Happy Spring! I’m so happy it is finally here. I really do try my best to embrace fall and winter. Recently, I’ve even come to appreciate those seasons. However, spring and soon to follow summer just fill my spirits with such happiness.

I’ve already done a few chores and run a few errands this morning and now am taking a break to put up my post for Happy Homemaker Monday, hosted by Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom. These posts really do help me stay on track and I enjoy very much visiting all the other bloggers who join.

The Weather

After a beautiful and warm (!) sunny weekend, rain is supposed to start this afternoon and be here the next couple days. I don’t mind. We need the rain (Still a fire ban/red flag warning until March 23). It’s supposed to dip down into the 30’s a few days. Then, the sun and warm weather returns. Probably with a lot more green grass and flowers on the ground!

As I Look Outside My Window

Grackles taking over my bird feeders, squirrels chasing them away, tiny bits of green and spring flowers pushing through the ground. Also, a pretty sunrise this morning.

Right Now

Laundry in progress, wondering when the boys are going to get out of bed (soon, hopefully, as it’s noon), and working on this post.

Thinking and Pondering

Spring always puts me in get healthy mode. Probably because as I switch out clothing I realize it’s all a bit snug (understatement). Trying to figure out the best diet (ugh) to work with the family (making 2 meals at a time is not for me). Noticed there is a new gym going in about a mile down the road, might look into that when they open. Just need to do something. Have a few ideas that I’m “thinking and pondering” in my mind.

Homemaking Tips

Not sure it’s a practical tip but I found the best way to clean a ceiling fan. Two ways really. One: Just get rid of it! Two: take it down off the ceiling and clean it.  Also, the old adage of shop your house first goes in here as well. Spring cleaning the kitchen a tiny bit on Saturday led to us taking down the ceiling fan over the kitchen table, replacing it with another led light and then, taking down the rather dated ceiling fan in the living room replacing it with the white one from the kitchen. Made a huge difference. And the Dawn Spray Dish Soap is great for cleaning off the blades (if the fan is down off the ceiling).

How I Am Feeling This Morning/Afternoon

Optimistic and in the mood to get things done.

On The Breakfast Plate

Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal, coffee, apple cider vinegar tabs, vitamins, water.

On My Reading Pile

Mainly just reading through the David Baldacci series with Amos Decker, I’m on book 6 titled Walk the Wire. Though my library hold of The Winemaker’s Wife by Kristin Harmel just came through. Probably going to DNF (did not finish) most other books on my pile, the Joshua Becker one, the memoir of Hillary Clinton’s aide (just wasn’t holding my attention), and some other random library books included.

On My TV

Masked Singer, still trying Outlander but it’s losing me a bit in season 3, and for fun, I watched Highlander (you know have to go through all the “lander” shows) last night. I did enjoy it, probably more than the Outlander series to be honest. If I can get the AMC+ app to work, I might catch up a bit on Walking Dead while folding laundry.

On The Menu

Always a bit tricky to plan during spring break weeks. Just throwing ideas here and then, if I have to move them around, I’ll still have the stuff to make dinners another time.

MONDAY: Chicken sausage, broccoli, and orzo skillet (found this while browsing a magazine last week) *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Chili (By request), also planning to make a vegetarian chili and freeze in individual portions for my lunches *J has an appt at either 2 or 3pm*

WEDNESDAY: Pulled Pork in crock pot *I work 8:30-5*

THURSDAY: Hamburgers/hot dogs and French Fries

FRIDAY: Fish, coleslaw, asparagus

*Probably be some OUT meals in there somewhere since it is spring break*

From The Camera

Looking Around The House

I’m in spring cleaning mode so it’s a bit frustrating to look around the house as I keep seeing things I need to do. It needs cleaned before it can even be spring cleaned. Hard to do with people underfoot but eventually, it’ll get there.

On My To Do List

1. This post
2. Grocery Store *DONE*
3. Laundry *In progress*
4. Cut up fruits/veggies for week
5. Wash kitchen cabinets with Murphy’s Oil Soap (Floor as well if I have time)
6. Start the cat grass seeds I picked up yesterday
7. Take back library books (cringe, yes, the overdue ones from last week)
8. Send a couple letters

On My Prayer List

A good friend having knee replacement surgery this week, all the spring break people to have safe and fun ones, the people of Ukraine as well as those of Russia who oppose the war but are unable to speak out for fear of repercussions against their families, family, strangers.

Quote For The Week

Never underestimate the healing power of a moment in the garden

(Josephine Albert)

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

Yesterday just wasn’t great. A lot of issues with J just left me a bit too emotionally drained to even put together a coherent post. Thankfully, this morning was better.

So, here I am again on a Tuesday. Better late than never? And it’s my Spring break at work! We’re actually celebrating 3 spring breaks in a row around here. Unfortunately, not much overlap. My break is this week. J’s is next week (though they also get Friday), and then G has the following week. My poor husband doesn’t get one.

Late to the party but still linking up with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Spring’s trying! Sunny days most of the week with highs near 60. Chilly start today as it’s currently 43 degrees but supposed to warm up quickly after lunch. Slight chance of rain on Thursday, still much needed as we’re in drought conditions. Okay with it as long as the wintry mix they hinted at on the news skips out on us.

As I Look Outside My Window

I see sunshine, a bunch of front porch plants and a yard in need of tending. Hoping to get out there later today.

Right Now

Working on this post in efforts to put off chores  (cleaning, paying bills, etc.)

Thinking and Pondering

Too much to share. Here I’ll share the lighter things on my mind:  I’d like to use my spring break to do some much needed spring cleaning and refreshing around here. Easter is also on my mind a bit. The garden areas of the front porch and yard.

Homemaking Tips

I’ve been adding a few drops of lemon and lavender oils to the washer when washing the bedding. Makes them smell so good!

How I Am Feeling

Tired. Trying to push through some depressing and defeatist thinking.

On The Breakfast Plate

I’ve switched over from yogurt to oatmeal each morning. I haven’t compared it officially to my flip yogurts but I noticed I feel a bit better with the oatmeal breakfast. Also, apple cider vinegar tablets, vitamins, water (as well as coffee!)

On My Reading Pile

I’ve slowed down on my reading a bit. Still working on The Fix (Amos Decker #3) by David Baldacci. Also, need to decide if I want to renew or return The Minimalist Home: A Room by Room Guide by Joshua Becker. (All my library books are a couple days overdue!)

On My TV

Sigh, no more Joe Millionaire. Read where one of the couples is already no more. It was a fun show though. And now, I’m more excited than I should be to see The Masked Singer is back. As are The Flash and DC Legends of Tomorrow, both of which I just watch on the CW app. Finally, I caved and started watching Outlander on Netflix after Carrie from Northwoods Scrapbook suggested it. Two episodes in and I wasn’t sure but another friend encouraged me to stick with it a bit longer. Now, I’m on season 3. Honestly, I still have mixed feelings as it’s not my usual type of show (Time travel stuff? Yes. Period drama? Not so much) but I do love the scenery and music of it!

On The Menu

Not overly exciting this week.

MONDAY: We had tacos and I baked a (store bought) apple pie for pi day

TUESDAY: Chicken and spinach skillet, rice

WEDNESDAY: OUT probably Subway *J has a school band concert*

THURSDAY: Irish Bacon and Cabbage Soup, homemade brown bread, Lucky Charms bars *St Patrick’s Day*

FRIDAY: Freezer Frenzy (Need to clean out some already cooked items in the freezer)

From The Camera

Still sorely lacking in this department. With the exception of the dove photo further below, all the pictures from this morning just for this post.

Looking Around The House

There’s a reason I want to spend my week spring cleaning, the entire house needs it!

To Do List

• pay bills
• Spring cleaning (might make a post with an outline of the tasks to keep me on track)
• E-mail J’s teachers (I’m skipping parent-teacher conferences this week as I didn’t think I could hold it together 7 times in a row with everything that’s been going on (some of them already know the anxiety info anyway), e-mail felt safer)
• Write/send a letter
• Yard work and enjoy the beautiful spring weather

On My Prayer List

The people of Ukraine, an end to the horrific war (I made the mistake of watching the world news one night and could not contain the tears as they told the stories of the millions of refugees, so many of them children!), family, friends, strangers. A kinder, peaceful, and healed world.

Quote For The Week

I need to end this post on a lighter note with thoughts back on spring flowers and green yards. I get a “Daily Moment of Happiness” e-mail from Gretchen Rubin and she shared this quote in it last Tuesday. It just spoke to me:

I shall never have the garden I have in my mind, but that for me is the joy of it; certain things can never be realized and so all the more reason to attempt them. (Jamaica Kincaid) 

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

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?

**********

Am I the only one with spring fever?