Holiday Weekend Meals and the Week Ahead

     

     Last week our meals were kind of a hodge-podge again, but other than last Friday's Take and Bake pizza with planned leftovers, did not do take out. 

Sunday: Beyond Burgers, potato salad all vegan, made by DD1
Monday: Spaghetti and meatballs
Tuesday: Chow Mein, pot stickers/cream cheese wantons
Wednesday: Meatballs in mushroom gravy over mashed potatoes or rice (DD2)
Thursday: Chicken stuffing hot dish and mashed potatoes
Friday: Cheese ravioli in tomato sauce
Saturday: At Lake-Kabobs, fruit-later old fashion hot dogs, fruit, chips

     Being that it is so terribly hot this weekend, the large number of people and our own dog's needs, we're having an odd July 4th weekend. I had Thursday off as my flex day, and then Friday was my work holiday. DH and I both got some home admin done on Thursday, and really just had a relaxing day. He had to work on Friday, but I used the time to get laundry caught up, grocery shop, and start some of my July goals. DD2 had an actual day off from both jobs-wasn't scheduled at the restaurant and it was the school holiday. She left early to meet a few friends at a cabin about 90 minutes from us, where all are expected to be outdoors, but then was home later as she has to work the rest of the weekend. DH and I went to the lake yesterday, and he stayed overnight, but I came home for the dog, and will go back up this morning. We are only an hour away, so not much farther than my work commute in normal times and this worked better for us. I didn't need to be part of the evening fire drinking and loud fireworks, and our dog would be distraught being alone overnight with them going off in our neighborhood. 

     When DH or I come, we wipe everything down with Clorox wipes and spray, including door handles. With so many people there, we basically both walk around with the wipes or spray, and keep ourselves either outside spread apart, or our bedroom and the bathroom as needed (wipes in hand). We're not lingering with others unless we can be outside and spread out. This was our compromise to being able to enjoy the cabin this summer, while doing what we can to protect ourselves. His sister and brother-in-law are being just as cautious, but his brother's family has not really changed their actions-kids still run in and out all day, he talks loud and often and right in your face so we back up, and in the kitchen space, wearing no mask while they prepare foods.I think I'm learning not to be frustrated  and just control what I can. DH is worried about sharing the grill and all the touching of utensils at the lake when we are not there alone, so I prepped food at home for us, and his mom if she chose to share, but avoided any communal food. I know someone said not to worry about shared potato salad, but this is working out just fine and I feel comfortable. We brought the air fryer along to reheat chicken and veggie kabobs made at home, and old fashion hotdogs. I had pre-washed, cut and readied fruit, and splurged on individual bags of snacks. Not green I know, but we are trying to enjoy the time at the lake, and  stay  socially distanced so keeping to take-out like food options. I'm bringing along a picnic for DH and me today, along with enough extra for anyone else that would like, with individual portions. What we don't eat will be eaten at home tomorrow and Tuesday. We have our own cooler of ice so we do not need to go in and out of the shared refrigerators. 

     The rest of the week will be easy peasy meals. When I shopped Friday, I had these in mind. Some things I already had on hand and didn't need to buy anything more. Last week when I picked up a few things and dog food at our local store, I bought a large bought of Minute Rice, and likely will keep buying for the summer because of the ease, though will still use long grain rice.

Curry/Tika Masala using the awesome Aldi sauce I found, rice
Veggie Fried rice, which  chicken cooked in a General Tso sauce from Aldi
Burrito bowls with rice and refried beans
Meatballs and gravy over rice and or potatoes (DD2 has been on a rice kick for most meals-why I bought the Minute Rice)
Spaghetti and meat sauce
Ravioli in mushroom white sauce
Frozen Pizza
Homemade chicken tenders, homemade potato wedges
Stir fry vegetables and chicken satay (using the General Tso sauce for the skewers) with rice

Unless absolutely necessary, I am logging off at 5:30 each work day starting tomorrow, plus planning to take my flex day every other Friday. No one is telling me not to take the time, nor is anyone telling me to stay on-line so late. With these boundaries for myself set, I'll need to focus with more intention during the day. These menu options are easy to pull together between the time I log off and when DH and DD2 get home. I feel like July needs more order, more personal space between my time and work time, and a combination of relaxation and fun in our evenings.Wish me luck on this resolve.