Happy Monday, friends! Up above, one of my so cute piano preschoolers who just finished the 3 preschool piano books last week. I’m glad I still have the girls’ graduation hats in the front closet because I’ve used them often for a picture of these “grads” and they love it. Also Daughter #3’s “pinky pig,” which she won from a local hospital at a zoo giveaway years ago, is a character in the books and the kids love him.
Prayers requested for our oldest bunny, Ginger. We’re not sure of her age, since Daughter #1 was told she was 8 when she adopted her from the shelter in her college town 7 years ago. We doubt that, though, since she seemed very young and perky at the time. But she has slowed down lately to the point where she’s having a hard time moving and hardly eats or drinks. This is the part of pet ownership that I really hate. I feel so bad for the animals, since dying humans are at least usually given some meds for pain. I sit with her some each day, petting her, reading to her, etc.
This will be a busy week, with me heading to the zoo today for taking notes and photos for my annual “What’s New at the Zoo” posting on the city’s tourism blog. I always enjoy it. There’s a huge local church garage sale I’m working/shopping later in the week. Also meeting with a friend who’s been in Florida since fall, and of course all the piano students (4 lessons left this school year!). Really too much going on, but sometimes that’s impossible to avoid. And, I can’t complain as it’s all good stuff.
Here is how the menu plan is shaping up:
Monday: Tortilla Soup — a favorite that I haven’t made in over a year since Daughter #2 isn’t a fan, but she usually does her own thing now for meals.
16 oz. can refried beans
14.5 oz. chicken broth 1 chicken breast, cooked
15.5 oz. black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can corn, drained
3/4 cup salsa
Combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10 min. Crumble a few tortilla chips in the bottom of each bowl. Ladle soup over chips and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
Tuesday: Calico Beans — probably the Amish rolls too.
Wednesday: Dinnerly Chicken Quesadillas — I can’t find the recipe online, but nothing out of the ordinary. I’ve enjoyed Dinnerly and think it’s a little cheaper and a fit less “fuss” than many of the other meal kits. You might want to check them out if you’re looking for one to try.
Thursday: Buitoni Ravioli (weekly deal at Kroger last week) — need a quick meal since Daughter #3 and I are going to a church garage sale for early shopping since I am volunteering there for 6 hours on Wednesday (they are making us earn those early tickets!).
Friday: Dinnerly Gyro Chicken and Kale Tabbouleh — can’t find the recipe but they call it “a salad with quinoa, kale, and tomatoes dressed in a simple vinaigrette that is the perfect landing for gyro-spiced chicken strips and a dollop of creamy hummus.” Well, now I’m hungry …
What’s new in your week? I hope it’s full of good things (but not too full!).
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Have you read my latest book yet — “The Phantom of the Organ“? I was inspired to write it after reading Jan Karon’s “Mitford” books, about a pleasant small town that’s an escape from the ugly world in which we often seem to live. There’s (possibly) a phantom in the organ loft, a church congregation trying to stay afloat, church members banding together through thick and thin, aging and second chance romance. Now is a great time to read it if you haven’t; the ebook is under $5.
If you read and enjoy it, would you consider leaving a brief review on its Amazon page? I currently have 6, and I need 25 to get to the level where Amazon will start recommending it with other purchases. Believe me, I’d write all remaining 19 if I could 🙂 I know several of the six reviews are from readers here, and I thank you gratefully!
Girls in White Dresses 
I sold a copy of your latest book yesterday, so people are getting it in their hands. I told the purchaser that I hoped you might later write a sequel to the book, but that’s easy to say, on my part. I went to a group at my church named “Salt n Light” yesterday. It’s for people 55 and above. We had a pitch in and later listened to Blue Grass music for 1 hour +. I saw one hand of the guitar player as I left the building. His hand was taking a beating from lots of guitar playing. One song they played was “Rocky Top.” I’ve heard that song several times recently, different places.
I had to smile at the mention of “Rocky Top” in the above comment. That seems to be “the” theme song of the UT Vols and of many here in eastern TN. We don’t have the cable settings to see the UT football games any more, but when we could see them, “Rocky Top” was played often during the game.
I’m sorry about your bunny. I hate that part of pet ownership, too. I wonder if animals could handle children’s liquid Tylenol?
What a cute idea for your “graduating” students.
Why not try some children’s Tylenol? I have something I’d love for you to shop for me but when would I be able to get it?
I’m sorry to hear about Ginger. It seems I’ve know Ginger for a long time and I hope she gets better but when pets get to a certain age, it’s such a sad time.
What a cute picture of the “grad.” That’s a wonderful idea and she looks happy with that cap on. What a thoughtful teacher you are!
Your Tortilla Soup recipe sounds delicious but I’m concerned it might contain too much salt for me. Otherwise, I would make it. I know my hubby would love it.