Happy the sunrise is at a reasonable time again day! I know, so many hate the dark nights but as a morning person I love having the sunrise before almost 8.  And, just have to say it again, the days get naturally shorter and longer.

Putting my post together on a Sunday because the week ahead looks to be a bit busy. I’ll link up either tomorrow evening or Tuesday with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom so I can still join in the fun. Who knows maybe the week won’t be as busy as I think. However, I want to have a plan either way.

The Weather 

Well, weird. Saturday morning we had snow mixed with rain (thankfully, no sticking!) and today was absolutely beautiful with a high of about 60. Tomorrow, the temps climb up predicted to be in the mid 70’s and then, like a roller coaster…down we go! High of 77 Thursday falls to a high of 39 degrees on Friday. Whew! Of course, who knows what the weather will actually do.

As I Look Outside My Window

After starting this post earlier this morning, I went out and took advantage of the sun. Now, it’s dark outside.

Right Now

Trying to sneak in a bit more work on this post before taking J to band practice and myself to Target.

Thinking And Pondering

My work tomorrow (really trying to decide what to wear…deep thought I know), ideas on how I can perhaps eat a little better in November, and how to keep my e-mail inbox sorted.

How I Am Feeling

Pretty good. My back stopped hurting after Friday and I am so thankful for that. Hopefully, I won’t wake up with regrets about rototilling the wildflower garden area this afternoon.

On The Breakfast Plate

I’ve decided to trade in my usual flip yogurts for instant oatmeal all this month and see if I feel a bit better. Probably going to have to add a little extra protein item to it on work days though. Coffee, vitamins…the constants.

On The Lunch Plate

A BLT with the last semi-full sized summer tomato from the garden. It was good, too.

On The Dinner Plate

My husband cooked a ham and pork butt on the smoker but we ended up having pizza. (They weren’t ready in time)

What I’m Wearing Today

Long-sleeved Chiefs tee-shirt, jeans, tennis shoes

On My Reading Pile

Last week I finished two books that were quick thriller reads. All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda didn’t really impress me. Oddly, I think this is the book of hers with the most hype but a lot of her other books are so much better. One of Those Faces by Elle Grawl was my free Amazon prime choice for November. It started out with a lot of promise before fizzling out at the end. I’ve just started The Dark Room by Lisa Gray, I generally really like her books so I’m hopeful.

On My TV

*UPDATE* It’s now Monday. Well, nothing to say here but How ‘Bout Those….Chiefs! Full confession: I had to take J to band practice so heard the beginning on the radio and then, SIGH, I fell asleep right as overtime started. Nice to wake up to a win though. Not much else, I’ve been working my way through Doctor Who.

On The Menu

Good question. No time for the store this morning.

MONDAY: Either ham or pulled pork, asparagus if we have ham. I don’t think it goes with the pork. *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30* *I work 8-4:30*

TUESDAY: So far the only day I don’t work this week. Not sure, I know I’m planning to make an apple cake (finally) *Election Day*

WEDNESDAY: Something easy, maybe chicken sausage and orzo skillet *I work 8-4:30* *MNO*

THURSDAY: Something I can throw in the crock pot…roast? *I work 3-6*

FRIDAY: See above. Maybe spicy potato soup depending on what I make Thursday *I work 3-6*

(I’ll probably put together a better menu plan tomorrow after I go to the store later tonight)

Looking Around The House

PASS although it was mostly clean Saturday but then, it turns out we live here. SIGH.

On My To Do List

1. Research what is on our local ballot by visiting Ballotpedia
2. Mail SIL her birthday card
3. Shop for J’s birthday (next week)
4. Usual: Laundry and Grocery Store
5. Plant rest of flower bulbs for spring blooms
6. Whatever else I’ve forgotten

From The Camera

Quote For The Week

A bit of an odd place to find inspiration perhaps but this was on the Philosophy face cleanser sample I used this morning (unrelated, I really need to order more face cleanser as I’m almost out and down to using free samples).

Progress is baby steps, and little bits of momentum. These micro-moments make a lasting difference in our wellbeing.

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Happy Halloween! It’s always a bit odd when Halloween falls on a Monday isn’t it?  My thoughts are certainly with the teachers for today and the rest of this week.

This morning, I’ve already ran to the grocery store and now I’m taking a moment to join in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for the Happy Homemaker Monday weekly link up.

The Weather

It’s going to be a warm one for our trick-or-treaters tonight. A predicted high of 70 today! Highs in the upper 70’s all week until Friday when we have a 50% chance of some much needed rain. Supposed to be in the lows 60’s next week.

As I Look Outside My Window

I was watching the birds (and squirrels) at my bird feeders taking advantage of this beautiful morning. Somehow, the fallen leaves are now covering the yard. And the oak tree leaves are finally starting to change a bit more.

Thinking And Pondering

I’ve been so serious in this category lately, how about a little fun and silliness?

My radio announcers this morning were asking the question: If you could go trick or treating at 3 celebrity houses, who would you choose? So I’ve been thinking on that.

My choices: Ryan Reynolds (I just think his house would be fun!), Adam Sandler (again, somehow I think his house would be a fun Halloween one), and one of the Kardashian people (I’ve never seen their shows but I could use a make-over and wonder if they’d be handing out beauty product goody bags? I’ve been feeling the need for a make-over.)

Some local choices on the radio show were: Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Paul Rudd, The Rock, Ryan Reynolds, Heidi Klum (I guess she does big Halloween parties?), and Kelly Clarkson.

Who would you choose?

How I Am Feeling This Morning

I’ve done something to my back and it started really hurting yesterday. It’d been hurting just a little all week. So I’m sitting here with one of those Thermacare heat wraps on it. Seems to be helping.

On The Breakfast Plate

Coffee, vitamins, more coffee in the form of a Starbucks white mocha toffee nut. It was a barista choice and very good! And a blueberry muffin (made from a box, leftover from yesterday).

On The Lunch Plate

Not sure yet but thinking maybe cheesy chicken nachos as we have leftover rotisserie chicken.

On The Dinner Plate

Current plan is homemade corndogs (carry over from last week), broccoli, chips, and Halloween brownies/cookies for dessert.

What I Am Wearing Today

A black tee-shirt with a black cat Halloween design, jeans, tennis shoes

On My Reading Pile

Working my way through The Winners by Frederik Bachman. He creates such amazing characters and slowly builds the plot. His style probably isn’t for everyone but I enjoy it.

On My TV

Over the weekend I watched a couple of Disney movies. The first, The Princess and the Frog, I’d never seen it. It was really good, I enjoyed the music and the story line a lot. A little different from the sing-song type movies of Disney. No idea why both my boys had seen this movie but not me. Then, I watched Lilo and Stitch, some younger teachers at work really like it and I couldn’t remember a lot about it. It was still just okay for me. I’ll probably watch a few Halloween movies today.

On My Menu This Week

These Target cookies! If you ever had/remember the old Venture stores and the bakery with the butter cookies. These are as close as I’ve ever had to those.

MONDAY: Homemade corn dogs, broccoli, chips, Halloween brownies/cookies *J has a baritone lesson at 5*

TUESDAY: Chicken enchiladas *I have a hair appt at 9:30*

WEDNESDAY: BLT’s, French Fries

THURSDAY: Spicy potato soup

FRIDAY: Leftovers or maybe OUT

Looking Around The House

It’s looking a little cluttered, I need to tidy/clean.

On My To Do List

This list is going to depend on how my back feels.

1. Grocery store *DONE*
2. Finish up laundry
3. Clean House
4. Pay Bills
5. Finish Cleaning Yard up and plant spring bulbs
6. Go get bird seed at Menard’s (probably take J with me to lift it)
7. Trade out Halloween pumpkin decorations for fall/Thanksgiving turkey stuff
8. Get a new frame for J’s Thanksgiving poem (old one broke)
9. Bake brownies for dinner tonight
10. Early holiday planning/maybe

From The Camera

I’m still sharing Arkansas pictures in this post (with the exception of the photos of the cookies and sunrise)

Quote For The Week

It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving. (Mother Teresa)

And I do know that it is actually Tuesday. My week has already started off going from zero to busy workwise. However, over the weekend, we had a nice relaxing time with friends in Arkansas staying at a cabin near the Buffalo National River. 

I have to leave for work very soon but wanted to get my post up real quick before I did. We’ll see if I can manage it. May be a shorter Happy Homemaker Monday today that I link up with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Rained all day yesterday and is still kind of rainy and cool this morning. Highs in the mid 60’s most the week and cooler nights in the lower 40’s. I think that’s normal for this time of year but I’m not sure.

As I Look Outside My Window

It’s gray and gloomy with wet leaves starting to cover the ground. Looks like fall has arrived.

Right Now

Have a timer set as I try to get this post finished before I need to leave for work around 9:10. (Please forgive any typos/grammar errors as my editing time is very limited this morning.)

Thinking And Pondering 

Not much, just trying to get myself ready and out the door plus do too many side jobs (run the dishwasher, start some laundry, etc.) on the way.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Couldn’t sleep last night so I’ll be paying the price today. Hoping the kids aren’t too crazy with the weather and that it stops raining long enough for us to go outside.

On The Breakfast Plate

Lemon meringue flip yogurt, coffee, vitamins

On The Lunch Plate

Not sure what is for lunch at work. Have my back up protein packed: cheese and peanut butter crackers, an apple, water, and maybe a cookie.

On The Dinner Plate

Pork chops and baked sweet potatoes

What I’m Wearing Today

Old Navy tee-shirt, kind of a muted floral design and navy pants with a ruffle flare looking thing at the bottom (I don’t describe clothes well). Tennis shoes and mismatched socks (spirit week at school)

On My Reading Pile

Just finished The End of Temperance Dare by Wendy Webb. It was a bit too scary for me. Actually had to quit reading it while we were out of town. A good one but super spooky! (Well, at least for this chicken).

On My TV

We didn’t watch tv on our trip, Chiefs game on Sunday (a good one!), probably Masked Singer on Wednesday. Not sure what else.

On My Menu

Always hard to plan after being away. Ha, always hard to plan no matter what. And my schedule is crazy this week (I’m doing a favor for a younger teacher and just covering her a few hours each day so she can do observations for her school stuff)

MONDAY: We had leftover taco soup *I worked 1-5* *J had a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUEDAY: pork chops and baked sweet potatoes *I work 9:30-4*

WEDNESDAY: Maybe white chicken chili? *I work 1:30-3*

THURSDAY: Spaghetti? *I work 1:30-3*’

FRIDAY: Homemade corndogs (sort of, I bought this biscuit can wrap stuff. We’ll see), chips, fruit *I work 1:30-3*

Looking Around The House

Surprisingly not awful. I did some cleaning yesterday morning before I was called into work.

On My To Do List

1. Grocery store *DONE*
2. Start laundry *DONE*
3. General clean up *In progress*
4. Sort through fridge/freezer/pantry *Ongoing*
5. Other things I can’t think of right now

From The Camera

I have more photos to share but it’s a process to get them edited to the right size for the blog. Hopefully, I’ll able to share some more on Wednesday.

Quote For The Week 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

It’s cold this morning! And due to get even colder later tonight. In the 20’s…what?

Somehow, today has turned into a busy Monday. However, before I jump into that, I’m taking time for the weekly Happy Homemaker Monday link up hosted by Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

Let’s just jump right into the categories.

The Weather

It was 36 degrees when I woke up to let the cat out this morning. And it’s still pretty chilly out there, just barely 40 degrees. I know I was wishing I’d grabbed a jacket when I did my grocery store run this morning. We have freeze warnings for tonight and tomorrow night with predicted lows in the mid-20’s. Barely upper 50’s by mid-week but then on Friday, a high of 80. Welcome to the Midwest. Dig out your sweaters but don’t put those summer shorts away quite yet.

As I Look Outside My Window

Well, yesterday I glanced out the bedroom windows into the backyard and saw snowbirds (dark-eyed juncos). Those aren’t supposed to be here until early November. And this morning, I looked out the backdoor and saw a white-throated sparrow. Bit concerned what these early arrivals might mean regarding our upcoming winter.

Right Now

Just taking a minute to ignore the to-do list and work on this post.

Thinking and Pondering

So much. An upcoming trip, some small joys, something that happened at my work on Friday (basically a teacher left, I’m unsure if she quit or was let go…thinking it was a choice), the holiday season, if I want to “compete in a friendly way” with the neighbors who upped their Halloween decorating game, what to do with the rest of my flower garden. Too many thoughts. Might need more (or maybe less?) coffee.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Not bad, husband was gone hunting Friday and Saturday, so I slept better last night once he was home.

On The Breakfast Plate

vitamins, crappy grocery store donut (it was good though…some kind of blueberry cheesecake thing), and vitamins.

On The Lunch Plate

Either a grilled cheese or PBJ (and Cheetos, maybe a banana, too)

On The Dinner Plate

My plan is for minestrone and homemade crusty bread with apple cake for dessert (we’ll see if the apple cake happens or not)

What I Am Wearing Today

Black tee-shirt, floral pink/purple button down shirt over it as jacket, and jeans. Plus I actually put on socks and tennis shoes today!

On My Reading Pile

Note to self: Do NOT read true crime/ghost story books when husband is out of town. I read my free Amazon Prime choices over the weekend. How weird is it that they were both set in Minnesota?  The first was called The Quarry Girls by Jess Lourey, set in Pantown, Minnesota during  70’s about a serial killer. I actually preferred the second book which was a little scarier than the true crime one of the first. The Stroke of Winter by Wendy Webb was a ghost tale set along the north shore of Lake Superior in the town of Wharton. I’ve read other works by Wendy Webb and always enjoyed them. This one had a bit of a cozy mystery feel to it though it was a bit creepy.

On My TV

The Chiefs, SIGH. The Bills played a good game but it was still a disappointing end. I had to listen to that part in the car as J had band practice, pleading the fifth on whether curse words were uttered. Didn’t get to see Masked Singer last week because of baseball, really hope it’s on this week. Finished Kim’s 
Convenience on Netflix. Not sure what else I’ll watch this week. Need to get back to The Walking Dead.

On The Menu

Just trying to use up a little of what we have on hand.

MONDAY: Minestrone, crusty bread (planning to use the remnants of a veggie tray for my minestrone) *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Roast in the crockpot *I have Bunco*

WEDNESDAY: Chicken strips, corn on the cob, maybe French Fries

THURSDAY: On their own

FRIDAY: On their own

Looking Around The House

UGH. Enough said.

On My To Do List

1. Grocery store *done*
2. Laundry
3. Clean up around the house
4. Go get birdseed somewhere (probably Mernard’s)
5. Pay bills
6. E-mail J’s school with the homeschool letter
7. Make crusty bread for tonight’s dinner
8. Do Some early Christmas shopping *maybe*
9. Dig out sweaters/hoodies for cold weather this week
10. Things I didn’t do last week

From The Camera

Quote For The Week

Last week/the weekend was a little hard with band senior night/the last band competition and J not being a part of it all. I actually ran across this verse at a time I really needed to see it. Trying to keep it in mind moving forward.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12: 1-2)

Happy Monday!  Lots of things to do today. However, a few delays. Can’t grocery shop until tomorrow (could but I want my gas discount based on how many points the Chiefs score). Delayed kitchen chores because a yellow jacket is in there angrily buzzing at the kitchen light fixture. Or rather there was. Which is scarier? Seeing it or not seeing it? I’m not sure.

UPDATE: I found it in a water glass, not sure if it was alive or not, and gave it a “gentle” toss out the back door. Sigh of relief to have my kitchen back.

Let’s just get straight to the categories provided for us by Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom, the gracious inventor and host of this weekly link up.

The Weather

It’s a beautiful fall morning out there, sunny and not too chilly. Supposed to be warm today, high of 82 predicted. Super excited to see a 50% chance of rain for tomorrow! After our rain (hopefully, we get it), the highs drop into the low 70’s. And I see a predicted low of 38 (BRR) for Thursday night. Guess I’ll be out throwing sheets over the mums again.

As I Look Outside My Window

Blue skies, sparrows mostly at my bird feeders, a few leaves starting to drift to the ground on our slight breeze today.

Right Now I Am

Doing some laundry, working on this post, considering another quick Target run for some items I forgot to pick up last night.

Thinking And Pondering

How to get back to the me I used to be before a lot of life happened. Oh, that’s nice and vague now isn’t it? Just thinking that I used to be better at being a caring and compassionate person and would like to do better than I have been doing lately.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Relieved as I think we finally have J’s schooling worked out, maybe. The plan we decided on (him and I) is that he’s going to on-line school (through a certified homeschool program because our district won’t let him use their on-line option, they have crazy strict restrictions on it) for this semester. Then, go back next semester to graduate from the high school with his friends. Have I ever mentioned the kid is only 8, yes eight, credits away from graduating?

And on an unrelated not, my back is hurting a bit but I’ll manage.

On The Breakfast Plate

Flip yogurt, coffee, vitamins.

On The Lunch Plate

Possibly out, probably just a sandwich. Sort of depends on yellow jacket status.

On The Dinner Plate

Plan is for pepper steak and rice.

What I’m Wearing Today

Um, it’s red Monday in these parts. Chiefs tee-shirt, navy blue shorts, and my slip on leopard print shows though I’ll probably change into real tennis shoes in a bit.

On My Reading Pile

Nothing at the moment but I just finished a book last night called Beartown by Fredrik Bachman. It was well written (I do enjoy his books) but the subject matter wasn’t what I expected. If you’re looking for a feel good sports story, this isn’t it. It’s a pretty grim and gritty story about a small town pinning it’s hopes on a youth hockey player and a violent assault against a young teenage girl. It’s worth reading but don’t pick it up expecting something light. I guess it’s a series so I’ll read the next one when it’s my turn at the library (both books were on hold with long lines). Need to find something a bit lighter for my next read.

On My TV 

Many thanks to Billie Jo over at Afternoon Coffee and Evening Tea for recommending Halloweentown as a fun movie to watch. I loved it! Also watching The Chiefs (of course), The Walking Dead, The Masked Singer, and Kim’s Convenience. Last night I caught the end of the Ravens and Bengals football game. Sorry to my Bengals friends but wow, what a finish to that one!

On My Menu

Felt like I cooked a lot last week. Another week of it, I suppose. Not really in the mood to put a lot of effort into meals this week.

MONDAY: pepper steak and rice *J has a lesson at 6:30* *G is due home from his trip!*

TUESDAY: Some form of tacos *I have Mom’s Night Out*

WEDNESDAY: Might just make chicken strips and have salad with it

THURSDAY: Korean BBQ meatballs again with rice, maybe I’ll get some spring rolls to have with it

FRIDAY: OUT or maybe just BLT’s and French Fries

Looking Around The House

I need to put out my Halloween decorations (clean first though)

On My To Do List 

1. Laundry *in progress*
2. Target for soap/check for a kind of granola bar husband likes that we suddenly can’t find
3. Get J enrolled in his on-line school/inform high school of change/etc.
4. Clean house
5. Grocery store (tomorrow)
6. Still need to clean out pantry (eventually this WILL happen)
7. Garden clean up chores (did tear out all but one tomato plant over the weekend)

   

8. Other things I can’t think of right now like paying a few bills that arrived in mail after I paid others

From The Camera

Still struggling to pick up the camera, not sure why. Need to get back to it, maybe just pick a time of day to go take a few photos. All the photos in this post I took this morning. 

Quote For The Week  

Rejoice always, pray continuously, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ. (Thessalonians 5:16-18)

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