We had lemon pudding cake instead of chocolate cake for Alexander's birthday. It was a surprise to him that we were having a little party, so that was nice. I saved up as much energy as I could so I could make those cakes. And thus ends birthday season at our house. It begins again next March.

Meals this week are still heavy on simple and easily made my others. Our schedule is so crazy, homeschooling is a full time endeavor right now, plus trying to heal, plus all the ballet. Aside from five days a week at the studio and Nutrcracker preparations, they are doing a choreographed Thriller performance four times on Halloween, and Amira will be in it. So, there are extra rehearsals for that, too, of course. Lots of fun, but lots of time. Rich had a written exam yesterday, and we are glad that is complete. He is awaiting his oral defense now. Lots of prayers for that, and the timing of it, would be appreciated. Rich has been doing much of the driving for baseball and ballet and such, but he would bring his books for studying and his work computer for getting work done. That isn't quite over, but it will be a different focus until his oral examination is complete.

Our garden is still giving us a few vegetables and herbs. It looks like the frost has been delayed, which makes none of us sad. However, our neighbors have all been burning their brush, so we know it's that time of year, and we need to get on that. Our pig will be butchered either this week or next, so we'll have pork and bacon and ham in the freezer again. Rich is looking forward to souvlaki, and I am looking forward to carnitas. We have learned our lesson, though, and that is to raise at least two pigs together. He was lonely. And pigs are friendlier and smell better than dogs. Well, not their breath, but petting and scratching them leaves no smell on your hands at all; and when you pet them, they roll over and wriggle with joy. A neighbor said that they always raised three piglets, two to butcher, and one to sell for someone else to butcher, to pay for the butchering. We may do this next year. But, at least two pigs will be raised, I think.

• Sunday
  Breakfast: Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Lemon Chicken and Orzo Soup, Rolls, Apple Cider Doughnuts*
• Monday
  Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs, Toast, Sliced Apples, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: French Onion Soup with Gratineed Toasts
• Tuesday
  Breakfast: Coconut Sugar Cake, Fried Ham, Coffee and Milk
  Dinner: Indian Summer Gratin, Quick Pickled Radishes and Jalapenos
• Wednesday
  Breakfast: Oatmeal with Leftover Apple Cider Glaze, Tea with Honey
  Dinner: Pasta with Sardines, Steam Sauteed Carrots and Green Beans
• Thursday
  Breakfast: Fried Eggs, Toast, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Meatball Sandwiches, Vegetable Sticks, Fruit
• Friday
  Breakfast: Peanut Butter Toast, Fruit Plate, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Dolmas, Rice with Olives, Parsley and Pine Nuts, Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
• Saturday
  Breakfast: Berry Waffles with Maple Syrup, Bacon, Milk and Coffee
  Dinner: Lamb and Beef Meatloaf, Scalloped Potatoes, Buttered Green Beans

What is on your menu this week? If you want a recipe, ask and I will provide it as soon as I can. If there are any starred recipes, I will follow up separately with a weekly recipe round up.



Here is Alexander at birth and now. What a difference 18 years makes!

Labels: Church Year, Family, Homemaking, Homeschooling, Homesteading, Menu Plans, Prayer Requests, Tales from the Kitchen