New to Me - Cooking (Instead of Reviews)

I have been spending some time cooking instead of writing reviews. I decided to share this new journey.

Those who have been around my blog for a while know that my husband was our cook. I have had to feed myself since his death on May 1, 2022. The easy and favorite recipes are pigs in a blanket, cheesy quesadilla, bacon and eggs, creamed dried beef, and packaged mix salads. I gathered recipes last year for sloppy joes, parmesan chicken, and keto broccoli cauliflower rice casserole. Then I made snacks and Christmas cookies last year: Pesto parmesan chips, almond bark drops, and Snowball Christmas cookies.

Over this past year I have tended to buy salads and single microwavable meals. I had to help cook while in Illinois in October and November. In addition to several of the favorites noted above, I made pancakes and spaghetti pie, which I hadn't made in years but is a fun dish and a hit with the kids (and my son).

As I returned home, I decided to try Hello Fresh for cooking better meals for myself. Over the past two weeks I have had four meals for eight dinners.  They provide all the ingredients and they are easy to make with full instructions. I get free breakfast items too.  (If anyone might be interested, email me at mesreads@gmail.com. I can send a link that has discounts to try, and also gets a credit for me inviting.)
Here are pictures of my meals so far:

Zucchini & Tomato Flatbreads with yummy lemon ricotta cheese!

Moo Shu Pork Bowls (red cabbage and scallions) with fluffy rice.

Onion Crunch Chicken with honey dijon dressing (plus cheese), mashed potatoes and roasted green beans.

Sweet Chili Beef and green bean bowls, again with fluffy rice and fried onion topping.

I was in the cooking mood last weekend and decided to experiment with some puff pastry recipes.
I made ham and cheese with herb and garlic cheese spread pinwheels which I took to a Christmas event on Tuesday night. They were a hit.

Then I made a cherry with cream cheese puff pastry which I shared for dessert and snack treat at work.

I plan to continue the Hello Fresh plan for a time and I will be doing some Christmas cooking over the next few weeks. I will share the photos with you!

Sunday Post December 3, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday December 4, 2023

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? now at The Book Date (at Wordpress)

What Are You Reading? is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

 

I arrived home safely on Monday and it is bittersweet. I am glad to be home and in office to catch up on work. But I miss bein with the Illinois family.

We got the good report this week that the first two rounds of chemo have reduced my d-i-l primary tumor by 3cms. They will continue the four day sessions of chemo two more times and then take new scans again. If they can reduce the tumor next to her eye enough, the surgeon may be able to get to the remainder.

It is always sweet (and sad) to have my goodbye photo.

My continuing prayers include prayers for more unity in all nations, a calmer social atmosphere, and for revival. We are also continuing prayers for family and church. And continuing prayers for Israel and Gaza and all the innocents who are being impacted by the war.

I have felt a bit under the weather the end of this week. Our very rainy weather didn’t help. I stayed at home all weekend missing several activities. I hope I have more energy this next week. Temperatures are expected between 59 to 72 during the day, 31-52 at night.

I've finished two audios but posted no reviews again. I am busy working on law work to catch up so I'm not spending time on reviews. Not sure when I will start again. :-(

I visited 10 blogs again last week but still no new Shout Outs lined up.

Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

• Sunday Post November 26, 2023/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday November 27, 2023.

• MBS September 2023 Reading List Wrap Up

• MBS October 2023 Reading List Wrap Up

• Sunday Words of Encouragement December 3, 2023 - Unlikely People.

Finished Reading:
1. Kindle App on Smartphone (eBTBR)

Harvest Wishes (Starlight Inn)
by Jessica Anne Renwick
This is a nice, easy second chance romance.
Source: 6/12/22 Free on Kindle.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible on Smartphone (A2023).

Existential
Crucible, Book 1
By: Ryan W. Aslesen
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer
Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins
I liked the action facing alien beasts.
Source: 3/15/2023 Audible February Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Audible on Smartphone (ATBR).

12 Rules for Life
An Antidote to Chaos
By: Jordan B. Peterson, Norman Doidge MD - foreword
Narrated by: Jordan B. Peterson
Length: 15 hrs and 40 mins
My son encouraged me to read this and I am glad I did.
Source: May 15, 2022 Audible April Credit.
Publisher's summary
What does everyone in the modern world need to know? Renowned psychologist Jordan B. Peterson's answer to this most difficult of questions uniquely combines the hard-won truths of ancient tradition with the stunning revelations of cutting-edge scientific research.
Humorous, surprising, and informative, Dr. Peterson tells us why skateboarding boys and girls must be left alone, what terrible fate awaits those who criticize too easily, and why you should always pet a cat when you meet one on the street.
What does the nervous system of the lowly lobster have to tell us about standing up straight (with our shoulders back) and about success in life? Why did ancient Egyptians worship the capacity to pay careful attention as the highest of gods? What dreadful paths do people tread when they become resentful, arrogant, and vengeful? Dr. Peterson journeys broadly, discussing discipline, freedom, adventure, and responsibility, distilling the world's wisdom into 12 practical and profound rules for life. 12 Rules for Life shatters the modern commonplaces of science, faith, and human nature while transforming and ennobling the mind and spirit of its listeners.
©2018 Jordan B. Peterson (P)2018 Random House Canada.

2. Audio on Smartphone (ATBR).

A Fistful of Evil
Written by Rebecca Chastain
Narrated by Elise Arsenault
Length: 10 hrs and 46 mins
This has started out fun.
Source: 10/10/2019 Chirp purchase $.99.
PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION
Madison Fox just learned that her ability to see souls is more than a sight: It’s a weapon for fighting evil. The only problem is she doesn’t have a clue what she’s doing. On the positive side, her money problems are over and her coworker is smoking hot. On the negative side, evil creatures now actively hunt her, and deadly experiences are becoming the norm. When she thinks it couldn’t get worse, a powerful evil sets up shop at a local hotel’s video game convention, and it’s got its eye on more than the gaming geeks-it’s hungry for Madison’s soul. Madison needs to become an expert illuminant enforcer overnight to save her job, her region … and her life. A Fistful of Evil is a fresh new adult urban fantasy from the author of the well-loved Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles. For a wildly imaginative story packed full of supernatural horrors, kick-butt action, and laugh-out-loud moments, you won’t want to miss this series starter.

I am sure I will get to another audio and a new kindle book but I have not decided which ones yet.  I am inclined to some holiday reading but also want some mindless action. I will be reading a "V" and "Z" title this month and I have to find an "X" to finish my alphabet challenge.

December 3, 2023 - I am doing the daily readings of BibleProject plan: The Full Story - "From the beginning to the Amen". This week's reading has been in Luke.

I finished two books and posted no reviews, putting me further behind.  

NETGALLEY STATUS--
I have an older audio on my shelf I should listen to (soon).
I still have the two old NetGalley ebook titles.

Other Sources: I have a dozen or so books that I received from Facebook links and newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests. plus many titles through InstaFreebie over the past few years.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit, me, and newest to the team, Emma at Words and Peace.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

No new review titles this week.
I used an Audiobooks.com credit for two for one Holiday Romance. 
I did purchase 7 books for sale at Audible - I will list them next week.
I have 36 Audible Plus titles picked up over the past two weeks. I am listing 12 this week.

No new Kindle title this week.
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

12/1/2023 Two for One Credit Holiday Romance at Audiobooks.

Under the Texas Mistletoe: A Trio of Christmas Historical Romance Novellas
Written by: Karen Witemeyer
Narrated by: Barbara Mcculloh
Duration: 11 hours 32 minutes

Holiday Homecoming Secrets
Written By: Lynette Eason
Narrated By: Rachel Dulude
Duration: 5 Hours 57 Minutes

Free

I am listing 12 Audible Plus titles from 11/19 to 11/26/23.

Once Upon a Midnight Drow
Goth Drow, Book 1
By: Martha Carr, Michael Anderle
Narrated by: Devon Sorvari
Length: 21 hrs and 48 mins

Murder in an English Village
By: Jessica Ellicott
Narrated by: Barbara Rosenblat
Series: A Beryl and Edwina Mystery, Book 1
Length: 9 hrs and 26 mins

The Quake Cities
By: Mark Wheaton
Narrated by: Alyssa Bresnahan
Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins

Be My Ghost
Haunted Haven Mystery Series, Book 1
By: Carol J. Perry
Narrated by: C.S.E. Cooney
Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins

A Thousand Li: The First Step: A Cultivation Novel
Series: A Thousand Li Series, Book 1
By: Tao Wong
Narrated by: Travis Baldree
Length: 8 hrs and 27 mins

Hella
By: David Gerrold
Narrated by: Travis Baldree
Length: 13 hrs and 19 mins

Ninefox Gambit
Series: Machineries of Empire, Book 1
By: Yoon Ha Lee
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller
Length: 10 hrs and 52 mins

Raven Stratagem
Series: Machineries of Empire, Book 2
By: Yoon Ha Lee
Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller
Length: 13 hrs and 39 mins

Judge Dredd
Year One: Omnibus
By: Matt Smith, Al Ewing, Michael Carroll
Narrated by: Jordan Harold
Length: 10 hrs and 40 mins

Into the Looking Glass
Series: Looking Glass, Book 1
By: John Ringo
Narrated by: L. J. Ganser
Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins

Spells, Salt, & Steel, Season 1
Series: Spells, Salt, & Steel, Book 1
By: Gail Z. Martin, Larry N. Martin
Narrated by: Roger Wayne
Length: 11 hrs and 47 mins

Ship of Smoke and Steel
Series: The Wells of Sorcery Trilogy, Book 1
By: Django Wexler
Narrated by: Catherine Ho
Length: 13 hrs and 56 mins


No new title added to Kindle library.  Free titles might be found at Bookbub, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement December 3, 2023 - Unlikely People.

I attended church online this morning. Pastor delivered a message from Matthew 1:1 regarding the genealogy of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 1:1 NIV
1 This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham:

The message noted that God uses unusual, unlikely, and imperfect people. When you review the genealogy of Christ, there are some surprises.

V3: Tamar engaged in deliberate sin to disguise herself as a prostitute and have sex and bear a child by her father-in-law.
V5: Rahab was not of the Israelite tribe, and she was a prostitute. But she helped the Israelite spies escape from Jericho.

This is not a family line you would boast about. But it shows that God can use those with “junk” and failure in their past. God is in the business of redemption and restoration.
We have an advocate with the father, and he restores us to a right relationship.

V5: Ruth, the Moabite, follows Naomi back to Israel. She marries Boaz and is part of the ancestry of Christ. Moabites were dark, descendants of Lots daughters. There line was started by incestuous relationship.

V6: The wife of Uriah – Bathsheba. David took another man’s wife in adultery, then killed her husband. The first child died but she gave birth to Solomon who is in the ancestry line.

V16: Mary was a teenage mother.

Even in the apostles it is clear that God uses unlikely people to do His work. God redeems human weaknesses which He then uses for His Glory. How many of us need to move beyond the failures of our past to allow God to use us now for His purposes.

We are mindful too that today is the first Sunday of Advent – the week of Hope.
This video song speaks to both the message of God’s work in us and our hope for the future:
Fear is Not My Future.

A Verse for Today:
Matthew 1:1 NIV
1 This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham:


Lord, I am thankful that You use unlikely people. I am especially thankful that you redeem our past and give us a new future and a Hope!

MBS October 2023 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2023 Reading List - OCTOBER

Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABB = Audiobook Boom
e = eBook; eA = eBook from Author; eT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2023
* Completed Challenge

Favorites for the month:
5 Stars =
4.75 Stars =  Gossip and Gorgons (Manners and Monsters)
4.5 Stars =  Deadbreak, Two Necromancers, Material Witness, and Deep Dark

1. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Not Alone by Craig A. Falconer; Genre: Aliens, First Contact, Science Fiction; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
2. eBTBR: Book Review: Her Kind of Sheriff by Ellen Knightley; Genre: Clean, Historical Romance, Sweet; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0.
3. ATBR: Audio Book Review: Deadbreak by Jorge Sanchez; Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Apocalyptic & Dystopian, Horror; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
4. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Two Necromancers, a Bureaucrat, and an Army of Golems: An Unconventional Heroes Publisher's Pack by L.G. Estrella; Genre: Humorous Fantasy; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
5. ATBR: Audio Book Review: A Death at Eastwick by L.C. Warman; Genre:Mystery, Whodunit, Young Adult, My Rating: 3.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.5; Narration 3.5.
6. ATBR: Two Audible Book Reviews for #Fraterfest: Material Witness: A Joe Ledger Bonus Story and Deep, Dark: An Exclusive Short Story by Jonathan Maberry; Genre: Military, Paranormal, Suspense; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
7. ATBR: Two Audible Book Reviews for #Fraterfest: Material Witness: A Joe Ledger Bonus Story and Deep, Dark: An Exclusive Short Story by Jonathan Maberry; Genre: Military, Paranormal, Suspense; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
8. NG2023: #NetGalley Book Review: The Messiest Monster on Mill Street by Sarah Sparks; Genre: Children’s, Personal Growth; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.
9. eb and ATBR: Three Short Reviews for Ghostly #Fraterfest Reads: The Tutor by Rod A. Galino; A Wild Ghost Chase By E.J. Copperman; The Ghost Hunter Next Door by Danielle Garrett; Genre: Children’s, Cozy Mysteries, Ghosts; My Ratings: 4.25.
10. A Wild Ghost Chase by E.J. Copperman
11. The Ghost Hunter Next Door by Danielle Garrett
12. ATBR: Audio Book Review: Gossip and Gorgons, Book 3 of Manners and Monsters Collection by Tilly Wallace; Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.
13. The Experience Machine by Jason Werbeloff
14. Patient Zero, The Joe Ledger Novels, Book 1, by Jonathan Maberry
15. Book 2 "The Paramedic's Angel", Extreme Medical Services Box Set Vol 1 - 3 by Jamie Davis
16. Nights of the Living Dead An Anthology, Jonathan Maberry - editor, George A. Romero - editor, Gabrielle de Cuir - director

This Month Total read = 16
TBR = 14
New Authors = 10
Audio/Audible = 12 (11 TBRs)
NetGalley = 1 (0 audio) (0 TBRs)
Author Review books (other than NG) = 0
Nonfiction = 0
eBook = 2 (2 TBR)
Print = 0 (0 TBR)
DNF - 0

Goal Progress (to Date meaning through the end of the given month)
Goodreads Goal Read to Date: 114 of 125
*TBR to Date: 91 of 90
*Audio to Date: 104 of 100
*NetGalley to Date: 16 of 10
Author Reviews: 7 of 12
Nonfiction: 7 of 10
TBR ebooks or Print: 4 of 8
New Authors to date: 71

• *Series: 82 of 75 (23 continuing, 59 new)
• New to me Series: 59 (24 Yes to continue; 12 likely to continue, 18 maybe, 5 unlikely)
• Finished for me Series: 2 (maybe? Not sure if the Bobiverse is done)

Special Goals
• Seasonal title: 3 of 4: Winter, Spring, Summer, (Autumn)

• Alphabet letters covered: (22 of 26) -- 9 January (A, C, D, F, H, L, P, R, S); 6 February (B, E, G, I, T, Y); 5 March (K, M, J, O, U) 1 April (W) 1 May (N) 0 June
NEED: Q, V, X, Z

• Locations: 11 of 8
      River, Mountains, Kingdoms, Castle, Junkyard, Deadlands, Shore, Paris, Park, Ranch, Harbor

• Numbers: 10 of 12
      Forging Zero, Cat o’ Nine Tales, Six Crimson Cranes, One Heart to Win, The Fifth Victim, The Fourth Monkey, 1984, Robinson Crusoe 2244. 299 The Preparation, Two Necromancers

Groups of Five: (Places and Numbers above)
• Times of Day: 4 of 5
      Moonshine, Morning, Midnight, Nights
• Occupations: 10 of 5
      Warrior, Cowboy, Vet, King, Cop, Pirate, Instructor, Wizard, Sheriff, Tutor
• Colors: 5 of 5
      The Far Blue Mountains, Six Crimson Cranes, Silver Dollar Duke; Altered Carbon, Black Sheep

MBS September 2023 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2023 Reading List - SEPTEMBER

Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABB = Audiobook Boom
e = eBook; eA = eBook from Author; eT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2023
Favorites for the month:

5 Stars =
4.75 Stars =
4.5 Stars =  Hope Harbor, A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking, What if It's True?

1. ATBR: Audio Book Review: Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon; Genre: Christian Romance, Contemporary; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
2. ATBR: Audible Book Review: Contact Front, Drop Trooper, Book 1 by Rick Partlow; Genre: First Contact, Military, Space; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
3. ATBR: Audio Book Review: The Dragonet Prophecy (Wings of Fire #1) by Tui T. Sutherland; Genre: Action & Adventure, Dragons, Fantasy, Growing Up; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
4. ATBR: Audio Book Review: Hunted, A Seventeen Series Novel Book 1, by AD Starrling ; Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Supernatural, Urban Fantasy; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
5. ATBR: Audible Book Review: The Dragon and the George by Godon R. Dickson; Genre: Classic, Epic, Sword & Sorcery; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
6. ATBR: Audio Book Review: A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher; Genre: Fantasy, Magic, Middle Grade, Mysteries; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
7. ATBR: Audible Book Review:  299 Days, The Preparation, Book 1, by Glen Tate; Genre: Action & Adventure, Dystopian, Prepper; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
8. eB2023: Book Review: Con Crazy by Addison J. Chapple, Danny Kravitz, Eliza Marsh; Genre: Crime, Humor, International Mystery; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0
9. eB2023: Book Review: Jingled (A Charlie Cooper Christmas Short Story) by Deany Ray; Genre: Christmas, Two-Hour Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Short Reads; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.
10. ATBR: Audio Book Review: What If It's True? by Charles Martin; Genre: Christian Nonfiction, Religious & Inspirational, Christian Living; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

This Month Total read = 10
TBR = 9
New Authors = 7
Audio/Audible = 8 (8 TBRs)
NetGalley = 0 (0 audio) (0 TBRs)
Author Review books (other than NG) = 2
Nonfiction = 1
eBook = 2 (1 TBR)
Print = 0 (0 TBR)
DNF - 0

Goal Progress (to Date meaning through the end of the given month)
Goodreads Goal Read to Date: 98 of 125
TBR to Date: 77 of 90
Audio to Date: 92 of 100
NetGalley to Date: 15 of 10
Author Reviews: 7 of 12
Nonfiction: 7 of 10
TBR ebooks or Print: 6 of 8
New Authors to date: 61

• Series: 70 of 75 (17 continuing, 53 new)
• New to me Series: 53 (23 Yes to continue; 11 likely to continue, 14 maybe, 5 unlikely)
• Finished for me Series: 2 (maybe? Not sure if the Bobiverse is done)

Special Goals
• Seasonal title: 3 of 4: Winter, Spring, Summer, (Autumn)

• Alphabet letters covered: (22 of 26) -- 9 January (A, C, D, F, H, L, P, R, S); 6 February (B, E, G, I, T, Y); 5 March (K, M, J, O, U) 1 April (W) 1 May (N) 0 June
NEED: Q, V, X, Z

• Locations: 11 of 8
      River, Mountains, Kingdoms, Castle, Junkyard, Deadlands, Shore, Paris, Park, Ranch, Harbor

• Numbers: 9 of 12
      Forging Zero, Cat o’ Nine Tales, Six Crimson Cranes, One Heart to Win, The Fifth Victim, The Fourth Monkey, 1984, Robinson Crusoe 2244. 299 The Preparation

Groups of Five: (Places and Numbers above)
• Times of Day: 3 of 5
      Moonshine, Morning, Midnight
• Occupations: 8 of 5
      Warrior, Cowboy, Vet, King, Cop, Pirate, Instructor, Wizard
• Colors: 5 of 5
      The Far Blue Mountains, Six Crimson Cranes, Silver Dollar Duke; Altered Carbon, Black Sheep