My Weekly W's

What's top on my mind:  We have been covered in a 'heat dome' for the last three or four weeks and I am over it.  I did not leave SW Florida to be this hot in September but here we are.  According to the weather experts today will be the last day in the 90's and we will start experiencing more fall weather.  I really hope they are correct and that we get some MUCH-needed rain as well.

Where I've been: Work is and will be quite busy for another month.  We have 5 new doctors starting and that involves two days of orientation with each one.  One down, 4 to go.  Friday I thankfully was off, so I went and picked a few things up at the farmers market, Aldi and Kroger.  While I was out, I decided to stop in Marshals and I'm so glad I did.  I use a lot of glass jars to store produce, and I've been worried about accidentally breaking one of the shelves.  When I found washable shelf liners specifically for this, I was thrilled.  They washed up nicely and stay in place without sliding around. 

Saturday TBG and I went out for breakfast at The Pancake House. I always get a Denver omelet there and once again, I was not disappointed.  It was already getting hot, but we decided to take a walk around the park before going home.  

Where I'm going:  I have no appointments other than work so it should be a good week. Next weekend is our local Fall Festival and TBG's students are doing a demo.  After that we will walk around and check things out and probably have lunch.  I'm really hoping the weather is exactly what they are predicting.  That will make it even nicer.  

What I'm reading:  I haven't started yet but The Correspondent is next on my pile.  I've heard really good things about this one so I'm looking forward to diving in.

What I'm watching:  We watched quit a few movies over the last two weeks and for some reason a lot of them involved dogs.  A Dogs Journey (9), Gone Dog (8), Rescued by Ruby (9) all on Netflix.  While cooking dinners or working on different things I also watched The Fabulous Four (6) and The Choice (9)

I'm also watching a lot of leaves falling off of the trees because it's so dry.  I don't think we'll have a gorgeous Fall like we normally do unless we get a lot of rain very soon.

What I'm eating:

BIG salad

Chicken Alfredo with a salad and garlic bread

Eggrolls and rice 

Lambchops, garlic mashed potatoes and coleslaw

Pizza with beef bacon, portabella mushrooms, sweet peppers and red onions.  SO good!!

Maine red fish, potato cakes from left over mashed and more coleslaw

Tonight we're having grilled cheeseburgers and zucchini 'fries'  

One afternoon I picked up just enough deli meat for two sandwiches, so we enjoyed a very rare deli sandwich and I made potato chips.  This simple meal was not healthy, but really delicious. We all need to cheat sometimes. At least that's what I tell myself.

What is making me smile:  TBG has been really feeling a lot better lately since they started him on this new medication and I couldn't be happier.  Binx of course also gets a smile.  Look at him.  How can you not smile?

Happy Labor Day!!

I think a lot of us in the US think of today as the last hooray of summer.  I know I do, even though here, there will still be plenty of hot sunny days ahead even after the official Autumn Equinox. It seems after September our weather is extremely unpredictable in our area and could be hot or cold at any given moment.  

It was a pretty good week here other than work.  I won't even start with the ridiculousness that workdays are filled with.  Of course, I stopped at the Farmers Market like I do most weeks.  It was customer appreciation day and they had hot dogs and homemade ice cream for everyone.  I passed on the hot dog, but the ice cream was mandatory.  It has been SO hot here for over a week and that treat really hit the spot.  I had a hair appointment too and had her cut a few inches off the length and the layers.  It feels so much better.

Saturday, we took a day trip over to OFallon and did a bit of shopping and had lunch at Drake's.  This is the place that has the ultimate club sandwich with honey mustard sauce that I love and it did not disappoint.  We had wanted to go south and do a bit of walking and have lunch there, but the weather was brutal, so we opted for inside airconditioned activities instead.  We'll save that for cooler days.

The second week of October we are getting all of our duct work and vents cleaned.  It takes about 3 hours, and they have to go in every room.  I think that would be a bit stressful for Binx so he will be going to the Tae Kwon Do school while it's being done.  We take him out from time to time so he never gets afraid of his carrier or the vet, but this was his first field trip to the school and he was a trooper.  TBG said he set the carrier down in the middle of the main room and within seconds Binx was ready to explore. They were there around an hour and he did great so I'm happy.

This week we watched The Answer Man and The Art of Racing in the Rain both on Netflix and they both were good movies.  Racing in the Rain may require a few tissues like it did for me but I'm really glad we watched it.  

Dinners this week...

BIG salad x2

Salsbury steak with mushroom sauce, garlic mashed potatoes and corn.  It has been SO long since we've had that, and it was a really nice dinner.

Beef and rice taco bowls with pickled jalapenos and red onions, sweet peppers and avocado.

BLT with zucchini 'fries'

Fried chicken strips and rice veggie bowls.  I totally winged this one and we both really enjoyed it.

Tonight I'm grilling wings and a steak with 'baked' potatoes (on the grill) coleslaw and deviled eggs.

                                    I hope everyone is doing well have has a fabulous week!!

Happy September!

The 'bers' have arrived even though it was 100 degrees here yesterday and will be hot for quite some time.  September through January is my favorite time of year so I am looking forward to it.  All of the holidays, game nights, comfort food, the cozy house...this is my down time that I always look forward to after a busy and HOT summer.

I buy a lot of my seeds from Heirloom Seeds Shop | Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, and last week I received an email from them offering 25 Saffron Crocus for $21.00 and I decided to give them a try.  They arrived on Friday and I planted 20 in one raised bed and 5 in a large pot to see which does better.  Each crocus will provide three saffron stems to dry and use.  In three or four years the bulbs will need to be dug up and divided so they don't crowd each other out.  I will keep you posted on how this experiment goes.  It would be a good crop to add to one of my retirement plans.

Even though our freezer is pretty full I couldn't pass up this deal from one of our local ranches that I buy beef from.  This is a good deal on beef especially with the quality being so amazing.  I love that they do these specials from time to time to help people out with rising prices on everything.  

Last week I made all of the appointments for things that need taken care of in the next couple of months.  Vet, vents cleaned, HVAC serviced...things like that so that is all off of my to do list finally.  Tomorrow, I have a hair appointment and Saturday we're doing a day trip.  It's a little hard to believe this is Labor Day weekend.  

What we ate...

BIG salad x2

Chicken Tikka Masala with rice and naan

BLT with zucchini fries

TBG requested Fish and Chips again but this time I was out of cabbage, so we had a small salad.  I prefer coleslaw with fish and chips, but it was still good.

Pesto pasta with chicken and a small salad.

I hope everyone is doing well and has a fabulous day!!

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  As summer is winding down, I've been focusing on preserving summers bounty.  I still have more candy onions to dehydrate, along with rosemary, oregano, basil, thyme, dill, mint and sage. I also have a half bushel of sweet potatoes that will be cured and ready to store. Most everything else has been frozen, dehydrated or canned and my future self will be thankful this winter.  I've also started my fall cleaning/project list to get completed asap.  

Where I've been:  It's been a busy month, and I can't think of everything but since I last posted we've gone to see the latest Spiderman which was actually pretty good and I love sitting in a cool dark theater munching on popcorn in the summer.  Thinking back, we used to go to the movies almost weekly but now with so much available from home, we really don't go often.

My paternal Grandfather's family had a reunion, and we went to Decatur for that.  It was at Rock Springs Garden which is a really pretty place, and it was so nice to see everyone and spend a day with my brother. The oldest relative there was my grandfather's brothers 96-year-old wife, and she is still as spunky and sharp as ever.

We made it back to the pool a few times and visited Walkers Hours + Location | Walker's Bluff Winery since they will be closing soon.  It's so sad but their taxes on the winery alone have gone up to almost $200,000 a year so they are closing.  This is not political but a fact, we are in a sanctuary state that taxes the shit out of business and residents.  Illinois can't even keep the Chicago Bears.  I hope in November people remember all of the companies that have left and vote according.

Our beef order was ready, so we ran out to the ranch to pick that up along with farmers market visits and regular errands along with going to buy a new washing machine because ours died.  We had it looked at 3 or 4 months ago and he got it going but said if it happened again, it would be cheaper to replace it than buy the parts it would need to fix it.

Where I'm going:  I will be at work all week and I hope to not have too many other places I have to go.  We've been so busy lately a weekend at home sounds really good.  That is the plan any way.

What I've been watch:  One movie that I remember from the last couple of weeks was Arthur the King on Netflix.  It was based on a true story with Mark Whalberg playing the lead.  We both loved it and was in tears a few times.  

What I'm reading:  Nothing.  Hopefully once the garden is done I will find more time to read.

What I'm eating:

We tried new deli here yesterday for lunch and they had Krakow, a polish ham, and it was awesome.  They sell by the pound as well as the sandwich shop, so I know where I'll be picking up a few things for the holidays.

Big salad x 2. One with chicken and garlic bread and the other one all veg.

BLT and zucchini fries

Stuffed poblano over rice.  I put the peppers in the Ninja on braise to get the skins off.  Let them cool and then stuffed with spicey ground beef, diced onions and tomatoes, and topped with shredded Havarti cheese.  Baked them long enough to warm and melt the cheese and served over rice with salsa and cilantro.  SO good! (much better than the picture)

Beef cheeseburgers with zucchini tots that I flattened instead of baking in a muffin tin.  We both actually prefer them this way now. 

Tonight I'm making fish and chips with a slaw for dinner.

What's making me smile:

This photo came up in my FB memories last week.  I remember I asked TBG to set the small table outside while I brought the food out.  He added the flowers from our Tulip tree and I thought that was so sweet.  It's the simple little things like this that make me happy and I smile every time I see this photo.

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the last bit of summer or winter depending on where you are.  We've had a nice summer but I'm looking forward to Fall very soon.

Zucchini Season

It is the time of year in my area where zucchini is abundant.  A lot of gardeners are begging to give it away. 

I love zucchini so I make the best of it and here are a few of my favorite recipes to enjoy this short window when I have more zucchini than I know what to do with.

Zucchini Fritters

1 1/2 pounds zucchini (about 2 large or 4 medium)

2 eggs

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 green onions (chopped)

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

Oil for frying

Line a large bowl with a thin kitchen towel or cheesecloth.  Grate the zucchini directly into the bowl.  Gather the towel and squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible.

Transfer the zucchini to a large bowl.  Add salt, pepper, garlic, green onions, flour and eggs.  Mix un til just combined.

Heat a layer of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture into the hot oil and gently flatten.

Fry for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crisp.  Transfer to paper towel to drain.

Serve hot with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce. (They are really good with Ranch)

Zucchini Bread

1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 cup oil (I use avocado or coconut)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (or sour cream or Greek yogurt)

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini (no need to blot)

Optional-chopped nuts of your choice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 9x5 loaf pan

Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg together in a large bowl and set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk the oil, both sugars, eggs, applesauce and vanilla until combined then whish in the zucchini.  

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

Gently stir until combined; do not overmix.  

Fold in nuts, if using.

Batter will be slightly thick.

Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.  Bake for 55-60 minutes until a toothpick or knife comes out clean.

Cool in pan for 1 hour before removing.

Zucchini 'fries'

Thinly dice a small to medium zucchini in rounds.

Dredge in flour, then egg and then panko or breadcrumbs. (I also add a bit of salt, pepper, garlic and paprika to the flour and breadcrumbs.

Place on a cooking sheet lined with parchment paper and a swipe or two or olive oil or avocado oil.

Bake in a 350-degree oven for 30 minutes turning once at the halfway point.

You can also shallow fry in a pan or cook in the air fryer.  

I also make zucchini tots and they are delicious.  See the recipe below

Culinary Adventures with Lori: 52 Recipes in 52 weeks #12 Zucchini Tots

Other things I've tried:

Zucchini noodles

Zucchini boats

Parmesan roasted zucchini

Shredded zucchini is a wonderful addition to traditional spaghetti sauce

What are some of your favorite ways to use zucchini?  I am always looking for new ways to try it.

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What happened to the lazy days of summer?

July was a really busy month for us and it looks like August will be too.  The gardens are all doing well and I am swimming in produce and herbs.  I have been spending a lot of time dehydrating, canning and freezing for the winter.  It will be worth all of the time and effort when I can pull local peaches out of the freezer or open a can of homemade salsa.  You just can't get better than garden or local produce.

Some summer pictures from our house.

 

TBG celebrated another birthday on the 16th.   He decided he wanted to try out a new BBQ place for lunch that day, so we headed west to Sugarfire Smokehouse - The Best St. Louis Style Barbecue.  To our surprise, there was a man in front of us getting a large order to go and when he noticed TBG's veterans' hat, the thanked him for his service and then told the cashier he wanted to pick up our check too.  We tried to talk him out of it be he said you did more for our country than I ever did so I insist.  We told him thank you and I mentioned it was his Birthday so he proceeded to sing Happy Birthday on his way out.  He was such a happy guy, and it was nice to be reminded that there really are some great people in the world.  

Since TBG's party wasn't until the 18th he said he didn't want a cake and chose chocolate brownies with vanilla bean ice cream and caramel sauce.  It really was good.

We celebrated July 18th in Bloomington with a lot of friends and family and it was a perfect day for a road trip. On the trip there I caught this picture that made me smile.

I didn't watch or read much but I did catch one really good movie on Netflix.  Ordinary Angel.  It was a really good movie based on a true story.  I loved it.

Meals we've eaten lately...

Spaghetti with meatballs, salad, garlic bread

BLT and zucchini fries

Coho salmon, pinto beans and rice Culinary Adventures with Lori: 52 new recipes in 52 weeks #1 Braised Pinto Beans

Jerk chicken legs, pesto mac and cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes and red onion, garlic toast

Steak fajitas, Spanish rice and spicey coleslaw

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying this last bit of summer (or winter).  We're heading out to a special girls second birthday party!  Have a great Sunday.

26 Recipes in 2026 # 7 Slow Cooker BBQ Beef by Nagi

 

In January one of the beef ranchers that we buy from had a sale on all of their beef roasts for $5.00 a pound when you bought 5.  Luckily, I had enough room in the freezer and stocked up.  I wanted to use one for BBQ beef for the July 4th holiday weekend and I'm so glad I used this recipe because it turned out amazing.  I get emails from recipetineats.com and this recipe was in the June issue. I haven't looked to see if it is in one of her cookbooks.  This is the recipe I will use anytime I want BBQ beef.  The beef was so tender and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

3 lb. chuck or sirloin tip roast (I used one of the sirloins that I had)

1 cup beer (beef stock/broth will also work)

3 tbsp olive oil or other neutral oil for searing (I used beef tallow)

Rub:

3 tbsp tightly packed brown sugar

1 tbsp paprika (I used smoked paprika)

1 tbsp garlic granules

2 tsp onion granules

2 tsp mustard powder

1 tsp cumin powder

2 tsp salt (I used pink sea salt)

1 tsp black pepper

BBQ Sauce:

1 cup apple sider vinegar

3 cups tomato ketchup (I used tomato sauce) and added 1 tbsp honey

3 tbsp molasses

2/3 cup brown sugar

4 tsp mustard powder

3 tsp garlic granules

4 tsp Worcestershire sauce

2 tsp salt

2 tsp black pepper

2 tsp Tabasco or cayenne pepper (I used cayenne pepper)

Put all of the ingredients for the BBQ Sauce in the slow cooker and whisk to combine.

Season the Beef with the rub mixture and coat all sides.

Cut the roast into 3 or 4 steaks.  Heat the oil or tallow in a large pan (I used cast iron) on medium high heat.  Brown steaks for 1 1/2 minutes on each side until deep golden but make sure not to burn the spice rub.  Place the meat in the slow cooker.

Add the beer or stock into the pan and let it simmer rapidly, scraping all of the bit on the bottom of the pan until it is reduced down to about 1/4 cup or three minutes.  Pour into the slow cooker.

Arrange the beef so each piece is as submerged as much as possible.  Slow cook on low for 10 hours.  

Remove the beef from the slow cooker into a pan and shred.  Cover with foil.

Pour the sauce from the slow cooker into a pot and simmer on medium high for 15-20 minutes until thickened to a BBQ sauce consistency.  Stir regularly towards the end and lower heat.

Pour 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the sauce over the beef and lightly toss.  You want enough to moisten and flavor but not make it soggy.

We ate it on brioche buns, but you could serve this so many other ways.

For plates of BBQ this would serve 7-8, on buns it serves 10-12 people or servings.

This also freezes very well.  We ate the last two sandwiches last night and they were just as amazing.

 

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  I hope everyone enjoyed a safe and happy 4th of July here in the States.  It was a pretty good week here. I worked Monday-Thursday, TBG only had one kind of bad day, and we had fun over the three-day weekend.  Friday before we ran errands, I made all of the sides for the weekend and put a beef roast in the crock pot which turned into an amazing pulled beef BBQ (will share this week).  Saturday went to the water park and floated the lazy river for a few hours. (My favorite way to celebrate anything on a hot humid day) We had two pop up storms Saturday evening, so the fireworks were postponed which was a bit sad to me.

Where I've been:  Tuesday I had my 6-month cleaning at the dentist, and all is well which is always a relief.  I love my dentist and my hygienist but it's not a place I look forward to going to.  Friday since I was off, we ran all of the errands.  I think I had 6 or 7 places to go but we managed to cross everything off the list and be home before 10am.  That is something I do love about living in a smaller town. The farmer's market was fully stocked and along with everything else I picked up these delicious peaches.  They are so juicy and sweet.

I also spent a lot of time out in the garden.  I had cut and dried the garlic I grew so I was able to bring that in. I got 12 good size heads of garlic, so I want to make sure to double that when I plant this year.  I weeded and planted a new lavender bush and just cleaned everything up a bit.  

Where I'm going: This week I have a well overdue appointment to have my hair cut.  I really think my hair grows even faster in the summer. Other than that, no appointments or plans.  Depending on the weather, I have a couple of ideas for next weekend.

What I'm watching: I watched Nomadland and I found it very thought provoking.  We also watched Fool Me Once which is another series on Netflix by author Harlan Coben.  This one was as good as the first one we watched. 

What I'm listening to:  I love sitting out in our backyard.  Even though we technically do live in the city, our back yard is so quiet and so peaceful.  

What I'm eating:

Lamb, potato and pea empanadas and salad

Big salad with chicken 

BLT, 'fries'

Big salad

Pulled BBQ beef, with choices of...potato salad, coleslaw, bbq beans, deviled eggs, tomato slices

Grilled Nathan all beef hotdogs with choice of sides above.  This is the best way I have found to grill hotdogs.  No rolling all around.

Blackened grilled chicken legs, pesto mac and cheese, tomato, cucumber and red onion salad

What made me smile:  Every morning before I usually even open my eyes I thank God for another day.  Looking back on this week, I see that we did what we could to make each day a bit special and that does make me smile.

Have a great week!!

My Weekly W's-The end of June

What's top of my mind:  The last two and a half years have been really hard when it comes to TBG's health.  There have been a lot of downs with so many doctor visits, tests, surgery, fighting with insurance, unknowns, etc.  There also have been a lot of ups because of our faith, our friends and family and trying to keep a positive mindset.  I wouldn't have ever thought it was possible, but our marriage is even stronger now. At the end of May he had two different tests at SLU that finally gave us the answers we've been searching so hard for.  There is no cure however it is manageable.  He started the new medication last week and is doing well with it.  Mentally we are both in a much better place which is so important and we are just so thankful for everything.  

Where I've been:  We've taken a lot of walks this week since the weather has been tolerable. Friday, we went to dinner at the Elk's and had a really great time.  Yesterday TBG dragged took me to see Super Girl.  It actually was a pretty good movie and we both enjoyed it.  It focused on a lot more of the human side of things like last summer's Superman did.

Where I'm going:  Tuesday I have a dental cleaning.  Friday, I plan to go to the farm and the farmer's market.  The weather is supposed to be in the high 90's with a lot of humidity, so we'll probably opt for the gym instead of walks.  Other than that, we plan to enjoy being at home.  We've had a very busy couple of months, and we just want to hang out at home for a while.

What I'm watching:  We watched I Will Find You on Netflix.  It was a really great series, and we both enjoyed it a lot.  

What I'm eating:

BBQ chicken, pesto mac and cheese, cucumber, tomato and red onion 'salad'

BIG salad with garlic toast and stuffed mushrooms (I need to make stuffed mushrooms more often, SO good)

Beef bacon and veggie pizza with a salad

Big Salad

LO veggie pasta and garlic bread

Catfish, hush puppies, baked potato, corn and salad at the Elks.  

Tonight we're having lamb burgers, zucchini 'fries' and sliced tomatoes.  The tomatoes are so delicious I could eat them every day.

What is making me smile:  We've gotten a lot of rain over the last two or three days which we desperately needed, and everything is so green again.  

Also, if you're looking for an AMAZING chocolate treat you must try this.  I found them at Aldi and even though I do not have much of a sweet tooth, I am in love with these.  

I hope everyone is doing well and has a wonderful week!!

Just a Friendly Reminder...

Christmas is six months from today!! 

My Week

 

The heat and humidity of summer have definitely hit our area.  The first half of the week was highs of 93 with a feels like temperature of 102.  That had me watering every morning and evening since all of the predictions of rain were false.  We could really use rain.

Tuesday, I stopped by the farmers market for a few things.  So many people say their market is so expensive, but I have to say I believe ours has very fair prices.  I picked up 4 tomatoes, 2 zucchinis, a quart of blueberries, a quart of strawberries, a huge bunch of purple spring onions and a head of butter lettuce larger than my own head for $18.00.  I never could have gotten that at our local store and if I did, the quality would not be as good.

Saturday, we went downtown to Market Days and Paw Fest.  They had the cutest calico kitten that was just as feisty and playful as Binx when he was that age.  He had very little interest in everyone and was just focused on playing.  I hope all of the dogs and cats that were out there found a forever home.  After we walked around for an hour or two, we decided to stop for lunch.

We didn't watch much this week but did see Song Sung Blue this morning and we both really enjoyed it. Kate Hudson was great and I was surprised to see Michael Imperioli from The Sopranos in it.  I hadn't realized it was based on a true story.  I highly recommend it.

What we ate:

Chicken soup with a garlic baguet

Pepper jack stuffed beef cheeseburger with zucchini 'fries'.  The first zucchini of the year and it was delicious.  

BLT with 'fries' The first BLT of the year also delicious.

I never buy store bought tomatoes or zucchini, so they have been missed.

Penne pasta with veggies and pesto sauce with a salad

BIG salad with garlic bread

Veggie naan 'pizza' with a salad

Tonight we're having salmon and rice with another side tbd.  I'm also going to make a blueberry coffee cake.     Culinary Adventures with Lori: 52 New Recipes in 52 Weeks #2 Sour Cream and Blueberry Coffee Cake  I have two bags from last summer in the freezer that I want to use up so that I can restock with fresh.

We don't have much planned for this week which is kind of a nice change.  I hope everyone is doing well and has a lovely week ahead.

Here is a smile for you. Binx started really watching TV a year or two ago.  Now he has decided he also enjoys videos on the phone.  I'm not sure exactly how I feel about that.  

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  The first week of June was pretty peaceful and uneventful which I completely love and needed.  May had a lot of ups and downs and I'm happy to see it go.

Where I've been:  We went to Newell's and found a new chair for the living room, and it was delivered Tuesday.  We both love it and it mixes perfectly with everything else in the room plus it is very comfortable.  The recliner we had was only about seven years old, but it was really uncomfortable so now we are good to go.

We went out for lunch Saturday to Twisted Twins and enjoyed smash burgers and shared an order of jalapeno mac and cheese bites.  SO good! The weather was perfect for an outside lunch.

We've gotten back to walking every afternoon when I get off of work.  Sometimes we walk around the neighborhood and other times we meet at the hospital to walk around the track there.  

Where I'm going:  Friday I want to stop by the farmers market and Saturday we have an outside concert to go to if the weather is good.  I also need to pick a few things up one day this week. I plan to spend a lot of time outside reading if the rain holds off too.

What I'm watching:  We finished the first season of The Buroughs yesterday that we started a couple of weeks ago and we both really enjoyed it. We also watched Senior Year on Netflix which was a pretty cute movie that we both enjoyed.  I also watched the second season of Four Seasons and enjoyed. All on Netflix

What I'm reading:  I'm almost finished with Into The Magic Shop by James R. Doty, MD.  It's funny when I started reading it I remembered very vividly my 4th grade teacher going over a lot of these techniques in gym class.  We would do it once or twice a week in the winter on our mats in the gym when we couldn't go outside. This week I started meditating again because I really want to be able to calm myself a bit easier than it's been lately.  Thank you so much for recommending this one Judee!!

What I'm eating:

BIG salad with pan fried chicken thighs

Applewood chicken sausage with pesto mac and cheese and corn

Salmon, rice and asparagus

Spaghetti with beef and veggies and a salad with garlic bread

Beef pho with garlic bread 

I picked up a number of beef bones from the farm I go to and made an amazing bone broth full of bone marrow.  I put rice noodles, sliced radishes, carrots, snap peas in a bowl and covered with some broth and it was amazing.

Wings and jacket potatoes cooked on the grill, deviled eggs and jalapeno popper egg rolls.  

Tonight I am grilling a spatch cocked chicken, potatoes and we'll have asparagus with it.  

What is making me smile:  Ann from Ann's Snap Edit Scrap always sends me the nicest cards and is the sweetest friend.  All of her cards are so creative. This is the card she sent for June and I just love it.  Thank you, Ann!!

All of the garden and flowers growing brings a smile too.  I've had this planter for right at a month now and I can't believe how much it has grown.  It is just gorgeous.

I just want to send a virtual hug to everyone that visits here.  Life is hard sometimes and we have to remind ourselves to find every little ounce of joy we can through the day.  All of my blog buddies are super special to me.  Have a great week and enjoy every moment!!