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Good morning, and happy Sunday! It’s hard to believe that I’ve now written 300 of these weekly updates!! That’s almost 6 years of sharing our dinners every night.😲 I wouldn’t keep doing it if I didn’t hear from so many of you every Sunday — asking questions, leaving helpful comments, or just offering kind support. I appreciate each one you, so thank YOU for being here. As usual, all of the highlights from the past few days, along with all of our dinners, are included in today’s 300th roundup of Our Week in Meals!
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For those of you who are new to the blog, Our Week in Meals is where I share a little bit about what we’ve been up to over the past week — as it relates to our dinners each night. This series gives you a glimpse “behind the scenes” at some highlights from our life, shows you how I balance a busy schedule with feeding my family, and offers a few new ideas for your own weekly meal plan.
Before I forget, just a quick note to let you know that I was featured on Take Them A Meal this week. I’m sharing some of my favorite recipes to deliver to friends in need, so check out this article if you’re interested!
Now, let’s back up to last weekend…
My friend Adria joined me for a very sweaty, humid walk early on Sunday morning.
I canned two batches of the easiest blackberry jam while Keith and Gibbs went golf shopping,
…and took Casey and Spencer for an afternoon swim. They love for me to take photos of their flips, cannonballs, and other jumps so that they can see themselves afterwards. It’s the only time they ever actually request a photo (instead, I usually get eyerolls)!
Keith grilled scallops for supper, which we paired with rice, a baguette that I picked up from the Sperryville Corner Store, sliced tomato, and a classic Caesar salad.
I took the boys up to Yowell Meadow Park in Culpeper on Monday morning so that they could ride their bikes on paved paths while I walked the dog.
Followed by iced coffee and donuts before heading back to Madison! Making the most of the last week of summer break…
I had a work meeting that afternoon, and then pulled out my deep fryer to make chicken nuggets for supper (a regular kid request). You can also prepare these in a Dutch oven or in a deep skillet, but the fryer makes it really easy! We paired them with waffle fries (ala Chik-Fil-A), refrigerator dill pickles, and store-bought coleslaw.
Keith and I took advantage of a pretty morning and went for a walk on Tuesday before he headed off to work.
The kids and I went to the pool for a swim, while Teddy sunned himself on the window seat (rough life)!
Both Casey and Spencer had soccer practices that evening in another county, which means that we had to eat dinner really early before they left. I prepped a pot of slow cooker chili, which is an easy option to serve in shifts when some of us need to eat later. File this one away for back-to-school season, moms and dads!
Paired with cornbread, always!
Wednesday wasn’t much fun, but we took care of some necessary tasks…
…including dentist appointments for the three boys, followed by multiple Zoom calls for me that afternoon.
Love his dental chair look? Mask on his chin, upside down sunglasses, and a bandage on his head where he split it open the day before when he crashed on his scooter.🤷♀️
I made 20-minute weeknight salmon sandwiches for supper, served with veggies and dip (carrots, cucumbers, ranch) and potato chips. Simple, but tasty!
Thursday was devoted to back-to-school open houses (much to the boys’ dismay). These kiddos have loved their summer break, and aren’t the least bit interested in returning to class on Tuesday. Oh, well!
We stopped at the elementary school to meet Spencer’s third grade teachers first, and then headed over to the middle school so that our rising 6th and 7th graders could drop off their supplies.
The younger boys had soccer practices again that evening, so I served their favorite shortcut sesame chicken for an early supper before they had to leave. Paired with rice, steamed broccoli, and (frozen) egg rolls.
Friday morning sunrise…
I took Gibbs to play golf,
and snuck in some work time (and a frappuccino) at the Starbucks in Ruckersville while I waited for him to finish. P.S. — that tote bag that you see in the background is a personal favorite for work and travel (wipes clean, goes with everything, comes in a variety of colors, and is incredibly sturdy and functional)!
Teddy went to the groomer, my parents came for lunch, and Keith took Casey to a soccer practice in Charlottesville later that afternoon.
Since Keith and Casey were down in Charlottesville for the evening, they ate a late supper down there afterwards. Meanwhile, the other two boys and I stopped by the local farm stand for some corn, peaches, tomatoes, and other produce…
…and then picked up pizzas to eat here at the house.
Saturday was a gorgeous day, so we tried to spend as much time as possible outside.
I went for a walk with my friend Barbara while Keith and the boys took care of yard work,
and then we all got haircuts after lunch.
Dinner included pork chops with peach sauce, along with a jar of Barbara’s cinnamon applesauce, pasta tossed with pesto sauce (a great pairing with the peaches), and fresh corn on the cob. Summer on a plate!
Finally, before I sign off, I realized that I almost forgot to share this week’s books! I’ve got a couple of good ones to recommend. First, If I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane. I checked this one out because I enjoyed the author’s other book, Don’t You Forget About Me. This novel wasn’t quite as good, but it was still a cute, entertaining story. If you’re looking for a fluffy, end-of-summer romance, it’s worth the read!
Next, I turned my attention back to World War II historical fiction (it had been awhile!). The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin was one of my favorite books that I’ve picked up this year. The heavy topic of war was nicely balanced with joyful moments and the best of humanity. Such a pleasure to read! Here’s the quick summary from Amazon:
August 1939: London prepares for war as Hitler’s forces sweep across Europe. Grace Bennett has always dreamed of moving to the city, but the bunkers and drawn curtains that she finds on her arrival are not what she expected. And she certainly never imagined she’d wind up working at Primrose Hill, a dusty old bookshop nestled in the heart of London.
Through blackouts and air raids as the Blitz intensifies, Grace discovers the power of storytelling to unite her community in ways she never dreamed—a force that triumphs over even the darkest nights of the war.
And that’s it for now, friends! I hope that you’ve found some new recipes to add to your own table in the days ahead. Thank you for joining me here every Sunday, and for the kind support that you offer our family. Have a wonderful week ahead!🧡
Wow 300! I’ve only been with you for about half that, but thank you so much for the weekly inspiration, it’s become a part of my Sunday and I love hearing about you and your family.
Thank you, Ruth! I appreciate you being here for so long!
Good morning from Livermore CA !.
I just completed my first week with your wonderful meal suggestions.
I made the fresh peach blueberry cobbler in my cast-iron skillet.
Having neighbors over for a BBQ and this is the perfect dessert.
Thanks for such a delightful Sunday post and recipes.
That’s so great to hear, Judy! I love knowing that you’re enjoying the recipes (and especially the cobbler!) all of the way out in California. Have a wonderful week!
Congratulations on your long running site and the help you. . provided to these in need.
Thank you for saying that, Glenda. I’m happy you’re here!
Look forward to Sundays and hearing what you and your family are eating, doing, reading and all the lovely photos of your area.
Thank you, Barbara!
300! Looking forward to the next 300. Thank you for the delicious recipes and great photos.
Thank you so much, Jill!
Keep them coming!!! I enjoy reading about your family and learning new recipes. Thank you for giving us a peek of your family. Congratulations on 300! And many more.
Thanks, Sue!
So glad I found your site! I do enjoy not only the recipes but just the simple news of what you and your family are doing. It is such a pleasant change from the very unpleasant world ‘news’!
Congratulations on 300 !
Thank you so much for saying that, Rosanna!
I love your blog and the weekly recap! I found you this spring. I look forward to the recipes and seeing your family adventures. My family is grown bur now I’m enjoying grandchildren.
Thank you, Phyllis. 🙂
Thank you for all your delicious recipes and gorgeous photos. It always makes me want to jump in the car and drive out to the Blue Ridge! Have a great week 🙂
Thank you, Megan!
I’ve been here every Sunday, for a long time, and would def. miss it if not! Enjoy your pics, recipes, and your growing boys! Tell Spencer to slow down! lol
Have a great week!
Thanks, Jane! Yes, they’re growing SO fast. Time really does fly. Thank you for being a regular around here! 🙂
Blair
Let me join the parade of congratulations from blogging friends! Great recipes as always and I love “catching up” with your family on Sunday mornings! And LOVE the gorgeous pictures!
As one other said – please keep ’em coming!
Take care!
Thank you so much, Cathy. I always love hearing from you!
Yes, I am also sending congratulations on the 300. Have only been on your site for a year but,just love it. Love the photos of your part of the state. We vacationed in that area several years ago and loved it, so very beautiful. Also thanks for recommending the great novels as usual the “Father Tim” books are a favorite. God Bless You and Family!
Thank you, Melody! 🙂
Blair, I love your easy, common sense recipes. I most often have the ingredients on hand and love how yummy they turn out.
My husband and I have lived all over and spent most of our working career and child raising years in Houston, but my childhood summers were spent in Madison, Va. I’m a great grandchild of E.A. Clore and my happiest memories are of beautiful days spent with family members, cousins, around good cooks and, of course, the uncles involved at the furniture factory, which we called ‘the shop”. When you mention Culpepper, Ruckersville or Charlottesville, I know exactly where you’re talking about. It feels like you’re a good friend!
Thanks so much for sharing your life with us and your recipes too!
That’s amazing, Vickie! Such a small world. We get our hair cut (like we did yesterday) at a house a few doors down from the Clore shop, so I know it well! 🙂
Love the wonderful pictures of your area. Looking forward to trying a few of the recipes and future posts.
Thank you, Judy!
Blair, Congratulations on your BIG 300! I so enjoy you sharing of your talents, including your recipes, the photos & sharing your week! Many of your recipes have made it into my cooking rotation. Thank You! I have to admit, I love your photos just as much as your recipes also. Looking forward to what’s ahead!
That’s great to hear, Kris. It obviously takes a lot of time to pull together, so it’s nice to know that you enjoy all of it — not just the food! 🙂
Congratulations, Blair! i just roasted a butternut to make your soup today. It’s finally cooler and not so humid, so soup seems like a good idea for a change. Hope the boys have a great school year, and thanks as always for bringing your “story” and the wonderful pictures to us. I count on you every Sunday to get me grounded in what’s really important!
That sounds delicious, Tim! We’re having some less-humid temps here as well, so I’m looking forward to diving into some of our more fall-themed meals again!
Hello Blair,
Congrats on 300! I so look forward to your weekly emails.
Thanks for sharing such great recipes. I’ve added more than a few to this week’s menu.
Enjoy your week!
Thank you, Julie!
Congratulations on your 300th from Ontario, Canada!!! Sunday mornings for me are early rise, devotions and then your blog!!! I love hearing and seeing all about the family and Virginia where I lived for over 30 years…I show the Virginia photos to my hubby which he enjoys seeing as he has never been there but has heard from me how beautiful it is…and I love your recipes which have become a part of our life…we hope that you are blessed to have 300 more!!!!
Thank you, Wendy! I’m glad that you can have a little bit of home all of the way in Canada each Sunday morning. 🙂
Congrats on reaching 300 posts! I don’t always get to read your Week in Meals emails on Sunday, but I do get to them eventually. And they are always a feast for the eyes – you do a beautiful job and I enjoy seeing pictures of the scenery around your area and the changing seasons, as well as your food photography, of course! Thank you for sharing your passion for feeding your family with us and happenings in your life along the way! Best wishes for a healthy and productive school year!
Thank you, Johanna!
Blair – Being a long time follower of your blog it hadn’t even occurred to me that you had reached another milestone – 300 posts. WOW! I enjoyed reading The Last Bookshop in London as well. WWII seems to be a reoccurring theme in many books right now. Recently I read one called The German School for Brides which I would definitely recommend. Since I’m only cooking for two now I appreciate the ability to cut these quick meal recipes. Of course, may of the casseroles can provide a meal for a second day and voila – another quicker meal. Love seeing your pictures as I miss my mountain view in Madison.
Keep those great recipes coming.
Thank you, Jill! I didn’t realize that you aren’t in Madison anymore. I’m sorry to hear that you don’t have the mountain view to enjoy, but I’m glad to share Madison with you each week!
I’ll add that book to my list. Thank you for the recommendation!
I want to chime in with all the positive remarks you have received. I live in San Diego and I love your photos! Our daughter lives in Springfield, VA so the photos remind me of her and her family. I have been to Culpepper and love it. Love your recipes and the book recommendations. Keep the recipes coming! I appreciate them.
You’re so kind. Thank you for taking the time to leave a note, Kay. My brother-in-law lives in Springfield, so we know it well! 🙂
Hello, Blair:
You finally did it, hitting the 300 mark. I noticed that was coming before you reached it, and asked if you were going to do something special for that day. Well, the pictures were great, and so were the recipes. I usually pick out one recipe to make in the following week, but this time, I can’t make up my mind! All of them are so appealing!
Again, Congratulations your 300th milestone.
Sandra W.
Thank you for being here for the ride, Sandra! 🙂 I hope that you enjoy the new recipe(s) this week!
Congratulations from Nebraska! I appreciate your thoughtful recipes, honest book reviews, beautiful pictures and chronicles of everyday life raising kids. I look forward to your positivity and enjoy your archived work outs as well. You have become a trusted source. Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much! That’s incredibly kind of you to say, and it makes me really happy to know that you’ve found some helpful info on the site (even in those older posts!). Hah! Take care, and thank you for reading along!
Wow! What a milestone..300!! I absolutely love your weekly posts so I’m so glad you do them! I have been loving your summer pictures… we live in the Phx area in Az where we don’t have a lot of green..lol.. or any green.. I love your pics you post of your daily walks… I am currently reading the newest Madeleine Martin book, The Librarian Spy.. hood so far! I loved The Last Bookshop in London. I was lucky enough to go be part of a group that did a Bookclub for that book that included an live interview with the author at the end. Madeline is so lovely! A book suggestion for you, The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green… it’s a book of essays .. different but so good! Thanks again!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Corissa. That’s awesome that you had an opportunity to meet Madeleine! I’ll have to look for her newest book, and I’ll also try to check out your other recommendation. Thanks again for following along with us each week!