Category: HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY

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

The weather has been absolutely glorious lately. this week is supposed to be in the 60’s and then the 80’s for 2 days before dropping back into the 60’s. Night time lows are in the low 40’s so all is good by me.

This is a confusing category for me these days. SO much on my mind – much of which I have spilled out on the past few previous Mondays, but also some I’m just not sure about yet…

A couple of sips of coffee and a yogurt.

I’m about half way through Heather Webber’s At The Coffee Shop of Curiosities.

I’ve been house/cat sitting for my neighbor and Kit Kat won’t let me leave without making sure she’s had treats.

I haven’t been taking many pictures other than food, but did capture this skyline a couple days ago that really makes me glad fall is here and the rain is back!

We officially move into my favorite season of the year next Sunday, and I for one, CANNOT wait for it to be even chillier in the mornings and evenings, wearing hoodies and UGGs, drinking hot tea of an evening, maybe eating some popcorn and a movie while curled up with a cozy blanket and/or a book :SIGH: I’m about to be in heaven 😀

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

YAY! By this time next week we are supposed to be back into our normal rain and fall situation!!! This makes me VERY happy. This week is supposed to be in the mid 70’s and sunny.

This is a category weighing heavy on my mind as to how to handle the issues occurring within the Eagles Auxiliary and how much I want to deal with it. It’s one of those situations that needs to be rectified, but will be like a horror show to watch it unfold.

My dilemma is do I want to be the one to champion the cause to get the ball rolling or let it play out which will likely take months of bad feelings and inappropriate behavior by a self appointed “dictator” who is constantly overstepping her position by demanding people say please and thank you to her, but then turning around and commanding them to do things at her bidding instead of asking them to be involved, demanding people do things her way (instead of Robert’s Rules of Order) and doing their (i.e., the secretary) jobs her way like preparing an agenda that only SHE has pre-approved of in advance and forcing any NEW BUSINESS not pre-approved by her for the agenda to be tabled until the next meeting, rewriting decisions she doesn’t like, etc… BUT, everyone is walking on eggshells around her because she is such an unpredictable nightmare to be around and is someone they just don’t want to deal with. :SIGH: It is a VERY sad situation. Everyone is just trying to keep the peace and hope the situation works itself out.

My husband called this one though I’m sorry to say. He said before the election was ever even held that if she got elected she’d be trying to run the show and the whole facility before it was all over.

Within the Eagles organization her position, which she ran unopposed because NOBODY wanted to poke that hornet’s nest, is supposed to have only 2 main functions 1) facilitate our meetings and 2) be a tie-breaker vote NOT be the self appointed dictator she has made herself.

No one believed it would be a BIG deal for her in this position because it was so limited in duties. She is also not to head any committees, but can be a member of them, though once again she is controlling them all. At this point even the strong members are “afraid” to confront her when she is in the wrong and I think are just hoping to wait it out. Unfortunately, he was right and many members have “drunk the kool-aid” or stepped down all together to avoid confrontation. VERY SUPER SAD FOR AN ORGANIZATION THAT HAS A MOTTO OF PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE.

The husband of the woman in question was overheard saying to her not to back down or “they” win. They in this case being me who has reportedly sided with the “other” side. What was my offense you wonder? I had the audacity to volunteer to take the minutes (something I am extremely qualified to do) for my friend who is the secretary while she is out having ankle replacement surgery and it was only for 2-3 meetings. And it truly was just to write down the meeting minutes and my friend would still have been doing the computer work from home. My bigger offense according to hubby is that I’m positive and capable and friendly plus I follow the rules and ask others about how they want things. The dictator sees this as a threat. This is a woman who in the beginning would walk up to people and say things like, “You don’t like me very much do you?” or order a drink at the bar and when the bartender asked for money would say things like “Find someone to buy it for me” and walk away…

Ironically, if I have “sided” with the other side, it’s of their own making by playing so many games. In reality I haven’t “sided” with other side but with the ENTIRE organization and used my talents where they were most needed at any given time, especially during the recent crisis and rebuild in the aftermath of the water main break. I might mention that she and her crony (yes I believe there is only one) did not lift a finger to help during the crisis.

Quick bite today of peach yogurt and 2 sips of coffee before I move to ice tea as I have projects and meetings all day at the Eagles to move towards this upcoming conference.

I’m in between books, but plan to start a couple after the conference is over this next weekend. I also have a couple new fall baking/recipe magazines to read and am waiting on my newest Taste of Home Special Delivery box which is sure to have a new cook book in it. I’m also waiting on a Season’s Best cook pamphlet from my Pampered Chef order.

It was a FUN week around here. Went to breakfast Friday morning with a good friend and then to lunch with hubby and to see a movie. After that a few friends surprised me with a big cake and balloons and party with drinks. And then I spent Saturday with one of them out playing, shopping and for a wonderful lunch.

• CHICKEN CHEESE PIE aka MEXICAN QUICHE
  
• BEEF TIPS IN ONION WINE SAUCE

Good morning ladies. I can’t believe we are almost 3/4’s of the way through 2023! Seems like the summer has flown by. Now, I know I’ve been excessively busy, but still where did summer go? I thought I was done with work at the Eagles, but lo and behold we forgot a few things so there are a couple things to do today. Despite that I will be able to regroup this week and play catch up. I can’t wait to visit you all again!!

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

This week our daily highs are predicted to be in the high 80’s and 90’s edging us towards an Indian summer, but fortunately our night time lows will still be in the low 50’s meaning that those 80’s and 90’s will be only for a couple hours each afternoon. I can live with that 😀

I have on Levi’s with a favorite old t-shirt for my truly FINAL day of my Eagles building work! Well, for this week anyway. We did find a few more MUST DO SOON projects that HAVE to be done, but will be waiting until after the conference at the end of September to do them.

Hot water and black cherry yogurt

I’ve FINALLY forced myself to read at night again, but I’m reading slowly to savor reading Marie Force’s State of Denial #5 in the First Family series.

I saw this on a table at our favorite pub and thought it was kinda fun! And this quilt was made by a friend of mine to raffle off at the Eagles for our scholarship fund. I’m definitely buying tickets for this one!

• PAN SEARED CHICKEN IN LEMON WINE SAUCE
• CHEESY CHICKEN PANCAKES
• ORANGE CHILE CHICKEN
  

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

Our weather has turned pretty perfect in my book. High 40’s and low 50’s at night with mid 70’s during the day. Rain has also returned to the Pacific North West and the rain has helped tamp down the fires, ash and smoke in our area.

AWESOME NEWS the train is approaching the station on this overwhelming Eagles trip I’ve been on. My attitude is much better and I think things will iron themselves out with those causing the drama that the rest of us has had to live in.

It looks like we’ll be reopening as early as Wednesday. Today and tomorrow are a bunch of small finish projects and a little shopping to replenish the fresh produce. A friend and I will be preparing the first BIG meal which I consider an honor and privilege after all my hard work.

Peach yogurt and coffee before I’m off to meet with the plumber (AGAIN). We thought all was well, but the left side of the sink leaks since they hooked it up.

I’ve FINALLY forced myself to read at night again. I’m savoring my reading of Marie Force’s State of Denial #5 in the First Family series.

These are the before, during and after photos of what I’ve been doing this past 6-8 weeks. We went from a plan to change the linoleum and replacing the cabinets to gutting out EVERYTHING including a bit of the sub-floor due to rot which we found after removing 4 layers of peel and stick tiles and old linoleum, removing 4 layers of interior walls and re-framing the walls etc… after the water main break and subsequent additional breaks. In a weird way the water line breaks were a godsend as they “forced”/”allowed” us to do things right and bring them up to code.

• HUMMINGBIRD CAKE
• CHICKEN CHILE RELLENOS CORNBREAD CASSEROLE

GOOD MORNING dear friends. Can you believe September is upon us? I used to think September was my favorite because it was my birthday month, but as I get older I realize it’s one of my favorite months because the temperatures calm down and the nights get cooler, the foods become more comfort oriented and I LOVE flannel. I’m so excited!

The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter and making it possible to see the end of this Eagles remodel project. I have been away way too much from blogging the way I love to and from cooking in ways I enjoy. But, we have a completion date, well we have a date we’re aiming for and that will allow me more time to get back to cooking and blogging and some quilting too!

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

Unfortunately, last Thursday we had a HUGE thunder and lightning storm that lit our poor state on fire again. 19 fires just in our county according to the news. A few of the more local lightning strikes started fires about 8 miles out from here in unreachable (except by helicopter) areas and they are still burning making our air quality extremely poor, our cars and houses are covered in ash and beautiful, but deadly sunsets. 🙁 It’s currently over 1800 acres in treacherous terrain with 0% containment. Our county needs all the prayers it can get.

As I’ve said before I WILL finish my commitments through the conference we’re hosting in September, but I’m seriously considering stepping back at that point from MANY things associated with this particular group. I am a BIG believer in what The Eagles as an organization are all about – “PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE”. 

BUT, there are some “members” that are not getting their way about many things so won’t play nice in the sandbox. Unfortunately, they are officers or related to officers and creating more drama than most of us ever saw in high school. And like I told my girlfriend I didn’t do drama back in high school so I’m not about to start now. Hubby wants me to bow out all together.

The organization has 2 parts, the AERIE which is responsible for the building, bills, making a profit to cover those things etc… and the AUXILIARY which is responsible for the fundraising.

I’m technically auxiliary, but am so tired of being on the “outside” looking in to a group (that has become a serious clique) that’s supposed to be a sisterhood…. and why? Because I’m playing nice with “them (AERIE)” and not taking sides? I just don’t get it ☹️ GROW UP PEOPLE!!

Black Cherry yogurt and coffee – 2 sips anyway. The 2 sips seems to help satisfy me enough 🙂

I’ve FINALLY forced myself to read at night before sleep again. The latest issue of a series I’ve been reading came out a few days ago and I’m already 25% done so the second meme here REALLY applies!

I’m reading Marie Force’s State of Denial #5 in the First Family series.

Poor Chevy’s pond is taking a HUGE loss this year from our current drought. Not 3 months ago it was overflowing onto the road between the ponds because of excessive rain. Go figure.

• BUTTER SWIM BISCUITS
• SLOW COOKER HATCH CHILE RIBS

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

We don’t have any fires in our area (yet and pray we don’t), but the way the wind has been blowing off the coast the ones around us (there are 2 – one southwest and one southeast, but both 100 miles away) feel and smell like they are in our backyard.

All in all our weather hasn’t been bad this summer with the exception of a couple days in the 90’s with HIGH humidity. Today is supposed to be in the high 80’s. So far our mornings have been absolutely gorgeous because our evenings are still getting a cool coastal breeze and cooling off quite well overnight. I’ll be working at the eagles today so have on my “paint” clothes and an old pair of POPs.

The Fraternal Order of Eagles, a 125 year old international non-profit organization, unites fraternally in the spirit of liberty, truth, justice, and equality, to make human life more desirable by lessening its ills, and by promoting peace, prosperity, gladness and hope or more simply put has a motto of People Helping People.

That said, as with all things made of human components, there are dissenters and critics. While we aren’t supposed to speak ill of one another, I will voice my opinion in generalities and not use specific names.

Hubby and I along with a VERY SMALL (6? people) handful of others have been working EXTREMELY hard for weeks now to overhaul our AERIE nest which is a building that is over 100 years old and shows its age in many, MANY places.

Obviously this work is NOT happening overnight and the work is being done when we are closed for business which can be limiting with people’s schedules. We have bands every Saturday night and are open to public guests.

There have been several critics who have voiced a few opinions, but on this past Saturday one particular woman who spends the majority of her time doing nothing BUT complaining about EVERYTHING was found to be moving things like chairs and decorations as well as removing things to her liking which prompted me to make this sign to post. 🙁

Breakfast is still not my favorite meal so some yogurt and kiwi lime strawberry Celcius water is all I’m having.

Once again I have failed to take any pictures this week. I’m only working 2 days this week and will take some time for myself AND take some pictures!

• MASHED POTATO ARTICHOKE BAKE
• GARLIC CREAM CHICKEN
• CARNE ASADA & CARAMELIZED GRILLED PINEAPPLE

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

It really has been quite pleasant though quite warm (high 80’s-low 90’s) compared to the rest of the country so I won’t spend time complaining. Plus our evenings still cool off quite a bit.

I’ll be working over at the Eagles again most of the day so I have on paint clothes, but will come home to change between work and my evening meetings.

Debating on what projects need to be done first, both here and at the Eagles.

The backyard work here to finish working on irrigation leaks. The work at the Eagles has a time limit on it as we are hosting the South West conference at the end of September and will be putting in a whole new flooring and kitchen the first week of August so we need to finish the other projects that lead up to that during the closed hours.

It’s like working full time again 😀 But I’m loving it.

Toddler squeeze and a couple sips of coffee before I move on to ice tea.

I just started the next in the Nantucket series, A Vineyard Lullaby,  I’ve been reading by Katie Winters.

Other than pictures for the Eagles I didn’t get any pictures this past week.

• SPINACH FRUIT SALAD

I missed last week completely so will be using those same links this week.

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

I know it’s HOT everywhere so I won’t complain!  All I can say is that I don’t usually mind the heat as much here because the humidity is so low, but lately our humidity has been quite high – might as well as be in the south high. This week we’ll continue with temperatures in the 90’s during the day. Our saving grace is that we’re still cooling down quite a bit at night into the 50’s so we have absolutely beautiful mornings!

Do you realize we are significantly into the second half of the year? I went to the Hallmark Ornament Premiere this past weekend to pick up a few ornaments (NOT that I needed any), but there were a couple this year that called out to me 😀 I also picked up a couple Christmas presents this past weekend.

This is a super early morning so just a couple sips of coffee for now.

I’ve been working so much that I’ve been tired enough I haven’t been getting any reading done at night.

I finished book #6 A Vineyard Vow from the series I’ve been reading and started #7 A Vineyard Lullaby.

The Eagles Auxiliary did a breakfast yesterday morning as part of the 1st Annual BBQ Competition and Corn Hole tournament. The event was a HUGE boon to our little town and I’m sure it will be back next year and many more to come. They even auctioned off some awesome granite corn hole boards – I never knew it was such a serious sport. Here’s a couple pictures:

• BROCCOLI CHICKEN DIVAN
  
• HAWAIIAN SPARE RIBS
  
• GREEN CHILE CHICKEN ENCHILADA DIP

• CHOPPED BACON SALAD
• CREAMSICLE CHICKEN
• SATURDAY NIGHT BAKED BEANS aka COWBOY BEANS