HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY – Page 39 – Chasing MY Life WHEREVER it Leads ME

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 10 of 2017

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Saturday was productive even as the rain began, but we had a double header NASCAR race to occupy our afternoon and then on Sunday I made a nice brunch and ran a couple errands before the deluge of rain began and everything is now wet and soggy.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It poured ALL day yesterday and there are DEEP puddles and standing water EVERYWHERE! It’s supposed to be in the mid 70’s today, continue to rain off and on, but with all the water unless a breeze comes up it will be HUMID!! Looks like the last storm to hit the west coast is going to make our week wet and yucky here as it travels east!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

This morning is blueberry yogurt and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

The house is clean, but slightly cluttered as I began packing the bookcase and sorting for donation also.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

Hoping the contractor shows for the garage siding and side fencing, but doubt he will since things are so wet.
Keep sorting books and paperwork.
Laundry
Doctor appointment

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

It’s that time of year again when some of my favorite shows are going on hiatus and replacements are premiering. The only one I’ve seen so far is DOUBT and I like it so far, but I think it is being canceled as is TRAINING DAY with Bill Paxton’s death. TIME AFTER TIME looks promising, but I never judge a show by the pilot. I also love the kids cooking shows and MASTERCHEF JUNIOR begins this week. I liked the pilot of TAKEN also, but we’ll see where that goes. I LOVE the new CHICAGO JUSTICE as it fits right in with CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO P.D. and CHICAGO MED.

SHAY ARCHER series #4 WICKED by Jana DeLeon

CRAFTS & PROJECTS

We got started on a few Christmas presents and hubby is doing some “garage work” on some of the parts for me, but it looks like they may sit for awhile. We have started packing and are hoping to be able to sell and be out of here within a few months so will begin the assembly process of the pieces on the other end.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & FRUIT	SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	YOGURT & FRUIT	MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS	EGGS in the CLOUDS	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	SANDWICHES
DINNER	APRICOT PORK TENDERLOIN and BAKED CARROTS	SESAME PORK with PINEAPPLE and BROCCOLI	C.O.R.N.	RED, WHITE & BLUE MEATBALLS with PARSLEY NOODLES	PAN SEARED CHICKEN with HERB WINE SAUCE	CHICKEN & NOODLES	HAMBURGER STROGANOFF
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

TENDERLOIN GRILLADES
INSIDE OUT CHICKEN POT PIES
SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE with MOZZA STUFFED MEATBALLS
INSIDE OUT BEEF POT PIES (recipe later this week)

RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER

STOVE TOP MAC & CHEESE
DECADENT CHOCOLATE CAKE with MOCHA FROSTING
GOLDEN CUPCAKES with MOCHA FROSTING
LEMON CUPCAKES
ORANGE MAPLE FRENCH TOAST BRUNCH CASSEROLE

RECIPES THAT TASTED GREAT BUT WON’T BE MAKING AGAIN

It was good, but just not up “our” alley for taste.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND/THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

I am still feeling betrayed by an elder I should be able to rely on and trust, but trying not to dwell on it. I do realize he’s not in his right mind as there appears to be serious dementia and/or Alzheimers going on that has yet to be diagnosed because his normal toxic/caustic/racist nature prevents people from realizing there is a problem unless they see him daily and hear the same stories and see him forget what he just wrote down… Unfortunately there is also an outside influence by a gold digging woman who has NO idea what is really going on within his family as she has NEVER been here or met any of his family. Just working to move forward and live a better life, especially during this Lenten season. I also believe that Karma is a bitch and will take care of this for me. So, on to happy thoughts and moving life forward!

Trying to figure out my cell phone problems. My OLD cell phone was “acting” up, or so I thought. My new phone is doing much the same things. I’ve come to the conclusion that because this house sits on the boundary of 3 separate cities and 2 counties that there are some “dead” zones where cell towers overlap and that there may be no real solution until we move.

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 9 of 2017

I hope everyone had a fantastic week. Mine was not so much, but that only makes me think this week will be better. I had my annual Ovarian Cancer check up (6 years NED), blood work and mammogram. Unfortunately it did not go as planned and we spent all day at the hospital. Then, the next day I received a call from a scheduler and was forced back for another round of testing all day Friday. Long story short everything is okay, but there was a seriously tense 72 hours there until we were sure not to mention all the invasive testing and wait times.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

An unexpected storm came through last night which is making today miserable already this morning.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Blueberry yogurt and coffee.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

A few appointments for us both and paperwork for me to find.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

We’ve been catching up on some Netflix and Amazon shows and I’m going to catch up on so cooking shows this week.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & FRUIT	SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	YOGURT & FRUIT	MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS	EGGS in the CLOUDS	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	SANDWICHES
DINNER	TENDERLOIN GRILLADES	CHICKEN POT PIE	C.O.R.N.	OUT FOR HUBBY’S BIRTHDAY	WHITE WINE CHICKEN & RICE	ROASTED PEPPER BEEF GHOULASH	APRICOT PORK LOIN with BAKED CARROTS
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

This past week brought much emotion and disappointment too. While I’m not ready to talk about any of it because of the betrayal and disregard of a loved one I know whatever happens that I’m confident that God has a plan to turn this into something good and I’m so thankful for that!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

This is another toss up week for me on pictures. Because last week was SOOOOOO bad I really loved finding my pretty African Violets full of blooms already bloomed and so many more about to. I was especially surprised since I have neglected them so much recently. I also LOVE this salad. It’s my go to comfort health food, a combination of tuna, chicken and egg salad on a bed of chopped cucumbers and grape tomatoes with homemade 1000 island dressing.

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 8 of 2017

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend, or still is as since it’s a 3 day weekend for President’s Day. Saturday we finished the clean up from last week’s tornado like storm damage that left us with a MAJOR roof leak into the attic and down into the laundry room as well as a window seal that failed causing a small river flowing into the atrium. Now we are ready for the current storm that started last night and just praying that all the repairs are complete enough. Yesterday we took it easy and watched the NASCAR Clash (YAY racing season has begun!), a few new movies and just relaxed.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Imagine that, it’s gray, rainy and windy, AGAIN!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Yogurt, fruit and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

I see a few clutter spots that I need to address this morning, but all in all, not too bad.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

2/20 MONDAY

groceries (weather permitting)
laundry

2/21 TUESDAY

studio organization

2/22 WEDNESDAY

early morning doctors appointments
Lunch
Mummy Exhibition at the museum

2/23 THURSDAY

estimator appointment
backyard

2/24 FRIDAY

cleaning

2/25 SATURDAY

Race
Work in Studio

2/26 SUNDAY

Work on menus and recipes
Race

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

Have been catching a few episodes on Netflix and Amazon Prime of a few favorite shows as well as a few of our normal prime time shows. I need to start a new book, but have yet to decide which one.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS

I just need to finish the binding, but the first of the Christmas presents for 2017 is almost done. Its a large Log Cabin Calico quilt.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & FRUIT	SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	YOGURT & FRUIT	MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS	BAKED EGGS and HAM	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	Y.O.Y.O.
DINNER	PEANUT BUTTER ROOT BEER BEEF STEW	CHICKEN POT PIE	APRICOT PORK TENDERLOIN and CELERY SEED DRESSING SALAD	PAN SEARED CHICKEN PARMESAN with WILTED SPINACH	SMOKEY NAVY BEAN SOUP	TENDERLOIN GRILLADES and BAKED CARROTS	CHICKEN CHOW MEIN
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

Praying that people in general become less self absorbed and start paying attention to those around them. Living in a bigger city again has reminded me that many people tend to make things WAY MORE complicated and involved than they need to in an effort to be in control of things, situations or others. Seriously, give me the country life again! And don’t even get me started on “social” media LOL

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER and MENU PLAN MONDAY week 7 of 2017

It’s week 7 of 2017 and I have to say week 6 was so horrible I want a MULLIGAN! We had a lot of family tragedy this past week with multiple new cancer diagnoses, one of which is very grim, my favorite BIL being entered into hospice for his cancer, the very sudden passing of a dear friend and just plain malaise because of it all. since I still feel so poorly. I’m ready for a GOOD week.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It has been quite gray and cloudy and extremely warm again, but we’re supposed to cool off the next several days and actually have some rain too. If it’s going to be gray and cloudy anyway, I WANT rain!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

A scrambled egg, toast and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

The house is quite put together considering how out of it I have been recently.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

The new tile guy came (45 minutes late) to give us an estimate to complete the master shower this past weekend and it was OUTRAGEOUS!! He’s not even licensed or bonded! and his bid was 3 times as high as any of the licensed and bonded contractors! So, I did some research and we found a product available at home depot that will refresh the existing grout. I’ve been working for several days on cleaning the individual grout lines (and there are a ton of them with the tiny tiles) which I should finish this morning and then I will use the POLYBLEND GROUT RENEW in DELOREAN GRAY. If all goes well, Friday morning we will be showering in there again instead of the spare bathroom!
I also spent some time working in the studio last week and believe it or not am making headway!
Standard cleaning, vacuuming, and laundry.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

I’ve been catching up on my cooking shows. I LOVE Guy’s Grocery Games, Guy’s BIG Bite, Valerie’s Home Cooking, Diners Drive-ins and Dives.

I’m also still reading the OKLAHOMA BRANDS series by Maggie Shayne.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS

Hubby actually helped me with several parts of some Christmas presents that are FINALLY in the works. They were supposed to be ready for 2016, but obviously they will be 2017 instead. I’ll be sharing some pictures soon as the ieces come together.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE	SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	YOGURT & FRUIT	MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS	EGGS in the CLOUDS	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	SANDWICHES
DINNER	LEMON SPAGHETTI with SHRIMP	SLOW COOKER CHICKEN CACCIATORE with BUTTERED PARSLEY NOODLES	C.O.R.N.	PAN SEARED LEMON PEPPER CHICKEN and PARMESAN GNICCHI	RECIPE EXPERIMENT NIGHT	OVEN BAKED TACOS and SAKAD	MEATLOAF with PARMESAN MASHED POTATOES & BROCCOLI
DESSERT		TIRAMISU PUDDING CAKE	TIRAMISU CAKE		CHOCOLATE CHIP CANNOLI

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

CHICKEN FRIED CHICKEN with PARMESAN MASHED POTATOES and PEPPERED GRAVY

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

With all the sadness going on in my life right now I have really been thinking about trying harder to stay positive and appreciate life more.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

I couldn’t decide which picture was my favorite. The sunset Wednesday night was absolutely beautiful, but I also loved Tuxedo in the neighbor’s palm tree.

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER and MENU PLAN MONDAY week 6 of 2017

It’s Monday, AGAIN and ALREADY! Seems like the weeks are flying by. Didn’t we just have Christmas? I hope you had a great weekend and fun with the SuperBowl. Being so close to the actual event, we didn’t leave the house for several days before. The last time I was out was Friday morning and there were ALREADY some WILD and LARGE tailgating parties going on making traffic a nightmare. We went to a specific bakery last Wednesday and ended up in HUGE traffic. Little did we know the FALCONS were staying in the Westin Hotel around the corner. That was when we decided to stay home for a few days!

My team made it to, but not through the playoffs so the Falcons are who I was rooting for this year, unfortunately they failed in overtime – so many records set and broken this year! We grilled some hamburgers, made a salad and snuggled in for the game. I did not know that Luke Bryan was going to open with the National Anthem, but was glad since he’s one of my favorites.

I watch the SuperBowl as much for the commercials as the game most years. I actually kept track yesterday of my “new” commercial favorites:

Skittles “Round Robin” Katie
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s STRIKE – loved the Terminator references.
Buick with Cam Newton
Terry Bradshaw TIDE
Wendy’s other guy’s frozen beef
SuperBowl babies
Audi Soap Box Derby
Peter Fonda Biker Easy Rider – though so few people probably even got the reference
Melissa McCarthy KIA
Mr. Clean
Western Snickers

I also thought Lady GAGA did a great interesting performance during Pepsi’s halftime performance. Loved the round keyboard. I also loved her hello to her mom and dad.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It has been gray and dreary the past few days, but at least we got a little rain yesterday and this morning. I don’t seem to mind gray and dreary when it’s accompanied by rain. We are supposed to warm up during the daytime this week too.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

I haven’t been a breakfast eater for most my life even though I know better. I’ve been trying to get better about it so today I’m having coffee and a scrambled egg with toast.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

I’m happy with almost all of it. We did have a MAJOR problem with the contractor hired to refinish the master shower with porcelain tile paint last Friday and Saturday. It was supposed to be a 1 day job, that he turned into 2 and then didn’t even finish because of a miscommunication on HIS part despite the exact verbiage HE used on HIS estimate. He now claims that “Refinish Tile walls” means to clean up after he removed the old finish. Now we’re trying to get a “REAL” tile guy in to finish the job. Don’t know yet, but figure it will end up costing us double in the end. The estimate/contract are specific enough that we could win a case against him, but it isn’t worth the time to fight and in the end the work still needs to be completed. So far every CONTRACTOR we’ve experienced here is like your worst nightmare from the TV commercials.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

MONDAY 2/6

some phone calls and appointments.
Vacuuming
Mopping
Laundry

TUESDAY 2/7

finally get the sand ordered for leveling the backyard. Hoping to have it delivered on Friday so we can get it accomplished over the weekend.
work on the Studio has been SLOW, just not enough space to work in since I had give up the closet to storage and some of the wall space to furniture from the spare bedroom so I get frustrated and walk away. Eventually, LOL probably the next house, though I will keep plugging away and I will get it handled.
EBAY

WEDNESDAY 2/8

Re-take on last week’s celebratory lunch. Last week’s try was just plain awful. It started with showing up at one of our favorite restaurants to find it was completely gutted and gone and then the whole day went downhill from there so we’re going to try again this week. We’re thinking of maybe going to the zoo while the weather is nice or the Natural History Museum if it’s raining.

THURSDAY 2/9

Grocery Shopping
Some more EBAY

FRIDAY 2/10

COOKING & BAKING a few new recipes

SATURDAY 2/11

Work on backyard

SUNDAY 2/12

BBQ and movies

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

BIG BANG THEORY *NCIS, NCIS LA, NCIS NEW ORLEANS
CHICAGO MED, PD, FIRE * PURE GENIUS
WHEN CALLS THE HEART * GRIMM
BLUE BLOODS * BONES
THIS IS US * SCORPION
THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE * GOLIATH
DESIGNATED SURVIVOR * BULL
MADAM SECRETARY * Z-NATION

ETC……. I’m sure I forgot a few… Thank goodness for DVR’s!

I’m starting to go through the bookcase and pack a few things up, but I’m saving out some favorites with bookmarked recipes for making soon as well as a few new reads.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & FRUIT	SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	YOGURT & FRUIT	MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS	OUT	CARAMEL CINNAMON APPLE FRENCH TOAST
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	SANDWICHES
DINNER	ROASTED PEPPER BEEF GOULASH	TWISTED PEPPER STEAK	C.O.R.N.	CARAMELIZED LEMON and GREEN CHILE VERDE WHITE FISH	MEXICAN COBB SALAD with JALAPENO RANCH DRESSING	CHICKEN MARSALA	LAVERNE DEFAZIO POT ROAST
DESSERT			CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER VOLCANO CAKES

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

KENTUCKY HOT BROWN
CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER VOLCANO CAKES
LEMON MARSALA CHICKEN & SHRIMP with ARTICHOKES (recipe this week)
CHOCOLATE CHERRY TRUFFLES

RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER – I’m also going through and taking new pictures as I merge the old blog with the new website.

Peach Crisp ~ Country Style *Steak Tips with Red Wine Pan Sauce
Salted Caramel Bars *Slow Cooker BBQ Steak Tips
Cherry Pineapple Upside Down Cake *Asian Braised Short Ribs – Slow Cooker
Butter Caramel Dip *Roasted Lemon Chicken
Slow Cooker Green Beans *Chicken Imperial
Bacon Wrapped Apple Chicken *Salmon with Pineapple Salsa
Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie *French Onion Soup for Two
Beef, Barley Mushroom soup *Country Pork Stew
Apricot Pork Tenderloin *Brussels Sprouts Salads
Butterscotch Fruit Dip *Chocolate Martinis
Red, White and Blue Meatballs *Pink Velvet Cake
Cheesy Bacon Dip *Cream of Chicken Soup
BBQ Peach Chicken Wings *Cheesy Hash Browns
Ham and Egg Grits

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – NOT THIS WEEK

This is what the contractor left us with claiming the job was done. Thank goodness we have a second shower until we can get a new contractor in to do the job properly.INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 5 of 2017

I hope everyone had a wonderful week. I’m still a bit under the weather, but trying my best to get life back on track! Making a plan for the week seems to help.
OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

The weather has been beautiful and crisp the past week. We really needed that so the roof had time to dry out from that horrible leak we had the day we received 5 inches in 3 hours. The roofer was here last Saturday and believes he fixed the problem, but only the next rain storm will tell. The weather this week is supposed to be about 5 degrees warmer, but just as beautiful. I hope it lasts as we are still waiting on the masonry guy to come fix the bricks on the back of the house.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Coffee and toast is all that seems appealing this morning.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

The house doesn’t actually look bad, but does look like I’ve been under the weather. It has that lived in look that needs sprucing up which is exactly where I will start the week before I run out of energy.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

1/30 MONDAY

Phone Calls
Paperwork
Errands
Laundry
Cleaning
Vacuuming

1/31 TUESDAY

Start prep on Master Shower for contractor to refinish – we’re saving a ton of money ($350) by doing the prep work ourselves.
Caulk Atrium windows

2/1 WEDNESDAY

Pest Control to get started on the Spring regime
Order sand for delivery
Central Market for hubby’s favorite pepperoncinis and a few favorite cooking oils and spices.

2/2 THURSDAY

6 year cancerversary celebratory lunch trying a new restaurant
IKEA for a small spice cabinet to match the one I already have as I have finished combining, sorting and purging the spices.

2/3 FRIDAY

Contractor here to refinish shower so I have to be somewhere, anywhere else as I can’t be around the toxic fumes due to my compromised respiratory system.

2/4 SATURDAY

Studio!!!!!!!!!!

2/5 SUNDAY

SUPERBOWL LI – FALCONS vs. PATRIOTS

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

BIG BANG THEORY
WHEN CALLS THE HEART
PURE GENIUS
NCIS
BLUE BLOODS
THIS IS US
GRIMM
THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE
GOLIATH
BULL
SCORPION
SUPERGIRL
CHICAGO MED, PD, FIRE
HEARTLAND
HEART OF DIXIE
STRANGER THINGS
Z-NATION
DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
MADAM SECRETARY
ONCE UPON A TIME
CHESAPEAKE SHORES
ICE PILOTS
ETC……. I’m sure I forgot a few…

READING
Secrets and Lies ~ THE OKLAHOMA BRANDS #3 by Maggie Shayne

CRAFTS & PROJECTS

I’m working my way towards the corner of the studio so I can finish a small sampler quilt (all it needs is binding) that matches the large quilt in the living room and will hang on the new quilt bar my mom got me for Christmas.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & FRUIT	SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	YOGURT & FRUIT	MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS	PANCAKE LASAGNA	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	SANDWICHES
DINNER	GRILLED CHEESE & TOMATO SOUP CASSEROLE	CHICKEN CHILI	C.O.R.N.	CADILLACS PARMESAN ROAST BEEFS	BAKED WHITE FISH & SALAD	KENTUCKY HOT BROWNS	BEEF STROGANOFF
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

I am so tired of all the political “screaming” and protesting. I have been trying to find positive things to latch onto instead. I ran across a historical woman the other day that really spoke to me about courage. Nancy Wake, ever heard of her? Me either and I have a Women’s Studies minor. She was a woman of conviction who made a major effort to WWII. Here is the link to Nancy Wake and well worth the read. Another woman worth your time was Septima Clark. Septima Clark made a major difference in the South by teaching blacks to read so they could gain their voting rights.

On another note, so many iconic actors and actresses have passed away recently. Mary Tyler Moore is affecting me the most for so many reasons and so many shows from my early years, Mary Tyler Moore Show, Rhoda and the old black & white Dick Van Dyke Shows, but one movie which wasn’t her best, but resonates with me right now because of the content is Finnegan Begin Again which starred her, Robert Preston and Sam Waterston. It was about a man (Robert Preston) who is retired and taking care of his senile wife. He can’t get her to allow him to throw anything out and their house has become unmanageable. He meets a woman, Mary Tyler Moore who is dating a man, Sam Waterston with whom she is hopelessly mismatched. They become confidants and each allows the other to share their life and experiences with them. The movie was cute, but the scenes where Mary and Robert rig up a trash chute from the second story to get rid of his wife’s pack rat items is what really resonates with me. And because she was senile they had to go through EVERYTHING before tossing it because she hid things inside of things which is what really reminds me of this place!

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

Organization!
ELIMINATING things from my life!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 4 of 2017

As many of you know I have been working to get my new website, Chasing MY Life, up and running. Well, it’s up and it’s running. It still needs some tweaking, but all in good time. I will mirror post for awhile and eventually just use Savory Kitchen Table as my personal recipe box. Tell me what you think about the new site.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We have had a torrential week of rain with major flooding in the area. Fortunately we have not been flooded here in the house, only the garage, but we did end up with 2 fairly severe leaks that make me think of the old house in It’s A Wonderful Life when they first moved in. All I can say is thank god for beach towels and buckets! Hubby is waiting for things to dry out a bit so we can assess the damage and do the repairs. Once the rain moved through we ended up with severe winds that required emptying the backyard of anything not nailed down, but on the up side it’s helping to dry things off up on the roof.

Today though is GORGEOUS! We are supposed to be sunny all week. Unfortunately this close to the coast I NEVER bank on anything. The torrential rain we had last week occurred while we were only under a 20% chance of rain and those days started out gorgeous too.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Ensure clear and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

It looks pretty good. I had a very productive week stuck inside last week’s rain. I was able to go through the baking cabinet and the linen closet and took another 5 bags to the women’s shelter.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

I’ve been down with laryngitis and a cold or something last week also so will take it fairly easy this week. With NO immunity because of the SLE hubby thinks I picked up a bug from all the digging in the filthy dirt (the local cats as well as my cousin’s cats had been using that area as a BIG cat box) it last week. I wore gloves, but evidently that wasn’t enough.

Paperwork
EBAY
Phone Calls
Make appointments
Sort China Cabinets
ERRANDS

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

BIG BANG THEORY
WHEN CALLS THE HEART
PURE GENIUS
NCIS
BLUE BLOODS
THIS IS US
GRIMM
THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE
GOLIATH
BULL
SCORPION
SUPERGIRL
CHICAGO MED, PD, FIRE
HEARTLAND
HEART OF DIXIE
STRANGER THINGS
Z-NATION
DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
MADAM SECRETARY
ONCE UPON A TIME
CHESAPEAKE SHORES
ICE PILOTS
ETC……. I’m sure I forgot a few…

READING

Secrets and Lies ~ THE OKLAHOMA BRANDS #3 by Maggie Shayne

CRAFTS & PROJECTS

Probably nothing this week, but hopefully soon.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & FRUIT	SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	YOGURT & FRUIT	MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS	PANCAKES	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	SANDWICHES
DINNER	GARLIC WINE CHICKEN	PEPPERONI MAC & CHEESE	C.O.R.N.	CHICKEN with MAGGI CREAM SAUCE	SLOPPY JOES	CHICKEN FRIED CHICKEN	WHITE CHICKEN LASAGNA
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

5 CHEESE GOURMET MAC & CHEESE
PARMESAN ROASTED CARROTS (recipe to come this week)
GARLIC CREAM CHICKEN (recipe to come this week)
SHEET PAN SWEDISH MEATBALLS (recipe to come this week)

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPSHOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

Between storms hubby kept plugging away on the fencing. He was able to get the new downspout area done which I for some reason did not yet get a picture of as well as this section near the utilities. Eventually there will be a short privacy fence keeping all these utility pieces out of sight.

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 3 of 2017

Guess what? It’s Monday – AGAIN! This past week just flew by for me and I didn’t get anything I planned on doing anywhere close to done! I know it’s actually a holiday, but NOT around here. I ended up spending most of last week helping hubby on the backyard and fencing. I’m also trying to do more frequent posts to help me get through all this. Here are the links from last week’s updates if you are interestd.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
Seems like every week starts out on the gray side lately. This week is the same. It is also unseasonably warm STILL! I hate it! I REALLY MISS having four seasons!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
An English muffin with homemade BlackRaspberry Curd and COFFEE. I tried to give up the coffee one day last week. And that is exactly how long it lasted – 1 DAY!

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
It is a bit of a wreck this week as I put aside everything to help hubby outside and so my projects from last week will carry over to this week.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS
MONDAY

GROCERIES
ERRANDS
ORDER SAND FOR BACKYARD

TUESDAY

WORK ON STUDIO ORGANIZATION
LAUNDRY
CALL CONTRACTOR FOR A COUPLE BIDS

WEDNESDAY

SHOWER DOG
WORK ON STUDIO ORGANIZATION

THURSDAY

EBAY
WORK ON STUDIO ORGANIZATION

FRIDAY

BACKYARD

SATURDAY

EBAY
PLAY OFF GAMES

SUNDAY

PLAY OFF GAMES
READING

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR
We’re watching our normal shows, but are starting to try more and more shows on Netflix and Amazon. I’ve been too tired to read at night so have yet to start anything new.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
Still nothing yet, but I have hopes for next month after the backyard is done.

I’m starting to get the cooking bug again and have lined up a week for trying a few new recipes. I’ll post the recipes as I go if we think they are worth making again.
MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & FRUIT	SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	YOGURT & FRUIT	MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS	SALMON QUICHE	CARAMEL APPLE CINNAMON FRENCH TOAST
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	SANDWICHES
DINNER	GOURMET MAC & CHEESE with SHEET PAN SWEDISH MEATBALLS	PORK CHOPS AND CARROTS	C.O.R.N.	CHICKEN with MAGGI CREAM SAUCE and PARMESAN ROASTED CARROTS	PEPPERONI MACARONI & CHEESE with SALAD	GARLIC WINE CHICKEN and SALAD	C.O.R.N.
DESSERT		LIME ANGEL FOOD CAKE				MOLTEN CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CAKE

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 2 of 2017

Good morning and Happy Monday. I hope you had a wonderful weekend and if you are a football fan that your teams won.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
It is gray, but no threat of rain, at least I think. Last week was COLD (for here) and this week is supposed to warm up into the 60’s and 70’s. I will never get used to the heat in the winter or the quickness that the temperatures flux here.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
I made an omelette in a cup with my coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
I’m happy with all we have gotten done and there is very little actual mess. Just the standard after the weekend clutter. Hubby and I have agreed to continue paring down the house. There are just so many things we don’t use anymore. Technology has changed things a lot so we rounded up 50+ DVD’s to donate also. I’ve started a new spiral binder for 2017.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS
MONDAY

Home Depot run – order 100 bags of leveling sand for backyard. We brought home 900 pounds (12 bags) the other day to see how far it would go and I have to say it will be worth the delivery fee for a forklift to bring the pallet right to where we need it.
Grocery Store
Errands
Paperwork

TUESDAY

STUDIO!!!!!!!!!!!! I get started and even make headway, but then get discouraged as there is not enough space. Deciding what to keep is such a daunting process especially while this space is being used as a catch all for Christmas decorations that I refuse to store in the attic or garage because of the ungodly weather here, the cat, our office, etc… Downsizing seemed like a great idea, but going from 3000 square feet to 1750 square feet is HARD!!! My studio here would fit in my last studio twice over and the Christmas decorations were in the barn there so that alone gave more space.
EBAY!

WEDNESDAY

Work on leveling backyard.
Install new back gate and start on fence planks.

THURSDAY

Backyard again

FRIDAY

Cleaning
Laundry

SATURDAY

Studio
EBAY
Football Playoffs

SUNDAY

Studio
Football Playoffs

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

BIG BANG THEORY
WHEN CALLS THE HEART
PURE GENIUS
NCIS
BLUE BLOODS
THIS IS US
GRIMM
THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE
GOLIATH
BULL
SCORPION
SUPERGIRL
CHICAGO MED, PD, FIRE
HEARTLAND
HEART OF DIXIE
STRANGER THINGS
Z-NATION
DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
MADAM SECRETARY
ONCE UPON A TIME
CHESAPEAKE SHORES
ICE PILOTS
ETC……. I’m sure I forgot a few…

READING

THE BRANDS WHO CAME FOR CHRISTMAS by Maggie Shayne

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
??

KITCHEN WISHES
This category is always in flux! Especially in this house as I continue to go through and downsize unnecessary dishes and Tupperware. I am trying to get to my “CORE” pieces. You know the ones you gravitate to on a regular basis. If I haven’t used it in the past year, I probably never will and will be leaving it behind.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & FRUIT	SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	YOGURT & FRUIT	MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS	HAM & CHEESE BRUNCH CAKE	EGG NOG PANCAKES
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	SANDWICHES
DINNER	TUNA CASSEROLE	WHITE CHICKEN LASAGNA	C.O.R.N.	SNAPPER WRAPPERS	MEATLOAF AND SALAD	CHICKEN & NOODLES	C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER

EGGNOG PANCAKES with MAPLE BUTTER RUM DRIZZLE

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND
I’ve been trying to decide what to do next after this house. We know we’ll end up with another project house, but one of OUR choosing so are trying to pick an area that suits us best so that hubby has some outside interests, places to go, organizations to get involved with to help others… preferably a LARGE military base so we can go back to commissary/PX shopping…

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

RESEARCH for getting the hell out of here.
Minimizing the studio stash.
Completed projects.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA
Not a great photo, but it does show progress on the dog run area! Especially compared to what it looked like a year ago when the air conditioner was slanted and the area was so overgrown and filled with dead plants and trash that you couldn’t even tell.

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY ~ WEEK 1 of 2017

I hope everyone had a WONDERFUL Christmas and a safe and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We had a quiet New Year, at least as far as the 2 of us were concerned. We went to a neighbor’s house early for a little get together, but were home for the actual event which was good as the neighborhood was alive with fireworks and gun fire. When will people realize the dangers of both? I wasn’t too worried about the fireworks as it was raining, but the gun shots made me cringe. What goes up will come down.

Did you know about the NEVER ON SUNDAY rule for the Tournament of Roses Parade and bowl game? This will be the 15th time this rule has come into play since its inception. Originally the rule was made to prevent horses “parked” outside of churches from being spooked along the parade route as people attended church.

I also brought the BEFORE & AFTER of this house up to date in a post this past weekend. I should have done it room by room instead of all at once. I can’t wait to be able to do an AFTER & DONE post!

Now it’s on to the business of 2017.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
The weather is gray, cloudy, windy and super thunderstormy, but at least it is a bit cooler than it has been.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
An English muffin and peanut butter with COFFEE of course.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
I am VERY pleased. Everyone is gone now and Carlie has settled in well. The tree is down which is unusual for us since we usually wait until King’s Day or so, but this year it was practical. All the Christmas decorations have been packed away and those that are being donated are in the car ready to drop off.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

GET NEW PHONE!! Mine is OLD, won’t hold a charge, changes the settings on its own…, but I wasn’t going near a phone store until the holidays were over!
Start on studio organization. You may see this EVERY week for a while. That room has become the catch all of the house and will takes WEEKS if not MONTHS to get handled.
Work on new Website.
Start leveling backyard.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR
I’m between books again and the old standards will begin again this week as well as the final season of GRIMM.

We finally dealt with the wire mess around the TV and hooked up the WiiU as well as Amazon Prime. So far have found Goliath with Billy Bob Thorton and The Man in the High Castle (I LOVE anything WWII) that are catching our interest.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
Soon, really soon.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & FRUIT	SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	YOGURT & FRUIT	MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS	BREAKFAST CASSEROLE old family recipe – link to follow soon	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	SANDWICHES
DINNER	GLAZED STUFFED PORK CHOPS & SALAD	CHICKEN FRIED CHICKEN, MASHED POTAOES, PEPPERED GRAVY & GREEN BEANS	C.O.R.N.	BLACK EYED PEA CHILI & GRILLED CHEESE	WHITE CHICKEN LASAGNA new recipe link to follow soon & SALAD	KRAB SALAD with 1000 ISLAND DRESSING	C.O.R.N.
DESSERT

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND
I’m praying for a good start to the new year and getting this house finished before the hot weather sets in. I’m also concerned for my uncle who appears to be exhibiting all the classic tell tell signs of dementia and Alzheimers, but is also stubborn as a mule and won’t recognize the need for medical help.

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

Every morning when I get up and feel the wonderfully plush carpet under my toes I realize the house is almost done.
I’m loving the research into a new place to call home and a new house.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA
Hubby took this beautiful dramatic shot of the clouds out back.

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER and MENU PLAN MONDAY

I HOPE EVERYONE HAD A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS. It always seems so much better to me when Christmas falls on the weekend. We had a quiet weekend with just the 2 of us, football, church and a Christmas party on Saturday. Christmas day was just us so I made a small Tropical pork roast with Potatoes AuGratin and maple glazed Brussels sprouts with cherry pie galette for dessert. We also watched my obligatory seasonal favorites It’s A Wonderful Life (1946), White Christmas (1954) and the original Home Alone (1990). Our family will be here to celebrate tomorrow.

Hallmark Movies and Mysteries channel played a YULE LOG with puppies, kittens, and Christmas music for 24 hours which made good background.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
Unfortunately it’s gray and warm with thunderstorms. I spent the entire Christmas season missing snow and cold. I am really looking forward to next year being back in the Pacific Northwest or the North woods or somewhere cooler than here. I hope.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
Some spam and scrambled eggs.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
I’m pretty happy. Just a couple loads of laundry, vacuuming and general cleaning before family gets here for “Christmas”.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS
Nothing but enjoy family and help Carlie get settled in.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR
I will finish up the Christmas movies on the DVR and hope to start a new book now that the holidays are quieter.

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
I’m going to start working on the studio in earnest after the first and hope to be “CRAFT READY” by the time we get back from our spring trip in April. This will be our first trip seeking out our final project house so we can leave this HOUSE FROM HELL behind us and settle for a long while.

KITCHEN WISHES
My Kitchen Aid Mixer is starting to give up the ghost. As sad as that is, I have used it A LOT and for 23 years next month. I purchased a professional model after the 1994 Northridge Earthquake demolished my kitchen and EVERYTHING in it as well as the rest of the house. So, I guess I got my money’s worth, I’ve even painted it twice, but I will be sorry to see it go. I’m thinking about this pretty silver one. It’s not the professional model, but I do love the glass bowl! Glass bowls are so much easier to see that things are mixed well on the bottom.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & FRUIT	SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE	BREAKFAST CASSEROLE	PUMPKIN BREAD FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE	C.O.R.N.	C.O.R.N.	PANCAKES, BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	??	??	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	SANDWICHES
DINNER	C.O.R.N.	ALOHA BBQ RIBS, WAGON WHEEL BEANS and CROCK POT LOADED POTATOES BACON & EGGS	??	OUT	FREEZER SURPRISE	GRILLED STEAKS, BAKED POTATOES and CORN ON THE COB (hubby’s request for New Year’s Eve at home)	BLACK EYED-PEA CHILI
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY
January will be “GET A BACKYARD MONTH” and that is making me very happy! There are only a few months of the year you can use a patio here, at least in my opinion, and February through April are it. The backyard was just like the house and garage – completely overrun with a hoarders dream – STUFF. It also had some structural issues that will need to be addressed first which will require a pallet of sand bags to be delivered to begin leveling it out. We found this past week that the fence is riddled with termites so hubby has already started changing out the fence board by board. All in ALL this will be a simpler project in concept, but harder in back breaking effort. I also found a shade cloth that fits perfectly so we will be installing that too. I will be thrilled if we can get the shade cloth, sand and fence done in January so we can lay pavers and sod in February. That leaves March for sealing the garage floor.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

I always have a lot of fun doing a long distance version of elf on the shelf for my favorite munchkins. This year was twin elves, Ralph and Walter (names were borrowed from the show Scorpion). They made their way to Oregon in time for a Christmas surprise visit with their cousin Sam who spent last year with us before making his way to Oregon in time for Christmas 2015.

We had fun opening our gifts and stockings. I especially love Sammy the owl and my new picture book from my favorite munchkins.

I LOVE my new glass art ornament from my brother and SIL – so cute.
INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER AND MENU PLAN MONDAY

GOOD MORNING! I hope you are doing well and are ready for this week. The week before Christmas is one of my most favorites as the house always smells so good with the tree and all the baking for the neighbor plates.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
FRIGHTFULLY COLD FOR HERE! It is supposed to be sunny today, but not yet so right now is quite gray and cold. Add in the wind chill and it’s downright frigid. I have noticed that many people here seem to consider 60 COLD so not sure what they are feeling with this weeks weather in the 30’s and 40’s BEFORE the wind chill. Fortunately, we own cold weather gear from out time in the U.P.

I do laugh though as we are quite close to the gulf coast and when I check weather I also get the “small craft” and “low water” advisories for the fishermen. Always takes a minute to realize those are not for us directly.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
Some nice warm oatmeal and coffee.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
I’m feeling so much better each week at how finished things are getting. This week my biggest concern is 2 dozen totes in my dining room that I took out of the studio (where I stashed them when mom was visiting). Hubby has been working the past several days on a protected place to put them in the garage for me. The corner we’re using had a funky trash receptacle and door to the outside that we are in the process of sealing up and enclosing before I put down a protective brick layer to stack the totes on.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS
Monday

Mail last of Christmas cards – I am so late this year.
Finish spot in garage for totes. Need a quick Home Depot run for supplies.
Paint remaining trim work in Carlie’s room. YAY!!!! She’ll be here a week from tomorrow!

Tuesday

Last minute Christmas shopping and grocery shopping.
Organize studio. I know I won’t even try and get to the deep organizing and sorting until January, but with the totes out I can get the furniture organized so I’ll be ready.

Wednesday

BAKE, BAKE and BAKE for the neighbor goodie plates that I’ll distribute tomorrow in time to start enjoying for the Christmas weekend!
My new kitchen and foyer rugs should arrive today.

Thursday

Laundry, Clean and vacuum.

Friday

Lunch with Diana!
Not sure yet about the rest of the day, we’ll see how the first of the week goes and this will be my catch all day.

Saturday

Nothing special – sit and enjoy hubby’s company, the tree and some football.

Sunday

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

A prototype for next year’s Christmas cards.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR
With most of my favorite shows on Winter Hiatus I’m playing DVR catch up and getting my fill of Christmas movies. I’m also reading a fun author Jana Deleon. I LOVE her series books, they are so outrageous and LOL funny.

MISS FORTUNE MYSTERY SERIES book 9 LATER GATOR by Jana DeLeon

CRAFTS & PROJECTS
Unfortunately many a project fell by the wayside this year while working on the HOUSE FROM HELL, but I will begin next month to sort and organize my studio which doubles as my office so it will take awhile to sort all the paperwork and get it properly filed so I can begin to complete the gifts for next year. I can’t wait to really get my hands on my studio!

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & FRUIT	SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE	FRUIT SMOOTHIE	YOGURT & FRUIT	MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS	EGGS in the CLOUDS	BACON & EGGS
LUNCH	FRUIT & CHEESE	SOUP & CRACKERS	SANDWICH	OUT	MEAT & CHEESE	LEFTOVERS	SANDWICHES
DINNER	WAGON WHEEL WINTER SOUP & CORNBREAD because BABY IT”S COLD OUTSIDE!	TWISTED PEPPER STEAK and SALAD	C.O.R.N.	GRILLED PORK CHOPS with RASPBERRY BBQ SAUCE and a salad	HAM STEAK and VAMPIRE SLAYER MAC & CHEESE	CHICKEN FRIED CHICKEN and PARMESAN MASHED POTATOES	TROPICAL PORK ROAST and CHEESY au gratin POTATOES
DESSERT

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

Recipe says the alcohol is optional. It should say MANDATORY!

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

Category: HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY