INSPIRATION – Page 2 – Chasing MY Life WHEREVER it Leads ME

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY & RECIPE LINKS week 24 of 2024 ~ BLOG 366.162

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

GOOD MORNING dear friends. Summer is quickly approaching and I still have so much I want to do for spring! The weather has FINALLY turned nice here on a consistent basis and I have FINALLY packed away the flannels and jackets. Though I do have a sweatshirt in the car for those places that are now cranking the air conditioning so high it’s like a meat locker.

Highs in the mid 70’s with lows in the mid 40’s – my FAVORITE combination of temperatures! So today will be my most comfy levis, a plaid blouse and flip flops.

I’m adapting a new attitude and trying extremely hard to NOT to let the idiots, blowhards and the like affect me. The “changing of the guard” is going to be hard for me to adapt to at the Eagles. Those few “in charge” as of June are either repeats from the past with serious egos and attitudes that aren’t good leaders or they tend to drink too much and spout off orders and rude comments to people or they have zero idea what it’s all about. Worse yet are the ones who were talked into filling a vacancy so we can keep the doors open, yet they aren’t either qualified to fill the slot, too easy to be pushed around by the blowhards or they don’t know how much work it will be and here we sit waiting for it to all fall apart, because it has before with these same people in charge. I am prepared to turn in my duties and find new avenues to donate my time. A couple friends and I had “bets” on when the first would fall. I wish we’d actually bet money. My bet was for 1 week and the first of the five resigned last night. 🙁 Sad, but true.

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I have a load of sheets to do and a pile of ironing
GROCERIES & ERRANDS / PAPERWORK, PHONE CALLS Taco Tuesday, Eagles Bar and Kitchen Shopping
PROJECTS & TRAVELS Drinks and pizza at a favorite winery with a friend on Friday, find a matching fabric for some quilted place mats I’m working on, buy a birthday present for a close friend. Make reservations for the day before and after a trip we were recently gifted at the end of the month.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m working on a summer menu plan for some lighter dishes.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

AMAZON PRIME ~ Time Changer, From Time to Time, Miss Willoughby and the Haunted Bookshop
CABLE ~ Cooking shows ~ Summer Baking Championship, Girl Meets Farm, Mary Makes It Easy, Best Bite in Town

I went from not reading at all to having 3 books at once going. I’m reading Marie Force’s State of Suspense, Jana DeLeon’s Baskets and Beignets as well as Philippa Nefri Clark’s The House at Angel’s Beach.

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
DINNER	CHICKEN CAESAR PASTA SALAD	PERUVIAN CHICKEN with SALT & VINEGAR POTATO SALAD	GRILLED CHICKEN PEACH SALAD	CORN/YOYO CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR or YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN	OUT	STRAWBERRY JALAPENO CHICKEN with SALAD	BRUSCHETTA GRILLED CHICKEN and SALAD
DESSERT						PECAN BARS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY & RECIPE LINKS week 23 of 2024 ~ BLOG 366.155

GOOD MORNING! Can you believe we are in June already? This year is zooming by! There is so much I had hope to have already accomplished by this time, yet here we are almost to summer and I haven’t. For me, it was our lack of a real spring this year and the “extended” wintertime that seems to be holding me back. 😂 At least that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.🤣 I do have the garden beds planted FINALLY! and yesterday’s rain seems to be helping them settle in quite nicely.

We had quite a bit of rain yesterday and a much cooler temperature. Today is supposed cooler still (than normal), but at least sunny and then we should be getting much warmer by the end of the week. Spring temperatures are FINALLY here. I’m still carrying a light sweatshirt in the car at all times because it takes all day to get to the warmer temperatures 😂

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING Laundry and cleaning are up to date 😀
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have no pending errands or appointments this week that can’t wait. I do need to get the tires rotated on my car and address a brake squeal that shouldn’t be happening because they are pretty new brakes 😀
PAPERWORK, PHONE CALLS, PROJECTS & TRAVELS Because I don’t have many actual errands, I’m hoping to get a bunch of paperwork handled.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I found some OLD, really OLD taste of home magazines in an antique store and will be going through them in hopes of finding some new and fun recipes.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

AMAZON PRIME We’ve been re-watching WAREHOUSE 13 ~ it’s been so long that it feels new again, but with characters that feel like family 😀
CABLE We ran across an old Hitchcock movie that starred Jimmy Stewart called ROPE which was kind of fun on a rainy Sunday morning.

After a couple of weeks of audio books I’m having a tough time getting back into reading 🙁

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
DINNER	BBQ BEEF PATTIES & ASPARAGUS RICE	SOUR CREAM PORK CHOPS & CORN TAMALITOS with GREEN BEANS	ORANGE TERIYAKI CHICKEN	HONEY THYME PORK TENDERLOIN	YOYO CORN your’re on your own or clean out refrigerator night	BALSAMIC HERB CHICKEN and PARMESAN MASHED POTATOES	JAMBALAYA & SALAD
DESSERT				PECAN BARS

We took a walk around the pond the other day and I found that the blackberries are starting to bloom. Hopefully they’ll be on time this year for the festival in August.

There is a neighbor who spearheaded a grant program to “build up” the pond. Unfortunately, most of us don’t share his vision. There are tons of construction changes (paving walkways where there used to be a well used path, tearing out the trees that lined the south side of the pond, adding pavilions and tons of concrete…) and upgrades going on that are disrupting the local neighborhood peace. Many of the animals aren’t happy either. The 9-10 swans that were living on the island are gone, literally just vanished, many of the birds are no where to be seen, we haven’t heard the frogs this year, the beavers that built this dam have lost most of their trees and vegetation in the area…

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENU PLANS & RECIPE LINKS week 21 of 2024 ~ BLOG 366.141

It’s cool and foggy here this morning, but we should hit some pretty nice weather as we travel home today. That said the weather at home appears to be running on the cooler side so we’ll see what tomorrow brings. The weather app on my phone says the high for tomorrow will be a cloudy 49°. I did get a new hoodie and flannel on the trip that I’ll wear one today and one tomorrow.

I’m a bit tired, but happy that I was able to get so much accomplished for my SIL in a short amount of time. We also had a smaller than normal group (only 42 due to graduations, proms and weddings) for the family reunion, but it was a great time. I’m hoping next year’s group is bigger again.

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I’ll have a few loads of laundry when we get home, but the cleaning was done before we left.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’ll definitely to do grocery shopping on Wednesday 😀
PAPERWORK, PHONE CALLS, PROJECTS & TRAVELS ??
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING ??

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

We’ll see what’s on the DVR when we get home 😀

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
DINNER	OUT WHILE ON THE ROAD	OUT WHILE ON THE ROAD	ORANGE CHICKEN and CHOW MEIN	JAMBALAYA and DIRTY RICE	OUT working CRIBBAGE WEEKEND	OUT working CRIBBAGE WEEKEND	OUT working CRIBBAGE WEEKEND
DESSERT				CAJUN CAKE

I’m not posting ALL the photos from the family reunion, but if anyone is interested here’s a link to see how much fun we had.It was a little bit colder than normal, but we didn’t let that stop us! 😀

We had lunch at the wharf before we headed down to the family reunion. It was a cold, but pretty day!

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENU PLANS & RECIPE LINKS week 20 of 2024 ~ BLOG 366.134

I hope you all had a wonderful Mother’s Day! Ours was spent traveling and then having a wonderful late lunch with my SIL and then a late dinner with a favorite nephew and his family. I’ll be accomplishing SIL’s honey do list (mostly technological stuff – updating her cell phone, changing out her modem and router…) for the next couple days before we leave for the family reunion.

We traveled this past weekend to spend time with my SIL before the family reunion this next weekend. What a shock to the system! We were warm at home, but only for 2 hours a day. We crossed the state border and the temperature jumped almost 40 degrees at 10AM! It’s a beautiful 70 degrees here at SIL’s house.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

SIL’s choice

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	5/13 MONDAY	5/14 TUESDAY	5/15 WEDNESDAY	5/16 THURSDAY	5/17 FRIDAY	5/18 SATURDAY	5/19 SUNDAY
DINNER	SIL’S CHOICE	SIL CHOICE	SIL CHOICE	HITCHING POST with friends driving up for the night	STREET TACOS	POTLUCK	SIL’s CHOICE
DESSERT

Winter has gone on and on this year. I didn’t think we were ever going to be able to start a garden. Then this week the temps finally hit spring! The feed store was down to their last tomato starters so I bought them because they said they wouldn’t be getting anymore and am hoping for the best.

We also had an old box spring that needed disposed of. The local disposal site wouldn’t take it unless it was broken down into pieces and even then it was going to cost $18 for us to take it to them. Hubby took all the batting off and broke it down and then folded it in half so it would fit in my car for transport. It was then that the light bulb went off in my head. Let me introduce you to the new tomato cage. I think it will help support the tomato branches much better than the old cages.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY week 13 of 2024 ~ BLOG 366.85

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 my friends. I’m so glad you are joining me in my corner of blogland. Pour a cup of coffee and grab a slice of my Lemon Blueberry coffee cake (the recipe will be posted next week) while we chat. This is going to be a super busy week to end March with. And Easter will be the topper.

I’m mostly recovered from my month away, but still dealing with a few issues I haven’t unpacked mentally yet. Some things after I’ve finished unpacking them will not see the light of day and for that I refer you to my inspiration category this week. 😀

It may be spring where you are, but here we’re still having mostly winter. Spring pops in for an hour here or there, but has yet to make a notable appearance. This week is full of rain with highs near 50°. So I have yet to put away flannels, turtlenecks and UGGs.

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I’ll finish with the deep clean this week, but am caught up on laundry. I’m trying to clean out drawers and the closet as spring approaches.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have an appointment in town tomorrow and will pick up just a few things after.
PAPERWORK, PHONE CALLS, PROJECTS & TRAVELS I have so much paperwork to catch up on! This week will be jam packed with so much to do!
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m looking into some spring recipes that are a bit lighter.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

We’re ALMOST caught up with the things that recorded while we were gone – TOURNAMENT of CHAMPIONS, CSI, FBI’s, CHICAGO SERIES, GOOD DOCTOR, YOUNG SHELDON, GHOSTS

I have never stopped reading a book before, but I’m about to if I can’t get done this week with THE ALICE NETWORK.

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	MONDAY 3/25	TUESDAY 3/26	WEDNESDAY 3/27	THURSDAY 3/28	FRIDAY 3/29	SATURDAY 3/30	SUNDAY 3/31
DINNER	RANCHERAS CHICKEN FRIED STEAK	HERB ROASTED CHICKEN with MASHED POTATOES	TEXAS STYLE STEAKS with CHEDDAR RICE	FRIED CHICKEN SALAD	working the cribbage event at the Eagles so not cooking at home	working the cribbage event at the Eagles so not cooking at home	HAM, SCALLOPED POTATOES, GLAZED CARROTS
DESSERT		LEMON BLUEBERRY COFFEE CAKE					DUTCH APPLE PIE (HUBBY’S REQUEST)

It’s mating season at the Peacock Farm 😀

that said I’m loving my new shirt: 😀

Easter is upon us so here are a few color combos that I’m in love with 😀

SILENT SUNDAY ~ BLOG 366.77

SATURDAY COFFEE ~ BLOG 366.76

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 3 of 2018

Week 3 of 2018 is underway and I’m anxious to be over this recuperation mode and ready to get my energy back and get some serious things done! Though, it will be 6 more weeks until I get formally released and begin a serious exercise routine. That said, with ALL this flu going around I’m just as happy to be stuck inside away from people.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We’re having ANOTHER cold snap here and are supposed to have rain and wintry mix sleet added to the mix tomorrow and Wednesday. With the flu epidemic at raging proportions I’m really staying in and away from people!

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

GERBER’S GRABBER – Apple Carrot Pineapple & Green Tea

CRAFTS / PROJECTS

I started working on finishing the kitchen counters.

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

Starting later this week I can start to do a few more things, but am told the serious exercise and packing have to wait until the 90 day mark. I’m handling the food part okay and realize it will actually save us some money in the long run though that is being eaten up by the mandatory 5 times a day vitamins. They also sent me a blood work order to have done next month and I’m dreading the new 4 times a year blood work – 20 freaking tests!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

We’ve been having quite a bit of clear weather lately and the sunsets have been really pretty.

INSPIRATION

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

LAUNDRY… quite a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing – STILL washing most things every other day for a few more weeks to prevent infection
LIVING AREAS… can’t wait until I can relieve hubby of the duties and do a deep clean
KITCHEN… also needs a deep cleaning and paint touch up
STUDIO… is mainly storage these days so nothing going on there
YARD… hubby is going to mow and vinegar salt the weeds today before the rain tonight
BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday post planning

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

We’ve rented a bunch of Netflix movies the last several weeks to get me through the boredom and cold weather, but I’ve seen just about everything I want to see for awhile – really looking forward to spring at this point and getting out of this house!

I’m now reading Sophie Moss’ Seal Island series during my recuperation and am book #2, The Selkie Enchantress.

COMEDIES

BIG BANG THEORY, YOUNG SHELDON
THE GOOD PLACE, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, SPEECHLESS, GREAT NEWS
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER, LIFE IN PIECES

MILITARY, POLITICAL & CRIME DRAMAS and a couple that qualify as comedies

NCIS, NCIS NEW ORLEANS and NCIS LA, CRIMINAL MINDS, WISDOM OF THE CROWD, S.W.A.T.
MADAM SECRETARY, SCANDAL, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
BRAVE, VALOR, SEAL TEAM, BLINDSPOT, MACGYVER, SCORPION
LAW & ORDER SVU, BLUE BLOODS, HAWAII 5-0, ELEMENTARY
CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO PD, CHICAGO MED, 911

DRAMAS

THE GOOD DOCTOR, THIS IS US, THE RESIDENT starts later this week

SYFY

Z NATION, the WALKING DEAD, FLASH, SUPERGIRL, DC LEGENDS
ORVILLE, ONCE UPON A TIME, THE X-FILES, THE ALIENIST starts later this week

COOKING

GUY’S GROCERY GAMES, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, BOBBY AND DAMARIS, BAKED IN VERMONT
KID’S BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP, WORST COOKS IN AMERICA

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

I’ve placed orders this week with Home Chef and Hello Fresh to get back into the swing of cooking without leaving the house to shop since I still can’t carry grocery bags yet and I’m trying to stay away from people in general, but there will still be leftovers unfortunately. I planned a couple C.O.R.N. nights to use the leftovers.

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
B-FAST	3-4 ounces EGGS or OATMEAL and GREEN Tea	3-4 ounces EGGS or OATMEAL and GREEN Tea	3-4 ounces EGGS or OATMEAL and GREEN Tea	3-4 ounces EGGS or OATMEAL and GREEN Tea	3-4 ounces EGGS or OATMEAL and GREEN Tea	TOASTED FRENCH TOAST	BACON & EGGS
2 times a day	1 cup 1% MILK or PROTEIN DRINK	1 cup 1% MILK or PROTEIN DRINK	1 cup 1% MILK or PROTEIN DRINK	1 cup 1% MILK or PROTEIN DRINK	1 cup 1% MILK or PROTEIN DRINK	1 cup 1% MILK or PROTEIN DRINK	1 cup 1% MILK or PROTEIN DRINK
1 time a day	2-4 ounces tuna salad or yogurt	2-4 ounces tuna salad or yogurt	2-4 ounces tuna salad or yogurt	2-4 ounces tuna salad or yogurt	2-4 ounces tuna salad or yogurt	2-4 ounces tuna salad or yogurt	2-4 ounces tuna salad or yogurt
LUNCH & DINNER	2 OUNCES PROTEIN with a small salad MAPLE GLAZED DUCK with BLOOD ORANGE SALAD and FINGERLING POTATOES	2 OUNCES PROTEIN with a small salad PARMESAN and ROSEMARY PORK CHOPS with ALMOND COUSCOUS and ROASTED CARROTS	2 OUNCES PROTEIN with a small salad CRISPY ONION CHICKEN with GREEN BEANS and MUSHROOM GRAVY	2 OUNCES PROTEIN with a small salad CHICKEN UNDER A ZUCCHINI BLANKET with MASHED POTATOES and GREEN BEANS	2 OUNCES PROTEIN with a small salad C.O.R.N.	2 OUNCES PROTEIN with a small salad SPAGHETTI & RICOTTA MEATBALLS with GARLIC GREEN BEANS	2 OUNCES PROTEIN with a small salad C.O.R.N.

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

While these recipes were successful, we still prefer my Laverne Defazio pot roast and my Aloha BBQ Ribs (recipe later this month when I make them) to either of these recipes. I posted them in case anyone prefers their flavor profiles.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

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

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 2 of 2018

WOW, it seems like it was just new year’s eve and here we are on the 8th already entering week 2! I hope you all had a great week. Mine was still low key as I continue to recuperate. 2 more weeks and I can enter a more normal activity life. YAY!!!!

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

The SUPER cold snap has broken here and the day time temps are supposed to be in the 60’s with the lows in the 30’s and 40’s, so I’m actually loving the weather right now.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal with golden raisins

CRAFTS / PROJECTS

Unfortunately, I just didn’t have the drive to get anything accomplished during this recuperation. I’ve just been so slow to get my energy back.

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

I had a good 1 month check up with the surgeon this past Thursday. He said I’m doing great , but still have 2 more weeks of no lifting or cleaning etc… He did give me the go ahead to start experimenting with veggies and fruits to see what my body can tolerate. He wants me eating more calories because I’m losing too much weight.

The one thing that many people don’t understand is that this will never get bigger or stretch, IT IS WHAT IT IS FOREVER! So, I made up a diagram that makes it easier to see that the change is permanent. It also shows why more chewing and smaller portions are necessary as a few digestive processes are now bypassed.

The biggest issue I recently found out about is that there are tons of medications that I can NEVER take again because of the bypass because they can do serious damage to the “new” smaller stomach. Among them are the medications I take for Fibromyalgia and Systemic Lupus leaving me with only an occasional Tylenol as my only alternative for ANY pain.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

With the deep cold I never left the house except to go to the doctor so never even took a picture last week.

INSPIRATION

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

LAUNDRY… quite a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing
LIVING AREAS… plan on doing a deep clean today and tomorrow
KITCHEN… pretty clean
STUDIO… is mainly storage these days so nothing going on there
YARD… nothing
BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

I’m reading Sophie Moss’ Wind Chime series during my recuperation and am book #3, WIND CHIME SUMMER.

COMEDIES

BIG BANG THEORY, YOUNG SHELDON
THE GOOD PLACE, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, SPEECHLESS, GREAT NEWS
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER, LIFE IN PIECES

MILITARY, POLITICAL & CRIME DRAMAS and a couple that qualify as comedies

NCIS, NCIS NEW ORLEANS and NCIS LA, CRIMINAL MINDS, WISDOM OF THE CROWD, S.W.A.T.
MADAM SECRETARY, SCANDAL, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
BRAVE, VALOR, SEAL TEAM, BLINDSPOT, MACGYVER, SCORPION
LAW & ORDER SVU, BLUE BLOODS, HAWAII 5-0, ELEMENTARY
CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO PD, CHICAGO MED

DRAMAS

THE GOOD DOCTOR, THIS IS US

SYFY

Z NATION, WALKING DEAD, FLASH, SUPERGIRL, DC LEGENDS
ORVILLE, ONCE UPON A TIME, THE X-FILES

COOKING

GUY’S GROCERY GAMES, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, BOBBY AND DAMARIS, BAKED IN VERMONT
KID’S BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP, WORST COOKS IN AMERICA

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
In the beginning I told hubby NOT to get used to my existing diet and the doctor has given me the permission to cook though I still cannot lift so hubby still has to help with the shopping, but is going to have to give up the bachelor foods 😀 While I can only eat a bite or two of what I make, there is NO reason hubby shouldn’t get a few home cooked meals this week. Food will go a A LOT further now, but I am going to have to adapt the recipes A LOT.

I also began Home Chef again for 4 meals this month to ease me back into things. No matter how you look at it proportions are going to be a challenge so now is the time to start rewriting and reworking recipes. I will also plan more C.O.R.N. nights into my menus.

In the meantime I will continue working on combining blogs with older recipes and developing newer recipes that encompass ALL the new requirements. I look forward to previewing those rework recipes in a few months.

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
B-FAST	3-4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGGS, OATMEAL or WHOLE GRAIN CEREAL and GREEN Tea	3-4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGGS, OATMEAL or WHOLE GRAIN CEREAL and GREEN Tea	3-4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGGS, OATMEAL or WHOLE GRAIN CEREAL and GREEN Tea	3-4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGGS, OATMEAL or WHOLE GRAIN CEREAL and GREEN Tea	3-4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGGS, OATMEAL or WHOLE GRAIN CEREAL and GREEN Tea	3-4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGGS, OATMEAL or WHOLE GRAIN CEREAL and GREEN Tea	3-4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGGS, OATMEAL or WHOLE GRAIN CEREAL and GREEN Tea
2 times a day	1 cup LOWFAT MILK or PROTEIN DRINK	1 cup LOWFAT MILK or PROTEIN DRINK	1 cup LOWFAT MILK or PROTEIN DRINK	1 cup LOWFAT MILK or PROTEIN DRINK	1 cup LOWFAT MILK or PROTEIN DRINK	1 cup LOWFAT MILK or PROTEIN DRINK	1 cup LOWFAT MILK or PROTEIN DRINK
1 time a day	2-4 ounces tuna salad or yogurt	2-4 ounces tuna salad or yogurt	2-4 ounces tuna salad or yogurt	2-4 ounces tuna salad or yogurt	2-4 ounces tuna salad or yogurt	2-4 ounces tuna salad or yogurt	2-4 ounces tuna salad or yogurt
ME 2 times day DINNER FOR HUBBY	2 OUNCES PROTEIN – BROILED FISH or CHICKEN and VERY small salad PINEAPPLE PEANUT BUTTER BABY BACK RIBS	2 OUNCES PROTEIN – BROILED FISH or CHICKEN and VERY small salad C.O.R.N.	2 OUNCES PROTEIN – BROILED FISH or CHICKEN and VERY small salad SPAGHETTI CASSEROLE	2 OUNCES PROTEIN – BROILED FISH or CHICKEN and VERY small salad C.O.R.N.	2 OUNCES PROTEIN – BROILED FISH or CHICKEN and VERY small salad COFFEE BREWED POT-ROAST & BUTTERMILK CORNBREAD	2 OUNCES PROTEIN – BROILED FISH or CHICKEN and VERY small salad C.O.R.N.	2 OUNCES PROTEIN – BROILED FISH or CHICKEN and VERY small salad C.O.R.N. & SALTED CARAMEL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE BARS

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

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

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN week 1 of 2018

May 2018 be what 2007-2017 were supposed to be!

Honestly, I’m looking forward to better things in the days to come.

I’m not going to dwell on the past, BUT I am certainly going to focus on making 2018 the best year yet!

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It’s 22 with the wind chill and I’m staying inside! Highs this week are only supposed to be in the 30’s before wind chill so I’m avoiding the outside except for my follow up with the surgeon later this week.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Green Tea and Banana

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

LAUNDRY… quite a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing
LIVING AREAS… hubby is planning on doing a deep clean today and tomorrow – I can’t wait until I can do it again (the way I like)
KITCHEN… pretty clean
STUDIO… is mainly storage these days so nothing going on there
YARD… nothing much after the weekend storms, just too wet to do anything
BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday post planning

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

BIG BANG THEORY, YOUNG SHELDON
THE GOOD PLACE, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, GREAT NEWS
MACGYVER, SCORPION, BLINDSPOT, ORVILLE
NCIS, NCIS NEW ORLEANS and NCIS LA, CRIMINAL MINDS, S.W.A.T.
MADAM SECRETARY, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR, WISDOM OF THE CROWD
CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO PD, CHICAGO MED
BRAVE, VALOR, SEAL TEAM
LAW & ORDER SVU, BLUE BLOODS, HAWAII 5-0
Z NATION, WALKING DEAD, FLASH, DC LEGENDS, SUPERGIRL
THIS IS US, ONCE UPON A TIME, THE GOOD DOCTOR
GUY’S GROCERY GAMES, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, BOBBY AND DAMARIS, BAKED IN VERMONT, KIDS BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP, WORST COOKS IN AMERICA
WHEN CALLS THE HEART

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

LOL, I get to “switch” diets midweek, but I have to tell you there isn’t much difference between them. And honestly I’m (well, my body) NOT ready for regular food despite the cravings for it.

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

On Christmas eve at a party we go to every year that has tons of scrumptious food that I couldn’t eat, a friend asked me if I had hit the depression yet. I just stared at her for a few minutes and thought what are you talking about? Then it hit me, what I’ve been feeling is a form of PTSD, especially after the hospital stay from hell starting with a recovery nurse that deserves to be fired – I did speak with the patient liaison about the major mistreatment that occurred. But, the reality is MY life was completely upended while I slept through surgery. Decisions were made I was not a party to and when I woke up from surgery and was told EVERYTHING about how I lived would be completely different for the rest of my life I have to admit I didn’t even know how to process that information.

Fortunately, I refuse to get depressed. There are some bad days, but I am coping and will continue to think positively, take it as a challenge and adjust.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

Hubby set Ava up to guard the stockings on Christmas Eve. 😀

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.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 52 of 2017

I don’t even know if Sandra will be doing this meme today so I’m making this short and sweet today as it IS Christmas!
OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
A storm and cold front moved in on Friday night and we dropped 20 degrees so it’s finally pleasant here. We are expecting the temperatures to stay low, but rain is expected for several days later this week.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE
Protein drink

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

Nothing that won’t wait until Tuesday or so…

LAUNDRY… quite a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing
LIVING AREAS & KITCHEN… hubby is doing fairly good at keeping things relatively clean
STUDIO… is mainly storage these days so nothing going on there
YARD… nothing much after the weekend storms, just too wet to do anything
BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday post planning

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

BIG BANG THEORY, YOUNG SHELDON
THE GOOD PLACE, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, GREAT NEWS
MACGYVER, SCORPION, BLINDSPOT, ORVILLE
NCIS, NCIS NEW ORLEANS and NCIS LA, CRIMINAL MINDS, S.W.A.T.
MADAM SECRETARY, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR, WISDOM OF THE CROWD
CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO PD, CHICAGO MED
BRAVE, VALOR, SEAL TEAM
LAW & ORDER SVU, BLUE BLOODS, HAWAII 5-0
Z NATION, WALKING DEAD, FLASH, DC LEGENDS, SUPERGIRL
THIS IS US, ONCE UPON A TIME, THE GOOD DOCTOR
GUY’S GROCERY GAMES, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, BOBBY AND DAMARIS, BAKED IN VERMONT and the new KIDS BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP AS WELL AS the new WORST COOKS IN AMERICA begin soon
WHEN CALLS THE HEART

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

Hubby is on his own still while I enter phase 3 of relearning to eat 😀

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

These are recipes that have been waiting in cue to post, I’m definitely NOT back to cooking yet.

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

Sunset just before the storm a few hours later.

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.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 51 of 2017

Oh my, it’s Monday again and just 1 week until Christmas! Are you ready? We’re as ready as we’re going to be since it is a quiet, just the 2 of us year. I’m finishing the Christmas cards this week and packages have shipped and will arrive at their various destinations during the week. We made it a very simple year! We ordered a “quarter ham” from HoneyBaked ham and will have carrots. I can have both (YAY!) as long as the ham is well minced and the carrots are soft enough to mush with my tongue! Christmas will be my fist “REAL” meal so we’ll see how that goes. Now onto the business we call Monday morning check-in and update here at our house.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Weather is still in the 60-70’s, such a nice reprieve for us. We had a pretty good storm Saturday into Sunday and the ground is still really wet! The week should be pleasant, but all I get is a walk each day and then back inside until we’re sure I have no new infections.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Green tea and protein drink

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

Hubby is doing a GREAT job, but let’s face it, he’s a GUY and it will NEVER be up to my standards , but I’m trying really hard to go with the flow and follow doctor’s orders to do nothing.

LAUNDRY… quite a few loads this week, towels, bedding and clothing
LIVING AREAS… pretty good, considering
KITCHEN… needs work
STUDIO… is mainly storage these days so nothing going on there
YARD… nothing much after the weekend storms, just too wet to do anything
BLOG… some recipe updating, future post planning and holiday post planning

As for me, I am working on finishing the Christmas cards and updating the address book this week besides working on some blog compilation.

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

I did start reading Ava Miles Dare Valley series again. I’m on book #10 HOME SWEET LOVE.

Quite a few shows have gone on winter hiatus already so I’m concentrating on Christmas movies and NETFLIX. I want to wean out the following list, but while I’m still in recuperation mode it will help as a diversion.

BIG BANG THEORY, YOUNG SHELDON
NCIS, NCIS NEW ORLEANS and NCIS LA, CRIMINAL MINDS, S.W.A.T.
MADAM SECRETARY, SCANDAL, DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
CHICAGO FIRE, CHICAGO PD, CHICAGO MED later this season
BRAVE, VALOR, SEAL TEAM
LAW & ORDER SVU, BLUE BLOODS, HAWAII 5-0
MACGYVER, SCORPION, BLINDSPOT, ORVILLE, WISDOM OF THE CROWD
Z NATION, WALKING DEAD, FLASH, DC LEGENDS, INHUMANS
THE GOOD PLACE, AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE, SPEECHLESS, GREAT NEWS
THIS IS US, ONCE UPON A TIME, THE GOOD DOCTOR
GUY’S GROCERY GAMES, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, BOBBY AND DAMARIS, EAT SLEEP BBQ, GRILL DADS

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK
This category is a sad and sore subject for me until about March. My surgery did not go as planned which is changing so much about food, but sure beats the alternative of being 6 foot under. Hubby is loving being able to eat what he calls bachelor food – S.O.S., chili, hot dogs, hamburger helper, etc… I told him NOT to get used to it though, as soon as I can muster enough energy to cook and off this blasted puree diet I am going to to take a hand at some Ramen Fusion. In the meantime I will be working on combining blogs with older recipes and developing newer recipes that encompass the new requirements. I look forward to previewing those rework recipes in a few months.

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
2 times a day	3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea	3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea	3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea	3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea	3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea	3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea	3 ounces PROTEIN drink and GREEN Tea
2-4 times a day	4 ounces PUREED FOOD	4 ounces PUREED FOOD	4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGG	4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGG	4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGG	4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGG	4 ounces SCRAMBLED EGG
1 time a day	4 ounces vanilla yogurt	4 ounces vanilla yogurt	4 ounces vanilla yogurt	4 ounces vanilla yogurt	4 ounces vanilla yogurt	4 ounces vanilla yogurt	4 ounces vanilla yogurt
1 time a day	4 OUNCES PROTEIN SHAKE	4 OUNCES PROTEIN SHAKE	4 OUNCES PROTEIN SHAKE	4 OUNCES PROTEIN SHAKE	4 OUNCES PROTEIN SHAKE	4 OUNCES PROTEIN SHAKE	4 OUNCES PROTEIN SHAKE

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

These are recipes that have been waiting in cue to post, I’m definitely NOT back to cooking yet.

TATER TOT GRILLED CHEESE BACON WAFFLE SANDWICH
PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE DROPS
SEA SALT AND CARAMEL RICE CRISPY TREATS
HEALTH, BEAUTY and HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND / THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

I do realize that I am sooooo blessed to be alive. I also realize that so many people are living with things so much worse than I am now. But, that said it is extremely hard to wake up from a “semi-simple” surgery to find that it not only turned complicated, but also life altering. This is just plain going to take some time to get used too! So, Please pardon my pity party.

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

Hubby got me a gingerbread house kit to make to occupy my time. I made this for the little boy next door and he seems to really LOVE it!

INSPIRATION

Certainly seemed like the best quote for how I feel this week.

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.

Tag: INSPIRATION