So last night we had rain, hail, thunder & lightening, all followed by a tiny bit of snow. Oh, and now it’s cold again. Thankfully, not bitter cold. Just average winter cold but I’m ready for those warmer days to stick around for good. I’m ready for sitting on a sunny front porch surrounded by blooming flowers.

However, for now, I’ll sit inside and continue to dream of those days while joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for another Happy Homemaker Monday. (And look two in a row for me posting on an actual Monday!)

The Weather

Already mentioned it a bit to start my post. Cold. Snow on the ground (though not much and the roads were fine when I went grocery shopping). It’s supposed to get back into the upper 40’s/low 50’s tomorrow and Wednesday before we get another chance of more snowfall on Thursday into Friday. While I don’t necessarily want the snow, we do actually need something wet (I’d prefer rain) to soak into our ground around here.

As I Look Outside My Window 

This is a cheater picture as it’s from early Sunday morning (prior to our weird weather) but I was so excited to see a goldfinch at my feeder! Today I’ve seen mainly cardinals, snowbirds, and sparrows. And of course the Carolina wren pictured above (though not at the feeders).

Right Now I Am

Freezing! And wondering why as it’s usually a bit warmer in the basement from a heater we have down here. I’m about to go check and see if the pilot light on it might be out or if it’s just cold here by the window. (Heat is going strong, must be cold because I’m by the outside wall/window)

Thinking And Pondering

Wondering about J, we had a full diagnosis type appointment at the therapist office on Friday (so many surveys and questions and I still have one that came via e-mail to complete). Hoping, however, it gives us answers so he can feel better. Of course, everything always takes so much time. Pondering that. 4-6 weeks for answers. Not their fault, we’re in line…lots of people needing help these days. And of course, hoping the answers are simple and not scary. I don’t expect them to be scary but all of this is a new experience and while I can kind of guess the answers, I’m waiting for the experts. Also, thinking I probably should be reading something other than a nonfiction book that’s an account of several sons in a family suffering mental illness.

Homemaking Tips

I got nothing.

How I Am Feeling Today

Well, in one of those only I could manage it moments, I pulled my inner thigh muscle (or maybe a ligament) while kicking the recliner part of our loveseat last week. The chair gets stuck when reclined and I *possibly* kicked too hard in trying to get it to go back. I spent all of Saturday (bummer, too as it was a nice day) resting and elevating my leg. Felt better but now I’ve walked on it a bit too much and it hurts again. Stairs are not very fun, going down isn’t bad but the trip back up them is a bit brutal. Otherwise, I feel okay.

On The Breakfast Plate

Boring as always, oatmeal, coffee, water, and vitamins

On My Reading Pile

Usually, I don’t do this but I have 3 books in rotation. Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family by Robert Kolker. The one about mental illness, I’m not very far into it as it just popped up yesterday but it is interesting, one of my skip the line library loans. The Fix by David Baldacci, the 3rd and final installment in the Amos Decker series. It’s not really holding my attention well but I plan to finish it at some point. Finally, since the Baldacci book wasn’t holding my attention on Friday, I started reading Both/And by Huma Abedin. I thought it was just a memoir when I started it but I guess she was one of Hillary Clinton’s aides. The part about her background was very interesting, I’ve just hit the part where she’s starting her career in politics, hoping it doesn’t get overwhelmingly political as I read on.

On My TV

So since I sat and rested my leg on Saturday, I did watch a bit o’ TV. The Dropout on Hulu is very good. Then annoyed as season 1 was only 3 episodes, I switched over and watched The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley on HBO Max, also very good. (And if you’ve not read the book Bad Blood by John Carreyrou, start with that. I read it last year or maybe in 2019). Staying in a documentary mood, I also watched on HBO Max, Gaming Wall Street about the GameStop stock controversy. Definitely worth your time. And then just for fun, I started playing catch up with D.C. Legends of Tomorrow. This week will be more of that along with the finale of Joe Millionaire on Thursday!

On The Menu

Struggling with my menu planning today.

MONDAY: Might be an OYO kind of night. Leftover roast, leftover taco meat, etc. *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Pork chops, baked potatoes, salad

WEDNESDAY: Pepper chicken? (Like pepper steak but I’m making it with chicken)

THURSDAY: Spaghetti or Korean meatballs, undecided

FRIDAY: Possibly BBQ shrimp (we have a seasoning packet) or maybe something else *J has an appointment at 3*

Sat/Sun: Chili?/Homemade pizza

From The Camera

The Carolina Wren singing its song

Looking Around The House

I did clean off the kitchen table this morning (really cleared it completely). That’s about all I accomplished.

On My To Do List

1. This Post (almost done)
2. Clean off kitchen table DONE
3. Grocery store DONE
4. A bit of laundry
5. Start cantaloupe and honeydew seeds DONE
6. Finish survey from therapist office

On My Prayer List

Friend who just lost her brother, and now her uncle. The people of Ukraine. An end to the ridiculous war over there/peace in the world. Family, friends, strangers.

Quote For The Week

I smiled when I read this in the current issue of Better Homes and Gardens magazine. It’s so very true in this area.

Well, it’s Monday night but I’m still back to posting on a Monday (finally)! The first two months of the year feel so foggy and distant already but I’m so glad for a brand, new fresh month tomorrow! 

Since it is late on Monday, I’m just going to get straight to the categories. Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom as always.

The Weather

Beautiful! The end of last week was cold and snowy. However, the snow is almost all melted and our week is full of high 50’s and 60’s sometimes upper 60’s even. Think a slight chance of rain for the weekend. March is coming in like a lamb for sure.

How I’m Feeling

Okay. Really wasn’t the best Monday as it was a rough day for anxiety with J. However, we’ll just try again tomorrow. New month, fresh start. 

On The Breakfast Plate

Strawberry blueberry instant oatmeal. Glad it was the last packet! I thought it was packets of two flavors when I bought it but no, they were combined. Not my favorite. Coffee, water, vitamins.

On My Reading Pile

Still reading away, too much to escape. Read another Kristin Harmel over the weekend, The Forest of Vanishing Stars. Very good historical fiction work about the Jewish people hiding in the forests during WWII. Invisible Girl by Lisa Jewell was creepy good as was Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware (both kept me guessing to the end). And for a little lightness, Spring Blooms at the Hummingbird Hotel by Daisy James didn’t disappoint.

On My TV

We watched The King’s Man one day last week (not my pick), it was long but okay.  And I watched Free Guy by myself on Friday. I enjoyed it a lot! Planned to watch Defiance as the Kristin Harmel book afterward mentioned it but all these streaming services and is it on any of the ones we have? No. No, it is not. Grumble. I’ll of course, also watch Joe Millionaire on Thursday.

(Not on my TV but we did go to an actual movie theater (!!) to finally see Spiderman: No Way Home. Enjoyed that. We were also the only ones in that movie.)

On The Menu

Pretty basic week here. Gordon Ramsay’s quick and delicious menu item was a dud so I gave another chicken recipe a try tonight. It was okay. Everyone else seemed to enjoy the carrot side dish but I personally, did not. Cooked carrots aren’t my thing.

MONDAY: Bacon wrapped chicken, carrots in a sweet sauce (honey, chicken stock, butter)

TUESDAY: Pancakes

WEDNESDAY:  ?? Maybe out *I work 8:30-6*

THURSDAY: Roast in the crock pot *I work 3-6*

FRIDAY: Shrimp/Fish/Asparagus/Garlic Toast *J has appointment at 9*

From The Camera

I’ve been pretty lazy with the camera especially about changing out the zoom and regular lens. The zoom is on their often when I need the regular. Last week was also a little dreary with the weather near the weekend.

Looking Around The House

Lots I needed to do today just didn’t get done. Maybe it’ll look better tomorrow.

On My To Do List

1. Go to store (DONE)
2. This post (In progress)
3. Finish up laundry
4. Take care of a couple e-mails
5. Check Spring Break dates on calendar
6. Everything else I’m forgetting

Quote For The Week

I go to nature to be soothed, healed and have my senses put in order. (John Burroughs)

I promise to get back to posting these on Mondays. Soon. I had good intentions yesterday but then, it was a holiday. And the grocery store was offering an incredible discount on gas that I couldn’t miss (Temperature on Sunday was 57 degrees so that’s how many cents off a gallon with that amount of purchase!). Plus, the weather. Oh, the beautiful, glorious and now, frustrating weather.

More about the weather coming up shortly. As always, joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of At A Stay At Home Mom. I’m so grateful she doesn’t close her link up on Monday nights and gives us slackers a chance to join in the fun as well.

The Weather

Were we talking about the weather? Oh, yes. So, we’ve had a serious snow storm (7.5 inches!) last Thursday, followed by 57 degrees on Sunday, almost 70 degrees (yes, you read that right) yesterday.

And today, it’s in the low 20’s with freezing rain and temperatures falling. Back to the low 40’s for the later half of our week. And creeping back to the 60’s (maybe) again next week. Chance of something again this Thursday. Honestly, I’m ready for a new ride. Let’s try the one labeled spring. I know, get in line, huh?

How I Am Feeling This Morning

See rant about weather. I have spring fever. And I didn’t sleep great so I’m tired. However, I’m motivated to get some procrastinated items off the to-do list today.

On The Breakfast Plate

A switch! I’ve been on an oatmeal kick and actually so has my husband. Much better than his usual breakfast of toaster strudels or bacon and Eggo waffles.  I don’t like that he’s eating all my instant oatmeal packets. Good thing I bought more at the store yesterday. Also, coffee. Just realized I forgot to take my vitamins. Better do that.

On My Reading Pile

Still going through quite a few books. (Just a reminder note: I read very fast and probably procrastinated quite a few tasks while reading these books) The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah was very good and pretty emotional, I think I preferred The Four Winds, however. I do now know that Alaska is definitely not on my places I’d like to live list. The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware was a good, twisty murder (maybe?) mystery that kept me guessing. And Mercy by David Baldacci brought the Atlee Pine series to a satisfying close. It’s the first set of his books I’d ever read and see he has written quite a few. I’d give more of his books a chance.

That said of all the books I’ve read over the past week (into this one, remember I had 2 snow days in there!), the one I’d suggest over all the others is The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel. WWII historical fiction isn’t usually my thing but this one sucked me in from the very first page. I noticed from the Goodreads reviews, it’s a love it or hate it kind of story but I loved it. About a Jewish woman who flees with her mother to rural France and ends up forging documents to help children escape to Switzerland. Her mother disapproves of the work (completed at a local Catholic church) and her budding relationships with the other members of the resistance. I could not put this one down at all!

Now, out of necessity, I’ve moved on to a lighter subject and am reading Spring Blooms at the Hummingbird Hotel by Daisy James. And a nice, practical non-fiction book The Minimalist Home: A Room by Room Guide to a Decluttered, Focused Life by Joshua Becker.

On My TV

Not much really. Next Level Chef when I remember. Joe Millionaire, guilty pleasure TV. Forgot to watch Around the World in 80 Days on Sunday so I need to catch up on that some time today. Tried watching some random show last night, The Endgame. Seemed ok. Reminded me of a female version of The Blacklist. 

On The Menu

I was tired of looking on-line/at Pinterest so picked up some new cookbooks at the library attempting to get out my cooking rut. Tried a couple new recipes from them last week. The fusion (not called that but I think it was that) Italian/Chinese stir fry from Lydia’s A Pot, a Pan, and a Bowl cookbook wasn’t a hit. However, the porkchops from Gordon Ramsay’s Quick and Delicious were a “can make again” winner. Unfortunately, I saw nothing in the Jamie Oliver cookbook that I thought would work around here so I need to give it back. (Library is a great place to try out cookbooks before you buy one).

MONDAY: Pepper steak, rice *J had a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Spaghetti, maybe minestrone. Depends on my mood later.

WEDNESDAY: Moroccan chicken (another Gordon Ramsay recipe)

THURSDAY: Spicy Potato Soup (Grateful that Schotzy mentioned this recipe a while back. I’ve made it many times since then)

FRIDAY: Turkey tacos using leftover turkey (in freezer), yellow rice

SATURDAY/SUNDAY: homemade pizza, hot dogs/French fries

From The Camera

Back yard on Saturday afternoon:

South side of the house at the same time:

Yes, my daffodils have sprouted and have buds. No idea what to do about it. Going with the information that said they’d be okay as long as they haven’t flowered. If not, I guess I’ll learn for next year.

Looking Around The House

It could stand some spring cleaning. Or regular cleaning. It’s not awful though.

On My To Do List

1. Pay bills
2. Measure freezer shelves
3. Go to Target for bins to organize freezer (Note: This was my husband’s idea/suggestion. I’m not passing it by when my husband suggests I go to Target!)
4. Fold laundry/do a bit more laundry
5. Clear out one tub in basement

Quote For The Week

Always maintain a kind of summer even in the middle of winter. (Henry David Thoreau)

Or maybe even a kind of spring?

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Am I the only one with spring fever?

Well, I’m a day late with this once again. Hope everyone had a great Valentine’s Day! We didn’t do anything for it really. That’s okay. Some years are just more exciting than others. This just wasn’t one of the exciting years.

Let’s just get to the planning part of the post. Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

I’m ready for Spring! However, even the weather person called our current forecast “fool’s Spring” this morning. It’s supposed to get super warm later today but also very windy (fire warning windy). Then, typical for us, snow’s set to arrive Wednesday and all day on Thursday. However, I noticed the high on Friday is supposed to be 42 so I’m not too worried. We’ll see what happens. I’ll just enjoy the sunshine and warmth today while I can.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Cautiously hopeful. J went to school today so that’s always a bonus, he went a half-day yesterday. I keep reminding myself that any progress is still progress. Many thanks to those of you praying for the situation. I do appreciate it so much and it is helping. Other than that issue, I’m a bit tired but also motivated to clean and clear the clutter out of this basement/the whole house.  In the mood for a light, clear house that reminds me of spring and summer. Did I mention I was ready for Spring?

On The Breakfast Plate

English muffin, yogurt, vitamins. And coffee. Always coffee.

On My Reading Pile

Been on a bit of a reading terror lately. Finished How to be Sad by Helen Russell. Non-fiction, interesting. I like how she weaves her personal experience through the book while sharing ideas and statistics regarding how different cultures cope with sadness. And how sadness is not something to ignore in the pursuit of happiness.

Then I read, Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan (author of Crazy Rich Asians). I enjoyed it though it was different from his other works. Found out later that it was supposed to be a remake of a classic novel called Room with a View. Not sure I enjoyed the story enough to look up the original book. Let me know if you’ve read it.  I guess there’s a movie, maybe I’ll just watch it.

Over the weekend into yesterday, I plowed through two “skip the line” loans on the e-library site: One by One by Ruth Ware, a fun locked in who done it type murder novel. And The Night Swim by Megan Goldin. It was a bit more of an intense read as it dealt with a podcaster covering a rape trial in a small town, stalked by the sister of another victim to a crime 25 years earlier. Not a book full of rainbows and light by far.

Finally, this morning my turn with The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah came due. So I’ve made a tiny dent into reading that though I need to accomplish a bit today before I sit down to escape into yet another book.

On My TV

Super bowl on Sunday. Trying to be happy for the Rams. Trying but I was really just mad that the Bengals lost. Because, you know, the Chiefs could’ve beat them. Says the sore loser over here. Half-time show? More enjoyable than I expected. Greatest half-time show of all time? Um. No. See Prince. Commercials? I miss when the commercials weren’t all over the place before the big game. Had already seen most of them.

If you’re looking for something interesting and a bit intense to binge-watch, Inventing Anna over on Netflix was really good. I watched it over the weekend. Can’t remember the last time a show held my attention enough for me to binge-watch it in a couple of days. Started watching out of curiosity because I heard the actress who plays Ruth in Ozark was in it, totally forgot that was why I was watching. True story. Truth is stranger than fiction for sure.

And of course, I need to catch up on Around The World in 80 Days plus I’ll be watching Joe Millionaire on Thursday. Kurt, would you please send Caroline home already? Geez. Not a fan of either. Why am I watching? I don’t know.

On The Menu

And now, we’re on to the biggest I don’t know of all.

MONDAY: J had McDonald’s, We split a steak at different times since I had to work/take J to his lesson. *I worked 3-5, last-minute thing* *J had a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY:  Pork Milanese, rice, salad *I have Bunco at 7*

WEDNESDAY: Spicy potato soup or maybe meatballs, unsure

THURSDAY: French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage (French Toast is in freezer)

FRIDAY: Homemade pizza or turkey (depends on if it’s thawed, we have a turkey we need to cook to get some freezer space) *J has an appointment at 10* *No School*

SATURDAY: See Friday

From The Camera

Last week was yet another slow camera week. The sky photo and this little squirrel were my only photos on the card. 

Looking Around The House

I finally took the donation box that’d been blocking the coat closet and getting kicked out of the way to it’s new home. Sunday afternoon used to be my go-to day for that but they closed the outside donation bin on Sundays. Ironically, I guess to keep the homeless people from rifling through the stuff. No comment.

Anyway, like I said earlier, I’m ready to clean and clear out.  It is time for some serious spring cleaning. Even if the snow flies tomorrow into Thursday.

On My To Do List

1. Laundry
2. Clean/clear the living room
3. Go through another basement storage tub (went through and managed to empty 2 yesterday! Even made a little bit of $ by taking some books to sell)
4. Go get table snacks for Bunco tonight (We started just doing table snacks during the Pandemic so aren’t back to full on hosting spreads yet)
5. Take care of some e-mail correspondence/pay a couple bills

Quote For The Week

Your home should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love. (Nate Berkus)

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