Happy Homemaker Monday

Well, I didn't make it back as planned on Friday...life just kinda caught up with me! Hubby's brother and sister-in-law were here for a couple days and before that I was getting the house and casita ready for their visit. Then I made a special seitan (pronounced sey-tan and is a chewy, neutral-flavored, protein-rich food made of wheat gluten, used as a meat substitute in vegetarian dishes) dish called Peruvian Gluten for potluck. Oh my! I had forgotten how yummy it is! Anyway, needless to say, I was pretty worn out by Friday!

Sunday we attended an Orthodox wedding. I was totally amazed by the beauty of the church. The service was different from any I had ever been to but truly beautiful and meaningful. I had never been to a wedding where everyone stands to watch the service. We originally planned to stay for the reception but my sore ankle (sprained on September 23) was not ready to stand for 1 1/2 hours. There were so many people there (heard rumor of 450 people) I am sure we weren't missed at the reception but were so happy to be able to see the bride and groom and to witness this beautiful ceremony.

Today I am happy to be able to participate in Sandra's Happy Homemaker Monday! You can read her version at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom:)

The weather outside is::::

Cold! It warmed up to 52 degrees today and there is a slight breeze.

On the breakfast plate this morning::::

It was a "fast" day for me so just Yerba Mate` tea this morning. We did however enjoy a delicious 500 calorie lunch:)

As I look outside my window:::

We had cloud cover most of the day but there was still enough power coming in through the solar arrays for me to do 4 loads of laundry.  The bird feeder is gently swaying in the breeze as are the willowy branches on the tree outside my dining room window.

Right now I am::::

Drying the last load of clothes while drinking iced tea and working on this blog post. I am also playing a game of Words with Friends with someone named PipelineJack!

As I look around the house::::

Puppy is lying by the back door, sleeping; dining room table needs some attention--need to put stuff away; kitchen clean; pile of laundry that needs to be done tomorrow.

On today's to do list::::

Laundry...I washed the bedding for my room and the casita plus a load of towels. I need to do at least 2 loads of clothes tomorrow.
Cleaning...Kitchen floor needs to be swept and mopped; dining room table needs cleaned off; kitchen cupboard fronts need cleaned.
Stampin' Up!...I need to send an email to customers and one to Happy Stampers Club members. I also need to check to make sure I have everything for this month's club projects.
Crocheting...I am packaging up the baby boy afghan I made awhile back to get it sent to the sweet baby Noah! Hopefully to the Post Office tomorrow. I am still working on the yellow baby afghan I have been crocheting for a month now; it's growing:)
Cooking...We eat ONE 500 calorie meal (hubby gets 600 calories) on Mondays. Today was beets and carrots fresh from the garden and lightly steamed. We also had steamed cabbage plus bread with avocado, onion and tomato.

Currently reading::::

Still reading The Deep Blue Sea for Beginners by Luanne Rice. It's a great book, just haven't taken a lot of time for reading lately. It's hard (impossible) to read and crochet at the same time. We are still listening to Sycamore Row by John Grisham.

On the TV today::::

Love it or List it on Netflix. Netflix has added several HGTV shows to their lineup and I love watching them!

On the menu this week::::

No menu although I think we are planning Baked Potatoes, Baked Butternut Squash (from the garden) and a green salad for tomorrow if we don't go to town. My sunglasses are ready at Costco so hope to get them tomorrow or Thursday.

What I am creating at the moment::::

I need to get some cards made (what else is new) and working on the baby afghan I mentioned above.

New recipe I tried or want to try this week::::

Last week I tried a recipe for The Ultimate Cashew Cheese and it was delish! Plus there are so many things you can do with it...dip for crackers, make into salad dressing, toss with pasta...so glad I found this recipe! 

Favorite photo from the camera::::

The dogs are soaking up the heat from the woodstove! Could they get any closer?!!!

Prayers, Inspirational Quotes or Devotionals::::

Well, that's it for me this cold (now 48 degrees F) Monday evening. Have a great week and I hope to be back tomorrow with another recipe for Tasty Tuesday.

Kat