Ash Wednesday

A New Recipe - I gave it a 6.5 out of 10

Every now and then, I get the urge to try something different. I kept seeing this recipe on Facebook, and it sounded too good not to try. I’m not sure what it’s called — maybe Hamburger Mushroom Swiss Casserole?

It’s pretty simple to put together. Start by layering sliced onions in the bottom of a casserole dish. Place six hamburger patties on top. Spread a can of cream of mushroom soup over the patties, then sprinkle a packet of onion soup mix over that. Add sliced mushrooms, season with onion powder and black pepper, and finish by placing a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty.

Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.

Dennis really liked it and gave it a 9.5 out of 10. I thought it was a bit bland. The boy and I each gave it a 6.5. Next time, I plan to season the hamburger patties and swap the Swiss for sharp cheddar cheese.

I had three patties left over. When I reheat them, I think I will add sharp cheddar on top — or maybe pour some brown gravy into the pan first.

Any suggestions?

February 8-14, 2026

February 8-14, 2026
SUNDAY

 Sunday morning found me with an UTI. My husband went to our local CVS and bought me this test kit. It confirmed that I did indeed have an UTI. 

I logged onto the Medical University of South Carolina(MUSC) Health website for a doctor’s visit. This is a free service for SC employees (active and retired). Within thirty minutes, I had a prescription for Nitrofurantoin-MCR 100 MG. I am so thankful for this service. I am feeling better (Monday). 

MONDAY

Monday usually finds me cleaning house from the weekend. But not today. I am feeling much better, but I have no energy. I am washing clothes. Two loads down and one left to go! My son works in hardscaping, and there is often lots of laundry (covered in red mud and black dirt) to clean.  

TUESDAY

I cleaned house today - all the usual things: sweeping, vacuuming, sorting, dusting, scrubbing, etc... I rearranged one of the cabinet tops in the kitchen to make more room.  It looks much better and gives me more space for meal prep. My kitchen is small so every inch is important. 

WEDNESDAY

I finished two books so far this week. 

The first was Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz. 

I started reading this as an ebook.  About halfway through, I just could not continue (remember I was sick). It was hard for me to follow all the characters and focus on what I was reading. I switched to an audio version of the book. It was so much better. I really enjoyed this book. I gave it 4 stars. 

It is the first book in a series. I plan on continuing with the series as time permits. 

My doctor, who shares with me her love of reading, recommended this author to me. When I told her that I was reading this book, she said it was a good book, but she liked his other books better. I will be checking him out for sure.

The second book that I read was John Grisham's new book, The Widow. This came out this past October.

I haven't read any John Grisham books in years and years. In one of his interviews, he stated, " It’s another legal thriller (surprise, surprise!) filled with all the usual twists and turns of legal intrigue and lawyers behaving badly. It also has something new that’s kind of unique. It’s the first time I’ve written a true mystery. A real whodunit."

It truly was a whodunit and one I didn't see coming!  This was a 5-star read for me!

THURSDAY

I feel better today. I went with Dennis to the dentist and sat in the truck as he went inside. He just had to pick something up, and I knew he would not be long. While he was inside, I listened to a new audiobook and did some knitting.

Afterwards, we went to Publix's and took advantage of the BOGO deals. 

Friday and Saturday

Happy Valentine’s Day! My husband and sweet soon both bought me roses. I thought that was so sweet. So, I have roses in my bedroom and in my kitchen!  

We went to Mass Saturday night and then out to eat at Los Amigos. When we checked out, I was given a single stem red rose. Each lady received a rose as they left. I thought that was so sweet!! 

Pickled onions recipe

My friend Rhonda, who writes the blog If You Do Stuff, Stuff Gets Done, is a wonderful homemaker and cook. She recently shared this easy pickled onions recipe.

Pickled Onions

¾ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon sugar 
Salt and black pepper to taste

(Optional: I added a few peppercorns, 1/4 tsp red peppers, and a couple of cloves)

Bring the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper to a boil, stirring until everything is well combined. Pour the hot mixture over thinly sliced onions.

I used half of a large red onion, sliced about 6 mm thick (roughly ¼ inch—my mandolin measures in metric). An empty pasta sauce jar was just the right size for storing them. I used apple cider vinegar, but you can substitute red wine vinegar, rice vinegar, white vinegar, or another variety if you prefer.

This was delicious! 

I let mine sit uncovered for about an hour, then put the lid on the jar and refrigerated it. Most recipes say they’ll keep in the refrigerator for 2–3 weeks.

Thanks, Rhonda, for sharing such a great recipe!

1st week of February 2026

February 1, 2026

February came in with ice, snow, and snow! The last of January we received about 2-3 inches of just ice. It is still on the ground in some areas. Then, February 1st saw 5 to 6 inches of beautiful snow. Needless to say, everything came to a complete stop in the county. It was a beautiful snow fall. It’s been many, many years since we have had that much snow. 

Sadie had such a good time playing in the snow. It was the first real snowfall that she has ever seen. It was so fun to watch her play.

February 5, 2026

I ran out of Dawn Powerwash yesterday. I certainly didn’t want to spend money for a replacement, so I took to the internet for a replacement hack. I found many websites with a recipe. This is what I ended up using:

1/4 cup Dawn detergent

1/8 cup rubbing alcohol (70%)

Mix these together and pour into one cup of water. Stir gently.

Pop the lid off your empty Dawn Powerwash and fill with the mixture.

It worked just fine and so cheap to make - just a few cents. I also read that if the container would not spray, to turn it upside down and pull the trigger 8 or so times. I am very pleased with the results. You can also add essential oils if you want it scented. 

Saturday, January7, 2026

Tonight, our regular priest was gone, and we had a visiting Monsignor to deliver the homily. He often fills in, and I love to hear him. Tonight’s scripture was from Matthew 5: 13-16 about salt. it reminds us that if salt loses its flavor, it si no longer useful - it is just tossed aside and trampled. He used the illustration of Morton’s salt. 

He pointed out the little girl walking in the rain. She is protected by the umbrella from the rain. However, her salt is pouring out as she walks. We, as Christians, should be like that little girl. When trouble rains down on us, we walk on under the shelter of Christ’s love. We continue to pour out - sharing His love, grace, and truth in our daily lives. I thought this was a beautiful analogy for a Christian walk. 

Have a great week! 

2026 January Books Read

January was a great reading month. These are the books that I read:

I read seventeen books. Had I bought these from Amazon or a bookstore, it would have cost $290.39 (over $300 with tax). I used my local library to check out these books. I also have a Kindle Unlimited account which is $11.99 monthly. My final savings this month was $278.40, not including taxes.  

January 19-25

My sweet dog, Sadie, has been sick this past week. 

It started out with her throwing up and then diarrhea. I took her food away for a day and then fed her a bland diet. She has been eating plain rice and boiled chicken. She seems to be happy with that. She is still not back to “normal” but she is energetic and happy. She argues with me about wanting her regular dog food. Sometimes she even pouts! So funny! I’ll keep her on the bland diet for another day. If she’s not better in a few days, I’ll take her to the vet. I feel sure she has eaten something that disagreed with her. Silly dog!

I wonder if it wouldn’t just be better to make her food all the time instead of processed food. That’s something to think about. I don’t think it would be any more expensive. 

We have had bitter cold these past several weeks with temps in the teens. This week coming promises warmer weather and rain. It should be highs in the 50s/60s. That will be nice. 

I planned meals for the coming week:

Sunday - cabbage and sausage

Monday - grilled chicken, green beans

Tuesday- chili beans

Wednesday- chicken salad/wraps

Thursday - homemade mini pizzas

Friday - leftovers

I don’t plan side dishes because it just the two us. I might make some macaroni and cheese to go with the cabbage. I might make cornbread to go with the chili beans; or, we might just eat what we have. Neither one of us are big eaters since having Covid twice.