Barbecued Pulled Pork Casserole

 

There really isn't a more useful food item in the world than a casserole.  Think of all the ways that casseroles are used:

• Office, church or club parties
• To stretch a meal out to feed more people
• Meals to make and freeze for serving later
• Easy one pot meals
• Potlucks
• Thoughtful gift for a family or friend going through a rough time
• Bereavement gatherings
• Backyard barbecues

Today I've decided to share one of my favorite casseroles with you:

Barbecued Pulled Pork Casserole

The main reason I like this casserole so much, other than the fact that it is so tasty, is that it is fairly uncommon.  Most casseroles are made with hamburger or chicken, so barbecued pulled pork is a treat that most people do not expect.  It is almost always one of the first dishes to be emptied at any gathering,  I also like that when I make it for my family, if I have any leftovers, I can freeze them for a quick lunch or snack for later in the week.

It really is quite easy to make, I usually buy a pork tenderloin to cook and pull for the meat and buy the tater tots frozen.  Throwing it together is a breeze and it's done in just 30 minutes.  

Ingredients

• 2 cups of pulled pork mixed with barbecue sauce (I use Sweet Baby Ray's)
• 8 ounces whipped cream cheese 
• 1 can of corn (optional but I love it!)
• large bag of frozen tater tots
• barbecue seasoning 
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing  

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
2. Mix the barbecue pulled pork with the whipped cream cheese
3. In a 9x13 glass baking dish cover the bottom with the pork mixture
4. Dribble the ranch dressing over the pork
5. Sprinkle the corn and one cup of the shredded cheese on top of the pork and corn
6. Place a single layer of tater tots, spread apart, on top of the mixture and shake a little BBQ seasoning over them.
7. Bake for 25 minutes and the tater tots are golden brown.
8. Remove from oven and sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the tater tots
9. Put the casserole back in the oven for 10 minutes
10. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

I usually make a sauce of half barbecue sauce and half ranch to serve with this casserole.  It's delicious dribbled on top!

This casserole is always a hit at summer parties.  It stays delicious even after sitting out on a picnic table for a while.  People dip into it expecting the same old hamburger and cheese tater tot casserole and are always delighted to see barbeque pulled pork instead!  It's a delicious change from hamburgers and hot dogs. 

This casserole is actually good any time of year and for any occasion. It's real, old fashion comfort food! It's wonderful in the wintertime, a nice hot meal on a chilly night. Also a tasty dinner in the spring, the barbecue sauce a nice reminder of the summer fun to come.  Make it yourself just once, I bet it will not be the last time you do!

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CAPHAUS Zero Gravity Chair Reviewed

 This year, Fran just had to add another piece of furniture to our deck, and I'm so glad she did. She found this zero-gravity lounge chair, and we have enjoyed it all summer long. This chair makes it so easy to take a nap on a beautiful summer day. 

This chair is so comfortable when I sit in it and recline; it feels like I'm floating on air. This chair was the perfect addition to our deck this summer. Since we have a finished basement, I'll move this chair there and enjoy it all winter long.

The chair has a comfortable headrest and a convenient side tray with two cup holders and two slots, one for your phone and one for your tablet. The only problem is when our son and daughter-in-law visit with our granddaughters, the chair is always occupied, so I don't get to sit in it.

The material is durable, and the highly elastic bungee ropes conform to your body, offering support and comfort like no other chair. I love this chair.

You can find this chair on Amazon in three different colors. 

CAPHAUS Blue Zero Gravity Chair, Recliner, Lounge Chair, Folding Chair with Side Tray, Metal, Textilene Fabric, 300LB Weight Capacity, Indoor & Outdoor Use, Unisex, Blue

 

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Cute Abstract Purple Fish Birthday Collection

These cute fish are a fun choice for children's birthdays. The Collection includes invitations, paper plates, paper napkins, stickers, table sign, wrapping paper, and thank you cards.

The invitations are also downloadable, offering a quicker way to get the invites out in the mail.

The fish are in various sizes and shapes too! They're purple and have got various styles of striped markings on them that are either white or purple. The basic fish is lavender with white highlights.

The various products in the Collection can be customized and personalized.

The invitations are flat, two sided cards, with the, Help us celebrate... question on the front. The back side of the invitation has a template placeholder for the birthday party details, along with an image of the matching party hat on it.

Abstract Purple Fish Custom Birthday Party Invites
by CherylsArt

There is a birthday table sign that can be personalized as well.

Personalized Abstract Purple Fish Birthday Sign
by CherylsArt

The Thank you cards has a template placeholder on the back, that the child can personalize by hand. The thank you text can be easily customized to rephrase it in their own words. Then there is a line at the top of the verse for the child to write in the person's name, to whom they are writing. And there is a line below the text for the child to sign their own name to the thank you.

Thank you Abstract Purple Fish Birthday Cards
by CherylsArt

Below is a link for the whole collection.

Cute Abstract Purple Fish Birthday Collection
by CherylsArt

For those that are wondering how I came up with creating abstract purple fish for a birthday theme, it was a round about way. I decided to go through my various creations that I had made to use as possible scrapbook paper backgrounds. I made a bunch of designs and tried out different things. I picked the ones I wanted to offer as scrapbook paper, and set the other creations aside for awhile.

I eventually went back to them, with no theme in mind, just a wondering as to what I might be drawn to. I saw a particular purple one that looked like fish shapes in it. I was intrigued. I had made those shapes using some store bought leaves I had on hand. Anyway, I continued to go through my other leftover backgrounds to find something the fish could go on. I narrowed that down to two choices. I cut the fish shapes out and placed them on the two background choices to see which one I would like best.

After I got the fish arranged and glued on, I decided that they needed some air bubbles floating up to the top. I painted in some fishy details and added a shadow line below their bodies, and voila, the cute abstract fish design was born.

Hope you like them and that you have some friends and or relatives that they would be a great choice for.

Cheryl Paton

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Mom's Pickles and Beets - Remembering Mom With a Story and a Song

As autumn returns and the cooler weather settles in, my mother has been on my mind every day. 

When the seasons change, my parents come front and center in my thoughts, bringing back all the things I miss about growing up. 

Fall always reminds me of my mom preparing homemade pickles and beets, filling the cellar and freezer up with homemade goodies.

To honor my late mother, I decided to write her this song called Mom's Pickles and Beets. Below, you will find the story of me as a fifteen-year-old girl back in September 1975. I hope you enjoy the story below and the related song.

A Page from My Life in 1975:

September 1975 brought that familiar, sharp chill to the air, signaling the start of a brand new season. I was fifteen years old and it was all in front of me. 

For me, autumn was always the absolute best time of the year, filled with the return of school routines, skating lessons, and the comforting sense that September offered a fresh start.

Coming home at the end of the day meant stepping through the front door into a warm haven. The kitchen always smelled richly of spices and a pot of homemade soup simmering steadily on the stove. 

Countertops would be lined with rows of freshly packed mason jars filled with homemade pickles and beets. My usual routine was to head straight for the living room fireplace to warm my hands, just as Mom would call out from the kitchen, asking me to head down to the basement to handle the laundry basket and grab a container of fudge on the way back up.

Mornings didn't always run smoothly, of course. There were frantic days when sleep got the better of me, and I had to scramble, racing into the kitchen to plead, "Mom, can you drive me? I'm going to be late!"

With a familiar roll of her eyes and a quick, resigned nod, she would agree, usually adding with a knowing smile, "You know, I won't always be here to fix every mess."

More than five decades have slipped away since those days. Yet every time the autumn leaves begin to turn, those memories return just as vividly as ever. 

The scent of her cooking, the quiet warmth of those evenings, and the lasting comfort of her presence remain woven into every part of who I am today. I miss my mother.

************ 

What memories do fall and the changing seasons bring back for you?

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"Drageda Lyrics" on all Platforms, including Streaming Platforms**

YouTube:  Follow Me on YouTube - @dragedapoemslyrics

Spotify:    Stream Drageda Lyrics on Spotify

Subscribe: Join the Journey: Get New Songs and Stories in Your Inbox

*********

🎵 I write and produce story-driven lyrics. Vocals and music are digitally produced (I am not the singer). I digitally direct and arrange the video and recording.🎵 ©2026 DragedaPoemsLyrics (B.T.C) - All Rights Reserved - Original Lyrics Authored | Sound Recording: Produced With Digital Assistance (Vocals and Instrumental) 2026. Licensed digital composition (Commercial Rights Held). The visual artwork may include AI-assisted digital elements. SOCAN Member.

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The End-of-the-Trail on Route 66

The last part of our road trip takes us through New Mexico, Arizona and on to the California Coast where the designated ending to Route 66 is at the Santa Monica Pier.

THE LAST THREE STATES OF ROUTE 66:  

New Mexico, Arizona, California

NEW MEXICO - 487 Miles

Of the original 400+ miles of Route 66 across New Mexico, 265 miles are still drivable.  Running parallel to Interstate 40, this drivable, historic stretch connects iconic boomtowns like Tucumcari, Santa Rosa, Albuquerque, Grants, and Gallup. Travelers can experience vintage neon signs, classic motels, and deep Indigenous and Spanish heritage.

Highlights include the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, the Blue Hole, an 80-foot artesian spring, in Santa Rosa, the Nob Hill district, filled with vintage diners and local events in Albuquerque, and the McKinley County Courthouse (The Heart of Indian Country) in Gallup.

ARIZONA - 401 Miles

Check out the Petrified Forest National Park in NE Arizona. Spend a night in a vintage concrete teepee in Holbrook (AZ). Stop at the Jack Rabbit Trading Post in Joseph City and the Powerhouse Museum in Kingman, known as the “Heart of Historic Route 66”. 

Conclude your Arizona Mother Road trip in Oatman, as you enjoy a mountain drive through the Black Mountains.

CALIFORNIA - 314 Miles

From the Arizona border at Needles, the Route 66 Road Trip includes over 300 miles through the Mojave Desert, past historic ghost towns and those iconic roadside diners. Barstow offers a desert oasis featuring the ‘Mother Road Museum’. 

You will pass through San Bernardino, Pasadena & Los Angeles, then follow Colorado Boulevard directly to the Ocean. The official “End of the Trail”, complete with a sign, is at the Santa Monica Pier.

Summary

This concludes our scenic road trip of the iconic Route 66. We hope you have an opportunity to celebrate this famous highway’s 100 years during its Centennial by enjoying even a small part of the distance from Chicago to Santa Monica. 

♫ ♫ Get Your Kicks on Route 66 ♬ ♪ 

Related Links:

• Route 66 Centennial - The Beginning
• Celebrating the Centennial of Route 66 - The Middle Part

*This review of the third part of Route 66 was written by Wednesday Elf.

+All images in this review are courtesy of Pixabay and Wikipedia

+Travel tips for New Mexico, Arizona and California on Route 66: 

New Mexico Kicks on Route 66Check PriceArizona Kicks on Route 66Check PriceRoute 66 in California (Images of America)Check PriceRoute 66: 100 YearsCheck Price

 

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Shifty Sid the Squid Dog Toy Reviewed

A lot of dog toys are made for any size dog, therefore they tend to be small if given to a full grown large breed dog.  The BarkBox Shifty Sid the Squid dog toy is big!  He is the perfect size for a big dog. 

When our son traveled out of town for a concert, he came back bearing souvenir gifts for everyone in the household, including Watson, our year old Labrador Retriever.  He brought Watson a Sid the Squid dog toy that he found in the Cracker Barrel shop on the way home.  Watson loves the big squid!  

Shifty Sid the Squid has legs that crackle which Watson really enjoys.  No matter which leg he grabs, it makes a sound.  Plus, if he bites the squid in the head, it squeaks.  Because of the awesome sound effects, the squid is easily Watson's favorite indoor toy ever.  

The first few nights "Sid" was here, Watson carried him to bed with him.  Watson's bed is at the foot of our bed.  Needless to say, as Watson would wake in the night or roll over, Sid would make a sound and Watson was on immediate alert, then attack.  Both my husband and I woke up laughing at the Watson & Sid battles.  It really was worth the disturbed rest.

The following morning Watson would bring Sid to the kitchen for breakfast.  Sid didn't eat breakfast, but he waited patiently for playtime.

Now, a few weeks later, Sid often remains in "bed" until playtime, but he is still Watson's first choice for play.  

Watson's squid is a different color than the one on Amazon, but they are the same toy otherwise. 

 

 BarkBox Shifty Sid the Squid Dog Toy - for Dogs | Plush Squeaky Toy with Crazy Crinkle & Whip-N-Flip Legs - Interactive Thrash & Play ToyCheck PriceBarkbox Shifty Sid the Squid Dog Toy

The Barkbox squid dog toy is 17" long.  He has a fat mantle (body section above the head & eyes) that makes him easy for our big dog to carry.  He can also be carried by his crinkling legs.  

Sid the Squid is made of a soft, plush material that is gentle on a dogs mouth, as well as a human's body if they get in the way of the thrashing squid. 

His eyes are embroidered instead of crafting or wiggy eyes that could be pulled out and swallowed.  Therefore, Sid is safe for roughhousing with Watson.  If his eyes were detachable, they would have been ripped out in minutes upon his arrival.

Clearly, the BarkBox Shifty Sid the Squid dog toy was/is an excellent choice for an 80+ pound puppy dog that enjoys having a durable interactive toy.  

 

Watson's Squid Friend has Reversed Colors. His Squid is Lime colored with Blue Leg Interior Fabric.
Watson still has his pretty puppy looks, but his body is full grown in the picture above, so you can see how big the squid toy is by comparison  

 

More Reviews for Puppies and Dogs by Contributors Who Love Their Dogs!

National Puppy Day

Best Gifts for Puppies

Back Seat Extender for Dogs - Large Hard Bottom Dog Car Seat Reviewed

Kong Wubba Toys for Puppies 

Everlasting Treat BentoBall for Puppy 

Milk-Bone Holiday Biscuit Treats

Easter Milk-Bones for Dogs 

Backseat Barker Dog Bed for SUV or Jeep 

Ortho Sleeper Comfort Couch for Dogs 

Indoor Dog Gates Reviewed 

Dog Agility  

 

Read More Product Reviews On
ReviewThisProducts.com

Or

Pet Related Reviews

 

 

BarkBox Shifty Sid the Squid Dog Toy Reviewed written by:

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Nightwork by Nora Roberts

 

I had read Nora Roberts books in past but had not read any in recent years.  I remembered enjoying her books, so when Nightwork was picked as our monthly book club read, I was looking forward to reading another Nora Roberts book.  I was not disappointed, Nightwork was a different type of book then I remembered Nora Roberts writing. (One reviewer calls it a Romantic Suspense Novel)  I  found the book to be an exciting read in which I eagerly anticipated what would come next. 

Book Highlights

The book follows the life of Harry Booth.  When he is only 9 years old he turns to a life of stealing in order to help support his single mother who is very ill.   When she dies he leaves Chicago, but he continues his "nightwork".  Over the years he perfects his craft and becomes a "master thief".  However, he is a thief with his own code of morals, which I found very interesting.  He also was very careful never to draw attention to himself.  As he moved to various towns during his life, he changed his name to keep his past behind him. 

He settled into a comfortable life, getting a job as a teacher and buying a beautiful home in a small southern town.  He meets a woman he adores, Miranda Emerson and everything seems to be going his way, until some dangerous associates from his past catch up with him.  His first response is to leave in order to keep those he cares about safe, but that doesn't work.  The bond between Harry and Miranda has become strong and he finds that he must address his past straightforward and reclaim the life he wants.

Book on Amazon

The book is available on Amazon in the following formats: Kindle, Audible, Paperback, Hardcover.  Here is a link to the book on Amazon Nightwork

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Bissell Little Green Mini Carpet Cleaner ~ A Product Review

We live in an apartment that has wall to wall carpeting.  While it's wonderful to have that nice carpeting underfoot, it can also be a problem. 

As we are aging, we find ourselves a little less nimble and steady on our feet.  So taking a cup of coffee from the kitchen to the living room to enjoy, can and has been problematic.

Hubby and I both have issues with balance.  Years ago we could and did bring cups of coffee or tea into our living room without a problem.  Nowadays, with our aging bodies, we find that getting that cup to the coffee table without spilling, is a feat not often accomplished without incident.

So our once nice looking wall to wall carpeting was showing signs of spills and stains.  Even if we quickly grabbed paper towels to blot up the spill.

That being said, hubby did some research and found the Bissell Little Green Pro.  It is a small but mighty spot and stain remover for carpeting, upholstery and more.

Easy to bring out, light in weight and a powerhouse in cleaning, our once stained carpets are now clean and looking like new again.

Not only good for carpets, but it can also be used for furniture, pet beds, and car interiors.  It's small in size but big on cleaning.  It only weighs about 7 pounds and according to it's description on Amazon, it is 10 inches deep x 13.5 inches wide  and 12 inches in Height.  So being so small it's also easy to find a place to keep this handy dandy cleaning machine.

So now when we have an unfortunate accident, it's easy to get our little Green Machine out and clean the area that is affected.  We have already put it to great use for our own little messes and also for our pet's messes.  (We have a conure, who is not yet toilet trained).  Cleaning up after our loved pet's messes has just become so much easier.  This is also  great for puppies that are in the process of toilet training.  No messes are too small or big for this handy little machine. Bissell has many other options for you and your own personal needs you can check out this page, https://amzn.to/4gk1h2l to find the one that best suits your needs.

We are happy that we found this carpet cleaner as the stains were really an eyesore.  Now, we don't have to worry about those nasty spots and stains anymore and life again is enjoyable.  When you have stains on the carpets, it doesn't matter how often you vacuum, it just doesn't feel clean and it looks really nasty.  Not anymore!  

I hope this helps you to make a great decision as far as keeping your carpets clean and fresh.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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