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Author: jehdld

Happy Homemaker Tuesday, Summer Survives!

I know Fall starts this week but summer is going out with a Fourth of July type bang around here. That said, even my summer loving self is ready to welcome a new season. 

Joining in a day late with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom to plan my week.

The Weather

It’s not chili nor chilly weather yet this week. Though a cold front is supposed to move in later around Thursday or Friday. Today the predicted high is 96! Though Thursday the predicted high is in the upper 60’s. Hopefully, we’ll get some rain in there somewhere.

As I Look Outside My Window

It’s sunny and hazy. Our little hummingbirds continue to hang around each morning/afternoon. I wonder how much longer I get to enjoy their company? 

Right Now I Am

Trying to get a start on this post before I leave for a 10:30 hair appointment.

Thinking And Pondering

Yesterday at this time, I felt pretty defeated but today I’m feeling much better. The local high school had me so frustrated last week and into yesterday. How is it I could get a reply faster from an administrator at a school my son doesn’t attend (yet) than I could from his own school? UGH. Maybe because the administrator that answered was there last year and actually knows how to do his job. Anyway, I suppose it seems as though things might work out for J to transfer to a different school, work to take the Hi-SET but still get awarded a diploma. School time would be less but he’d also be required to work or volunteer. Complex but a good option for him. Very thankful there a few people left in our school district who care more about the kids than the bureaucracy of it all (not pointing fingers at teachers as I know they’re all doing the best they can within it). UPDATE: This is an ongoing saga, so much red tape to unwind…

How I Am Feeling

Very cautiously optimistic. Keep thinking of the Latin words (don’t remember those) my mom kept posted on the fridge that said “What is it in the light of Eternity?”

On The Breakfast Plate

Coffee, vitamins, and a cinnamon spice bagel. It didn’t have a hole. If your bagel isn’t holey, is it evil? Ha! Still tasted the same.

On The Lunch Plate

Absolutely no idea.

On The Dinner Plate

Mesquite BBQ chicken sandwiches (Just pre-marinated chicken from grocery store that I’ll grill. Nothing fancy). Maybe homemade onion rings.

What I’m Wearing Today

Missouri State tee-shirt (where G planned to go to college initially before changing his mind way back before the pandemic struck. On a happy note, He IS about to graduate college possibly next semester), some type of jeans shorts from Old Navy, and my leopard print slip on Keds tennis shoes (somehow they’ve become my garden shoes).

On My Reading Pile

Just finished reading The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab.  I loved it! Not sure why it took me so long to break down and decide to read it. I’ll definitely be looking into other books by this author.

On My TV

Glanced at The Voice last night, watched all of the Quantum Leap reboot and enjoyed it. Husband and I need to watch Cobra Kai, we managed the first episode. Football. And I did watch a bit of the Queen’s funeral procession.

On The Menu

MONDAY: Leftover pork chops, mozzarella sticks, peanut butter crackers, yogurt *I worked 10-1* *J had a baritone lesson at 6:30* In case you couldn’t tell, it was a fend for yourself night.

TUESDAY: BBQ chicken sandwiches, onion rings *I may have Bunco, need to check* *Hair appt at 10:30*

WEDNESDAY: Spaghetti, garlic toast, maybe some fresh from the garden appetizers: fried eggplant, tomatoes and fresh mozzarella with balsamic and fresh basil (stole that one from preschool), salad

THURSDAY: Ham Steaks (for boys), Green beans and new potatoes in crock pot, apple cake for dessert *FIRST DAY OF FALL*

FRIDAY: Possibly homemade pizza on grill or fend for selves again or OUT

Looking Around The House

Been so focused on J’s school issues that I’ve let it slide quite a bit. Plus last week G did build a computer on the kitchen table.

On My To Do List

  1. Go get hair cut (DONE)
  2. Little bit of laundry
  3. Maybe put out fall decorations (later this week)
  4. Continue to fight with school about J (already have a headache over it)
  5. Lots of garden chores, too hot today, and mow lawn at some point
  6. Probably lots of other things I can’t think of right now

From The Camera

A few from last week and yesterday.

This groundhog has been hanging out. Thankfully, the garden is on the other side of the house.
I call this red snap dragon “Animal Crossing in real life”. I planted yellow ones and when they rebloomed, I had a red one!
I decided I prefer purple asters to mums.

Quote For The Week

The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: 4-7)

Happy Homemaker Monday, Long Day

Well, Monday is almost over but I still wanted to get a post in over here. I know my blogging has been very spotty. Just a lot going on lately. Still processing quite a bit of it. Most of it concerns J’s school choices, it’s not all bad but very different from what I thought this year might be…a post of itself eventually. Essentially, we’re looking into him not finishing his senior year and simply taking the high school equivalency test.

Didn’t want to miss a second week of joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for the weekly link up. Hoping to catch up with everyone tomorrow.

The Weather

We had a fall preview over the weekend (and rain!!) with temperatures cool enough to have the air off and the attic fan running. It was even dare I say cold on Sunday morning. However, it’s back to the a/c and high 80’s for the rest of this week. One last hoorah for summer weather.

As I Look Outside My Window

Dark now but this was one morning last week. It turns out praying mantis are predators of the hummingbird so this fellow was swiftly relocated elsewhere.

Right Now I Am

Working on this post, thinking it feels like midnight though it’s only 8:30.

Thinking And Pondering

How different this fall will look from the image I had in my head. The battle of what’s best for my son vs. the grief of missing all the lasts of the senior year from a parent perspective. Also, wondering what I hit my hand on earlier, I vaguely recall bumping it on something while running errands but it has a bump and is a bit sore so I must have hit it harder than I remember.

How I Am Feeling

A bit sad and uncertain about things. Gee, I’m a pocket of happiness tonight. SIGH. That said I think sometimes I tend to only post when it’s all happy and this is real life right now.

On The Breakfast Plate

A crappy grocery store donut and a Starbucks caramel macchiato (not ready for pumpkin spice quite yet). Did take my vitamins though.

On The Lunch Plate

Ham sandwich, chips, and another crappy grocery store donut, this one had no sprinkles and was some sort of spice flavor so a bit better.

On The Dinner Plate

The rest of them had roast and potatoes, I had a flip yogurt. Just wasn’t super hungry.

What I’m Wearing Today

Started out with the band tee-shirt from J’s freshman year and olive green capris, switched into jeans (it was chilly this morning!), then switched into a striped shirt (got the tee-shirt dirty while working in the garden) with the jeans.

On The Reading Pile

Right now I’m reading a Danielle Steel novel that I’m struggling to get through called Suspects. I just finished a book called No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood that was an interesting satirical view of the Internet meshed with her real life experience of grieving a loss. It’s pretty choppy between the first and second parts but also quite poignant.

On My TV

How about them Chiefs!!!? I did watch the new Thor last week, it was okay. And because I came across a few references to it but had never seen it, I watched Sliding Doors over the weekend as well. Enjoyed that more than Thor.

On The Menu

Thankfully, no more donuts. They just weren’t that great.

MONDAY: Roast in the crockpot *J had a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Korean meatballs and rice (one of my I don’t need to think meals, frozen meatballs, jar of sauce, crockpot, add rice, and then green onions for color. Bonus: everyone likes it)

WEDNESDAY: Maybe chicken strips?

THURSDAY: Tacos

FRIDAY: I work either all day or 1-3:45. OUT

Looking Around The House

We can say it’s either a disaster or looking very lived in…G is building a computer on the kitchen table, the couch is covered with a couple boxes plus a blanket from the cold morning, shoes on floor, bathrooms need cleaned.

On My To Do List

  1. Grocery Store *DONE*
  2. Pay bills *DONE*
  3. Talk to J about things *DONE*
  4. Plant cabbage, carrots, and broccoli starts in garden *mostly DONE*
  5. Laundry *2 loads to go until DONE*
  6. Return to grocery store because they forgot to give me my gas discount *DONE*
  7. Go to different store for potting soil and bird seed *DONE*
  8. Clean the house
  9. Clean out pantry (can’t do this until G finishes his computer project)
  10. More yardwork

From The Camera

Just a few from around the yard today. Time to transition from summer flowers to fall flowers as well as bring some plants back inside.

Quote For The Week

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)

Surprise! Another Post!

Not that I’m counting but I think this means I’ve posted four times this week! On a bit of a roll. Nothing special, just another random one with a review of the past week.

Believe it or not, these morning glories and this post inspired me to write today!

I’ve been tossing morning glory seeds around this post ever since my husband took the fence down a few years ago.  This post is right next to our backyard vegetable garden. I have visions of morning glories winding their way up and around the post. Every year: NOTHING.

However, Tuesday morning as I went out to check the garden. What did I find?

A morning glory tucked behind a few of its leaves quietly blooming away! A nice surprise from a rather rough morning.

Shall we grab a cup of something. And review the week. Maybe lavender? 

This planter, I waited so patiently for it to go on clearance at the grocery store, makes me so happy. And I decided to share the unedited version so you can see the mess on our outdoor table on the deck. I have visions of this gorgeous deck with plants but this is the reality. Maybe next summer.

This Week

Monday and Tuesday

Monday was our 24th wedding anniversary that we celebrated by doing absolutely nothing. I did at least bother to get my husband a card. I’ve just about simmered down over him mostly ignoring it. I did buy myself a few flowers at the garden center. Of course, I’d have done that no matter what.  Not all his fault as I did work that day until almost 6, then take J to his baritone lesson. And the weekend before was busy as well. Next year better be a fantastic trip somewhere though!

Tuesday was rather rough as I mentioned. J didn’t go to school saying he just needed to sleep. We’d got off last week to such a good start that this came out of nowhere for me causing my optimism about the new school year to take a dive. At least I found my morning glory that morning.

Wednesday and Thursday

Wednesday turned out to be a much better day. Took the cat to the vet in the a.m. (finally!) and let me just say putting a cat in a carrier is not a fun one person job.  I thought I had work training but I ended up not having it. So happy about it as I wasn’t in the mood. And G bought my lunch, it was just McDonald’s but it was good. Everyone went where they were supposed to go that day as well.

a bloom on my fall garden zucchini plant

Thursday ended up a full day for me. I worked from 8 until 4. And while I didn’t have the time for Thankful Thursday post (need to get back to those), I did find lots of little items of gratitude. Got to work in my favorite classroom. The school lunch wasn’t messy (it’s a bit of joke for us that whenever I sub for a certain teacher who helps the kids clean after lunch, that day’s lunch is always one of the messiest!). The garden continues to do well.

Last night was a meeting for the parents of the senior band students. And my husband actually went with me. Sure he was probably regretting it though as I’m not one to say nothing (ironic as I was always “the quiet one” who hardly spoke in high school and college). That could be a post all by itself so perhaps I should remain “the quiet one” in this space. Trying to remind myself that as a been there done that parent, I need to think kinder thoughts toward the first time parents of seniors. The difference between the parents of G’s class and J’s class, sigh. Give me the class of 2019 parents any day of the week. Has always been an issue for me.

TODAY: Happy Friday, the start of Labor Day Weekend

Everyone is once again where they belong today. I’m enjoying a few hours of bliss in an empty house before I go pick up J from school and run him to a 3p.m. appt. I’ve watered the gardens, started some laundry. Taken a quick run to the store as we were out of cat food. So I picked up a few snacks for the weekend as well as some strawberries on sale. While I could be filling the house with the scent of an autumn candle, I opted for baking an angel food cake instead.

The rest of this weekend should be low-key for us: out with friends on Saturday night and no plans as of yet for the other days. I’m hoping we manage a visit to a local festival for kettle corn and pork rinds (tradition) and of course, my garden chores are always there.

How was your week? What plans do you have for the upcoming weekend?

 

 

Summer Summary

As we say goodbye to August and hello to September, I thought I’d share a summer summary post. And just for the record, I’m well aware it’s still summer until mid-September. However, it’s time to transition to fall. 

And I’m starting that transition by looking back on the summer of 2022 and sharing some things I’d like to remember about it. I’m also starting my post in late May though I also know summer doesn’t technically begin until mid-June.

Over all it was a fairly low-key summer around here but that’s okay. I’m being lazy and sharing pictures already posted in previous posts for this with maybe a bonus photo thrown in here or there.

MAY:

G turned 21! J finished his junior year of high school (whew!). I got a little more serious about my gardening adventures. Even had a rose bloom though sadly said rose bush is no more, we’ll see if it rebounds next year.

And then, it was onto the month that truly starts summer.

JUNE:

J got to go on a band trip to Disneyworld in Florida! I was jealous (as we opted not to go) but happy he obliged my request to text me one photo a day while he was there. The rest of us toiled at our jobs. When he returned from Disney, J had summer school. Thankfully, it went fairly smooth. And my green thumb improved enough to grow flowers out of the cracks in the sidewalks (not really but I did have some volunteer flowers that way). One day I ran into my sister and nephew in a garden center. That was a good day. 

JULY

Definitely our busiest summer month! We had a low-key Fourth of July at home. I worked and watered the garden and flowers. My older brother came into town from Texas and I was able to reconnect with family we’d not seen since 2019 (stupid pandemic and politics!). Three of us went to St. Louis for a music competition for J. We were able to visit the St. Louis arch while there. While J got superior ratings on all his performances, I think my proudest mom moment was on the grounds of the arch when my son stopped to pick up someone else’s abandoned trash and throw it away. Nice to know I at least did something right in raising him to be a good steward of the Earth.

And of course, I worked. Some work weeks were better than others but I generally enjoy summer as I typically work to cover vacations so my schedule is set for a week at a time.

AUGUST

July ended and August started with a sweltering heat wave. Hot even for us summer weather loving types. Band camp for J. More work for me. Less blogging than usual. A summer of Sonic Sour Patch Kid Floats. Another family gathering and reconnecting with more family!  Monthly get togethers with friends, my Mom’s Night Out friends. Game nights the first Saturday of each month with husband and different friends (in honor of his friend who passed away one year ago).

More watering, garden planning. And twice a week filling of the hummingbird feeders.

Since I mentioned J in July, I should mention how proud I am of G’s kindness. Brings me home spring rolls from Panda Express whenever he stops there on his way home from work simply because he knows I love them. Always sharing funny and interesting memes he finds on his phone. And has helped out so much with picking J up from school for us.

And Finally, here we are at the last day of August. My mind is on a very long list of end of season garden chores (though I have plenty of time with our weather here). A stack of new September magazines. Marching band (football) season at the high school with a senior! Fall cleaning. Festivals! Blogging more. Focusing on a sorting and saving (money) kind of September. And a return to the fall tv schedules.

What are you thinking and doing as you say goodbye to August and hello to September?

 

Recipe Repost: Cucumber Salad

Since I’ve had to go back to my So Not Organized blog twice now for the recipe, I decided to just add it over here. Hindsight is 20/20 and all that but if I could go back, I’d have stayed on my path to slowly just repost my favorite blog posts here instead of trying to transfer it over to the free word press version in one swoop. The content is still there but all my photos from many years of blogging: gone. SIGH.

Wait, did I say something about a recipe? Yes. It’s a simple one, too. I think everyone has a version of cucumber salad. This is mine. Actually, it’s my late mother-in-law’s recipe as it was usually on the table at any summer family dinner. I loved it and still do. G likes it as well and actually requested it again.

So, once again here is (with brand new updated photos!):

Cucumber Salad

Just four ingredients needed: cucumbers, fresh from the garden if you have some! Thinly sliced red onion. Rice vinegar. And sugar.

I was chatting with an older gentleman in the store a few weeks ago and he said they made their cucumber salad with apple cider vinegar. I’m not so sure about that. Might be because it makes me think of fruit fly traps. Rice vinegar is our go to here.

The basic steps:

Thinly slice cucumbers. I peel mine though sometimes if I feel fancy I leave stripes of the peel.

I bought this last year and I love it! All the tools (mandoline, two different size graters, and the guard) store inside it. And it’s dishwasher safe. OXO Good Grips Mini Complete Grate and Slice Kit.

(Note: I’m not an Amazon affiliate and get no sort of credit for sharing this, just something I like and thought you might as well.)

Place the sliced cucumbers in the a shallow container.

Layer with the thinly sliced red onion (mine is a bit too thick here but we pick around it anyway).

Mix together rice vinegar and sugar. One cup of each. Pour over layered cucumber and red onion slices.

It’s okay if some onion slices are poking up above the liquid but the cucumbers should be covered. Finally, the hard part. Wait several hours to let flavors set in and mingle.

No judgement here if you find yourself getting a fork and eating this straight out of the container when nobody is looking. Do you have a version of cucumber salad?

Happy Homemaker Monday, Still Here

Maybe I should just start planning on taking blogging breaks when school starts. I missed catching up with everyone last week but it was another whirlwind of activity. J’s school started and I continued to help out at the preschool. This week should be a bit more reasonably paced. Maybe.

Definitely missed having a weekly plan in place. I’m glad to have a bit of time this morning to post here and then link up with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather 

Hot, then rainy, and then hot again. However, not heat advisory hot. Just normal end of August hot. Might thunderstorm this afternoon, then highs in the upper 80’s/low 90’s for the rest of the week.

As I Look Outside My Window

It’s bright and sunny out there. We have 3 (!) little hummingbirds that fight over our feeder and are so entertaining to watch (but hard to catch on camera!).

Right Now I Am

Ignoring a lot of housework to work on this post instead.

Thinking And Pondering

My sunflowers didn’t bloom so I cheated and bought one at the garden center!

It’s the time of year when I get a little garden obsessed. If you can recognize a perennial flower, it’s a great time to shop for flowers for next year. Or replace a few annuals that didn’t quite make it in the drought.  Plus I’m planning a bit of a front yard garden expansion going for a cottage garden look.

How I Am Feeling

Pretty good. Yesterday I was feeling a bit down but being outside works wonders for the mood.

On The Breakfast Plate

Flip yogurt, coffee, vitamins, and a Stoopwafel.

On The Lunch Plate

Good question. I’m not sure. No dinner leftovers (it was a hit!) so maybe just a scrambled egg or something.

On The Dinner Plate

Absolutely no idea. It’s our 24th wedding anniversary but I work until 5:30, followed by needing to get J to his baritone lesson so it’ll be a late dinner.

What I’m Wearing Today

Currently: Black t-shirt, light tan linen look shorts, and leopard print slip on shoes, no socks. Later, for work: probably change into a work t-shirt and some thin cotton pants plus tennis shoes (with socks).

On My Reading Pile

Trying to get through The Secret Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben but I’m struggling with it. Just started Before She Disappeared by Lisa Gardener. And I’m also casually glancing at all of these:

Ignore the weird slice of sunlight there

 

On My TV

A few too tired to do much else as well as a rare rainy day led to a bit of TV watching. Discovered two series I really enjoyed and very much hope to see second seasons added. The first on Netflix, The Sandman. Kind of a dark fantasy, just enough for those of us who can’t do scary.  And the second, also a bit dark/comedy and drama combo on Apple TV, Severance. Both well worth your time. (On a semi-related note: As I start to evaluate the million streaming services we have here, I think Apple TV is going to replace Hulu for us. We’re too hooked to not be able to see the 3rd season of Ted Lasso).

On The Menu 

Okra bloom!

Anyone know of a chef that will work for free? Must be able to feed a super picky family and do clean up duty. Send them my way!

MONDAY: No idea *I work 1-5:30* *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30* *Our wedding anniversary*

TUESDAY: Fish (from store boxed frozen), cucumber salad (with homegrown cucumbers!), fried okra (with some homegrown okra plus some my brother-in-law gave us)

WEDNESDAY: Pork chops, baked potatoes *Chelsey has an 9:15 vet appt*  *I have work training 1-2:45*

THURSDAY: Chicken fajitas, yellow rice *J has band practice 6-8:45* *I have a senior parent band parent meeting at 7* (Might switch this menu to Wednesday)

FRIDAY: OUT *J has an appt at 3*

Looking Around The House 

My summer loving self is going to need to do some serious fall cleaning at some point. I’m getting that back to school time to clear the clutter restlessness. Just me?

On My To Do List

A glimpse of my garden expansion planning
  1. Lots of outside chores: repotting plants to transition inside, marking off expanded front garden, weeding butterfly garden by driveway edge (it’s an embarrassing mess!)
  2. Clear out pantry/fridge/freezer (this is my typical Labor day weekend project)
  3. Take cat to vet on Wednesday morning
  4. Keep up with laundry (trying the one load a day thing)
  5. Spend some time cleaning the basement area

From The Camera

Should probably add pick up the camera more to the to do list as I ran around taking most the photos in this post this morning.

Quote For The Week

Remember that children, marriages, and flower gardens reflect the kind of care they get.
(H. Jackson Brown, Jr.)

Happy Homemaker Monday, It’s Nice Out

While it was super hot over the weekend again (though not *heat advisory* hot), it’s been cooling down all day and is currently 77 degrees. The rain is on the way! Oh, I hope it finds us soon. Walking on the ground outside feels like walking on concrete because it’s been so hot and dry this summer.

Bit late getting my post up today/tonight. I worked this morning and then spent the afternoon grocery shopping. Shaping up to be one of those busy starts to the week. Let’s look at the week ahead.

The Weather

There was such a pretty sunrise this morning but by the time I found my camera and got it ready, I missed the best of it. This is a view to the south. I was just excited to see a few clouds! It’s supposed to rain later tonight into tomorrow. And then, the next two days the highs are predicted in the mid to high 70’s followed by 2 days with highs in the low 80’s. A much needed break and fall preview.

As I Look Outside My Window

Not the best photo but I couldn’t resist sharing my “star of the flying trapeze” squirrel. The view out the back door window. 

Right Now I Am

Trying to get this post written and published before I need to go pick up J from band practice.

Thinking And Pondering

Whether I want to work a full day on J’s first day of school. He’s going to be a senior. After the last 2 years, instead of feeling excited and sad, I’m just so ready for it all to be done. Hopefully, I’ll find a little more enthusiasm once school starts (next Monday for him).

How I Am Feeling

I’ve got a slight headache which I truly hope means rain is really coming!

On The Breakfast Plate

Key lime flip yogurt, vitamins, and coffee.

On The Lunch Plate

Ate lunch at preschool, it was scrambled eggs (not my favorite), pineapple, and a sausage link. Then, since I only worked until 1, I had a croissant spread with Nutella when I came home.

On The Dinner Plate

Not a stellar food day. I had a chicken sandwich from McDonald’s as G went and got it for him and J while I was at the store. He ordered too much food and offered it to me. My husband ate grocery store rotisserie chicken and potatoes. (Can I just interject that yesterday we had grilled chicken sausage, corn on the cob, grilled broccoli for dinner?)

What I’m Wearing Today

At school, I wore a pink t-shirt with lace eyelet sleeves and loose fitting black Capri pants plus tennis shoes. After work, I traded the Capri pants for a pair of black shorts and my slip on leopard print shoes.

On My Reading Pile

I’m actually between books! Over the weekend, I read Kingdom of Bones by James Rollins. It was about a virus. UGH. However, it was part of a series I really enjoy so managed to enjoy it despite the subject matter being a bit too recent for most of us. (I did feel his pain as he addressed the subject of the book in the forward, how he started writing the book in 2019 right before the world went nuts in 2020. And I am glad he went ahead and finished it as I did learn quite a bit and requested some of his research books (about trees) to read for myself.)

Another quick one I read was a choice on my kindle unlimited by Brian Freeman titled I Remember You. A sci-fi type thriller where the main character has someone else’s memories combined with her own.

On My TV

Finished Ted Lasso, one more episode left of Better Call Saul. G has us all watching a strange one (comedy?) on HBO Max called The Rehearsal. It’s very funny, disturbing at times, and interesting all at once.  Netflix movie called The Grey Man, not that good.

On The Menu

MONDAY: you already read about today’s disaster *I worked 8-1* *J had band practice 6-8:45*

TUESDAY: Spaghetti, garlic bread, salad *I work 8-1* *Appt with counselor at J’s school at 1:30, messed up schedule, sigh* *I have Bunco!!*

WEDNESDAY: Some sort of chicken on the grill? Zucchini *I work 8-1*

THURSDAY: Pepper steak, rice *I work 8-1* *J has band practice 6-8:45*

FRIDAY: Pizza of some sort *I work 8-1*

Looking Around The House

Pass. I even have outdoor chores I’m putting off doing at this point.

On My To Do List

  1. Make a list of some blog post ideas before I forget them!
  2. Pay bills
  3. Find J’s lunchbox. It’s missing?!
  4. Figure out what I’m wearing to work for rest of the week (should be number 1 on list)
  5. Laundry
  6. Grocery store *DONE*
  7. Trim some more outdoor flowers (My petunias started blooming again after I cut them back a few weeks ago)

From The Camera

Yet another week where I barely picked up the camera. Grabbed most of these photos just before I put up this post.

Quote For The Week

I found this new fitness site that’s wait for it….FREE. It’s a faith based fitness thing and I’m doing the 14 day kickstart. I’ll share the link here, I’m only on day four but I’m really loving it so far: Faithful Workouts

Found it on Instagram of all places. Anyway, today’s quote in the Pep talk video was pretty impactful. I’d never heard it before so thought I’d share it here:

As long as habit and routine dictate the pattern of living, new dimensions of the soul will not emerge. (Henry Van Dyke)

****************

Now, go check out Sandra’s link up over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom!

Summer Images From My Phone

I realized today that I’ve been dealing with a bit of Blogger’s block. The Happy Homemaker Monday posts are easy enough because the categories are there. However, I just can’t seem to get into a good flow with anything else. Hoping it might pick up again soon because I do miss writing about more than my weekly plans in this space.

Since today is “Wordless Wednesday” in a lot of the blogosphere (look at me with the big fancy words!), I thought I’d pop on here with something simple and hopefully, kind of fun. Summer is coming to a close, here that just means school starts next week (for preschool) and the week after that (for local public schools). Thought I’d just go through my phone and share a few random picks I’ve took with it during each of the summer months so far.

Nothing overly exciting and I may have shared some in the past, not sure at this point. I did try and pick things I’m fairly certain I didn’t previously share in this space. And phone pics so not the best quality.

MAY

Poison Ivy Flowers. Had no idea it made flowers, did you?

Birds from from outside the Kennedy Space Center in Florida (sent to me by J while he was on his Disney trip with the band). We’re still not sure what kind of birds.

And technically, that was a June 1 picture so….

JUNE

Speaking of being technical. I do this so many times it’s almost (it IS) embarrassing. Usually get them deleted but this was in the June photos…

Random screenshot anyone? How about a lovely butterfly on the lemon gem marigolds instead?

Oh how I wish they still looked that pretty. They do not. Dried out and barely clinging to life. I may pass on this variety next spring/summer.

JULY

We got on a bit of a Sonic drink kick especially the Sour Patch Kids Float. I got one just to try it. And then, I got another one. And now, I’m kind of craving it again. Smaller size. Size pictured was a bit much.

In St. Louis, we went to White Castle, a novelty that isn’t in these parts any more though it used to be here. I’m good for another few years though. This rabbit was hanging out in the parking lot.

Not much for this month yet…all food so far. Please, don’t judge.

AUGUST

Cucumber salad made with cucumbers from our very own garden! Then, we kept the “juice” and made a second batch with store cucumbers. I really had to dig for the recipe so will need to put it on here at some point (it is over on So Not Organized with no photos).

Last photo of my post was one I took just for laughs. J loves Cinnamon Toast Cereal but we both agreed this sounded disgusting. You can take the goodness of a flavor/brand a bit too far, I think.

Hope you’ve enjoyed the random sampling of my phone pictures from this summer. Anyone want to go to Sonic with me for a Sour Patch Kids Float?

 

Happy Homemaker Monday, Magnificent So Far

I was on standby to work this morning so up and ready to go by 7:30 but then, I didn’t have to go in after all.  Meant I was ready for the day early. Tended the garden (read watered a few things), went to the store, and made J breakfast.

As I left the store, the door greeter person told me “Have a Magnificent Monday!” and so far I’ve been doing just that. I hope that you are as well! 

Time to get to the business of planning the week ahead with the help of the wonderful link up hosted by Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

The word of the day suites it! After another weekend of heat advisory weather, a cool front moved into our area. It’s currently 81 degrees and partly cloudy out there. Cooler than our 85 degree and million percent humidity start to the day. No rain in the forecast the rest of the week but highs in the mid-80’s. Sold! I’ll take it.

As I Look Outside My Window

Earlier this morning as I looked out the backdoor window, I watched with amusement as one of our little hummingbirds chased a baby Carolina wren all over the bird feeder area. The poor baby Carolina wren did not know what to think about that bird chasing it.

Right Now I Am

Procrastinating cleaning the disaster in the kitchen and living room. Working on this post.

Thinking And Pondering

How nice it feels to have a completely free Monday. Normally, J would have a lesson tonight but we had to reschedule because of evening band practice. Then, they had to cancel the band practice. So I don’t have to rush to do anything today. Pondering how I can continue to make my Monday “magnificent.” 

How I Am Feeling 

I’m feeling pretty optimistic this morning (early afternoon), slept well. However, I’ve been sneezing a bit. Probably something in the air though my husband came home for lunch and said his stomach was upset over night. Hoping it’s just something he ate (and that I didn’t cook).

On The Breakfast Plate

Something different! Since I had some time and was also cooking for J, I made us toad in the hole eggs with a side of bacon (already cooked from a different day) and a small cinnamon toast round from the bread center. I did overcook the eggs a bit but still good. For me, also coffee (including my grocery store Starbucks caramel macchiato) and vitamins.

On The Lunch Plate

I was thinking grilled cheese while at the store (white American cheese was on sale in the deli) but now, I’m not sure as that seems like a lot of bread on top of our breakfast. Might just play it by ear. UPDATE: G made mac and cheese for him and J. I’ve not eaten lunch yet.

On The Dinner Plate

Current plan is grilled ham steak, corn on the cob, and asparagus plus honey butter crescent rolls (a splurge but oh my, they are so good once in a while!)

What I’m Wearing Today

Light blue capris and a palm leaf design t-shirt that sort of matches the light blue color. Plus since I didn’t go to work, I left on my leopard print slip on Keds tennis shoes that match nothing.

On My Reading Pile

I broke down and bought a couple of Daisy James novels, Wedding Bells at the Villa Limoncello and Summer Dreams at the Villa Limoncello. There’s a third one in the triology but I switched things up and am reading Trapper Road (Stillhouse Lake, #6) by Rachel Cane and Carrie Ryan. It’s a good series and book but kind of sad to read as the original author, Rachel Cane, passed away before finishing her manuscript and her friend finished it. It is true to her style and I am enjoying the story.

On My TV

I was on a bit of TV kick over the weekend watching Best Leftovers Ever! on Netflix as well as a random movie with Ryan Reynolds and Dwayne Johnson called Red Notice (dumb but entertaining).  Found a gardening show on Discovery Plus so watched a bit of it plus a few episodes of Chopped (the Netflix show mentioned is only 8 episodes). Need to finish up Ted Lasso and of course, I’ll watch the latest Better Call Saul episode tomorrow.

On My Menu

Not sure if it was watching a few cooking shows or the weather change but I did feel slightly inspired at the store this morning. Nothing overly exciting but I did have ideas of what I wanted to make.

MONDAY: Grilled ham steak with smoked honey, corn on the cob, asparagus, and honey butter crescent rolls

TUESDAY: Hawaiian pulled pork sliders, coleslaw *J has an appt at 3*

WEDNESDAY: Taco salads

THURSDAY: Pepper steak, rice *J has band practice 6:30-8:45*

FRIDAY: Chicken sausage, broccoli, and orzo pasta skillet

**I might change today’s menu to minestrone since my husband came home and ate a ham sandwich for lunch plus I do have some veggies I need to use. Or maybe I’ll make that for our lunch.

Looking Around The House

The kitchen is the worst. Everywhere else just needs a bit of straightening and quick cleaning.

On My To Do List

  1. Return overdue library books
  2. Grocery store DONE
  3. Finish up the laundry (did most of it over the weekend)
  4. Figure out a “finger food” to take to a birthday party this weekend
  5. Figure out what fall veggies we’re going to plant in empty raised bed (onions did not do so well)

From The Camera

 

Quote For The Week

Happy are they who take life day by day, complain very little, and are thankful for the little things in life. (Unknown)

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Happy Homemaker Monday, Another Hot Week

After some lovely rain last week, we’re back to HOT this week. The rain was a nice reprieve. And one less worry before our trip as I didn’t need to try to explain all the watering (this plant needs every day, this one every other day, etc.) to my older son.

We left Thursday for Saint Louis (where just a day or two before they had a record 11 inches of rain in one day! Thankfully, the flooding had receded by Thursday).  J played in the Mid America Music Festival, two solos plus a couple of pieces with the band. We’ll hear how the judges scored it all on Tuesday evening at a recital held with the students of his instructor. I’m a bit late posting today because I agreed to work (why?!) this morning from 7a.m. to 12:45 (had to pick up my kid from band camp).

Time to see what’s on the agenda for this new week. Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather 

HOT. Heat advisory until 8 p.m. tomorrow night, wonder if they’ll extend it. Still in the low 90’s for the rest of the week. There are a few chances of storms Wednesday and Thursday. It’s also currently quite HUMID out there as well.

As I Look Outside My Window 

I see nothing but the hot, humid haze. Here’s a better view, what we saw from our hotel room in St. Louis where the weather was incredible for our time there. 

Thinking And Pondering

My work’s been on my mind a bit. So many changes lately. I go back and forth between thinking I’d like to be there on a regular basis with a consistent schedule and wanting to just call it quits. None of my concerns relate to the kids. I was happy to work this morning and see all of them even if everyone was grumpy (myself included, just a Monday type of Monday).

How I Am Feeling

Headache from too much salt water taffy (a food related one to cross off the summer bucket list I never created!) and tired.

On The Breakfast Plate

Back from our trip so a return to boring flip yogurts and coffee.

On The Lunch Plate

Black beans and rice at preschool, too much salt water taffy at home.

On The Dinner Plate

I didn’t go to the store yet, let G take my car to his work (I have better a/c), and it’s way too hot to cook. Probably taco meat already cooked in the freezer made into crunchy tacos or burritos. UPDATE: J had mozzarella sticks and chopped peppers, husband had peanut butter crackers, and I had a Balanced Break plus another flip yogurt. G just got back from work and apparently stopped at Panda Express on the way home because he just delivered me 2 spring rolls (my favorite from there).

What I’m Wearing Today

For work I wore light cotton pants with a “groovy” multi colored design and a green t-shirt with the preschool name on it. Now, I’m wearing a light blue marching band shirt from one of G’s years and a tan linen shorts.

On My Reading Pile

I’m currently reading Confetti at the Hummingbird Hotel by Daisy James. Her books are always light and uplifting so a nice change after reading The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley and We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz while on the way/in St Louis. Both were rather murderous accounts set during vacations so not perhaps the best choice to read during a trip.

On My TV

Still watching Ted Lasso and Doctor Who. Plus there’ll be a new Better Call Saul episode tomorrow. I did take a minute and finally watch the movie CODA one day last week. It definitely deserved all the awards. Such a good movie.

On My Menu

Absolutely no idea. The taco meat idea got a face so none of us had that tonight.

MONDAY: Everyone on own *J had band practice 6:30-1* *I worked 7-12:45*

TUESDAY: ??? *J has band practice 6:30-1* *I have a 9:30 hair appt* *J’s recital at 6:30* Might be an OUT kind of night

WEDNESDAY: Perhaps pork chops, potatoes, salad *J has band practice 6:30-1*

THURSDAY: Chicken??? Maybe I’ll throw it in the crock pot *J has band practice 6:30-1*

FRIDAY: Pizza on the grill??? *J has band practice 6:30-1*

Looking Around The House

It’s on my list for tomorrow as it’s borderline disgusting currently.

On My To Do List 

  1. Go to the store (I skipped it today as I was too tired. Have to cram it in to tomorrow)
  2. Send some documents to J’s school, proof of immunizations, etc. (Wed slated for paperwork)
  3. Laundry is DONE, just not folded
  4. Water garden, harvest a few vegetables: black eyed peas, I have eggplant!, might have beans, tomatoes aren’t ready yet
  5. Clean out upstairs freezer

From The Camera

Pictures from Saint Louis are in my post this week. (I might do a proper post about our trip with a few more pictures but no promises)

Quote For The Week 

 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. (Proverbs 16:3)

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