November 12-19, 2023
Final Monday was our chilliest morning thus far this fall. A cool 18 levels Fahrenheit is how we began our day. The frost was lovely although, so I ran again inside to seize my digicam for a pair fast pics after I was out with the Coop Ladies.
I did a little bit grocery buying final week since I keep away from the grocery shops the week of Thanksgiving. I went to buy my “free” turkey from BJ’s. You obtained one for “free” in case you made a $150.00 buy the week earlier than. We assumed they might provide this once more this 12 months and held off buying just a few gadgets for our enterprise that we frequently buy there till that week. It isn’t onerous to achieve $150.00 today, is it? Whereas I used to be out and about, Aldi had butter on sale for $2.49/lb and Hannaford had their turkeys on sale for .49/lb. I purchased my restrict of butter and one turkey at Hannaford. Jay shall be consuming a LOT of turkey once more this winter, which he’s enthusiastic about.
As a result of we may have an unlimited quantity of leftovers each occasions that I roast a turkey, I put together forward of time to utilize all of it. He eats roast turkey with the entire sides the day it’s cooked. That week, leftover turkey will seem in at the very least two extra dinners (I exploit rooster dishes reminiscent of rooster taquitos, enchiladas, creamy rooster & rice, rooster & cheese soften sandwich, fried rice, and many others. and sub within the turkey) in addition to turkey noodle soup for lunches. That week I additionally make freezer meals, often turkey pot pie, white turkey chili, turkey cottage pie, creamy turkey enchiladas and additional soup with out the noodles (I add noodles or rice after I reheat it). The remainder of the turkey is frozen in single serving packs and used for lunches and dinners that I do not make forward. The carcass is cooked within the immediate pot with some veggie scraps and changed into a wealthy broth used for the soup and different dishes. The freezer meals and leftover turkey then get written into the month-to-month meal plan to make sure they’re used up.
We have been attempting to do the majority of our buying at each Aldi and the Commissary at our native Navy base because the costs are pretty comparable between the 2 shops and cheaper than the opposite shops, so I picked up our recent veggies, fruit, and a good inventory of rooster for Jay whereas buying. Oh, and some packages of Coconut Cashew Crisps from Aldi. Have you ever tried these? The vanilla and sea salt caramel flavors are divine. I by no means take a look at the snack sections however had seen these featured on somebody’s vlog, so I checked them out. They’ve 5 substances (coconut, cashews, coconut sugar, cassava flour, and sea salt) and are a beautiful little deal with while you need one thing candy.
Later within the week we needed to run right down to a restaurant provide retailer in Albany to select up some oils for the enterprise and stopped by Dealer Joe’s. I stocked up on their oat milk, Jay likes a few of their cereals, so he picked out a pair bins, and we found that their TJ’s model flavored mini marshmallows are literally Dandies marshmallows, that are each of our favorites. We picked up a few the mint flavored ones. Neither of us care for his or her common mini marshmallows, that are additionally vegan. We discover them to be too chewy. However Dandies are sooooo comfortable and scrumptious.
We labored at getting all of our out of doors chores wrapped up whereas the daytime temps are nonetheless comfy. The Coop was cleaned out, the yard cleaned up (hopefully the final time eradicating leaves), out of doors furnishings put away, gutters cleaned, compost bins topped off, and our out of doors Christmas lights are about midway hung. To not be turned on till after Thanksgiving, in fact, simply hung whereas it is hotter. It is nonetheless heat sufficient, and a few days windy sufficient, to hold the garments to dry on the out of doors clothesline which I’m appreciative of. I like our laundry when it has that recent scent from drying outdoor. Final week was additionally that final of the cleaning soap making for Christmas. The whole lot we will promote up till Christmas needed to be made by final week with the intention to remedy earlier than Christmas. The previous few weeks we have been making a whole lot of cleaning soap with this deadline in thoughts so now I swap to packaging and making the opposite merchandise. Jay is busy with making the wooden merchandise together with fairly just a few particular orders.
Our little feral cat buddy Felix continues to be stopping by for his breakfast and dinner. Some weeks he is seemed fairly tough, however he seemed good final week – I do not suppose he acquired into any fights with different cats or animals. Poor man. We have had a “home” for him on our entrance porch because the finish of final winter and thus far, he is not utilizing it. I am unsure the place he hunkers down at night time. Hopefully it is heat sufficient for him.
Jackson is doing properly. He is been spending hours day-after-day stalking chipmunks and free-range chickens. After all, he stalks them from the home windows, so he is very powerful when there isn’t any probability of coming into contact with any of them. I informed him to fill his days with stalking now as a result of as soon as the snow and ice come, there shall be little or no wildlife (and chickens) to observe.
I am attempting to spend so much of time in gratitude this month. There’s simply a lot to be pleased about. I am additionally attempting to make a each day behavior of journaling. Mates had inspired me to share a number of the entries, which I’ve over the previous few weblog posts, and I’ll seemingly proceed right here and there.
Tomorrow I will be posting the recipe for this tremendous straightforward and scrumptious cranberry-orange snack cake!
This week’s meals (veggies usually are not all listed however they’re included with each meal):
As a reminder, I prepare dinner 2 separate meals as a result of we do eat in a different way.
Me
Vegan Ravioli & Meatballs
Jambalaya
Vegan Roast with Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Jay
Ravioli & Meatballs
Roast Turkey, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce & Roast Carrots
Creamy Turkey & Rice
Skillet Turkey Queso with Rice & Stuffed Jalapenos
Pork Chop with Mustard Cream Sauce & Skillet Potatoes
Burger & Do-it-yourself Air Fryer Fries
Wishing you all a cheerful Thanksgiving!
