Where I've been: We went to Market Days downtown yesterday after breakfast. The weather was gorgeous, and it was so nice to sit on one of the park swings and just relax a bit after walking around all of the shops and vendors. I'll take pictures next time because this new Commons area is really cool. I picked up a few things from Kingdom Seasonings and did find a cute mat for the front door from a vendor. It looks just like Binx.
Sunday, April 13, 2025
My Weekly W's
Where I've been: We went to Market Days downtown yesterday after breakfast. The weather was gorgeous, and it was so nice to sit on one of the park swings and just relax a bit after walking around all of the shops and vendors. I'll take pictures next time because this new Commons area is really cool. I picked up a few things from Kingdom Seasonings and did find a cute mat for the front door from a vendor. It looks just like Binx.
Sunday, March 30, 2025
My Weekly W's and a Crock Pot chicken taco recipe
What's top of my mind: The moon phases. I have three steno notebooks that were my maternal Grandmothers. 90% are filled with recipes but there is the odd list or notes that she wrote. I found two pages that talk about the moon. "The moons gravitational pull causes predictable rises and falls in sea levels. Our bodies, being primarily water, also benefit from the phases of the moon. To feel more inspired and productive we need to align our energies with the phases of the moon" She taught me to garden by the moon phases and I always do. But I don't remember much about the effects on us when the moon is waxing, waning and full. I will say that I've been extremely productive this week and that is the stage the moon is now, so I've decided to keep notes in my journal to see if there really is a connection.
Where I've been: Stopped at Kroger one afternoon for fresh veggies and a couple other items. I dropped off a few recently released books that I have finished to the library. And we had a game night with friends. Everyone brought delicious appetizer types of food, and we had a great time.
Where I'm going: We have a benefit to attend on Friday here in town. Sunday is our 35th wedding anniversary and we are planning a short road trip to Evansville on Saturday if the weather cooperates.
What I'm watching: Spring has really sprung over the last two weeks. The forsythia is now starting to green a bit but still has a lot of yellow. Our tulip tree is in full bloom. When we bought this house, it was maybe 4 feet tall. It has grown a LOT since then. It is one of my favorites.
What I'm reading: Sadly, I haven't read much the last two weeks. Summer is coming though so my to be read stack is waiting for days on the patio in the sun.
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
A new salad idea
Anyone that's read my blog before knows we eat a LOT of salads, whether it's for lunch, a BIG salad for dinner or a side salad with our dinner, so I am always excited to find a new one to try.
This one from Judee did not disappoint at all. https://www.realfoodblogger.com/2025/03/15-minute-marinated-cucumber-salad.html I followed the recipe exactly except I used honey instead of Stevia and we both really enjoyed it. This will be a new addition to our salad rotations. Thanks for posting your recipe Judee!!
Enjoy your Tuesday!!
Sunday, March 16, 2025
My Weekly W's
Sunday, March 9, 2025
My Weekly W's
What's top of my mind: I started practicing Gumdo again and I am enjoying it so much. Gumdo is a sword based Korean martial art. I used to practice three or four times a week but let life get in the way. My sword has been sitting in a corner of our bedroom looking sad and I realized I need to get back into it. Not only is it a wonderful total upper body workout but when you are practicing, it is almost like meditation which makes it a double benefit. I've only just started back this week so I'm rusty, but I am definitely going to keep at it. I asked TBG if he thought I could be ready for a tournament when I turn 60 and he said of course and seemed pretty excited about it. Not sure I want to but it is something to really think about.
Where I've been: We made it to the Herb and Garden show Friday and had a good time. The lecture from Mike at Mari-Manns was really informative. I picked up a few of their spice mixes (they are still 1.29 like they've been for probably 35 years) that I love and of course some cheese from the Mennonite booth. They make amazing cheese.
Where I'm going: I'm off tomorrow and I really need to get the Jeep washed. I just washed it Wednesday, but we had 'dirty rain' on Friday, and it is a horrible mess. I've actually never seen it this bad before. Here is the local news. Apparently, it happened in a lot of states. 'Dirty rain' fell across St. Louis, here's why
What I'm watching: With Love Meghan on Netflix. I'm not really a fan of hers but I did enjoy the 3 or 4 episodes I watched. Her one pot pasta did look really good. I also watched the latest series of Southern Charm.
What I'm reading: A lot of articles on alternative medicine and a few of my herb books to start planning my new herb garden. I think this hard winter killed my rosemary bush but luckily, I rooted some and have had it growing since November to replace it.
What I'm listening to: Spring is obviously on its way because the birds and the frogs that I hear every morning are back. Walking into work is like a nature symphony every morning.
Northwest Petrole Sole with a baked potato and asparagus This was my first time making or eating this type of fish and it was delicious. I'll post how I cooked it one day this week.
Sunday, March 2, 2025
My Weekly W's
What's top of my mind: I really love the new side by side refrigerator that we bought in November. It has so much more space. I spent the morning doing an inventory and straightening it up a bit. I want to focus on using up last summer's veggies and fruit to make room. I still have quite a few bags of local blueberries, so I pulled out a bag and put a few in a separate jar to use with yogurt for couple of days and then made a batch of Jordan Marsh muffins. So good. Culinary Adventures with Lori: Search results for jordan marsh blueberry muffins
Where I've been: Breakfast with TBG yesterday and a few errands was pretty much it for the week.
Where I'm going: Next week is the yearly Herb and Garden show that I always look forward to. We're planning on going Friday afternoon to hear a speaker from Mari-Mann which was started by a friend of my grandmothers. Mari-Mann always brings back great memories for me. No appointments or commitments for the week, which you know I always love.
What I'm watching: American Murder-Gabbie Petito which is such a sad story. My heart goes out to her parents everytime I hear what they went through. The Search for Instagrams Worst Con Artist. This was a documentary on the young woman from the movie I watched a few weeks ago Apple Cider Vinegar. I actually felt sad for her also because she obviously has some serious issues.
What I'm reading: Nothing to speak of.
I hope everyone has a wonderful week ahead!!
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Sunday, February 23, 2025
My Weekly W's
What's top of my mind: We're heading into the last week of February, and it was a pretty decent month. It was a lot colder, icier and snowy than our February's usually are but not unheard of and it looks like we're going into March with highs in the 40's and 50's so all of this snow should melt before we start the new month.
Where I've been: I did brave the super low temps and stopped by Kroger and Aldi to pick up a few items. We had lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings one afternoon with some friends. We hadn't been there in quite a few years, and it was a pretty good lunch. The place still looks good and was really clean. Food was pretty good too. Eating out is a big gamble these days which is why we don't do it often. After lunch the two of us went to Lowes to pick up a couple of things.
Where I'm going: No appointments or commitments which I love. It leaves the week wide open.
What I'm watching: Nothing noteworthy.
What I'm reading: I spent some time looking through 3 of my cookbooks, Jaimie Olivers Food Revolution, Dinner and Indian Flavor Every Day. We're going back to eating fish once or twice a week so I'm looking for new ideas. We went back to a subscription to Sea To Table and we're loving it. We ate a lot of seafood in Florida but moving here, our options were little to none. I love knowing exactly where our fish is coming from. It is so fresh and delicious. (No connection to the company, they just do have excellent seafood all from the US.)
What I'm listening to: My body. I don't know if I was coming down with something or just tired, but I slept a LOT. I feel great today, so it was obviously needed.
Sunday, February 16, 2025
My Weekly W's
What's on top of my mind: I'm focusing on enjoying the last few days of February. In March I will crawl out of hibernation and begin my spring cleaning. It should be pretty easy since we've done a good job of keeping up with things around the house. Then I will start to get my gardens ready. We do still have one more raised bed to put together that didn't get done in the Fall.
Where I've been: No appointments or commitments outside of work so it was a good week. I had to drive over to our sister hospital to drop off something and decided to pick up TBG on the way and have him go with me so we could stop at Yellin Helen for a chicken salad sandwich and milkshake. Coldest day of the week but the milkshake hit the spot. I did venture into Walmart for the first time in a very long time. (Not a fan and probably won't go back anytime soon.) I just needed to stock up on a few household items. It's probably been a few years since I've had to buy batteries and got a bit of sticker shock. This morning, I ran to Kroger for a few veggies and fruit and gassed up the Jeep. We got a few inches of snow overnight, but the big snow is predicted for Tuesday into Wednesday with single digit temps so I'm glad it's done.
Where I'm going: I probably won't be going anywhere but work if the predicted weather hits like it is supposed to. Next weekend is the yearly Home and Garden show that we enjoy going to. I hope the weather is better by then.
What I'm watching: I watched Our Little Secret on Netfix. It was a cute movie. Then I watched 2 or 3 episodes of Apple Cider Vinegar. It's a brutal reminder not to believe everything you see on the Internet. I hope to finish the series today. It's like watching a train wreck and you can't turn away.
What I'm reading: Again, not much. But that's what sunny days on the patio are for.
What I'm eating: For lunch yesterday I was craving a good grilled cheese. I had bought a block of Murray's Quesadilla cheese for Super Bowl dishes and decided to try it on a grilled cheese along with a slice of Colby pepper jack. OMG it was perfect!
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Homemade Soy Sauce Update
A few weeks ago I shared this recipe for homemade soy sauce on one of my posts. A number of you wanted to know how it turned out when I made it.
Last week I made a batch and followed the recipe. Obviously it is a very simple and straightforward recipe. I did a blind taste test on TBG who has a pretty good pallet and he had a hard time picking which one was the 'real' soy sauce. Then he did a blind taste test on me. I could tell the difference but it was very faint and not bad at all. In the future for me, I prefer a little bit less molasses.
I used the soy sauce on our salmon that night and after cooking I couldn't tell the difference at all.
The ingredients of regular soy sauce are...Soy sauce (sometimes called soya sauce in British English[1]) is a liquid condiment of Chinese origin, traditionally made from a fermented paste of soybeans, roasted grain, brine, and Aspergillus oryzae or Aspergillus sojae molds
For us, the taste difference was so minimal I think once my supply of soy sauce is gone I'll make this as a replacement.
Sunday, February 9, 2025
My Weekly W's
What's top of my mind: February was always my favorite month when we lived in Florida. It was always the best weather of the year with low humidity and tons of sunshine. The Thomas Edison Celebration was a month of fun events like the block party downtown, the amazing art/craft show and then the night parade was always such a great time. I think we need to take a two-week vacation next February to visit our old stomping grounds and see if it's still as great as it used to be.Edison Festival of Light
Where I've been: I had my haircut this week and that always feels so relaxing to have done. I've been going to my hairdresser for a number of years and just love him to death. It's always good to catch up. We went for a number of walks this week now that all of the snow and ice is gone, and it was nice to be able to walk outside without getting wet or slipping around.
Where I'm going: I have a three-day weekend coming up next week, so I've been narrowing down plans for a day or overnight get away for us. A lot depends on the unpredictable weather.
What I'm watching: We watched The Color Purple yesterday. I actually had forgotten what a good movie it is that touches on every single human emotion. I also caught up on Southern Charm. Craig is the only one of the guys on that show that has really grown up.
What I'm reading: I had a lot of things going on and really didn't read much. My to be read pile is growing and I need to get busy even if just 30 minutes a day.
Sunday, February 2, 2025
My Weekly W's
Where I've been: TBG had his cardiology appointment on Monday. They had the results of his ultrasound and improvement in his heart function has gone up but not as much as the doctor expected. The doctor wants him to have an MRI to rule out amyloidosis even though he doesn't have the top three indicators like carpal tunnel, tingling sensation in his limbs or a large tongue. (Yes, that is a symptom) He's been feeling great for a few months with plenty of energy, normal blood pressure, etc. but we'll go ahead with the tests to see what's going on. The rest of the week I didn't go anywhere but work and Kroger once.
Where I'm going: I have a much-needed hair cut scheduled for Friday and I can't wait. My hair grows so quickly, and I haven't had it trimmed since October I think. If the weather stays decent, I need to run the Jeep through the car wash again and I'll need to pick up a bit of fresh produce. We'll see where else the week takes me.
What I'm watching: I did catch up on the latest Southern Charm episodes but other than that I really didn't watch TV.
What I'm reading: Sadly, I didn't make time to read much this week.
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Things That Make Me Smile-Popovers
Sunday, January 26, 2025
My Weekly W's
What's top of my mind: As I enjoy this slow cozy month I've been making my home project list for this year. There are only three, various painting jobs, air ducts professionally cleaned and have an electrician change out all of the light switches and outlets. Last year we had probably 10 items on the list, but they were all smaller projects.
Where I've been: Other than work, I stopped at Kroger for produce and dairy. We also went out to breakfast yesterday at TBG's request.
Where I'm going: TBG has a follow up with his cardiologist tomorrow that I will go with him to. Other than that, we have no appointments or commitments, and I love weeks like that.
What I'm watching: I watched a few episodes of Instant Dream House on Netflix and The Storied Life of A.J. Fikey. The movie was good the home reno show was just OK.
What I'm listening to: Even in winter I try to get out in the backyard for at least 15-20 minutes every day and I love how quiet it is. It's a great way to relax and clear your mind from a long day.
What I'm reading: I just started Afternoon Coffee (available on Amazon) by my blog buddy Billie Jo Stoltz. (Afternoon Coffee And Evening Tea ) She has such a beautiful way of looking at life, family and the simple pleasures of life. She recently lost her beloved Mother, and my heart goes out to her and her family.
Sunday, January 19, 2025
My Weekly W's
What's top of my mind: I'm just enjoying the slower pace of winter. When it's cold, dark and dreary it's like nature is giving me full permission to just slow down and enjoy being home and relaxing a bit more. The warm weather and sunshine will be here soon enough to motivate me to get busy.
Where I've been: It was my first full week at work since before my holiday break. It was a LONG week too. Friday, we had a bit of a break from the cold, so I ran to Kroger for a few things, got gas and then took the Jeep through the carwash. It was a mess from all of the ice and snow. The undercarriage scrubbing also gave me a bit of relief from the cat incident.
Where I'm going: We are getting an Artic blast this week again, so I will probably only be at work or at home. I'm perfectly happy with that.
What I'm watching: We watched Back in Action on Netflix and it was a pretty good movie. Enough action for TBG and I do enjoy Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx. I also watched/listened to DDD and a Modern Family marathon while doing a few things in the kitchen.
What I'm reading: Yesterday I started Love, Loss and What We Ate by Padma Lakshmi. I'm not very far into it but I think I will enjoy it.
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
I didn't grow up eating macaroni and cheese and honestly don't remember when it was that I first tried it. TBG will eat it but he isn't much of a fan so we don't have it often but when we do, it needs to be really good.
I've tried a number of recipes over the years and most were tasty but this one is close to perfection for me.
This is another recipe from Nagi that is in her Dinner cookbook.
Sunday, January 12, 2025
My Weekly W's
What's top of my mind: My first full week after vacation was cut shorter because Winter hit our area of Southern Illinois all week. We started out with sleet Sunday night that turned into snow. The totals of ice were .75 inch, and snow was 3 inches, so I stayed home Monday. FREEZING temps followed all week keeping everything frozen solid. Then Friday it snowed all day totaling 7 more inches, and I came home around 9am. It truly looks like a winter wonderland outside. The downside of these cold temperatures hit me on Thursday. I left work and heard loud thumping under the Jeep. I pulled over to check my tires and make sure no ice or snow was blocking the wheels, but it all looked good. I decided to keep going since I live less than a mile from work. I heard two more thumps then nothing more. TBG checked under the hood and said everything looked fine and we drove it around the neighborhood to see if it was still making noise. It wasn't and we pulled into the garage, and I again looked under the Jeep. This time I was horrified to see a cat's tail hanging down. To make a long story short, while I was at work a cat had climbed up under the Jeep and that thumping noise was him. It was removed yesterday with no damage to the vehicle. But I've been sad about that poor cat for three days now. I park in the garage at home and hadn't been anywhere but work all week so never thought to look before I left.
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Asian Glazed Salmon
Sunday, January 5, 2025
My Weekly W's
Where I've been: I did go to work Thursday and Friday to make a dent on the work that piled up during my 12-day vacation. I stopped at Kroger on Thursday to pick up fresh fruit and veggies because I knew there was a storm coming today. I saw the pictures on Facebook of local stores on Saturday with the crowds and the empty shelves and was thankful I didn't have to deal with that.
Where I'm going: It looks like this storm will have us at home for at least today and tomorrow.
What I'm watching: I caught up on the latest episodes of Southern Charm. I also watched the new season of Queer Eye. Jeremiah Brent is the decorator this season. I used to watch him on Nate and Jeremiah and loved his sense of style and decorating. I think he is even more amazing now.
What I'm reading: Thanks to Treaders at Random Thoughts for letting me know her thoughts on the book Wintering. This week I picked it back up and am a little over half the way through now and really enjoying it.
What I'm eating: