My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  My father.  Today is his Birthday.  He's been gone almost 30 years and I often wonder how different things would have been if he had been here on earth longer.  I never got to make him a meal and that makes me sad.

Where I've been: Friday I had the day off from work so went out to run a few errands.  I went to the library and picked up three books.  Stopped by the farmers market and brought home a load of veggies, enjoyed a donut from The Hole Dozen and then ran to the store to top off a few things.  I love living in a small town because all of this took all of an hour and a half.  When I lived in Florida this would have taken a lot longer.

Where I'm going: This week I will be working all week.  We have a reservation for lunch at Firefly on Saturday.  Other than that I have no plans on going anywhere.

What I'm watching: I thought I had taped the new series Big Bad Budget Battle but for some reason it didn't work.  I finally caught one episode Tuesday and I really enjoyed it. 

What I'm reading: I am almost finished with Sugar and Salt by Susan Wiggs.  I'm loving it and wondering how I have never even heard of this author before.  She has written a lot of books and I can see myself working through the list very soon.

What I'm listening to:  My gut.  I always try to pay attention to what my gut tells me about situations and I'm usually right.

What I'm eating: 

Beef sausage, peppers, onions, red potatoes and tomatoes

Stir fry chicken, zucchini, tomatoes and roll ups.

BIG salad

Beef picadillo, rice and Peruvian sauce, naan

Pepperoni, red onion, green pepper pizza and salad YES, Friday night pizza and game night is back!

Left over beef picadillo in egg roll wrappers with rice.  YUM!  It just amazes me what you wrap in an egg roll wrapper and how delicious it is.

Who needs a good slap:  Anyone with a rude or entitled personality.  There is no excuse to be mean to people.

What I'm planning: Today I'm making the last batch of basil pesto, firing up the grill to roast a lot of peppers to put away for the winter and finish my book.  It's been a laid-back kind of weekend and I've loved every minute of it.

What's making me smile: Every day that I wake up, I have to smile.

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind: My Mom.  Dementia is a cruel disease, especially in such an otherwise healthy person.  It just doesn't seem fair.

Where I've been: Yesterday we stopped at the local Kroger for milk, bananas and water, then went to the pet store next door for Binx's food.  The big guy has loved every cat we've ever had but it seems he wants to spoil Binx even more. He has probably spent more money on him in just 11 weeks, than all the other cats together.  Binx now has even MORE toys and a new fuzzy cat bed for winter.  

Where I'm going: Other than work, I have no plans.  Man has my life changed in the last few years and I'm oddly OK with it.

What I'm watching: Through the week while cooking I watched the 3rd season of Never Have I Ever on Netflix. I love the lead character for her honesty and ability to say she's wrong when she is.  We need more people like that.

What I'm reading: I'm sad to say I didn't read anything for fun this week.  

What I'm listening to: Peace and quiet as often as possible.

What I'm eating:

BIG salad

Meatloaf, red potatoes, green beans

Roasted chicken, summer squash, salad

Eggrolls, rice

Spicy chicken sausage, pasta with veg

Meatball pie

Who needs a good slap: 30 miles from here they found a puppy mill.  There were over 100 dogs, some in pretty bad shape. Animal cruelty just breaks my heart. I give them a very hard back handed slap. 

What I'm planning: I have a lot of basil so today I'm going to make another batch of pesto for the freezer.  That should give us plenty to use throughout the winter.  I also need to make zucchini bread this week.

What's making me smile: We have had lower than normal temperatures and the humidity has gone down.  I know it is too early for that to last, but it makes me smile and I'm going to enjoy it while it's here.

Hope everyone is doing well and has a wonderful Sunday!!

Things That Make Me Smile

 

All of the pepper plants have done well this year.

This jalapeno pepper jelly will be delicious this winter for different appetizers or a cold Sunday morning with cream cheese and popovers.  

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind: Routine. A few months ago I started a new home routine where I spend a little extra time throughout the week on things that need to be done around the house.  This is working out very well.  It's nice not to have a long to do list on my days off.

Where I've been:  Monday thru Thursday was work. Friday morning I went to the Farmers Market and loaded up on more veggies to eat, dehydrate and freeze.  Saturday, the big guy and I decided to use a gift card that we had and try Cracker Barrel again for breakfast.  It still isn't much better than the last time we were there about 8 months ago, so we'll cross them off our list. Since we weren't going back, I used the rest of the gc on candles.  We seriously need a good breakfast place in this town.  We then went to Market Days which is at one of the local parks the second Saturday throughout the summer.  It was a nice day for a walk, even though we didn't see anything that caught our eyes. Well, other than the funnel cake he wanted because he was still hungry.

Where I'm going: Other than working all week, I have no where I have to be, which is kind of nice.

What I'm watching: Binx is growing almost daily.  He has large paws, long legs and a long tail so I'm thinking he is going to be a large cat. He's just a bit over 5 months old now.  This is him with Mr. Quackers that he carries everywhere.  We have to buy him dog toys since he's so rough on them.  Cat toys do not last.

What I'm reading: Israeli Soul. I know I said I wouldn't buy anymore cookbooks but this one is a bit different. It is part history, part travel and of course recipes.  I'm really enjoying it.  I also read an article yesterday Late Summer: The Fifth Season.  According to Chinese medical wisdom, late summer in the northern hemisphere is a season of its own.  It is said to begin the third week of August and last until the autumn equinox in September. This is when weather patterns are shifting, nature is coming into full maturity.  The trees and other foliage ripen bearing fruit to sow for the hibernation that is to come.  

What I'm listening to: Still keeping it quiet every chance I get.

What I'm eating:

Pasta bake, salad

Beef picadillo, rice and cheese roll ups. SO good.  Two days later I used the left over picadillo and green sauce on fresh naan. Delicious. Here's the recipe: Culinary Adventures with Lori: Search results for peruvian green sauce

BIG salad

Lamb burgers, zucchini chips, tomatoes and basil

Yesterday I made macaroni salad and deviled eggs.  Then I grilled wings, chicken kabobs and baked potatoes.  So today is leftovers.  YAY!

Who needs a good slap: A woman from Georgia that conned a local elderly woman out of $30,000.00.  The good news is she was greedy and tried a second time and were caught by the police. I give 5 very hard slaps.

What I'm planning:  Nothing right now.

What's making me smile:  A cool front came through on Thursday lowering the temperature and the humidity.  I know the heat and humidity will return but I'll take every cool front we can get.  

I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday and a safe, happy week ahead.

Things That Make Me Smile

 

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind: I enjoy summer.  I love sitting outside reading.  I enjoy pool days and of course the fresh veggies and herbs.  But September thru February is where my heart is.  So, I've already started roughly thinking about all of the up-and-coming holidays.

Where I've been: I worked Tuesday thru Friday.  Stopped at the Farmers Market and had lunch at Yellin Hellen's Saturday with the big guy.  They have THE best chicken salad sandwiches. 

Where I'm going: Next Saturday is Market Days at the park and we're planning on going.  One of my friends is coming over for dinner on Saturday.  That's all that's planned so far.

What I'm watching: I watched The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives on Netflix and really enjoyed it.  It's a group of women that have all been friends for the last 25 years.  I really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to the next season that is supposed to be coming out soon.

What I'm reading: I finished The Kitchen Whisperers and really enjoyed it.  Now I'm about halfway through My Place at the Table by Lobrano.  It's a really good read as well.

What I'm listening to: I listened to the Town Hall meeting at work this week.  That was interesting to say the least.  I'm very concerned about the state of health care in the US.

What I'm eating: 

Sloppy Joe's and oven fries

Fried chicken breast, red potatoes and salad

Whole roasted chicken, summer squash and green beans

Bucatini pasta with veggie and meat sauce, salad

LO Chicken with rice and pinto beans

Lamb burgers and zucchini chips

Who needs a good slap: No one comes to mind right now.

What I'm planning: Today I'm picking more herbs for drying and making another batch of basil pesto.  I have to look up the best planting days because I need to get more lettuce, carrots and radishes planted.  Other than that, it's going to be a pretty laid-back day.

What's making me smile: Every year the first week of August the paper lilies pop up overnight and are gorgeous.  They always make me smile.

Have a wonderful Sunday!!

Savory Drop Biscuits

 I have been making these biscuits for over 30 years.  They are quick and delicious.  The best thing I love about them is you can change up the cheeses and herbs that you use for the profile of the dish you are making.  Very versatile which is nice.

1 Cup Flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

2 cloves garlic, diced (or use granulated garlic)

1/4 Cup cold butter, shredded or cut into small cubes

1/2 Cup milk

1/2 Cup cheese

Combine all ingredients.

Drop by a large spoonful on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Bake in 350-degree oven for 25 minutes.

Makes 6 biscuits

Options:  Various cheeses

                Various herbs

                Green onions

                Diced jalapeno peppers