Meal plan Monday #162 and art in the New Year

I still haven't decided about putting the kitchen table in my sewing room - for now I use a folding table that is a great size.  And lately, its been my art table. A friend gave me these mini coloring books and some markers, and I added them to my stash of pencils, acrylic paint markers, Sharpies, small paint pots and brushes, mixed media notebooks, etc.  I am channeling that child who loved Art class only a little less than my English class.

Go here to look at all the cool coloring stuff from A Brighter Year.

Monday - kitchen closed

Tuesday - (freezer) Baked Chicken Breast, Mac and cheese, kale salad (from Chick-fil-A) {grocery shop}

Wednesday - Steak for one, (freezer) twice baked potato, broccoli {last telehealth appt.!, on call overnight}

Thursday - Sausage and Cabbage, corn casserole, rolls, Moscato {kitchen deep clean, do some sewing in the afternoon}

Friday - (freezer) Hamburger Soup, leftover corn casserole {p/u items at Home Depot, take the Christmas decor down}

Saturday and Sunday - kitchen closed

Gina

5 thing Friday - photo project, pizza, Christmas, cooking, changes

The photo project I am working on is much bigger than I initially thought it would be.  I addition to going through all of the albums (which number in the tens), I also have photos in a couple of places in the house (memory boxes, cedar chest, cigar boxes), and an impressive collection of negatives dating back to the late 70's/early 80's.  Oy.

I stood there looking at the boxes where I had meticulously organized and labeled negatives by decade and thought "no one is ever going to print these".  Instead of leaving it for my kids to deal with some day, into the recycle bin it went - along with the second round of emptied photo binders.  Not gonna lie, that felt good.

I have already purged the albums and recycled the binders.  Now to pull out the photos I am keeping, organize them, replace them into new albums, and scan all of the pages into my computer and then onto thumb drives.  I'm working on this project an hour of two at a time, because its hard on the mama to trip so hard down memory lane.

TMI: Last week I enjoyed some TJ pizza, with roasted garlic, pesto, and added cheese.  Delicious!  But I have decided that after Christmas Day, I will go back to my simple meals featuring salads with added protein and such.  The older I get, the less my body likes certain foods (pizza).  And since I'm trying to find a good balance of eating out/eating in, I need to prioritize things that will not bloat and dehydrate me for the rest of the day. It was good - but it did not love me back.

I got industrious on Christmas Eve and made two quiche - sausage with green chilies, and bacon with green onions.  Also a walnut raisin pie with rum-soaked raisins.  I made a big pot of stew and did some rolls as well.  Leftovers were sent home or stored in my freezer.  But I would like the food prep to be even easier next year.

Church on Christmas Eve was lovely.  I am so glad I have added this in as my tradition.  It was something Mark and I did regularly before kids and even when they were small.  Maybe as time goes by, my peeps will want to join me, but for now I'm not pushing it.

This church holds deep and personal happy memories for me. The whole time I was sitting here watching the church fill up, I reflected on how absolutely blessed and lucky I am to be able to sit here and freely worship in warmth, surrounded by beauty, feeling the peace of the Christmas season like a big hug.  I was there by myself and never felt alone. That being said, I am happy to be moving into January and an even slower season.

The Girl kept saying "a pony" when I asked her what she wanted for birthday or Christmas.  So I could not resist adding this horse ornament to one of her gifts. Ha!  But already I am making plans in my head for how I want to handle gift-giving to my adult children in the future.  I will likely keep making stockings (since those are so fun!) but I don't think I should  "be" Christmas for them - they are adults and maybe we can all figure out how to do Christmas for each other going forward.

  Anyone got any tips for me?

Gina

Empty Nest Menu #161 and the movies

I took myself out last week to The Long Center for another of the Butler Pops Series featuring the Home Alone movie.  At the end of the movie, the symphony continued to play, along with a large choir of AISD students - it was lovely!  I had never seen Home Alone - just snippets.  It was pretty fun. 

But did you know that the "scary old guy" in the movie - Marley - symbolized Jesus?  The movie has deeper meaning - not just the comedy we all think it as.  I have watched very few Christmas movies the last four years - I need to revisit some old favorites and find some new-to-me ones, too. 

Monday - (freezer) Pork Roast, (freezer) twice baked potato, carrots {I'm off today}

Tuesday - Crab Cakes, green beans {pick up filler groceries, on call overnight)

Wednesday - Coconut Shrimp, pesto bowties, peas {baking day!, Christmas Eve church service in p.m.}

Thursday - Beef Stew, rolls, Walnut Raisin Pie, Cranberry Bars {Happy Birthday Bubbie!, I work 6a to 3p}

Friday - (all freezer) Turkey Taco Meat bowl with rice, refrieds, salsa

Saturday and Sunday - kitchen closed, but I will probably have leftover stew!

Gina

5 thing Friday - lunch with a friend, treats, bench, thrifting, slow living

Last week I went to a tasting class at Total Wine.  These are generally pretty fun.  You get to try new things and enjoy a charcuterie with like-minded folk.

My favorite thing was the spiced gingerbread cordial - so good!

I bought some for a friend who is coming to lunch today, and I decorated it with a package tie-on version of a clothespin snowflake like I made a couple of  Christmases ago.  This one has vintage and antique buttons.  I will fix Parmesan Chicken and Caesar salad for our lunch.

Using up the other half of a frozen pie crust, I made Walnut Pie for two (well, for one - but I can freeze it in portions for a treat)  The recipe had been in my card box for years.

I sprinkled a bit of sugar on the walnuts I piled on top.  It turned out like a chewy walnut blondie.

These little dishes handle cooking for one or two perfectly!  I would say the pie was "OK".  But it was fun to just go through the box and make something I had always meant to try.

I spied, with my little eye, this picnic bench alongside a neighbor's curb.  (I suspect the husband has passed and the wife and adult son are slowing clearing things out of the garage.  So relatable.)

It was in rough shape, but I gave it a scrub with some sudsy warm water and found a place for it to live in my garage.  I had a plan!

Now ALL of my plants can sit right here and get sun and fresh air a couple times a week while the weather holds.  What's weird is that I thinking that's just what I needed - then it appeared!

I thrifted some things this week - out of boredom - but it was a fun activity.  I got more (new) puzzles to work on, 

Some ornaments and a giant pinecone (all 50% off, making them 1 or 2 dollars each), 

3 tops,

and two books.  I was intentional about what I bought, but this will be my last thrifting trip of the year.  I have been living slowly this week - reading, working my puzzle, and crafting.  Also walking, going to bed early, light cooking...it feels like a mini vacation!

Happy Weekend - less than a week until Christmas!

Gina 

Empty Nest menu #160 and still keeping it easy

 Another simple meal week, as I ease through the Christmas season.

I don't know why I don't eat more meals in the dining room...it's a peaceful place.  Almost makes me feel like a guest in my own home!  And I kind of want to move the kitchen table into my sewing room and enjoy an empty space with a cozy window seat.  Thinking about it!

Monday - kitchen closed {I work, so I will eat a snack when I get home}

Tuesday - Dinner out {grocery shop, evening symphony at The Long Center}

Wednesday - Hamburger "Steak", skillet potatoes with onions and peppers 

Thursday - Chicken Chili (chicken thigh, canned beans, salsa in my mini crockpot) {afternoon telehealth}

Friday - (freezer) Thanksgiving Shepherd's Pie {making lunch for a friend}

Saturday and Sunday - kitchen closed {I'll be at work!}

Gina

5 thing Friday - onions, Happy Meal, shopping, tiny wall project, plants

Years ago, my mother would pile up sliced onions into the crockpot with butter and let them go on low all day.  She would eat them cold out of the jar, or put them on everything.  And I did it a few times, too, then forgot about it.

But, Lo and behold, this blogger did it one better by adding three types of onion and seasonings and I was all in anew.  I made a batch last week and I am almost done using them up in quesadillas, on burgers, added to dinner, scrambled eggs...its been a delicious reminder to keep buying onions.

I like McDonald's, okay?  Don't come at me.

I treated myself to a Grinch adult Happy Meal and got the red socks.  Yes, I will be wearing them to work.  And I noticed several nurses sporting them at work last weekend.  So its a THING.

It was time for new flannel PJ pants since Old Navy had them at 60% off.  (I realize they mark them up just to put them on sale.)  Literally every retailer does the same thing.  But it made me happy to have such vibrant fun prints to snuggle into at the end of the day.  I cleared out the two top drawers of Mark's dresser so I could start folding my jammies and sweaters.  The dresser takeover begins.

The Pena print hanging so far out from the wall was bugging me.  I think it was because the nails in the wall anchors were too long.  And I couldn't adjust them as the nails were stuck like chuck in the anchors.  So I had to remove said anchors, reinstall new ones, patch the previous giant holes, find smaller screws to hang the art on, and repaint.

You can't even tell.

Then I hung it again (not shown) and the frame still sticks out a tiny bit at the top.  So I will add Sticky Tac to the underside of the top corners of the frame and call it done, because I don't want to fool with this any more.

I moved my plant babies - some to the garage, some to the guest room. (I was over having to load up my window seat in the kitchen every winter)  For the ones in the garage, I will water them once a week and let them soak up the morning sun a couple of days per week.  I also might arrange them differently, depending on how the sun hits the garage door.

I relaxed my "no new Christmas ornaments" rule for a carved snowflake at Hob Lob for a couple dollars on sale.  It made me smile and brought me joy.  Cheap thrills.

Gina

Empty Nest menu #159 and walking

On Thanksgiving morning I walked the 5 mile turkey trot at a local park's track.  It was a beautiful morning - cool and sunny.  And there weren't very many people out.  Perfect.

Not gonna lie, it was challenging.  I had to stop a couple of times to rest and reply back to my sister's text messages.  I probably need to increase my walking time during the week.  Walking is the best exercise for me - no schedules, no special equipment, and easy on my body.

Monday - Green Chili Chicken Crockpot, rice, corn {off today}

Tuesday - Thanksgiving Shepherd's Pie* for one {book club in p.m.}

Wednesday - Dinner salad with sliced chicken breast {lunch with a friend, holiday movie at home}

Thursday - Quiche for One with bacon, skillet potatoes {spirits class at Total Wine, afternoon telehealth, grocery shop}

Friday - French bread pizza, side salad {finish wrapping gifts, lunch with Scout}

Saturday and Sunday - kitchen closed

*as I was cleaning up the kitchen on Thanksgiving I filled two small oven proof dishes with layers of stuffing, turkey, gravy, sweet potatoes and stored them in the freezer.  I will thaw and bake covered 'til heated through.

Gina

5 thing Friday - simple decor, Christmas tree, feeling peaceful, firepit, sangria

 (not in chrono order!)

The day after Thanksgiving I feel like I was on my feet most of the day.  I didn't go crazy with Christmas decor around the house - I know who has to put it all back up, and she would appreciate it being a painless process! 

I decided for the first time ever to hang the family stockings on the mantel.  I also put the two rattan reindeer in a bed of evergreens.  The Girl took my stocking home with her.  Nothing exciting to see here...

But I also wove fairy lights into it and at night it comes on while I sit reading and sipping tea. 

(later I added simple red bows to their necks, but I am DONE pinky promise)

 Very peaceful.  That's been my word of the year for most of 2025 - peace.  I would like to move through this season as calmly as possibly.  No big fuss.  No pressure.  No overspending.

I hauled out the vintage Christmas tree and decorated it very simply.  At this date I also have some gifts wrapped and all of the shopping done - just waiting on those Amazon deliveries!  I did not buy even one new ornament. Nor lights. I'm still debating whether or not to send cards.

Right now, I feel good.

I have been focusing on eating healthily, exercising, getting enough sleep, and staying in the moment.  All things I hope will carry me through the month with no drama.

Thanksgiving was a good day - here Firstborn is trying to get the initial tee pee started so we can feed the firepit all afternoon.  I ordered a new grate for the wood to sit on yesterday.  This little firepit is 23 years old and going strong.  I plan on sitting out here at least one evening a week.  I am so glad to have that store of firewood.

The Autumn Sangria was a hit!

To my large jar I added most of a small bottle of brandy (at least two cups), a large bottle of inexpensive red wine, about a quart of honeycrisp apple cider, and a 2 L bottle of cranberry sprite.  I also threw in some sprigs of rosemary and some sliced oranges, and I made giant ice cubes in plastic drink cups.  We drank the entire thing.  (:

Have a good weekend!

Gina

Empty Nest menu #158 and post-holiday easy dinners

For the past couple of weeks I have cooked a LOT. So it's time to dial it back with some easy dinners.  The freezer has been re-stocked so I can stay out of the mayhem that is HEB during the holidays. That, or use curbside.

Even the backyard squirrels think its a good idea

Monday - kitchen closed - tea before bedtime

Tuesday - (freezer) Coconut Shrimp, dinner salad

Wednesday - Stuffed Baked Potato (with roast pork or chicken), green beans {yearly in-person physical in the a.m.}

Thursday - Turkey Pot Pie with mixed veggies* {afternoon telehealth}

Friday - (freezer) Burger and curly fries

Saturday and Sunday - kitchen closed

*I have some Betty Crocker pie crusts that I will cut in half and lay on top a filling of homemade gravy, chopped leftover turkey, and some mixed veggies, all in my mini cast iron skillet.  I will bake at 350 for approx. 45 minutes or so.

Gina

Thanksgiving 2025

It was a good Thanksgiving Day, full of connection and family and relaxation.

We ate, enjoyed sangria, sat by the firepit, played cards, took a few photos, had good conversation...and really just focused on each other.

I said grace at our meal, instead of relying on the old standby.

"Lord, we come together wishing to cultivate gratefulness in our hearts.  Please open our eyes to see all that we have to be thankful for - help us to express this gratitude daily.  Thank you for your amazing power and love in our lives. For the goodness of your mercy. For strengthening us daily.  And for this family, which is our greatest blessing.  Amen."

I got just a few photos and I will treasure them and the memories of this day, which has led us peacefully into the holiday season.

Gina

Empty Nest menu #157 and Thankful

Last week I was like the Energizer Bunny getting things done for Thanksgiving.  I thoroughly cleaned my freezer and fridge then restocked, cleaned the dining room up, hauled out some bits and bobs of decor for a simple table, found the serving dishes and linens, and did some food prep.  The house got dusted and cleaned, too, so by the time Friday night rolled around I was ready to start my work week.

Last year felt like a break from Thanksgiving, since I worked a half day, then put a Turkey and Biscuits meal into the oven.  We definitely enjoyed being together, but I was missing some of the pomp that comes with the beginning of the season. This year we are taking the day to enjoy a really special traditional meal together, maybe a photo or two, hopefully the firepit.

Monday - (freezer) Roast Pork, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans {off today}

Tuesday - Salad with (freezer) Lemon Chicken, romaine, purple onion, tomato, etc. {clean up back patio area, spatchcock and brine the turkey}

Wednesday - Pizza {cook turkey and slice, make gravy and dressing, afternoon telehealth appt., on call in p.m.}

Thursday - Roast Turkey, gravy, sausage cornbread dressing, Orange Cranberry Sauce, sides brought by my peeps (I will also make Crispix Mix and Autumn Sangria) {Turkey Trot in the a.m.}

Friday - Turkey Soup {decorate the house for Christmas}

Saturday and Sunday - kitchen blessedly closed!

I am truly thankful for so many things, not the least of which is this space to journal, vent, share, and express myself.

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Gina

5 thing Friday - Georgian wine, Reel Science, We Are Blood, Turkey Trot, pipes

{I'm a little late posting today!}

This week I attended another wine tasting at Total Wine - this one with wines from Georgia (the country, not the state!) 

These tastings are very affordable - usually around $20 - and often include some culture or history.

And always charcuterie!  I like that they are close to home, on weeknights, and very informal.

One of the winemakers led the discussion in his very beautiful accent and taught us that wine making originated in Georgia and has an 8,000 year history!  He said the Georgian people refer to wine as a gift of the Gods and it is part of their culture. Wine is still being produced there in quevri - underground clay vessels.  I tried several varietals I have never heard of.  The whole thing was fascinating!

On Thursday night I attended a movie at the Rollins Theater at The Long Center in downtown Austin.  Some of the information presented was really over my head, but the film was very good and included a live broadcast from the research vessel which is just off the coast of Uruguay.  It included a Q&A session with the scientists, but it was waaay past my bedtime so I called it a night at 9 something.

When my birthday dawned, the first thought that popped into my head today was I MADE IT TO 65.  Seems like a worthy milestone, frankly.  I have outlived a parent, two siblings, a husband, and his father.  I took myself to Rudy's for breakfast and journaled until time to do donate blood.

Why donate blood on my birthday?

*because I'm healthy

*because it can save a life

*because I can

A nice bonus is that I got a voucher for half a dozen Tiff's Treats, and you know that OF COURSE I picked the Dubai chocolate ones.  I ate two and made myself freeze the rest for my lunches!

I also traveled over to the Honda dealership to pick up my Turkey Trot packet. (the line looked insane but went fairly fast)  As tired as I have been lately and still with shoulder pain, I will be lucky to walk the actual 5 miles Thanksgiving morning, but I will give it my best shot.  I think this makes 6 or 7 times I have done the trot, not every year, and the second one I have done virtually.

These turkeys trotted together in 2020.

As a way to remember Mark at Thanksgiving, we smoke his pipes at the firepit.  I ran over to the tobacco shop and grabbed three different varieties of pipe tobacco and a small new pipe for either me or The Girl to use.  I am looking forward to relaxing on the patio with my peeps and giving thanks for spending time together as a family.  Happy Weekend!

Gina