February 19, 2022

WEEKLY MENU 02.20.22

We’re looking out the window, past the ice and snow to see welcome visitors in our backyard during the Weekly Menu 02.20.22.

What are we looking at during the icy cold conditions that exist during the Weekly Menu 02.20.22? Bright red cardinals, of course! But they’re much more than just a potential harbinger of spring. Many people believe they are actually a representation of our loved ones that have gone before us.

For many, the sight of a cardinal holds special meaning, sometimes evoking emotional or spiritual feelings. They say the vibrant red bird is an uplifting, happy sign that those we have lost will live forever, so long as we keep their memory alive in our hearts. As cardinals sing their pleasant song, people may recall cherished memories of better times. The beautiful birds are a reminder that loved ones will never truly be forgotten.
“Ever since I was little, my mom always told me ‘when cardinals are here, angels are near.’”
To other people, spotting a cheerful red cardinal means that their family member or friend is safe and happy, even if they are far away. Cardinals also offer a bright spot of color in the winter; they’re a symbol of hope and joy,
Birds & Bloom

Some of the traditions about the meaning of the presence of a cardinal are:
The red cardinal is a spiritual messenger from God.
The red cardinal is representative of one of departed loved ones attempting contact.
When a red cardinal hits a window, it is a bad sign representing death.
The red cardinal represents the blood of Christ.
Symbolizing combating difficulties with hope in God, the red cardinal appears in times of stress and despair to encourage hope and persistence.
Love to Know

Now, I’m not superstitious, but I am a little stitious.

I love seeing the cardinals, especially the bright red during the snowy and wintery times. I’m not sure I believe that they are DOLD or Mom, but the cardinals always make me think of both of them, which is pretty powerful all on its own. If nothing else, a moment of silent appreciation always follows a sighting.

I’ll keep my eye out when I’m doing dishes!

Speaking of dirtying the dishes, what’s for eats during the Weekly Menu 02.20.22? We’re continuing our comfort food trend with D’s favorite meal on Sunday night. Nothing like a nice spicy chicken/pasta dish to keep you warm! Chicken Fra Diavolo also happens to be very easy to pull together, which is nice, and we’ll have that going for us.

We’re using up the leftover little potatoes with our CrissCross Potatoes on Monday, and we’re breaking all the rules with the instant-mashed on Wednesday. Please remember: I’ve never met a potato I didn’t like. That includes boxed spuds. A dash of onion powder and a bit of judicious butter placement will make these shine. A big plus: no peeling!

We’re making Cheeseburger Soup on Friday because I’ve been craving it. One variation I always go with is the addition of a fair amount (probably 1/2 of a cup in a big vat of soup) of ketchup. And of course, only Heinz Ketchup will do. (Affiliate links precede and follow. See Disclaimer Page for Details.)

We’re hauling out the crockpot on Thursday for the ever-dreaded pork chops. Smothering them in ranch and cream cheese will most likely make them a little more palatable to the masses, ahem, {D}.