Hey There Mellow Monday!

Just how many different ways are there to make a hot dog? That’s something my guys ask me all the time. It’s my job to come up with something different. After all, life is extraordinary – and should be lived as such.

When the company Hubby, Kiddo and I all worked for filed for bankruptcy and put a lock on the door without warning, we looked at each other and said now what? Instead of panicking, we rented a car and drove up to Oregon for a week. Yeah, I know it sounds crazy. We prayed on it, and decided to put everything in God’s hands. While in Oregon, Hubby got a phone call with a job offer – higher pay, full benefits, with room for Kiddo to join the team. There was one tiny catch – we would need to move.

God is absolutely amazing. The place we call home is more than twice the size of the house we were living in. Between Hubby’s new salary and Social Security, I was able to fully retire. We have a beautiful garden, a nice yard, and community pool to enjoy in the summer. Best of all we found a wonderful parish. God is great.

When our daughter died in 2020, it was very difficult. The pandemic was raging, we could not say a proper good bye, the red tape and hoops we had to jump through to get her body home was insane. She died on August 15, the Feast of Assumption. It is a Holy Day of Obligation. We had gone to Mass that morning, then spent the day at my sister’s house swimming and playing games. Our daughter could have died at any time. I could have been at home alone when the call came. Instead, I was surrounded by family, surrounded by love. And every year since I am at Mass, in His presence. Again, God is amazing.

Life is extraordinary. Live every moment to the fullest. And never, ever forget that you are precious to the Lord.

Spicy Grilled Hot Dogs
1 Yellow Onion
3 All Beef Costco Dinner Franks
3 Jalapeño Peppers
3 Hot Dog buns
6 tablespoons Salsa
Corn Chips for serving

Cut onion in half from root to tip. Peel both halves, cut into thin half-moon slivers. Grill onions in a dry skillet over medium heat until nicely browned. Wrap in foil and keep warm until ready to serve.

Heat an outdoor grill to medium heat. Grill hot dogs alongside whole Jalapeño Peppers, turning as needed until blistered nicely. Keep grilled hot dogs warm. Stem grilled peppers, slice into rounds.

Split Hot Dog Buns open. Spread salsa inside the buns. Top with a hot dog, a scattering of grilled peppers and onions. Serve with corn chips as desired, a nice cool beverage and enjoy.

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Alleluia, alleluia.
Let your light shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
Alleluia, alleluia.