I have not left the wonderous internet or abandoned my blog site. I just to took some much-needed RnR with the family, driving to Florida and spending 10 days with the gang and our two dogs – a 2800 miles roundtrip. Totally worth it.
I’m back, slightly lobster tanned, perhaps a few pounds heavier, but filled with energy.
Before we went to Florida, I had to go to Vegas on a business trip. I haven’t been in Vegas since 2018, and it was great being back in Sin City. There’s something strange and yet appealing to going to Las Vegas, although I don’t enjoy staying at the busy hotels on the Strip. You have to walk through the casino to get anywhere, and I find it disturbing that people are actually gambling at 7 am.
Ever since my first visit to Sin City, when I primarily stayed within the Strip area, I now venture a little off the beaten path to experience exciting stuff.
During my Vegas adventures, I have visited some excellent places that I highly recommend.
- Hoover Dam
- Grand Canyon West Rim (Sky Walk)
- The neon museum
- Mob Museum
- Fremont Street
- National Atomic Testing Museum
- Sunset Horseback ride and dinner
- Mike Tyson at the Comedy Lounge
There is so much more to Vegas. No need to see or visit all the shows on the Strip, when you can travel to several amazing sites in less than 2.5 hours.
Your sanity can only survive a few hours of the Vegas casino and nudity madness a day. It is important to get away from the lights and gambling, to experience stuff. Next time I’m not staying in any of the hotels on the Strip, despite how luxurious they are.
While away, my awesome Viking offspring, my little Berserker daughter, passed her driving test – first attempt. I’m super proud of her achievements, but also very scared for her. She’s my little girl and I dread the thought of her driving around alone. There are so many insane drivers out there.
I miss my Traeger. I miss making meal plans. I miss cooking in my kitchen and outside, while listening to cool music.
I’m back in business and looking forward to a lot of meal planning. Today I’m back behind the keyboard while browsing the internet for meal ideas. It’s amazing how refreshed I feel after a few days away, and I’m dying to get back into action.
During our excellent stay at an Airbnb house in Sarasota (Florida), we had access to a gas grill. Not my ideal choice of outdoor cooking and I quickly realized how much I missed my Traeger.
They had excellent food shopping in Sarasota area, and even better vegetables and seafood options. However, cooking on a gas grill is well below my standards. I’m sure you can create some amazing dishes on the gas grill. I just don’t enjoy cooking on these creations. And, they get so bloody dirty and very difficult to clean well.
More updates and adventures will be shared about our road trip to Florida, including our Waffle House visit!
Planning the dinners … again
This is our last (half) week off before school starts. I’m back to work Monday morning and need to get back into the weekly meal planning. Just like the kids have to prepare for early starts and homework, I must shop and cook again.
Our meals this week are simple dishes that can easily be reheated, and I’m putting in a little Cajun Seasoning in most recipes to remind us of our visit to the Southern parts of the US.
There are plenty of healthy options on the menu, and I like to spread between various meats and sides.
Fire up the Traeger. Ready your Dutch oven. Go shopping, and let’s start cooking—another Sunday in the Kitchen with music on the magical Demerbox and wonderful aromas filling the room.
| Weekday | Snacks n’ Breakfasts | Lunch | Dinner |
| Monday | No school – kids are fending for themselves | Scandinavian sausage pot with mashed potatoes | |
| Tuesday | No school – kids are fending for themselves | Creamy tomato salmon with Quinoa | |
| Wednesday | Sliders; turkey, salami, melted cheese, tomato, and sauerkraut | Meat lasagne | |
| Thursday | Sliders; turkey, salami, melted cheese, tomato, and sauerkraut | Fajita lime chicken wraps | |
| Friday | Fajita lime chicken with rice | Chicken green curry with Jasmine rice |
One day, I might get so organized that I will link the meals below to my recipes. We can only live in hope!
Have a fantastic week, my friends. I hope you enjoy these meal plans. It is so much easier to make food in advance, although you need to invest several hours during the weekend to prepare the meals.
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