The last day of August 2025

 

           I think most people are feeling this today.  I know I am.  How is tomorrow September 1st?  

This was a pretty good week. The weather has been great, but I do wish we'd get a good rain or two.  It's so dry.  We haven't had much rain at all in a couple of months.  We are supposed to have another cool down Wednesday, and I see more morning lows in the 40's which I love.  I'm getting ready to plant a few lettuce varieties and arugula in the next week or two, then at the end of September, I'll plant the garlic for next year.

Our seafood order and our local beef bundle arrived so the freezer is FULL for quite a while. TBG and I went and did a big stock up on household and bath and beauty products.  So, now other than produce and dairy, we shouldn't have to shop for much for a few months at least and then in November, we'll do a top off to get us through the rest of the winter.  I don't enjoy shopping, and in the winter, I absolutely despise it, so this has been my strategy for years and it works for us.

We have a friend that supplies us with eggs all year, but her hens haven't been laying as much as normal, so we went to a new to us farm for eggs this week.  Not only did we get 3 dozen for the same price, but we got a tour of the farm and had a wonderful talk with her about our area, FFA, food and more.  I also got to love on a lamb that wasn't even 12 hours old yet, played with and fed her goats and TBG had fun feeding the turkeys that were walking around.  I love meeting new people this way.  

Tomorrow we'll celebrate Labor Day and the end of another good summer with a BBQ on the patio since no rain is predicted.  While I love Fall and Winter, I will miss all of the fresh herbs and produce. I will miss my pool days too because tomorrow is the last day my happy place will be open.

Dinners this week were pretty simple.

Chicken fajita, basmati rice bowls with cheese and cilantro roll ups

Spaghetti and meatballs, salad and garlic cheese biscuits

BIG salad

Cajun spiced chicken with mac and cheese, summer salad.  Summer salad is tomatoes, cucumbers and red onions in this area.  

Beef cheeseburgers, with zucchini fries.  

BLT and salad

Tonight, we're having Northwest Petrale Sole with sides tbd.

A couple of shows that we watch have new episodes starting this coming week. Tuesday Bobby Flay's Triple Threat starts and The Great British Bake off starts Friday.  I also noticed a lot of good shows coming on Netflix and Prime this month. 

Next weekend we're going to Cedarhurst craft fair. Art & Craft Fair - Cedarhurst Center for the Arts  

This is their 49th year and we've gone every year since we moved here but one when I had a broken toe. 😀 Unfortunately, Cedarhurst has announced this year will be the last one.  I do not understand that decision at all.  It's a huge event that brings many people to our area.  I love and support Cedarhurst, but I do not like this decision, so I give two slaps.

Wishing you all a fabulous week!

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  We are coming to the end of another summer.  I know technically we still have a few weeks, but Labor Day weekend has always been my signal that summer is ending, and it is next weekend. This summer we enjoyed a number of pool days, and I read a number of books sitting out in the sun. BBQs and grilling were the norm most weekends and we enjoyed a couple of road trips. The garden did well, and the farmers market was hopping every week. I have a lot of summer produce put up to enjoy in the fall and winter.  I love fall and winter but I also enjoy a lot that summer offers, and I intend to enjoy these next few weeks as she fades away for another year. 

Where I've been:  We had two appointments this week and I made a trip to the farmer's market.  Other than that, I've been between work and home.

Where I'm going:  No appointments this week which is always a good thing.  Next weekend we're either going to take a road trip or have a BBQ.  I'm waiting to hear the final plans for the others as either sounds good to me.

What I'm watching:  Fit for TV: Reality of Biggest Looser on Netflix.  We watched the Biggest Looser when it came on in 2004 and like all reality shows this one had a lot going on behind the scenes.  We also got caught up on Family Recipe Showdown.  

What I'm reading:  Sadly, I'm still not finished with the book I've been reading for a couple of weeks.  Hopefully this week I'll get the last few chapters in and start a new book.  

What I'm eating:

Blackened chicken, garlic smashed potatoes and sliced tomatoes

Chicken sausage with peppers, onions and tomatoes over pasta with bread sticks.  SO good.

BLT with zucchini 'fries'

Fried hot honey chicken sandwich with coleslaw

BIG salad

Pizza and salad

Tonight, we're having Coho salmon with tbd sides.

Who needs a good slap:  I had to go in at 4am on Monday to round in the hospital.  I asked why and was told all leaders are required to do it twice a year to touch base with the night shift.  I already come in at 5:30 every morning to see the two in my department that work nights but that doesn't count.  Departments that do not have their manager need rounded on.  What?  Have everyone occasionally come in to see their staff.  It was pointless and a waste of time.  I give this project three slaps.  Waking up at 3am is brutal.

What is making me smile:  This is the second box of these chocolates that I've been given, and I think they are now my new favorites.  They are so delicious, and the bite size pieces are perfect for a quick treat. 

It's a lot cooler today and low temps this week are high 40's and low 50's with only high temps in the 70's.  I know we'll get more hot days but I am going to enjoy this cool front while it is here.

I hope everyone enjoys their week.

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  My community.  I really do love it here and I wasn't quite so sure I would when we moved here 20 years ago since I had never lived in a small town before.  One of the best things about this area is the number of farmers, gardeners and people that make and sell local products.  Roadside stands are still a thing here, but they are evolving quickly.  We have so many farms that you can visit to buy local items and visit with all of the animals.  Sheds and small buildings are being converted into self-serve stores.  Not only do I love the local products, but I love supporting local families and getting to know them as friends.  Here are a few photos of one of the newest 'shops.'  She sells dozens of different baked goods, canned goods, mixes and more.  I really love this option for our town.

Where I've been:  Monday-Wednesday I worked.  Thursday was dentist day.  That was not fun at all, and I hope to never have to do that again.  I have to say the actual pain was very minimal, but the sound of roots and bones and loud pops was way too much for me.  Friday, I did feel well enough that we went to the farmers market and stopped by the bakery.  No road trip today though since checking out a new BBQ place is on the agenda and I'm not up for that yet.

Where I'm going:  We have only two appointments this week.  TBG has a 3 month follow up with his cardiologist and we have a follow up with our lawyer to sign our wills.  Both of those should be a breeze.  

What I'm watching:  I didn't watch anything special this week on TV.  Our crepe Mertle is in full bloom and it's more gorgeous this year than any other times.  We had rain a couple of times this week and it perked everything up.

What I'm listening to:  I usually always listen to music when I'm home alone working around the house.  I have a very diverse taste in music.  This week it was Fleetwood Mac, Kid Rock and Annie Lenox.  

What I'm eating:

Even though it is hot as hell outside I was craving chili, so I made a batch, and we had it with garlic cheese biscuits. Culinary Adventures with Lori: Savory Drop Biscuits

Chicken legs, mac and cheese and salad.  I halved this recipe for the mac and cheese.  It made two perfect sides for us with just enough left over to make a few mac and cheese balls for lunch one day. Culinary Adventures with Lori: 52 Recipes in 52 Weeks #11 Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese

BIG salad with Coho Salmon

Thursday, I heated up left over chicken legs for TBG and made a pot of rice.  I had chocolate pudding.  I am so glad I made homemade pudding Wednesday night because that's all I could handle.  Luckily, we went to breakfast before I had my teeth pulled so I had at least one good meal that day.

I heated up LO sloppy Joe's that was in the freezer and cubed a couple of potatoes to roast int he oven.  It was the first solid food I had since Thursday morning and I am so glad I was able to eat it.

I'm not sure what is on the menu for tonight, but salad is out for a few more days.

Who needs a good slap:  No one comes to mind

What is making me smile:  Checking things off of my to do list.  I managed this week to clean and straighten up the laundry room, the hall closet and the laundry room on top of everything else that gets done in a week.  

As soon as TBG and I have our daily game time, I'm off to do a bit of dehydrating and odd jobs around the house.  I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend doing what makes you happy.

What's top of my mind:  I'm still having a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that it is August.  But I know it is because every year these beauties pop up out of the ground the first week.  Around here they call them paper lilies, but I've heard them called many other names.  

Where I've been:  It was a pretty low-key week here and I didn't go anywhere outside of work.  There was a festival downtown that we considered going to but it was nice and comfy at home in the AC so we opted out.

Where I'm going:  Thursday morning we're going out early for a big breakfast so I can have a full stomach to get two back bottom teeth pulled at 8:30. I usually go by myself, but TBG offered to come with and I think knowing he's out in the waiting room will take a bit of the edge off.  I'm hoping so anyway.  Saturday if I'm feeling ok, we're going to take a quick day trip.

What I'm watching:  Not much at all.  I didn't really watch TV this week other than Master Chef and Secret Service.  The last will make you not want to eat in a restaurant ever again.

What I'm reading:  I'm still reading The Dirty Life and enjoying it.  I have her other book Good Husbandry waiting to read next.  

What I'm eating:

BIG salad x2

Sloppy Joes and 'fries' my recipe is here Culinary Adventures with Lori: My Week

Chicken fajita bowls with cheese roll ups.  SO good.

BLTs with zucchini 'fries'

Steak for me, chicken wings for TBG, rosemary potatoes and coleslaw with garlic cheddar biscuits

Tonight, will be left over wings, slaw and tomatoes

Who needs a good slap:  Insurance companies again.  I'm sure everyone has wanted to slap them at least once or twice.  TBG has been on Entresto for his heart since November 2023 when his heart issues started.  Saturday, he called the pharmacy to reorder, and they told him insurance wasn't going to cover it anymore now that there is a generic substitute.  Well, his cardiologist does not like using generic for whatever reason, so his office is fighting with them.  Insurance companies arguing with physicians is crazy to me.  I'm just thankful that this is a minor issue with them and not some of the horror stories you hear about where they've denied surgeries and other procedures that will help someone live.  

What is making me smile:  Being able to fill my cabinets and freezer with so many local veggies and herbs for the winter really does make me smile.  The 'ber months will be here before we know it and I'm stocking up all that I can to enjoy over the winter.

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoys the day!!

My Weekly W's

Happy August!!  We had a huge cool down that has brought zero humidity and lows in the 50's.  It has been beautiful weather.  Summer weather comes back late next week but that's ok, at least we had a really nice break.

What's top of my mind:  Slowing down.  At home, I'm pretty good with this but work is a bit of a challenge.  Between the cell phone ringing or text messages coming in and then the email, office phone and the dreaded messages that anyone can pop up on my computer at any time it can get a bit frustrating.  This was a really good reminder to see.

Where I've been:  TBG and I went out for a weekday lunch which is always a treat.  Stopped by the farmer's market which is hopping with so much local goodness this time of year. That's about it except for regular errands.

Where I'm going:  Today we have a birthday party to go to, TBG gets his stitches removed Wednesday and other than that no solid commitments.  That is always a good thing in my mind.

What I'm watching:  Tuesday I went in to work and had to leave at 6:15 am to go to the other hospital and this is what I saw when I walked out the back door.  It was so beautiful the picture doesn't really do it justice.

What I'm reading:  Dirty Life A Memoir of Farming, Food and Love by Kristin Kimball.  I started it yesterday and really am enjoying it.  Her style of writing really pulls you in.

What I'm listening to:  This morning when I got up at 5:30 I opened up all of the windows to get the fresh morning air and the birds were all singing away.  The house was totally quiet except for them and it was a really great way to start my day.

What I'm eating:

BLT with zucchini fries

BBQ chicken with smashed garlic potatoes and coleslaw

Chicken sausage, tons of veggies over pasta with a small salad.  Peppers of every kind, onions and garlic smell so good when they're cooking.

BIG salad x 2

Nachos

Yesterday I made a big jar of Bread-and-Butter pickles from my grandmothers' recipe.  They were always my favorite.  

Who needs a good slap:  K the cashier at Kroger.  For many years I have ignored this womans rude, miserable, bossy attitude but Wednesday I finally couldn't stay quiet.  There was a woman probably in her 80's in front of me with a cart full of groceries.  K visibly was very annoyed that she was taking a while to unload all of her groceries.  The look of distain was all over her face and it wasn't lost on the woman.  She looked at me an apologized and I told her to take her time I was in no hurry.  Then she told me she is getting too old for all of this.  K then started scanning the woman's coupons and harshly told the bagger to find this, and then this from the 20 plus bags that were in the cart making the woman feel even worse.  When all was said and done I planned to keep quiet but she hit a nerve. She told me I didn't need to have both packages of water on the belt and to take one off.  I told her no, just slide it down to the bagger.  She huffed and puffed 'and said why are you cranky.  That's when I told her I was horrified by the way she treated the woman and the bagger and let her know she was rude.  She disagreed and so I told her she may not mean it, she may not realize it but yes, she is rude and makes people feel bad for disturbing her. Funny thing is the next day I was telling a friend at work and she asked if it was the 50 ish woman with long stringy hair and glasses and I said YES. She agreed and said she's been like that for years and I don't know why they keep her.  I give her 5 slaps. I have no problem ignoring this kind of behavior but making that woman feel the way she did is just wrong.

Who needs a huge thank you: Ameran Illinois.  Last Sunday during the severe heat warning we heard a loud boom and the power went out.  My heart sank knowing that was a transformer.  I immediately called and notified them of the outage.  I was worried because I've heard horror stories that a new transformer can take days to weeks if they do not have any in storage.  Well, 3 hours later we had a new transformer and power.  We both went out back when it came on and thanked them and took them a drink.  

Well, I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the weekend.  I'm off work tomorrow so I'm excited to not have to get up tomorrow morning at 4:30.