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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

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

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

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

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

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

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

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

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

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

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

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

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

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

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

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

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

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

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

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water and baby food

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

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

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

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

I’M READING The Cookbook a novel

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

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

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

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

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

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

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

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

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

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

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

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

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

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

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

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

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

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

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

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

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

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

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

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

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

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

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

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

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

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

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

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

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

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

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

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

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

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

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

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

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

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• APRICOT CHERRY GALETTE
• CHICKEN FRICASSE
• FIESTA CHICKEN LASAGNA
  

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

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

INSPIRATIONAL

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

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I’M READING Still Me by Jojo Moyes

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

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

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• BEEF RAGU
• TUSCAN CHICKEN LASAGNA
• TARRAGON VINAIGRETTE
  

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• BBQ PULLED PORK
• CHICKEN PARMESAN BUNDLES

INSPIRATIONAL

and just for a little light-hearted fun:

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

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

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

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

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

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

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

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water and peach yogurt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

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

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

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

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

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

INSPIRATIONAL

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

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

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

GOOD MORNING everyone.  I hope you had another GREAT week and an even better weekend.  Mine was super busy trying to take advantage of a couple warm afternoons and I haven’t been online as much.

Please forgive me for time getting away from me and my visits being more sporadic! This long Valentine’s Day weekend has been productive and satisfying for me. 

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING LOL I’m wearing levis, a long sleeve t-shirt and UGG’s, pretty much my standard uniform for this time of year.  The weather this week is about the same as last with some sun in the afternoons the first several days and high 40’s during the day, low 30’s at night with bouts of rain, clouds and fog at the end of the week.

I’ll admit I’m a bit worried about COVID-19. When I sign on to see the weather in the mornings there seems to always be an article every day about it.  I read an article this morning that actually listed it as a Pandemic now. With my compromised immunity I have been avoiding people as much as I can for now 🙁

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE I’m having some energy issues as well as some compromised eating ability again so it’s hot water and baby food again for breakfast 🙁

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

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… I did the bedding blankets and towels yesterday so we’re caught up besides what we wore yesterday 😀
  
• HOUSE & YARD… backyard garden boxes need some attention as they are not weathering well in the winter months, replacing weatherstripping on the mudroom and garage doors and hubby is hoping to get the last 18 supports done on the fence he re-did last year – he was hoping they might not need done, but the weather has indicated otherwise 😀 …
  
• CHORE I’M NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO… I already scrubbed the shower tracts that were on the schedule for this week so we’ll see…
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… grocery shopping, errands…
  
• BLOG… A few new recipes will post.
  
• TO RELAX THIS WEEK I’LL… to me is synonymous with CRAFTS & PROJECTS… With the blanket chest and flowers beds done, I am seriously hoping to get to a quilt or mixed media project this next weekend.
  

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED We finished Locke & Key Season one, are working on Anne with an E season 3, have 2 episodes of V Wars left on Netflix and started Hunters on Amazon as well as the normal DVR backlog for this season.

I’M READING The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes – a wonderful WWI tale that traverses several decades.

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

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

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA We actually were able to get 2 projects done this week during a couple sunny afternoons.  Don’t let that sunshine fool you though, it was still COLD BRRRRRR while we were working. 

We found this old blanket chest in an antique store a while back and hubby was going to refinish it for me this winter.  After he started on it, we realized it needed a tone more work than originally planned so it took a ton longer than planned.  Good thing we got it for a steal of a price originally. 

The chest despite the added work is a handmade one of kind based on the craftsmanship.  Hubby had to sand it down COMPLETELY! Then he disassembled the lock mechanism, but I’ll have to keep an eye out for an appropriate skeleton key.  He added all the decorative molding and feet for me as well as put a new bottom in it from inside and outside.  I then freshly oiled the inside cedar.  The lid had a lot of gaps in the design and edging so I spent some serious time sanding and wood filling the problem areas.  I then started painting.  Oh, did I mention it had been painted black?  I wish I’d taken a before picture!!  Painting it red took about 8 coats to get the black covered and make the new molding look the same as the old!

There are 2 planting areas that had previous trees cut down and the stumps were covered in moss, but seriously a pain in the neck to dig out.  The sunny weather afforded that time to do a spruce up with Jack Daniel’s Whiskey barrels and FRESH mulch!  We filled the bottoms of the barrels around the old stumps with pebbles before the new soil and springs bulbs.  We’ll just have to wait to see the bulbs in a couple months. 😀 Here are the before and after pictures.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	HASH BROWN HAM & CHEESE QUICHE	PANCAKES
LUNCH	TURKEY & CHEESE WRAPS	GRILLED CHICKEN & TOMATOES	MEAT & CHEESE WRAPS	C.O.R.N.	SALAD & FRUIT	Y.O.Y.O.
DINNER	SLOW COOKER PORK CHOPS and RICE	SALAD with SUN-DRIED TOMATO BASIL VINAIGRETTE	JACK ALLEN’S MAMA’S CHICKEN with JACK’S SLAW	C.O.R.N.	JACK ALLEN’S MEATLOAF with MUSHROOM GRAVY	THYME BALSAMIC PORK CHOPS and SALAD	C.O.R.N.
DESSERT		“PORTZILKE” RAISIN FRITTERS

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CHEESECAKE
• SLOW COOKER GINGER CHICKEN & SLAW
• FISHY CHICKEN STEW
• WILTED CHICKEN SPINACH PASTA
• MEATBALL POTATO VEGGIE MEDLEY BAKE
• ORANGE GLAZED SALMON

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• IRISH TACOS
• BALSAMIC BROWN SUGAR BRISKET
• SLAM DUNK WINGS
  

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• CRISPY PEANUT BUTTER CHICKEN
  
• APPLE PIE CAKE
• WEEKNIGHT BEEF GHOULASH
• WHITE MISO CREAM SAUCE PASTA
• SLOW COOKER PHILLY CHEESE STEAK & RICE

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

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

GOOD MORNING everyone.  I hope you had another GREAT week and an even better weekend.  Mine was super busy and I still need to visit many of you from last week – please forgive me for time getting away from me! This long Valentine’s Day weekend has been productive and satisfying for me.  We watched Ford VS. Ferrari,  and 2 of 3 NASCAR races since the 3rd one was rain delayed until later this morning.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING LOL I’m wearing levis, a long sleeve t-shirt and UGG’s, pretty much my standard uniform for this time of year.  The weather this week is about the same as last high 40’s during the day, low 30’s at night with bouts of rain, clouds and fog.

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

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

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… Laundry itself is done, vacuuming is done, but I need to seal the laundry room and dining room from the “ant issue” of last week now that the deep clean is done.  The ants at this time of year are crazy!  They don’t come after food, but do come in from the cold through electrical outlet and baseboards anywhere they can to get out of the cold and out of the rain water!!
  
• YARD… Hoping for a nice day or two to start cleaning out flower beds of moldy moss, but we’ll see… this is a holdover from last week and I laugh because some of you felt it was nice to be able to do it this time of year, but it’s not “nice” weather wise per se, but necessary to get rid of the ant issue once and for all.  So by nice, I mean not pouring down rain while being all bundled up to do the work!
  
• CHORE I’M NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO… LOL 😀 see any of the above!
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… I have grocery shopping and errands to do.
  
• BLOG… Not much other than a few recipes set to post this week.
  
• TO RELAX THIS WEEK I’LL… to me is synonymous with CRAFTS & PROJECTS… I still haven’t found the time to do anything particularly fun, but still hope to.
  

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED We watched several more episodes of Locke & Key and Anne with an E on Netflix.  There are a few cooking shows and Hallmark Valentine movies on the DVR to catch up on.

I’M READING I started reading Ava Miles Enchanting Sebastion from her BIG SKY series

FUNNY

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

COOKING TIP

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	APPLE FRENCH TOAST	S.O.S.
LUNCH	TURKEY & CHEESE WRAPS	GRILLED CHICKEN & TOMATOES	MEAT & CHEESE WRAPS	C.O.R.N.	SALAD & FRUIT	MILE POST 21 TRADING STORE	C.O.R.N.
DINNER	SLOW COOKER PORK CHOPS AND RICE	PASTA with MISO CREAM SAUCE	SLOW COOKER PHILLY CHEESE BEEF & RICE	C.O.R.N.	FARMER’S SALAD with BASIL VINAIGRETTE	TAGLIATELLE with ARTICHOKES	S.O.S.
DESSERT						BLUEBERRY CREAM CHEESE MUFFINS

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• • CREAMY CHICKEN & SPINACH ENCHILADAS
  • PINEAPPLE PEANUT BUTTER RIBS
  • IRISH CHEDDAR SHEPHERDS PIE
    

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

GOOD MORNING everyone.  I hope you had a GREAT week and an even better weekend.  Ours was good, but super weird!  We experienced a change in weather patterns every 30 minutes or so! It went from cold, gray, cloudy, windy and rainy to almost sunny and a couple of degrees warmer back to colder, gray, cloudy, even windier and rainy so you couldn’t really do anything consistently.  NASCAR did start again so we enjoyed the first race of the 2020 season.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE & WHAT I’M WEARING LOL I’m wearing levis, a long sleeve t-shirt and UGG’s, pretty much my standard uniform for this time of year.  The weather this week is about the same as last high 40’s during the day, low 30’s at night with bouts of rain, clouds and fog.

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

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

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… Laundry itself is done, vacuuming is done, but I need to deep clean the laundry room and dining room from the “ant issue” of last week.  The ants at this time of year are crazy!  They don’t come after food, but do come in from the cold through electrical outlet and baseboards anywhere they can!!
  
• YARD… Hoping for a nice day or too to start cleaning out flower beds of moldy moss, but we’ll see…
  
• CHORE I’M NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO… LOL 😀 see any of the above!
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… Hubby has several this week as do I as well as grocery shopping and errands to do.  My pedicurist had a rather bad accident and is not working for several months so I found a new one and will meet with her this week.
  
• BLOG… Not much other than a few recipes set to post this week.
  
• TO RELAX THIS WEEK I’LL… to me is synonymous with CRAFTS & PROJECTS… I still haven’t found the time to do anything particularly fun, but still hope to.
  

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED We found an interesting series on Netflix called Locke & Key that we are a few episodes into.  We’re also still watching Anne with an E and V Wars, also on Netflix. There are a few cooking shows and Hallmark movies on the DVR to catch up on.

I’M READING I am deciding what to start this week.

INSPIRATION

COOKING TIP

LIFE TIP

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA We took a little day trip on the one nice afternoon we had and I found this old covered bridge and barn.  One side of the barn looked like someone had tried to stabilize it at one point, but in such a way that the other side ended up sinking and tilting the entire thing!

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	WAFFLES	APPLE CRISP FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE
LUNCH	TURKEY & CHEESE WRAPS	GRILLED CHICKEN & TOMATOES	MEAT & CHEESE WRAPS	TUNA SALAD	SALAD & FRUIT	??	??
DINNER	TAMALE BUNDT PIE	ORANGE GLAZED SALMON	SPINACH CHICKEN PASTA	MEATBALL POTATO GRATIN	CRISPY PEANUT BUTTER CHICKEN	SLOW COOKER GINGER CHICKEN AND SLAW	C.O.R.N.
DESSERT		CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CHEESECAKE

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• KIWI ORANGE GLAZED CHICKEN with SCALLION RICE PILAF
• SPLIT PEA & HAM SOUP
• LEMON LIME PEPPER CAJUN CHICKEN
  

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

GOOD MORNING everyone!  I hope your team won yesterday whether you were watching the super bowl, puppy bowl or kitten bowl.  There was something for everyone! 😀 Being from the midwest originally and having quite a bit of family still there in Kansas City, I bet you know who I was rooting for. 😀

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & WHAT I’M WEARING The weather has been ALL over the place.  It was almost like we were back in Texas!  Friday was a record high and then Sunday temperatures had dropped by 35 degrees with sleet and some snow, which didn’t last and it’s snowing now which won’t last either.  Looks like it’s going to be a typical Pacific Northwest winter week again with highs in the 40’s and lows in the 30’s with more rain than not 😀

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE 1/2 cup of coffee, yogurt and banana

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

• LAUNDRY, LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… Laundry is caught up, but I need to dust mop and vacuum as well as deep clean the bathrooms and shower.
  
• YARD… nothing
  
• CHORE I’M NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO… ??
  
• APPOINTMENTS & TO DO… I need to do some wood fill on a blanket chest hubby is working on for me if it gets warm enough as well as some painting on that chest.  It is a really neat hand crafted blanket chest we picked up for really cheap.  As hubby started working on it we realized it needed more work than we originally thought and he is doing a GREAT job rebuilding it.
  
• BLOG… ?? There are a few recipe that will post this week, but I need to do some posts on other projects if I find the time.
  
• TO RELAX THIS WEEK I’LL… to me is synonymous with CRAFTS & PROJECTS… still hoping to get to those small quilts and finish the garland for next year before I store the Christmas totes in the back!
  

WHAT IS ON THE DVR, I LIKE OR ON THE LIST TO WATCH/SOMETHING INTERESTING I WATCHED We’ve been watching Anne with an E and also started V Wars on Netflix!  I know – what a weird mix!  I’ve also been catching up on Worst Cooks, Guy’s Grocery Games and Kid’s Baking Championship.

I’M READING  I’m between books, but hoping to start Wild Irish Cove by Tricia O’Malley, the first book in a new series.  I’ve never read this author so have high hopes.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA Friday was a record high of 74 degrees and then by yesterday it was a high of 39 degrees before it snowed a little last night. I ran to town for a few errands yesterday and took these 3 pictures all within 5 minutes of each other yesterday on my trip home!  It went from beautiful to sleeting to rainbow and back to beautiful seemingly all at once!

INSPIRATIONAL

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
BREAKFAST	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	YOGURT & HOT WATER	BREAKFAST CASSEROLE	??
LUNCH	TURKEY & CHEESE WRAPS	GRILLED CHICKEN & TOMATOES	MEAT & CHEESE WRAPS	??	SALAD & FRUIT	CREEKSIDE	BAKED EGGS
DINNER	PAN SEARED CHICKEN with LEMON CHIVE SAUCE	FISHY (in a GOOD way) CHICKEN STEW	C.O.R.N.	SALAD with CHILI LIME VINAIGRETTE	OVEN ROASTED SALMON with FRESH TOMATO RELISH	SALAD with ORANGE LIME VINAIGRETTE	C.O.R.N.
DESSERT		ORANGE BUNDT CAKE		KING CAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

• POLYNESIAN CARROTS
• GRAN’S MEATLOAF
• HINT OF ORANGE CHOCOLATE CAKE
• TOMATO BEEF STROGANOFF
• MELTING POTATOES
• CHERRY ALMOND CREAM CHEESE CAKE

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

• SWEET & SOUR CABBAGE ROLLS
• CHEESE & POTATO STUFFED PORK CHOPS
• KOREAN FRIED CHICKEN
  

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

• BBQ BACON “ICE CUBE TRAY” BALLS
• WILD BLUEBERRY PEACH PIE
• WILTED GREENS with HOT BACON DRESSING
• KING CAKE
• ORANGE LIME VINAIGRETTE
  
• OVEN ROASTED SALMON & TOMATO RELISH

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP