Notice in the picture that the olives are left whole and decorate the edges of the plate? Certain guests at the table refuse to touch black olives. However, I think they do add greatness to the vegetable dish. Sometimes, you have to just do what tastes good even if certain diners aren't too adventurous.

My mom went away for the next two weeks. She gave me a large amount of foods that should be eaten up soon which inspired this week's menu--and may also inspire changes depending on what I realize is still left to be eaten. Also, there will be an extra mouth to feed at the table. My father will stop by after work to get some nourishment. I also hope I can supply him with some of his lunches, too. But it's hard to put together something that doesn't need to be refrigerated or microwaved. Wish me luck!

Lunch Ideas

• PB&J, veggie stick, hummus, crackers for Paul. I had leftover homemade pizza
• One day Paul gets a working-lunch. One day I'll be dining with friends to create our own reading group for our kids.
• One day we'll require a boxed lunch because we'll be on the road.
• I've really been craving French Toast. Since my breakfasts are fast fruit, cereal, and milk to get out the door for our Mommy Walk, I'll be having a fancy French Toast for Lunch.
• Leftovers.

Dinner Ideas

• Tuesday I'll be cooking for a large group at church. I expect Paul and Dad to stop by and eat there or I'll leave some leftovers at my house for them to acquire. It will be a baked potato bar and quinoa salad
• Veggie Eggrolls
• Friday we'll be with Paul's family.
• Salad Pitas
• Cold Carrot Soup (I hope. Recipe not yet formulated in my head, but I have a lot of carrots!)

Saturday, we had a great variety of veggies for lunch finished off with banana splits. Dinner was just a slice of toast with peanut butter. I brought home the remaining lettuce, carrots, and strawberries. Sunday, we had onion pizza and a fabulous salad for lunch. Dinner was scrambled egg sandwiches on a great whole grain bread with peaches and strawberries.

If I'm on a roll, the remaining eggs will help make banana bread, which will in turn be cleaning out my freezer. It's a win-win situation!