HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY with MENU & RECIPES week 26 of 2025 ~ blog 365.181

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

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

It seems like all my days are running together and I can’t get caught up. I’ve been working hard at getting as many things off my plate as possible. I did get several large projects accomplished and will do much more this week after the Cribbage tournament.

I cannot believe we are halfway through this year! I have not come close to getting anything done yet!!!!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Today is supposed to surge close to triple digits, but the rest of the week is supposed to be in the mid 80’s. It’s also been quite humid and breezy for us.

ON MY MIND

I’m trying to put more thought into where we go from here. There are so many questions…What does my mom need?, the estate sale at the end of July, the memorial in August – though we did choose an “in lieu” of charity for flowers – we chose Hospice Care of America because the hospice crew was genuinely so caring and wonderful!, the memorial reception food and accommodating all the out of the area people…

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING Deep cleaning closets and drawers
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS All the shopping will be Tuesday for the Cribbage Tournament
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS nowhere until late August
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING need some lighter salads 

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • STREAMING I’ve been binge watching JAG while cleaning out and prepping for the estate sale at the end of July. 

READING TIME

I’m reading the 3rd book, BONE FIRE in the Rose Landgreen mysteries by Sigrid Holm.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

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

6/30 MONDAY
7/1 TUESDAY
7/2 WEDNESDAY
7/3 THURSDAY
7/4 FRIDAY
7/5 SATURDAY
7/6 SUNDAY
DINNER
 MARRY ME CHICKEN & SMOKED BAKED POTATOES
MISO CHICKEN & COLESLAW 
 CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
 working ALL day at the Eagles defrosting the freezer and changing out to a new refrigerator so it will also be a CORN/YOYO night.
BBQ at a friend’s house 
I’ll be working the Eagle’s CRIBBAGE tournament – so eating out! 
I’ll be working the Eagle’s CRIBBAGE tournament – so eating out! 
DESSERT
 
CINNAMON SWIRL COFFEE CAKE 
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

I did take a couple hours last week and take a class to make a patriotic welcome sign. Unfortunately, the sun was full force when I took the picture.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • NOT SURE YET!

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY week 25 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.174

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

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

I’m still trying to play catch up from the past couple of months, but feel like I’m getting further behind. I’m just so exhausted all of a sudden! I’ll do what I can to get ahead of the game this week!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Friday and Saturday brought a bunch of rain AND cold! I actually wore a sweatshirt for the first 3 days of summer! But, that is going away this week as the regularly scheduled sunshine is back and we’re supposed to hit low to mid 80’s ALL week.

ON MY MIND

I’m thinking about where we go from here. What does my mom need?, the estate sale at the end of July, the memorial in August, the reception food and accommodating all the out of the area people…

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I’m actually up to date, but wonder how long that will last…
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’m trying REALLY hard to clean out the freezer and pantry…
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS everything is put off until the end of summer after the memorial and estate sale… EXCEPT for a class with girlfriends on Wednesday night 🙂
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING looking for recipes that utilize what is on hand…

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • I’ve been watching the Librarians on Paramount +
  • Catching up on cooking shows – BBQ Brawl, Duff Goldman Cake competition, Guy’s Grocery games…

READING TIME

I just started the 3rd Rose Landgreen series book, BONE FIRE by Sigrid Holm.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

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

6/23 MONDAY
6/24 TUESDAY
6/25 WEDNESDAY
6/26 THURSDAY
6/27 FRIDAY
6/28 SATURDAY
6/29 SUNDAY
DINNER
HAM HOCKS AND BEANS 
 FREEZER MYSTERY BOX (the label fell off and I can’t remember what it was even though it’s only a couple months old!)
 CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
 CHICKEN WINGS AND BBQ BEANS
CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
 MISSISSIPPI CHICKEN and APPLE BROCCOLI SALAD
ROOTBEER CHICKEN SLIDERS AND POTATO SALAD
DESSERT
 
 
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

My girlfriend just spent 10 days in Germany, Switzerland and Prague having the time of her life. I was so honored she brought me the cutest glass blown German Christmas ornaments because she knows it’s my favorite holiday and some chocolates and the prettiest book mark from Switzerland and the Prague!

The past couple years I have been buying my seedlings at the Feed CO-OP and they have been growing like they are on steroids! I’ve already had tomatoes this year from 2 tiny seedlings despite the cold! And my clematis is growing like it’s radioactive!

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • GREEN PEA CASSEROLE
  • MEATBALLS in BUTTERMILK SAUCE
  • MARINATED CUCUMBER, ONION & TOMATO SALAD

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, RECIPES & MENU week 24 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.167

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

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

It’s been a super long, busy, sad, confusing, frustrating week, but when all is said and done it will all be okay.

My stepdad passed peacefully last Thursday at home in hospice. My stepsisters were both here with him. His cancer “journey” was aggressive and fast, a mere 8 weeks from beginning to end.

I do have to say that fortunately the hospice arm of the ONLY health care service in the county was made up of VERY caring nurses that helped make his last few days peaceful.

My stepsisters live many hours away and there is a lot to get done so hubs and I are doing what we can to help mom get through this.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

The weather has turned much cooler and is much more pleasant than it has been the past few weeks. We’re now in the 70’s and 80’s during the day and 40’s and 50’s at night.

ON MY MIND

How to make this a smooth transition for my mom and stepsisters as we progress through these next steps of finalizing my stepdad’s estate. 

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING There is so much to do with returning the medical equipment, boxing up financial paperwork for my stepsister to deal with her dad’s estate and boxing up the mementos from their dad. Their mom also dies of a long drawn out cancer many years ago so I know this was especially hard on them. They’ve asked me to deal with selling off his estate for them.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS We have plenty of groceries, but I do have a pedicure this week and several loads of things to drop off at Salvation Army. Wednesdays are for Eagle’s shopping and this week I’m also covering the kitchen several days for a friend who is going to state conference.
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS While we had to cancel going to the family reunion, we we will be re-planning our vacation for August after the memorial in July and the estate sale.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING We’re going to try and get back on a normal schedule so I’ll be delving into a menu plan later today.

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • I really need to clean out the DVR and get caught up soon.

READING TIME

I’m reading LAKE LURE the Rose Landgreen Mysteries #2 by Sigrid Holm

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

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

6/16 MONDAY
6/17 TUESDAY
6/18 WEDNESDAY
6/19 THURSDAY
6/20 FRIDAY
6/21 SATURDAY
6/22 SUNDAY
DINNER
 HAM HOCKS AND BEANS
STUFFED BAKED POTATOES 
 BEEF STROGANOFF AND GLAZED CARROTS
TOSTADAS 
 CALZONES and ITALIAN SALAD  
 PORK STEAKS & SCALLOED POTATOES
CHEESY MEATBALLS & PASTA
DESSERT
 
DOUBLE MILK FUDGE BROWNIES 
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

We tried a new food truck last week that was super tasty and healthy too! They hang out at a favorite local brewery on Thursdays.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE 
  • STRAWBERRY SPOON BREAD/CAKE

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENU & RECIPES week 23 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.160

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

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

Every week has been trying lately for the past 6-7 weeks, but this past week in particular was one of the worst. We began Monday with 8 hours at the hospital and an ER doctor that I will be filing a formal complaint against. Getting decent healthcare shouldn’t be so hard! My stepdad was in for the whole week and after many doctors, a palliative team and discussions he will be coming home hospice later today. All further treatment and testing has been canceled 🙁

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We’ve been unseasonably hot and under heat advisories this past week. Yesterday topped at 101° and today is supposed to be 98°, but by Thursday we’re supposed to be back down around normal in the high 70’s. Fortunately the night time is still getting down into the 50’s.

ON MY MIND

Doing hospice with grace and a dysfunctional blended family. I guess that statement says A LOT as well not enough. It’s also difficult for me because of my immunocompromised standing. I can do A LOT of things… cooking, patient advocacy, errands, phone calls, but…the whole process of hospice is on a case by case basis and needs to tailored around the patient in my opinion. The health care in this county is still atrocious, and MANY of the doctors should be barred, but I have to admit the palliative care switching to hospice has been quite efficient.

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING WOW I’m actually caught up! Except for the deep clean I’m doing on our bedroom in pieces.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I do need some groceries later today. I also have an eye doctor appointment on Wednesday and a hair appointment on Thursday. I have the Eagle’s shopping to do on Wednesday and am glad to be free of any cooking duties this week 😀
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS We’re still doing any traveling while everything is up in the air with my stepdad, but hubby has taken on a couple projects for a friend rebuilding her chemical station for the bar sanitizer at our local favorite dive bar.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m trying to develop a menu to make my stepdad happy while still staying within his nutritional needs while on hospice.

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • The House with a Clock in its Wall, The House on 92nd Street, Airport, To Catch a Thief

READING TIME

I’m still trying to finish Forest Trap but continue to fall asleep quickly!

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

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

6/9 MONDAY
6/10 TUESDAY
6/11 WEDNESDAY
6/12 THURSDAY
6/13 FRIDAY
6/14 SATURDAY
6/15 SUNDAY
DINNER
 MYRA’S FLANK STEAK, ONION CUCUMBER SALAD, SMASHED GARLIC POTATOES
 SLOW COOKER PORK CHOPS, GLAZED CARROTS and SALAD
 MARRY ME CHICKEN, BUTTERED NOODLES and PEAS
 POT ROAST SMOKED HAM, CORN on the COB, SLICED TOMATOES
 SLOW COOKED BEEF, MASHED POTATOES & GRAVY
BABY BACK RIBS, MAC SLAW & BAKED BEANS 
??
DESSERT
 
 
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

My spring flowers are finally making an appearance and I’m wondering what the story behind the feathers is 😀

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • MAC SLAW
  • MINI CHOCOLATE CHIP CHEESECAKE CANNOLI CUPS

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, RECIPES & MENU week 22 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.153

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

LAST WEEK RECAPPED & ON MY MIND

GOOD MORNING dear friends. I feel like I’ve been neglecting blogland because I’ve been so busy. I hope to visit you all tonight!

YAY!!! The wedding I catered this past weekend is over and went off without a hitch. The estate sale my friends and I have been working on is over (for the public part) and felt like it lasted FOREVER with quite rude and demanding people!! And last Friday’s dinner that my girlfriend and I made SOLD OUT. I have another fundraising dinner this Friday and I’m filling in for a friend on Tuesday as well as the last cribbage tournament at the end of the month, but then I’ll be taking some breaks for my sanity. The candle I’ve been burning at both ends is running out of wick!!!!!

Life is still quite uncertain for us and everything is on a day to day basis as my stepdad’s condition continues to deteriorate. Health care here is horrible and as I’ve said before borders on negligence in this county. I actually received a phone call from the ONLY home health agency in the county asking to put him on a “robotic” maintenance since they can’t attend to him as regularly as the doctor prescribed.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We’re finally approaching spring weather and are expecting some low 80’s this week with constant sunshine. We’ve been having some really cool winds this past week, but LOTS of sunshine so I’m happy!

TO DO LIST, TV/DVR, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING YAY! Done for a few days.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’ll be shopping later today and getting a few things for my mom also.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m looking for some lighter meals and salads for the summer.
TV/DVR
  • Just a few cooking shows to catch up on

READING TIME

I’m trying to finish FOREST TRAP the ROSE LANDGREEN MYSTERIES by SIGRID HOLM, but keep falling asleep before I finish a paragraph…

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

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

6/2 MONDAY
6/3 TUESDAY
6/4 WEDNESDAY
6/5 THURSDAY
6/6 FRIDAY
6/7 SATURDAY
6/8 SUNDAY
DINNER
PORK CHOPS and GLAZED CARROTS 
 BLT WRAPS & FRUIT SALAD
 OUT with FRIENDS
 BUNLESS BURGERS & BBQ BAKED BEANS
 cooking at the Eagles MEXICAN CHICKEN COBB SALAD, homemade TORTILLA CHIPS & SALSA with CHEESECAKE
 STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD
FRIED CHICKEN & BEAN SALAD
DESSERT
 
 PEANUT BUTTER BROWNIES
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

KitKat is one of my favorite felines! I’ll be watching her for another 2 weeks while mom and dad go gallivanting around the countryside!

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • BAKED PORK CHOPS with APPLE STUFFING
  • TEXAS BUTTERMILK SHEET CAKE BROWNIES

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENUS & RECIPES week 21 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.146

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

LAST WEEK RECAPPED & ON MY MIND

WOW, is it really Monday again? Last week was again a blur of work, phone calls and errands associated with all the things that come with preparing for a sudden onset life changing illness of a family member while working to meet a deadline on the new estate sale house we took on.

We are still waiting on tests and results for my stepdad, your prayers are all appreciated. Let me reiterate that the health care in this county SUCKS! In my opinion it border lines on complete negligence.

On a happier note we started the sale with a friends and family day last Thursday that was a HUGE success, but it made for a VERY long weekend where I once again didn’t get as much accomplished at home let alone get to visit any of your blogs.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Yesterday was COLD for the end of May (62, rainy and windy), but today is supposed to be 80 and sunny as is the rest of the week. 🙂

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I have a load of bedding to do, but otherwise am pretty caught up.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have tons to do for cooking at the Eagles on Friday night and catering a wedding on Saturday. Some of the errands are in a town an hour away, so fortunately they coincide with my oncology follow up – I fully anticipate another clean bill of health. 🙂
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS Everything is on hold for now.

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • 24 in 24, AMERICA’S GOT TALENT, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, GUY’S GROCERY GAMES

READING TIME

I’ve been so busy that I have been falling asleep the minute my head hits the pillow.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

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

5/26 MONDAY
5/27 TUESDAY
5/28 WEDNESDAY
5/29 THURSDAY
5/30 FRIDAY
5/31 SATURDAY
6/1 SUNDAY
DINNER
 MEATLOAF and TWICE BAKED POTATOES
HALIBUT ENCHILADAS with CREAMY WHITE PINTO BEANS
 PAN FRIED PORK CHOPS with CHILI GLAZED CARROTS
 PHYLLO CHICKEN POT PIE
 CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD
CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own
We’ll be at a graduation party.
DESSERT
 
 
 STRAWBERRY SPOON BREAD

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

This is Carl aka Morris, the friendliest cat in the world. He’s been hanging around the recent estate sale I’ve been working. He actually lives next door, but Donna, the woman who lived there had been feeding him and her brother who hired us said EVERYTHING GOES including and ESPECIALLY the cat!! But, the cat refuses to leave and meets me at the door EVERY morning before promptly making himself at home.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • CAITLYN’S CORNED BEEF
  • PAN FRIED CHICKEN in SHERRY MUSHROOM CREAM SAUCE

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENUS & RECIPES week 20 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.139

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

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

WOW, is it really Monday? Last week was a blur of work, phone calls and errands associated with all the things that come with preparing for a sudden onset life changing illness of a family member while working to meet a deadline on the new estate sale house we took on.

We spent the weekend preparing for and participating in a BBQ competition to benefit the Mercy Children’s foundation. It was the first time our team had participated and we had a GREAT time. Today will be short and sweet. I’m just exhausted and have so many things to do this morning to help my mom arrange this home health care situation.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We’re cold and rainy here again. It was almost miserable at the BBQ competition yesterday. I had on a turtleneck on as well as a hoodie and sweatshirt ALL day. I don’t think we got above 52° and it was cloudy as well as windy! This week is supposed to be a combination of all of that so I’m glad I didn’t pack away the cold weather gear just yet this year. 

TO DO LIST, TV/DVR & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I did get 2 loads of laundry done after we got home last night.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS ?? so much – where to start
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING This is day by day trying to come up with high protein, low sodium, low carb, low fat recipes that my stepdad can eat during his radiation treatment.
WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • I need to get caught up on 24 in 24, Spring Baking Championship and Guy’s Grocery Games.

READING TIME

I was supposed to be out of town for the family reunion so was going to miss book club anyway, but when things changed and we had to stay here I rejoined the BBQ team for yesterday and still missed book club. Also on the team was my friend Nicole who was skipping book club too. We commiserated on how little time we had each had to ready lately. While we at the event both our phones started pinging from the book club group text page. Absolutely everyone had to cancel except one person. Nicole and I were laughing so hard. 😂

I’m still reading Forest Trap by Sigrid Holm.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

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

5/19 MONDAY
5/20 TUESDAY
5/21 WEDNESDAY
5/22 THURSDAY
5/23 FRIDAY
5/24 SATURDAY
5/25 SUNDAY
DINNER
 PHILLY CHEESESTEAK STUFFED PEPPERS
VEGETABLE FRITTATA
 PAN FRIED CHICKEN with FRIED CAULIFLOWER RICE
 CHEESY MEATBALLS and PASTA
MEATBALL SAMMIES
 BBQ WINGS and KOOSLA MAC SLAW
OUT
DESSERT
 
 
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

Presenting our dishes for judging.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • SOUTHERN WALNUT APPLE CARROT CAKE

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

  • TENNESSEE ONIONS
  • CREAMY HAM & POTATOES

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, RECIPES & MENUS week 19 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.132

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

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

The name of my blog, “Chasing MY Life” and my subtext, “It Is What It Is” has NEVER been more fitting than it is right now. Hubby and I have always agreed that we end up where we are the most needed to help. This attitude certainly makes adjusting to the changes life is throwing in our path MUCH more easily navigated.

Things changed quickly last week with my stepdad. He ended up back in the hospital with complications. He was sent home over the weekend and we’re doing what can be done to make him comfortable. There should be some conclusive results early this week, but things are progressing faster than anyone expected. 🙁 

Hubby and I have pivoted to make things easier for my mom to care for him and will unfortunately miss our family reunion. I will coordinate from here and make the arrangements for next year so everyone will have it in place as they leave. We will go see as many of them individually as we can in a few weeks to make up for missing the family reunion. It won’t be quite the same, but as I always say, “It Is What It Is”!

On the flip side, there were a few people having to fill in for me and my regular Eagle’s duties that are relieved I will still be here to make their lives easier. There was also 2 events that we were really disappointed that we were going to miss that we are now going to be able to participate in. We’ll also be around for the city wide garage sale weekend.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Last week’s glorious weather has returned to our regularly scheduled Pacific North West uncertainty of cold and rain. This week is once again predicted to be in the high 50’s and 60’s for highs with periodic rain.

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I have a couple loads of laundry to do and some general de-cluttering.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I will need to do a bit of shopping for groceries since we weren’t supposed to be here this week, but have a clear calendar of actual errands.
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS ON HOLD
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING this is a day by day category right now.

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • STREAMING We’re almost done with The Gilmore Girls and have been watching Lucifer and The Librarians.
  • CABLE I have a few Hallmark movies left on the DVR and a couple episodes of Spring Baking Championship and 24 in 24.

READING TIME

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

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

5/12 MONDAY
5/13 TUESDAY
5/14 WEDNESDAY
5/15 THURSDAY
5/16 FRIDAY
5/17 SATURDAY
5/28 SUNDAY
DINNER
 BBQ PULLED PORK and MACARONI COLESLAW
 SLOPPY JOES and  CHEESY POTATOES
 HAM STEAKS with STUFFED MAC & CHEESE
 VOODOO CHICKEN WINGS and POTATO SALAD
 OUT
 OUT
BBQ COMPETITION
DESSERT
 
 
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

I’m in love with this picture of my niece Olive. Those little pink converse tennies…

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • CREAMY HAM & POTATOES
  • TENNESSEE ONIONS

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, MENUS & RECIPES week 18 of 2025 ~ BLOG 365.125

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

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

Last week was a zoo and MANY parts of it are still ongoing and can’t be put into words just yet, so the zoo continues in a holding pattern – enough said. BUT, the BIG fundraiser for the cancer center is at least over and a few moving parts have been removed from my chore list – at least until the cribbage tournament this next weekend LOL 😂

I hate when you are trying to get serious things done that require phone calls these days. So much of the time there are 3rd party call centers and red tape involved that makes the simplest of things harder than they need to be!

My stepdad is having some serious health issues that honestly would have been better addressed BEFORE they came home from the desert! The health care system in the desert (unlike here) is set up with a fully staffed facility and is prepared for geriatric health care. Here, not so much. In fact, NOT at all. I’m doing what I can for my mom and I’m trying to research their options, but ultimately, it’s up to them to decide what route to take. 🙁

So, on to Monday and trying to move forward. Since so much is in a holding pattern around here, we will probably still go to the family reunion since my elderly SIL and blind niece are dependent on us for a way to get there, but we’ll just make it a shorter whirlwind trip so we can get back to help my mom.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

There MUST be a change coming. The weather prediction for this week is low-mid 70’s all week for the highs and partly cloudy EVERY day with nights in the low 40’s. EVERY day is NEVER the same around here, so I’m waiting for the other shoe to fall!

ON MY MIND

For those of you planning on hand making Christmas gifts for this next year you have

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING A good cleaning is scheduled for tomorrow…
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have a few appointments this week, but no real shopping since we are supposed to leave next Monday for the family reunion.
  • PROJECTS & TRAVELS We have a whirlwind trip for the upcoming family reunion that we are still scheduled for, but we’ll see with everything that’s going on around here.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING Either way, I won’t do much menu planning until the end of May. I am looking for some crisper spring recipes with lots of salads for the summer months.

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • STREAMING We watched the original WAR of the WORLDS from 1953 and the remake with Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning from 2005 as well as THE VIKINGS with Kirk Douglas, Tony Curtis, Ernest Borgnine and Janet Leigh.
  • CABLE I think we’re finally caught up with things from the DVR except for Next Level Chef, Beat Bobby Flay and a couple of oddball shows.

READING TIME

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

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

5/5 MONDAY
5/6 TUESDAY
5/7 WEDNESDAY
5/8 THURSDAY
5/9 FRIDAY
5/10 SATURDAY
5/11 SUNDAY
DINNER
 MEATBALLS in MUSHROOM BUTTERMILK SAUCE and GREEN PEA CASSEROLE
 BUTTERY PARMESAN CHICKEN and FRIED CORN
CRACK CHICKEN and MACARONI COLESLAW
 CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night OR you’re on your own
OUT – working CRIBBAGE TOURNAMENT WEEKEND
OUT – working  CRIBBAGE TOURNAMENT WEEKEND
??
DESSERT
 
 CHOCOLATE CHIP CHURRO CANNOLI CUPS
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

My friend surprised me with this cute plant stake that she made out of Pandora beads, charms and crystals last night. It really brought a smile to my face. 🙂

First blooms of a garden always make me happy!

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

  • PIZZA EGG ROLLS
  • CHICKEN CORDON BLEU
  • DRIED CHERRY SALAD
  • GRUYERE POTATO CASSEROLE

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

BLOAGMAS 2024 ~ day 15 ~ FAVORITE CHRISTMAS RECIPES & MENUS ~ BLOG 366.348B

This is another ALWAYS easy topic for me. The one thing I am noticing as I type each entry every year is that by doing this, I am remembering so many silly stories and anecdotes about aunts, uncles, cousins and such that keep bringing smiles to my face. Anecdotes that I had previously forgotten. These memories are part of what this season is all about to me.

I’d like to say that our table ALWAYS looks just like the one in the picture. Well Christmas day was usually close, but Christmas Eve we were  ALWAYS much more casual. One of my earlier memories is of a very warm Southern California Christmas Day, a backed up sink/garbage disposal that became a horrific mess of black gunk (I don’t think we ever had a holiday in that house where the garbage disposal didn’t have an issue of some sort) and transporting all of the already prepared food from my parent’s house to my grandparent’s house via my grandmother’s RED (kind of like a Christmas sleigh) Chevy station wagon (remember those?) while my uncle and I sat in the back keeping the food from toppling over. My uncle is quite sick now with pancreatic cancer so this has become a much fonder memory for me.

CHRISTMAS EVE – We served buffet style since this was the night we did most of the present opening and the adults didn’t want to spend all or really any of their time in the kitchen – in later years we would have it catered (so to speak – they prepared the food, we picked it up and displayed it) from Rattler’s BBQ.  We also began to use “FINE CHINA” as hubs calls it aka as decorated paper plates, bowls and napkins. Paper plates have become so expensive though!!!! I also don’t mind washing my “real dishes!

  • Sandwich makings – roast beef, ham, cheeses
  • Potato Salad
  • See’s Candy boxes
  • Wintergreen ribbon candy
  • Chocolate covered cherries

CHRISTMAS DAY – This is where we dug out the REAL fine china and crystal as well as the silver and cloth napkins.  I loved setting the table for this meal. There were always enough people that we had a KID’S table too.  I hated the kid’s table – all the good stuff was sitting at the grown-up’s table. These days it also gives me the opportunity to use my Chirstmas china.

  • Roast Turkey, Baked Ham or Roast Beef
  • Daddy’s Stuffing – now recreated from scratch to taste virtually the same as my Oatnut Sourdough Herb Dressing
  • Mashed Potatoes from scratch – it was these potato peels that were one of the biggest garbage disposal problems
  • Giblet Gravy
  • Cranberry Sauce – my family always used Ocean Spray from a can but nowadays we make my homemade sauce ALWAYS  – Cranberry Sauce
  • Baked Ham – in later years it was always HONEYBAKED HAM and I loved making Split Pea soup with the left over bone.
  • Glazed Carrots
  • Green Bean Casserole (THEN) Brussels Sprouts Casserole (NOW) 😀
  • Gran’s cranberry salad – she’d make two, one for mom and aunt Liz and one for everyone else.
  • Rolls and butter
  • Traditional pies like pumpkin, Cherry and as well as Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake.
  • See’s Candies

When we go to my SIL’s family for Christmas (or any other big family get together)  we do Hor’deouvres style.  The family is so big that over the years we have found that if each person brings an hor’deouvre to feed 10+ people that we can make a HUGE feast out of it.  We just serve it buffet style (skipping the sit down meal) and mingle and play – we ALWAYS have the best time.

CINNAMON BUN CUPCAKES
CUPCAKES
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 LARGE eggs
1/2 cup canola oil
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons PURE vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream

  • Pre-heat oven to 350°.
  • Line cupcake tins with papers.
  • Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together. Set aside.
  • Whisk eggs for about 1 minute. They will become frothy and lightened in color.
  • Add oil and whisk again until combined.
  • Add sugar and whisk for about 1 minute.
  • Add vanilla extract.
  • Add sour cream to the batter, whisking until combined
  • Now add the sifted dry ingredients to the bowl and whisk gently. Whisk batter until JUST until combined. DO NOT OVERMIX!

CINNAMON SWIRL
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons white sugar

  • Make the Cinnamon Swirl: mix 1 1/2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of white sugar. Set aside.

ASSEMBLY

  • Now start by pouring about 1 heaping tablespoon of the batter on the bottom of each cupcake tin.
  • Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of the Cinnamon Swirl mixture.
  • Top with another heaping tablespoon of batter.
  • Now, sprinkle another 1/2 teaspoon of Cinnamon Swirl mixture over batter.
  • Top with another heaping tablespoon of batter.
  • Using a toothpick, swirl the batter a few times to create a swirl effect.
  • Top already swirled cupcakes with one final 1/2 teaspoon of the Cinnamon Swirl mixture.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, checking halfway to rotate pans.
  • Remove from the oven once cupcakes are lightly golden brown and puffed.
  • Cool 10 minutes.

GLAZE
+/- 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
+/- 2 tablespoons milk

  • Mix powdered sugar and milk together.

NOTES: There are many factors that will affect your glaze consistency. The brand of sugar you use, whether you use a scale or a measuring cup… If your glaze is too thin and runny, add more sifted powdered sugar and test for consistency again. If the glaze is too thick and not spreading, add a very, very small amount (1 teaspoon) of milk at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency. You just want this to be a very thing glazing.

GRASSHOPPER BROWNIES
11 ounce package dark chocolate pieces
1/2 cup butter
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
Creme-de-Menthe Filling (BELOW)
Dark Chocolate Ganache (BELOW)

  • In a medium saucepan, melt and stir 4 ounces (3/4 cup) of the dark chocolate pieces, butter, and the unsweetened chocolate over low heat.
  • Remove from heat; cool.
  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Line a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with foil, extending the foil over the edges of the pan. Grease foil; set aside.
  • Stir sugar into the cooled chocolate mixture in saucepan.
  • Add the eggs, one at a time, beating with a wooden spoon JUST until combined.
  • Stir in vanilla.
  • In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  • Add flour mixture to chocolate mixture, stirring just until combined.
  • Stir in the remaining 7 ounces (1-1/2 cups) dark chocolate pieces. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack.
  • Spread Creme-de-Menthe Filling over cooled brownies.
  • Place uncut brownies in the refrigerator while preparing the Dark Chocolate Ganache.
  • Spread slightly cooled Dark Chocolate Ganache over Creme de Menthe Filling, spreading to the edges with a spatula.
  • Cover and chill about 1 hour or until set. Using the edges of the foil, lift the uncut brownies out of the pan. Cut into bars.
  • Place brownies in a single layer in an airtight container; cover. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

CREME-DE-MENTHE FILLING
3 ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons GREEN creme de menthe
Milk (optional)

  • In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and butter.
  • Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer for 30 seconds.
  • Gradually beat in 1 cup of the powdered sugar.
  • Beat in creme-de-menthe.
  • Gradually beat in remaining powdered sugar. If necessary beat in 1 tablespoon of additional milk to make the filling slightly thicker than a frosting

CHOCOLATE GANACHE
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 11 ounce package dark chocolate pieces

  • In a medium saucepan, bring whipping cream JUST to boiling over medium-high heat.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Add dark chocolate pieces (do not stir).
  • Let stand for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth.
  • Cool for 15 minutes.
  • Pour over brownies and QUICKLY spread evenly.

NOTE: You can substitute 2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon mint extract, and several drops of green food coloring for the GREEN Creme-de-menthe.

Here are some of my FAVORITE RECIPE LINKS to make for a crowd. They make some pretty impressive foods and drinks for a buffet table or neighbor gift plates.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY MENUS & RECIPES week 42 of 2024 ~ BLOG 366.295

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

WEEK(END) RECAP

Fall REALLY hit this past week with foggy mornings, a little rain and that cool crisp air in the morning that makes your coffee taste even better and your favorite sweatshirt that much more comfy.

My weekend started on Wednesday with the prep I could do in advance for my charity dinner on Friday at the Eagles. We had Baked Chicken, Creamed Potatoes, Tangy Glazed Carrots and Almond Cherry Poke Cake. My scheduled dinner in support of our charity fund was moved up a week due to another person having COVID, but my team really pivoted and rallied. We raised $250 for the general charity fund! 😀

These ladies make my life more fun and super easy to enjoy the hard work. We charge a nominal fee for the dinner and I donate all the makings for the meal so that it’s all profit for the charity fund. Thank you Diana, Dana, Pam and Lu!

Lu also made a couple fantastic raffle baskets. And a HUGE thank you to Diana for stepping in last minute when Dana took ill. We were also able to raise an additional $200 for St. Jude’s Children’s Foundation from the raffle baskets during our dinner.

Once Friday was out of the way I could enjoy the weekend fully! I’m so glad Dana had her backyard get together last week because it was truly the last “outdoorsy” weekend.

We watched MLB and NFL and NASCAR all weekend peppered with a few outings and meals. All in all we had a VERY relaxing weekend. Having grown up in SO CAL we are lifelong Dodger fans and have enjoyed them in the playoffs for the pennant. We are also RAM fans. So, both of those games were high on our priority watch list. We’re also Chiefs (YAY Jean) and Packers (YAY Carrie) fans. I’ve also been a Lions fan though there are far and few years between to be happy, but this is one of them (sorry Vikings)!

have some friends who are renovating a really cool old historic building and we spent some time with them talking logistics and ideas. I’m really excited for them and their use of the space. I really hope it all comes to fruition the way they envision. I’m so excited for them 😀

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

It’s quite crisp! Fall is definitely here. We had a bit of rain last night through the early hours. The rest of the week is supposed to be highs in the low 60’s and lows in the low 40’s with more rain beginning on Thursday. We NEED the rain badly so I hope it happens the way it’s supposed to.

ON MY MIND

I’m so glad the political ads will be coming to an end soon. I’m so tired of the mud slinging. I did see this funny on FaceBook that I LOVE!

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I have a couple loads of laundry to do as well as clean out the garden beds and prepare them for winter.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I need to take Trudy for physical therapy twice this week as well as for x-rays and surgeon follow up. I fully anticipate him to release her on Wednesday because she’s doing so well! 😀 I don’t actually need any groceries or have other errands this week.
  • PROJECTS I’m helping a friend who manages a local bar and grill with her “TRUNK” or TREAT and SCARECROW contest events with the downtown businesses, which is always fun!
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING It’ll be just the two of us again this year for Thanksgiving. Hubby wants a traditional meal so I will be downsizing my normal recipes to mini recipes for 2, but like always will be making a fun new dessert. I found a recipe for a Dulce de Leche pumpkin pie that sounds kinda good, but boring, so I’ll be OOMPHing it up a bit 😀 I’m also only making a turkey breast instead of a whole turkey.

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • STREAMING We should finish FRINGE and HOGAN’S HEROES this week and maybe even NIGHT COURT so we’ll be looking for a few new shows to watch. We’re still thinking about getting Apple TV, but haven’t decided.
  • CABLE Lots of new shows and old favorites to catch up on the DVR. Plus the Hallmark Christmas movies began this past weekend.

READING TIME

I should be finishing THE WRECK by Marie Force tonight.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

10/21 MONDAY
10/22 TUESDAY
10/23 WEDNESDAY
10/24 THURSDAY
10/25 FRIDAY
10/26 SATURDAY
10/27 SUNDAY
DINNER
 CHICKEN and APPLE ONION SLOW COOKER MEAL with SWEET CORN on the COB
 SWEET & SOUR MEATBALLS with RICE
CREAMY JALAPENO ARTICHOKE CHICKEN ENCHILADAS and REFRIED BEANS
 R.B.’S BAKED BEAN DINNER
 ZUPPA TOSCANA and GARLIC BREAD
 OUT
??
DESSERT
 
 
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

Above are the two baskets.

Hubby bought a “STRETCH” of tickets and won the wine basket for me! Love that man! 😀

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY, RECIPES & MENUS week 41 of 2024 ~ BLOG 366.288

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

WEEKEND RECAP

Fortunately I know how to pivot! This past week and weekend were full of constant change! This next week already has some major changes in it also.

There was a last minute change for physical therapy for my friend adding an additional session on Friday morning 30 minutes south of us. LOL I was already heading and hour and a half north though for an appointment in the afternoon and a little anitiquing ahead of time. So we headed south and then doubled back and headed north.

We got it all done though I arrived home pretty tired. When I originally made my appointment I had no idea it would be the same day/weekend as the BIG Ohio state Oregon Ducks football game. Boy was that town crazy!!! Green and yellow as well as red and white EVERYWHERE and the traffic around the stadium was even crazier!!!

I was supposed to go back north in two weeks for the supplies I needed for my charity dinner on the 25th, but received a phone call literally as I was pulling into the driveway asking me to move my dinner up to the 18th because that volunteer was just quarantined for COVID 🙁  and so the winter cycle is beginning. I will source things locally this week as I don’t have another day to spend driving back and forth.

Then on Saturday we were supposed to go to dinner and see a favorite band with friends, but she wasn’t feeling well and cancelled. Last minute another friend threw together a backyard get together because the weather this weekend was absolutely gorgeous and she didn’t think we’d have that much more luck as we’re well overdue for some serious rain! We did start the day with a little rummage sale and antiquing in a neighboring town where I found a few fun finds. So, it was a great treasure weekend.

Sunday was pretty typical though as we relaxed watching football, did a little laundry and had lunch with another friend.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Today is gorgeous already and will be in the mid 70’s, but…. we’re supposed to drop 20 degrees to the 50’s and finally get that rain for several days that we so desperately need.

ON MY MIND

I’m starting to think about BLOGMAS. I know we haven’t had Halloween yet or even Thanksgiving, but Thanksgiving is so late this year that I’m trying to prepare early. Anyone have any ideas for new categories this year? After all it’s only

TO DO LIST, APPOINTMENTS & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING got the laundry done yesterday and things are pretty well in order until I begin some serious decorating at the end of the month.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS working on my list for the charity dinner and will do the errands at the same time on Tuesday so I can begin prep work on Wednesday and Thursday.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING One of the antique stops on Saturday in a shop I rarely shop at these days (she’s only open by appointment and “serious” shoppers, but I was with a friend who made an appointment so LOL I was “allowed” in to shop also. It was a BIG score for me though with an old recipe box full of scrumptious recipes to try. Several of the have no “title” or “instructions”, only ingredients so I’m anxious to try those. These are only about 25% of the recipes I’ve found so far.

DVR/TV TIME

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • STREAMING We’re considering getting Apple TV as there are several shows that have piqued our interest lately. Anyone have Apple TV? Pros? Cons?
  • CABLE Several new shows begin this week and we have a few DVR’ed from last week. Also watching the Halloween baking, Outrageous Pumpkins, Last Bite Hotel and Halloween Wars.

READING TIME

I’m about half way through Marie Force’s IN THE AIR TONIGHT.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

10/14 MONDAY
10/15 TUESDAY
10/16 WEDNESDAY
10/17 THURSDAY
10/18 FRIDAY
10/19 SATURDAY
10/20 SUNDAY
DINNER
 CAMPFIRE CASSEROLE
HAM & CHEESE BREAD PUDDING
SLOW COOKER LEMON CHICKEN & CARROT MASH
CORN YOYO
CORN YOY0 I’m cooking at the Eagles
 PORK & BEAN BREAD & COLESLAW
CHICKEN & GREEN RICE
DESSERT
 
 CHERRY ALMOND POKE CAKE trial run for Friday’s dessert
 

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

I’m going to have to remember to get into some pictures in the future – seems like I’m always the one taking the pictures 😀 Daisy here was loving the crumbs and chips that everyone dropped.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS