Monday, October 11, 2021

Master To-Do List and Menu Plan Monday - October 11, 2021

Greetings, Dear One! Happy Monday! ๐Ÿ’“ 

I hope that you and yours had a nice weekend and that your week is off to a great start!

It's a windy morning here on the tallgrass prairies of southwest Missouri. Storms rolled through last night bringing in cooler temperatures. At the moment it's 59 degrees and rainy. Tornado sirens were going off at 5:00 this morning and we are under a wind advisory through late morning. According to the ten-day forecast the cooler weather is here to stay. Good thing I got the heating stove cleaned and ready to go last night. I will probably be firing it up by the end of the week.

The pecans are finally starting to fall in abundance. I check on them a couple of times a day. At first I was only finding one or two nuts under each tree (I have four). Yesterday, I was picking up three or four handfuls every time I went out. After last night's storms I'm sure that the majority of them are down now. I will go out and check on them again a little later this morning. I'm thrilled with having my own nut trees right here in my own backyard. I'm hoping to get enough pecans stashed to last throughout the coming year for snacking and baking. If I run across any black walnuts I may harvest some of those to add to the freezer, too.


Over the weekend I went to a corn maze and enjoyed a hayride and other activities (pumpkin painting, tiny tot cow train, corn hole tournament, duck races, and more) with three of my children and their families. We had an absolute ball! I will post pictures throughout this post.


Yesterday was the three-month anniversary of my husband's death. It's hard to believe that he's been gone that long already. Here he and I are at one of our many backyard bonfires several years ago...


He so would have enjoyed Saturday's activities with the children and grands. 



He used to hate fall and winter, but, in recent years, he would often comment on the fact that he was finally starting to see why I enjoyed those particular seasons so much and was finding the beauty in them for himself. I love and miss him so much! ๐Ÿงก


Well...I'm running a bit behind this morning and need to get on with my day, so let's get started on this week's post...shall we?

This week's master to-do list...

- clean house
- do laundry
- drop car off at shop to finally get that speed sensor fixed (it's been acting up for two or three years now - will be so glad to finally get that done)
- go on a little adventure with family (more about that later)
- hopefully do some geocaching
- celebrate son-in-law, Patrick's, birthday
- wish son, Buddy, and daughter-in-law, Christy, a Happy Anniversary
- celebrate grandson, T.J.'s, birthday
- weed-eat 
- get flower gardens put to bed
- start weatherizing
 



This week's menu plan...

Monday - Chicken chowder and homemade rolls
Tuesday - Grill out (burgers and dogs), chips, and s'mores
Wednesday - Rachel sandwich (kind of like a Rueben but different) with jalapeno poppers and fries
Thursday - Broiled salmon, baked sweet potato, and steamed broccoli topped with a wedge of Laughing Cow light cheese
Friday - Stuffed pepper casserole (freezer) and oven-roasted carrots
Saturday - McGregor stew (freezer) with homemade bread or biscuits (freezer) 
Sunday - Leftovers




That's it for this week, Dear One! I hope you and yours have a lovely week ahead! God bless one and all!

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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Friday, October 8, 2021

Recipe For A Fall Favorite - Apple Cake

I had several fresh apples that needed used up in a hurry, so, this afternoon, I'm making a fall family favorite...apple cake! This time, though, I'm experimenting with cutting the amount of sugar called for in the recipe in half. Instead of using the two cups of sugar called for, I'm using one-cup of crystalized cane sugar and a half-cup of THM Super Sweet. I'll let you know how it turns out. If that works I will cut it by even more next time. 

Apple Cake

APPLE CAKE

4 cups peeled, finely chopped apples
2 cups sugar (I generally use 6 tablespoons of THM Super Sweet now instead of sugar, but either will work)
1 cup oil (I use olive)
2 eggs, well beaten
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
3 cups flour (I use half unbleached white/half wheat)
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9 x 13 inch baking pan with non-stick cookingspray. In bowl stir together apples and sugar; let stand for 20 minutes, stirring often, to allow moisture to make juice. Add oil, eggs and vanilla to apples. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt; add to apple mixture. Stir in nuts. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 45 minutes or until wooden toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Top with sifted
powdered sugar.

Apples @ Stoplight Market in Butler, Missouri

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Wisdom Wednesday - Proverbs 6:6-8

 

"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest." (Proverbs 6:6-8)

In the midst of tough economic times and rising food costs what steps are you and yours taking to prepare for the coming winter?

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Instant Pot Cooking

 


I received an Instant Pot Duo for Christmas last year, but hadn't been brave enough (or desperate enough) to try it out until last night and ohmygoodness! What a neat piece of kitchen equipment!!! I cooked partially frozen chicken in no time and it was perfect!

My questions are these...

1) Who here has an Instant Pot? 

2) If you have one, what is your favorite way to use it or favorite thing to cook in it? 

3) What tips and tricks have you learned along the way in the time you've had it?

I can't wait to learn more. I have a feeling that I'm going to be experimenting with and using my Instant Pot Duo a lot!

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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Monday, October 4, 2021

Master To-Do List and Menu Plan Monday - October 4, 2021

Good morning! It's the first Monday of October 2021 and what a beautiful Monday morning it is, too! 



It's a cool 51degrees and a bit foggy, but the sun is shining and burning it off rapidly. It's shaping up to be an absolutely gorgous fall day!

How was your week and weekend?

I ๐Ÿงก Pumpkins

My week here was good! I got to get out of town and spend a couple of days with Amanda and her family. I left Tuesday morning and came home Thursday afternoon. On Wednesday we enjoyed a great day of sightseeing and visiting Civil War and family history sites. 

Lafayette County Courthouse
Lexington, Missouri

Battle of Lexington
Lafayette County, Missouri

The Anderson House
Lexington, Missouri
(My grandmother's aunt and uncle were caretakers here at one time.)

Confederate Memorial State Historic Site
Higginsville, Missouri
(My 3rd great-grandfather lived in the facility that was built
here for Confederate veterans. In fact, he died here.)

The Chapel on the Grounds
on the Confederate Memorial State Historic Site
Higginsville, Missouri

Confederate Veterans in Front of the Chapel

We visited several cemeteries and graves including the graves of the unknown soldiers at Lexington, the Confederate and National Cemeteries at Higginsville, and the graves of family members, including my 3rd great-grandfather. He actually died at the home for Confederate veterans that was on the grounds of, what is now, the state historic site at Higginsville.

Monument Commemorating the Graves of Five Unknown 
Union Soldiers That Fell During the Battle of Lexington

The Graves of the Unknown Soldiers

The Monument at the Confederate Cemetery
Confederate Memorial State Historic Site
Higginsville, Missouri

Grave Markers in the Confederate Cemetery

The National Cemetery
Higginsville, Missouri

My 3rd Great-Grandfather, Jonas J. Lewis
Private, 5th Missouri Calvary, Company B, C.S.A.
Under Major General J.O. Shelby and General Stirling Price
Alma, Missouri

Got to visit with a few friend and relatives along the way, including my girlhood friend and first-cousin, Teresa, and her husband, Gary...

Cousin Teresa and I

...and this dear lady, Charlene...

Charlene and I

Charlene is actually my cousin's aunt, but she was more like an aunt to me, than not, when I was growing up so I'm claiming her! She is a very precious soul and she's always been good to me and my family. I love her with all my heart!

Madonna of the Trail
Lexington, Missouri

This trip was a lot of fun and educational, and it's something that we plan to continue as time, money, and opportunity permits.

Canadian Geese
Confederate Memorial State Historic Site
Higginsville, Missouri

Okay...enough about that! Let's get on with today's post...shall we?

This week's master to-do list...

- work ๐Ÿ’ฒ
- clean house ๐Ÿก
- do laundry ๐Ÿ‘•
- go to the doctor ๐Ÿ˜ท
- check on propane (have already received a letter that the supplies are low) ๐Ÿšš
- take apart and clean the heating stove ๐Ÿ”ฅ
- pick up a few groceries ๐Ÿ›’
- enjoy a game night with family ๐ŸŽฒ
- visit a corn maze ๐ŸŒฝ
- plan and prepare for the next adventure ๐Ÿš—

John and I got married on Valentine's Day and I collected hearts. We were always looking for hearts in nature. As we were leaving the Confederate Memorial State Historic Site, I spotted this cut tree stump near the parking lot where we were parked. I had to take a picture of it. He so would have enjoyed this trip. ๐Ÿ˜ข

This week's menu plan...

Monday -  Chicken ranch salad w/ homemade French bread ๐Ÿ”
Tuesday - Turkey burgers and oven fries with no-bake cookies for dessert ๐Ÿฆƒ
Wednesday - Ham slices with cheesy zucchini, baked sweet potato, and sautรฉed spinach ๐Ÿท
Thursday - THM Hearty Green Soup with Ezekiel Bread toast ๐Ÿž
Friday - Stuffed pepper casserole with oven-roasted carrots๐Ÿฅ•
Saturday - Out ๐Ÿš—
Sunday - Leftovers

Well...that's it for this time. You all have a great day and a wonderful week ahead! 

And while you're here...



...don't forget to enter the drawing for the Sue Hooley 2022 Daily Planner giveaway! For more details click HERE or on the link below. 

Until next time...
~Rebecca

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Saturday, October 2, 2021

2022 Homemaker's Friend Daily Planner Free Giveaway

I first became acquainted with Sue Hooley's Homemaker's Friend Daily Planner when my husband bought the 2015 edition for me for my birthday. After familiarizing myself with the planner, it became my closest friend. It went with me everywhere! (It still does! Only it's whatever year's planner we happen to be in at the moment!) ๐Ÿ˜‰


I have used the planners for seven years now and what a blessing they have been! I not only buy a copy for myself each year, but I usually buy half-dozen extra copies to give away.

Speaking of giving copies away, I am so excited to announce that I will be giving a 2022 Homemaker's Friend Daily Planner away right here on this blog!

That's right! I will be giving away a FREE copy of Sue Hooley's 2022 Homemaker's Friend Daily Planner to one of my precious readers. Will it be you? 

A couple of years ago Sue graciously invited me to be an affiliate for her product. I was (and still am) very excited about that, too, because this is a product that I am familiar with, use on a daily basis, and absolutely love!


In a hurry? Don't want to wait to see if you win? To order planners for yourself or for copies to give as gifts (Christmas is just around the corner!) click HERE.

The giveaway will run for three weeks. It will start today (Saturday, October 2, 2021) and will run through Saturday, October 23, 2021. One winner will be selected on Sunday, October 24, 2021 and the planner will be mailed to them no later than Wednesday, October 27, 2021. To enter for your chance to win choose any or all of the following:

- Leave a comment in the comments section below (or on Rebecca's HEARTH AND HOME's Facebook page) telling me why you would like to win a copy of Sue Hooley's 2022 Homemaker's Friend Daily Planner.
- Share the link to this post on Facebook.
- Share the link to this post on Twitter.
- Share the link to this post on Instagram.
- Become a public follower of Rebecca's HEARTH AND HOME on Blogspot or comment letting me know that you already are one.
- LIKE Rebecca's HEARTH AND HOME on Facebook.
- Follow me on Twitter (jkswife).
- Write a post linking this giveaway to your own blog. (This is worth 3 entries. Please leave three separate comments.)
- Subscribe to Rebecca's HEARTH AND HOME by e-mail.

Please leave one comment in the comments section below for each entry (and if you're having trouble leaving comments on this blog please email me at proverbs31heart@yahoo.com).
 

One winner will be selected by drawing on Sunday, October 24, 2022. If I am unable to reach the winner within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected and contacted. Your entry is only valid if you include a way for me to contact you. 

Until next time...
~Rebecca



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