Adjusting to Change

Meaty Omelet
The Bird Stop | Caldwell, Idaho

Parmesan Encrusted Salmon
Orphan Annies | Caldwell, Idaho

DINING OUT

After 33 years of marriage and raising three children, I am not used to shopping and cooking for just one person. I also arrive home later. As I am rethinking these challenges, I am inclined to finding affordable ways to eat out. 

For instance, I have the Smashburger app on my phone. I am fond of their bunless burgers and fried (unbreaded) Brussels sprouts. I received this particular meal for free yesterday, and I recently paid $3.00 for a signature Cobb Salad—which features a fried egg. To accomplish this, I consistently participate in their online surveys, and I scan my receipts for reward points. Taking surveys have garnered favor with the staff, primarily because I continually praise their service to Smashburger corporate. The more diligent I am, the more the rewards seem to pile up. 

AT HOME

As I begin to cultivate scaled-down meals at home, I am averaging one meal per day. I seriously am not that hungry. If I do snack, it is with something fatty.

A dear lady at church has been gifting me with homegrown zucchinis. They are delicious breaded with crushed pork skins and then roasted. I am using crushed Chicharonnes to bread many items, including fish and onion rings. I call this my new summer thrill.

Feel free to comment below. ⇓

Recent Bite-Seeing

Meatballs with Bolognese and Alfredo Sauce
Wild West Eatery & Cantina
Eagle, Idaho

Caprese
Wild West Eatery & Cantina
Eagle, Idaho

I am gradually creating new adventures by inserting familiar faces into settings that were once shared with my husband. It is a process, but I am finding satisfaction and pleasure in simple things. I continue to search for local events that will keep me happily distracted.

I kept the above meals low-carb by removing the noodles. I see my weight dropping again as stress and grief levels acclimate to this new life of mine. I feel relief!

It occurred to me yesterday evening why doing things alone bothers me in ways that it never did before. I am usually independent and unafraid of launching out on my own. When Barry used to work out of town, I often flew solo, but I felt secure in knowing that he would be returning. Now, with him gone, I have no choice. Strangely, that makes a difference. Thankfully, friends have been showing interest in joining me. I find this soothing.

Feel free to comment below. ⇓