Monday, August 18, 2025

Just Because

I haven't done a 'just because' post in a while, so I thought it was time.  They are similar to 'this and that' posts, which show the simple happenings of the week.

My son made some croissants, and I think it's safe to say that he has mastered this recipe.  It was his best batch yet.  I drizzled a little butter and blackberry jam on them.  Were they ever so good.





He also made a French stew.  It had such a unique taste, and the beef was tender.  I liked it so much that I had seconds, and some more the next day!





It's still a little early for Fall, but I couldn't resist picking this up when I saw it at the grocery store. 



My best friend called last week, and we talked for an hour!  It was good catching up with her.  She sees everyone more regularly than I do, as she lives close to my hometown.



Check out the cake Nel made for Mia.  It's a 'Lilo and Stitch' theme.  I think it's her most creative one yet.  I love all the colors swirling in the cake.

My neighbor's roses are blooming like crazy.  They repotted them in an iron pot, so he thinks that's why they are doing so well.  She always has delightful things on her front porch.







I met my brother-in-law at the Chinese Restaurant last week.  I ordered the deluxe lunch special, which included sweet and sour pork, chow mein, egg roll, and shrimp and cream cheese wonton.  A coke is a must when I order Chinese food.  It was delicious. 🍚🍤  I enjoyed catching up with my brother-in-law.  I was cracking up at his face expressions when he was telling stories of the squirrels' antics around his house, and the amusing behavior of the raccoons when he traveled up north.  I do not like the squirrel, but I got some pics of one carrying on as he was sitting on the big pile of logs that my neighbor will use this winter for firewood.  For my squirrel-loving blog friends.

















Hope the week is kind to you.




  

27 comments:

🌻 Debby 🌻 said...

No squirrels visit my yard or neighborhood. Maybe too many dogs? Once we did and Laydee just wouldn’t settle down. I thought, “great, this is going to be a problem” but after chasing it a few times, it moved on.
The stew and croissants sound good. Your son is a good cook. 👨‍🍳
That red cottage - oh my how I would love to live there. How cute is that?
Well my dear, our favorite season will soon be here and I can’t wait. While the temperatures are still hot, when they fluctuate back and forth, that’s a sign of a change; granted not big enough to usher in Autumn but 🍂 Just enough of a sign to reassure us that it’s coming.
I hope you have a meaningful week. God bless.

Pilar said...

Are you in the Fall Feels too?! It was cooler here about two weeks ago and now I long for the cooler Fall weather. I thought hard about making a pot of Chili the other day, but I'll wait to it gets cooler. I hope you're doing well Sheri and enjoying these end of Summer days my friend!

Sandi said...

Your squirel friend is so cute.

We went to stay at my childhood home this summer (it's a vacation rental these days) in the far, far north in Michigan. Guess what they have in Michigan? Jet black squirrels. I didn't remember them from growing up there and was shocked to see them. I had no idea they came in that color.

R's Rue said...

All this food is making me hungry

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

You have been busy with wonderful days! The stew looks so yummy. We have not had many hummingbird visitors this summer - I am not sure why...but I miss them.

Ginny Hartzler said...

Yes, I do enjoy squirrel watching. Your family are all amazing cooks. And that cake...wow, it is so stunning! How on earth did you get such a good pick of the hummingbird? They are always moving so fast! And I love the gorgeous photo of the ladybug on the yellow rose.

Carla from The River said...

Hi, I love the cake too. :-)
I want a croissant, they look so good, save one for me.
And I LOVE the last photo best, a lovely capture of the ladybug and yellow rose.
Carla

Susan said...

Awwwm Sheri, that was a lovely post. Nel's cake is wonderful. Mia must have been thrilled beyond belief and so colorful, too! Mr. Squirrel? Uh uh. Not for Susie. They used to eat all my spring flower bulbs and I'd have nothing left. I even poured cayenne pepper on plants and they STILL ate them.....guess some squirrels like hot flavors! ha haha I don't see them at all near my apartment so good riddance. Your son's croissants look absolutely FABULOUS. Oh my. He is such a good cook, Sheri. And that stew! Ooooo lah lah. It looks "tres bien." Have a delightful week. Hugs. Susan

Hena Tayeb said...

Homemade croissants? Oh my. That cake looks great.. Happy Birthday Mia.

Chatty Crone said...

Good evening.
Is that a new header or have I missed it? Looks so dreamy.
I like your 'Just Because' post today.
I agree about home - you can just be yourself. I like that meme.
Those croissants are gorgeous. And what makes that French Stew?
I know she had to love that Lilo and Stitch cake.
How did you catch the hummingbird and lady bug? WOW!
I love squirrels but not in the house. They even have little fingers.
Well, have a good evening.

Louca por porcelana said...

Yummy food and adorable cake! Cute squirrels too. Hugs and blessings dear friend.

Shug said...

I enjoyed your "Just Because" post. I always like to know what all is happening in the everyday lives of my sweet friends. Chinese food sounds so good. We have a place here in our small town and they really have some good Chinese dishes. Of course, I like the things that are really not so good for me...like, the noodles!! Squirrel subject!! We have so many of the little rascals around here. I do have a huge pecan tree in my yard, which draws them here. Shanda's dog goes nuts (lol) when they bring her over. This dog loves to chase them. The stew looks so good and then there is the CAKE!! goodness, Nell did a great job making and decorating the cake. Lots of fun things happening around you....makes for a good week/weekend. Big hugs to you Sheri...

VENTANA DE FOTO said...

Muy atareada has estado. Has ocupado muy bien tu tiempo,
Un abrazo.

LoveT. said...

The pumpkin spice cocoa is sure to taste great. I would have brought it with me, too, August or not.
The cake is a masterpiece.
The photos of the squirrel are sweet. Squirrels here have reddish-brown fur. :)

Marilyn Miller said...

Love your nature in your part of the world. That cake is amazing. What a nice job. Croissants homemade would be the best, yummm! The hummingbird feeder makes me miss my old one. We haven't been able to attract many birds yet. I have notices pumpkin spice is beginning to show up at the market. So far I have not bought anything, but was very tempted by some bread today. Beef stew won't show up for awhile.

Estelle's said...

What a sweet post Sheri....how wonderful that your son loves to bake and cook...and so enjoyed the pics of the squirrel which I happen to love! Have a good week!

handmade by amalia said...

Love the cottage whimsey and charm of your post.
Amalia
xo

Jennifer said...

Oh those croissants look prize worthy. And so yummy. And such a creative and cute cake. A lot of kitchen talent in your family. I hope you enjoy lots of the results of those talents:)

acorn hollow said...

We have a hawk that is around a lot right now so I think he has cleaned up the squirrels and chipmunks.
Chinese food sounds good and sometimes you need something bubbly to help wash it down.
Cathy

Debbie Nolan said...

Sheri - adore you sharing your "Just Because"...it allows us to visit and share the joy of all that is meaningful happening in your world. Bet your son's stew tasted delicious...Nel's cake for Mia is a work of art...there is something so special with chatting with one's best friend. Also thank you for sharing your squirrel photos...they are a great delight. They certainly keep my dogs crazy at my house. Well take care sweet friend and have a super day! Hugs!

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

I only ever see squirrels at the park or campground. I don't have many trees in my yard, so no where safe for them to flee. I love Mia's cake. Nel did a great job! I am so ready for fall!!

R’s Rue said...

Stopping by to say hi. Love you friend.

Sharon said...

Sheri
My first time commenting I just love your posts so much fun!
I am not a fan of squirrels. My sister and I were petrified of them when we were little. One jumped in our bedroom window while my mother was airing a bedspread out of it. I had one eat through the screen in our kitchen window to eat the rolls on our table We lived in an old neighborhood with lots of trees. I have since moved nearby the bay and ocean of New Jersey. There didn’t seem to be any here but now I am seeing them yuck.
Would love the recipe for the stew. Looks so good. You take such beautiful pictures Enjoy the beautiful weather. Sharon k

Red Rose Alley said...

Sharon, thank you for your nice words. The French soup consists of beef chunks, A1 sauce, veggies and peppers, roux, water, vinegar, tomato paste (home mashed), seasoning and simmer. It's pretty easy, and he's making another batch today!

DeniseinVA said...

Your son’s croissants look amazing! Blackberry jam and butter? Yum! A French Stew on top of everything else. He is an excellent chef! I’ll have to try that pumpkin spice sometime. Love the adorable red cottage. That would be one for my dream places to live. Nothing like having a long chat with a dear friend, and how lovely you met up with your brother-in-law. I am about to have a chat with mine soon via FaceTime. Nel makes the best cakes, this one is so cute! Mia must have loved it. I loved all your photos, great capture of the ladybird on the yellow rose and the hummingbird, and the squirrel of course. Thank you for letting me know you had them on your blog post. I know they can be pretty rascally. Happy weekend to you Sheri :)

CiNdEe's GaRdEn said...

Hi Sheri,
Nells cake is adorable. Love it! And OMG croissants! That is a lot of work. They look amazing! The squirrel pictures are so cute too! I am ready for cooler weather. It has been miserable here with the heat and working in hot kitchen at school. I hope you have a great week! Ugh spell check! Had to delete first comment and correct and republish.

The Happy Whisk said...

Sounds like you had an excellent meal. Great work on the bakes. Glad to read that it was his best yet. That's wonderful.