HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENU PLANS week 23 of 2023 ~ BLOG 365.156

Good morning sweet friends. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend with plenty of rest and lots of fun. The weather has been absolutely beautiful here and we’ve been out enjoying it.

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 “Strawberry” Moon this past weekend was absolutely beautiful! The weather has been just about PERFECT around here with high 70’s and a cool breeze. I’m actually wearing short sleeves and flip flops.

Hubby and I were going to be working on isolating the sprinkler issues this morning, but it looks like stove shopping will be taking a precedence and he’ll be on his own with the sprinklers.

Hot water and a black cherry yogurt.

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING Laundry is up to date and other than a few odd things all is in place.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have an appointment in town tomorrow so will be making a more detailed list this afternoon for groceries. Once again there have been many things we can’t get here so I’m on the search for a few specific ingredients.
  • PAPERWORK, PHONE CALLS, PROJECTS & TRAVELS I have a bunch of paper sorting to do and am still trying hard to get some contracts in place with non-responsive people for next year’s family reunion and am hoping to get that finished and out of my hair!
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING Need to do a bit of a re-work on the menu to accommodate the lack of an oven, but in good shape otherwise.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • NETFLIX We watched DEVOTION about Jesse Brown the pilot and it was a GREAT movie.
  • TUBI Hubby found an old British “comedy” called Doc Martin and we’re in season 3.
  • AMAZON PRIME We finished the Marvelous Mrs, Maisel
  • CABLE NASCAR and cooking shows

these are the menu plans, but the oven took a dive last night so I will be adjusting it a bit later…

MONDAY 6/5
TUESDAY 6/6
WEDNESDAY 6/7
THURSDAY 6/8
FRIDAY 6/9
SATURDAY 6/10
SUNDAY 6/11
DINNER
 CARIBBEAN CHICKEN & 3 CHEESE HASH BROWN BAKE
 YOYO
 CHICKEN with CREAMY JALAPENO SAUCE with  ZESTY GREEN BEANS
 STICKY ASIAN CHICKEN with SALAD with SHALLOT VINAIGRETTE
 YOYO
 NORWEIGIAN MEATBALLS with CRANBERRY ONION RICE
LEMON CHICKEN & BEER CHEESE GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE
DESSERT
 
 
CINNAMON STREUSEL COFFEE CAKE
 

We had a first of hopefully many charcuterie board contests at the Eagles yesterday. We had 16 entrees full of wonderful talent and tasty foods. It was a GREAT success. The boards were made by local high school students and were a HUGE hit. My girlfriend Diana won 1st place and I placed 2nd. We were both stunned and thrilled 😀

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENU PLANS week 22 of 2023 ~ BLOG 365.149

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’s been absolutely lovely since we’ve been back. We’re looking at lots of sunshine and perfect temperatures just under 80 for the next week and no rain in sight! I’ve finally packed away the flannels and brought out the flip flops.

I was super busy Saturday helping with lunch for the Cribbage tournament that descended on our Eagles lodge. By late afternoon I was exhausted. By yesterday morning I was even more exhausted and had a sore throat so spent the day lingering in bed and sleeping.

Theraflu in my hot water and a black cherry yogurt.

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I only have one more load of laundry from out trip.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I need to sit and make my list for this week and will do the groceries when I go for my pedicure Tuesday.
  • PAPERWORK, PHONE CALLS, PROJECTS & TRAVELS I’m trying desperately to get the family reunion set up for next year, but the resort is not cooperation – no return emails or phone calls so I’m getting a bit peeved, but will try again this morning and tomorrow and Wednesday… I also have to get the WORDPRESS and DREAMHOST compatibility issues resolved as soon as possible.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING We went antiquing on our way home and I scored 4 more antique recipe boxes! Menu is made until mid June and then I’ll get at it again.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • TUBI We found a British sitcom, DOC MARTIN, that we sat and watched multiple episodes of yesterday.
  • CABLE The DVR has so many things on it, but we’ll get to that later in the week.

I’m reading FORTUNE TELLER from the Miss Fortune series #25 by Jana Deleon. It’s one of her better stories.

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
?? OUT
 CHICKEN MARSALA with PARSLEY MASHED POTATOES & SALAD
 CHICKEN ENCHILADA BAKE & SALAD with SW FRENCH
 HAWAIIAN SPARE RIBS & ONION SLAW
 SUNDAY MEATBALLS (on Friday) with GOLD MEDAL POTATOES
 MARSALA PORK CHOPS with 3 CHEESE SOUFFLES
YOYO (YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN)
DESSERT
 
 STREUSEL COFFEE CAKE
 

I just LOVE these wild irises at SIL’s house. And my niece brought my newest niece up to the family reunion to meet me. Tori is absolutely precious!

GOOD FENCES MAKE GREAT NEIGHBORS!

 

 

 

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY week 21 of 2023 ~ BLOG 365.142

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

Good morning dear friends. I’m still on vacation and seriously enjoying it 😀 I’m LOVING the highs in the 50’s during the day and lows in low 50’s at night. We’ve been having serious morning and night marine layers that keep the heat at bay.

I can’t believe another year has gone by and we have another successful family reunion in the books. We’ve dwindled in numbers (51 people this year/125 people at our largest a number of years ago) to about half with the attrition of several older members dying as well as another large arm (about 20 people) of one side of the family transplanting across the country several years back.

Hot water and black cherry yogurt

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • This is a week of honey dos at SIL’s house, the trip home and then preparing breakfast and lunch for the Cribbage tournament being held at the Eagles this upcoming weekend.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • Have been watching the Jeopardy masters with SIL, but not much else. We’ll see what’s on the DVR when we get home.

MONDAY 5/22
TUESDAY 5/23
WEDNESDAY 5/24
THURSDAY 5/25
FRIDAY 5/26
SATURDAY 5/27
SUNDAY 5/28
DINNER
OOT
OOT
OOT
OOT
??
OUT after cooking breakfast & lunch at Eagles
??
DESSERT
 
 
 
CINNAMON RAISIN COFFEE CAKE

I literally have thousands of photos to edit! I also know I shouldn’t have favorites, BUT this little girl, my niece Z is truly amazing and takes the best pictures. She’s smart, ALWAYS smiling and oh so happy. She just bring s HUGE smile to my face each and every time I see her.

Here’s a group photo also for now.

I’m also happy to report that Lake Shasta is at the highest point I can remember in the recent decade or so! Last year when we passed by it the houseboats were dry docked. This year the house boats are in the water and the water is up to the treeline.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENU PLANS week 20 of 2023 ~ BLOG 365.135

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’s absolutely beautiful here at SIL’s house! Why didn’t we go on vacation sooner? It’s mid 60’s, sunny with a morning marine overcast and it’s supposed to be that way ALL week.

We leave here Wednesday to go pick up our niece inland where’s it’s warmer, but then we’re headed back towards the coast for the family reunion where the weather is supposed to be absolutely gorgeous for the weekend.

Hot water and a banana

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING / GROCERIES & ERRANDS / PAPERWORK, PHONE CALLS, PROJECTS & TRAVELS YAY we’re on vacation for 2 weeks so these categories will just plain wait!
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I did bring recipes to peruse and make the JUNE menu plan with as well as the new recipes I’ve made the past month to get posted so I’m up to date with BLOG 365.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • NETFLIX When we were in the hotel Saturday night we caught KNIVES OUT ~ GLASS ONION & MURDER MYSTERY on NETFLIX

I just started book #4, A Vineyard Thanksgiving of the series I’m reading, Vineyard Sunsets by Katie Winters.

Hubby and I are also listening to the fun little Miss Fortune series by Jana DeLeon, while traveling. I’ve already read them all, but we’re up to book #18 on audible, Gators and Garters.

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
 SIL’S CHOICE
 SIL’S CHOICE
 ON THE ROAD
 ??
STREET TACO NIGHT @ THE FAMILY REUNION
 FAMILY REUNION POTLUCK
ON THE ROAD
DESSERT
 
 
 

We’ve been driving by this place for years! We finally decided to stop this trip and are so glad we did! The food was absolutely delicious and oh so plentiful. We ordered their brisket special to split and had enough leftovers to have for dinner at the hotel when we stopped.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENU PLANS week 19 of 2023 ~ BLOG 365.128

Good Morning, I’m running a bit behind lately and with leaving Saturday for our trip am scrambling to get ahead of everything, making this morning’s post a quick one. Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Looks like we’re on a the end of another cold front expecting quite a bit of rain today, but then it is going to begin to warm up and dry out FINALLY!

Hot water and a passion fruit fruit leather

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING Pretty up to date, but need to get packing for the family reunion trip.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS No groceries, but lots of last minute errands to get ready for the trip.
  • PAPERWORK, PHONE CALLS, PROJECTS & TRAVELS Working Monday, Thursday and Friday at the estate sale and working Tuesday and Friday at the Eagles making dinner on Tuesday and dessert on Friday.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m taking several things with me on the trip to research for a June menu.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • AMAZON PRIME We started CITADEL and watched the recent episode of Mrs. Maisel
  • CABLE Need to play a little catch up – been so busy I’m not even sure what is on the DVR to watch

I’m reading August Sunsets, book #3 of the Vineyard series by Katie Winters

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
 CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD and COWBOY BREAD
 BUTTERMILK BAKED CHICKEN & SOUTHERN BLACK-EYED PEAS
 FRIED ONION CHICKEN CASSEROLE and SALAD
 DECONSTRUCTED CABBAGE ROLLS & BUTTER SWIM BISCUITS
Cooking at Eagles with a friend. She doing homemade spaghetti and meatballs with salad, garlic bread and antipasta apps
 ON THE ROAD SOMEWHERE – OOT – FAMILY REUNION TRIP
SIL’S CHOICE
DESSERT
 
 
 I’m making LEMON TIRAMISU

Anybody know what the name of this flower is? I fell in love with it and unfortunately it’s at the house I’m working at, but the owner has already moved so I can’t ask.
I can’t believe I’m still getting Christmas Cactus flowers.
Dickens and Sister are so cute together. I found them asleep like this yesterday morning.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENU PLANS week 18 of 2023 ~ BLOG 365.121

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 have returned from our wonderful weekend at the beach to late winter weather – gray and dreary with bouts of rain. I may never be able to pack away all the winter clothes 😀 This week will have highs in the 50’s (maybe) and lows in the upper 30’s and low 40’s.

I always feel a bit discombobulated when I get back from a trip. I did get 4 loads of laundry done last night and everything put away, but we’re only a couple weeks from the next and longer trip so I’m feeling a bit behind before I even begin.

I’m also trying not to watch too much news, but praying that the world rights itself soon as the constant weather/climate catastrophes and horrible political news is just too much some days.

Hot water and yogurt, but looking for some fresh ideas 😀

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I have a few loads of laundry from our time away, but one of the things I do to help myself is change the bed and bath towels before we ever leave so we come home to clean sheets and towels.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’m making a list right after I finish this post and will get myself organized for the week.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING The menus are planned through leaving on our trip the 13th, but I did find a new set of antique (90-100 year old recipes) in a recipe box while we were away that I’m working on now to recreate for after we return. I just love when there is a date in the box to help me identify the age.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • AMAZON PRIME We watched the latest Mrs. Maisel when we got home last night.
  • CABLE we’ll watch Everything on the DVR as the week goes on

I just started August Sunsets, book #3, of the Vineyard series by Katie Winters

MONDAY 5-1
TUESDAY 5-2
WEDNESDAY 5-3
THURSDAY 5-4
FRIDAY 5-5
SATURDAY 5-6
SUNDAY 5-7
DINNER
SWEET & SOUR MEATBALLS with BAKED GERMAN POTATO SALAD
 DECONSTRUCTED CABBAGE ROLLS with SESAME ALMOND SLAW
 BUTTERMILK BAKED CHICKEN with SALT & VINEGAR POTATOES
 OKLAHOMA FRIED ONION BURGERS with APPLE CRANBERRY SLAW
 CORN/YOYO (clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own)
 MANDARIN CHICKEN SALAD with BUTTER SWIM BISCUITS
MARSALA PORK CHOPS with 3 CHEESE SOUFFLES
DESSERT
 
 
 

I have a bunch of photos to edit from the weekend still, but I did get these 2 done from a little town we drove through. I thought it was ironic and funny that they saved just this much of the bank building from their old bank.

I never got to any links last week so will be doing the same ones this week.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENU PLANS week 17 of 2023 ~ BLOG 365.114

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

SPRING is FINALLY here, or was at least for a few days. 😀 Today and tomorrow are iffy, but after that fortunately the nice weather will coincide with our trip to the coast for the Eagles conference we’re going to next weekend.

I’m thankful that hubby’s surgery is over and all seems to have gone well. There will be several follow ups over the next several weeks. If all goes well, he’ll have the other eye done in July.

I have several friends who are burning the candle at both ends. I want to help them all and I’m trying to, but then I’m burning the candle at both ends. I’m trying to set more limits in my life.

Oatmeal and hot water.

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I’m caught up on everything except a load of towels that I’ll do tomorrow. I’ll have another load I’ll do Wednesday before we leave on Thursday.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS With going away this weekend I won’t shop until next week. I’m hubby’s driver this week until he’s cleared to drive and he has a dental and eye doctor follow-up this week before we leave.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING All done until June.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • NETFLIX We’re almost done with The Recruit
  • AMAZON PRIME We started the last season of Mrs. Maisel
  • CABLE We watched the LONGEST NASCAR race on Saturday and still have Sunday’s on tape to watch later.

MONDAY 4-24
TUESDAY 4-25
WEDNESDAY 4-26
THURSDAY 4-27
FRIDAY 4-28
SATURDAY 4-29
SUNDAY 4-30
DINNER
 ARROZ VERDE con POLLO with SWEET & SOUR BEANS
 SHEPHERD’S PIE
 CORN/YOYO (clean out refrigerator night or You’re on Your Own)
OOT OUT OF TOWN
OOT OUT OF TOWN  
OOT OUT OF TOWN  
OOT OUT OF TOWN
DESSERT
 
 CHERRY CAKE for a FRIEND’S BIRTHDAY
 

You know I’ve been trying to find someone to get a handle on the feral cats? Well, it hasn’t happened yet and we came home being away for hubby’s surgery to this. They are adorable, but we HAVE to find a way to end this cycle. No one wants to take responsibility for their animals and they keep making their way here where we are right next to the country highway. 🙁

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENU PLANS week 16 of 2023 ~ BLOG 365.107

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

We had a few days of decent spring like weather Friday and Saturday, but now there is another cold front moving through with lower temperatures (highs in the 40’s and lows still in the 30’s) and rain. At least there is no snow in the forecast 🙂 Looks like by late next weekend we might have some good weather moving back in.

We are heading into the 16th week of 2023. Do you realize that means we’re almost one-third through this “new” year already? I feel like I should have gotten more done by now.

I’m trying to pack accordingly to get through hubby’s next surgery Thursday and staying out of town while doing it.

Hot water and yogurt – so boring…

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I have some bedding and towels to wash, but am pretty caught up otherwise.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS Did the groceries last Saturday and only have a pedicure before we leave on Wednesday for hubby’s surgery. I also have the Eagles shopping to do just before we leave Wednesday.
  • PAPERWORK, PHONE CALLS, PROJECTS & TRAVELS Oh so many. I am getting so frustrated with NOT getting call backs on important things like roof leaks.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m working on a menu plan using my friend Diana’s mom’s and grandma’s recipes. Unfortunately, the very first one I tried wasn’t all that great, but I won’t judge them all by that one recipe. I have the menu planned through when we leave in May for hubby’s family reunion. After that I’m hoping to come back to warmer weather and be able to do a refresh with salads and such.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • NETFLIX We’ve been watching THE NIGHT AGENT season 1 and really enjoyed it. Next we’re going to try THE RECRUIT. And then RABBIT HOLE with Keifer Sutherland.
  • AMAZON PRIME The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel began last weekend and we are anxious to watch.
  • CABLE Most shows are in hiatus, but I still have some DVR to catch up on and NASCAR races.

I literally just finished Sunrise Cove Inn by Katie Winters and am about to start Cauldron’s Call by Kirsten Proby.

MONDAY 4-17
TUESDAY 4-18
WEDNESDAY 4-19
THURSDAY 4-20
FRIDAY 4-21
SATURDAY 4-22
SUNDAY 4-23
DINNER
 PORK CHOP CASSEROLE with CARROT COINS
 CRISPY LEMON CHICKEN with APPLE WALNUT SLAW
 GERMAN MEATBALLS with AUGRATIN POTATOES and PEAS
 OUT OF TOWN FOR HUBBY’S SURGERY
 OUT OF TOWN FOR HUBBY’S SURGERY
 APPLE THYME CHICKEN with BEER CHEESE GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE
CHICKEN WING DINGS with MASHED POTATO ARTICHOKE BAKE
DESSERT
 NONE
THIS
WEEK
😀
 

Where there’s a will there’s a way… but in the grass where it will get mowed down? 🙁
Goose nest in the pond behind the house… it’s almost time.
Feed the peacocks all the stale cereals and crackers last Saturday.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENU PLANS week 15 of 2023 ~ BLOG 365.100

Good Morning dear friends. I hope you had a beautiful Easter and are well rested. Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LOL yesterday was supposedly in the high 40’s, but it was a wet and cold 40’s so still felt like a winter cold. They’re predicting an ALL OUT rain event tomorrow and even some snow flirtations on Wednesday, but then ALL OF A SUDDEN we’re supposed to FINALLY have spring like days in the 50’s and even a couple 60’s (but not nights) next weekend!

Needless to say I will believe it when I see it for any true warmth. I’ve yet to put away the turtlenecks and am still layering turtle necks and flannels every day 😀

Oh so much on my mind, but too much to really get into. I’m still a bit exhausted though I did take it easy yesterday for Easter and visited with my friend, Diana for quite awhile and sorted through the recipes she loaned me to make copies.

Things will stay fairly busy up until we go to hubby’s family reunion, but that should be a drop off point to a better form of normalcy once we get back.

Vanilla yogurt with homemade granola and FRESH wild blueberries with hot water

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I’ve still been battling the weather trying to clean up after the garage sale which was further complicated by some leaks, but I’m starting a spring cleaning inside and out despite the weather. By now I’ve usually already switched out the winter clothing for spring, but with the never ending winter this year I’m a bit behind 😀
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’m still finishing the winter rotation on the pantry and freezer so don’t have too many groceries to pick up and no real errands this week besides the commitments to the Eagles for floor repair in the store room and normal Wednesday shopping.
  • PAPERWORK, PHONE CALLS, PROJECTS & TRAVELS I’m still working on getting return phone calls from various people for work needing done and hubby’s upcoming eye surgery.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING Anyone that knows me or has been following me for awhile knows that my greatest find in an antique store is old recipe boxes full of handwritten old recipes. I didn’t find these in an antique store, but they belong to a friend and had been her mom and grandma’s. I’m so privileged to have been given the chance to go through them and copy any recipes I want to try 😀 Thank you Diana! I’m working hard to keep them in the order I find them LOL even when that order makes no sense to me. See the pictures below. I’m going to use these recipes to make up the next several week’s worth of menus.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • AMAZON PRIME Saturday night we watched On A Wing and A Prayer with Dennis Quaid. It was pretty good. Oddly it seemed like an over acted “B” movie, but, I loved that it is based on a true story.
  • CABLE We also watched the NASCAR Dirt races at Bristol over the weekend. We also watched Operation Tokyo with Cary Grant. I’m also caught up on Tournament of Champions.

I’m about to finish SUNRISE COVE INN by Katie Winters which is #1 in a series. This leaves me with a dilemma on what to read next since I have several other series going 🙂 What to read next?

We’re doing things a bit backwards this week and starting with C.O.R.N. (clean out refrigerator night) as I’m doing spring cleaning and ALSO want to use us leftovers from Easter dinner which was simple, but plentiful 😀

4/10 MONDAY
4/11 TUESDAY
4/12 WEDNESDAY
4/13 THURSDAY
4/14 FRIDAY
4/15 SATURDAY
4/16 SUNDAY
DINNER
C.O.R.N. (clean out refrigerator night)
 TEN PLATE SPECIAL from Diana’s collection
 WILTED GREENS SALAD
WIN BAILEY’S HOT DISH from Diana’s collection
 Y.O.Y.O. OUT
HAM & CHEESE POTATO CASSEROLE  from Diana’s collection using leftover Easter Ham
HAM STEAKS with SWEET & SOUR BEANS from Diana’s collection
DESSERT
 
 
CARROT MARMALADE BREAD from Diana’s collection
 

Hubby got inventive with the Rummikub tiles between games.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENU PLANS week 14 of 2023 ~ BLOG 365.93

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 bet you’re tired of hearing me tell you about YET ANOTHER winter storm blowing through 😀 But here we are in April and YET ANOTHER winter storm is blowing through! The news said this was the coldest March since 1954 and April is shaping up to follow. We are supposed to get cold and snow through Tuesday and then it looks like we MIGHT actually get a taste of spring around here.

Unfortunately, we have to go to a specialist appointment this morning an hour north of here. With the snow predicted we have actually packed a bag as a JUST IN CASE we get there and have trouble getting back.

We did have our garage sale this past weekend despite the weather (oh my we were sooooooo cold even in the actual garage with ALL the weather changes that kept blowing through) and did pretty well with it, but I’ve been wearing 3-4 layers EVERY day and at least through Tuesday will be no different.

COMPLETELY EXHAUSTED best describes where I’m at right now! I’m going to try and take some time for myself this week, but with so many things going on it may be hard to find that time.

A dear friend who care takes for her mother is a bit blue because of the progression of her mother’s condition and I worry about her – she tends to have way too much on her plate, but I’m keeping her and her mother in my prayers. She is actually going to be able to get away for a few days of warmth and sunshine and I hope that brightens her smile.

Another dear friend is under the weather with a troublesome stomach bug and she too has WAY too much on her plate also care taking for her husband, a move to a new house that needs everything and multiple Eagle’s projects!

Yet another friend from the Eagles collapsed at church yesterday morning and has been airlifted to another city for surgery this morning for a blockage to the brain. 🙁 I’m keeping her and her family in my prayers for a successful surgery and quick recovery. She was going to be cooking Friday night dinner at the Eagles. I was asked to fill in for her so will be making a grocery run this week that wasn’t planned, but I’m glad to be able to help out in this small way. I’m going to make a baked Chicken Parmesan with Fettuccine Alfredo with a Pineapple sour cream cake for dessert.

Hot water and a baby food squeeze pouch as we get out the door.

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I have a load of sheets and towels to do as well as quite a bit of ironing that I’ve been putting off because they are all spring clothes I can’t wear yet anyway 😀 I also need to do a deep clean to put the house in order after the garage sale. Just about everything left from the garage sale needs to be boxed up and is being donated to the Eagles for their yard sale that will take place while we are at hubby’s family reunion. All the proceeds will be going to their scholarship fund.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS After hubby’s appointment today we will do lunch, and a few errands as well as  the Eagle’s Chef Store shopping before heading home. I’ll do the shopping for Friday’s dinner while I’m in our local town doing the rest of the Eagle’s shopping on Wednesday.
  • PAPERWORK, PHONE CALLS, PROJECTS & TRAVELS Other than the obvious bills that need paid, the roof leak and cat/house sitting for the neighbors MUCH of what was planned for this week will probably in ALL reality wait until next week. I also need to get caught up on the BLOG 365 recipe posts that are missing.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING HA HA I’m so far behind I may never catch up 😀

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • CABLE This week was so busy with preparing for the garage sale every night that we were lucky to get NASCAR and an old Ernest Borgnine movie watched.

I am in between books right now, but will choose one while hubby is driving this morning. 😀

4/3 MONDAY
4/4   TUESDAY
4/5 WEDNESDAY
4/6 THURSDAY
4/7   FRIDAY
4/8 SATURDAY
4/9   EASTER SUNDAY
DINNER
 CHICKEN TETRAZZINI
 PB&J PORK SANDWICHES, SOUTHERN BLACK-EYED PEAS & DUTCH COLESLAW
 BALSAMIC CAPRESE CHICKEN with POTUGESE DRESSING
 STEAKHOUSE BAKED POTATOES
CHICKEN PARMESAN, BAKED FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
 HOLIDAY CHICKEN and
HAM, LOADED TWICE BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE and GLAZED CARROTS
DESSERT
 
 
BANANA PINEAPPLE SOUR CREAM CAKE
LIMONCELLO CHEESECAKE

The kittens trying to huddle together and stay warm in this long term cold. Looks like we finally have a foster in place for them.

I was so busy last week that I didn’t get much accomplished blog wise so will be doing the same links as last week.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENU PLANS week 13 of 2023 ~ BLOG 365.86

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

Last Thursday through Saturday were a whirlwind of weather. Saturday in particular was super cold while sunny to hail to snow with wind repeating itself every half hour! We had canceled our garage sale last week (fortunately) because of the winter storm scheduled to blow through and are so glad we did! We’ll actually have it this Friday and Saturday.

Today is supposed to be only cloudy with the rain beginning after dinner so I’m hoping to finish with the pricing and such today. The highs will be in the 40’s and lows will still be in the 30’s though last night was in the 20’s.

As of right now we are supposed to have a bit of showers, but no out right RAIN during the day and NO WINTER STORM this week (at least not yet).

I’ve been burning the candle at both ends recently for so MANY reasons, but will fortunately be stepping back from several things and having the garage sale over will be a really HUGE help. The estate sale I’ve been helping with is dwindling down also and that will be a HUGE relief also.

I’m trying a half a cup of coffee this morning with my cherry yogurt.

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I don’t care what the weather continues to do I’ve started spring cleaning 😀 I have a couple loads of bedding and towels to do.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I need just a few things for this week’s menu since it is really last week’s menu and will pick those up when I go for a hair and nails appointment on Wednesday. Wednesday is also the day I do the shopping for the Eagles so that will work out well. Thursday hubby has an out of town appointment I need to go with him and that will be an all day thing.
  • PAPERWORK, PHONE CALLS, PROJECTS & TRAVELS Just a few things for this week, most will get done next week.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I have been so busy that this has started to be kind of a joke category, but I’m hoping to actually get to this later in the week.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • CABLE We watched a few old TCM classics like STAGECOACH with John Wayne, THE NAKED SPUR with Jimmy Stewart and Dr. Zhivago with Omar Sharif and Julie Christie as well as the NASCAR races. I also got caught up with WALKER, The GOOD DOCTOR, The WAY HOME and the EQUALIZER while I was cleaning and pricing things yesterday.

I just started 2 different books to see what settles in. Both are new to me authors so I’m just not sure yet.

  • We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker and House Above the Work Shop by Sage Parker.

MONDAY 3/27
TUESDAY 3/28
WEDNESDAY 3/29
THURSDAY 3/30
  FRIDAY  3/31
SATURDAY 4/1
SUNDAY 4/2
DINNER
 ENCHILADA MEATBALLS
MEXICAN CHICKEN MANICOTTI
 SLOW COOKER PORK CHOPS & PEAS with SHALLOTS and CREAMY PASTA
 OUT
PB&J PORK SANDWICHES with DUTCH COLESLAW
COURT BOUILLON CHICKEN
PEASANT SKILLET
DESSERT
 CHOCOLATE MALT CRISP BARS
 
 

We did go feed the appreciative peacocks last week one day. I was also rewarded with a train full of #RailArt when we stopped at our favorite tavern for lunch.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENU PLANS week 12 of 2023 ~ BLOG 365.79

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

Spring is supposed to start tomorrow. I think mother nature forgot. Our weather while it is supposed to be rainy is NOT supposed to be still forecasting bouts of snow. I keep hoping I’ll wake up and realize it’s all an early April fool’s joke 😀

Since I made the cute little graphic above, the weather has changed to plain old snow only for next weekend and ALL out RAIN on Friday 🙁

EXHAUSTED is the only way to describe how I feel. I have truly been burning the candle at both ends and have worn myself out. I took the weekend to try and recharge by going to bed a bit earlier and sleep a bit longer in order to recharge. The estate sale I’ve been helping with should be over soon and our own garage sale being over will help A LOT! There is also a resurgence of COVID in our little town amongst many people we know and associate with so I have been laying low to avoid contact. Fortunately, I hadn’t had any recent serious contact with those who currently have it and will go out of my way to avoid close contact with just about everyone for awhile.

I’m still battling the technology fix to catch up with BLOG 365. The missing posts are being recreated, but it’s a slow go. I’m hoping to be caught up by next week. I’m missing only 4 posts, but they seem to be taking forever to recreate.

Hot water and black cherry yogurt

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I’ve been finishing up the sorting and pricing for next weekend’s garage sale and the laundry is all caught up.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS This category is still a work in progress
  • PAPERWORK, PHONE CALLS, PROJECTS & TRAVELS a few unfinished things that I may push off until next week after the garage sale.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING This is a serious work in progress category 😀

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • CABLE We watched HUD with Paul Newman and Patricia Neal on TCM along with NASCAR and Tournament of Champions. I’m hoping to catch up on the DVR this next week.

Just about to finish up book #24 of Jana DeLeon’s Miss Fortune series and will then start Kirsten Proby’s Cauldron’s Call.

MONDAY 3/20
TUESDAY 3/21
WEDNESDAY 3/22
THURSDAY 3/23
FRIDAY 3/24
SATURDAY 3/25
SUNDAY 3/26
DINNER
 ARROZ VERDE co POLLO and SALAD
 THREE CUP BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN
ENCHILADA MEATBALLS and RICE
 PB&J PORK SLIDERS with PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH COLESLAW
 BUFFALO CHICKEN EGG ROLLS & COLESLAW
 BUFFALO MACARONI & CHEESE BITES and SALAD
PEASANT SKILLET with BUTTER SWIM BISCUITS
DESSERT
 
 LEMON RICOTTA CAKE
 

Despite more cold and even a bit of snow in the forecast later this week, these daffodils are pushing up in hopes Spring really will start tomorrow.