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Author: jehdld

Entertaining Escapes

Blog365 Books and TV Shows 10 Comments

Sometimes you just need to escape for a bit. And without a Bahama vacation on the horizon, I have to find other means. My favorite form of escape is reading. Funny to think that after reading voraciously for years, a few years ago I had just stopped. I’m so glad I picked this habit up again.

Anyway, here’s a little peek into my current and past escapes from the past few weeks.

Let’s start, obviously, with books.

Reading

I’ve been working my way through the book pictured. It’s actually a collection of short stories. The first one is Mr. Harrigan’s Phone, a Netflix movie made from it. Not sure why it was considered movie worthy as I’m finding the other stories to be far more interesting. Enough so that I’ll forgive Mr. King for apparently having no clue what states comprise the Midwest.

My other fun reads have been from Kimberly Belle. She writes pretty good suspense novels though I think so far The Personal Assistant definitely is my favorite. All her books seem to be set in Atlanta and have a pretty decent twist. By the third one I read, I expected the twist.

Moving on…

My Game

I feel as though I should preface this by saying I do play Wordle every morning.

And this game does have a puzzle element (my youngest son quickly points out it is luck but I do think there’s a bit of skill involved in the match 3 type games). It’s not as mindless as it seems. Or maybe it is and I just don’t care.

I’m not sure if I’d love this game as much if I were playing on a tablet as opposed to a small cellphone. Maybe. As I tell my family, it’s really like 3 games in one. First, there’s the match 3 levels you must win to get the coins for the makeover portion. And then, there’s the makeover portion. I recently “helped” an astrophysicist with a new look and an apartment makeover. You get to makeover both the person and their living quarters or office. And then, you also get to makeover your avatar and their dressing room.

There’s an option for other locales, I have the beach house. However, I lucked into a “sale” on that where I had enough gemstones. The other locales take more gemstones than I could get without spending real dollars. And I’m too cheap to do that.

Finally, let’s move on to the bigger screen known as TV.

Movies and TV Shows

First, I have no idea why in the beginning of March I’m on a scary book and tv show watching binge. That is so unlike me. However, these were really good.

Megan

Actually, this probably doesn’t qualify as scary. My husband turned this on last Saturday. And I threatened that I might not be able to sleep. I slept just fine. Pure entertainment.

Oh my, it was so funny! I’m not sure if it was meant to be. Had to get on my husband for cheering for the killer doll. It’s at the theaters but I’m glad we were able to stream it on Peacock. We were laughing out loud at this one.

The Watcher

This is a Netflix one based on a true story. I just wanted something short (it has just 7 episodes) and accidently found myself sucked into this story. Family moves into a super expensive house in New Jersey and starts getting super creepy letters from someone calling themselves “The Watcher.”  The whole show has a super creepy but engaging vibe to it. I was busy trying to solve the case. Let me know if you watch/have watched this one.

Regular TV Shows

Masked Singer is back so I’m happy about that one. If you do watch, is it just me or are they way over hyping Medusa’s talent?  Next Level Chef usually holds my attention but I’m struggling with it this season, not sure why.

And I did actually catch La Brea this week. Oh my, that doesn’t disappoint. I love that I can say, hey they’ve got time travel, saber tooth tigers, now all they need is a….and there it is! Ha. I might have to find a way to catch up a bit though as I was rather lost on some parts of it.

Classic Movies

After watching Megan, we did also watch Tommy Boy. Not sure why my husband added it, maybe to keep me from being scared from the first movie (I wasn’t). Tommy Boy is one of my all-time favorites though so I stayed up a bit late watching the whole thing. (My husband fell asleep)

J, my non-movie kid, walked through the living room while I was watching and said at least he’d seen that one. So, it reminded me of some other classics the kids need to see. And tonight’s plan is a family movie night with another of my favorite “stupid” comedies: Dodgeball. 

What are some of your favorite (or recent) escapes with games, books, and movies or tv shows?

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Day 61/365

Not A Very Exciting Day

Blog365 Just Photos 6 Comments

Today wasn’t a very exciting day. Here, let me tell you all about it. Nothing wrong with not very exciting. At all. Just a few small things to share about today.

The amaryllis bloomed.

Also, a hawk flew through the backyard while I was filling the bird feeders.

The cat took a nap.

A daffodil bloomed.

One of my house finches visited the feeder. I hadn’t seen my house finches in quite a while with so many sparrows hanging around the feeders.

I watched too much tv wrapped in a cozy blanket (it was cold outside) but it never rained despite the sky looking like this a lot today.

Other things today for which there are no photos: A lot of work texts, I’m now working the entire month of July. Some anniversary trip planning with the husband. A few texts about our upcoming dinner out on Saturday. Another about when to have the next Mom’s Night Out. An adult version of green eggs and ham for lunch (spinach, cheese, and ham omelette). An order delivery (Christmas present for the kids).

Nothing really noteworthy just typical daily life things around here.

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Day 60/365

 

 

 

A Time Of Transitions

Blog365 Winter Wednesday 8 Comments

Happy March! It’s coming in like a lamb around here today. However, there is a lion hiding in the midst and a bit more winter weather arriving in the next two days. Let’s just start this post like I’ve started all the winter Wednesday posts with the weather.

The Weather 

Oh, how spring and summer are teasing us! It is, however, a bit of a chilly start this morning despite the bright sunshine. It’s currently 41 degrees with a feels like temperature of 34. It’s supposed to be in the upper 50’s by around 4 PM. Then, cooler tomorrow and the start of either rain or snow, they’re still deciding. One of the local meteorologist actually said on the news last night he’d tell us this afternoon whether we needed to buy up all the bread and milk. Ha!

So, moving on….this is one of my last 3 winter Wednesday posts. Time to transition out of winter and into spring.

Some Transitions Happening Around Here

Winter to Spring, of course.

I’m happy about that with the exception of Daylight Savings Time on March 12. Can I even say it often enough? The days already get longer and shorter! Leave the time alone, please.

Heavy to Healthy

I stepped on the scale this morning. Suffice it to say the number wasn’t a favorite. And was too high on the scale for me. Don’t you wish our winter weight would fall off as easily as all our beloved pets shed their winter coats? Of course, it doesn’t. So, instead I’m over here struggling with my desire to make Lucky Charms treats for March 1 versus the knowledge we should eat the rest of the clementines.

I’m probably going to transition my winter Wednesday posts over to wellness Wednesday posts with the start of spring. (Hopefully, the grocery store won’t mind me stealing their fancy phrase.) I know Rachel over at Living Better One Day At A Time does Weigh In Wednesdays. I’m afraid she’s so much braver than me to share her weight. I won’t be doing that on my Wednesdays. Just the healthy changes I’m implementing in hopes of shedding  losing some of my weight.

Did you know March used to be the start of the calendar year? So, I’m making my fresh start for a few things today.

(I’ll probably still make the Lucky Charms bars. It’s still winter and our pantry is in desperate need of a clear-out. Just perhaps eat only one instead of half the pan? That might work.)

Yet More School Changes For J

I’ve fallen back on the phrase my mom kept on her fridge so many times during these past few years:

What is it in the light of eternity?

While this is a good change (I hope), I am still a bit sad about all the things he missed. Amazing how two kids can have such different high school experiences. The high school diploma is always the end goal and he should get that in the end. Still, I think it’s okay to be sad that the path wasn’t the one we expected. (This is where I add: stupid pandemic!)

Transitions are tough even the good ones.

Still Winter

Despite all the transitions and talk of spring, I do keep reminding myself it’s still winter. So, I’ll still take time to sit under the warm fuzzy blanket on the cold days, watch a little too much television (occasionally), and have a hot chocolate if it snows. However, I am gambling and putting away all the super heavy sweaters away sometime in the next few weeks.

Are you anxious for the lighter, brighter days of spring? Or are you soaking in the last few weeks of winter? I think I’m somewhere in the middle, mainly because we’ve had such a mild winter. If it’d been a long, snow-filled one, my answer might differ.

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Day 59/365

 

 

 

 

 

 

Words I’m Not Sharing

Blog365 On My Mind No Comments

In going through our tubs in the basement, one of them contained items from my parents. Both my parents are gone. One of the items was a copy of the eulogy from my father’s funeral.

My dad has been gone 18 years this past August.  I thought I might share the words with you all today. They speak to his character and his willingness to do the right thing even when it was hard.  However, as I reflected on this, I decided against it.

The author of the eulogy was a firefighter who worked at the station where my dad was captain. He’s also no longer with us. And they are his words. So, I can’t ask permission to share from either of them. His words reference working as a black man at my father’s firestation during the integration of the fire department in 1958.

I really don’t think “Bird” would’ve minded. However, I’m not so sure about my father. He was a very private man. After he passed (as well as my mom), we found newspaper clippings of things my dad did, saving people from buildings, etc. that we never knew happened.

He served in WWII and I can only recall him only ever sharing one story about his experience with it. And it was a “lighter” story about a Sergeant yelling at them for making a foxhole too big and then, jumping in it with them when bombs started dropping.

So, I’ve opted not to share the words from my father’s eulogy with you after all. I will, however, end by sharing the bible verse contained within them:

A man that hath friends must show himself friendly. (Proverbs 18:24)

 

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Day 58/365

 

 

Happy Homemaker Monday, Goodbye February!

Blog365 HappyHomemakerMonday 10 Comments

Just two days left in February.

On Wednesday, we welcome in March and all it brings. Promises of green, spring, and the anticipation of a new season. Who’s ready? I’m definitely ready. Time to lighten up and move forward from the dark winter. (I’d say cold, dark winter but really we’ve had such a weird one that it’s hardly been cold or dark really.) 

However, for today, let’s just stick with planning the week ahead. Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for the fabulous link up.

The Weather

Yesterday was cloudy and misty, just a blah sleepy day. Today is kind of the same except it’s windy. We’re under a wind advisory until noon though I don’t think it’s that windy out there. We had some storms overnight so everything is still wet outside. It’s 51 which is pretty warm but doesn’t feel like it with the wind. I probably should’ve worn a coat to the store.

It’s supposed to be in the 60’s most of the week before going back to the mid 40’s on Thursday and Friday. I see a slight chance of rain/snow on Thursday when the cold front moves through. Does that mean March is coming in like a lamb or a lion? Hmmm….

As I Look Outside My Window

Cloudy skies, birds at the bird feeders.

Right Now

I’ve just returned from the grocery store and sat down to work on this post.

Thinking And Pondering

Quite a bit, some school changes for J. They’re for the better and mean he’ll graduate (thank you, God!) but it’s yet another transition. New things I want to do personally in March. Mainly some lifestyle changes I want to make. Time to get back in shape or at least be healthier.

On My Bedside Table

The usual, lamp and phone charger. It does hold my glasses and phone at night. Here’s something that is currently beside it by the window. My amaryllis about to bloom! This plant/flower is three years old.  Look how big it’s become.

This is sitting on our bedroom floor. I can’t fit the pot in the picture.

And yes, it started as just one of those bulbs you pick up at the garden centers around Christmas.

It goes outside every summer. And I’ve actually divided it twice though I’ve yet to see blooms from those plants.

On My TV Tonight

Probably not much. Today, I’ll watch a Dr. Who episode but probably not much else unless I decide to fold a bunch of laundry. Then, I’ll watch some episodes of You. 

Listening To

I can hear G moving around upstairs getting ready to go to class. Otherwise, it’s quiet in here.

On The Lunch Plate

Currently leaning toward a grilled hummus sandwich and chips

On The Dinner Plate

Korean Meatballs, rice, maybe green onion pancakes if I get ambitious.

On The Menu For This Week

The store sale said it was national strawberry day so strawberries were cheap!

 

MONDAY: Korean Meatballs, Green Onion Pancakes maybe *J has a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Taco Salads

WEDNESDAY: Chicken and spinach skillet dinner

THURSDAY: Hawaiian BBQ pork sandwiches, french fries

FRIDAY: Maybe waffles? Peanut butter pancakes?

SAT/SUN: OUT on Saturday, Roast in the Crock Pot on Sunday

On My Reading Pile

Over the weekend, I couldn’t put down a book called The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides. I did have some suspicions about how it would turn out and disliked the ambiguous ending a bit but overall, pretty intriguing. The other book I read last week was called The Personal Assistant by Kimberly Belle. I enjoyed it enough to check out another book by the same author called My Darling Husband to read this week.

I’m also finally reading through My Hygge Home by Meik Wiking. It’s a “real” library book so I’m enjoying the pictures as much as the text. Thinking I’m going to need my own personal copy of it.

On My To Do List

  1. Grocery store *DONE*
  2. Target for cat food
  3. Clean the house
  4. Laundry
  5. Sort out one shelf each in pantry/upstairs freezer
  6. Figure out J’s new school plan, it’s at a different school and I’m not sure of the times

Plans This Week

*whispers* This seems to be a slower week so no big plans. Maybe I’ll start some seeds as I didn’t do it over the weekend. We do have our once a month dinner/game night with friends on Saturday.

What I’m Creating

I shared this last week but look I did a diamond painting project! I’ll be looking for more of these in the future.

Simple Pleasure

Soft, warm blankets on cold, cloudy days.

Looking Around The House

Looks like a Monday after we were home all weekend.

From The Camera

More plants and flowers, of course.

Quote For The Week

Be a goldfish (Ted Lasso)

Explanation for those of you not familiar with the show:

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Day 57/365

A Poem

Blog365 2 Comments

While going through one of the tubs of basement stuff, I found a box of notecards. Most were old and in not great condition. Beyond salvageable. I did save a few. One small card from a company called Victorian Greetings.

This angel on the front:

Blank inside.

And this Emily Dickinson poem on the back:

Who has not found the heaven below,

Will fail of it above:

For angels rent the house next our’s

Wherever we remove. 

Seemed like a good thing to share on the last Sunday in February.

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Day 56/365

 

 

Saturday Stuff

Blog365 Chitchat No Comments

I woke up in a much better mood than I was when I posted yesterday. No idea why. Just going to share yet another random post of some Saturday stuff. I do have a bit of a more serious post planned, probably on Tuesday.

However, I like to keep things lighter on the weekends. Normally, I wouldn’t even bother posting too much on the weekends. Maybe the bird-watching posts but even then, not every weekend. Now with the Blog 365 challenge, I have to find a few things to say even on Saturdays.

How about just a glimpse of a few things from this morning/afternoon?

I’d tell you this was my slightly indulgent breakfast but it wasn’t. I had this for a late lunch/afternoon snack. Move over cinnamon toast.

Cinnamon Croissant:

Want the recipe? It’s easy, split a croissant, add butter, and plenty of this:

Then, broil it. It’s worth it. Make yourself feel better about it by having it with some green tea. (Mine is always Stash Green Chai tea with a splash of milk.)

Let’s Blame The Candle!

This is the other candle I bought at Bath and Body Works on Wednesday (I figured out what day I went on my retail therapy trip.)

Small candle for the kitchen. Just to clarify, it smells nothing like a cinnamon sugar or a croissant. And I’m sure my cinnamon toasted croissant (from Aldi no less) tasted nothing like a croissant I might find in Paris if I ever get there.

Not sure how to transition from croissants and candles that supposedly smell like Paris to the rest of this post but…

A Cat!

I was reading my book a bit this morning until she thought perhaps my time should be spent doing her bidding instead. She’s now asleep on the daybed down here. It’s exhausting keeping us all inline.

Finally, last item for today…

Plants and Flowers

Still waiting on the second blooming of the Christmas cactus. Cat mentioned above thought she might take a bite of it yesterday. Good thing I caught her! Not like she doesn’t have an entire pot of cat grass pretty much right beside the window, just above this plant.

Don’t worry eventually, I’ll quit boring you with pictures of the Christmas cactus and indoor flower bouquets.

When, spring and summer finally arrive, I’ll bore you with lots of outdoor plants and flowers instead! I can hardly wait! Actually, that’s on my unwritten list for today. I might start some seeds and pop into the window.

Spring is coming. Unless you’re on a different side of the world, then autumn/winter will be there soon. Time to trade seasons and no take backs!

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Day 55/365

 

 

 

 

Random Five on Friday

Blog365 8 Comments

I’m restless and finding it hard to focus today. Feeling a bit out of sorts. Ever just need some time alone at home and yet it seems such an impossible task?

I think the pandemic heightened my annoyance when this gets snatched from me. Those days I planned to be home getting things done and then, plans change. Here’s my whole family at home with me.

Do I love them? Of course, and I don’t want to hurt their feelings. However, I am someone who needs a bit of time alone. The quiet. And I like to clean when no one is home. I don’t care if they come home and mess it all up five minutes after I’m done (ok, I care a little). However, I can’t stand cleaning around people and their activities.

SIGH. Just feeling a bit gripey today. Probably the weather, spring needs to return. Deceptive beautiful sun shining today and yet the current temperature is 25 degrees, probably feels like less.

Thought I’d just do a random old style five on Friday for today.

ONE: New Flowers

My Valentine’s Day flowers were starting to fade. I couldn’t quite resist replacing them with a couple of cheap Aldi bouquets. I added the yellow roses to another bouquet to make a fuller vase.

TWO: New Candles

First I bought a new Bath and Body Works candle during my retail therapy session on Tuesday or was it Wednesday? Had a coupon about to expire, couldn’t let that happen! And while I do like the scent of the Fresh Spring Morning candle, I replaced it with something a bit more seasonal.

I seldom go into Aldi, picky family, but I do like that stuff aisle. And look what I found, a March/St. Patrick’s Day candle. Mixed feelings about their candles, some smell great but I’ve also had a few duds. This one has a fresh scent almost like an Irish spring soap/men’s cologne. Well, that sounds like a weird scent but it does smell nice.

THREE: A Finished Project

Turns out I do kind of enjoy the Diamond Painting/Art. And now I have this little framed rainbow to display through March. (The light wasn’t great in this photo, it does have a bit more sparkle and the frame is white.)

FOUR: Freshening Up Front Room Decor

Starting with a new wreath for the front door. Aldi again. I shouldn’t look at their ads. We actually need a completely new front door, however, that is a warm weather project indeed.

Top of the bookcase, a little lighter for Spring.

New vase of “flowers” for small entryway table. I’m trying to figure this out still. The key basket must stay. It’s the only way I keep track of my car keys.

FIVE: Taking Care of Business

Picture of roses because it’s pretty than paperwork.

I’ve spent this morning gathering tax documents/working on paperwork for an upcoming tax appointment. Might explain the gripey mood I suppose. In between, I’ve tried to clean house and catch up on some laundry.

Later, I think we’ll just have frozen pizza and salad for dinner. And I’ll spend some time either watching You on Netflix or reading my latest book. I’m reading one called The Personal Assistant by Kimberly Belle. The weather is supposed to improve tomorrow so I’m hoping I can leave the paperwork behind and spend lots of time outside.

What are your plans this weekend?

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Day 54/365

 

 

 

February List Review

23listfor2023 Blog365 No Comments

I decided to post on the 23rd of each month how I’m doing with my yearly list. It’s only February but I’m not feeling super motivated this time. Probably because I stalled big time on making progress with my list this month.

Let’s take a look and see if maybe (doubtful) I accomplished more than I think.

  1. Clean our basement a tub at a time (I’ve already told my husband of the plan) *In progress, we were doing good but then kind of stalled out on it. And I’m more than ready to open a tub of “junk” rather than seriously sentimental items.*
  2. Participate in every Happy Homemaker Monday for 2023 *So far, so good on this one*
  3. Read 92 books *Goodreads says I’m 2 books ahead of schedule*
  4. Create a cozy, inviting home filled only with things I love (though I’ll probably have to allow my husband/kids to keep their things as well) *Trying, focusing on the entryway for now*
  5. Get my ears pierced (again, I had them done a long while ago but haven’t had them in years) *Not yet*
  6. Get tubs to store the Christmas books *Not yet*
  7. Unsubscribe from at least 3 junk newsletters every time I clean my email *In progress though sometimes I think unsubscribing from the spam stuff makes it worse*
  8. Throw away any broken or worn out items! *In progress*
  9. Re-watch the David Tennant episodes of Doctor Who, old school style…just one episode a week *In progress, I’ve done a good job of limiting myself to the one episode a week*
  10. Rediscover the lighter, fun-loving open to (almost) anything adventurous side of my personality *Trying to let go of stuff to do this*
  11. Celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary in August with either a trip or a party *No progress*
  12. Join in for the Blog365 challenge and post every single day in 2022 (in progress already!) *This is going well so far, keeping up with it though it is a true challenge some days*
  13. Buy 2 Christmas presents for the boys each month (and one stocking stuffer for myself) *Haha, nothing done on this front. SIGH, wondering if I should just do gift cards each month*
  14. Be better about reaching out to friends/family members. Make an effort to call/text someone once a week.*Falling very short on this goal, need to do better. My problem is thinking of people at 6 AM and that’s not an ideal time to call/text anyone.*
  15. Put space between the holidays to make each one feel more special (example: don’t eat Valentine’s Day candy/treats until it’s actually Valentine’s Day) *Doing okay on this one, my husband did buy Peeps the day after Valentine’s Day and I ate a few but I’m not decorating early at all. Haven’t even taken all the Valentine’s Day down yet though I do plan to do that today.*
  16. Make individual binders for our bank statements *Not yet*
  17. Frame the photos from when J was in the all-district bands *Not yet*
  18. Leave a review for things I purchase (I’m so bad about doing this and yet, I always read them before I buy things) *I’ve left a few reviews but need to do better*
  19. Figure out a way to either subscribe or keep all the blogs I enjoy reading in one place (Bloglovin’ isn’t really working for me anymore) *I need to just sit down and take care of this one*
  20. Take at least 2 people photos at each holiday/special occasion *In progress*
  21. Get storage containers for our DVD collection, sort, and store them *Not yet*
  22. Accept that a some family situations aren’t likely to change and realize I’ve done enough. *So much guilt with this one. Hard to admit defeat. SIGH*
  23. Invite people to our home (family, friends, etc…been too long since I’ve done this) *Invited brother-in-law and sister-in-law for husband’s birthday but they couldn’t make it* *Need to do better*

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Maybe next month, I’ll have a better progress update to share. I see so many things on here that I could easily take care of doing. Just need some motivation. Did you make a list this year? How is your list going?

Day 53/365

 

This Winter Sky Reflects My Mood

Blog365 Just Photos Winter Wednesday 2 Comments

Keeping it super short today. Captured this sky while out doing a bit of retail therapy.

The current weather: by the time I arrived home, the sun was shining. It’s currently 61 degrees and partly cloudy. A cold front supposedly moves in tonight. High of 32 predicted for tomorrow. Rained most of the morning.

I miss the sun in the wintertime. I miss being able to step out on my front porch and tear off a sprig of rosemary, mint, or lavender to crush between my fingers. Inhaling the scent of the herbs and flowers as I sit on the bench.

Rain or snow, needed or not, I’m tired of all the brown and not seeing the sun nearly often enough. I know though that tomorrow brings us one day closer to spring and more flowers and sunshine.

How are you coping with these last few days of winter?

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Day 52/365

 

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