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

My Week

Can you believe it is the last day of July?  It's been a busy week here.  I've been dehydrating herbs and veggies all week.  I have to say that the Ninja's dehydrating setting is amazing and saves a huge amount of time.  Along with dehydrating everything I can, I made another large batch of basil pesto, 6 1/2 pint jars of Jalapeno pepper jelly and blueberry jam. I still have so much to do but I see a lot of deliciousness for the fall and winter in my pantry and freezer. 

Our new HVAC system was installed Wednesday without any drama.  It's nice to know we are under warranty for the next 15 years.  We had our airducts cleaned the day before it was installed and oh my goodness the amount of dust that comes out when they do that is unbelievable.  The air quality in the house feels so much better.

I'm almost finished reading The Kitchen Whisperers and am enjoying it.  The author talks about kitchen 'workarounds' that she has found over the years.  It was interesting that three of them are also in my kitchen.  Better Than Bouillon, Rao's pasta sauce and Maya Kaimal's Indian sauces.  She actually knows Maya and has worked with her. Nice to find out she is an actual person and not just a corporations marketing.  One workaround I've never thought of or heard of was to save the water that you soak your beans in as a stock for various soups, stews, etc.  Now why had I never thought of that? I have My Place at the Table to start next.  It's about creating a delicious life in Paris.  It should be a fun summer read.

Meals this week were pretty light and simple. 

BLT with chicken salt oven 'fries'

Chicken Tikka Masala (Maya's brand), rice, naan (I added diced zucchini to the chicken masala, and it was delicious)

BIG salad x2

Sloppy Joes, fried patty pan squash - delicious

Fried chicken, red potatoes, corn on the cob, sliced tomato with basil

Coho salmon, grilled summer squash and zucchini

Tonight, it's loaded chicken nachos for me

The storm door was installed Friday but not without drama.  Monday the installer called and set up an appointment for Thursday between 1 and 3.  At 230 he called and said he had a flat tire and could he reschedule for Friday at the same time.  We agreed.  Friday at 230 no one had shown up yet.  We called the installer and was told he had been by and knocked and no one was there.  NOT TRUE.  He said he would be here by 330.  I called Lowes and they offered to accelerate the issue.  I said no, it's already been accelerated once and that obviously doesn't work.  While on the phone with Lowes the installer showed up. 27 days to get it installed. The door is perfect but needless to say we'll be going to Menards from now on.

The big guy is in Chicago this weekend for his 9th degree promotion.  We didn't yet have Binx when we originally made plans to go together.  After a lot of thought on both of our parts we decided I would stay home with Binx.  Neither of us wanted him to be boarded for 3 days. That is especially hard on cats.  I'm going to facetime to be able to at least see the ceremony and watch him receive his belt so while not like actually being there it is better for Binx to be home.

I have the house to myself again today and hope to be as productive as I was yesterday but also with a bit of relaxation in the mix.

That's about it for my week.  I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday and a relaxing week ahead.

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind: 

Herbs that are going crazy. Today I need to make basil pesto and more arugula pesto.  I will be picking rosemary, mint, basil and oregano to dehydrate.  The rosemary is 4 years old and planted in the yard.  All of the other herbs are growing in large pots.  I'm still planning my raised bed herb garden for next spring.  I know where I want it but I need to really think about how big I want it.  I grow a lot of herbs.

Where I've been: 

I picked up two library books that I had requested. I don't know if other states do this but if you request a book that they do not have, they request it from another library in the system and it is shipped to them, and you'll have it in two or three days.  I think that is amazing. I also stopped by the farmer market which was bursting with goodness.  Other than that, it's been work or home for me.

Where I'm going:

The museum in Springfield has been working on a Generation X exhibition opening in October.  I'm really hoping the Covid, Monkey Pox and any other virus that may pop up is low then because I really want to go.

What I'm watching: 

I haven't watched anything notable this week.

What I'm reading: 

The Kitchen Whisperers by Dorothy Kalins.  I am loving this book so far.

What I'm listening to: 

I'm still striving for peace and quiet every chance I can get.

What I'm eating: 

Banana Pudding!  A wonderful summer dessert.

BIG salad x2

Chicken sausage, veggie pizza

Cheeseburger and zucchini fries

Chicken and veggie egg rolls with rice

Manicotti and garlic cheese biscuits (I shredded a medium zucchini and put it in the ricotta, cheese filling. I have a LOT of zucchinis and it was tasty and add vitamins)

I'm not sure what we're having tonight, but it will include fried patty pan squash.  It's my first time making it and the woman at the market promised we'd love it.  I'll let you know.

Who needs a good slap:

Lowes.  On July 2 we picked the door, which was in stock, and paid the deposit for the installer to come out and measure to make sure it was the right door.  Three days later the installer came out, measured and called Lowes to tell them yes, the door was right.  Lowes called us to come and pay the remainder and it would be installed.  We paid but haven't heard anything since.  We tried to call the store and either got hung up on or were put on hold.  So, Friday afternoon the big guy went to the store.  No one knew where the door was or who the installer was and he was furious.  A store employee that he wasn't even talking to walked by him and gave him a toll-free number to call.  I called and it was the new store manager.  She listened to my concerns, looked at our account and said she would make sure this was taken care of by Tuesday.  She said she is working to get the store up to par and to please give her a chance.  So today I'm giving Lowes two slaps, if I don't have the door by Friday, they will get 5 slaps and I'm going to get our money back and go somewhere else.

What I'm planning:

 I've started my fall planting plan and my list of everything that needs done outside before winter.  Yes, it will be here before we know it.

What's making me smile:

 For the last three or four years we've had yearly trouble with our H Vac system. Wednesday evening I noticed it was leaking.  It was 10 minutes until 5pm so I called our favorite local guy.  He said to turn it off, shop vac the water up and he would be out the next morning.  At 8:30 he was here.  Long story short, he was able to get it working without leaking, but we made the decision to go ahead and replace it. It is a high-end unit that was installed in 2006. Because it does both heat and air he explained you have to double the age because it does double the work.  This is a smile because even though pricey, it was about $3000.00 less than I imagined, it will lower our monthly bill, he charged us nothing for the work he did and it will have a 15-year warranty on everything.  The owner of this company is meticulous with his work and it will be done Wednesday.  So I'm choosing to look at the bright side of this and smile.

I hope everyone stays cool and has a wonderful Sunday!!

Scenes of Summer in my corner of the world

Farmers Market

Cederhurst Thursday night live

Aquatic Park

Freshly mowed fields

Around our yard

Stay cool and enjoy your Saturday!

Things That Make Me Smile

I always find a quote to put in my journal to focus on during the week.  I LOVE this weeks as it is exactly what I've been trying to do.  I do not know where this quote originated.  Happy Thursday!!

"Live in the present and make it so BEAUTIFUL it will be worth remembering."

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:

The days go by so quickly and it is so easy to operate on autopilot and let the day run you instead of you running your day that I want to continue to be a bit more mindful of how I spend each day.  I want to celebrate all the joys, big and small that happen on a regular basis.  I know I've mentioned this before, this is more of a reminder to myself.

Where I've been: 

Monday I took Binx to the vet for his first visit.  He was so good and charmed both the vet tech and the vet with his shiny coat and confident personality.  He received his last initial shot and didn't even flinch but instead just looked at the vet after she gave it like "what are you doing".  Wednesday I went for a much-needed haircut. Saturday was the big guys birthday so we skipped going out of town for our usual biweekly grocery shop.  We have plenty and will stock up next week.  The big guy chose one of the local BBQ places for his Birthday lunch Saturday and it did not disappoint.

Where I'm going:

It is going to be a very busy week at work.  I have two new doctors that I will have to do orientations with so that is two days gone.  I also have to do payroll and everything else that comes up daily so it will be brutal I'm sure.  Saturday we'll head out of town to shop and have lunch.

What I'm watching:

I'm watching Binx grow daily.  He was 3.5 pounds when we brought him home at 12 weeks old.  Now after 6 weeks with us he weighs 6.5.  He is so tall and long, I think he's going to be a big kitty.

What I'm reading:

I didn't have much time for reading this week and am still on the same book as last week.  I will finish hopefully today.

What I'm listening to:

Quiet rumbles of thunder telling me it will be a cloudy, rainy day which I am oddly OK with today.

What I'm eating:

Sunday I grilled a whole chicken so it provided two more meals for this week along with one for my lunch.

LO-Moroccan lamb meatballs, rice and naan

LO chicken, mashed potatoes, tomatoes and arugula

LO BBQ chicken, zucchini tots, tomatoes

BLT's and oven fries

Beef sausage, peppers, onions, mac and cheese

Korean Beef, rice and naan

I baked a chocolate cake with butter cream frosting for the big guy's birthday.  The layers are a bit crooked, but it tastes delicious so that's what really matters.  I don't bake layer cakes very often anymore and I'm obviously out of practice.

Who needs a good slap: 

No one particular comes to mind today.

What I'm planning: 

Nothing at the moment.

What's making me smile: 

Knowing I have an entire day to spend as I want with the Big Guy makes me smile.

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoys their Sunday!!