Happy February! A winter Wednesday post might be better tomorrow for Groundhog day. However, I’m sticking with today in case the little rodent sees his shadow.
Shadow equals six more weeks of winter. No shadow predicts early spring. Farmer’s Almanac daily newsletter says spring is 46 days away no matter what happens tomorrow.
What does any of that have to do with soup? Nothing. I do start each winter Wednesday post with the weather though. And our weather is better than a lot of those to the south of us.
Today’s Weather:
It’s currently sunny and 10 degrees with a windchill/feels like temperature of 1 degree out there. Honestly, didn’t think it felt that bad when I ran J to school earlier. By 3pm, it’s supposed to be 37 degrees.
Now Let’s Talk About Soup:
Sometimes, especially in the winter, I crave vegetables! More often than I should admit, this craving usually manifests in a strong desire for a spring roll from Panda Express. It’s a mixed blessing living in an urban area where grocery stores and restaurants are so readily available.
However, sometimes only soup will do. When I’m craving comfort soup loaded with vegetables, my favorite choice is minestrone. It’s such an adaptable soup. I use this recipe for my base. It comes together quick. This time I added in some zucchini. Whatever vegetables I have on hand typically get tossed into the soup.
Look at those vegetables!
This soup is a good one in the late summer/early fall with fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden as well.
Of course, I don’t get to make it very often as the picky family is not as fond. G flat out is not a fan of soup. He tolerates this because it has pasta but he’d never choose it. My husband adds hamburger to his portion which is okay but ruins the idea of a fresh vegetable based soup in my mind. J and I both like it though it’s not his favorite. (He’s more a chicken noodle or potato soup kind of person).
Winter Dinners
There is definitely a comfort in winter soups and dinners not to be found during the spring/summer months. My mom always made chili in the heat of summer (100 degrees, I know let’s have chili for dinner!) and I never understood.
Summer is for lighter fare.
Of course, I must confess that yesterday I stood outside in 25 degree weather and grilled pork chops so I guess I shouldn’t talk.
Anyway, I do find soup something to enjoy about winter. Minestrone, taco, chicken noodle, and potato are among my favorites. And of course, you definitely need some sort of crusty bread with the minestrone and potato soups!
January ends today. And I can’t help but think this January’s been kind to me. Usually, January begins with me in a bit of a funk. This year, I didn’t feel that.
Sure, I had a few not so great days here and there. However, they were just that. Days instead of a week or more of feeling blah, wanting to rearrange the house and my entire life.
Maybe it’s because the January months of 2021 and 2022 were not the best. We started the year of 2021 with COVID finally finding our household. And 2022 was yet another ongoing battle in trying to figure out J’s schooling. Both months, of course, had good points but I can’t look back on them and think they were pleasant starts to the year.
This morning as I tried to revive my grocery store flowers, I found myself thinking. I thought how kind this January of 2023 has been to me. Wondering what made the difference.
Thoughts that came to mind as reasons for my contentment in January:
A bit of credit to Tamy over at Chasing My Life as Blogmas kept me feeling a bit cheerier than usual during the holiday season of 2022.
And to Sandra for her wonderful Blog 365 challenge. I’ve so enjoyed connecting with the other bloggers doing the challenge, some I’ve “known” for a long while and others who newly discovered.
My decision to simply accept and try to enjoy winter more instead of longing every day for sunshine and spring/summer. (Note, I still do long for those things but I’ve found some positives this winter)
Working the whole first week of the year. You can’t help but feel joyous around the preschool kids (mostly) excited to return to school and share about their holidays.
And perhaps a bit of luck with us all having the blessing of good health and (mostly) good weather
And of course, all your lovely comments on my posts!
Will February be as friendly?
I’m hoping so. The Blog 365 challenge continues. I work a few days at the preschool, once again, to start the month.
Lots to look forward to:
monthly dinner out with our joint friends
Galentine’s night out with my mom friends
my husband’s birthday
The Super Bowl (Have I mentioned the Chiefs are in it this year??!!)
Valentine’s day
A long weekend (President’s day)
Was this January kind to you? What are you looking forward to in February?
Well, if you follow football in any miniscule amount, you know how I must start my post today.
How ’bout those……
CHIEFS!
They are Super Bowl bound for the 3rd time in four seasons! Hopefully for a win.
Cincinnati played a good game and to say this city is still on the edge of our seats/running on pure adrenaline this morning might be an understatement. I’ll try not to be too obnoxious during my post today but make no promises.
However, I know not everyone including some in my own family are sports fans so let’s get to the task at hand. Time to plan the week by linking up with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.
The Weather
Saturday afternoon
Good thing we have the excitement of a victory to keep us warm today. The weather on its own is cold. It’s cloudy and 12 degrees right now. The wind chill was negative 2 when I took J to school earlier (hey, another victory there. J went to school today!). Not supposed to snow or anything, cold to start the week but by Saturday, temperatures back in the 50’s. Welcome inside the pinball machine of weather that is the Midwest in winter.
As I Look Outside My Window
Nothing as I’m in the basement. However, outside the car window this morning I did spot a skunk at the end of our road this morning.
Right Now
Working on this post and trying to warm up a bit. Might need to take a break for another few sips of coffee.
Thinking And Pondering
If I want to send flowers for a family birthday I completely forgot. It’s one of those sticky family situations where a missed card will be interpreted wrong. Despite it being a completely innocent slipped my mind kind of thing. I’ll probably send the flowers just to keep the peace and because this person isn’t in the best of health. Better to send flowers to the living while they can enjoy them. Well, that got rather morbid. Let’s move on back to happier things.
On My Bedside Table
Currently, my camera bag. I discovered I need to charge the battery so photos in this post are either from the weekend or my cell phone.
On My TV Today
Probably a few more episodes of Jack Ryan (season 3) on Amazon prime while finishing up the laundry.
Listening To
It’s quiet right now though I hear G stirring upstairs getting ready for his class. I heard this on the radio while driving home from dropping J off at school:
Just the “welcome to the red kingdom part.” Imagine I’ll be hearing it a lot (more) the next couple of weeks as the DJ on my local station likes to play that clip.
On The Lunch Plate
Not really sure. Here’s a random picture of a donut from yesterday. Should probably eat something healthier today.
On The Dinner Plate
I’ve been craving minestrone soup. Thinking I’ll cut the recipe in half and pull some grilled chicken out of the freezer for the ones who aren’t soup fans. Plus garlic bread.
On The Menu This Week
Mini Aussie pies weren’t a huge hit (a last-minute menu change)and it turns out, kiwi is also not a huge favorite here
MONDAY: minestrone soup, grilled chicken, garlic bread *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*
TUESDAY: pork chops, baked potatoes
WEDNESDAY: Quick chicken sandwiches (frozen chicken patties in freezer), French fries, green beans maybe? *J has an appt at 2*
THURSDAY: Pepper steak, rice
FRIDAY: maybe waffles? clean out the freezer night?
SATURDAY: Out with friends
On My Reading Pile
Started reading This Place of Wonder by Barbara O’Neal late last night right before bed. Not very far into it.
Last week I finished reading A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab, the 3rd and final book in her Shades of Magic series. Gave it a kinder star rating than it probably deserved. Well-written, yes. Did she answer any of the pressing questions about the history of the main characters? No. Some of it felt like a “who shot J.R.?” ending so like I said, maybe not so well-written and a kinder star rating than it deserved.
The other book I read was a quick one from a “skip the line” library loan called Piranesi by Susanna Clarke. It was delightfully weird and I enjoyed it. Weird parallel universe stuff and a likeable main character. Quick references to a few favorite books/tv shows.
On My To Do List
Pretty much the usual at this point: laundry, clean the house, grocery store, Target (out of cat food)
Other random things:
Figure out what husband wants to do for his birthday next week
We’re doing a Galentines MNO next week so need to figure out small gifts for that
Clean out my purse
Plant lemon seeds in small pot I bought a couple weeks back
Plans This Week
This is (hopefully) a slow week before next week where I have MNO, husband’s birthday, and a work day. Other than having to take J a few places and figuring out things for next week, not much on the agenda. We do have our dinner out with friends on Saturday so I’m looking forward to that.
What I’m Creating
Hoping to create a small lemon plant. Will it grow into a tree? Who knows. Will the grocery store ever drop the price on their small Meyer Lemon trees? Apparently not. SIGH. (G put my small meyer lemon tree outside when it was too cold in the fall and it never recovered. I’d bought it on clearance at the grocery store for $10 bucks in 2021. Now they cost $40).
My Simple Pleasure
Attempting and sometimes succeeding at growing vegetables, plants, and flowers.
Lesson Learned This Past Week
To slow down, wait, and listen. So much more but the words aren’t there this morning.
Looking Around The House
Not awful if I don’t look at the kitchen table or the couch in the living room.
From The (Phone) Camera
On My Prayer List
Friends, family, strangers. Anyone who has no choice but to be outside in today’s cold weather. J to have a good day at school as well as good week and be back on track with things. My father-in-law’s wife who is recovering from chemo. Friends struggling with loss during the long winter months.
Quote For The Week
The most important of the Lord’s work you will ever do will be the work you do within the walls of your own home. (Harold B. Lee)
I visited all my favorite garden places around the yard yesterday. (Thrown in below are also some photos of this past spring and summer blooms as well)
Front yard:
The garden year has no beginning and no end. (Elizabeth Lawrence)
August of 2022
One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides. (W.E. Johns)
Side Yards:
The promise of spring’s arrival is enough to get anyone through the bitter winter. (Jen Selinsky)
Backyard:
The color of springtime is flowers; the color of winter is in our imagination. (Terri Guillemets)
To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow. (Audrey Hepburn)
“From December to March, there are for many of us three gardens—the garden outdoors, the garden of pots and bowls in the house, and the garden of the mind’s eye…” (Katherine S. White)
Garden quotes from the following sources where you can find additional quotes on gardening:
Happy Friday! Thought I’d do another what I’ve been reading and watching post. And throw in mention of a few games we’ve been playing at our once a month outing with friends.
Games:
Once a month we get together with friends to honor a friend who passed away in 2021. After dinner, we play card or board games. We started with playing Uno, very fun! Then, we expanded our choices a bit. The games pictured above are the games we have here at our house. Some of them are from this previous Christmas. G gave his dad the Cards Against Humanity game (Warning: that one is NOT for young children/all audiences). I gave my husband the Password game (very fun!) and then, G gave me the Ted Lasso game (we’ve not played that one yet).
Our current favorites (played with our friends) are: Uno (especially the write your own cards version), Mexican train dominoes, Skip-Bo, and sometimes silly trivia games. Last time we played the original Trivial Pursuit (It’s hard and why my husband pulled the family edition we own out of our closet for next time).
Do you have any game suggestions for large groups (there are roughly 9 of us)?
On TV
Regular TV
On regular tv, haven’t been watching too much. We tried the new Night Court show. I thought it was ok, needs to find its way still. Caught a couple episodes of a new game show called Lingo. Nothing I’d seek out.
And of course, this weekend, we’ll be watching football. Well, I’ll be listening to it as I run my son to band practice.
Streaming
I completely binge-watched two series both on Netflix:
That 90’s Show: Had a good premise but I think they were trying to make 90’s kids fit into a 70’s mindset with the writing and it didn’t quite work. I think should they get a second season, it would work if they focused more on the issues of the 90’s and less on trying to reboot the kids into a setting of doing things kids/teens in the 70’s did.
Wednesday: It definitely lived up to the hype but I was so mad at myself for not figuring out the mystery. I literally guessed every other person in the show. Told my son it did give me a bit of a Harry Potter vibe while watching it but in a good way. Glad it’s getting a season 2.
Movies
Tortured the husband (and myself) by making us sit through Minions: The Rise of Gru. Should’ve known better as none of the preschool kids were really talking about it. Not good though I usually like those movies. Time to let that series of movies end. (This was on Peacock but I think it might be gone now, don’t worry you didn’t miss much)
Then, my husband has a talent for picking out random movies from 10-20 years ago that none of us remember and they turn out to be good. Case in point, random movie called The Proposal with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds from 2009 on Hulu. Really enjoyed it! I guess it makes up for him making us sit through the oddity of Mr. Harrigan’s Phone on Netflix. He didn’t like it either, guess they were talking about it on the radio.
It was based on a book, so at least it gave me something to request at the library. So let’s move on.
However, before we do, I don’t know why this song popped into my head for the post title but here’s a clip of it from you-tube:
Books
Currently I’m reading A Conjuring of Light, the conclusion of the Darker Shades of Magic series by V.E. Schwab. It’s a bit better than the last book in the series. I’m really hoping they reveal the big secrets about the pasts of a couple characters.
Prior to this one I had a quick read of one called Five Winters by Kitty Wilson. I enjoyed the technique of showing what happened to the character during each of the winters. Interesting way to mark the passage of time. Basically, the main character is in love with her best friend’s brother who basically sees her as sister. Her life was a bit tragic and his parents took her in as a young girl. Will he see her differently?
My favorite of the books I’ve read recently was one I didn’t even expect to like. Figured Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus was probably overhyped. However, it did not disappoint. Took a minute to get into it but once I did, couldn’t stop reading. And I’d have probably kept reading if she hadn’t ended the book. I was satisfied with the ending just wanted more. It chronicles the life of Elizabeth, a woman chemist in the 1950’s, who is clearly ahead of her time in regards to equal rights. She also seems to have a bit of a problem reading people. It’s one of those makes you think at the same time you are laughing kind of books. I think it would make a terrific book club choice especially in a book club of mixed ages.
What’s keeping you entertained this winter? Any game, television, or book suggestions for me?
Know what happens when you throw a snow day right in the middle of a week? The next day feels like a big ol’ Monday. Again. Except the Monday to start this week wasn’t bad.
Today, however, it’s as if Monday said: Hi, remember me? I’m back from my vacay! Let’s have some “fun”
Somehow, I just imagine that Monday would say “vacay” in an annoying voice instead of vacation. Except we all know Monday’s idea of fun is not the same as our idea of fun.
How about a text message asking you to work that came through at 11:30 last night when you were already asleep. Can’t reply (won’t) at 5 in the morning. Need to kind of see what else unfolds this morning anyway.
Tired? Oh, I know what will wake you right up? How about after your shower, you grab your face cleanser and smear that all over your face instead of the moisturizer you thought you grabbed. A nice, super clean shiny face to start the day!
That son of yours? The one who has for some reason set a billion alarms this morning? The one your husband said he heard very late last night. Yeah, I think he needs a “fun” morning as well. A “can’t do it” morning where he goes back to bed. Been a while. (Reminding myself this is just a slip in a ton of progress we’ve had this year).
Here Comes The Guilt
And let’s throw in a heaping of guilt because technically now you could/should work but you also should stay here to keep your son on track for tomorrow. (Our agreement is he does school work from home on days like this).
You know you should call the school but you’re just so over this part of it all. Ignore them? Tell a white lie (yes, I know it’s wrong, a trade of one judgement to avoid another) and say J is physically sick with a headache or something? Guilt over considering those options.
Didn’t you want so spend a bit of today also disappointed that now cleaning the house (all alone) is out of the picture?
Talk To Me Thursday!
I picture Thursday coming in like a long lost much needed friend taking charge of things: Okay, move it Monday! It’s my day and I tend to make everyone a bit happier because it’s almost the weekend! Go sulk or whatever it is you do until you arrive to spoil the weekend fun for most people.
Reminders here:
You don’t have to work today, even though you really like the teacher asking, it was short notice for you. And there are other substitute teachers. Your son is your priority here.
Just call the school. It’ll save the hassle of that annoying automatic message later. And lack of sleep causes headaches so there you go. It’s not like you want to wake him up and ask if he has a headache, I’m sure he’d have had a headache if he didn’t go back to bed.
You could clean the house now while they’re still all asleep. (Husband is at work).
Also, we’re just days of the week. Not really in charge. You know who’s in charge, another little prayer to get through today and the rest of the week even if we are near the end never hurts.
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Happy almost the weekend! Hope your day is off to a bit better start than mine!
Yesterday, before the predicted snow storm, I took a walk. It was a very quiet walk as I was the only one at the park when I started.
However, first, let’s start this post how I’ve decided to start all the Winter Wednesday posts with the weather.
The Weather
Well, they (the collective weather people/television meteorologists) were right. Kansas City did only get the far north edge of the storm. It started raining around 9 last night and sometime in the overnight changed to snow. We woke up to snow and a snow day off school for J. However, the roads seem to have already improved and it’s 33 degrees as G heads off to the college campus. Snow is already blowing/dripping/melting from the trees.
My Walk Before The Storm
I debated if I wanted to go for quite a bit yesterday but finally around 3 in the afternoon, I just went ahead and got in the car. Many thanks to G for this who pushed me a bit saying if you don’t go, you know you’re going to regret it.
Winter buds on small trees always give a bit of hope.
This land area was full of water last time. I think the barrenness is related to work they are doing by the newly added playground area. The overnight snow should melt and fill it again, I hope.
I still found spots of partially frozen water.
And though the photo is a bit blurry, there were also occasionally welcome pops of color among the browns of the grasses and grays of the day.
Gray skies and chilly air
I felt the oncoming storm on the chill in the air. Saw the gray skies and very few birds.
Some of the trees looked to be dancing though the stillness that precedes most storms also sat upon the air.
The trees kept me company on my quiet, lonely walk.
I always take time to stop and check out the “all you need is love” tree. The silver bobble looks heart shape from a distance.
I Actually Enjoy Walking Alone
While it’s always nice to have a friend to walk with you, I love to go at my own pace. Stop and examine the trees. Listen to the nature around me. Things that get lost in the natural conversation of walking with a partner. As I started to walk by the small pond pictured above, I heard a sound I’d not heard before at this particular park.
Immediately, I turned and walked back to peer into the forested area.
However, my barred owl was too deep in the wooded area to spot. Here is a youtube video (not mine, I just listened from the path) to let you share in the sounds I heard:
Rounding The Corner
As rounded the corner of the path, far from the hoot owl I couldn’t see, I did stumble upon one industrious woodpecker in a small grove of young trees.
The chill in the air continued to grow and my hands were getting colder despite my gloves. So I made one last stop to check for any more brave little birds:
With none to be found, I ended my lonely walk and returned to my car now joined by another in the parking lot. Hopefully, that person enjoyed their quiet lonely walk as much as I enjoyed mine.
And this morning, the trees here at home were all dressed in white:
I saw this on another list somewhere and thought it seemed like a good idea. Of course, the idea was to do it on the 23rd of each month. However, yesterday was Happy Homemaker Monday so we’re a day late with the review this month.
The List:
Clean our basement a tub at a time (I’ve already told my husband of the plan) *We are making progress on this one! Have even sometimes been doing 2 tubs on a Sunday afternoon*
Participate in every Happy Homemaker Monday for 2023 *So far so good*
Read 92 books *In progress, Goodreads says I’m a book behind, not really worried*
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) *In progress, checked out a couple library books to help motivate me*
Get my ears pierced (again, I had them done a long while ago but haven’t had them in years) *Not yet, to be honest, I’m a little scared but determined to do it*
Get tubs to store the Christmas books *Not yet though I should be looking as I’m sure I could find some on clearance this time of year*
Unsubscribe from at least 3 junk newsletters every time I clean my email *In progress*
Throw away any broken or worn out items! *In progress though sometimes this is harder than it should be*
Re-watch the David Tennant episodes of Doctor Who, old school style…just one episode a week *In progress, I’m enjoying this list item*
Rediscover the lighter, fun-loving open to (almost) anything adventurous side of my personality *Trying*
Celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary in August with either a trip or a party *Need to discuss this with my husband, step one: remind him it’s our 25th wedding anniversary coming up*
Join in for the Blog365 challenge and post every single day in 2022 (in progress already!) *In progress, so far so good*
Buy 2 Christmas presents for the boys each month (and one stocking stuffer for myself) *Need to update this one a bit: It should read Buy ONE Christmas present for the boys each month (and one stocking stuffer for myself). Might make this a thing to do the 25th of each month.*
Be better about reaching out to friends/family members. Make an effort to call/text someone once a week. *Trying, need to do better*
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) *I feel like I’m doing okay at this but it’s early. I did buy candy hearts but have hidden them away instead of already filling the candy dish. Waiting to decorate until Feb 1*
Make individual binders for our bank statements *Not yet*
Frame the photos from when J was in the all-district bands *Not yet*
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 did leave one review on a Kohl’s item though just a star rating. Maybe I should set aside a day to do this*
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) *Not yet and I really need to do this. Any suggestions? How do you keep track of the blogs you follow?*
Take at least 2 people photos at each holiday/special occasion *Not yet*
Get storage containers for our DVD collection, sort, and store them *Not yet*
Accept that a some family situations aren’t likely to change and realize I’ve done enough. *This is a tough one for me but I’m working on it*
Invite people to our home (family, friends, etc…been too long since I’ve done this) *In progress, planning to invite a friend for coffee here and family to husband’s birthday. Can’t believe this is suddenly a hard thing*
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I’m hoping that doing a review each month might help me accomplish a few more items on the list. Did you make a list this year? How is your progress going?
This is either going to be the quick edition or the all day edition (more likely). I have about 2o minutes until I leave for work so trying to get this post done in that time.
Monday again, already?
Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom. Go check out the fun link up! And join in, it’s such an encouraging way to start the week.
The Weather
Not sure what happened but it actually seems like winter lately. 25 and cloudy right now, chance of snow Wednesday. Supposed to be in the 30s to low 40’s most of the week with one cold day right after the day they call for snow. We’re getting to enjoy the pretty snow but mostly not worry about the roads. I’ll take it.
As I Look Outside My Window
It’s cloudy. Saw a few birds at the bird feeders out the back door.
Right Now
I’m seeing how far I can get on this post before my “go to work” timer rings.
Thinking And Pondering
Monday’s off to a pretty good start here so I’m hoping it’s the sign of a good week. And that the week doesn’t slide downhill from here. Optimistic this morning, huh?
On My Bedside Table
This morning I actually have the TV remote and a hair tie on it.
On My TV Tonight
Probably nothing for me, too much to do tonight. Tomorrow I’ll finish watching Wednesday and see what else. And of course, I watched football over the weekend. How ’bout those Chiefs!!!???
Listening To
The dryer and a minute ago, the heating unit but it stopped.
On The Lunch Plate
No idea, I lost my lunch calendar from preschool. They seldom follow it anymore (annoyance on my part). However, I’m taking a Luna bar and an apple so I’m good.
On The Dinner Plate
Freezer frenzy night! And grocery store chicken
On The Menu For This Week
MONDAY: grocery store chicken, brisket, who knows what other odds and ends from freezer *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30* *I work 8:15-4:30*
TUESDAY: Spaghetti, breadsticks, maybe salad
WEDNESDAY: Not sure, maybe chicken chili? Or maybe just chicken strips?
THURSDAY: Roast in the crock pot
FRIDAY: Ribs in the crock pot, corn
On My Reading Pile
Finished Us Against You (finally, it’s well-written and I know I’d have enjoyed it more if I read the books in order). Also read a quick one, Five Winters by Kitty Wilson. A bit predictable but I still enjoyed it. And I’ve just started one of my library holds that came up, Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. I’m not far enough into it to have an opinion.
On My To Do List
Grocery Store (DONE yesterday)
Clean up house a bit
Laundry (ALWAYS)
Pay bills
??Something else but I can’t remember
All the other stuff I can’t think of right now
Plans For This Week
Other than working today, I have no plans and I can’t say I’m sad about it.
What I Am Sewing, Knitting, or Creating
A cozy home I hope
My Simple Pleasure
Watching the birds at the feeders (and yelling at the squirrels?)
****This is where my timer went off****
Looking Around The House
Looks like we were home all weekend and I worked all day today.
From The Camera
Prayer List
Friends, family, strangers. Neighbor to stay healthy. My boss and her husband to be able to go home from the hospital soon. Some sick preschool kids and teachers. J’s last semester of school to go well. A peaceful and healthy year for all.
Quote For The Week
Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do… but how much love we put in that action. (Mother Teresa)
