Didn’t work today but am still late with this post. The weather of today made it impossible to focus on inside tasks. Still thinking of things I’d like to be doing outside as I stop to write this.

Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom. My favorite Monday morning (or ahem, evening) link up.

The Weather

It’s currently 75, partly cloudy although mostly sunny, with trees shedding a fair amount of pollen. Achoo! Same weather forecasted for tomorrow and then, thunderstorms over night. Then, more warm weather. Have I ever mentioned this is one of my very favorite seasons?

How I Am Feeling This Morning Evening

Not too bad although my stomach is giving me second thoughts about my dinner dessert of leftover chocolate (almond bark actually) covered strawberries.

On The Breakfast Dinner Plate

Kept it simple and pulled some frozen rotisserie chicken from the freezer, heated that up with salads. And the above mentioned strawberries. (If you really want to know, breakfast was banana bread and way too much coffee!)

On My Reading Pile

I just finished a great book I accidentally downloaded. Really. Last Friday I was looking for something to read during J’s appointment but I was sleepy and dozing off. Dozed off and apparently my hand hit the phone just right to download a book called Refuge by Dot Jackson. Set in the late 1920’s and not my typical style. The main character leaves her abusive husband in South Carolina and sets off to find her late father’s family in Appalachia. Love, scandal, tragedy, it’s all there but it’s a surprisingly peaceful read as well.

And I renewed the housekeeping book. Read about it at the same pace I do it apparently. Not enough.

Also bought myself a couple of “real” books while Easter shopping last week:

On The TV

Been watching that documentary on Q over on HBO Max. Interesting but I’m ready to be done with it. And watching Falcon and the Winter Soldier on Disney. Broke down and watched The Book of Eli one day. Not even sure what to say about it. Weird. Watched a bit of The Ten Commandments on regular tv Saturday night. Still following along with The Masked Singer. Might watch The Voice, I tend to lose interest after the audition part.

On The Menu

Honestly, just not sure. I made one out before I went to the store for Easter but now it doesn’t sound good.

Easter was good. We had a scaled down brunch for my husband’s sister and her family plus my husband’s brother stopped by for a while. My husband smoked a brisket, and I made our famous brunch bacon, put together a fruit platter, and couple of desserts (strawberry cupcakes and Fruity pebbles bars). Oh, and I put out some banana bread.

Hard to get back to regular menus after the “big” meals like that.

MONDAY: deli chicken and salads

TUESDAY: probably tacos again *I work 8:30-5*

WEDNESDAY: maybe spaghetti? *I work 8:30-11ish*

THURSDAY: salsa verde chicken in the crock pot (might change) *I work 2-6*

FRIDAY: OUT *J has an appt at 3*

From The Camera

I can’t believe I didn’t take any pictures yesterday! Here’s a few glimpses of today’s projects.

Couldn’t resist this bleeding heart plant at the nursery. My dad always had one planted by the backyard patio. Now, I have on right off our deck.

I promise I watered the poor dill plant. Plan to fill in the second row of my “herb garden” next week.

Looking Around The House

It’s in a decent state because we had company though the couch is covered with our late aunt’s jewelry. So much. It’s my turn to go through it, I’m last. Was not expecting it. Spent a fair amount of time simply sorting things out yesterday afternoon (I don’t think any one else had really bothered with it, found some old lockets and such). Not sure what to do with it all. NOT keeping it.

To Relax This Week I Will

Go outside and work on the different garden areas. Work on my garden journal (this is just a spiral sketch pad I bought on clearance). Read my books by an open window.

Something I Want To Share

Just a conversation I had with G. Not sure if I’ve mentioned it but my husband’s sister and her family are moving to Florida. They’ve sold their house and have it mostly cleared out from the showings. I said, we could move (note: not to Florida, just in general). He said, no. Then, I said we could just pretend we were going to move and clear everything out and have our house look walk through ready all the time. My son looked at me and said, well, that’s not really living is it? SIGH. What is that saying? Out of the mouth’s of babes (though he’s 20).

Quote For The Week

In Spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt. (Margaret Atwood)

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

What are your plans for this spring week?

Well, I’m late with things again this week. Still wanted to pause from “living la vida loca” and get a post up this week.

Technically, since Spring break starts today (for me, tomorrow for J), I am right on time. Maybe. Ha! Let’s look at the rest of this week with a few glances back and Monday and Tuesday.

Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom. So glad she leaves the link up longer for slowpokes like myself!

The Weather

It’s been nice and sunny the past 2 days (a nice change from constant rain last week) but today is a bit chilly! As long as the sun is shining, I won’t complain too much. However, I’m excited for the warmer temperatures to return in time for Easter weekend. It’s 36 degrees out there right now. Ready to leave my seed starter containers out overnight instead of hauling them all inside each evening.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Not too bad. Last week was rough between not feeling well and being a bit of an emotional mess. I slept better last night and woke up motivated today. Although, is it just me? Why is the best sleep always the 20 minutes when you nod off in the living room while trying so hard to watch something on the television? Actually, woke up last night after that 20 minutes convinced for a few seconds it was the next day already! Ever do that?

On The Breakfast Plate

A blueberry English muffin, coffee, and vitamins.

On My Reading Pile

I’ve stalled out on the Zen and the Art of Housekeeping book though I need to finish, due back at the library in just days. Read a thriller I really enjoyed called Heartbroken by Lisa Unger. Had just finished another of her books, can’t remember the title, read it in the library app that I enjoyed. This one would’ve been a great dark and stormy October night kind of read.

Also, I’m currently reading Sisters First: Stories from Our Wild and Wonderful Life by Jenna Bush Hager. Just finished her most recent book (I enjoyed it a bit more than this one), Everything Beautiful in Its Time: Seasons of Love and Loss. Found it a beautiful tribute to all the grandparents she recently lost. And note, while her parents and paternal grandparents are of course, political figures, this is not in any way a political book.

On My TV

J and I watched The Emperor’s New Groove one day last week. Really enjoyed it! And my husband and I watched an awful movie called Jumper one weekend day. Other than that, the usual: The Voice, The Masked Singer, Captain America and the Winter Soldier, plus a mix of whatever happens to be on each night. Yesterday afternoon, I started watching a documentary about Q on HBO. Rather interesting.

On The Menu

Easy to plan the week’s menu with a 2 day head start!

MONDAY: pork chops on the grill, asparagus, corn on the cob *I worked 8:30-11:30*

TUESDAY: tacos *I worked 8-1*

WEDNESDAY: Salad plus leftovers

THURSDAY: turkey sausages, peppers

FRIDAY: OUT *J has an appt at 4*

From The Camera

Looking Around The House

Spring cleaning needs to happen!

To Relax This Week I Will

Take the camera outside and enjoy the sunshine! Maybe visit the garden center.

Something I Want To Share

No idea why this song popped into my head this morning! However, here you go:

Quote For The Week

How wonderful yellow is! It stands for the sun. (Vincent Van Gogh)

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

Headings were in blue because baseball is back! Royals opening day this week. How is your week going so far?

Though it’s back to chilly and cloudy today, it’s officially my favorite season. Spring! Full of possibilities and flowers. Warmer air and sunshine more often. It seemed every time I ventured outside last week more blooming flowers greeted me. Sharing them through out my post. (Note: I did buy some outdoor flowers. Not a lot as we’re not quite into the frost free days but a few.)

Let’s join in with Sandra, our host, over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom and get right to the categories this morning.

The Weather

It’s Spring! And it was sunny all weekend long. And warmer, just a light jacket required sometimes. However, today is rainy with more predicted for tomorrow. Then, we get some sun again. Then, more rain. However, the rain makes the grass turn green and the flowers grow so not too many complaints. Highs in the mid 50’s to lower 60’s. Works for me.

How I’m Feeling This Morning

I felt a little sneezy yesterday (hello, pollen!) but I feel okay this morning. A bit of a rough start with J and lots on my mind in that regard.  Also, thinking about Easter and how it’s going to be different again this year.  However, I’m doing okay.

On The Breakfast Plate

Same boring breakfast I usually mention so I’ll share yesterday’s plate instead. I’ve started treating myself to a Starbucks coffee (chai tea latte, actually) when I grocery shop in the early mornings. Yesterday, I added a blueberry scone to the mix. Fun use of my gift cards and nice once a week reward after my grocery shopping is done. There’s a Starbucks in my local store so it’s easy to do.

On My Reading Pile

I stalled out on my reading a bit last week. Working my way through Zen and the Art of Housekeeping by Lauren Cassel Brownell. Also, reading Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. I want to like it but it’s not holding my attention. Finally, I also borrowed Everything Beautiful in Its Time: Seasons of Love and Loss by Jenna Bush Hager. Looking forward to reading that one.

On My TV

Doctor Who, picking and choosing episodes of the Matt Smith season to watch. Falcon and the Winter Soldier, good first episode though not what I expected. Husband and I watched a few movies this weekend. Ford vs Ferrari was really good and worth a watch if you’ve not seen it yet. One you could easily watch with teenagers.  We also watched Cocktail with Tom Cruise. I actually saw that at the movies my freshman year of college. Music’s still good, movie’s still awful. And I guess we were on a retro kick, finally, we watched all 3 Beverly Hills Cop movies. Husband said they should’ve stopped after one. Maybe.

We’ll watch The Voice tonight and the Masked Singer on Wednesday but other than that, maybe I’ll pick up those books I mentioned in the category above this one.

On The Menu

MONDAY: Roast in the crockpot

TUESDAY: Chicken spinach skillet (carry over)

WEDNESDAY: Sandwich steaks on grill, asparagus

THURSDAY: BLT chicken salad (basically, I’m frying bacon and we’re eating it with cooked chicken on top of salads)

FRIDAY: OUT *J has an appt at 3*

Looking Around The House

Needs a good cleaning. Thinking of giving the Fly Lady system another chance.

To Relax This Week, I Will

Figure out my life in 3 easy steps? No. Enjoy Rudolph Day on Thursday. Read my books. Wander the yard and enjoy my flowers. Start some seeds. Get out the camera and capture some bird photos again. (J came and found me earlier to ask about a new bird under the suet feeder. Our Eastern Towhee returned!)

From The Camera

Lots of flower photos throughout the post, hope you’re enjoying them. All I have this week are flower photos.

Something I’d Like To Share (It’s doing double duty as my Quote for the Week)

It’s a poem, bit long. Found it incorrectly attributed to Dr. Seuss on Pinterest. Correct author (ah, the Internet rabbit hole of research) is Dallas Clayton. Worth a read and a thought for sure.

Be Kind

By: Dallas Clayton

Be kind to the wishers
who haven’t got wishes.
Be kind to the fishers
who haven’t got fishes.
Be kind to the beginners
who haven’t got ends.
Be kind to the strangers
who haven’t got friends.
Be kind to the walkers
who haven’t a shoe.
Be kind to the talkers
who haven’t a clue.
Be kind to the outsiders
and insiders too.
Be kind to the kind
kept confined in the zoo.
Be kind in your mind
and in all that you do
and you’ll find
that mankind
can be kind to you too!

*********

So what are your plans for this first full week of Spring time?

Good morning! Look, I’m back to posting on Mondays! Hoping to post a bit more this week. However, I make no promises.

It is nice to get back into the routine of a Monday morning planning post. I’ll be linking up as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

Let’s just get right into the post categories.

The Weather

In case the title of the post didn’t give it away, we’ve had some rainy days (all weekend long). And are supposed to get a few more. A chance of thunderstorms this afternoon. More on Wednesday and Thursday. Highs mostly in the upper 50’s though there a few cooler days near the end of the week.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

A little stressed. Slept okay but Daylight Savings Time throws me the same as everyone else. It’s my annual announcement now that (wait for it) the days get naturally longer and shorter! Ugh, I despise dark mornings. Seven thirty for the sunrise? No thank you. Okay, done griping as it doesn’t do any good.

On The Breakfast Plate

Cinnamon roll, bacon, coffee, vitamins

On My Reading Pile

Sometimes, one book leads to another. And with the weather, I did quite a bit of reading last week/over the weekend. I started with Lighter Living: Declutter. Organize. Simplify. by Lisa J. Schultz. However, I had to put it down a few times as it was a little overwhelming. I had to be in the right mood to pick it up and finish it. Not a bad book, a bit preachy here and there but over all fairly motivating. It also gave me a bit of mid-life crisis anxiety. Her book led me to the one I’m currently reading (just started it): Zen and the Art of Housekeeping: The Path to Finding Meaning in Your Cleaning by Lauren Cassel Brownell.

During my pause from the organizing book, I read Heartbreak Bay (Stillhouse Lake #5) by Rachel Caine. A great series I’ve enjoyed reading. However, sadly, it turns out the author passed away shortly after finishing this book.

And finally, yesterday, I completed Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier. A great suspense read that kept me guessing almost to the end. I’ll most likely seek out more books by this author.

On My TV

We’ve been casually watching The Voice and we’ll watch The Masked Singer this week (we forgot it last week). I’ve been watching Doctor Who on HBO Max, decided to pay for one month of it to finish and see a few movies on there but it won’t be a continued subscription. Started to watch Ready Player One on Saturday night but realized it wasn’t the movie I thought. Seemed like a good one though so I’ve ordered the book from the library to read it first.

On The Menu

I really have no idea.

MONDAY: French Toast, bacon, honeydew melon

TUESDAY: OUT or husband’s choice *J has an appointment at 4*

WEDNESDAY: Chicken Spinach skillet dinner, Shamrock shakes *Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!*

THURSDAY: Maybe a roast in the crockpot? *I work 1-6*

FRIDAY: OUT or husband’s choice *I work 3-6*

Looking Around The House

I’m in the mood to redecorate everything. However, I guess I should clean before I do that. Kitchen needs a little work. Rest is more or less okay, just needs the touch up before some serious cleaning.

To Relax This Week I Will

I don’t know. Maybe visit the flower store. I hear a hanging basket of pansies calling my name. Pick up the camera, write a few blog posts, declutter (Is that relaxing?)

From The Camera

Another week of not picking up the camera much last week. Not one bird photo other than the ones accidentally captured below in one of my gloomy sky photos.

Something I Want To Share

This song popped in my head this morning. Pretty much describes my mood this morning.

Quote For The Week

May the flowers remind us why the rain was so necessary. (Xan Oku)

Amaryllis bloomed!

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

How are things in your corner of the world?

Another mid-week start around here. Hoping to get back on track next week.

Yesterday, I finished up working for a teacher who was gone for about a week and half visiting family. And so, I feel as though my week of “at home” begins today.

It’s been a bit of a rough start to the week with J’s anxiety toward school flaring up once again. He’s just starting his week today as well. I’m praying and hoping that our long-awaited appointment next week gives us some tools and answers. Can’t help but wonder if any of this would’ve even happened in a world where the pandemic didn’t happen. Can we all just hop over to that universe?

Anyway, lots of to-do’s on my list today so let’s get on with this post. Even though I’m late again, I’ll still link up with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Warm and windy! We’re actually under a wind advisory. Rain later tonight or tomorrow. It’s been so nice out lately, light jacket weather and sometimes no jacket weather. Makes me wonder if March shall leave like a lion since it arrived in such a lovely way.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

A bit stressed and a bit optimistic all at once. Basically, a mess of emotions. Not sure what’s middle aged related and what’s worry over my kids related. Physically, I feel fine. Maybe a bit tired.

On The Breakfast Plate

Flip yogurt (peach cobbler), coffee, and vitamins

On My Reading Pile

Some random book about decluttering. I haven’t had much time to read while working full-time hours. I did send back the Clean Mama book to the library unfinished. Couldn’t get into it. Probably wasn’t in the right mindset but it felt pretty cliche after half a chapter.

On My TV

Watching through reruns of Doctor Who on HBO Max but the trial ends tomorrow so I’ll have to find something new. We decided it’s a bit too much to continue as a paid channel. (G likes the content best so maybe I’ll file that knowledge away as a birthday/Christmas idea for him). We did watch both Coming to America and Coming 2 America last weekend. Classic Eddie Murphy. We enjoyed the trip down memory lane with our re-watch of the first movie and thought the second was also well done. My favorite Eddie Murphy movie is Beverly Hills Cop so I may need to find a way to watch that soon.

On The Menu This Week

It’s a bit of an off week for my menu plan. I went to the store Saturday morning before I had a chance to figure out a serious plan. However, knowing I was working a few days this week, kept it pretty simple once again. Also, we’ll have my nephew staying with us from Thursday through the weekend.

MONDAY: My husband brought home a deli chicken so we had that.

TUESDAY: Tacos, yellow rice

WEDNESDAY: French toast, bacon or sausage

THURSDAY: Roast in the crock pot or spaghetti

FRIDAY: Hot dogs, French Fries, Chocolate Chip cookies for dessert

From The Camera

I’ve been missing a bit of inspiration. Probably related to coming home from work tired. Didn’t even have the energy for a bird watching post on Saturday so here’s a blue jay to make up for that miss.

Worked in the yard a bit over the weekend so didn’t pick up the camera much while raking, messing with dirt, etc. Spring bulbs starting to emerge all around the yard. Yesterday, my husband told me one of my daffodils on the side of the house bloomed. A bright spot in a week of rough beginnings.

Looking Around The House

Clean up is definitely on today’s agenda. Focus is on the basement though as that’s where my nephew sleeps when he stays over.

To Relax This Week I Will

Go to Target, cross some items off the to-do list, light a candle, just breathe.

Something I Want To Share

Amaryllis closer to blooming again. After an entire summer on the porch, I cut it down to the bulb last fall and brought it inside. Mostly, ignored it. Yet, when I started watering it again, it grew back. And now, it’s about to bloom. Gives me hope.

Quote For The Week

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. (Galatians 5:13)

(I downloaded a Daily Devotion Bible app on my phone and this was the first one I read yesterday morning. It really resonated with me. Perhaps it will with you as well.)

*********

And now, I’m off to Target. Plan to catch up with the rest of you this afternoon, I hope.

Do not adjust your calendars. It is indeed Wednesday, the 3rd day of March! I’m posting a bit late this week. And what a week it’s been already. Had blog issues over the weekend to start. However, I’ll share about the rest of the week later.

If the link is still available, I’ll link up with Sandra, our host, over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom. Let’s look at the week from the middle of it.

The Weather

Beautiful! Seems so strange to think just a couple of short weeks back we were in sub freezing temperatures. Today’s predicted high is 70 degrees and sunny skies show all week long. Not a temperature below 50 degrees in the daytime highs. I’ll take it!

In the weird weather news: We had a regional tornado siren test yesterday and some error triggered everyone to get an alert as if it were a real tornado on their phones. Very confusing. Preschool kiddos did great going into the shelter area of the classroom. Usually, it’s just sirens for tests. It was sunny without a cloud in the sky! Today is the typical first Wednesday of the month siren test for our local area.

How I’m Feeling This Morning

Pretty good but a bit nervous. I also feel like I’m playing hooky from work a bit. My oldest son was exposed to the virus over the weekend. However, it was outside at the park. I think the odds are slim he contracted it but he’s worried, of course. And I opted to be responsible and contact my work. While I could technically be there, my boss and I agreed it’s probably best to be overly cautious while waiting for test results (My plan today, figure all that out: the where, when, and cost of testing near us. Cost because we want the quick results option…). So, I suppose the true answer is I’m feeling lately like it’s always something around here.

Glad I decided at the last minute to splurge on these flowers at the grocery store on Sunday. Bright spot on the kitchen table during this weird week.

On The Breakfast Plate

Flip yogurt and coffee. Plus vitamins

On The Reading Pile

Last week, I finished Someone We Know by Shari Lapena. It wasn’t one of my favorites but it ended with some open questions. So, I’d probably read a sequel just to see.   The other book I finished, A Minute to Midnight by David Baldacci surprised me by being better than the first in the series. It’s also a bit “out there” as far as plot lines but I like the characters enough that I’ll most likely stick with the series whenever a 3rd book appears.

A change in direction for this week, Clean Mama’s Guide to a Peaceful Home: Effortless Systems and Joyful Rituals for a Calm, Cozy Home by Becky Rapinchuk is on the virtual shelf this week. Also, need to pick my first reads book from Amazon Prime.

On The TV

Finally, used my free trial code for HBO max (it expired March 1). So, we watched The Little Things on Friday night. My record for lousy movies continues. You know it’s pretty bad when Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto together can’t save it.

Speaking of bad movies, my husband turned it on but I’m the only one who watched the entirety of the new Tom and Jerry movie.

At least, Doctor Who didn’t let me down though I’m watching from the beginning and just now on season 2. My husband is catching up on Game of Thrones (never could get into it personally).

Would we pay for HBO max after the trial? I don’t think so.

On the regular tv, I watched Prodigal Son last night. Another fun and witty episode. I think the new characters are going to add to the show as well.

On the Menu

Supposed to be working 8:15-3:45 all week so kept it simple.

MONDAY: Pork chops, broccoli *I worked 8:15-3:45*

TUESDAY: chicken legs, chive and onion potatoes (grocery store item), rice (for J who didn’t like the potatoes last time), and salad. *I worked 8:15-3:45* *Not a great dinner, one of those where every thing went wrong*

WEDNESDAY: sausage zucchini skillet

THURSDAY: Spaghetti (May look into grilling something instead)

FRIDAY: OUT

From The Camera

Looking Around The House

I’ll spend this unexpected day here cleaning up a bit more. Need to lighten things up for spring and summer. Washing the door mats right now.

To Relax This Week I Will

Good question. Might make an almost lemon pie since it’s almost spring. Watch my birds. Pick up the camera. Spend time watching Doctor Who. Go outside and work in the yard a bit, not much to do yet as I know it’s too early despite our wonderful weather. Still, signs of spring are there:

Quote For The Week

Life’s too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right, forgive the ones who don’t and believe everything happens for a reason. (Dr. Seuss)

******

How are you spending your first week of March?