Summer Cleaning and What We're Eating in Hilo, Hawaii

Ugh, you know I rarely post anything about cleaning, because I hate it so much. I really thought we'd get to coast for a while, post-tenting, but that hasn't been the case. Our hot-water heater went out this week, and while we were awaiting the replacement, we had no hot water.  Fortunately, we are good campers, so we made due, but all cooking went out the window, since I couldn't really properly do dishes.  Fixing the hot-water thing lead to cleaning the laundry area, and then we got a new chair, and that meant cleaning up the living room.  For someone who despises cleaning and loves to cook, it was a rough week. But we got through it, and last night we celebrated with a nice bottle of wine and the Salmon Salad, above.  Today I am brining a chicken, which Mr. L will later prepare in his smoker.  Here is the recipe.  We have never attempted this process before, but it sure smells good, so far.  If it goes well, let's try a turkey at Thanksgiving.  It is a gorgeous, sunny day, but I am still stalling on the ironing, because you know how I feel about that.  It's also hot.  I bought Linda McCartney's book ("Linda's Kitchen") about vegetarian cooking yesterday at a garage sale.  I would much rather sit in the porch swing, read my new book, and sip an Arnie Palmer.  Maybe later.
This week's menus:

Sunday:  Lemon Tarragon Brined Chicken, Roasted Vegetable Gratin, and Salad
Monday:  Angel-Hair Pasta with Mushrooms and Leftover Vegetables
Tuesday:  Leftover Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad; French Bread
Wednesday:  Grilled Fish and Vegetable Strudel
Thursday:  Paella; Salad
Friday:  Huevos Rancheros
Saturday:  Mozzarella and Tomato Salad with Grilled Sausages