Over the weekend I finished up a few more of my Into the Wind blocks. I love the kind of water color effect the colors have. Rather dreamy, with a touch of that red every now and then.
I have two more full blocks to make, and then scads of partial blocks. the whole thing will be set on point for a very different look than you see on my design wall.
I am still adjusting to my husband being gone all week long at his new job. I am busy attending to the chores he normally fulfilled, such as walking Ozzie at 6:00 every morning and hand watering all our plants outside. I even remembered to put out the trash on trash pick up day! I find I do sleep somewhat lighter, and wake up hearing odd noises I would ignore if he were home with me. The other night I woke up around 3:00 AM, hearing a high pitched whining noise. I could not for the life of me tell if it was something electrical, or perhaps water running through the pipes. I got up and wandered around in the dark, trying to figure out where the sound was coming from, but was too scared to go outside and look around. There could be critters out there, don't you know?
Turns out, in the light of day, I figured out the sound was coming from a hose that had not been properly turned off at the faucet outside. Simple fix, but I sure did lose some sleep over it!
The main challenge I am having is trying to figure out what to eat. Eating frozen Lean Cuisine dinners or heating up fish sticks or Boca Burgers gets old very fast. Last week I made a pot of split pea soup, and by the third day of eating it was ready to pour it down the drain. All five gallons of it. This week I sat down with a couple of cook books and made a plan for both my lunches and dinners. I made a small batch of chicken rice soup, which I can eat for either meal, and a Thai chicken stir fry, which will also serve me for a couple of meals. It sure isn't as much fun just cooking for myself, but I have to say, if I have some decent meals prepared and in the refrigerator or freezer, eating alone isn't as bad. And there is minimal clean up, which is great.
If any of you are on your own, what kinds of things do you typically eat for your evening meal? I'd love some ideas.
57 responses to “Eleven Into the Wind Blocks”
This quilt is beautiful, Nicole.
This quilt is beautiful, Nicole.
This quilt is beautiful, Nicole.
My husband is the primary cook here but when he is not at home, I make myself salads or a quesadilla. I also have a few chicken recipes that can be made in a crockpot (I freeze in batches so I don’t have to eat the same thing every day for a week) and a few soups. I’m also big on tuna melts but have that more often for lunch.
I like the way your quilt is coming along. I think I’m going to regret not buying that fabric collection.
My husband is the primary cook here but when he is not at home, I make myself salads or a quesadilla. I also have a few chicken recipes that can be made in a crockpot (I freeze in batches so I don’t have to eat the same thing every day for a week) and a few soups. I’m also big on tuna melts but have that more often for lunch.
I like the way your quilt is coming along. I think I’m going to regret not buying that fabric collection.
My husband is the primary cook here but when he is not at home, I make myself salads or a quesadilla. I also have a few chicken recipes that can be made in a crockpot (I freeze in batches so I don’t have to eat the same thing every day for a week) and a few soups. I’m also big on tuna melts but have that more often for lunch.
I like the way your quilt is coming along. I think I’m going to regret not buying that fabric collection.
This quilt is going to be great and also love those colors. Can’t wait to see how it progresses …
Hubby does most of cooking and he travels a bit for work so know what you mean about noises in the middle of the night. Not fun!!!
Lots of chicken dishes as they are easy to prepare….and spaghetti sauce with meatballs;)))
This quilt is going to be great and also love those colors. Can’t wait to see how it progresses …
Hubby does most of cooking and he travels a bit for work so know what you mean about noises in the middle of the night. Not fun!!!
Lots of chicken dishes as they are easy to prepare….and spaghetti sauce with meatballs;)))
This quilt is going to be great and also love those colors. Can’t wait to see how it progresses …
Hubby does most of cooking and he travels a bit for work so know what you mean about noises in the middle of the night. Not fun!!!
Lots of chicken dishes as they are easy to prepare….and spaghetti sauce with meatballs;)))
Into The Wind is lovely (as your quilts just ARE!) and the on-point setting will be delightful. I agree, the colors are so soothing but with a dash of spice from the reds.
Hope you put those gallons of split pea soup in serving size portions and into your freezer. My sweet and talented DH does most of our dinners, too, and we usually freeze at least half of what he makes, well labeled, of course, because freezer bags might look a lot alike.
When on my own, I often have salads with a diced hard boiled egg OR chilled mandarin oranges on them. I like to add leftover or canned chicken to salads, too. When it’s chillier outside, I frequently have a baked potato with lots of toppings along side a smaller salad. Then there’s the simple pleasure of having breakfast for supper.
A friend who lives along uses her dog as her indicator for the need to get up to investigate noises at night. If her dog isn’t bothered by the noise, she goes back to sleep.
Hugs!
Into The Wind is lovely (as your quilts just ARE!) and the on-point setting will be delightful. I agree, the colors are so soothing but with a dash of spice from the reds.
Hope you put those gallons of split pea soup in serving size portions and into your freezer. My sweet and talented DH does most of our dinners, too, and we usually freeze at least half of what he makes, well labeled, of course, because freezer bags might look a lot alike.
When on my own, I often have salads with a diced hard boiled egg OR chilled mandarin oranges on them. I like to add leftover or canned chicken to salads, too. When it’s chillier outside, I frequently have a baked potato with lots of toppings along side a smaller salad. Then there’s the simple pleasure of having breakfast for supper.
A friend who lives along uses her dog as her indicator for the need to get up to investigate noises at night. If her dog isn’t bothered by the noise, she goes back to sleep.
Hugs!
Into The Wind is lovely (as your quilts just ARE!) and the on-point setting will be delightful. I agree, the colors are so soothing but with a dash of spice from the reds.
Hope you put those gallons of split pea soup in serving size portions and into your freezer. My sweet and talented DH does most of our dinners, too, and we usually freeze at least half of what he makes, well labeled, of course, because freezer bags might look a lot alike.
When on my own, I often have salads with a diced hard boiled egg OR chilled mandarin oranges on them. I like to add leftover or canned chicken to salads, too. When it’s chillier outside, I frequently have a baked potato with lots of toppings along side a smaller salad. Then there’s the simple pleasure of having breakfast for supper.
A friend who lives along uses her dog as her indicator for the need to get up to investigate noises at night. If her dog isn’t bothered by the noise, she goes back to sleep.
Hugs!
My husband works out of town during the week too. So on the weekends I cook just a little more and put small meals in the freezer. So over time its grown to a nice selection. I also agree that clean up for one is easy peesy and the house stays neat as a pin all week! Nice to know I am not the only light sleeper when the husband is away. I just thought I was a nervous Nelly.
My husband works out of town during the week too. So on the weekends I cook just a little more and put small meals in the freezer. So over time its grown to a nice selection. I also agree that clean up for one is easy peesy and the house stays neat as a pin all week! Nice to know I am not the only light sleeper when the husband is away. I just thought I was a nervous Nelly.
My husband works out of town during the week too. So on the weekends I cook just a little more and put small meals in the freezer. So over time its grown to a nice selection. I also agree that clean up for one is easy peesy and the house stays neat as a pin all week! Nice to know I am not the only light sleeper when the husband is away. I just thought I was a nervous Nelly.
I live alone and I struggle cooking “real” food too. I have recently discovered that freezing foods I make in excess will taste like freshly made when defrosted, so I’m working on building a good selection.
Making a crockpot meal or baking some pasta will make the food selection a bit easier on a day to day.
I live alone and I struggle cooking “real” food too. I have recently discovered that freezing foods I make in excess will taste like freshly made when defrosted, so I’m working on building a good selection.
Making a crockpot meal or baking some pasta will make the food selection a bit easier on a day to day.
I live alone and I struggle cooking “real” food too. I have recently discovered that freezing foods I make in excess will taste like freshly made when defrosted, so I’m working on building a good selection.
Making a crockpot meal or baking some pasta will make the food selection a bit easier on a day to day.
Love how your quilt is progressing!
Regarding the meal situation I watched an episode of The Kitchen on TV yesterday. A guest showed her version of a recipe for Sloppy Joes using ground turkey and she pointed out that it freezes well.
Love how your quilt is progressing!
Regarding the meal situation I watched an episode of The Kitchen on TV yesterday. A guest showed her version of a recipe for Sloppy Joes using ground turkey and she pointed out that it freezes well.
Love how your quilt is progressing!
Regarding the meal situation I watched an episode of The Kitchen on TV yesterday. A guest showed her version of a recipe for Sloppy Joes using ground turkey and she pointed out that it freezes well.
If I’m eating alone in the evening, I usually take the easy way out….hot or cold cereal, or toaster waffles and an egg! I keep marinara & alfredo sauce on hand so I can do a pasta easily, and have egg rolls, pot pies and such in the freezer. I’ll freeze servings of mac and cheese, spaghetti, or and such when making them for the two of us. A rotisserie chicken is good for all sorts of things. You’ll get the hang of it! Tho I have never gotten used to those noises in the middle of the night. I’m glad you mentioned Ozzie…was wondering about him the other day!
If I’m eating alone in the evening, I usually take the easy way out….hot or cold cereal, or toaster waffles and an egg! I keep marinara & alfredo sauce on hand so I can do a pasta easily, and have egg rolls, pot pies and such in the freezer. I’ll freeze servings of mac and cheese, spaghetti, or and such when making them for the two of us. A rotisserie chicken is good for all sorts of things. You’ll get the hang of it! Tho I have never gotten used to those noises in the middle of the night. I’m glad you mentioned Ozzie…was wondering about him the other day!
If I’m eating alone in the evening, I usually take the easy way out….hot or cold cereal, or toaster waffles and an egg! I keep marinara & alfredo sauce on hand so I can do a pasta easily, and have egg rolls, pot pies and such in the freezer. I’ll freeze servings of mac and cheese, spaghetti, or and such when making them for the two of us. A rotisserie chicken is good for all sorts of things. You’ll get the hang of it! Tho I have never gotten used to those noises in the middle of the night. I’m glad you mentioned Ozzie…was wondering about him the other day!
My hubby does all the cooking and grocery shopping since he retired 11 years ago .. yes I know I am a very lucky girl 😉
I enjoy vegetable stir Fry , kale salads and chicken. Nice light and easy dinners
My hubby does all the cooking and grocery shopping since he retired 11 years ago .. yes I know I am a very lucky girl 😉
I enjoy vegetable stir Fry , kale salads and chicken. Nice light and easy dinners
My hubby does all the cooking and grocery shopping since he retired 11 years ago .. yes I know I am a very lucky girl 😉
I enjoy vegetable stir Fry , kale salads and chicken. Nice light and easy dinners
Love how your quilt is coming along!
I think it’s easier to eat alone in the summer because you just need some fruits, salads or pasta. And don’t forget a glass of wine now and then;-)
For your lunch you can meet perhaps with friends who are also retired or alone. Make it into a weekly or monthly go-together, try some new restaurants (perhaps some your hubby don’t like that much) and have fun!
Love how your quilt is coming along!
I think it’s easier to eat alone in the summer because you just need some fruits, salads or pasta. And don’t forget a glass of wine now and then;-)
For your lunch you can meet perhaps with friends who are also retired or alone. Make it into a weekly or monthly go-together, try some new restaurants (perhaps some your hubby don’t like that much) and have fun!
Love how your quilt is coming along!
I think it’s easier to eat alone in the summer because you just need some fruits, salads or pasta. And don’t forget a glass of wine now and then;-)
For your lunch you can meet perhaps with friends who are also retired or alone. Make it into a weekly or monthly go-together, try some new restaurants (perhaps some your hubby don’t like that much) and have fun!
those blocks are gorgeous~! can’t wait to see them on point. i know what you mean about split pea soup. i can eat it 2x and then i’ve had enough. ;p i do cook mostly vegetarian for myself. i will cook a stir fry and have it every other night while having soup the other night. i love leek and potato soup, cauliflower soup, butternut squash soup. with warm weather coming soup is no longer appealing. i love veggie lasagna but it is a lot of work to make. i guess i’m no help!
those blocks are gorgeous~! can’t wait to see them on point. i know what you mean about split pea soup. i can eat it 2x and then i’ve had enough. ;p i do cook mostly vegetarian for myself. i will cook a stir fry and have it every other night while having soup the other night. i love leek and potato soup, cauliflower soup, butternut squash soup. with warm weather coming soup is no longer appealing. i love veggie lasagna but it is a lot of work to make. i guess i’m no help!
those blocks are gorgeous~! can’t wait to see them on point. i know what you mean about split pea soup. i can eat it 2x and then i’ve had enough. ;p i do cook mostly vegetarian for myself. i will cook a stir fry and have it every other night while having soup the other night. i love leek and potato soup, cauliflower soup, butternut squash soup. with warm weather coming soup is no longer appealing. i love veggie lasagna but it is a lot of work to make. i guess i’m no help!
Love this quilt and the baby quilts from the previous post! And I loved all of the meal ideas. Jodie (?) at Pleasant Home makes salads ahead of time that she stores in Mason jars in the fridge. Also, I love Buitoni pasta with pesto. And my quick “scary noises while my husband was away” story is that we had an electric coin sorter that started up in the middle of the night. I didn’t know what was making the noise and I was scared to death :).
Love this quilt and the baby quilts from the previous post! And I loved all of the meal ideas. Jodie (?) at Pleasant Home makes salads ahead of time that she stores in Mason jars in the fridge. Also, I love Buitoni pasta with pesto. And my quick “scary noises while my husband was away” story is that we had an electric coin sorter that started up in the middle of the night. I didn’t know what was making the noise and I was scared to death :).
Love this quilt and the baby quilts from the previous post! And I loved all of the meal ideas. Jodie (?) at Pleasant Home makes salads ahead of time that she stores in Mason jars in the fridge. Also, I love Buitoni pasta with pesto. And my quick “scary noises while my husband was away” story is that we had an electric coin sorter that started up in the middle of the night. I didn’t know what was making the noise and I was scared to death :).
Beautiful blocks, it’s going to be a lovely quilt. I fully sympathize with wanting to toss the soup after several days. Being alone (widowed) makes the meal issue very difficult for me. Since my workday+commute takes about 11 hours of my day I have no answers, except take-out and microwave. I do freeze what I can, and my daughter-in-law is an angel to feed me often.
Beautiful blocks, it’s going to be a lovely quilt. I fully sympathize with wanting to toss the soup after several days. Being alone (widowed) makes the meal issue very difficult for me. Since my workday+commute takes about 11 hours of my day I have no answers, except take-out and microwave. I do freeze what I can, and my daughter-in-law is an angel to feed me often.
Beautiful blocks, it’s going to be a lovely quilt. I fully sympathize with wanting to toss the soup after several days. Being alone (widowed) makes the meal issue very difficult for me. Since my workday+commute takes about 11 hours of my day I have no answers, except take-out and microwave. I do freeze what I can, and my daughter-in-law is an angel to feed me often.
I’ve found its really easy to cook a piece of salmon or halibut, or tilapia. A small salad and baked potato are good with it. Making a single chicken breast is just as easy.
The daughter likes the salmon dredged in Dijon mustard OR with dill and lemon juice OR teriyaki sauce. The halibut is delicious steamed in foil with soy sauce, in the oven. The tilapia is good with butter and Parmesan cheese.
Bless you.
I’ve found its really easy to cook a piece of salmon or halibut, or tilapia. A small salad and baked potato are good with it. Making a single chicken breast is just as easy.
The daughter likes the salmon dredged in Dijon mustard OR with dill and lemon juice OR teriyaki sauce. The halibut is delicious steamed in foil with soy sauce, in the oven. The tilapia is good with butter and Parmesan cheese.
Bless you.
I’ve found its really easy to cook a piece of salmon or halibut, or tilapia. A small salad and baked potato are good with it. Making a single chicken breast is just as easy.
The daughter likes the salmon dredged in Dijon mustard OR with dill and lemon juice OR teriyaki sauce. The halibut is delicious steamed in foil with soy sauce, in the oven. The tilapia is good with butter and Parmesan cheese.
Bless you.
Cooking for one can certainly be a challenge. I like to make soups or casseroles that can be split up into serving sizes and frozen. But in the warmer weather, salads with chopped chicken or boiled egg is great. My latest favorite is fruit salad with Greek yogurt and granola on top. Those quilt blocks are lovely.
Cooking for one can certainly be a challenge. I like to make soups or casseroles that can be split up into serving sizes and frozen. But in the warmer weather, salads with chopped chicken or boiled egg is great. My latest favorite is fruit salad with Greek yogurt and granola on top. Those quilt blocks are lovely.
Cooking for one can certainly be a challenge. I like to make soups or casseroles that can be split up into serving sizes and frozen. But in the warmer weather, salads with chopped chicken or boiled egg is great. My latest favorite is fruit salad with Greek yogurt and granola on top. Those quilt blocks are lovely.
I also use my crockpot a lot on the weekends, then freeze the extra to eat later – chili , pulled pork, gumbo, beef stew, chicken & noodles……….. and the list goes on …………
I also use my crockpot a lot on the weekends, then freeze the extra to eat later – chili , pulled pork, gumbo, beef stew, chicken & noodles……….. and the list goes on …………
I also use my crockpot a lot on the weekends, then freeze the extra to eat later – chili , pulled pork, gumbo, beef stew, chicken & noodles……….. and the list goes on …………
Love the quilt! The pops of red really draw your eyes in & when it’s set on point it will be even more spectacular!
I try to save some leftovers to eat when I’m having dinner by myself. Or, something Marie Callender cooks up for me in the microwave works, too! I’ve been wondering about our favorite scamp, Ozzie. Good to know he’s up ‘n’ at ’em at 6 AM keeping you on your game!
Love the quilt! The pops of red really draw your eyes in & when it’s set on point it will be even more spectacular!
I try to save some leftovers to eat when I’m having dinner by myself. Or, something Marie Callender cooks up for me in the microwave works, too! I’ve been wondering about our favorite scamp, Ozzie. Good to know he’s up ‘n’ at ’em at 6 AM keeping you on your game!
Love the quilt! The pops of red really draw your eyes in & when it’s set on point it will be even more spectacular!
I try to save some leftovers to eat when I’m having dinner by myself. Or, something Marie Callender cooks up for me in the microwave works, too! I’ve been wondering about our favorite scamp, Ozzie. Good to know he’s up ‘n’ at ’em at 6 AM keeping you on your game!
I’m loving your quilt so far! Can’t wait to see how it turns out!
About the meals….I still cook for several here at my home but my mother lives alone and at various times when she has had health issues, I’ve prepared single meals for her to put in her freezer. Some that worked well are:
Quiche, add any extras you like, such as spinach, mushrooms, sausage, bacon, asparagus, bell pepper, etc. Bake, then slice into serving size. Put the whole thing in a gallon ziploc bag, then take out what you need, add a salad and you’ve got a meal.
Individual meatloaves—Mix up your favorite meat loaf recipe, portion it out into muffin tins. Bake for a much shorter amount of time, cool and package 1-2 per package.
Spaghetti/lasagna–make your sauce, cook noodles. For spaghetti, put some noodles in the bottom of a ziploc bag, pour sauce over the top. For lasagna, use the small foil loaf pans and layer with regular lasagna ingredients, bake, then freeze.
Cook up some meat….chicken, hamburger, sausage, etc. Freeze in individual serving sizes. Thaw and make a cream sauce, add veggies if desired, serve over baked potato, noodles or rice.
I love salads and eat them for lunch frequently when I serve sandwiches to my family. Keep bacon bits, grilled chicken in the freezer. One of my favorites is lettuce, bacon bits, chicken, boiled egg and strawberries with a sweet vinegarette dressing.
Hope some of this helps!!
I’m loving your quilt so far! Can’t wait to see how it turns out!
About the meals….I still cook for several here at my home but my mother lives alone and at various times when she has had health issues, I’ve prepared single meals for her to put in her freezer. Some that worked well are:
Quiche, add any extras you like, such as spinach, mushrooms, sausage, bacon, asparagus, bell pepper, etc. Bake, then slice into serving size. Put the whole thing in a gallon ziploc bag, then take out what you need, add a salad and you’ve got a meal.
Individual meatloaves—Mix up your favorite meat loaf recipe, portion it out into muffin tins. Bake for a much shorter amount of time, cool and package 1-2 per package.
Spaghetti/lasagna–make your sauce, cook noodles. For spaghetti, put some noodles in the bottom of a ziploc bag, pour sauce over the top. For lasagna, use the small foil loaf pans and layer with regular lasagna ingredients, bake, then freeze.
Cook up some meat….chicken, hamburger, sausage, etc. Freeze in individual serving sizes. Thaw and make a cream sauce, add veggies if desired, serve over baked potato, noodles or rice.
I love salads and eat them for lunch frequently when I serve sandwiches to my family. Keep bacon bits, grilled chicken in the freezer. One of my favorites is lettuce, bacon bits, chicken, boiled egg and strawberries with a sweet vinegarette dressing.
Hope some of this helps!!
I’m loving your quilt so far! Can’t wait to see how it turns out!
About the meals….I still cook for several here at my home but my mother lives alone and at various times when she has had health issues, I’ve prepared single meals for her to put in her freezer. Some that worked well are:
Quiche, add any extras you like, such as spinach, mushrooms, sausage, bacon, asparagus, bell pepper, etc. Bake, then slice into serving size. Put the whole thing in a gallon ziploc bag, then take out what you need, add a salad and you’ve got a meal.
Individual meatloaves—Mix up your favorite meat loaf recipe, portion it out into muffin tins. Bake for a much shorter amount of time, cool and package 1-2 per package.
Spaghetti/lasagna–make your sauce, cook noodles. For spaghetti, put some noodles in the bottom of a ziploc bag, pour sauce over the top. For lasagna, use the small foil loaf pans and layer with regular lasagna ingredients, bake, then freeze.
Cook up some meat….chicken, hamburger, sausage, etc. Freeze in individual serving sizes. Thaw and make a cream sauce, add veggies if desired, serve over baked potato, noodles or rice.
I love salads and eat them for lunch frequently when I serve sandwiches to my family. Keep bacon bits, grilled chicken in the freezer. One of my favorites is lettuce, bacon bits, chicken, boiled egg and strawberries with a sweet vinegarette dressing.
Hope some of this helps!!
I would have frozen that split pea soup… in meal size containers. Meal salads, sandwich’s with special meats and great bread and cheese.
I would have frozen that split pea soup… in meal size containers. Meal salads, sandwich’s with special meats and great bread and cheese.
I would have frozen that split pea soup… in meal size containers. Meal salads, sandwich’s with special meats and great bread and cheese.