TUESDAY 4 TO CLOSE THE YEAR

Happy New Year and welcome to Tuesday 4 where we continue to remember and honor the memory of  Toni Taddeo who began Tuesday 4.

Masses of people began celebrating in Times Square in 1904, but the New Year’s Ball didn’t drop until December 31, 1907. The ball is 12 feet in diameter, weighs 11,875 pounds and is covered with 2,688 Waterford crystals.  
Click here to see the HISTORY OF THE NEW YEAR’S EVE BALL it’s really quite interesting.

  • Despite the weirdness of this past year, was it still a good year for you anyway or not? While it was a strange year with the pandemic, it wasn’t bad per se, just inconvenient.  I thank God that I’m healthy and those I do know of that contracted COVID had relatively mild cases and have recovered.  We ate out less, traveled less, saw fewer people, shopped less, but are healthy.
  • How will you spend New Years Eve? Quietly at home with the love of my life and a good meal. We usually watch the festivities of TV, but not sure what those will be like this year.
  • What do you do on New Year’s Day? Is football part of the agenda? On New Year’s Day I usually make brunch and we de-decorate as we watch the parade and football.
  • It’s a Scottish tradition to kiss at midnight according to the person who wrote this question, but my research from TIME.com lends the origins to German traditions, at least here in the United States.  See The Mysterious Origins of Kissing at Midnight on New Year’s Eve. Do you keep that tradition? Does everyone get a kiss if you do? We do keep the tradition, but hubby is the only one I kiss even before COVID 😀

I pray your new year is a bright and Blessed one, free from the trials and tribulations that 2020 brought us. All the very best to you and your family.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 53/1 of 2020/2021

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

A memory popped up on facebook over the weekend and I just had to amend it for 2021 😀

GOOD MORNING Here we are at the end of 2020.  I know that entering 2021 doesn’t magically make all things better, but I have HIGH hopes that 2021 WILL BE a better year that sees an end to the global pandemic with wide sweeping vaccination against COVID 19 and a renewed sense of community as we begin to recover as a society from the most personally, economically and challenging trying times in recent history.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE, WHAT I’M WEARING & HOW I’M FEELING THIS MORNING As you can see today is “supposed” to be sunny, though I’m sure that will only be for an hour after the cold fog burns off 😀  Actually looks like it won’t be too bad for a couple days, but after that it will be quite wet! I always check 2 different sites and average them, but as you can see this week they seem to agree with each other. 😀

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water and a Harry & David pear YUMMY!

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING Later this week I will be taking down the Christmas tree and beginning the arduous task of sorting through ornaments and downsizing decorations as I pack them away.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I will make a QUICK trip to the market for dairy and produce mid-week, but will literally go nowhere until 2021 after that!
  • PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS Most of what I have to do in this category will wait until 2021.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING With the COLD weather I’m spending some serious time in this category this week. January is done and I’m working on February in an effort to use things that are already in the freezer and pantry to start the year off FRESH.
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV   I’m going to reevaluate our subscriptions this week and sign up for Disney+
  • REDBOX/NETFLIX – We watched a seriously satirical Christmas movie with Mel Gibson and Walter Goggins called FATMAN that was pretty good. We also saw George Clooney’s Midnight Sky that while it was good was pretty depressing. The War on Grandpa was fun with Robert Dinero.
  • HULU – We’re just about finished with Melissa and Joey and will be looking for a late night comedy.
  • CABLE – A few shows will come back later this week and I am officially done with ALL the Christmas movies

I’M READING

  • I should finish South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber later today and will begin Marie Force’s Let It Be, a novella to her Vermont series.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA We did get to spend a little time with the munchkins for a few socially distanced minutes on Christmas Day and saw them open their gifts. I REALLY miss my munchkin hugs, but it was so good to see their sweet smiles!

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP My next house WILL have these!

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
CITRUS HERB ROAST TURKEY
BLACK EYED PEA CHILI & MIKE’S BREAD
C.O.R.N.  clean out refrigerator night
BLOODY MARY SHRIMP COCKTAILS & BROILED LOBSTER
ITALIAN FRITTATAS
SPICY HONEY RIBS & PAN SEARED ARTICHOKES
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT
Nothing new as we need to clean out the holiday collection 😀 of goodies

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

  • BLOODY SHRIMP COCKTAIL
  • CHOCOLATE CARAMEL BANANA BUCHE DE NOEL

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 52 of 2020

GOOD MORNING and guess what? I found it! I found that missing Christmas spirit. What is it they say, Better Late Than Never? I finished the ornament hangers and with hubby’s prodding and I agreed to decorate and am glad I did.  I’m making Christmas Cookies AND polar bear claws today also. I’ll include a picture of those next week or in the Blogmas posts somewhere.

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

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE, WHAT I’M WEARING & HOW I’M FEELING THIS MORNING  It has been a typical Pacific North West winter weekend with lots of gray cold rain. It does look like we might see the sun Tuesday and Wednesday, unfortunately not in time to see the Christmas Star tonight 🙁 Temperatures will be in the high 40’s during the day and 30’s at night, except for Tuesday and Wednesday when it is supposed to drop into the 20’s at night.  I’m wearing Levis, a long sleeve polo shirt, slipper socks ‘cuz I’m going nowhere today as I bake away and watch Christmas movies.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water and mixed berry yogurt

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I did quite a bit of deep cleaning as we decorated and only have a load of laundry to finish
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS YAY I have no where to go and nothing to get until 2021!
  • PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS just a couple things
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I have a few new cookbooks I want to read through as I plan a January 2021 menu
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • NETFLIX – There are a few new things supposed to be released this week because they can’t be in the theatres
  • PRIME – ??
  • HULU – still finishing Melissa and Joey as we go to bed each evening
  • CABLE -most regular shows have taken this week off so I’m trying to finish the Christmas movies and 

I’M READING

  • I’m still reading South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA I bet some of you wondered if you would see a tree this year at all, but like I said hubby is pretty persuasive. He finally convinced me that I would regret it if we didn’t decorate just a little since Christmas is my favorite holiday. He did a minimal decoration outside also.

I also got the Christmas cacti all separated and replanted – they are so happy now! 🙂

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
SASSED UP CHICKEN & PEPPERS
KUNG PAO CHICKEN
BUFFALO CHICKEN WING SOUP
PULLED PORK PARFAITS
GLAZED HAM, TWICE BAKED POTATOES, GLAZED CARROTS & CARAMEL BANANA BUCHE DE NOEL
C.O.R.N. CHRISTMAS LEFTOVERS
C.O.R.N. CHRISTMAS LEFTOVERS
DESSERT
CHRISTMAS COOKIES

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

  • SASSED UP CHICKEN & PEPPERS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 51 of 2020

GOOD MORNING my sweet friends.  There are only 10 days to Christmas Eve and only 17 to New Years. Are you ready? It’s just crazy to me that 2021 is almost here. I’ve been enjoying doing BLOGMAS every day and it really is helping me get into the spirit. We did Christmas with my mom and stepdad last night because they are leaving later in the week for the desert.  That too is helping me get into the spirit.

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

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE, WHAT I’M WEARING & HOW I’M FEELING THIS MORNING It’s gray and rainy.  Mid 40’s – that’s the highs and the lows this week to go along with the gray and rainy.  On my way home from the grocery store last Saturday the guy on the radio started to give the weather forecast and after the 2nd day he said, “Oh hell it’s going to be cold and rainy through at least Wednesday, but probably all week”. 😀 As usual I have on Levis, a soft fluffy hoodie and UGG’s.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water, yogurt and a banana

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I did most of the laundry on Saturday, but have a couple more loads to do later in the week
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’ll do the grocery shopping for Christmas on Wednesday so I don’t have to go out again before Christmas. Hubby has been concerned with my lack of “Christmas spirit” so I’m trying to get more in the spirit by making a menu and stuff.
  • PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS I’m still waiting on some callbacks that may not happen until the new year at the rate things have been going 😀
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • NETFLIX – Virgin River
  • HULU – Melissa and Joey reruns to go to sleep by
  • CABLE – a bunch of Hallmark & Lifetime Christmas movies, Young Sheldon, American Housewife, Unicorn, MOM, BULL, ALL Rise, Chicago series (Medical, Fire & PD), L&O SVU, Blue Bloods, Magnum PI, MacGyver, FBI & FBI Most Wanted, SWAT, NCIS (Regular, LA & New Orleans)

I’M READING

  • I’m still reading South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA Looking for that Christmas spirit I have been working on the new ornament hangers and told hubby I’d put up a tree if I could finish them. The ones on the right are completed and I’m working on finishing the ones on the left that are still in pieces – literally. Hopefully, I will be able to show these to you attached to ornaments next week 😀

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
MOLLY YEH KUNG PAO CHICKEN
MOLLY YEH PORK SOUP DUMPLINGS
C.O.R.N.
C.O.R.N.
POTATO GNOCCHI & MEAT SAUCE
FRENCH ONION SOUP & BUTTERMILK BISCUITS
PULLED PORK PARFAITS
DESSERT
CHRISTMAS SUGAR COOKIES

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

  • CHICKEN PEANUT STEW
  • SMASHED CUCUMBER SALAD
  • STRAWBERRY (FRUITY) LEMONADE BARS
  • CHICKEN FRIED RICE
  • HOT HONEY LIME BUTTER CHICKEN
  • ROADKILL STEW
  • MILK COFFEE BUNS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 50 of 2020

GOOD MORNING I hope you all had a wonderful week! Oh my, is it really only 18 days until Christmas. I’m actually ready except for the motivation to decorate.  It just seems pointless with no one coming over to enjoy it, but I will try and muster up some motivation to decorate just a little.

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

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE, WHAT I’M WEARING & HOW I’M FEELING THIS MORNING Yesterday was gorgeous!  The rest of the week, not so much! It is supposed to be cloudy, wet and cold for the next 10 days or so with highs in the 40’s and lows in the 30’s. As always I’m wearing Levis, my favorite red UGG’s and a green hoodie.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I did a deep clean of the bedroom yesterday, but am sorting through some clothes for donation and the kitchen for donations to the food pantry.
  • PROJECTS I finished a set of Snowman heads yesterday and will get a picture sometime this week.  I also want to finish the ornaments hooks I’ve been working on.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I need just a few groceries for the week and have a hair appointment on Thursday unless it get canceled
  • PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS same old, same old 😀
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’ve been feeling a bit BLAH on the menu side of things lately, but am hoping to find some new inspiring ideas in my box of scraps
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • NETFLIX – Virgin River
  • HULU – Melissa and Joey reruns to go to sleep by
  • CABLE – a bunch of Hallmark & Lifetime Christmas movies, Young Sheldon, American Housewife, Unicorn, MOM, BULL, ALL Rise, Chicago series (Medical, Fire & PD), L&O SVU, Blue Bloods, Magnum PI, MacGyver, FBI & FBI Most Wanted, SWAT, NCIS (Regular, LA & New Orleans)

I’M READING

  • South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA There’s an old neighborhood in a neighboring downtown that has been overrun with homeless the last several years, but on one end of town they have done wonders to clean it up and it really shows.

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
ANCHO HONEY GLAZED PORK LOIN & SCALLOPED CORN
CHICKEN PEANUT STEW & MILK COFFEE BUNS
FRENCH ONION SOUP & BUTTERMILK BISCUITS
C.O.R.N.  clean out refrigerator night
CHICKEN FRIED RICE & SALAD
PORK STEW & SALAD
C.O.R.N.  clean out refrigerator night
DESSERT
STRAWBERRY LEMONADE BARS

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

  • PIZZA CASSEROLE
  • ITALIAN WEDDING CASSEROLE
  • FLOATING CRUST CHICKEN POT PIE
  • MILK COFFEE BUNS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 49 of 2020

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 everyone had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving and weekend. Ours, like many of yours I’m sure was VERY quiet.  I did prepare a pretty traditional meal with leftovers for a couple days.  I even did a little “Black Friday” shopping 😀 LOCALLY and by appointment with a couple mom and pop shops on Friday – the beauty of small town living and by appointment was NOT getting up at the crack of dawn being able to support local merchants as well as completing my Christmas shopping.

Saturday and Sunday were quite chilly and lazy for me.  I did manage to get Christmas gifts wrapped as well as the Christmas cards addressed and ready for mailing while I watched a couple Christmas movies.

And don’t forget tomorrow is day 1 of BLOGMAS 2020. We’ve all had a stressful year and need some fun. I want this year especially to be relaxing and stress free. I’m not even doing a linky. Just comment on my post and we’ll you’re playing along. I’ll be sure to visit and comment on your post. Here is my list of this year’s prompts.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE, WHAT I’M WEARING & HOW I’M FEELING THIS MORNING It is supposed to be pretty clear all week with highs in the 40’s and low 50’s which will make for colder nights with lows in the low 30’s. I have on Levis, a favorite plush hoodie and my favorite red UGG’s.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE I’m back to hot water regularly and peach yogurt.

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING just a couple loads of laundry to be done
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have a pedicure appointment Tuesday so will pick up the few groceries we need as well as run the errands in town I need to accomplish.
  • FINISH HOMEMADE CHRISTMAS GIFTS & CHRISTMAS ORDERS
  • PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • NETFLIX – We just finished the Travelers series and were sorry to hear there won’t be a 4th season, but were glad to hear season 2 of Virgin River has been released which we will start tonight.  We also watched Christmas Chronicles 2 with Kurt Russel and Goldie Hawn
  • PRIME – Mrs. Maisel should be released later this week
  • HULU – Just finished REBA and are looking for another late night comedy
  • CABLE – Young Sheldon, American Housewife, Unicorn, MOM which just isn’t the same without Anna Faris, Chicago series (MED, FIRE & PD), L&O SVU, BULL, All Rise, Blue Bloods, Magnum PI, MacGyver, FBI & FBI Most Wanted, SWAT, NCIS, NCIS LA and NCIS New Orleans AND of course there are the obligatory Hallmark and Lifetime Christmas movies to watch 😀

I’M READING

  • A Home for Unloved Orphans by Rachel Wesson – I’m about half through and am enjoying it, despite its sad topic, as it chronicles the differences and clashes between the cultural classes as well as men and women’s rights post WWI, Spanish flue and the depression of the early 1900’s.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA This is a silly photo this week. Years ago I was so tired of wasting the last of any shampoo in the bottle or just couldn’t talk myself into not finishing a bottle even though I didn’t care for the shampoo.  That’s when it occurred to me that I didn’t need to buy shower gel or even hand soap, but just make my own by funneling it all into my favorite pump bottles.  Now I don’t waste anything and it’s even kind of pretty looking! As for conditioner, it makes a great vehicle for shaving your legs while also moisturizing them 😀

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
MEATLOAF, DRESSING and SALAD
PORK CHOPS and SCALLOPED CORN
C.O.R.N.  clean out refrigerator night
CHICKEN & PEANUT STEW
ITALIAN PIZZA CASSEROLE
ANCHO HONEY GLAZED PORK TENDERLOIN & SALAD
C.O.R.N.
clean out refrigerator night
DESSERT
strawberry lemonade bars

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

  • APPLE LEMON HARVEST BUNDT CAKE
  • CITRUS BRINED ROAST TURKEY
  • BRUSSELS SPROUTS CASSEROLE

NaBloPoMo ~ PROMPT CATCH UP DAYS 11-30

These were the remaining prompts for NaBloPoMo that I had yet to answer. I have in my own way participated in blogging every day and will continue to do so, but I realized these prompts didn’t fit me well.

I have to be honest – these are not things I normally blog about and many of the questions were so open ended or so deep that they really belonged in a private session between you and your therapist.  So in a long rounded way I’m, saying that I will still be blogging every day, just in my own way!

Day 11: What is my biggest dream?
Day 12: What am I thankful for today?
Day 13: What or who am I beneath all my roles?
Day 14: What kinds of feelings am I feeling right now?
Day 15: What is the worst that could happen if I let go of things that no longer serve me?
Day 16: What have been the most defining moments that have helped shape my life?
Day 17: What does ‘being’ mean to me?

Day 18: What fascinates me so much that the thought of it won’t leave me alone?
Day 19: What are my best qualities?
Day 20: Where am I going and why?
Day 21: What does happiness mean to me?
Day 22: What is my life like when it is in balance?
Day 23: How or in what way do I experience myself when I’m alone?
Day 24: What kind of advice on life would I give my younger self?
Day 25: What kinds of routines/habits limit my experience of everyday life?
Day 26: What is my instinct telling me to do?
Day 27: What is my gift to the world?
Day 28: Am I focusing more on what my life looks like than on what it feels like?
Day 29: What kinds of recurring situations or people do I attract?
Day 30: Is there something in my life that makes me forget time while I’m doing it?

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 48 of 2020

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 had a WONDERFUL week and are planning a quiet, but fun Thanksgiving week for yourselves.

I spent a bit of yesterday afternoon working on my BLOGMAS list for 2020. December will be here before you know it! I needed a bit of normalcy and hope hope you plan to play along too 😀

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE, WHAT I’M WEARING & HOW I’M FEELING THIS MORNING They’re predicting a cold wet winter here.  The rain has moved back in AND the temperatures have dropped again. Our highs only happen for an hour or two a day.  We are definitely into the bone chilling cold time of the year and we’re not even into winter yet.  The “sunny” days are actually colder with no cloud cover to hold any warmth in the evenings.  I’m wearing my favorite Levi’s, pink hoodie pullover, warm boot socks and my favorite red UGGs. 😀

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water and baby food

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I tried to get most of the laundry done over the weekend and will be glad the cleaning will get done “as I go” with the Thanksgiving dinner prep this week. Even a small Thanksgiving dinner requires time and prep when making it from scratch.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS are pretty much done except for a couple little things!
  • THANKSGIVING DINNER PREP I’m going to do a little each day to make the week easier! I actually started yesterday and will do as much today and tomorrow as possible.  Wednesday will be my “assembly” day to have the dressing and Brussels sprouts casserole ready for the oven on Thursday. I’ll also prepare dessert on Wednesday. I made the cranberry sauce on Saturday and will be starting the turkey brine tomorrow.  It does take a schedule. but leaves more time on Thursday for football and Christmas movies! 
  • PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS Probably won’t get far on these since many things will close early for the holiday.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING – I’m making a few new recipes for Thanksgiving and the next couple weeks that I think will be big hits.
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • NETFLIX – Were on season 3 of Travelers, Jingle Jangle Christmas movie
  • HULU – on the last season of REBA
  • CABLE – Hallmark and Lifetime Christmas movies, Holiday baking shows, Some of the standard PRIME time shows – Chicago series, CSI’s, L&O SVU, American Housewife, Unicorn, Young Sheldon… 

I’M READING

  • A Home For Unloved Orphans by Rachel Wesson

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA I put together a nice selection of drinks and snacks for the delivery drivers who have become even more essential this holiday season than ever before.  My new $12 card reader is working well for the failed SD card port – so much more cost effective than a new computer!

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
SASSY CHICKEN & PEPPERS
BACON WRAPPED CHICKEN & PEAS
  C.O.R.N.   clean out refrigerator night
HAPPY THANKSGIVING SEE BELOW
CHICKEN POMODORO & SALAD
ITALIAN CASSEROLE
CHICKEN & PEANUT STEW
 

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

  • RUSSIAN CABBAGE SOUP
  • CHICKEN NEW ORLEANS
  • TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE
  • CHEDDAR PAN ROLLS
  • BUTTERMILK BRINED TURKEY & GRAVY

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE #395

Part of this week’s Wednesday Hodgepodge plays right into yesterday’s Tuesday 4. You can play along over at Wednesday Hodgepodge.

Today is Mickey Mouse’s birthday…happy birthday Mickey! Have you ever been to Disney, any of the parks at all? Are you a Disney super fan or something less than that? They’re open right now, so tell us, would you go if you had the time/money/a free trip?

I absolutely adore Disneyland! When I was a kid we lived in southern California and Disneyland as well as Knott’s Berry Farm were the big attractions.  Grams and gramps would go all the way to Knott’s Berry Farm with its Old Western Town feel JUST for the Sunday Chicken dinner that they were famous for. I was all about HIGHER and FASTER so it was roller coasters for me – Matterhorn, Space Mountain etc… but I’m also a sucker for the Haunted House, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Jungle Cruise and It’s a Small World.  As for the foods at sit down places, my all time favorite was a Monte Cristo at the Blue Bayou along the river that runs through the Pirates of the Caribbean or the Polynesian Chicken at the Tiki Hut which unfortunately has been gone a long, long time. And the Fried Chicken dinner I mentioned above at Knott’s Berry Farm was always a treat.  We didn’t get many snack foods as my family was more into “real” meals. While I am staying socially distanced, wearing my mask and mostly staying home, I would consider a free trip if I was assured of reduced crowds and a socially distanced line queue, but NOT under previous protocols.

Your favorite place to go when you want to be quiet as a church mouse? Would those who know you well describe you as more church mouse or perhaps more like mighty mouse? 

This is a completely open ended question as for how others view me – totally depends on the circumstances of any given event. As for where I go to be quiet, I either go for a drive to do some photography or a hike.

The day before Mickey’s birthday happens to be National Homemade Bread Day. Did/will you celebrate? Do you bake your own bread? Last time you had hot out-of-the-oven homemade bread? What’s your favorite kind of bread?

Yesterday was my dad’s birthday or would have been if he was still with us. Despite being National Bread Day, I always make an Upside Down Pineapple Cake – his favorite.

I do bake my own breads for the most part and my favorite bread is a super sour sourdough, but it’s really hard to find these days! If I were making homemade bread today it would probably be beer bread to go with chili at this time of the year. I did recently see a fun new Ice Cream Bread over at Slow Roasted Italian that I want to try soon.  

What’s something you might say is ‘the greatest thing since sliced bread’? 

I guess that would have to be technology – things like cell phones and laptops. I find it utterly amazing the amount of information we literally have at our fingertips.

Let’s keep the gratitude theme we started last week rolling on through November. Share with us five little things you’re grateful for today. Small blessings. One catch-they all must start with the letter T. Gotta keep us thinking, right? 

  • Toasty Warm Socks to keep my toes warm
  • Turkey Breasts for roasting
  • Time to myself each day for reading
  • Tea
  • Tried and True/Timeless family recipes

TUESDAY 4

Hey friends! Welcome to our Tuesday 4 where we remember our friend Toni Taddeo with 4 questions each week.  This week is all about fun times. Come play with us.

Did you as a child or do you now like amusement parks, going out to places of entertainment? (theaters, themed parks, etc.) I absolutely adored it! We lived in southern California and Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland were the big attractions.  Grams and gramps would go all the way to Knott’s Berry Farm with its Old Western Town feel just for the Sunday Chicken dinner that they were famous for.  But I also enjoyed the simpler amusement parks.  On Tuesdays my friends dad would pile us all into his little car and take us to Placerita Park to roam the hills, play on the playground equipment against the Oak of the Golden Dream (the spot of California’s first authenticated gold find) and BBQ us hot dogs as the sun set.

Which rides/parks did you enjoy the most or what snack foods to you enjoy when you are out and about? As for rides I was all about HIGHER and FASTER so it was roller coasters for me – Matterhorn, Space Mountain etc… but I’m also a sucker for the Haunted House, Pirates of the Caribbean, the Jungle Cruise and It’s a Small World.  As for the foods at sit down places, my all time favorite was a Monte Cristo at the Blue Bayou along the river that runs through the Pirates of the Caribbean or the Polynesian Chicken at the Tiki Hut which unfortunately has been gone a long, long time. And the Fried Chicken dinner I mentioned above at Knott’s Berry Farm was always a treat.  We didn’t get many snack foods as my family was more into “real” meals.

When you were a kid, what activities /games/places brought you the most enjoyment? I wasn’t allowed to play midway games either as they were considered a waste of money.  So I don’t have any real memories of bringing home a goldfish or stuffed animal.

Would you share with us a fun time or great trip that you’ve experienced? As an adult I began entering contests for jam making and table setting and quilting at the county fairs. I’ve even won a few ribbons which give me great memories. That’s also where I actually began to truly enjoy the amusement park midways and true amusement park food like frozen bananas and deep fried cheesecake.

MY all time favorite though was a trip to the IOWA state fair.  It wasn’t the biggest fair by far.  LA County was as big if not bigger, but I had the best time with my little nieces as they drug me to all their favorite rides,  I have to tell you that was the last time I was on a HAMMERHEAD too 😀 And the foods seemed more country and authentic than anywhere else. The quilting and cannnig exhibits were the best I’d seen at that time.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 47 of 2020

GOOD MORNING I hope you all had a wonderful week. I hope you’re all feeling well and staying safe as so many areas around the country are “pausing” to try and keep COVID cases at bay.  This is such a surreal time in our history and I continue to pray that everyone keeps their heads, practices basic hygiene (washing their hands etc…) and using common sense when gathering anywhere.

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

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE, WHAT I’M WEARING & HOW I’M FEELING THIS MORNING The one thing I’ve learned here in the Pacific Northwest is to NOT get used to the sunny weather predictions.  IF they happen, they’re usually only for an hour or so.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE Hot water, baby food and peach yogurt

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I need a few things to finish a couple of handmade Christmas gifts also.
  • PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING for MY 2021 menu ideas
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • NETFLIX – We’ve been watching TRAVELERS and just started season 2.
  • HULU – REBA reruns to go to sleep by for hubby – personally, I read.
  • CABLE – Several favorites have restarted or are restarting this week! BULL, The Good Doctor, Transplant, NEXT, This Is Us, Filthy Rich, Young Sheldon, Unicorn, MOM, Chicago MED, FIRE & PD, NCIS LA, NCIS New Orleans, Law & Order SVU, Holiday baking shows…

I’M READING SPELLS Bayou Magic #2 by Kristen Proby

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA My SD Card port stopped working so I’m waiting on a reader adapter – the lesser cost over a new computer 🙂 So I’ll double up on pictures next week.

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
RUSSIAN CABBAGE SOUP & CHEDDAR PAN ROLLS
REFRIED BEAN BOWLS & HOMEMADE TORTILLAS
C.O.R.N.
SPINACH ARTICHOKE TUNA CASSEROLE
GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN & SCALLOPED SWEET CORN
CHICKEN POMODORI & SALAD
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT
POTATO CHIP SUGAR COOKIES

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

  • FRENCH ONION PORK TENDERLOIN
  • BALSAMIC HONEY GLAZED SALMON
  • CHEESY BURRITO LASAGNA
  • CREAM OF POTATO SOUP PLUS
  • CHARRED APRICOT RASPBERRY WHISKEY HOT WINGS

NaBloPoMo ~ PROMPT CATCH UP DAYS 5-10

Day 5: What kinds of situations do I avoid? This is an easy prompt for me and especially right now with the whole world so worked up by COVID and/or the US election.  I AVOID confrontation! I’m a VERY optimistic person and can usually see both sides pretty well.  I can find positive even in the worst situations because I believe there is always something to be thankful for.

Day 6: What is my worst fear? Based on the question above, my worst fear is being put in a confrontational position. As I said I avoid those types of situations and I’m pretty easy going, but once I blow – WATCH OUT!

Day 7: How would I want to be encouraged right now? Right now, before and always I like to be encouraged by having those around me acknowledge strengths and accomplishments.  I believe in starting any conversation with a positive.  My dad taught me years ago that setting the tone for a conversation goes a long way. Even when you have something to complain about, starting positively makes the other person listen to you better. And doing it in a normal voice without arguing and yelling is even better!

Day 8: Why am I doing the things I am doing right now? This question is too open ended to even come up with an answer 😀

Day 9: What gives me great joy? Making others happy, spending time with friends and family, cooking, baking, organizing, quilting, beautiful sunsets, nature…Some of those work even better when done together.

Day 10: What are my most important values? Family, Freedom, Love, Loyalty, Humanity, Kindness, Patience, Integrity…