I’m sort of back on track. We returned from our vacation on Friday.
And then, I went ahead and took Saturday and Sunday “off” as well. Now, it’s time to get back on track with things.
I can’t think of a better place to start than with a Happy Homemaker Monday post. Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom like always.
The Weather
Pretty standard summer stuff today, highs in the 80’s and a little windy. Supposed to be HOT to end out our week though with highs in the upper 90’s. Funny, yahoo weather shows a few days with 50% rain chances but my weather app on my phone only shows one day with a 24% rain chance so who knows what’s going to happen in that area. We’re still pretty dry though our drought conditions aren’t as poor as other areas of the state.
As I Look Outside My Window
Not really outside my window but out the front door I did see a happy honeybee on the blooms from my lavender pot.
Right Now
I just came back from the grocery store and brought the final downstairs freezer items down here. And now started working on this post for a minute while I’m rewashing (SIGH) some clothes I forgot in the washer.
Thinking And Pondering
So much. All the things I’d like to cram into the next 3 days. Why on Earth I said I’d work today (just for a few hours in the afternoon but still what was I thinking?). How this year seems to be going by so fast and why? I’m usually not one to say where has the time gone but where has the time gone? Oh, and what to have for dinners this week. Probably other thoughts whirling away in my brain as well.
How I’m Feeling
I have a slight headache (probably from all those thoughts above and I need to drink some water). Also, feeling very much like I need to get back on track with eating healthy again. Vacation food does not exactly equal healthy food.
On The Breakfast Plate
Coffee with coconut milk, then a 310 shake using their caramel macchiato recipe (basically, more coffee, a frozen banana, tablespoon of cocoa, and the shake mix)
On The Lunch Plate
No idea. Maybe just a sandwich or perhaps another shake.
On The Dinner Plate
Not sure what we’re having yet. Hoping to figure it out soon. Probably turkey sausage, hashbrown potatoes, and strawberries. Need to use up some buns from vacation.
What I’m Wearing Today
Navy blue v-neck short sleeve shirt with butterfly design, capris that match the butterfly colors, socks and tennis shoes.
On My Reading Pile
I read a couple thrillers during our vacation, the 3rd in the Wayward Pines tribology. It was creepy but okay. Then, I read A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham. It was a decent thriller, semi-predictable but enough there to keep me guessing to the end. Currently, I’m reading Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver. Promising so far, pretty motivating.
On My TV This Week
Not sure. I know season 4 of Jack Ryan releases on Friday so I’ll probably watch that this weekend. Wasted time watching Ant Man Quantum Mania this past weekend. SO glad I didn’t pay to see that one in the theater. Though I did enjoy the first episode of Secret Invasion on Disney Plus and will probably follow along with that series. Missing Ted Lasso.
On The Menu
Let’s see….
MONDAY: Turkey sausages on grill, hashbrown potatoes, iceberg wedge salad, and strawberries *I work 1:45-4:45* *J has a lesson at 6:30*
TUESDAY: spaghetti and meatballs, salad, garlic breadsticks
WEDNESDAY: Chicken legs on the grill, coleslaw, corn on the cob
THURSDAY: Pepper steak/chicken and rice OR leftovers
FRIDAY: Waffles and sausage, fruit OR G’s French Toast *I work 8-4:30*
Sat/Sun: Leftovers, homemade pizza, tacos, OUT
Looking Around The House
It’s still pretty much an after vacation disaster! Needs serious attention.
On My To Do List
I’m not even sure…
- Grocery store *DONE*
- Need to plant some flowers/veggies/yard work
- Pay a couple bills
- See what day J wants to take his driver’s test. Am I ready? No. Is he ready? Yes.
- Sign J up for a defensive driving course
- Clean the house
- Laundry
- Anniversary trip planning with husband
- Need to call/text and catch up with some friends/family members
- Mail a couple cards
From The Camera
Most my vacation photos are on my phone. Here are a few I did take with the camera 
Quote For The Week
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
One of my favorite quotes. Hope the Heat misses you. We have had it for a couple of weeks. Have a great week 😀
It is a good one. Well, I spoke too soon on the heat. Not bad today (just a high of 88 predicted) but then, we have the high temps as well. Hope you have a great week as well!
Your menu sounds good. I love your photos, especially the one of the bird! I hope your week turns out well.
Thank you! I hope you have a great week as well!
Beautiful pictures, looks like you had a great time. defensive driving course? sounds interesting.
Have a great week
Thank you! When I was in school, the school actually taught the kids driver education, things like how to avoid hydroplaning, what to do if everyone in front of you slammed on their brakes, etc. Check tires and around care before entering vehicle and: IPDE…Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute was hammered into us regarding driving. Now,the schools no longer teach it and you have to pay for courses. The one G did is only offered to kids up to age 18 but I think I found one for J that’s actually at the speedway. A longer drive for us but only a one day thing and a fun location. Helps with insurance discounts as well. Hope you have a great week as well!
Not sure what happened to my comment. Just delete if this is a duplicate.
I loved your wildlife photos — deer and heron — and also the hollyhock blossom. Such a nice old fashioned flower and I love the color of this one.
Your comment only shows up once over here 🙂 Thank you. I love hollyhocks. I try almost every year but this is the first time I’ve had one bloom so well.
Hello my Lovely!
Welcome home! I got to see a moment of your trip on insta. 😉 The pics from your camera are gorgeous!! I hope that settling back in goes nice and easy. Coming home after a trip is always the best…and the worst, part. Lol
I hope you have a very blessed rest of your week dear Jean. xoxo
Thank you! Well, I can finally see our couch again today so that’s good 😉 Hope the rest of your week is wonderful.
Thank you, Jean. Your blog always feels like a mini vacation to me. It’s so enjoyable to peek into your world. Lavender is also blooming here, just like in your area. However, we have very few bees, and that’s not a good sign, actually.
Haha, and I’m delighted with the cozy photo of your home. That’s how it looks in some spots here too. The animal photos are lovely, I adore them. And thank you for the Bible verse. Can you tell me more about that book: Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver? Is it written in easy English? Learning new things?
Lieve groet
Aritha
Thank you for such a kind comment! I always enjoy your blog so much as well. So fun to see glimpses of other parts of the world and “meet” people we would likely never know if not for the magic of blogging and the Internet. I’ve not see as many bees here lately but am hoping my bee balm which finally started blooming attracts a lot more to my yard. Working on the house today. The book is in English, not sure what you mean by easy English? I don’t think it would be a difficult translation but then outside of a teeny tiny amount of preschool related Spanish, I speak only English. The book is very motivating and has a wonderful realistic approach. Hope your week is going great so far!
Forgot to add, regarding the book, she does have a website called Simplify Your Life-Be More With Less. My comments are acting funky but let me see if I can put a link here: http://www.bemorewithless.com
It’s so clear you like butterflies. You’re wearing a butterfly print shirt.
I love the quote of the day. And I love the photos you took.
We don’t have such a course, defensive driving, but most drivers in Bucharest could use it.
Hope you have a great weekend!
Yes, I absolutely love butterflies! Monarchs are my favorite though we seem to see less of them each passing year. Most drivers around here could use one as well and don’t take them even when offered. Determined to have my kids learn some basic techniques.