Scattered Sundays, meal plan October 3rd – 9th
Do you ever look back at your childhood and think “man, my parents had their shit totally together”?
I have a strong suspicion that neither Jack, nor Bennett will have such memories.
I think about my parents when I was little, and they seemed to be so adult. There were dinner parties where people drank cocktails, and had grown up conversations. They owned things like blazers, had a mortgage, and just seemed so with it. My boys will probably remember their mom as someone who almost always had dirt under her nails, chicken crap on her garden boots, a to-do list a mile long, and super immature humor. But, they’ll also remember homemade ice cream, the smell of fresh bread baking, and the sound of constant chopping and dicing. Maybe it’s a wash in the end? Maybe I should just get a blazer. That seems much easier.
If you follow me on Facebook, you’ve already seen this photo.
This last Mother’s Day, I purchased a retractable clothesline for myself, instructed Troy to install it, and it has been true love ever since. Other than a handful of days here and there, this beast gets used on the daily. I have churned out four loads of laundry in a day, and all were dried (for free. Thanks sun) before bed time. Due to seasonal allergies, and disliking the super crunchy feeling of stiff clothing, I dry our line-dried stuff in the dryer for about 10 minutes after it comes inside. We have indoor drying racks for inclement weather, but I can’t use them for sheets or other large items. On those days, I get bitter that I have to use the dryer for a whole load. My heart belongs to the clothesline. Oh, and the dude who hung it up for me. We’re pretty tight too.
A magical discovery was realized this week. Our smaller cast iron skillet can fit in our convection/toaster oven! We’re in a weird in-between season right now. When driving, if I have the windows down, it’s a bit too cold. When I roll them up, the car is too hot. I’m super chilly in the morning, and hot tea is a welcome treat after I let the chickens out. By my afternoon walk, I’m wearing the Pacific Northwest reverse mullet of clothes – long sleeved shirt, and running shorts. Don’t fool yourself though; I’m not running a step. So, given the constant dance between toasty and chilly, it is fabulous knowing I can make our favorite chipotle sweet potatoes without heating up the entire house. It’s fall comfort food, without the discomfort of boob sweat.
You may notice that I titled this post “Scattered Sundays”. A few weeks ago, a Facebook reader commented that she rarely read my meal plans, because she wasn’t a meal planner herself. It wasn’t until then that I realized people didn’t know my Sunday posts were 98% jibberish, and 2% meal plan. So, thinking maybe a reboot of the name might help me cast a wider net.
Meal plan time!
Monday:: Chicken and gnocchi soup (no recipe, I’m winging it), salad, and biscuits.
Tuesday:: Frittata, (leftover) biscuits, and fruit.
Wednesday:: The boys will have crockpot beef stew, dutch oven bread, and salad. I’ll be at a dinner with some friends.
Thursday:: BLTAs with leftover dutch oven bread, salad, and sweet potatoes in the skillet.
Friday:: Movie and popcorn night.
Saturday:: Chicken pot pie and salad.
Sunday:: Family dinner.
What are you having this week?
I have also pondered my parents seeming so mature. I think part of it is that they are so sure of themselves. In a way that being constantly bombarded by conflicting information and standards makes impossible for me. My mom feels she KNOWS what healthy eating is (she’s a great cook), KNOWS what kids need, KNOWS what she needs to be doing at any given time. My generation seems to feel much less confident that our decisions are the right ones.
I have followed your blog for a long time but I’m not sure that I have ever commented. I must be one of the least sentimental people in the world, don’t have kids, don’t want kids, don’t even find kids very exciting – but I have to say that that photo of your two boys reading is just beautiful.
Thanks Sarah, I love that too. Books are a big part of our family, and I love catching the two of them engrossed in their respective reads.
I look forward to the meal plans! They gives me ideas for my upcoming week. Don’t stop!
Maybe you should just buy a blazer, ha ha. Funny post. I recall my parents’ cocktail parties too. I don’t plan meals for the week and visit here for the scattered parts of your posts.
I love reading your meal plans. I like the 98% gibberish. It usually makes me laugh 🙂
I just want to say that both my darling parents have died. My Dad’s aorta ruptured on Aug 28th and my Mom, already tired of battling dementia and a worn out body, followed him home 13 days later. I haven’t really cooked since then. I love your posts and your meal plans and reading about your lovely family always makes me less sad. My home is just an empty house now.
They were married for 64 years and had been in love with one another for 70 years. I am so grateful to have been their daughter.
Robin, I am so sorry to hear about your losses. I know it must be very hard. Hang onto the wonderful memories that are “them” . Sounds, smells, things that you see will remind you of all those times. And remember that he is there to comfort you and will provide a cushion in your times of need.
Thank you Kim,
I very sad, but I keep looking to the Author and Finisher of my faith. They were my best friends.
Robin, I am so very sorry for your loss. May knowing they are together and healthy again bring you some peace. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you, Sarah,
It does give me a measure of comfort, but I miss them terribly. I have been preparing for the loss of my Mother for at least the last 2 years, but losing my Dad so suddenly was a blow I wasn’t prepared for. My Dad and I had the same wacky sense of humor. I admire the care that you extend to your family. I pray for you all as well.
God Bless
I think no matter how prepared you are for a loved ones passing, it is still such a punch to the gut. And then adding on an unexpected one on top of that? Be kind and gentle with yourself for the next year.
Yes, a punch in the gut pretty well describes it. Your advice is the same as my Pastor’s.
Thank you.
God bless you and yours