Saturday Meanderings
There is something wonderfully restorative about escaping to our cabin this time of year. I’ve been soaking up the cooler temperatures, the quiet, and the beauty of being surrounded by nature. It’s amazing how quickly we adapt to the constant soundtrack of city life, where sirens seem to echo through the neighborhood every day. Since arriving here, I don’t think I’ve heard a single emergency vehicle. Instead, it’s birdsong, rustling pines, and the breezes through the trees. The air is cleaner, the pace is slower, and the summer temperatures are far more forgiving. It has been a much-needed retreat-one that is filling my soul in all the right ways. It’s time again for my weekend post. So happy you have joined me for another edition of Saturday Meanderings, where we chat about all good things this week.
Great Books to Read
I love to read and try to carve out time for a good book every day. Earlier this week, I started Whistler: A Novel by Ann Patchett, a #1 New York Times bestselling author. With more than 6,000 reviews on Amazon averaging 4.6 stars and over 22,000 reviews on Goodreads with a 4.5 -star rating, I had high expectations-and this book exceeded every one of them. I loved it so much that I finished it in just a few days. I won’t say much about the plot because discovering it is part of the experience. But if you enjoy beautifully written novels with richly developed characters and stories that linger long after you’ve turned the last page, this one is well worth adding to your summer reading list.
I can’t remember how I stumbled upon this book, but I’m certainly glad I did. Good Energy by Casey Means, M.D. immediately caught my attention with its subtitle: Feel Incredible, Avoid Disease, and Age Well…who doesn’t want that?
Dr. Gabrielle Lyon describes it this way: “Dr. Means challenges the conventional dogma of health care and presents a compelling case for a metabolic-focused approach to longevity, health and weight management. Good Energy is full of actionable steps to being mentally and physically strong and to revitalize your life.”
I’m only about halfway through the book, and I’m already feeling fiercely protective of the 37 trillion little cells in my body! While I admit I’ve skimmed over some of the more scientific and biological explanations, I love how Dr. Means explores the root causes of so many chronic illnesses rather than simply treating the symptoms. It’s thought-provoking, practical, and filled with ideas you can begin incorporating into your daily life. If you’re looking for more good energy~in every sense of the phrase~I highly recommend it. Another #1 New York Times bestseller.
The Last of the Big Zucchinis
After an incredibly prolific zucchini season in the garden, we finally consumed the last enormous courgette! Sliced lengthwise, I scooped out the seeds and filled it with a savory mixture of ground beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, spices, pine nuts and cheese. A generous sprinkle of more cheese on top, then into a 350-degree oven for about an hour (until the zucchini was fork-ready).
This big fella provided several meals and every bite was delicious. However, we are happy to be taking a little break from zucchini!
Getting Ready for July 4th
Are you getting ready for America’s big 250th birthday celebration on the Fourth of July? As you may recall, we live along the parade route for the famous Bullfrog Loop Parade. What began as a sweet, homespun neighborhood tradition has grown significantly over the years, and our driveway has become a front-row seat for all the festivities.
I’ve been having fun adding a few new patriotic decorations this year. Inspired by a photo I found on Pinterest (probably AI generated), I decided to decorate the fireplace in our kitchen dining area a bit more elaborately than usual. While I have to admit I like the inspiration photo a little better, I’m pretty pleased with how mine is coming together.
American flag bunting is already hanging from both the front and back porches, and the rest of the decorations will make their appearance this coming week.
I’m certainly looking forward to celebrating this milestone birthday for our country with our friends and neighbors. How will you be celebrating the Fourth of July this year? Who remembers the 200th anniversary in 1976?
Simple, Affordable Project with Big Returns
Since this is our second home and we’re only here part-time, we tend to overlook little projects that would never be ignored in our Phoenix house. The other day, while taking a shower, I looked at the rim of the tub where we’ve balanced shampoo bottles, soap, razors, poofs, brushes, and who knows what else for years. It suddenly hit me…why have we been living like this? It always looks cluttered, and every so often one of the larger bottles would slide off the edge and crash into the tub.
After doing a little research, I found a set of adhesive shower shelves that promised to stay put-and they cost a whopping $9.48. Honestly, how is that even possible these days? After reading the reviews, I clicked “Buy Now”. (We’re so spoiled that packages magically appear a day or two later!)
Installation took a few minutes, and they are perfect. Everything now has a proper place. Nothing is teetering on the edge of the tub, and the shower looks so much neater and more organized. It’s one of those tiny improvements that costs very little but makes me thrilled every single day.
Another Easy Home Improvement Project
Lining the pea gravel walkway to our cabin’s front door are pots of geraniums-yes the very same ones we faithfully transport from Phoenix every summer. One of the pots was originally a beautiful Italian yellow, but years of sunshine and weather had transformed it into an odd, washed-out annoying shade that seemed to catch my eye every time I walked by.
Rather than replacing it, I decide to give it a makeover with a coat of hunter green spray paint. It definitely looks better, but now I think it’s almost too perfect. I may have to distress it a bit or add a little aging so it blends in better with the surrounding landscape. What do you think? Would you leave it or give it a bit more character? Now seeing the pictures together, it definitely needs something more.
Marry Me Chicken
Have you ever heard of Marry Me Chicken? Until recently, I hadn’t either. The recipe landed in my inbox from My Healthy Habits blog, and since I’m always on the lookout for new recipes, the combination of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and cream immediately piqued my interest.
Apparently Marry Me Chicken is so delicious that it’s said to inspire a marriage proposal. Well, I can’t promise that, but I can tell you it was absolutely delicious! The rich, creamy sauce is what makes this dish so memorable. Even Scott declared it “worthy of a proposal.” While the recipe suggests serving it over rice, we actually loved the leftovers all by themselves, with plenty of extra sauce to savor.
If you are looking for a new dinner recipe that’s easy enough for a weeknight but feels special enough for company, this one is definitely worth trying. For the recipe, click here.
I hope you enjoyed Part 1 and Part 2 of the 1958 Pan Am Fantasy Table event earlier this week. If not, you can find Part 1 here and Part 2 here.
As we prepare to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, I’m feeling especially grateful for the comforts of home, the beauty of nature, and the opportunity to share this journey with all of you. Wishing you a wonderful week ahead and a joyful Fourth of July celebration filled with family, friends, and cherished traditions.
Just a reminder that any words that are italicized bring you to the source. If it is a product on Amazon, please note that I am an Amazon Affiliate. If you purchase something through my website, I receive a small (very small!) stipend, which doesn’t affect the price you pay at all. My goal is to make sourcing the items easy for you. Thank you for your continued support.
