HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY & MENUS week 27 of 2023 ~ BLOG 365.184

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 has been warm, but ABSOLUTELY beautiful with a decent ocean breeze. The next few days are supposed to near triple digit, but nothing unbearable compared to the rest of the country!

Toddler squeeze (apple carrot pineapple) and coffee 😀

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I was able to get the laundry done last night when I got home, but now have a good sized pile of ironing to do!
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have several errands and groceries to do this week, but will probably wait until Wednesday, Thursday and Friday when I head to town for a haircut and my mammogram.
  • PAPERWORK, PHONE CALLS, PROJECTS & TRAVELS lots to do and will try and get through at least one pile this week.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING fortunately menus are planned for the next several weeks.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • With working so much I haven’t been watching much TV, but will have to clean out the DVR soon. We did catch Back to the Future last night.

,

I’ve been working so much that I’ve been tired enough I haven’t been getting any reading done at night. I’m hoping to pick up with #6 A Vineyard Vow from the series I’ve been reading. 

MONDAY 7/3
TUESDAY 7/4
WEDNESDAY 7/5
THURSDAY 7/6
FRIDAY 7/7
SATURDAY 7/8
SUNDAY 7/9
DINNER
 MARSALA PORK CHOPS & 3 CHEESE SOUFFLES
CARNE ASADA, GREEN CHILI DIP & CHIPS
 ORANGE GLAZED MEATBALLS & RICE DRESSING
 CHOPPED ITALIAN STEAKS & CAULIFLOWER AU GRATIN
 YOYO YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN
 SOUTHWEST CHICKEN SALAD
RED BEANS & RICE WITH CHICKEN & SALAD
DESSERT
 
 GRANS APPLE CAKE
 

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENUS week 26 of 2023 ~ BLOG 365.177

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

Summer has FINALLY arrived to the Pacific North West. It’s been pleasant and sunny with warmer temperatures during the day, but the night times have bee GORGEOUS with temperatures in the 50’s and a cool ocean breeze.

This is how I’m feeling as I continue to get more organized and get those damn ducks in a row instead of all over the place! This feeling is tinged with some nostalgia and sadness though. Tomorrow marks the 30th anniversary of my father’s death. They say time heals all wounds, but they’re wrong. You do learn to cope with the loss, though it never truly goes away 🙁 But, he is also the man that taught me to get up each day and put one foot in front of the other to carry on, so that is exactly what I have done and (will continue to do) all these years.

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING Laundry is up to date, but I do have some ironing to do.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I did the majority of the grocery shopping last Friday, but I will be doing the normal shopping for the Eagles on Wednesday as well as the shopping for the Cribbage event we will be hosting next weekend. I’ll pretty much live at the lodge from Thursday through Sunday.
  • PAPERWORK, PHONE CALLS, PROJECTS & TRAVELS FINALLY got the family reunion information straightened out and everyone is getting their reservations locked in. WHEW that was a job! Now I’m working on getting the company that will do the concrete cutting to call me back so we can move forward on the pressure regulator/water problem. Hubby with the help of the neighbor did get the sprinklers all replaced and eliminated the minor leaks.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I sat and prepared my menus through July on Saturday afternoon. Literally 5 minutes after I finished a girlfriend called with a party invite for yesterday that changed everything 🙂 You know what they say – Man plans, God laughs 😀

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • AMAZON PRIME The Wheel of Time, Picard
  • CABLE Some NASCAR and a few odd cooking shows. Other than that it’s summer 🙂 who is indoors anyway?

MONDAY 6/26
TUESDAY 6/27
WEDNESDAY 6/28
THURSDAY 6/29
FRIDAY 6/30
SATURDAY 7/1
SUNDAY  7/2
BREAKFAST
PUREE COFFEE
PUREE COFFEE
PUREE COFFEE
PUREE COFFEE
BREAKFAST BAKE
BACON & FRENCH TOAST
BISCUITS & GRAVY
LUNCH
SALAMI & CHEESE
OUT
OUT
PASTRAMI SANDWICHES
FRIED CHICKEN WINGS w/ MAC SALAD
PULLED PORK SANDWICHES & COLESLAW
APPETIZER PLATES??
DINNER
CAPERLESS CHICKEN PICCATA with LEMON SAUCE & SWISS POTATOES
FRIED CHICKEN WRAPS & CORN SALSA SALAD (EAGLES)
CHICKEN & BROCCOLI DIVAN with JASMINE RICE
YOYO or CORN You’re on YOUR own OR Clean Out the Refrigerator
YOYO or CORN You’re on YOUR own OR Clean Out the Refrigerator
YOYO or CORN You’re on YOUR own OR Clean Out the Refrigerator
YOYO or CORN You’re on YOUR own OR Clean Out the Refrigerator
DESSERT
 CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
 

Jean noted last week that my recipes were already leaning towards Christmas 😀 I’m always in the mood for Christmas and am planning ahead. I have a new book/project that I’m hoping will inspire some new ideas for BLOGMAS 2023 😀

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY & MENUS week 25 of 2023 ~ BLOG 365.170

GOOD MORNING dear friends. I hope everyone had a wonderful father’s day weekend with friends and family.

I had a busy and productive week. We installed a new sail shade on the “patio” area of the Eagles Lodge in an odd shaped area so it was kind of a pain and I prepared Tuesday dinner that wasn’t as successful on Tuesday as it was on Wednesday 😀 I then helped a friend who was chairing the Father’s Day Lunch & Pot Luck with set-up and made the BBQ beans.

We’re still working on isolating the sprinkler system problem at home – hubby and neighbor have been digging up the front yard. It’s so frustrating when it’s such an old system that was installed by someone else. Especially since the system does not follow any normal train of thought or direction flow.

Hubby and I even snuck in a date night with dinner at a favorite rooftop bar and a movie, Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3. This week we’re going to try and get in a bowling day.

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

Our temperatures dropped 20 degrees (today is supposed to be 59) and we’re finally having a bit of rain/thunderstorms for a couple days, but it will then creep back up to the high 70’s and even some 80’s by the end of the week. So today I’m glad I didn’t pack away all the long sleeves – I’m wearing Levis, cute floral POPS with a pink and gray flannel.

These measuring spoons are how grams taught me to cook and I still wing it today 😀 Both these funnies say a lot about where my mind is these days.

Pretty typical morning with hot water and peach yogurt

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING working on some deep clean areas, but laundry and ironing are up to date.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have a pedicure appointment in town tomorrow so am making my list for groceries and errands to do at that time.
  • PAPERWORK, PHONE CALLS, PROJECTS & TRAVELS I’m still trying to get through to the resort for arranging next year’s family reunion! They are so frustrating!! No one returns phone calls or follows through.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I just sorted out a new batch of recipes that sound interesting, but am only planned until the end of the month as of now.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • AMAZON PRIME/ACORN DOC MARTIN just started season 8 and just about to finish up season 8 of NEWHART and it appears to be missing my favorite episode – the last one!
  • CABLE not much but cooking shows on right now

I’m currently reading A Vineyard Vow, Vineyard Sunset #6 by Katie Winters

MONDAY 6/19
TUESDAY 6/20
WEDNESDAY 6/21
THURSDAY 6/22
FRIDAY 6/23
SATURDAY 6/24
SUNDAY 6/25
DINNER
 CARIBBEAN CHICKEN & 3 CHEESE HASH BROWN BAKE
 HAWAIIAN HAM & CHEESE SLIDERS & POTATO SALAD
 LEMON CHICKEN & CHEESY GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE
 SHEET PAN CHICKEN & SPRING VEGGIES with CRANBERRY RICE
 PORK CHOPS & POTATOES with CRISPY GREEN SALAD
 CHICKEN PICCATA with LEMON SAUCE & SWISS POTATO BAKE
APRICOT CHICKEN & PEPPERJACK MASHED POTATOES
DESSERT
 
 
DOUBLE BANANA CAKE
 

My Calla Lillies are FINALLY blooming!

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY & MENU PLANS week 24 of 2023 ~ BLOG 365.163

Good Morning dear friends. I hope you are all enjoying your summer and have had a WONDERFUL weekend. Our weather has been absolutely beautiful and I’m really loving the sunlight late into the evening. Sad to think that in just a couple weeks it will already be time for it to get less and less. Seems like spring has just gotten here and yet summer is already so close. As much as I LOVE fall, after the horrifically long winter this past year and almost non-existent spring I’m actually looking forward to summer, my least favorite season.

I had worked most of Friday starting with helping hubby remove some extremely old, multi-rooted and stubborn bushes that seem to be the cause of the sprinkler issues and doing that night’s dinner prep, cooking and serving at the Eagles so was exhausted! We forced ourselves to take the weekend to do as we pleased on BOTH Saturday AND Sunday.

It was busy, but also quite relaxing and restful. We spent most of Saturday visiting garage sale after garage sale during the city wide garage sale day. We ran across MANY awesome deals (a brand new pampered chef mini tart pan for 50¢ and a brand new CROCK-POT®™ with the auto-stir feature for $20) and even a winter project for hubby on an antique table to refinish. Sunday was even more relaxing.

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 have to add a funny for today too.

The weather has been believe ABSOLUTELY beautiful and is supposed to continue through this week. I can’t believe I’m saying this after our super wet winter and spring, but we NEED some rain if for no other reason than to keep fire season at a distance…

Days will be in the mid 70’s with an 80 or two and nights the nights will be the saving grace in the high 40’s 😀

I had my bi-annual follow up with the endocrinologist and all is as well as can be… we’ve determined that I have 2 major triggers that just flat out have to be managed! The first is how and when I eat coupled with what I eat. So if I’m home all day I can graze… eating all the proper foods in the proper proportions when I need them… but when we travel it makes it significantly more difficult to “graze”… the second trigger is stress which of course I am when we travel knowing I can’t “graze” eat the proper foods because eating out is extremely difficult to avoid trigger foods such as breads, lettuces, sugars in dressings and batters… so that is a cyclic thing… then there is the “experimental” factor.

After my surgery the doctor had me on a strict diet with the baby food, soft foods etc… in miniscule amounts and then had me begin experimenting to see which foods I could tolerate. The problem was that I might tolerate a certain food one time, but not the next so the whole process becomes a crap shoot leading back to the BIG triggers… timing and stress seem to be the culprits that are ALWAYS in the mix 🙁

We’ve tried many medications, only one of which helps regulate the sugar level and the others weren’t reliable and tasted terrible… so I’m still trying to manage everything with mind over matter…

a couple sips of coffee followed by ice tea and a banana

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING laundry is done and cleaning is good for now. Hubby removed the old stove yesterday and I cleaned the wall and sides of the cabinets and floor really well getting ready for today’s delivery.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have to run to Costco for a few things this afternoon for dinner items and the Tuesday special I’m making for the Eagles. I also have my annual eye exam on Tuesday and am looking forward to new glasses and sunglasses this year. The ones I’m wearing have been hanging on by a thread.
  • PAPERWORK, PHONE CALLS, PROJECTS & TRAVELS I have to call the resort AGAIN to finalize the family reunion for 2024 so I can get everyone settled for next year. Hubby and I are working with a friend at the Eagles this morning on some sail cloth and patio light installation for the back patio.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING When the stove took a dive I lost my MOJO for a bit, but will start working on menus again on Wednesday.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • NETFLIX We’re in the last season on the 2nd Bob Newhart show at night as we fall asleep, not sure what we’ll watch next.
  • TUBI As silly a show as it is, we’ve been enjoying DOC MARTIN and just started season 5
  • CABLE Fear the Walking Dead, NASCAR, Alex VS America, Summer Baking

I just started ALWAYS, WITH YOU by Fiona Grace after finishing Katie Winters 5th booj in the Nantucket series.

The new stove is due to be delivered today, but until it is… I’ll assume that I still need recipes that don’t use an oven 😀

The new stove is due between 8-12 today, but you know how deliveries go with Murphy’s law and all so not planning on having to use it for a day or two…

MONDAY 6/12
TUESDAY 6/13
WEDNESDAY 6/14
THURSDAY 6/15
FRIDAY 6/16
SATURDAY 6/17
SUNDAY 6/18
DINNER
 CHOPPED BACON SALAD
 CHICKEN CRANBERRY SALAD CROISSANT SANDWICHES and WATERMELON
 HONEY ROASTED RIBS & SATURDAY NIGHT BAKED BEANS
 STICKY ASIAN CHICKEN with SALAD with SHALLOT VINAIGRETTE
YOYO YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN
 CARIBBEAN CHICKEN with 3 CHEESE HASH BROWN BAKE
YOYO YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN
DESSERT
 
 
CINNAMON STREUSEL COFFEE CAKE
 
FATHER’S DAY POTLUCK AT THE EAGLES

We had a successful day trolling the city wide garage sale and found many treasures, a fun new ice cream truck, The Rolling Cones, supported a little girl’s pop-up bakery and lunch at our favorite tavern starting with their roasted peanuts and a cocktail…and then there were 2 of our favorite bartenders, Pam and Trudy.

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 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.