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Category: Blog365

Back to Work Today

Thought I’d try to get back into the Blog365 a bit. (Still sharing random pictures from the weekend trip)

Today, I had to go back to work. The weekend was nice. We got back on Sunday but I’m so glad I took yesterday off as well. Had no idea how badly I needed just a day at home to regroup and have no obligations. Well, outside of taking J to his lesson but I don’t mind that at all.

At Work

I had to sub in the kitchen today. Ugh. Except it wasn’t too bad today. Made more sunbutter and jelly sandwiches than you want to know. Then, they asked me to step into a classroom for the rest of the afternoon. That was nice to get to be out around the kids a bit. Back in the kitchen again tomorrow.

Another easy kitchen day, I have to make hot dogs (lots of ’em) and slice apples but that’s it. I’ll still be wishing I was out with the kids though.

At Home

Came home tonight and made a decently accepted dinner of potato, onion, pepper, and sausage hash. Tomorrow, someone else can be in charge of dinner. Then, checked on the gardens….tomorrow will be a watering day.

Rest of My Week

The second half of the week is still busy. I’m excited that I finally made myself an eye appointment to get some new glasses. That happens Thursday morning. So overdue on so many things that I need to do for myself. Then, J has an afternoon appointment, and I have a tiny amount of work. More work on Friday but thankfully, in the classroom.

Not much else going on around here….just looking for some more lazy summer days. Not sure I’m going to find any until the weekend.

 

 

 

 

Few Words For Wednesday

Not sure I can master wordless so we’ll call this one Few Words Wednesday instead.

My view out the front door at about 5:45 a.m.  Not even ten minutes later, a gentle downpour from the sky.

Today, I’m off to work another long day. Ended up working 9:30 to 6:30 yesterday and arrived a bit early at that. Today, I don’t plan on being there one minute prior to 9:30. So much I could say about my current work and the ongoing changes at the preschool.  Suffice it to say I had lots of aggravations yesterday.

Perhaps I’ll share all my thoughts, so many, in a post on a different day. Hopefully, today will be better.

 

Four Things From May

Thought I’d try a new link up as a way to get back to posting more than once a week again. Really want to get back to the Blog365 idea despite my little unplanned hiatus.

Stacy over at A Homemaker’s Heart mentioned joining in this link up over at Overflowing With Thankfulness and it looked so fun. I decided to play along as well!

The idea is to share 4 somethings that you loved, learned, read, and ate in the month. So, here I go!

Loved

 

That J decided to walk at his graduation ceremony. There’s something so special about watching your child graduate high school. The high school did it completely different than they used to back in the pre-pandemic days of 2019 (when G graduated) but it was okay.

If you’ve read the blog for any amount of time, you know it was a rocky road (and not the good ice cream kind) to get there. I am just so proud of him for sticking with it through a pandemic, constant school policy changes, and mental health issues (anxiety and depression).

Bonus item for this category: I also loved and am still loving that he wants to get his driver’s license. It almost feels as if we’re starting to make up for a bit of lost time.

Learned

I’m sure I learned something during the month of May. Hmmm…..

That things work out the way they are meant to in the end.

Ran into a friend in the grocery store having what seemed like similar issues with her daughter who’s a year behind J. And was able to share some information with her. Information that I had to search out continuously during the past 3 1/2 years. Felt nice to be able to help if only by sharing a tiny bit of hard to find information.

Read

My favorite read of the month was definitely one of my most recent ones. I enjoyed the Tom Felton biography, Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard so much.

Really, I liked it a lot better than Spare. Maybe because it felt more down to Earth and I related to it better than reading about royalty. And the ending is quite a bit more positive than the ending of Spare.

Ate

Lots of good things from an amazing strawberry shortcake at a Mom’s Night Out gathering to ice cream cake for J’s graduation to chocolate cake for G’s birthday. And lots of ice cream. Too much ice cream. Is there such a thing? No. Not such a thing as too much bread either. That’s probably the most memorable thing I ate.

A parent brought in a wonderful loaf of round bread and butter for the teachers one day last week. Said their family had been at the lake during Teacher Appreciation Week. Oh, the bread was so good. I thought she got it from Panera or somewhere but later found out she made it! It was that kind of bread that’s hard and crusty on the outside and then has those pillowy holes in the texture on the inside. I was happy to be subbing in the classroom when she brought that in for us all.

Her 3rd kiddo graduated pre-k this  year. Such a nice family, sorry we won’t see them at the school any more.

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This fun link up can be found right here. I think the link is open through the end of the month if you want to join in the fun.

Happy Homemaker Tuesday

Sometimes the days just get away from us, I think. My weekend was so busy and when I wasn’t busy, I was tired. Worked on Friday, so tired that night. May plus full moon plus preschool graduation on the horizon…whew, crazy kiddos.

Saturday, sadly, I had to attend the visitation and funeral for my boss’s husband. We all knew him as he was often doing things around the school, a family of very strong faith especially him. The funeral was very emotional and moving. Then, I caught up with an old high school friend who was holding a sale at her mom’s home (her mom moved to assisted living). Finally, Saturday night was our night out with friends. We celebrated seis de Mayo instead of cinco.

And I’m not even sure what I did on Sunday. Probably yard work and I know I took J driving for a bit. And in between all that, I was trying to track down family and sort out tickets for J’s upcoming graduation.

Yesterday, ended up being a longer work day than I was originally scheduled. However, today I was supposed to work but things changed and now I’m at home today unless I get called in for someone else. Tonight is preschool graduation so I’ll be going to that later.

So now that I’ve finished my not so short preamble of where I was all weekend, let’s look forward to this week. Joining in as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

It’s already been hot. And dry. We’re already in mild drought conditions. Thankfully, there’s a good chance of rain late tonight into tomorrow and again on Thursday, I think. Today is supposed to be in the mid 80’s. I don’t mind it but yesterday was already close to 90 so it makes you wonder about the rest of the summer a bit.

As I Look Outside My Window

The sunlight is streaming in this basement window and I think there’s a slight breeze as I see the shadows of my plants move (the window has a privacy liner on it).

Right Now

Taking a minute to put together this post.

Thinking And Pondering

I never seem to have time for the extra little projects I want to do around the house because I feel as though I’m constantly doing the basic chores on repeat. Just me? Thinking I’m going to start just picking one mini extra project a week and maybe try to tackle that. Of course, my mind and a lot of my time is simply outside at this time of year working on getting the porch set up and then, of course, enjoying it.

How I Am Feeling 

Not too bad, a little tired, might need a bit more coffee here in a minute. Extremely sick of oak tree pollen. It’s everywhere. Ugh. 

On The Breakfast Plate

Cinnamon raisin bagel, coffee, and vitamins

On The Lunch Plate

No idea. There’s leftover spaghetti from Sunday, leftover taco stuff from yesterday, and sandwich stuff.

On The Dinner Plate

Not sure. Husband is working late, I need to be at preschool graduation by 6, and the boys ate chicken out for lunch yesterday which was my original plan for today.

What I’m Wearing Today

Currently a tee shirt from our vacation a few years back to Duluth, Minnesota, navy linen shorts, and leopard slip on shoes (they’ve become my wear around the house/yard shoes). Later, I’ll switch into something nicer for preschool graduation, probably blue capri pants and blue shirt with some sparkly stuff in the material.

On My Reading Pile

Last week I read Spare by Prince Harry. A bit odd to be reading it at the time of the King’s coronation. I have lots of thoughts on it, my main one being if that’s what it’s like to be a member of a royal family, I’m happy to be a mere peasant. I might need to write a proper review for it. Now, I’ve moved on and have just started the 3rd book in the Bill Hodges trilogy by Stephen King called End of Watch.

On My TV This Week

I need to finish up Spring Baking Championship and my one episode of Dr. Who. Then, just the usual: Masked Singer, Ted Lasso, and on Friday night, The Last Thing He Told Me. Plus, Top Chef and Last Chance Kitchen. And finally, we started season 2 of Wayward Pines. Still weird, maybe even weirder this season. I put the first book on hold at the library.

On The Menu This Week

I made it on Monday morning before work and already, it’s a bit off but this was the plan:

MONDAY: taco salads *I worked 11-5*

TUESDAY: chicken nuggets and sweet potato fries *I have preschool graduation at 6*

WEDNESDAY: grilled pork chops, asparagus, salad maybe *I have a hair appt at 9*

THURSDAY: stir fry of some sort *I work 8:15-3:45*

FRIDAY: Pizza *J has a graduation party at 6*

Looking Around The House

I should focus on it today but we’ll see how far I get with things or I run outside to work on planting things like these begonias.

On My To Do List

  1. Grocery store *DONE*
  2. Bit of laundry
  3. Haircut on Wednesday
  4. Work on front porch flowers/plants
  5. I need to find a dress for J’s graduation as well as some new summer clothes, mainly for work.
  6. Clean the house
  7. Get gas for the car
  8. Mow the yard.
  9. Take J driving
  10. Make graduation announcements for J

From The Camera

The human subject is not obeying orders and I am annoyed.

 

Quotes For The Week

Yes, two for this week. Both really spoke to me especially since things were a bit chaotic over the weekend. Both are from Courtney over at Be More With Less, complete article here.

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Busy Season

Just a quick note that I haven’t fallen off the face of the Earth. I have, however, fallen into a rather busy season for a bit. Work in the garden. Work at the preschool. Life obligations, both joyous and sad. Trying to get everything sorted for J’s upcoming graduation. Have I mentioned G’s birthday is the very next day? Trying to figure that out as well.

My plan is to post a proper Happy Homemaker Monday tomorrow and add a few placeholders to the missing days from this past weekend. And of course, do some blog visiting. I’ve been reading but usually on my phone, hard to comment from my phone.

Then, maybe I’ll even get busy and schedule some posts on my free days this week.  And get myself back into the Blog 365 habit.

Today I Saw

Today I saw *maybe* the first hummingbird of the season! It was very small and then, gone before I could blink. However, it stopped quickly at the hummingbird feeder. Here’s a photo from last year since the one today didn’t stay long enough to pose for a picture.

And a snow bird? Poor confused bird. All his friends are gone. Hopefully, I won’t see another snow bird (dark-eyed junco) this spring.

Sadly, I did see this yesterday as well.

Eastern yellowjacket. UGH. Not a friendly little wasp.

Back to today, I also saw 3 smallish swallowtail butterflies at work. That was a pleasant sight. And a brave robin who built a nest quite low in one of the playground trees.

One last photo so I don’t leave you with the scary yellow jacket image. How about a dandelion?

I promise to sometime soon get back to longer posts. It’s just a busy season right now. And also, it’s Ted Lasso night. So, I’m off to watch it before my husband watches it without me.

 

Headache And A Flower

Just a photo tonight. Almost skipped posting because of a pretty bad headache tonight.  However, I thought I could at least share a picture on here. First wildflower blooms from my wildflower patch in the backyard. No idea what kind of flower these might be.

Happy Homemaker Monday, May 1

If the calendar didn’t tell me otherwise, I’d be tempted to think it’s the first day of March around here. Chilly and windy out there! Still, lots of blue skies, sunshine, and flowers blooming so that’s nice. 

Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for the weekly Happy Homemaker Monday link up.

The Weather

Guess I already mentioned it a bit. It’s 59 degrees out but so windy out there that it feels much cooler. Supposed to be in the low 60’s today and tomorrow and still in the 40’s overnight but warm up later this week. Then, we’re due to be in the mid to upper 70’s with lows in the 50’s at night. Someday, maybe my summer plants can move back out there and stay for a while.

As I Look Outside My Window

I see cardinals and house finches at the bird feeders. And of course, the horde of house sparrows. A few woodpeckers. And crows! Can’t see their nest any more but I can certainly hear these birds when they get upset over things.

Right Now

Doing a bit of laundry and working on this post. A little later than normal, just taking a bit of a slower pace today.

Thinking And Pondering

Trying to determine a polite response to a teacher who asked me to work for 1 hour in the afternoon next week. One hour is not really worth my time. Sometimes I don’t mind but usually only for the early morning shifts, ie if someone is running late or I’m already planning on being out that way. And since I’m human, I’ll admit sometimes the person asking impacts my answer.

Once in a while requests for short shifts are different than constant requests for short shifts.  I want to be helpful but at the same time I don’t want to set a precedent. Constantly asking me to cover 1-2 hours shifts feels a bit disrespectful of my time and efforts and I don’t like it.

How I Am Feeling

Happy. J decided he’s going to walk at graduation. It’s a bit of a scramble for some things but I’m so glad he’s going to get the experience (and let us have it as well). Either way would’ve been okay but this is the outcome I was hoping he’d choose.

On The Breakfast Plate

Coffee. Half of a cinnamon raisin bagel.

On The Lunch Plate

Payday for me so I treated the boys (and myself) to Backyard Burger.

On The Dinner Plate

Grilled chicken legs, asparagus, coleslaw, and strawberries

What I’m Wearing Today

Long-sleeved black tee shirt (in May!!), jeggings, tennis shoes

On My Reading Pile

All my hold books came in at once! Had to let the next person in line have one of them (they’re all e-books). Finished reading Fairytale by Stephen King. Was kind of surprised to see a few negative reviews as I enjoyed it. Not quite as scary as some of his previous works, more of a fantasy type novel. Now, I’m reading The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell. I’ve already read the sequel of sorts so I’m glad to find out the original story.

On The TV This Week

New episodes of Barry, Dr. Who, The Spring Baking Championship, and The Big Door Prize. Then, with my husband, I’ll watch Masked Singer, Ted Lasso, and Wayward Pines. Also, The Last Thing He Told Me (by myself, husband wasn’t interested). Might watch the Ghosted movie though I’ve heard it’s not that great.

On The Menu

A bit of a slower paced week so far. No baritone lesson for J.

MONDAY: chicken legs, asparagus, coleslaw, and strawberries

TUESDAY: French toast, bacon, and broiled tomatoes

WEDNESDAY: Sausage and zucchini skillet, maybe pasta salad on the side

THURSDAY: Hawaiian pulled pork sandwiches, sweet potato fries *J has an appt at 11* *I work 3-5*

FRIDAY: Homemade pizza on the grill (or OUT) *I work 8:30-5*

Looking Around The House

It’s a mess but I’m struggling to find motivation to do anything about it today.

On My To Do List

  1. Take J to take his end of course exam in history at 7:15 *DONE* (And yes, he was done but oops, they missed this requirement. Done now)
  2. Email regarding a couple graduation questions. DONE
  3. Grocery store DONE
  4. Laundry IN PROGRESS
  5. This post IN PROGRESS
  6. Pay bills
  7. Garden chores/looks like I’m going to need to at least water plants
  8. Figure out graduation announcements/party plans. YAY!
  9. Look for or order some new summer clothing. Probably the only person to say this but I actually miss K-Mart. They were my go-to for cheap yet somewhat nice looking work clothing.
  10. Whatever else I’m not thinking of at the moment

From The Camera

I actually found a hanging basket of blue lobelia yesterday. So happy that I don’t have to try and make my own this year. Plus, it was a bargain price! And of course, I’m still enjoying the orange tulips though some are starting to fade a bit. 

On My Prayer List

Friends, family, strangers. My boss and her family as she just lost her husband to cancer. Another teacher whose father had a heart attack last weekend and was in the hospital (probably still there but I didn’t work today so I haven’t heard any updates). Peace, health, and kindness for the world.

Quote For The Week

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.  (Psalm 37: 4-5)

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A Few More Flowers

Today didn’t go exactly as planned. No recycle event trip for us. A bit of a miscommunication this morning (code for argument) so I went flower shopping instead. Started in on getting the front porch ready for summer sitting. 

Of course, now the wind’s picked up and there’s a cold front moving in overnight. At least no freeze/frost warnings!

First, I went to a little garden event they were having locally. Picked up some pepperoncini peppers for the garden, a bit of mint and lambs ear for the front porch. And this fun little pot made by a friend.

Then, I went over to Tractor Supply, not a place I usually go to buy my flowers but they had lemon and olive trees on sale. So, I am trying again with a lemon tree. Hopefully, this one won’t suffer the same fate as the other one.

Finally, I went to my favorite local garden spot. I’ve been waiting impatiently for them to open for the season! Inspired by my fairy garden pot, I decided sweet asylum made the perfect topping for my cup planter.

And picked up my usual pink petunias. Except, don’t shop for pink petunias while upset. I bought the wrong ones! Now, I’ll need to go back and get my usual bubblegum pink “super” petunia ones. However, petunias are never a bad buy so I just planted the wave petunias in a different pot.

Three Last Things

I added a bit to my herb wall between purchases at all three places. It’s not finished yet but getting closer. Peppermint and lemon thyme pictured below.

Plus, I didn’t forget about a certain little cat that likes to sit out on the front porch with me. Bought her some catnip. In typical appreciative cat fashion, she’s ignoring it.

And I bought my hummingbirds a fuschia for whenever they finally get here. The feeder is also hanging up and ready. Hopefully, it will get warm and I’ll see my fun little birds soon.

Do you have certain plants/flowers you must have for each season?

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