Happy Friday, friends! January is trucking along, and I’m just trying to keep up. This week has been full of unexpected surprises, including some laughs courtesy of life at Shady Pines.
This Week in the wilderness
This week, I tackled my neglected stack of to-do lists. While I didn’t get everything done, I did manage to organize my spice rack—and let me tell you, finding paprika in under 10 seconds feels like a major life win. The weather’s been temperamental, which has been a great excuse to stay indoors with a good book and a cup of tea.
Life at Shady Pines free range seniors
Ma decided to bake cookies, but somehow misread the recipe and used salt instead of sugar. The resulting “cookies” were promptly deemed inedible, though Uncle R claimed they’d make great coasters. Meanwhile, Uncle R tried to fix the kitchen faucet and ended up flooding the sink area. He insists it’s all part of the “learning process,” but I’ve got the plumber’s number on speed dial just in case. The sad part is he actually knows how to fix one but he’s gotten to where he is forgets more and more.
Hot Flashes & More the joys of midlife
This week’s midlife revelation: body parts I didn’t even know could hurt are now staging a full-blown protest. I pulled a muscle (that’s what it felt like) sneezing—yes, sneezing—and Ma told me it only gets worse. On the bright side, thank the Lord for the magic of heating pads.
What’s Cooking for dinner tonight
I started meal planning to help me in the grocery store a little more. WE shop monthly and well lets be honest sometimes I don’t buy enough of something or I buy too much of something else. So, I thought I would share what our dinner plans are for next week and see what you think.
- Monday: Stuffed bell peppers with a side of rice (I hate this but the seniors love it so I will just eat some rice that I keep on the side).
- Tuesday: Grilled salmon with asparagus and quinoa.
- Wednesday: Vegetable chili with cornbread.
- Thursday: BBQ pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw.
- Friday: Breakfast for dinner (pancakes, eggs, and bacon).
- Saturday: Nachos with all the toppings (quick and fun!).
- Sunday: Baked ham with scalloped potatoes, roasted carrots, and a chocolate mousse for dessert.
A Moment of peace and quiet
This week I spent a little extra time doing my Bible study. I did it the night before I went to bed as a way to wind down from the day. It was nice and I feel like I was able to turn my brain off a little easier afterwards. That doesn’t always happen for me so I was thrilled that I was able to fall asleep a little easier.
Storied Conversation a little book chat
Did you know I write more than one blog? Well I do and here are a few highlights from Storied Conversation. Please note that clicking any of the links below will take you away from Rita Reviews. I just wanted to let you know but please click away and give these blogs some love as well. You never know what you may find.
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My week started out as the usual then got pretty chaotic. My nephew was in the hospital, luckily he is ok, but that was scary. My 5 yr old woke me up at 1am throwing up ( oh no) and I have to help my 11 yr old with her big speech due on Tuesday. That’s funny that your mom added salt instead of sugar and it tasted funny. One time my husband mixed up ingredients for a chocolate chip pecan pie ( he added 4x’s the amount of sugar) anyways family still talks about it because it was the best pie they ever had!
This week I started freezing meats and meals for our “winter” RV trip. I also chose meals for next week as well as made sure all dog/people appointments are on the schedule that are needed before we leave.
My husband was away on business in Europe, so having him gone is always challenging at home. Happily he’s coming back today.