HAPPY HOMEMAKER and MENU PLAN MONDAY week 42 of 2017

Oh my gosh, it’s Monday! Where did last week go? We are down to the last 10 weeks of the year and you know what that means – Christmas is only 70 days away! I lost 2 days last week with invasive testing and another 2 days with just feeling like crap.  The good news is the doctor announced that even though the recovery time is the same, he can do the better for me in the long term surgery.  The bad news is he decided he needs one more test this next week and unfortunately it is the uncomfortable test he previously changed. Oh well, at this point I’m just praying this is all over before the holidays.

After surgery I will not be able to lift anything for 6-8 weeks so I have been working like a dog to get as much sorted, packed and donated that I can before the surgery. We are so ready to be done with this house from hell and move on to a better way of life soon.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We had a “COLD” front move in last night LOL so we are only supposed to be in the mid 80’s this week, but the night time lows are supposed to drop into the 60’s and the humidity is supposed to drop 20-30% so I’m hoping for a more enjoyable week.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Banana, red grapes and Coffee

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE / WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

  • LAUNDRY… just a couple loads
  • LIVING AREAS… mostly tidy, but as always with animals and husbands I need to do floors
  • KITCHEN… mop and empty the dishwasher
  • STUDIO… I did a DEEP clean last week when I started piling boxes in this room so it will be okay for awhile
  • YARD… A little pruning
  • BLOG… some recipe updating, planning for future recipe posts and BLOGMAS 2017

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

I’m reading Ava Miles Dare Valley #7 The Perfect Ingredient.

  • BIG BANG THEORY and the new YOUNG SHELDON when it returns in November
  • NCIS, NCIS NEW ORLEANS and NCIS LA, CRIMINAL MINDS
  • MADAM SECRETARY, SCANDAL, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO PD, CHICAGO MED
  • LAW & ORDER SVU, BLUE BLOODS, HAWAII 5-0
  • MACGYVER, SCORPION, BLINDSPOT
  • Z NATION, WALKING DEAD, FLASH, DC LEGENDS
  • THE GOOD PLACE, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE,
  • THIS IS US, ONCE UPON A TIME
  • GUY’S GROCERY GAMES,

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
FRUIT & COFFEE
SCRAMBLED EGGS
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
FRUIT & COFFEE
SCRAMBLED EGGS
SCRAMBLED EGGS WITH DICED HAM
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP
MEAT ROLL-UPS
SALAD
MEAT & CHEESE
C.O.R.N.
??
DINNER
SLAM DUNK WINGS
SHEPHERD’S PIE QUESADILLAS
BRUSSELS BISQUE
CHILI MAC CASSEROLE
GRILLED TWICE BAKED POTATOES
PEANUTTY CHICKEN WINGS
DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

I grew up in California and unfortunately fires are a fact of life out there, especially in October with the Santa Ana winds.  I’ve also been mandatorily evacuated more times that I would like and even watched from a cruise ship one year while our tiny town of 500 was on CNN in one of the fastest moving fires in LA history, but there was usually a lot of brush and trees burned and even a few structures, but in ALL those years I cannot remember any combination of fires as horrific as what California is experiencing now, especially with loss of life. Please keep California in your prayers that containment comes soon and there is no more loss of property or life.

As horrible what California is going through, there is still so much destruction and rebuilding going on that is also impacting people ALL over the country and world!

Several months ago I told you about some roof leaks that we had that required major patching and when we went into the attic to investigate the source were confronted with 40 years worth of crap that my grandfather and cousin had accumulated back in a corner we “missed” originally because it was just that, in a hard to reach corner.  Unfortunately we had to bag it and move it in order to reach the area that was leaking.  We also discovered about 500 pounds of “good” (by my grandfather’s terms) boards that I’m sure he was saving for a project as well as a bunch of bricks – really bricks in an attic? I can’t even begin to figure out what those were for. So, we bagged it all up and moved to a pile in the center to be removed later.  Well, it’s now later!

In order to get all the bagged stuff and boards down from the attic we needed several things, the first of which was cooler weather which we don’t have yet, but are running out of time on.  The second was to empty out the master closet so we didn’t get all the insulation and dirt all over our clothes. So, we bit the bullet the other day and emptied the closet so we could bring down 11-30 gallon bags the next morning.  It got too warm so we’re saving the boards for later this week.  Trash will pick up large items on Fridays so we are trying to time everything for every other Friday.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

I took this picture several years ago down at Brazos Bend State Park, but always find myself looking for the alien cow every time we go back.

My birthday was last month, but I got a WONDERFUL birthday surprise just this past week from my brother aka PINYON RIDGE PHOTOGRAPHY. He is a VERY talented photographer with a vast array of BEAUTIFUL photographs and yes I am biased, but they are truly SPECTACULAR.  This one is printed on metal, my new favorite medium and is just awe inspiring.

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday, Terri at Darling Downs Diaries and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY

happy homemaker 2DIARY OF A STAY AT HOME MOM

Outside my window/WEATHER… it’s a little grey with promises of sun later today.

I’M THINKING… about the future, a new house and a renewed sense of purpose.

I’M THANKFUL… for my renewed health after my recent scare with Long QT syndrome.

IN THE KITCHEN… we have a few new recipes brewing for the March/April menu.

I’ll post the successful ones as we go.

  • BAKED CABLE GUY ASIAN SEA BASS
  • BAKED STEAKS
  • AUSTRIAN CHICKEN STRUDEL
  • COWBOY BBQ HAMBURGERS
  • SAUERBRATEN MEATLOAF
  • PUERTA RICAN CHICKEN STEW
  • DRUNKEN PORK CHOPS
  • CHOCOLATE CHICKEN
  • SOUTH SEAS CHICKEN
  • MILK BRAISED PORK
  • LEMON CHICKEN

I’M WEARING… very worn levis, a gray turtleneck and cozy socks.

I’M CREATING… SOME ORGANIZATION!

Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie

BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER
MONDAY CHEERIOS, BANANA & YOGURT TUNA BAKED CABLE GUY ASIAN SEA BASS w/ LEMON SAUCE
TUESDAY OATMEAL, BANANA & YOGURT EGG SALAD C.O.R.N.
WEDNESDAY CHEERIOS, BANANA & YOGURT TUNA BAKED STEAKS & PARMESAN GARLIC POMMES ANNA
THURSDAY OATMEAL, BANANA & YOGURT PB & J

SAUERBRATEN MEATLOAF
FRIDAY OATMEAL, BANANA & YOGURT EGG SALAD BBQ COWBOY HAMBURGERS
SATURDAY CHEERIOS, BANANA & YOGURT TUNA C.O.R.N.
SUNDAY        PANCAKES C.O.R.N. SOUTH SEAS CHICKEN

I’M GOING… to the eye doctor, grocery store and for a walk.

I AM WONDERING…what my doctor’s appointment will hold as an outcome AND when we’ll wrap up this VA mess – seems like we’re always starting over.

Something fun to share::: My new Doxie scanner.  I’ve been able to take 2 banker’s boxes full of recipes and scan them into my computer, pictures and all and throw away the paper and eliminate the boxes!

MY READING LIST… Marie Force’s The McCarthys of Gansett Island BOOK #6

MY TV LINEUP THIS WEEK…  is a long list, but that’s the beauty of all of them being on the DVR – we can do series marathons on rainy days and still skip the commercials

  • BUNHEADS
  • SWITCHED AT BIRTH
  • HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
  • BONES
  • CASTLE
  • NCIS
  • NCIS LOS ANGELES
  • RISSOLI & ISLES
  • VEGAS
  • CRIMINAL MINDS
  • ARROW
  • L & O SVU
  • CHICAGO FIRE
  • BIG BANG THEORY
  • PERSON OF INTEREST
  • SCANDAL
  • ELEMENTARY
  • BEAUTY & THE BEAST
  • CSI NY
  • ONCE UPON A TIME
  • THE GOOD WIFE
  • THE MENTALIST
  • ZERO HOUR

I’M HOPING… SPRING IS ON THE WAY

I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO… THE JEFF DUNHAM CONCERT THURSDA. I got hubby tickets for his birthday.

I’M LEARNING… how to be patient, but also how to squeak the wheel for oil WHEN NECESSARY!

AROUND THE HOUSE… organization is finally winning – rooms are being painted, baseboards are getting painted and fine dusting is being done.

I’M PRAYING… for a meeting of the minds and less political interaction between friends. I’m also praying for a unyielding family member who needs to get a clue to real life.

A FAVORITE QUOTE…

If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.

―Jim Rohn

SOME my favorite things

  • my morning coffee
  • my kindle
  • the laundry being done
  • the grocery shopping being done

MY TO DO LIST 

  • Creating a few new recipes
  • painting
  • laundry
  • grocery store
  • research
  • blog catch up

Favorite picture this week is one I found on a disk from when we were married. the 2nd and the 3rd time too… it’s on the REAL Ponderosa Ranch from BONANZA!CHURCH 8-18-2002

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY ~ SIMPLE WOMAN & MENU PLANS

Happy Homemaker MondayDIARY OF A STAY AT HOME MOM

Outside my window/WEATHER… a light rain is falling and fog is still hugging the pavement AGAIN.

I’M THINKING… about the future.

I’M THANKFUL… for my family and their love as well as my renewed health.

IN THE KITCHEN… we have a few new recipes brewing for the February/March menu.

I’ll post the successful ones as we go.

  • CASHEW CHICKEN
  • COWBOY BURGERS
  • CHINESE HAMBURGER HASH
  • INDONESIAN PORK
  • SOUTH SEAS CHICKEN
  • CHINESE STEW
  • SAUERBRATEN MEATLOAF
  • DRUNKEN PORK CHOPS
  • PORK BURGERS
  • CHOCOLATE CHICKEN
  • JAMAICAN CHICKEN SANDWICHES
  • PUERTA RICAN CHICKEN STEW
  • AUSTRIAN CHICKEN STREUDEL
  • FIESTA CHICKEN & RICE

I’M WEARING… very worn levis, a gray turtleneck and cozy socks.

I’M CREATING… some quilt pieces that have been needing finished for a while (I just have problems sitting for any length of time due to the scar tissue from my cancer surgery), Christmas gifts for next year – quit laughing, these things take time and I’m also creating some new recipes.

Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie

DATE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER
MONDAY 2/18 CHEERIOS, BANANA & YOGURT TUNA LEMON PARMESAN CHICKEN
TUESDAY 2/19 OATMEAL, BANANA & YOGURT EGG SALAD C.O.R.N.
WEDNESDAY 2/20 CHEERIOS, BANANA & YOGURT TUNA PINK LEMON CHICKEN
THURSDAY 2/21 OATMEAL, BANANA & YOGURT BRAUNSWIEGER BBQ CHICKEN IN BBQ SAUCE
FRIDAY 2/22 OATMEAL, BANANA & YOGURT EGG SALAD BAKED TACOS
SATURDAY 2/23 CHEERIOS, BANANA & YOGURT TUNA C.O.R.N.
SUNDAY 2/24 PANCAKES C.O.R.N. SOUTH SEAS CHICKEN

I’M GOING… to the eye doctor, grocery store and for a walk.

I AM WONDERING…when we’ll wrap up this VA mess – seems like we’re always starting over.

MY READING LIST… Marie Force’s The McCarthys of Gansett Island

MY TV LINEUP THIS WEEK…  is a long list, but that’s the beauty of all of them being on the DVR – we can do series marathons on rainy days and still skip the commercials

  • BUNHEADS
  • SWITCHED AT BIRTH
  • HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
  • BONES
  • CASTLE
  • NCIS
  • NCIS LOS ANGELES
  • RISSOLI & ISLES
  • VEGAS
  • CRIMINAL MINDS
  • ARROW
  • L & O SVU
  • CHICAGO FIRE
  • BIG BANG THEORY
  • PERSON OF INTEREST
  • SCANDAL
  • ELEMENTARY
  • BEAUTY & THE BEAST
  • CSI NY
  • ONCE UPON A TIME
  • THE GOOD WIFE
  • THE MENTALIST
  • ZERO HOUR

I’M HOPING… SPRING IS ON THE WAY

I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO… THE JEFF DUNHAM CONCERT NEXT MONTH. I got hubby tickets for his birthday.

I’M LEARNING… how to be patient, but also how to squeak the wheel for oil!

AROUND THE HOUSE… organization is finally winning – rooms are being painted, baseboards are getting painted and fine dusting is being done.

I’M PRAYING… for a meeting of the minds and less political interaction between friends.

A FAVORITE QUOTE…

Forgiveness is the economy of the heart… forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, the waste of spirits.   ~Hannah More

SOME my favorite things

  • my morning coffee
  • my new kindle
  • the laundry being done
  • the grocery shopping being done

MY TO DO LIST 

  • Creating a few new recipes
  • painting
  • laundry
  • grocery store
  • research
  • blog catch up

Favorite picture from my camera this weekGunner & Bear

 

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY ~ simple woman’s daybook

Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

 

Outside my window/WEATHER… a light rain is falling and fog is still hugging the pavement AGAIN.

I’M THINKING…I’m anxious to get today’s test over with and get the dining room painted!

I’M THANKFUL… for my family and their love as well as my health.

N THE KITCHEN… we have a few new recipes brewing for the February menu.

I’ll post the successful ones as we go.

  • CASHEW CHICKEN
  • COWBOY BURGERS
  • TACO MELTS
  • CHINESE HAMBURGER HASH
  • INDONESIAN PORK
  • SOUTH SEAS CHICKEN
  • SWEET LEMON PORK RIBS
  • CHINESE STEW
  • UNFRIED CHICKEN
  • SAUERBRATEN MEATLOAF
  • CHEESEBURGER SOUP
  • DRUNKEN PORK CHOPS
  • PORK BURGERS
  • CHOCOLATE CHICKEN
  • OREO CHEESECAKE
  • JAMAICAN CHICKEN SANDWICHES
  • PUERTAN RICAN CHICKEN STEW
  • AUSTRIAN CHICKEN STREUDEL
  • FIESTA CHICKEN & RICE

I’M WEARING… very worn levis, pink corduroy shirt and cozy socks.

I’M CREATING… some quilt pieces that have been needing finished for a while (I just have problems sitting for any length of time due to the scar tissue from my cancer surgery), Christmas gifts for next year – quit laughing, these things take time and I’m also creating some new recipes.

Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie

DATE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER
MONDAY 2/4 CHEERIOS, BANANA & YOGURT

TUNA CHICKEN FRANCAISE
TUESDAY 2/5 CHEERIOS, BANANA & YOGURT

EGG SALAD

CHICKEN CORDON BLEU
WEDNESDAY 2/6 CHEERIOS, BANANA & YOGURT

TUNA CHICKEN SAUTE’ with VEGGIES
THURSDAY 2/7 CHEERIOS, BANANA & YOGURT BRAUNSWIEGER SAUERBRATEN MEATLOAF
FRIDAY 2/8 CHEERIOS, BANANA & YOGURT EGG SALAD MILK BRAISED PORK
SATURDAY 2/9 CHEERIOS, BANANA & YOGURT TUNA CHINESE STEW
SUNDAY 2/10 CHEERIOS, BANANA & YOGURT C.O.R.N. CHICKEN TORTAS

I’M GOING… nowhere until I’m done scanning in ALL the VA documents and composing more letters to our congressman in hopes of clearing things up – yay, like that’s going to happen, but I have to follow procedure.  For every step forward we seem to take 3 backwards!  This week though we’re moving onto multiple letters.

I AM WONDERING… just who to contact next regarding the VA mess.  We’re finally meeting up with a new service officer this morning – seems like we’re always starting over.

MY READING LIST… Robyn Carr’s Whispering Rock & Second Chance Pass

MY TV LINEUP THIS WEEK…  is a long list, but that’s the beauty of all of them being on the DVR – we can do series marathons on rainy days and still skip the commercials

  • BUNHEADS
  • SWITCHED AT BIRTH
  • HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
  • BONES
  • CASTLE
  • NCIS
  • NCIS LOS ANGELES
  • RISSOLI & ISLES
  • VEGAS
  • CRIMINAL MINDS
  • ARROW
  • L & O SVU
  • CHICAGO FIRE
  • BIG BANG THEORY
  • PERSON OF INTEREST
  • SCANDAL
  • ELEMENTARY
  • BEAUTY & THE BEAST
  • CSI NY
  • ONCE UPON A TIME
  • THE GOOD WIFE
  • THE MENTALIST

I’M HOPING… things turn around soon.

I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO… getting away for a few days next month.

I’M LEARNING… how to be patient, but also how to squeak the wheel for oil!

AROUND THE HOUSE… organization is finally winning – rooms are being painted, baseboards are getting painted and fine dusting is being done.

I’M PRAYING… that today’s test is negative and that the cancer has not returned and to live in the day and not worry about the future as much.

A FAVORITE QUOTE…

Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.  ~John F. Kennedy

SOME my favorite things

  • my morning coffee
  • my new kindle
  • the laundry being done
  • the grocery shopping being done

MY TO DO LIST 

  • Creating a few new recipes
  • CT SCAN
  • painting
  • laundry
  • grocery store
  • research
  • blog catch up

Favorite picture from my camera this week… this guy has been hanging around for several weeks.

STORK

MY DAYBOOK for HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY

Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Outside my window/WEATHER… a VERY little sun is peeking through beautiful fluffy clouds.  I pray it wins and the clouds lose today.

I am thinking… it’s a going to be a busy day as we paint the family room, a huge room!  Fortunately we have moved all the books and dust collectors as well as the wall pieces to another room already.

I am thankful… for my family and their love.

In the kitchen… we have a few more new recipes still brewing for the January menu.  
I’ll post the successful ones on my food blog ALWAYS EAT ON THE GOOD CHINA.

  • Salad w/ Poppy Seed Tarragon Creme Fraiche’ dressing 
  • Baked Potatoes w/ Shallot Corn Butter
  • Kentucky Hot Browns 
  • Cream of Tomato Soup w/ Rice
  • Cream of Vegetable Soup
  • Pork Chops w/ Roasted Apple & Onions

I’M WEARING… my daily PAINT uniform LOL – purple yoga paints (covered in paint already), a black t-shirt and paint covered Life is good anklets.

I’M CREATING… some quilt pieces that have been needing finished for a while (I just have problems sitting for any length of time due to the scar tissue from my cancer surgery), Christmas gifts for next year – quit laughing, these things take time and I’m also creating some new recipes.

Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie

MENU THIS WEEK:
MONDAY – BEEF BARLEY STEW & PARMESAN CORN MUFFINS 
TUESDAY – CREAM OF VEGETABLE SOUP 
WEDNESDAY – PAPRIKA POT ROAST 
THURSDAY – C.O.R.N. 
FRIDAY – CREAM OF CELERY SOUP w/ GORGONZOLA CREAM & PARMESAN CROUTONS 
SATURDAY – BAKED POTATOES w/ SHALLOT CORN BUTTER 
SUNDAY –  KENTUCKY HOT BROWNS

I am going… nowhere until I’m done scanning in ALL the VA documents and composing more letters to our congressman in hopes of clearing things up – yay, like that’s going to happen, but I have to follow procedure.  For every step forward we seem to take 3 backwards!

I am wondering… just who to contact next regarding the VA mess.  The appointment we made last was for today – now I’m informed they are taking the holiday off instead – seems like we’re always starting over.

MY READING LIST… 

  • Cook’s Illustrated The Science of Good Cooking
  • The 4 Hour Chef
  • 1105 Yakima by Debbie Macomber

MY TV LINEUP THIS WEEK…  ALL ON DVR SO I CAN SKIP THE COMMERCIALS LATER

  • BUNHEADS
  • SWITCHED AT BIRTH
  • HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
  • BONES
  • CASTLE
  • NCIS
  • NCIS LOS ANGELES
  • RISSOLI & ISLES
  • VEGAS
  • CRIMINAL MINDS
  • ARROW
  • L & O SVU
  • CHICAGO FIRE
  • BIG BANG THEORY
  • PERSON OF INTEREST
  • SCANDAL 
  • ELEMENTARY
  • BEAUTY & THE BEAST
  • CSI NY
  • ONCE UPON A TIME
  • THE GOOD WIFE
  • THE MENTALIST

I am hoping… things turn around soon

I am looking forward to… getting away for a few days next month.

I am learning… how to be patient, but also how to squeak the wheel for oil!

Around the house… rooms are being painted, baseboards are getting painted and fine dusting is being done.

I am praying… to live in the day and not worry about the future as much.

A favorite quote for today

Dreams are only thoughts you didn’t have time 
to think about during the day.  
~Author Unknown

SOME my favorite things 

  • my morning coffee
  • my new kindle
  • the laundry being done
  • the grocery shopping being done 

MY TO DO LIST 

  • Creating a few new recipes
  • getting into a new exercise routine to keep getting my energy back
  • laundry
  • grocery store
  • research
  • blog catch up.

Favorite picture from my camera this week… this guy has been hanging around for several weeks.  I’ve been trying to get a picture of him in the backyard, but he’s always too quick for me.  I did catch him on the power pole out back though.  He loves to annoy the dogs!