ABOUT ME
Hello, I am Robin. Thanks for stopping by Retired Together. My little place on the web where you will discover a little about retired life. So here it is – my first blog. A new beginning.
I am a retired part time tax assistance and stay at home mom, 59. It’s just my husband and I to share these days with. Our two sons are grown. I do not have any grandchildren yet, but hopefully some day will have some to love. My husband is semi retired. He retired from his 42 year job a couple of years ago, but went back to work part time. He is off on Wednesday, Saturday and Sundays. It is a priority of mine to spend time with my husband each day. I feel one-on-one time is important for a husband wife relationship. It keeps the relationship alive. I actually schedule time with him in my daily schedule. I have been married to the same man for 40 years.
In this blog I will write about the following subjects: (I don’t know how to do links, or I would insert them, sorry)
· Vacations
· Finances
· Health
· Hobbies
· Thoughts on retirement
· My lifestyle
· My routine
· My cleaning schedules
· Meals
· Few recipes
· Why my husband went back to work
· Religion
VACATIONS
My husband works for a employment agency. He can take off from work as much as he wants so we go on around six or seven vacations a year. The rest of the time we may take weekend trips. Before he retired, he worked full time and it was impossible to travel as much as we do now. But with this “retired” job, we can go whenever we want to. Well, not exactly all we want. We love to travel, but because of the expense, we limit trips to the below.
- Three times a year we go to Texas to visit hubbys family. We may drive around Austin, Houston, and Galveston and visit a different place each time.
- Once a year we visit our son in Maryland. We take day trips around Maryland.
- Once a year we go on a cruise. We may fly out of a state to another country or just drive to New Orleans, Tallahassee and go on close by cruises. If varies year by year.
- Once a year we go to Biloxi Mississippi. We like to see the outlets, antiques and thrift stores along the way. This trip is usually a just three days.
- Once a year we fly to a state we haven’t been to. There are only about 6 states left so it will not be too long before we start repeating ourselves. We didn’t get to do this last year but this year we are making it a priority.
FINANCES
My husband and I have been consistent at saving over the years. We started a retirement fund 40 years ago when we married. We put $100 a month in the account and have never touched it. My husband also has retirement from his job of 42 years. We have no outstanding debts. I recommend if you are not saving to get serious about doing that. You will be thankful one day!.
The last year my husband worked his full time job we paid off our house mortgage. It is a tremendous blessing not to have that 30 year mortgage. Still it cost roughly $400 - $500 a month to live in our house. That’s insurance, taxes and monthly utility cost. Even though we conserve energy, in the summer here in Florida our electric bill alone is often over $200.
My husband makes a general budget once a year. It isn’t too difficult to live on it because it’s not in our genes to be spending thrifts. We live on the money my husband makes in his part time job. It covers our daily expenses and allows us to enjoy traveling. Obviously, we are not adding much to our savings now with a part time job, but that is ok. We save money for those big-ticket items we really want to buy, mainly vacations then when it’s time to go we have the money saved up. We are putting away money now to buy a used truck for my husband. The one he has is 16 years old.
My husband and I have an agreement that we will talk to the other person before spending over $100. If something is less than that, we can buy it without discussing with each other. It’s not a problem for me. I rarely spend money anyways. I do have a love for purses, but I never spent a $100 on one. And I also have a rule. If I buy a new purse, an old one goes to Good Will. Since I go through them pretty often my purses are mostly in good condition when I give them away. I am a coupon and “on sale” type person. I rarely buy anything if it isn’t on sale. That’s including groceries! Of course there are some staples that never go on sale so I get them, but the other stuff I have a freezer so I can utilize the sales.
HOBBIES
In order to keep the mind active, it is important to find interests and hobbies that help to keep the mind working sharply. Hobbies help stimulate the brain, releve stress and helps prevent boredom. Also being around other people is very important in the retired life. We were not born to be loners. We were born to have others involved in our lives. Your hobbies and interest can help you become involved with other people. Being able to socialize can help a retired person from feeling isolated and alone.
My hobbies do not require a lot of money. I’ve thought about taking paint classes but that just hasn’t happened yet. I haven’t researched it to see what’s involved in my area. I do enjoy painting. I paint with oil paints but not free handed. I use stencils or pre-drawn pictures to paint. I’ve even had some paint by number pictures.
Hobbies/interest I have are:
- I love to read. I read fiction and non fiction. Lately I have been reading a series of fiction books about ladies in the Bible. They are not “preachy” books they are entertaining and you learn what life was like many years ago.
- Tuesdays, I go to a women’s Bible study at church and we usually go out for lunch.
- I volunteer at a free medical clinic once a week. Some of the reasons I volunteer are: 1. I enjoy it! 2. Something incredibly satisfying to be able to change something in the lives of others, gives meaning to my being here beyond simply looking after myself. 3. It reminds me we are all in this together and we need to remember to support each other. 4. It lets me get involved in a community in a way I would never get to if I were just passing through. 5. Friendship 6. Personal development (build self-esteem and self-confidence) 7. A chance to feel valued (needed and appreciated)
- I love to walk around the neighborhood. I stop and chat with people who may be outdoors. It’s a refreshing time.
- I have a small herbal garden. I am growing thyme, oregano, basil and cilantro as well as culantro. It doesn’t take much work but does involve some time. I also have a rose garden which I enjoy giving loving attention too.
- I like to take pictures of birds. It’s been decades since I attended a symphony concert, but each morning the birds in my yard from my front porch…what a nice rehearsal I’ve managed to sit in on! They seem to never tire. Or maybe it’s just the way the Conductor brings them each in, in turn, to swell and fade, trumpeting, piping, and drawing their bows, all keeping perfect time. Always practicing for Some Golden Daybreak.
- Spending time with family and friends
- I love to travel. I wish I could enjoy this hobby more often, but financially it just isn’t in our budget nor does my husband have the time to travel more than seven times a year.
- Playing cards with friends is something I enjoy. Right now we are playing a game called “hand and foot”.
- I also enjoy suduko. I usually work a puzzle every day. I consider it exercising my brain.
HEALTH
Health is your major occupation now that you are retired. Staying alive and fit in this stage is your major responsibility to your family. I try to do some sort of exercise each day. I ride a stationary bike, do floor exercise, weight exercises and walk the neighborhood several times a week. I try to stay active so not to have to much “doing nothing time” mainly for the health benefits. Because of a bike accident when I was in my 20’s I can not run, but I do enjoy hiking as long as running isn’t involved.
We go to the doctor for a check up once a year. We are healthy. He takes no medication, and I take something called Abilify. I have “restless leg syndrome”. I have been diagnosed with it for years (at least 20). It got to the point it affected my arms and legs both day and night when I sat still. I spent many sermons at church standing in the back. Car trips were horrible. Then I heard about abilify. It is a dopamine and serotonin balancer. The first night I took it I slept like a baby. I’ve been taking it since. Abilify has a $5 offer so I went online and signed up. I get my abilify for $5 each month.
I guess my biggest concern with retirement is we will have no health insurance. My husband gets ours through his job that’s why he plans on working until he qualifies for Medicare. Once he becomes fulltime retired, we will no longer have insurance and will have to search out there for some for me. If you have any suggestions for good places to look/go to for insurance, I’d love your recommendation.
THOUGHTS ON RETIREMENT
Retirement ought to be a happy time. You can set your own schedule and take long vacations. It’s the challenges of life that keep it exciting. I have no problem keeping busy and enjoying this time of life, but others like my husband found it boring. He is the type that needs to solve problems and he found at home he wasn’t using his mind like he wanted. So when the opportunity to go back to work part time came around, he jumped at it. His plans are to work until 65. He is 63 now. I don’t know if he will really retire when he is 65 because he loves getting up and going to work. And that is what makes living worthwhile. Enjoying what you do.
LIFE STYLE
The house:
You are going to spend much, much more time “at home.” So make it comfortable. I do not like change and my house has been decorated the same way since we moved here 20 years ago. I know I should update it but it is comfortable home for me, so why change anything? I would love to replace the kitchen counter top with a new top (its 30 years old), but we don’t know what type is best so we keep putting it off instead of exploring counter tops.
For me, enjoying life while retired consist of:
1) Being relaxed (not rushed)
2) Traveling worldwide with the family whenever we get the chance.
3) Getting to visit family in out of states
4) Doing volunteer work for a very worthy cause (Health and Hope Clinic)
5) Helping my family (dad is handicapped and in wheelchair I am able to give
mom relief once a week)
7) Practicing frugality
8) Enjoying our hobbies, whether it be learning something new, reading, hiking,
etc.
9) Not having to get up at 6am!
10) Set my own agenda
11) Fewer headaches because life is simpler
12) Lot more variety in life
13) It’s easier to be spontaneous.
14) You can take a nap when the urge hits
15) You don’t have to report to a boss about your actions.
16) I get to choose the flow of my day rather than it choosing me!
17) I do all my errands around 10:45am or 2:30pm, because that is when most people are still at work and the lines are short.
WHY HUBBY DECIDED TO GO BACK TO WORK
- He was only 58 when his job of 42 years ended. Too young to retire in our minds.
- Fewer years of retirement left to finance
- More years in which to earn Social Security benefits
- Staying eligible for health insurance benefits through an employer
- Maintaining or even growing his technical job skills
- Keeping his brain sharp by daily problem solving
RELIGION
I Am A Christian - A Follower of Jesus Christ" ... I am not screaming that I am HOLY! - I am only saying that I was lost and now I am found and forgiven.
Some people think that to be a Christian means you can't see movies, you can't dance, can't have a drink, or that you can't have any more fun. That isn't true. Christianity isn't about rules and regulations to follow. It is about a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
MY ROUTINE
Now I will share with you a look into my day. My daily schedule or my routine who some refer to it. I’ve been asked by many folks “what do you do all day now that the kids are gone and you are retired”. Well, now I can tell them to look at this blog and see for yourself what my day looks like.
Monday and Saturdays are about the same each day. However, on Tuesday,Thursday, Friday and Sunday’s I spend a lot of time outside the home. Wednesday is my husband’s day off and most of the day is reserved for us.
7:30 am: we get up (alarm awakes us; we are not early risers naturally)
7:35 am: I drink 8 oz of water with a lemon slice squeezed in. This simple habit increases the flow of digestive juices, helps to cleanse the body, and resets our pH balance, making us less acidic. I also take a probiotics now for improved digestion
7:35 – 8:00: My husband and I do computer work. Our computers are across from each other. I wait 25 minutes before coffee or anything else to eat to allow the digestive juices to do its thing. We have a kereg so my husband gets started on his coffee during this waiting time.
8:00 am: I make breakfast and coffee. I take my multi vitamin. We continue to work at our computers while eating and drinking.
9:00 am: Husband goes to work. (Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday hubby doesn’t go to work)
9:01 am: I have my Bible reading and prayers
9:30 am: I get dressed in jeans and tee shirt with minimal makeup and make the bed.
10:00 am: I ride my stationary bike for 20 minutes. “Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday bicycle is 10”)
10:15 am On Tuesday I go to a Bible study. I do my daily/weekly chores during free time.
10:15 am: On Thursday I sit with my dad. He is crippled and can not be left alone. I’m home by 3pm and do daily/weekly during free time.
10:15 am: On Friday I do volunteer work at a medical clinic. I’m usually home by 3pm and do daily/weekly during free time.
10:15 am: On Sunday, we go to church. We eat out and visit with family/friends. Usually home by 4 and do only my daily chores.
10:30 am: I do my Daily - Weekly chores and Rotating chores (more on these later)
12:00 pm: I have FREE TIME. I may get on the computer, read (I’m reading fiction now), paint, and gardening
1:00 pm: I have lunch and tidy kitchen
100 pm: On Wednesday, my hubby and I leave at this time to do errands, have fun and visit friends/family. We eat dinner out and are back home by 7pm.
1:30 pm: I go for walk then come home and exercise. I usually stop and visit with neighbors as I walk along.
2:30 pm: I usually do another rotating task at this time (see below)
3:00 pm: FREE TIME (I may visit someone, or have a guest over, read, computer, paint, gardening, or do catch up tasks, ride bike)
6:00 pm: prepare dinner – hubby comes home
6:30 pm: eat dinner with husband
7:00 pm: clean kitchen
7:15 pm: computer (check emails)
7:45 pm: bath
8:00 pm: read, computer or watch TV
11:00 pm: bed
I figure on a weekly basis, I’m spending my time as follows:
- Work – 12 hours
- Physical Activity – 10 hours (I need to increase this)
- Fun –68 hours (volunteer, computer, reading, playing with dad, church, TV, eating, Bible time, etc)
- Social – 15 hours
- Sleeping – 63 hours
CLEANING SCHEDULE
I function best with a written list. So each morning I type up my to-do list for the day. It’s a sense of accomplishment when you can see it marked off.
Since it’s just my husband and I our house doesn’t get as dirty as fast as it did when our children were young. However, our house does have to be cleaned on a regular basic or it would get out of hand and become to big a mess for me to live in comfortably. My goal: have a home that is always “company ready”. A routine is something I believe all home dwellers should have. When my children were young, they took their turn cleaning bathrooms, dusting and etc. Now it all falls on me because my husband works outside the home plus keeps up ALL the outdoor stuff, including washing/cleaning out the car.
I should give hubby credit though. He loads and unloads the dishwasher by himself. I haven’t had to unload it in ages. My hubby also picks up after himself. He doesn’t leave clothes, shoes, tools etc lying around. He’s a good man.
I clean house on a rotating system. It works for me. You’ll be amazed at how much more in control of your day you become and how much more you can get done if you just have this routine. Plus it eliminates the need to spring clean!
I have a list of daily chores and weekly chores. I also have a list of rotating task. I pick a few rotating task to do each week. I mark off that task so I know it has been done. Some task need doing more than once a year. That’s why there is a number beside it. It tells me how many times in a year I need to do that task. H
Here are my daily chores. I try to do these each day.
Daily Chores:
- Kitchen sink and counter cleared & wiped
- Bathroom sink & toilet wiped
- Clutter control (tidy each room)
And the weekly chores:
Weekly Chores:
Monday
- Sweep Kitchen/dining area
- Clean sink/counters/toilet *I clean the tub & shower only once a month
- Once a month I dust dining/buffet area table legs, chair legs, dinette set, china cabinet, overhead light
- Gather trash
- Rotating task as time allows
Tuesday
- Once a month I dust bedrooms & vacuum *wall hangings, furniture, ceiling fans, tables & chairs, lamps/lampshades, book cases, TV & electronics
- Wipe out refrigerator (not a deep clean)
- Laundry day
- Rotating chore as time allows
Wednesday
- Once a month I dust & vacuum living areas *wall hangings, furniture, ceiling fans, tables & chairs, lamps/lampshades, book cases, TV & electronics
- Pay bills & calls, paperwork
Thursday
- Sweep & Mop
- Dust TV & electronics
Friday
· Tidy laundry room
- Make up day
Saturday
- Laundry day
- Rotating chore day (rotate & pick 1 – 3 according to time)
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Rotating Chores (# of times in a year) |
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(2)Dust baseboards throughout house |
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(2)Clean trash cans throughout house |
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(2)Dust vents throughout house |
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(4)Clean kitchen appliances lg & small |
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(2)Wipe door frames, & knobs |
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(2)Dining baseboards Old English |
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(6) Wash all rugs |
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(1)Straight & dust inside china cabinet |
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(2)Dust ceiling and corners |
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(2)Entry doors wiped down |
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(1) Inside windows cleaned |
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(3)Shower curtain & liners washed |
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(2)Window sills, ledges, blinds dusted |
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(2)Black tub jets cleaned |
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(2)Wash outside kitchen cabinets |
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(2)Vacuum furniture |
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(2)Wash outside bathroom cabinet |
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(3)Clean pantry |
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(3) Deep clean inside refrigerator |
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(2)Straighten linen closets |
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(1)Stove top hood inside & out |
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(1)Inside oven |
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(2)Wash blankets/pillow/comforters |
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(1)Clean closets and drawers |
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(1)Overhead light fixtures |
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(1)Clean inside freezers |
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(1)Outside windows |
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(3)Clean hamper & clothes basket |
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(1)Vacuum under furniture |
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(1)De-clutter make up drawer, lotions |
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(1)Vacuum refrigerator coils |
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(3)Flip mattress |
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(1)Expired medications |
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(2)Wash table & chair legs |
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(2)Deep clean washer & dryer, vent |
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(12) |
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(3)Wash combs & brushes in shampoo |
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(2)Organize your first aid kit |
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(6) Fabreeze furniture |
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(1)Clean out fireplace |
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These are some principles that I will expand on regarding my routine.
1. Lemon water: I begin each morning with a 8 oz glass of room temperature water with a lemon slice squeezed in. This simple habit increases the flow of digestive juices, helps to cleanse the body, and resets our pH balance. I also take a probiotics now for improved digestion.
2. Computer: While having my breakfast I eat at the dining table (husband & I both have our computers here). It’s me, my hubby, my computer, and my breakfast and coffee. I take my multivitamin at this time too. It’s during this computer time I make my to-do list for the day using the master schedule to list the task that needs to be done. This time allows me to wake up and get ready to begin my day.
3. Bible Time: I am not a morning person. That’s the reason I do not do my Bible time until after my coffee. I use this time to read the scripture, meditate and pray.
4. Dressed: I am now ready to get dressed for the day. That includes hair, makeup, clothes, and shoes. I’m ready to go out the door if something comes up. If it is a laundry day, I put on a load of clothes at this time. I ride my stationary bike after have dressed and made my bed.
5. Dusting: I dust the house once a month with the exception of TV’s and electronics they get a weekly dusting (they seem to be a magnet to dust). We have no indoor pets, we remove our shoes indoors, we have a sunroom to enter for an entrance therefore, and dust is not a real problem.
6. Vacuum: I also vacuum once a month after I dust to pick up the dust removed from the furniture. I divide dusting/vacuum into two different days so it’s not overwhelming.
7. Bathrooms: Daily or almost daily, I use a disinfectant wipe and wipe off the sink, counter and toilets. I just feel better knowing the bathrooms are ready to use for the next person. The tubs and showers get a scrubbing once a month. We use only liquid soap, no bar soap at all therefore the buildup isn’t a problem.
8. Kitchen: I wipe the kitchen sink and counters daily or almost daily with a disinfectant wipe. The kitchen is tidied each day, several times a day. Once a week I lightly wipe out the refrigerator to get rid of old food and/or spills/crumbs. The rest of the kitchen is cleaned on my rotation list. My sweet hubby loads and un-loads the dishwasher. I haven’t done that in a long time.
9. Sweep/Mop: I sweep the kitchen area twice a week and damp mop once a week. We have laminate kitchen dining flooring so a mop and bucket isn’t recommended for the floor.
10. Laundry: I wash clothes twice a week. That’s all that is necessary for our small family. I wash sheets every other week since we are night bathers.
11. Clutter control: Daily I make certain everything is put in its right place. Bedside tables are cleared, yesterdays clothes are hung, jewelry is in box, shoes are organized etc. I’ve found if I don’t do this daily, the “piles” grow and piles do not have a place in a company ready house. I do have a desk in the bedroom that usually has a pile of paperwork on it, but I try to confine it to that one area. If clutter is a problem for you, just take 10 minutes each day to de-clutter, and then go on with your list. Before long, the clutter will be a minor issue.
12. Rotating Chores: Some people find it easier to deep clean a specific room each week. However, I find that doing specific chores is easier for me. When it’s baseboard day, I have a wet mop and go all around the house and mop those baseboards. When it’s vent day, I have a long handled dusting mop and hit all the vents throughout the house. I have a list of tasks I do on a rotating “as I have time” schedule. I usually can do six or more in a week. However, if one week is extremely busy, I may only do one. It’s flexible and that’s what I like about it. PLUS…no more Spring Cleaning! If you work outside the home, you may only be able to do the rotating task on Saturdays. That’s fine as long as you do your daily/weekly task your house will still be company ready too.
13. To-Do: Each morning I look at the master list above and decide what I will do. I make a to-do list for each day. I work best with a list so this is a must for me. My priority is the dailies and weekly chores. I then schedule in on a rotating basic some of the special chores. I try to get at least one rotating chore in a day. Wednesdays, I sometimes just don’t make it a priority and it gets pushed aside. I mark on the master schedule when a rotating chore is done. The master schedule is for a year.
14. Personal Time: Personal time that I schedule into my day. This time is just as important as any of the other items. I put on my to-do list for the day, quiet time, ride bike and take vitamins & medication. My husband is off from work on Wednesday, so I only do my daily/weekly task. No rotating task. We spend the day shopping and doing activities together.
15. Exercise: This is an area I have difficult keeping as a priority. When I am short on time, this seems to be what doesn’t get done. I try to get a walk in everyday if nothing else. In the mornings I ride my stationary bike for at least 10 minutes a day, I try for 20. I sometimes watch the previous days Bold and Beautiful during this time. Then in the afternoons, I do some floor exercises, weights and take a walk. However, sometimes the walk is interrupted to talk to neighbors.
16. Free Time: Some days I have some free time in my day. I will do whatever I feel like doing that day. Sometimes it’s calling a friend, or read a book (I’m reading fiction now), painting a picture (by number) or go outside and garden. I may do some computer work. I have done a extra rotating chore during this time if I am behind during the week. It really varies what I do at this time.
MEAL TIME
Breakfast & Lunch – I usually make it easy. It’s just me. My hubby doesn’t eat breakfast or lunch. He eats one meal a day (evenings usually).
My favorite lunch and breakfast is leftovers from a previous meal. I eat leftover dinner for breakfast or/and lunch. Its fast and a no brainer.
Some of the most common breakfast and lunches I have when I don’t have leftovers are:
- Cheese toast and ½ cup cottage cheese with mixed fruit or a banana (breakfast or lunch)
- I’ll make a tuna salad and have a sandwich for breakfast and lunch. I usually have raw veggies with hummus as a side.
- Omelet burrito - two eggs in a skillet, adding cheese, veggies, and ham
- Orient Oatmeal – oatmeal with milk, almonds, ½ tps powdered ginger and honey
- I’ll make a pasta salad and have half for breakfast and the other half for lunch, pasta, canned beans (rinsed), cheese, onions and other veggies or even deli turkey chopped up. The dressing I make is with olive oil, red wine vinegar and Dijon mustard.
- Turkey BLT – Turkey bacon, with lettuce, tomato and I usually add avocado slices too (I usually make two, one for breakfast then the other for lunch)
- Turkey checkerboard – I put spreadable cream cheese on a flour tortilla, ham slices, tomato and avocado (I usually make two, one for breakfast then the other for lunch)
- Boiled eggs and toast with butter and jam
- Raison bread or blueberry bagels (whichever was on sale for the week) with spreadable cream cheese and turkey or ham slice.
- Avocado and egg toast – Just smash an avocado and spread on your toast top with a fried egg salt & pepper, yum
- I make these ahead of time and freeze. Just microwave and have a tasty breakfast or lunch. Breakfast muffins: Dice some bell pepper, onions and tomatoes. Add 6 eggs, 1 tsp salt and mix. Add cheese and a little curry powder. If I have a little spinach I’ll add that too. But it isn’t necessary. Bake in greased muffin tin at 350 for 15 minutes. It usually makes 10 for me.
Dinner is my largest meal of the day. My husband comes home from work ready to eat after going all day without. I have tried preparing him a lunch to take to work and he just doesn’t want it, so now I don’t even try. I am an experimental cook. I look in the freezer and find something then look online for a new recipe with that. Just last night we had an Asian pot roast, it was good, I even liked it and I’m not much of a pot roast lover. When I bring home large pieces of meat, like a pot roast, I cut it in half and freeze each piece. This way we have some leftover but not a whole lot.
We will usually have beef once a week, ground beef once a week, chicken once a week, pork dish once a week. Occasionally I’ll buy seafood. We usually eat out, Wednesday, Friday and Sundays. If I need a meal for me it’s one of the light ones and I’m the only one to eat. As I said, my hubby will only eat once a day where I eat three meals a day. Below I’ll share a few typical evening meals.
As you will see all my meals are rather easy to make. I’m not into complicated or meals that take a lot of time to prepare.
Asian pot roast (recipe below), mashed potatoes (for the yummy juices in the pot roast), green beans, salad of raw veggies with homemade hummus (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and sweet peppers), and a store bought frozen yeast roll each. I cook us each a roll in the toaster oven. For dessert we had homemade chocolate chip cookies that I had frozen.
Monday night we had salsa chicken (recipe below), Spanish rice, English peas, cantaloupe/strawberries and salad of raw veggies with homemade hummus (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and sweet peppers). For dessert I made tapioca pudding. I made two servings so we wouldn’t have it leftover.
I love ground beef recipes. The last dish I made was enchiladas (recipe below). It wasn’t found on the internet, but my mother in law’s recipe. We had pinto beans with it as well as a spinach salad. For dessert, we had a coconut pie I made.
A typical meal with pork would be pork chops or sausage. With the pork chops I usually get on the internet and come up with a recipe. One I saved was for Barbecued pork chops. Just add brown sugar, onions and bbq sauce. Bring to boil then simmer about 5 minutes. (I usually go ahead and make the whole package then freeze two or three for a later meal.)
For the sausage, I just cook the sausage and we would have biscuits, eggs, and grits with it. We both enjoy this type food for dinner. We usually would not have pork chops in the same week we have the sausage, I would rotate weeks with it.
We usually have some sort of dessert each night. I try not to prepare large portions or we tend to eat too much.
RECEIPES
Asian Pot Roast (this is for a 2 pound roast, double if you make a regular size roast)
In small bowl: 1 ½ tablespoon white vinegar, ¼ c sugar or honey, ½ teaspoon ground ginger (I used 1 tsp), ½ teaspoon celery seed, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1/8 cup water, ½ c soy sauce, 1 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Mix. Set aside.
Brown roast (5 minutes each side) with salt/pepper and 1 teaspoon mustard powder. I use canola oil with 1 tsp sesame oil to brown roast.
Put browned roast in crock pot. Pour sauce over and cook high for 6 hours.
Salsa Chicken
Sprinkle chicken with taco seasoning mix. Put in crock pot. Pour jar salsa over top and cook high 4 hours.
Enchiladas
I make a pot of chili (no beans). Brown hamburger meat. Mix 1 tablespoon cumin and 2 tablespoons Gerhardt chili powder and ½ c water. Dissolve. Add to meat with salt/pepper, water (about 2 quarts). Simmer couple hours.
Let cool a little.
Get corn tortillas and dip them in hot oil turning 10 seconds and then turn on other side and leave 10 seconds again. Drain on paper towels.
Lay out a single tortilla and place a little chili meat in tortilla (use a spoon with holes to drain liquid off), top with onions and cheese. Roll up. Do this with all the tortillas.
Pour the chili liquid on top. Bake 1 hour covered with foil. Uncover and put cheese on top. Place back in oven until cheese has melted.
It sounds complicated, but is easy and doesn’t take too much time and taste delicious. I make this in two dishes and freeze one. Each pan makes enough for two meals plus lunch.
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