I just started so am really undecided about it. 

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA We got up early to attend a local FLEA Market that was raising funds for the Museum in their town and these are a few of the shots along the way that really tell the story about our foggy mornings up here 😀  Unfortunately the FLEA market itself was a bust, but the antique stores in town all took advantage of the FLEA market and set up vendor sales in the parking lots that were worth getting up early for 😀 along with these early morning pictures.

INSPIRATION & A FUNNY

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY – BEEF RAGU & SALAD
TUESDAY – CREAMY CHICKEN & TOMATOES over MASHED POTATOES
WEDNESDAY – RED CHICKEN CHILI & CORN TORTILLAS
THURSDAY – C.O.R.N.
FRIDAY – CHICKEN HOT DISH & SALAD with TARRAGON VINAIGRETTE
SATURDAY – MAMA’S RETRO MEATLOAF & SALAD
SUNDAY – PAN SEARED CHICKEN with McGILLUCUDDY SAUCE & SALAD

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• HONEY GARLIC MEATBALLS
• CHICKEN TAMALE PIE
• HARVEST STUFFED PORK CHOPS
• CHILI TAMALE PIE
• SLOW COOKED CHICKEN IN WINE

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• BUFFALO CHICKEN TENDER SLIDERS
• RICOTTA MEATBALLS & GRAVY
• ROASTED SALT & VINEGAR POTATOES
  

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK

• PINEAPPLE CHILI MEATBALLS
  
• BALSAMIC CHARRED GARLIC CARROTS
• LEMON LIME BARS
• MEXICAN SOFRITO
• SMASHED BANANA BREAD
• FARMHOUSE HOT DISH

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

GOOD MORNING We had a productive weekend.  On Saturday we removed the last of the dead garden.  The last little corner showed one last remnant of the opossum’s reign of vandalism with more half eaten tomatoes!  Hubby got the soil turned and we covered IT with heavy black plastic and pavers to preserve it for spring.  He also sprayed the areas that the blackberry vines were trying to desperately climb through the new fence and take over – they sure are invasive things!!! 

On Sunday we watched some football, NASCAR races and I watched over and played with the munchkins for several hours which is always so much fun and a huge JOY for me 😀 I worked on some recipe posts and the BLOGMAS list while we were watching football.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING We had a seriously fall week with a slightly warmer weekend, but are scheduled to drop back down into the high 50’s and low 60’s for this week with a little bit of rain tomorrow.  Today is starting cool, but will get to about 70 so I’m in layers; Levis, short sleeved t-shirt and hoodie to shed later with POPS.  I just love POPS at this time of year.  The broken in ones are like being barefoot while still being warm 😀

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Breakfasts still aren’t very exciting, but at least they allow for better lunches and dinners 😀  Today is the exciting hot water, banana and string cheese combo.

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

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… Need to do some serious touch up cleaning
  
• YARD… Got the rest of the garden pulled out and covered in black plastic for the winter.  I’m sure we have one very pissed off Opossum family 😀
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… Hubby has a VA appointment later this week and I’m getting my nails done mid week, but other than that just some errands and grocery shopping.
  
• BLOG… I’ve been doing BLOGMAS consistently for many years now and really enjoy it as a way to stay in touch with the season.  I’ve been working on a list for this year’s BLOGMAS 2019 series and pending any better suggestions this is what I’m thinking.  I really hope you’ll join me again this year.
• CRAFTS/PROJECTS… I’m making some testers of these this week that I found over at Salvage Sister & Mister. Next weekend my friend Heather and I along with the munchkins will make some pumpkin families 😀

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED I’m still sorting through the new shows, but I like quite a few of them.  So many of my favorites have been killing off favorite characters though which I know is their way of spicing things up, but I’m still not sure I like it! I do like Ziva being back on NCIS even though I don’t like how harsh they have made her. 😀 There are still a few more new shows that start this week.

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY My mom is doing much better (probably 80%) from her go round with pneumonia, but my stepdad is still in the hospital (8 days so far). Hopefully he will be moved to rehab today to get his strength back so he can come home.  They both had their pneumonia shots and still got it!  It’s going to take some time to get their energy back and we’re hopeful that is numbers are better soon and he finally gets out of the hospital.

I’M READING I finished my last book and my paperwhite died almost immediately after so I’ve yet to start a new book while I wait for the new one to arrive tomorrow 🙁  I was pleasantly surprised when Amazon offered a great trade in price along with a significant discount on the new purchase.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

Had a GREAT day yesterday with my munchkins playing games (Mario Monopoly and Clue) and doing crafts!

I don’t understand why the opossum only eat part of the tomatoes and then move on to another tomato.  It was also interesting that they left this pile of peelings off to the side.  I suppose because of our recent cold and the tomatoes staying so green the peelings are more bitter?

INSPIRATION & A FUNNY

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY – HARVEST PORK CHOPS, PURPLE ASPARAGUS & TOMATOES
TUESDAY – TAMALE BUNDT PIE & SALAD with TARRAGON VINAIGRETTE
WEDNESDAY – CRANBERRY PINEAPPLE MEATBALLS with COLESLAW
THURSDAY – CHICKEN with BASIL AIOLI, BROCCOLI and SALAD with PICKLED BEETS
FRIDAY – ORANGE GINGER CHICKEN, RICE PILAF and BRUSSELS SPROUTS
SATURDAY – C.O.R.N.
SUNDAY – C.O.R.N.

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• CHOPPED STEAKS
• GRILLED BBQ BACON WRAPPED CHICKEN WINGS
• CHICKEN & BROCCOLI COBBLER
• COUNTRY CHICKEN & GRAVY
• OVEN FRIED CHICKEN
• TARRAGON VINAIGRETTE

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• • • BAKED HAM with CHERRY SAUCE
    • TERIYAKI SALMON
    • ANTIQUE CORN BREAD
      RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK
  • • SLOW COOKED CHICKEN IN WINE
    • HONEY GARLIC GLAZED MEATBALLS
    • STUFFED HARVEST PORK CHOPS
    • TAMALE BUNDT PIE
    • CHICKEN TAMALE PIE
    • CHILI TAMALE PIE

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

GOOD MORNING We had a quiet weekend with some antiquing and lunch out on Saturday and a munchkin birthday party yesterday.  I can’t believe he’s 13 already!   Quickly he’s probably not going to like me calling him a munchkin 😀

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING So it’s for sure that fall is here!  I saw the first geese flying south and honking loudly yesterday and the heat clicked on last evening during the football game!  We even had our first frost warnings over the weekend and again tonight.  I have to admit I was kind of glad to trade in my flip flops for real shoes, socks and pull out the hoodies 😀  Today is a teal blue lightweight hoodie, Levis and denim POPS.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water, banana and kiwi

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

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… all caught up
  
• YARD… cut back squash and tomato plants for recycling
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… just a couple
  
• BLOG… I guess this is where I’ll be doing the countdown 😀 Can you believe it only 87 days until Christmas?  I’m working on the BLOGMAS 2019 schedule looking for ideas to make it interesting – Any suggestions?
  
• CRAFTS/PROJECTS… I’m finished some Christmas bulbs to match the new garland.

ON MY MIND Worried about my mom and step dad who both came home quite ill from their trip to Nova Scotia and praying they take care of themselves!

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED I’m still sorting through new shows, but like quite a few of the new ones.  So many of my favorites have been killing off favorite characters which I know is their way of spicing things up, but I’m not sure I like it! 😀

I’M READING  I’m still reading:

Ava Miles’ Merriams #3 Valley of the Stars

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA So this appeared behind the house over the weekend along with all the digging flags.  Just hoping that whatever they’re doing on the highway doesn’t result in a power outage! Or affect the new fence, etc…

INSPIRATION

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY – TAMALE PIE with SWEET & SOUR TOMATOES
TUESDAY – HONEY GARLIC GLAZED CHICKEN
WEDNESDAY – MARMALADE MEATBALLS & SALAD with TARRAGON VINAIGRETTE
THURSDAY – C.O.R.N.
FRIDAY – CHICKEN FRIED CHICKEN with PEPPERED GRAVY
SATURDAY – MEATLOAF, BROCCOLI & MASHED POTATOES
SUNDAY – C.O.R.N.

My weekly links and pictures are now in a separate post 😀