JANE LEE LOGAN – Chasing MY Life WHEREVER it Leads ME

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with RECIPE LINKS & MENU ~ week 32 of 2926 ~ BLOG 365.222

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

GOOD MORNING I hope you’re having a GREAT beginning to the week.

Last week was busy with my FINAL catering gig for a private party the Eagles hosted for an 80th birthday YESTERDAY that had been on the schedule for a couple months now. They had a great time and everything turned out beautiful, but I’m glad that’s over! My email resignation from the kitchen has been written and SUBMITTED. WHEW what a relief.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We survived the excessive heat and red flag warnings last week. It was actually the smoke that made outside life the most unbearable. We even had to skip the last music in the park event due to REALLY unhealthy air quality. This week is going to be much better in the low to mid 80’s with lows in the 50’s. I think the DOG DAYS of SUMMER are over.

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, TRAVEL, APPOINTMENTS, MENUS & DVR/TV

LAUNDRY & CLEANING all caught up! BUT, you know how that goes.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS need to put a list together for Wednesday
PROJECTS & TRAVELS still waiting on the car to make decisions on the trip. A friend’s teenage son is coming to help us with a big project on Thursday. Blackberry festival is this next weekend and I need to finish the Jalapeno blackberry jam for the Briskuits for Saturday breakfast at the OFFYCE.
THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY fluffy clouded skies… birds chirping, children laughing… silence while I have my coffee…

READING TIME

I keep trying to read, but have been falling asleep REALLY FAST almost ever night but I did finish STATE OF UNREST First Family series Book #11 by Marie Force and started book #4 EVERYTHING WE FOUND by Kerry Lonsdale.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

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

	8/10 MONDAY	8/11 TUESDAY	8/12 WEDNESDAY	8/13 THURSDAY	8/14 FRIDAY	8/15 SATURDAY	8/16 SUNDAY
DINNER	TRIVIA NIGHT CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	STUFFED PORK CHOPS & TWICE BAKED POTATOES	COWBOY STEAK with HERB BUTTER & CORN on the COB	SWEDISH MEATBALLS & NOODLES	WHITE WINE BRAISED CHICKEN & TOMATO FRITTERS	BLACKBERRY FESTIVAL BRISKUITS with JALAPENO BLACKBERRY JAM	SWEET & SOUR MEATBALLS & RICE PILAF
DESSERT			BLUEBERRY BOUNTY CAKE

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

I didn’t get many pictures, but did see this lizard lounging in the heat of the patio the other day. He’d lost the tip of his tail – I wonder how? And the last time we visited our favorite Italian restaurant I saw that they had put up this funny sign and little fence to prevent people from crossing in the the very place they should have put a walkway!! What you can’t see is that there really is no “crosswalk”, just a sidewalk at a busy intersection entrance to a strangely shaped driveway.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

CHICKEN FAJITA COBB SALAD
CRUNCHY PEANUT CHICKEN SALAD
OLD SOUTH SODA SAUCE PORK LOIN
CHOCOLATE ROOT BEER CAKE with PEANUT BUTTER GANACHE

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENU & RECIPE LINKS week 31 of 2026 ~ BLOG 365.215

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

GOOD MORNING I hope your August is starting out well. I still can’t believe we are into the 8th month already!!!!!! We are two thirds of the way through this year!!!!!!!! I am looking forward to Fall, but just not ready to be there!!!!!!

Last week was fairly uneventful, just full of daily chores and projects. We did go to music in the park on Thursday and saw SUPER DIAMOND. It was good to see friends and that the community events are thriving so well. The corn dog truck was my favorite with a ketchup sweet chili dip that was excellent!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

This past weekend was absolutely beautiful with temps in the 70’s and wonderful breezes!! But, this is literally supposed to be the week from hell, at least for around here. Daytime highs are supposed to be in the high 90’s and even some triple digits. Lows will be in the 50’s so that will help a bit, but all and all it might be a miserable week if humidity gets too high.

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, TRAVEL, APPOINTMENTS, MENUS & DVR/TV

LAUNDRY & CLEANING Just a couple of loads of bed linens and some vacuuming to do.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS Just a small list of errands. I’m heading out in just a bit to do U-Haul, Walmart, Costco and grocery store. I’ll do the OFFYCE shopping on Wednesday.
PROJECTS & TRAVELS Still no definitive date for the BIG trip because the car is still in the shop – the trip will probably get tied into the family reunion trip next month. But, the county fair begins Thursday and it’s the last Music in the park night with an Alabama tribute band so lots to do!
THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY fresh crisp bed linens after a long day… cleaning out and organizing drawers… donating the things that don’t bring me joy… seeing old friends and laughing like no time has passed…

READING TIME

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

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

	8/3 MONDAY	8/4 TUESDAY	8/5 WEDNESDAY	8/6 THURSDAY	8/7 FRIDAY	8/8 SATURDAY	8/9 SUNDAY
DINNER	TRIVIA NIGHT CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	HAWAIIAN CHICKEN BOWLS	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	MUSIC IN THE PARK CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	HONEY LIME CHICKEN & MANGO SALSA	STREET CORN CHICKEN PASTA SALAD	BRAZILIAN STEAK with CHEESY CORN PUDDING
DESSERT			BLUEBERRY BOUNTY CAKE

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

My garden is growing like weeds. In a few weeks I will be making a vat of sauce daily!!!!! Two of my favorite barns are literally falling apart. If there is a good snow this year, I think they’re done for!

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

ORANGE CRANBERRY ONION RICE
BEST EVER PAN FRIED LAMB CHOPS
BAKED PORK CHOPS & COPY CAT DRESSING
WATERMELON PEACH PINEAPPLE CHICKEN SALAD

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, RECIPE LINKS & MENU ~ week 27 of 2026 ~ BLOG 365.187

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

MONDAY~FRIDAY Monday through Friday were quite busy, but seemed even more so because of the month changing from June to July and all while getting ready for the trip which has been compounded by car trouble. Hubby took the car to get the oil changed and the tires rotated for the trip and then had car trouble on the way home. It’s been towed to the already SUPER busy and over worked mechanic. We are crossing our fingers that it was something simple and we’ll get the call today to pick it up. Not willing to bet on that. We will be taking the other car in Tuesday for an oil change and tire rotation also in preparation of taking it instead.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY We went to the 4th of July parade during a cool cloudy morning that gave way to a super warm afternoon and beautiful evening for BBQing and fireworks. We never stray far from home because of potential brush fires with backing up to the highway. The past several years our neighbor’s kids and their little ones have brought the excitement to the cul-de-sac and we look forward to it every year. I made red, white and blue rice crispy treats for the little ones even though LOL they were mostly eaten by the big ones 🙂 We watched INDEPENDENCE DAY with Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Will Smith, Vivica Fox and Dennis Quaid!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Well summer has arrived! Sunny cloudless days expected this week with lows around 50 and highs in the low 80’s. Capri’s with blouses and sandals are on the hangers for this week.

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, TRAVEL, APPOINTMENTS, MENUS & DVR/TV

LAUNDRY & CLEANING As up to date as it can be until we return.
PROJECTS & TRAVELS We’ll leave Wednesday morning and be back early next week.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I did get a couple new cookbooks that I will take with us to read on the road.
THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY 4th of July fireworks… smiling little faces and excited aha moments… traditions to look forward to…

READING TIME

I’m about half way through THE UNDERGROUND SISTERS by Soraya M Lane. I really enjoy WWII stories, especially those with female protagonists, BUT I’m struggling to stay awake long enough at night to read much SO this reading funny is really true!!!

FUNNIES

ACTUALLY, the bottom funny is just the opposite of me, but I still thought it was hilarious.

I have a couple girl friends that it DEFINITELY DOES apply to.

MENU PLANS

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

	5/4 MONDAY	5/5 TUESDAY	5/6 WEDNESDAY	5/7 THURSDAY	5/8 FRIDAY	5/9 SATURDAY	5/10 SUNDAY
DINNER	TRIVIA NIGHT CORN/YOYO clean out the refrigerator night or you’re on your own	CORN/YOYO clean out the refrigerator night or you’re on your own	OOT (out of town)	OOT (out of town)	OOT (out of town)	OOT (out of town)	OOT (out of town)
DESSERT

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

These collages are a combination of the parade and cul-de-sac fireworks. There is going to be a new Renaissance Faire this year and they were in the parade to market it. One of my favorite pictures was the Knight in Shining Armor bellying up to the bar where we were having lunch after the parade.

Small town parades are so much fun. The kids really enjoyed all the candy being thrown and just having fun!!!!! In years past they have ended the parade with the brush fire water tender spraying water for the kids to play in, but it just wasn’t warm enough in the morning.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

PIG SHOTS
MEATBALL ENCHILADAS
SMOKED BEEF BRISKET 2 ways

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY week 26 of 2026 ~ MENU & RECIPE LINKS ~ BLOG 365.180

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

MONDAY~FRIDAY It was a fairly routine week of trivia, shopping, errands and work around the house until it wasn’t. 🙁 Sometimes I forget how delicate my stomach (or lack there of) situation is and I evidently ate the wrong combo of things on Tuesday and ended up missing most of Wednesday to a bad reaction. 🙁 But, I got myself back together on Thursday and prepped dinner and cheesecakes for the Eagles Friday night dinner. I’m still trying my best to keep the Friday night Auxiliary charity dinners afloat, but it’s not looking good!

SATURDAY & SUNDAY It rained most the weekend off and on and was much cooler so I took advantage of the indoor time and did all the laundry, some sorting and donating well as watched a few movies, lunch with friends both days and watched the Banana League baseball games (Savannah Bananas vs. Party Animals) that were being played here fairly locally which were fun and entertaining. STRANGE rules, but full of family fun.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It’s going to be an absolutely beautiful week in the 70’s with no expected rain. Despite the 80 degree prediction for the 4th of July, we almost always end up cooler and wearing sweatshirts by fireworks time in the evening. We’re. being extra cautious this year with the drought since we back up to the highway with a lot of dry tinder and over zealous celebrators. We heard our first fireworks last night.

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, TRAVEL, APPOINTMENTS, MENUS & DVR/TV

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I WAS caught up on Saturday, but as you know laundry has a definite infinity symbol attached to it!

∞

GROCERIES & ERRANDS I only have the shopping to do for the Eagles and the Offyce this week as I work out of the freezer and pantry and freezer for us until after we take our trip next week.
PROJECTS & TRAVELS We have a couple sprinkler leaks to fix this week before we leave for SIL’s house
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING Nothing until we return from our trip
DVR/TV We watched a couple Banana Ball games over the weekend and a couple of movies due to the cooler rainy weather. We saw MERCY with Chris Pratt, the SHEEP DETECTIVES with Hugh Jackman and BATTLESHIP with Liam Neesom and Taylor Kitsch
THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY cool cloudy days with BIG fluffy clouds… fresh popped popcorn with a good movie… getting organized and maintaining the balance… clean fluffy towels…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PARTIES For anyone that’s interested I’m helping out a friend and I’m having an online Pampered Chef party for the next few weeks.

The order link is:

https://www.pamperedchef.com/party/tamybollar0611

READING TIME

I’m about half way through THE UNDERGROUND SISTERS by Soraya M Lane. I really enjoy WWII stories, especially those with female protagonists.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

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

	6/29 MONDAY	6/30 TUESDAY	7/1 WEDNESDAY	7/2 THURSDAY	7/3 FRIDAY	7/4 SATURDAY	7/5 SUNDAY
DINNER	TRIVIA NIGHT CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	CHICKEN & PASTA with BROWN BUTTER WALNUT SAUCE & SALAD	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	HAM& BEAN HOT DISH with SLICED WATERMELON	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	BBQ HAMBURGERS, HOT DOGS, POTATO SALAD, BAKED BEANS, SWEET & SPICY PICKLES	STUFFED PORK CHOPS with ROASTED GREEN BEANS
DESSERT		PINEAPPLE CHEESECAKE				RED, WHITE & BLUE WHITE CHOCOLATE RICE CRISPY BARS

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

My garden is doing excellent despite the cooler weather and the Calla Lillies have a mind of their own. While absolutely a beautiful color they are coming up ANYWHERE they please despite having been transplanted multiple times 🙂 and the Clematis is really starting to bloom out its beautiful purple hued flowers.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

CHILI MEATBALLS
FRENCH ONION POTATOES AU GRATIN
CARNE ASADA MEATBALLS & ARROZ AMARILLO
PEPPERED PARMESAN CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD BOWLS

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with RECIPE LINKS & MENU ~ week 15 of 2026 ~ BLOG 365.103

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

Last week went by way too quickly, AGAIN and you know the old saying, Best laid plans of mice and men… well our week didn’t go as planned (fortunately we are good at pivoting…) and we did still go out to eat that day, but painting class didn’t happen.We split a Cara Cara salad with a Champagne Vinaigrette and a seasonal cheese board with FRESH made fig jam that were both absolutely delicious.

We’ve rescheduled painting class for another class, but unfortunately the lighthouse is no longer an option so hubby chose the sailboat sunset.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Shorts, AC and flip flops for Easter last Sunday. Layers, hoodies and Furnace for this Sunday. Cold and rainy again this week. Spring is strange around here 🙂 A lot of cloudy and rainy days with highs in the low 50’s this week and lows in the 30’s and 40’s.

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, TRAVEL, APPOINTMENTS, MENUS & DVR/TV

LAUNDRY & CLEANING & YARD Laundry is up to date. I’m starting to clean out older clothes for donation and am working on a supply list for updating garden beds that desperately need repairs. I have bought some garden starters (Tomatoes – grape, cherry and celebrity, snap peas, carrots and cucumbers. They are under the patio cover for protection from the unpredictable weather. I only buy the Peoria Farms starters and because we’re rural you have to buy them when they are available whether it’s time to plant yet or not.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I need a bit of produce, some string cheese and not much else this week. There are appointments almost every day this week though and a couple are over an hour away 🙁
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING Planned through April, but like always it may get changed up based on produce availability.
DVR/TV I’m finally working my way through the Christmas movies and can see a light at the end of the tunnel.
THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY completed lists… spring cleaning… fresh garden plantings… spring blooms… dinner and a play with a good friend this week…

READING TIME

I STILL didn’t have a chance to do any reading last week. I Kept falling asleep before finishing a paragraph!! Unfortunately I haven’t been STAYING asleep!

I did start Storm Clouds Rolling In, the #1 book in the Bregden Chronicles Historical fiction series by Ginny Dye and I’ve really been looking forward the this series that is currently at 22 books, so definitely will last a while, but now I’m also looking for a secondary read as I’m not always in the mood for a heavier topical historical read late at night. I’m leaning towards ACRIMONIOUS by Marie Force.

FUNNIES

Shorts, AC and flip flops for Easter last Sunday. Layers, hoodies and Furnace for this Sunday.

MENU PLANS

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

	4/13 MONDAY	4/14 TUESDAY	4/15 WEDNESDAY	4/16 THURSDAY	4/17 FRIDAY	4/18 SATURDAY	4/19 SUNDAY
DINNER	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	CHICKEN PARMESAN BALLS, REFER PICKLES which are just refrigerator cucumbers and onions 🙂	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	MEATLOAF, MASHED POTATOES and ALFREDO CORN	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	CHICKEN SHEPHERD’S PIE	MONTE CRISTO ROLLS
DESSERT

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

This week’s favorite photos are my German Bearded Irises from last week. Unfortunately the cold returned and they didn’t get to finish blooming 🙁 and the flowers my friend brought by my friend for Easter that have FINALLY opened. Every other photo was of food for upcoming recipes.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

CREAM CHEESE POUND CAKE
BUTTERMILK CHICKEN CORN PASTA
GARLIC BUTTER BANG BANG STEAK BITES
SAGE BROWN BUTTER LEMON CHICKEN PASTA

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENUS & RECIPE LINKS ~ week 13 of 2026 ~ BLOG 365.89

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

Last week went by way too quickly, AGAIN. Why is it that I now have more time, but don’t seem to be getting caught up? LOL 🙂 On top of that can you believe we are ALREADY 25% through this year??? How the heck did that happen?

Monday I was able to get my shopping done quickly and efficiently. I love that I no longer try to cram it in with all the other shopping for the Eagles and the Offyce, but I do have to make 2 separate trips to town. We did Monday night Trivia like normal last week and we won 1st place!!! That win bumped us up into 2nd place for the league this season!!

Tuesdays almost always start with and are dedicated to Taco Tuesday with friends. I also get the local and “odd” errands done on Tuesdays like dropping off donations and such.

Thursday was spent waiting around for the new roofer to come do the inspection. When we finally got a hold of him, he had “forgotten” making the appointment (his appointment was between 12-1 and we finally got a hold of him at 3PM) and hepromised to be out first thing Friday, which he was, but I was not entirely impressed or happy because I lost most of Thursday waiting for him 🙁 Unfortunately in a small town there aren’t always many options!

Most of Friday was spent at the VA dealing with “their” screw up on a prescription that of course they tried to turn around and make our fault. Fortunately, I keep very precise records and they lost the fight, but it took us all day to get it fixed!!

I did get the pantry cleaned out and the laundry room deep cleaned on Saturday after we watched a corn hole tournament and went out for a pizza lunch. Sunday was brunch with friends, watching NASCAR, catching up on cooking shows and making a new Roast Lemon Chicken Recipe on a lazy Sunday. I realized the difference between a Saturday and a Sunday is basically 10,000 steps 🙂

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

The weather has been ALL over the place. Last week we went from thinking about using the air conditioning on some days to thinking about putting the electric mattress pad back on the bed. This week will be highs around 50° with lows in the 30°s and an inch or 2 of rain towards the end of the week. We have also been having some really cool breezes that chill even the warmest sunny days.

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, TRAVEL, APPOINTMENTS, MENUS & DVR/TV

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I was able to do all the laundry (not that it’s ever really done) over the weekend.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS the new roofer will be here sometime today to do some re-installation on the only 6 year old roof. The company who did the original installation did a horrible job and there have been repetitive problems to fix. They have also now gone out of business and have several pending lawsuits 🙁 After he leaves I’ll go do my shopping for Easter supplies. I’ll do the Eagle’s bar and the OFFYCE shopping on Wednesday.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING Not much this week.
DVR/TV LOL 🙂 STILL trying to clean out Christmas from the DVR, TOC season 7, ULTIMATE Baking…
THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY deep cleaning and organizing… being adopted by friendly stray animals…successful and satisfying new recipes that make everyone at the table smile… laughing kids playing outside… curling up with a cozy book and blanket on a rainy day…

READING TIME

I started Storm Clouds Rolling In, the #1 book in the Bregden Chronicles Historical fiction series by Ginny Dye. I’ve really been looking forward the this series that is currently at 22 books, so definitely will last a while, but I’m also looking for a secondary read as I’m not always in the mood for a heavier topical historical read late at night. I’m leaning towards ACRIMONIOUS by Marie Force.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

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

	3/30 MONDAY	3/31 TUESDAY	4/1 WEDNESDAY	4/2 THURSDAY	4/3 FRIDAY	4/4 SATURDAY	4/5 SUNDAY
DINNER	CORN / YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	SOUTHWEST CHICKEN SKILLET	CORN / YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	STUFFED PORK CHOPS and BRUSSELS SPROUTS	CORN / YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	STUFFED HAMBURGERS and MACARONI SALAD	BAKED HAM with ALOHA GLAZE, MASHED POTATOES and GLAZED CARROTS
DESSERT							CREAMSICLE PIE

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

This week’s favorite photos are my Christmas cactus that is still blooming in late March, a friend’s homemade Bloody Marys (with his special blend of mixer and homemade peppered bacon) for his morning as guest bartender at our favorite brunch spot and Tango the cat who has a home, but adopted us anyway. I don’t know what his “real” name is, but he’s tangerine colored so I nicknamed him Tango 🙂 And don’t forget my favorite heart faced cow 🙂 I LOVE traveling the back way to town in the spring because of the green colors and baby animals. The Osprey are starting their nests and the baby sheep and cows are literally frolicking together in the fields.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

COWBOY POTATOES
FRENCH TOAST MUFFINS

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

CREAMY CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENU & RECIPE LINKS ~ week 12 of 2026 ~ BLOG 365.82

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

Last week went by way too quickly, AGAIN with mainly mundane errands and appointments! I was able to stay on top of the laundry and house chores – enough so that Saturday and Sunday were both pretty lazy days with sleeping, hanging with friends and watching NASCAR. (For a nice change).

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We’re back to early spring weather with highs in the low 50’s and lows in the high 30’s with a lot of clouds this week and a little rain too. I did pack away the heavy jackets, but left plenty of mid weight and light weight hoodies for layering.

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, TRAVEL, APPOINTMENTS, MENUS & DVR/TV

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I’ve started some spring cleaning trying to de-clutter and downsize.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’m headed to town in just a bit to pick up groceries.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I went through quite a few recipes yesterday while watching NASCAR and sorted by category, even throwing away duplicates and flavor profiles that just didn’t appeal to me.
DVR/TV Not much except some cooking shows and a couple old movies.
THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY Successful new recipes… clean closets… spring flowers… baby geese in the pond… pink and gold sunsets… organized chaos…

READING TIME

Tonight I’m going to start Storm Clouds Rolling In, the #1 book in the Bregden Chronicles Historical fiction series by Ginny Dye. I’m really looking forward the this series that is currently at 22 books, so definitely will last a while.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

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

	3/23 MONDAY	3/24 TUESDAY	3/25 WEDNESDAY	3/26 THURSDAY	3/27 FRIDAY	3/28 SATURDAY	3/29 SUNDAY
DINNER	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	MEATBALL SOUP & BISCUITS	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	CHICKEN PARMESAN BOWLS	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	STEAK PIZZAIOLA & PASTA	BLACK BEAN SALSA CHICKEN
DESSERT		COFFEE CRUNCH MUFFINS

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

This week’s favorite photos are last Thursday’s beautiful sunset over the pond, a crazy bartender on St. Patrick’s Day and a favorite new BBQ sauce.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

CREAMY CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

BLOG 365.33 ~ HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY week 5 of 2026 ~ RECIPE LINKS & MENUS

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

GOOD MORNING friends. I can’t believe we’re ALREADY into February!!! The 5th week of 2026 already!! It sure seems like time is flying by faster and faster. PLEASE, SLOW down this merry go round!!!!!!!

It was a SUPER busy week trying to tie up loose ends with all my duties at the Eagles before we leave on our coast trip tomorrow. I also got caught up on laundry, cleaning, some sorting and organizing for putting together a St. Vinnie’s donation that I was planning on dropping off this morning, but they’re closed on Mondays so that will wait until next week. At least it’s ready to go 🙂 I’m hoping for enough downtime of the evenings to get all my blog visiting caught up this week. More than anything I’m looking forward to some serious relaxation time.

I also got a bunch of books, paperwork and recipes handled. And I’m packed and ready to go right after tacos tomorrow. No reason to get up too early since we’re only going a couple hours away and can’t check in before 4PM.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

The weather is supposed to be beautiful and somewhat sunny here at home and also at the coast through Friday when a storm is supposed to set in. Highs will be in the 40’s and 50’s with lows in the 30’s. BUT, Punxsutawney Phil IS predicting 6 more weeks of winter which is no surprise to me. When we have had a mild December and January here in the past it usually means a roaring February and March!

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV

LAUNDRY & CLEANING YAY, all done until after our trip.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS YAY, all done until after our trip.
PROJECTS & TRAVELS No projects, but hoping for lots of fun and picture taking along the Oregon coast.
ON MY MIND Same old, same old stuff, but getting closer to some resolutions.
WHAT MAKES ME HAPPY wind in my face as I walk along the beach… and my toes in the sand when it’s warm… spending time with friends and laughing… traveling and seeing new places… antiquing… discovering old, but new to me recipes…

READING TIME

I’m waiting for book club to make a decision so I started an older Heather Webber book for now. I’m reading A HOE LOT OF TROUBLE, A NINA QUINN MYSTERY #1.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

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

	2/2 MONDAY	2/3 TUESDAY	2/4 WEDNESDAY	2/5 THURSDAY	2/6 FRIDAY	2/7 SATURDAY	2/8 SUNDAY
DINNER	clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	taco Tuesday with friends and then leave on trip	OUT OF TOWN	OUT OF TOWN	OUT OF TOWN	SUN DRIED TOMATO CHICKEN & PASTA	BROWN BUTTER LEMON CHICKEN
DESSERT

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

LOL This was the most exciting picture I took this week LOL

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

CREAMY STEAK & POTATO SOUP
ASIAN CHICKEN POT PIE with SCALLION PANCAKE CRUST
SLOW COOKER CANDY, HAYSTACKS & CRANBERRY ALMOND MACAROONS

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

BLOG 365.19 ~ HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY ~ week 3 of 2026 ~ MENUS & RECIPE LINKS

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

Once again the year seems to be speeding by! We’re already in the third week and I haven’t completely cleaned up from Christmas! I have a super busy day starting early this morning so will jump right in!APPOINTMENTS

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

The past week has been clear of an evening making for some REALLY COLD nights and mornings with freezing fog! This is supposed to continue until Friday when the rain returns and will warm it up slightly! Not enough to change how I dress in layers and UGG’s!

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV

APPOINTMENTS I have a pedicure this morning with a couple small errands after and then lunch with a girlfriend going through a tough divorce and she needs an outing. I also have an afternoon appointment to deal with the kitchen new menu in the Eagle’s kitchen and the procedures to make it run smoother.
LAUNDRY & CLEANING I did a deep clean on Saturday and got the mattress turned as well as 6 loads of laundry. The problem with winter is that we wear so many more clothes to begin with which creates so much more laundry!
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’ll be doing the grocery shopping and Costco shopping for us, the Eagles and the Offyce on Wednesday.
PROJECTS & TRAVELS I need to make the reservations today for upcoming coast trip.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I spent the whole weekend scanning bookmarks in 3 separate cookbooks while watching football to get a plan together through mid-March. 🙂
DVR/TV There are a couple new shows we’re trying, but I’m really still trying to clean out the DVR from the holidays.
WHAT MAKES ME HAPPY the aroma of the slow cooker being almost done with a favorite recipe… the sound of laughter when the joke is so stupid the other person just can’t stop laughing… the morning silence while I drink my coffee and listen to the birds…

READING TIME

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

	1/19 MONDAY	1/20 TUESDAY	1/21 WEDNESDAY	1/22 THURSDAY	1/23 FRIDAY	1/24 SATURDAY	1/25 SUNDAY
DINNER	TRIVIA NIGHT CORN/YOYO clean out fridge night or you’re on your own	TUSCAN CHICKEN PASTA SALAD	PEANUT BUTTER BURGERS with GRILLED ONIONS	PORK CHOPS & STUFFING	COOKING @ EAGLES SO CORN/YOYO clean out fridge night or you’re on your own	CHICKEN ARTICHOKE CASSEROLE	CAESAR SALAD PARMESAN CUPS
DESSERT			S’MORES MONKEY BREAD MUFFINS

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

The strawberry Hummingbird cake was a HUGE hit on Friday night and the FREEZING FOG was beautiful on Thursday, though it delayed many a flight and made the roads a bit treacherous in the early morning. This picture was taken late morning as it was burning off.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

CHOCOLATE CARROT CAKE
BROWNED BUTTER TOASTED COCONUT CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

BLOG 365.12 ~ HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY ~ week 2 of 2026 ~ with MENUS & RECIPE LINKS

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

The first part of the week was full of errands and trying to get back on track with a routine. My girlfriend and I ventured to the BIG (ha 😂 ha) city on Wednesday to go shopping at the mall and have a nice lunch. Then we stopped at the Chef’s store (Cash & Carry, Smart & Final) to get the food for our Friday dinner and the rest of the month’s shopping for the Eagle’s kitchen. YAY my last time shopping for the kitchen, but at least I was able to set them up for success, now it’s on them to find the wherewithal to follow thru and keep it going “correctly” without getting lazy and short cutting everything which unfortunately is the tendancy. Thursday was the shopping for the Eagle’s bar, my girlfriend’s bar & grill and some food prep for Friday’s meal.

I cannot believe the first full week of January flew by that quickly! I NEED things to slow down a bit so I can catch up!

We’re NOT really college football watchers other than the Rose Bowl, but we live in a small town only an hour or so away from the Oregon University Ducks, so they are a BIG deal around here. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, they played Friday evening during the Auxiliary charity dinner that my girl friend and I were preparing so we ended up twice as busy as we’ve been in recent months. The unfortunate part is that we didn’t plan for that many people, but, the fortunate part is that we SOLD OUT and didn’t have leftovers 🙂

Saturday I was finally able to get my own shopping and errands accomplished and picked up some fried chicken for lunch on the way back so hubby and I could watch WILD CARD NFL games. 4 of the 5 times we rooted for won 🙂 Sunday was more football with friends and then some relaxing before the week started all over again. I did get some meal planning done and a few odd organizational tasks accomplished.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Last Friday we finally woke to the first snow of the winter, NOT on the valley floor, but absolutely beautiful none the less on the hills around us. Our rain is gone for the next week or so, but it’s not full sun either. All week should be highs in the 40’s with lows in the low 30’s. Lots of layering still going on here.

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV

LAUNDRY & CLEANING Laundry is done and I’m hoping to finish the holiday clean-up today 🙂
GROCERIES & ERRANDS Up to date on my personal shopping. I just have the business shopping to do. I have 2 meetings today, but may skip them both under the current political climate. I was going to skip the 2nd one anyway to go and support my friend’s new “Trivia Night” at the bar and grill she manages. But… ??????
PROJECTS & TRAVELS Need to make reservations for the trip next month.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m working on a couple of new and unusual recipes to combat winter doldrums of the same old soup and stew flavor profile.
DVR/TV We watched BEST MEDICINE last week and will give it another try this week, but so far it isn’t as good as the original, DOC MARTIN. Also have a few cooking shows to catch up on as well as the regular season shows that have started again.
THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY A rainy Sunday in yoga pants, fuzzy socks and Football… brunch with good friends and Football… puppy kisses… clean sheets and cozy quilt…
ON MY MIND I’m not technically an officer at the Eagles, but I do have many responsibilities and am the “back up” secretary for my friend. She asked me to go to the officer’s meeting today in her place and I’m a bit concerned about saying the wrong thing to the wrong person. From a business standpoint there are some really poor choices being made and as the saying goes, you can read the writing on the wall if they follow down this path. But, as the other saying goes, you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink…Que sera…

READING TIME

Book club was kind of a wash I guess and they haven’t picked a new book ::SIGH:: so I’ve just bee reading whatever strikes my fancy. Right now I’m reading WHY I HOLD YOUR HAND by Augusta Reily.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

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

	1/12 MONDAY	1/13 TUESDAY	1/14 WEDNESDAY	1/15 THURSDAY	1/16 FRIDAY	1/17 SATURDAY	1/18 SUNDAY
DINNER	CORN/YOYO	BEST MEATBALLS and PASTA	MARRY ME CHICKEN & NOODLES	ASIAN POT PIE and SALAD	CORN/YOYO	CHICKEN FETTUCCINE CARBONARA	ORICIETTE with BROWN BUTTER WALNUT SAUCE
DESSERT			PUMPKIN APPLE POKE CAKE

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

Incredible sunsets over the pond again this past weekend!!!

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

CREAMY TUSCAN TORTELLINI SOUP
APPLEBEE’S COPY CAT ORIENTAL CHICKEN SALAD DRESSING

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENUS & RECIPE LINKS week 52 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.363

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

GOOD MORNING sweet friends. Can you believe this is our last Monday together for 2025? I can barely get my head around the fact that it is almost 2026! I hope you had a blessed, relaxed and safe Christmas holiday with family and friends. Ours was low key and just about perfect.

I’ll be sad to be cleaning up Christmas, but I do wait until after King’s day in January. It just passes way too quickly for me. That said, as I’m organizing my year, LOL 🙂 I’m already planning BLOGMAS 2026 to be even more relaxed than this year was 🙂 So in good clean fun:

It was recently announced that our Eagle’s club is in dire straights financially.There are two sides to a fraternal organization like this. The Aerie is responsible for the business side and the Auxiliary is responsible for the charity side. It is inferred that as a member you will do some volunteering, but unfortunately there are only a handful of volunteers that get and stay involved to keep the place running, the rest only show up for free food or fun events.

For the past 2 years the trustees in charge of the Aerie business side have made financial decisions that one way or another have now jeopardized our very existence on a local level. Of course there are other factors related to our existing issues such as the economy during and after COVID, membership growing older, increased costs related to bands and such as well as the membership resisting paying more when necessary to have the same functions every year. Quite honestly the existing members want to live like it is still the year 2010 and the volunteerism has decreased proportionately also.

I’m an auxiliary member and for quite some time now the majority of the volunteers are mainly from the auxiliary side and quite honestly we’re tired of trying to hold it all together for everyone. I literally work more now (and without pay) than when I held a full time job – not my idea of retirement.

My decision on how much to be involved may soon be made for me. I guess this is a good thing as it is all out of my hands anyway. I’ve been so frustrated with so much of the inner workings.

I am proud of the work I have been able to accomplish over the years in terms of food and gifts for the Holiday families and kids, helping with the scholarship program, writing the newsletter, rebuilding the kitchen after the flood and keeping it organized and stocked, raising money for our charities with Friday night dinners, working special events like the Cribbage Tournament, the BBQ Throwdown, Trunk or Treat, shopping for the kitchen and canteen and so much more…

SIGH, onto happier thoughts and today.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We’re FINALLY getting some “regular” colder weather though we’ve yet to have our regularly scheduled deep freeze. The bird bath has yet to get iced over this year. This week is supposed to be fairly clear with highs in the 40’s and lows in the low 30’s to start the week and then warm up 5 degrees or so when the rain returns. Fortunately, the atmospheric rivers hitting the west coast have been either north or south of us and we’re just having a “normal”, even low amounts of rain.

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY, WHAT’S ON MY MIND, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV

TO DO: LAUNDRY & CLEANING I’m pretty well caught up on laundry and basic cleaning. We decided to reorganize much of the Christmas decorations and have the new containers on order so it’s a good thing we always wait until the 2nd week of January to de-decorate and I’ll deep clean at that time. I have some paperwork that HAS to be done by Wednesday and I REALLY want to clean off my desk before the new year so I can start 2026 fresh.
TO DO: GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have a few exchanges/returns to do in town this week and will pick up the few things I need for groceries at that time.
PROJECTS & TRAVELS We’re hoping to take a trip later in January to the coast, but it’s still in the works.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m good thru 2025 🙂 That sounds more satisfying than it is when you realize 2026 starts on Thursday.
DVR/TV We’re trying to catch up on fall shows as the new season starts next week. I still have 8 or 9 Christmas movies to catch up on also. I at least got through all the holiday cooking and baking shows.
THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY clean sheets… warm socks… hot soup with crusty bread… leftover turkey sandwiches after the holiday… candles flickering as I snuggle in to read a good book…

READING TIME

I started something lighter for now until Book Club meets on January 3rd, Merit Badge Murder, Merry Wrath Mysteries #1 by Leslie Langtry and I should finish it tonight. I’m not sure if she was trying to emulate Jana Deleon’s Miss Fortune series, but it sure has similarities. It’s not bad, but it’s not as good as Jana’s books.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

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

	12/29 MONDAY	12/30 TUESDAY	12/31 WEDNESDAY	1/1/2026 THURSDAY	1/2/2026 FRIDAY	1/3/2026 SATURDAY	1/4/2026 SUNDAY
DINNER	WE’RE STILL CLEANING OUT THE CHRISTMAS DINNER LEFTOVERS CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	FRIED HOT DOGA and MAC & CHEESE	BLACK EYED PEA CHILI and CORN BREAD	SEAFOOD LASAGNA & GARLIC BREAD	I’m cooking at the Eagles to fill in for a friend who is quite sick. We’ll be making Spaghetti & Meatballs with salad and cheesy garlic toast.	BAKED HAM and BAKED BEANS	ASIAN POT PIE
DESSERT					It was my month to make the birthday cake anyway so this worked out okay. PINK CHAMPAGNE CAKE

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

FLYING FARMER SALAD
SLOW COOKER PORK & BLACK BEAN STEW
SPAGHETTI BOLEGNESE & PARMESAN MEATBALLS
AVEGOLEMONOA GREEK LEMON CHICKEN RICE SOUP

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

LEMON BUTTER CHICKEN PARMESAN

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

I will resume this category on January 5th.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, RECIPE LINKS & MENUS week 51 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.356

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

GOOD MORNING sweet friends! Grab your coffee and join me.

Can you believe we’re only 3 days from Christmas? And only 10 days from a brand new year?!!!!! I just don’t know where this year went so quickly!!

That said, I am basically ready early for Christmas or as much as I can be and am enjoying each day as it comes for a change. I did make some pre-planning and organizational changes to the scheduling and shopping for the Eagles to ease my stress and well, if they don’t like it, they can find someone else to do my job. 🙂

BLOGMAS is in full swing with these completed posts:

BLOGMAS #1 days 1,2 and 3 ~ Holiday Schedule, Christmas Cards, Elf on the Shelf/NISSE & Wrapping Ideas
BLOGMAS #2 days 4 and 5 ~ Christmas Music and Movies
BLOGMAS #3 days 6, 7 and 8 ~ Real Tree vs. Artificial, Decorating & Favorite Ornaments
BLOGMAS #4 days 9, 10 and 11 ~ Advent Calendars, Presents, PJ’S, Books, Last Minute and Homemade Gifts ~ updated with 2 new soups ~ FRIENDSHIP & SPICY BLACK BEAN CORN SOUPS
BLOGMAS #5 days 12, 13 and 14 Presents, WISH Lists and Stocking Stuffers
BLOGMAS #6 days 15, 16 and 17 Quiet Christmas or BIG Get Together, Favorite Family Traditions and Christmas Memories
BLOGMAS #7 days 18, 19 and 20 Winter Wonderland, Lights and Parades, Christmas Markets and Fairs, Winter MUST Haves and TAGS
BLOGMAS #8 days 21, 22 and 23 Christmas Menus, Party Foods and Favorite Recipes
BLOGMAS #9 days 24, 25 and 26 12 Days of Christmas, Meaning of Christmas, Merry VS. Happy, Inspirations and Stories

Coming up this week will be:

BLOGMAS #10 Christmas Eve, NORAD, St. Nick and Merry Christmas

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We’re FINALLY getting some winter temperatures, but I’m fairly confident when I say we’ll NOT be seeing a white Christmas this year. 🙁 Highs this week will be in the 40’s with lows in the 30’s and a bit more rain.

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY, WHAT’S ON MY MIND, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV

TO DO: LAUNDRY & CLEANING I have a couple loads of laundry to get caught up on before the holiday and the cleaning is up to date besides the mess I’m sure to make in the kitchen each day as I finish last minutes gifts.
TO DO: GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have a hair cut and pedicure this morning before I drop off the DHS gifts and food basket. I’ll squeeze in a SUPER small visit to the grocery store for 5 quick items before I shoot home to meet my neighbor who is bringing over hubby’s BIG gift and hiding it for me while hubby is at his Red Cross donation. Then I have a quick meeting tomorrow night with a ornament and cookie exchange. Tuesday morning is Taco Tuesday with friends and a gift exchange. Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday will be baking for the neighbor plates. I still have the BRIGADEIROS, BUTTERFINGER COOKIES, HAYSTACKS, SLOW COOKER CANDY and BROWNED BUTTER TOASTED COCONUT CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES to make.
PROJECTS & TRAVELS Nothing on the calendar right now.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING Good through the end of the year! I’ll reevaluate at that time.
DVR/TV I have quite a few Hallmark movies to catch up on and am looking forward to several new Food Network shows, but have had very little TV time. When we have time we have been binge watching EUREKA which is always fun.
THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY Being ready for Christmas with time to spare so I can sit and enjoy the twinkling tree…the smell of a favorite memory food baking…the first snow of the year falling…the look on a friends face when they open your gift that you picked out special for them…

READING TIME

I finished GONE BEFORE GOODBYE by Reese Witherspoon and Harlen Coben – WOW a slow start, but what a bunch of twists and turns to a surprise ending! I started something lighter for now until Book Club meets on January 3rd, Merit Badge Murder Merry Wrath Mysteries #1 by Leslie Langtry. I’m not sure if she was trying to emulate Jana Deleon’s Miss Fortune series, but it sure has similarities. It’s not bad, but it’s not as good as Jana’s books.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

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

	12/22 MONDAY	12/23 TUESDAY	12/24 WEDNESDAY	12/25 THURSDAY	12/26 FRIDAY	12/27 SATURDAY	12/28 SUNDAY
DINNER	CHICKEN STEW & BISCUITS	BUTTERMILK CHICKEN & BAKED BEANS	BLACK EYED PEA CHILI & CORNBREAD	PRIME RIB, TURKEY BREAST, MASHED POTATOES & GRAVY and GLAZED CARROTS	CORN/YOYO clean out the refrigerator night OR you’re on your own	ONE PAN CHICKEN & VEGGIES	BEEF BARLEY STEW
DESSERT	SALTED BROWNED BUTTER COCONUT CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES	BUTTERFINGER COOKIES and SLOW COOKER CANDY	BRIGADEIROS, PEANUT BUTTER MOLASSES CRINKLES and HAYSTACKS	CRANBERRY CHEESECAKE

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

A friend popped by yesterday with this beautiful flower arrangement that she made me.

And I made headway on my soup mixes.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

LEMON BUTTER CHICKEN PARMESAN
MODIFIED UNITED KINGDOM BAKED BEANS

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

This is usually a favorite thing for me to do, but to relieve a lot of stress on myself this year I’ve decided to forego doing these link parties until 2026.

Tag: JANE LEE LOGAN