Sam Squared

      I probably get at least one question in my comments whenever I refer to "hotdish" as part of menu updates. While I understand to the rest of the world, the blend of a starch, a protein, and a veg with some sort of binder typically is called a casserole, it's just not in Minnesota.       The quintessential Minnesota hotdish is the Tator Tot hotdish. This Facebook post explains it perfectly. I think even if you don't have Facebook, you can use the link. I haven't made it in quite a while. If you're wondering, I use green beans, not corn. I do not line up the tots but a randomized layer. If you Google for recipes and see pictures using both green beans and corn, that's just plain wrong. I guess that's my hotdish line in the sand. Not just a tasty side for a burger... photo pexel.com

          Life is expensive these days. My fall is really is going to be expensive, but for the most part with good things, other than property taxes and life insurance premiums. Those are necessary to both live in a good community with good schools and services and have some safeguards for my family.  I'm tracking my variable, discretionary spending to get a better grip. While boring blog content, it'll give me a good view of where my money is going,  not necessarily a challenge. Here's What I Spent, WIS, in the last week, rounded to nearest dollar. Saturday: $28 I love the fresh produce at good prices at one stand. I'm sucked into the artisan stands and spent almost $21 on popcorn. I used and will use for a couple social plans. Sunday:$65 I couldn't risk stretching the tank so filled up on Sunday before going to St Paul to see my daughter who was unwell. Also, splurged on one month of HBO Max. Monday: $2 I got to the service station ahead of my ...

                                                                                For my Friday posts, I copy a previous week, delete the old and update as I go along the week. This helps me add as the week goes on. Here's my recap of Friday, August 21 to Thursday, August 27. I just sort of list things as they come up. I know my WIS is somewhat redundant but my Fridays are a more overall check into how I'm doing in terms of financial wellness instead of daily tracking each expense.  Use it Up/Avoid Waste Even with a huge for me stock up shopping, where I'm tempted with the nice new groceries, I ate leftovers on Friday for lunch and supper. Found a vegan zuchini fritter recipe to use up the huge zuchini my daughter gave me. These still were a bit pancakey, but very tasty. Avoid...

           With sumner winding down, early morning's are coolish and it's pretty dark by 8:30 already. If I could find a place that was like these weeks year round, I'd be very interested in moving there, at least part of the year. I used to love the heat of summer, still do in short doses if we could get rain between heat spells, but also love a warm sweater, a hot cup of something wrapped in a blanket, which is part of what makes such a great few weeks for me, after August 20th until fall really decides it's here.       I'm getting grandpup out for walks usually before pups meds at 9. We go again late morning/ early afternoon, but avoid hot pavement. I have to move the night walk up a few minutes each day or start bringing the headlamp again, a regular feature to my attire by mid September. We lose 2 minutes of light each night in Minnesota, 80 mimutes of sun the month of August.       I've been horrible at tackling...

           Despite my garden bust, I'm enjoying the fruits of others labor.  I made two farmers market visits last week and have been devouring beans, peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers, gave much to my kids, and brought along to a cookout. I even managed to get a couple jars of refrigerator pickles made, and plan to do more before the local cukes are gone. I don't seal these, but they're still good for several weeks since they're packed in vinegar. I can't share the recipe as it took decades before my MIL shared with me, probably after she no longer wanted to make herself. I found several similar on line, but they won't have the little side notes my MIL made as adjustments to family taste. Reused pasta and jam jar with lid.      My daughter brought me the gorgeous local sunflowers. Even those didn't come back this year. I'll try again next year. These are my favorite pickles on sandwiches and are particularly good on the Aldi red bag chic...

        As shared previously,  I'm incentivised to watch my spending not just because of the huge increases in every area of life but also due to timing of high cost expenses between now and end of the year. I'm tracking my variable, discretionary spending to get a better grip. While boring blog content, it'll give me a good view of where my money is going not including the regular bills required to maintain my life and home like utilities, insurance, and taxes. Clearly you'll see it's not no or low spend, but personal awareness to improve areas I might spend but arent really adding to the quality of my life. Here's What I Spent, WIS, in the last week. Saturday: $22 I bought my sister an additional birthday gift as I saw a unique Minnesota Twins shirt on Etsy. She's the ultimate fan and is going to an upcoming game. Sunday: $0 Family day at lake for my MIL'S 86th birthday. I brought food made from items already on hand.  I learned a new card game calle...