Another quiet week on my blog last week. Not so much in real life. This is my first day off work since the day after Halloween. I really enjoyed my 31 days of questions and answers series and hope you did as well. It seems that ended and my work turned crazy again.

Hopefully, it’s all sorted now and I can have a bit of a quieter week and check in on this place (and yours!) a bit more often now.

And of course, I do have to just have to say a few more things on one subject (non-sports people feel free to skip):

How about those Chiefs!!!!!???? Nine and O! 

Our conversation during the last 2 seconds of that game:

Me: They are going to lose. Why? Why to Denver of all teams?

Maybe he’ll miss the kick.

Husband: He’s not going to miss.

Me: Can they block the kick?

Husband: That’s all they can try to do but that’s probably not going to happen.

And then, you football fans out there know the rest of the story….

CHEERING all around over here. Go Chiefs!

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Okay, back to the subject of joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for Happy Homemaker Monday.

The weather in my neck of the woods

Can not make up its mind. Actually, it’s finally fall out there. It was about 45 degrees this morning and supposed to be in the 60’s this afternoon. It’s been warm enough though that I moved pretty much all my plants back outside. Going to have to move them in again soon though. And last week as well as on Saturday, we finally had some much needed rain. Even though my picture is of rain, today is a beautiful sunny day.

Things that make me happy

The season finally changing over to autumn weather along with some beautiful trees, the return of standard time (hello, light in the morning again!), and quiet weekends at home.

Book I’m reading

Chloe’s Cornish Christmas by Daisy James.  Light holiday romance.

What’s on my tv today

Nothing. Yesterday was football. We’ll probably watch the Monday night football game. If I do watch something later it’ll just be catch up on shows like Found and Brilliant Minds.

On the breakfast plate

French toast sticks and sausage. Coffee, vitamins.

On the lunch plate

Grilled cheese

On the dinner plate

Roast is in the slow cooker. Probably making it into sandwiches and serving with fries.

On the menu

J’s birthday is Friday and my husband is going out of town for part of the week.

MONDAY: Roast in the crock pot

TUESDAY: pork chops and sweet potatoes *I work 8-4*

WEDNESDAY: Broccoli chicken Fettuccine Alfredo casserole *I work 12:30-4* Also, J requested this meal

THURSDAY: manicotti, salad *G requested this one*

FRIDAY: spicy Korean chicken, rice, cookie cake *J’s birthday meal request*

On my to do list

• Grocery store (DONE)
• Remind husband to help me get out the Keurig (it’s in a Christmas tub that I can’t reach)
• Laundry
• General housekeeping

New recipe I tried or want to try

The broccoli chicken Fettuccine Alfredo casserole is new.

What I am creating

Not much, just trying to the get the house to look nice for Thanksgiving, and then shortly after Christmas!

A peek at the reality of my house right now:

Photo

Quote for the week

There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? (James 4:12 NIV)

Taking a break from my 31 days of questions and answers (I’ve not made a page yet) to do something a bit more regular.

Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for the weekly planning type post. Looks like new category headings again.

The weather in my neck of the woods

I’ll start by saying I’m sitting here in my pj pants and a hoodie. So pretty chilly! Our first freeze advisory/warning is for tomorrow. Then, we have a couple days in the 60’s before bouncing up to the 70’s. No rain. We need a little rain (really, we need a lot of rain).

Things that make me happy

Sunlight streaming in the living room windows. Sunlight in general even though I’d be happy to see some clouds and rain at any point now.

Book I’m Reading

I just finished God of the Woods by Liz Moore. It has nothing to do with religion and is in fact a very good mystery/thriller type book that takes place during the 1970’s at a summer camp in the Adirondacks. Interesting characters and historical perspective as well. It started out a bit descriptive something I normally despise but I enjoyed this book in spite of that.

What’s on my TV today

Laundry day so probably more White Collar. Plus, I need to catch up on Daryl Dixon, Brilliant Minds, and maybe Saturday Night Live since I missed it.

On the breakfast plate

Cinnamon toast and coffee

On the lunch plate

Absolutely no idea!

On the dinner plate

Turkey sausage, orzo, broccoli

On The Menu

MONDAY: turkey sausage, broccoli, and orzo

TUESDAY: stuffed peppers

WEDNESDAY: salsa chicken, corn tortillas, and guacamole

THURSDAY: spicy potato soup

FRIDAY: Not sure, thinking I might try to find a calzone recipe….if that fails, probably frozen pizza

On my to do list

1. Laundry
2. Target
3. Pay bills
4. Clean the house
5. Continue getting outside plants transitioned inside

New recipe I tried or want to try

Looking for a good calzone recipe.

What I am creating

Ordered a couple new tables for plants from Amazon. I’ll let you know how assembly goes. Might need to delegate that effort.

Favorite photo or picture

Quote for the week

In a world where you can be anything, be kind. (unknown)

Just got called into work earlier than I planned so here we go again with a quick Happy Homemaker Monday! SIGH. However, I do enjoy a paycheck now and then, so go to work it is.

Haven’t joined in as much as I’d liked to with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom this late summer/early autumn so I’m determined to get this post out today. Oh, I see new categories as well!

The Weather

Still summer here! Highs in the mid eighties this afternoon. However, a dry cold front (that’s what they said on the news) comes through tonight bringing us some 70’s. No rain. Like always, our weather is all over the place.

Things That Make Me Happy

Hanging out with preschoolers, flowers, birds, butterflies, going on walks. Staying in and watching tv,  new shows or football. Reading my book. Being with my family (no order here so that really probably belongs first in the list).

Book I’m Reading

Trying really hard to make my way through Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann. (No, I haven’t seen the movie)

What’s on My TV Today

Probably just Monday Night Football at this point as I work 1-5.

On The Breakfast Plate

I had an apple turnover, vitamins, and coffee.

On The Lunch Plate

Great question! Probably a sandwich.

On The Dinner Plate

Spicy Korean chicken and rice (leftovers from freezer)

On The Menu

MONDAY: Spicy Korean Chicken/rice *work 1-5*

TUESDAY: Spaghetti, meatballs, salad, maybe brownies for dessert *Haircut 10*

WEDNESDAY: Waffles/bacon/strawberries *Out to lunch with friends for another friend’s birthday*

THURSDAY: Chicken Fajitas (may change this)

FRIDAY: Thai Basil Stir Fry (New recipe, we’ll see)

On My To Do List

Grocery store *DONE*

Target

Pay bills

Laundry

Transition more plants inside…maybe…weather is making me put this off

Search out ingredients for Friday’s dinner

New Recipe I Tried or Want to Try

10-Minute Thai Basil Chicken

What I Am Creating

Well, starting tomorrow I’m creating a new series for my blog by participating in Blog 31 Days which doesn’t exactly exist any more. However, I’m still doing it and my series is going to be simple: 31 Days of Questions and Answers. Just a nice chit chat topic for each day. Check back 🙂

No Words Needed: Photo

Quote For The Week

This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118: 24).

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Not enough time to really proofread, please excuse any glaring grammar errors!

Bit late today for no good reason. I probably would’ve waited until tomorrow but now I’m working on Tuesday. Maybe I’ll get a full week vacation next week. It’s my new plan.

Current plan is to write this Happy Homemaker Monday post and then, link it over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

HOT. I knew we weren’t done with summer quite yet. Heat advisory today, storms tomorrow, not sure about the rest of the week.

Right Now

Had to pause to let the cat back outside. Heat advisory weather is her favorite, we can hardly get her in here. Ice cubes in her water dish and she’s happy out there.

Thinking and Pondering

Need to send an email out to my work that I won’t be working Friday or all of next week. As much as I love the kids,  I *need* some time off…

How I am Feeling

Would you believe I’m still trying to shake whatever I had 2 weeks ago. I feel better but the sinus stuff just wants to linger. UGH. I do feel 110 times better than last week, hoping taking an extra day to just rest (sort of) today helped.

On the Breakfast Plate

Yogurt and a sausage patty, vitamins, black elderberry syrup, coffee, and water

On the Lunch Plate

Junk, didn’t really eat lunch

On The Dinner Plate

Hamburgers on the grill, French Fries, watermelon

On The Menu

There’s a great question!

MONDAY: grilled hamburgers, French fries, watermelon

TUESDAY: Shrimp in air fryer (heat n eat), corn on the cob, mini cucumbers (Might make it into cucumber salad if I feel ambitious later)

WEDNESDAY: Spicy Korean Chicken

THURSDAY: It’s our wedding anniversary! Nothing exciting for 26 years but I am hoping I don’t have to cook dinner. Of course, my husband said he thinks he’s getting my cold stuff so yay. SIGH.

FRIDAY: Maybe waffles? I don’t know….

What I Am Wearing Today

Flowered tee-shirt, olive green shorts, and currently my leopard print shoes

On My Reading Pile

I’ve been reading The Night Agent by Matthew Quirk. I watched the Netflix series some time last year, maybe, but didn’t know it was a book. Book is pretty good, series really followed it.

On My TV This Week

Over the weekend, I discovered Ginny and Georgia on Netflix. And…I’ve already finished it. Think a gritty and very dark spin on Gilmore Girls. I loved it! Um, probably wouldn’t want to watch it with younger friends, I’d say older teenagers and above…definitely some mature scenes and topics.

Looking Around the House

Well, I did clean the main bathroom today but it’s still not ready for a photo shoot. Here is a picture of our new living room rug instead.

We had to replace the old one because the edges kept curling, tripping hazard.

On My To Do List

What’s that saying about so much to do so I’ll just take a nap instead. That’s how I feel.

1. Grocery store *DONE*
2. Target run *DONE*
3. Laundry *Uh Oh*
4. So much cleaning…funny thing is I was out of cleaning supplies. If you run out of cleaning supplies, wouldn’t you think it would mean your house is super clean? Turns out it doesn’t.
5. Mow the lawn
6. Measure flower pots for plants that need replanted/make list of plants that need to come inside
7. Figure out message the blog hosting people sent me, something to do with memory, hoping I fixed things
8. Pick up my camera!

From The Camera

(phone camera still). Pictures of paintings. A teacher I used to work with does paint nights close to us and I usually try and go. I really liked the ocean pour painting one.

The one last Friday was a sunset, not as fond of it but I’ll share it here as well.

Quote for the Week

An oldie but a favorite:

Be curious not judgemental. (Walt Whitman)

Just a quick one this morning as I was called in to work. On the first day of school, yes. I was feeling sad about not working it, then kind of glad to be home. One thing about covering vacations all summer is that you end up a bit burned out at the start of the school year. It’s like upside down world.

However, I do usually help for a few hours on the first day of school but wasn’t asked this year. Figured they had enough help. Then, just as I was settling my mind about how I’d spend today, late last night, the text came. SIGH. Not a great shift either as it’s 9 to 5:30. I pondered saying no for quite a while but of course, I ended up saying yes.

So I’m attempting to put together a quick Happy Homemaker Monday before I head out today. Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

*UPDATE: I typed all this up before work but then, the pictures did not cooperate so I’m just now hitting publish at 6:30PM*

The Weather

Nice, feels *almost* fall like but I’m sure it’s going to be a bit warmer this afternoon.

As I Look Outside My Window

All those outdoor chores I didn’t do last week/over the weekend are still waiting.

Right Now

I’m mostly ready for work (still need to do my hair and make my lunch) while I work on this post.

Thinking and Pondering

Debating taking 2 weeks off officially for the week before Labor Day and the week after it.

How I am Feeling

Tired. I feel so much better than last week when I was sick but my energy isn’t quite at 100% yet.

On the Breakfast Plate

Undecided. Probably a bagel. Already had LOTS of coffee and my vitamins

On the Lunch Plate

No idea, need a work lunch calendar but can’t find one.

On The Dinner Plate

Something easy. Probably fake Chik-Fil-A nuggets out of a bag from the frozen section in Sam’s Club

On The Menu

TBD….I know I work until 5:30 today, have Bunco tomorrow (I’m hosting so in charge of snacks) plus I work in the afternoon. Also, I have plans Friday evening. So this week’s menu will hopefully be easy things.

What I Am Wearing Today

White button down shirt, purple skirt, tennis shoes. However, I may change into a dark purple tee-shirt as I’m not sure what’s on the work lunch menu. Don’t want to ruin my white shirt!

On My Reading Pile

I’ve been working my way through Charlie Donlea novels and enjoying them. I just finished up Some Choose Darkness last night.

On My TV This Week

No idea. Last week I watched all TEN of the Fast and Furious movies plus Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (watched that one with G) so probably not going to watch quite as much tv this week.

Looking Around the House

Slightly better than last week but I’d still prefer we don’t look. Maybe next week?

On My To Do List

Find my mind, I think I’ve lost it!

1. Finish this post
2. Work
3. Pay bills
4. Laundry
5. Grocery store
6. no idea…

From The Camera

I did pick up the real camera this week…2 not so exciting pictures to share. Must do better again.

Quote for the Week

Saw this on Pinterest, and I could really use this advice and reminder often as I struggle with this sometimes.

Observe, don’t absorb. (Kate Eckman)

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*Please forgive any spelling/grammar errors in my 20 minute post*

Whew! It’s been a while. Probably going to do a summer summary post tomorrow. However, I can’t think of a better return from my blogging break than a Happy Homemaker Monday post. Glad Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom is still hosting these!

Worth making a quick note that sadly I don’t think I’ve picked up my “real” camera since May or maybe June so these are all phone pictures from the last few months sprinkled in the post.

The Weather

We’ve had some much cooler temperatures (record summer lows last week!) and a bit of rain that’s putting me in the mood for fall. However, I know better. It’s going to get hot again. Low 90’s by the end of the week.

As I Look Outside My Window

I see a gloomy, cloudy, fall-like sky. My little hummingbirds fighting over the feeder. And lots of outdoor chores I’ve neglected the past few months.

Right Now

Working on this post (yay!) while listening to the washing machine.

Thinking and Pondering

Where to start with things.

How I am Feeling

Sadly, not great. I think the yuckies from school have finally caught up with me. Bit of a scratchy throat. SIGH.

On the Breakfast Plate

A couple of mini croissants and an off-brand churro oreo. (My work day breakfasts were a lot more balanced, I promise. Just not in the mood for fixing things today and yogurt didn’t sound good.) Plus coffee. Still need to take my vitamins. I’ll probably make myself a glass of Emergen-C with black elderberry syrup in a bit.

On the Lunch Plate

No idea

On The Dinner Plate

Husband and I are supposed to go out for our friend’s birthdays but I’m probably eating at home if I don’t start feeling better. So, it’ll be roast for me.

On The Menu

MONDAY: Roast in the crock pot, potatoes, carrots

TUESDAY: white chicken chili

WEDNESDAY: beef and/or chicken marinated using the recipe on the back of the Thai peanut sauce, jasmine rice

THURSDAY: Waffles, bacon or sausage, fruit *I work 1:30-4*

FRIDAY: Pulled pork (from freezer) and rice

What I Am Wearing Today

Palm leaf type tee-shirt, navy blue skort, socks and tennis shoes

On My Reading Pile

Just finished up with The Many Daughters of Afong Moy by Jamie Ford. Really enjoyed it. Probably one of the better novels that wasn’t a suspenseful/murder mystery thing I’ve read in a long while.

On My TV This Week

Not sure. We were all about watching the Olympics the last two weeks. I don’t think any of the fall shows have started. I’ll have to see what’s back on my streaming services. I’m waiting on Emily in Paris (my guilty pleasure show) and Daryl Dixon to start.

Looking Around the House

We do NOT want to do that.

On My To Do List

Hmm…where to start. Not making a big list considering I’m not feeling 100%

1. Grocery store DONE (It was so nice to go in the morning again!)
2. Return library books
3. Laundry (always)
4. Make a start on cleaning the house
5. Clean out emails
6. Make another to do list of outdoor chores

From The Camera

Like I said, I’ve not really picked up my “real camera” in months. I’ll post more about my non-working summer adventures tomorrow but here’s a photo of a recent adventure.

I had a chance to go to the Rabbit Hole Museum in late July. Basically, they’ve brought many of your favorite picture books to life. If you are out this way and a book lover, definitely go! It’s even on this list from Time Magazine.

Quote for the Week

How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then to rest afterward. (Spanish proverb)

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Always strange to me when Easter is early. Now, what do I do with this entire month of April? Probably enjoy the spring weather (I hope!) and buy too many flowers (annually, annuals and perennials though).

Taking some time to join in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for a Happy Homemaker Monday post.

The Weather

Nice out though rather warm for the first of April, it’s currently 76 degrees. We’re supposed to get rain later this afternoon into tomorrow and I really hope we do. It’s also supposed to cool off a bit (nothing drastic but enough that I’ll need to haul all my plants back indoors as some nights do hit the upper 30’s).

As I Look Outside My Window

It’s a cloudy, dreary kind of day. (The picture under weather was from one day last week.)

Right Now

Trying to get this post together while doing a bit of laundry.

Thinking and Pondering

Too much, had something coherent to write here when I started my post but I’ve forgotten so now all my thoughts are a jumble again: house next door, election on Tuesday, upcoming trip, work stuff, etc…..

How I am Feeling

Not too bad though we just finished lunch so a bit sleepy. Time for a nap? Too bad the bed is covered in clean laundry.

On the Breakfast Plate

carrots, pineapple, honey, eggs, butter, splash of milk or I guess we can call it by its proper name: a slice of carrot cake. Coffee, vitamins.

On the Lunch Plate

turkey sausage, orzo, and broccoli

On The Dinner Plate

white chicken chili is in the slow cooker

On The Menu

MONDAY: white chicken chili

TUESDAY: pork chops, baked potato, salad

WEDNESDAY: curry (made with the leftover pork)

THURSDAY: thai beef kabobs (probably just going to grill the steak and not make kabobs though)

FRIDAY: monte cristo sandwiches

What I Am Wearing Today

maroon t-shirt, jeans, tennis shoes

On My Reading Pile

Rachel’s Riviera Retreat by Daisy James but I’ve just started it.

On My TV This Week

I’m on season 2 of Gilmore Girls, such a fun show that I really didn’t expect to like nearly as much as I do. Delightful.  The last episode of The Ones Who Live, whatever randomly is on network tv but likely The Voice, The Masked Singer, Next Level Chef. Oh, and on streaming, the Spring Baking Championship.

Looking Around the House

Somehow without having company for Easter, I didn’t find the motivation to clean so it’s not looking very pretty today.

On My To Do List

Things I don’t want to do?

1. Store *done, just needed a few extras/pantry replacements for rounding out the menu
2. Phone calls/texts to return *procrastinating…*
3. Laundry
4. Probably should clean the house
5. Some baking/preparing for our upcoming trip (We’re going to travel to see the eclipse)

From The Camera

We’ve determined a pair of Cooper’s hawks are building a nest in the backyard area (not our yard but one yard over). Fun to watch but I’m not sure what to do regarding my bird feeders. Am I feeding the hawks or do I just call it circle of life? Caught these 2 photos of one of the hawks over the weekend.

Quote for the Week

You can be a good person with a kind heart and still say no. (quote found on Pinterest, from Tiny Buddha)

Still trying to get back into the groove of blogging over here….

Just going to go right to the categories tonight.

The Weather

Nice right now but it’s supposed to be cold and snowy when we get up tomorrow? Well, we still need rain or some sort of moisture. Then, back to the 70’s for the weekend. Can’t even figure it out anymore.

As I Look Outside My Window

Um, the cat’s in the way and the windows are a bit dirty. Need to spring clean but haven’t been in the mood.

Right Now

Just trying to get a quick post done so I don’t go weeks without posting again.

Thinking and Pondering

Back to work tomorrow but I feel like I need another week of spring break (ha!) though last week wasn’t bad and I took an extra day for myself today.

How I am Feeling

Tired and a bit grouchy

On the Breakfast Plate

On the Lunch Plate

Sort of ate breakfast and lunch together as I didn’t eat before going to the grocery store so a weird combo of one leftover French toast stick followed by a grilled cheese and some grapes. Vitamins and coffee in there as well.

On The Dinner Plate

Roast pork loin, mashed potatoes, and dinner rolls. Not a green vegetable in sight. Just the way it goes sometimes.

On The Menu

MONDAY: roast pork loin (it was good but a bit salty, I didn’t adjust for having a smaller piece of meat. Oops!), mashed potatoes, and dinner rolls.

TUESDAY: Spaghetti, salad *I work 8-5*

WEDNESDAY: Chicken strips and French fries

THURSDAY: Turkey sausage/broccoli/orzo skillet *I work 8-5*

FRIDAY: Either out or Tacos…undecided

What I Am Wearing Today

Sweatshirt, jeggings, tennis shoes.

On My Reading Pile

Just finished The New Couple in Apartment 5B by Lisa Unger. It was creepy good. Not really a read at night book. Also, still working on the How to Break Up with Your Phone book.

On My TV This Week

Too much. Last week I started watching Gilmore Girls on Netflix, finally. Can you believe I’ve never seen it? Enjoying my “girly” show. Also watched a fun movie called What’s in the Barn (good one for you Halloween/Christmas movie fans, note there’s some language but it’s a fun holiday/horror type movie). Spring Baking Championship, Next Level Chef, The Ones Who Live, Abbott Elementary. Too much! Oh, and I also watched the Mean Girls musical movie, enjoyed it!

Looking Around the House

Well, I didn’t do any spring cleaning over my spring break so….it’s not exactly pretty around here. My “holiday” cactus bloomed when I wasn’t looking. (sorry, not a great pic)

On My To Do List

Not too much…probably just forgetting it all though

1. Grocery store *DONE*
2. mail a couple Easter cards
3. work
4. join in for Five on Friday, you should, too!
5. finalize Easter baskets…nothing big but I still like to give the boys baskets
6. figure out our Easter plans (J is playing at all the church services but we’ll only go to the last one)

From The Camera

The tulips blooming in the corner of the driveway garden area make me happy

Quote for the Week

The great gift of Easter is hope. (Basil C. Hume)

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Linking up as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

Sometimes the best intentions…meant to post yesterday but then never quite made it down here to the computer! However, I am *finally* back to posting and starting with a Happy Homemaker Monday (er Tuesday) seems like a great start.

A quick note about where I’ve been: Um, nowhere really. I was sick for a week and that lingered a bit as my work schedule was super full. Read, did not get enough rest. Sometimes you can know something and still do the wrong thing. Then, honestly, I kind of lost my blogging motivation during all of it as well. Still working on getting that back a bit. Time to post!

Joining in as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Pick a season, any season! Yesterday, winter gave a last hurrah and we woke to temps in the 20’s with a 14 degree feels like temperature. Today, they predict a high of 70 degrees! Then, back down to the mid 50’s for the rest of the week. Rain chances for the weekend (kind of hope we get it).

As I Look Outside My Window

This is out the front window. I see tulips blooming! What? A bit early for these parts but my tulips at the edge of the driveway are blooming.

Right Now

Trying to get this post up and posted before the daily distractions begin. 

Thinking and Pondering

Currently, what to have for breakfast. Wondering what my one fun thing for my spring break week might be today. I’m trying to do one fun thing a day even if it’s something small.

How I am Feeling

Not too bad, glad the annoying lingering cough from being sick is finally gone.

On the Breakfast Plate

Undecided though I’m leaning toward toast and apricot jam. Plus the usual, coffee (already had some of that magical beverage, of course) and vitamins.

On the Lunch Plate

Again, undecided. Yesterday, J and I attempted broccoli cheese rice casserole with limited success. Today might just be a sandwich day.

On The Dinner Plate

Spicy potato soup

On The Menu

As always completely subject to change.

MONDAY: We had fettuccine alfredo with garlic butter chicken, salad, and breadsticks

TUESDAY: spicy potato soup *I have Bunco at 7*

WEDNESDAY: turkey sausage on the grill, cucumber salad, pasta salad (maybe?), chips

THURSDAY: spicy korean chicken, trying a new recipe at J’s request

FRIDAY: French toast

I also baked an angel food cake (from a box!) last night and we have strawberries/blueberries for it.

What I Am Wearing Today

A tee shirt with a blue/aqua/green palm tree like design, and currently, purple pajama shorts. I am letting lotion soak into my legs. However, I’ll change into black pants (or jeans) and tennis shoes before leaving the house.

On My Reading Pile

I just finished The Candy House by Jennifer Egan and didn’t get the hype at all. Nothing wrong with the actual writing but if I’m reading a novel, I expect a bit more of a cohesive story not something that feels like a collection of short stories that don’t always have satisfying endings.

Now, I’m onto reading a nonfiction titled How to Break Up with Your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life by Catherine Price. It’s copyright date is 2018 which isn’t too long ago but in technology terms is also almost ancient. I’m still intrigued by the concept.

And for a fun read, just my Amazon Prime first read pick of Matterhorn by Christopher Reich. I’ve barely started it.

On My TV This Week

Too much *but* I’m on spring break so I get to watch junky tv all I want. Regular TV: The Voice, I do like the new judges. Next Level Chef, and Masked Singer. Streaming TV series: The Ones Who Live, Spring Baking Championship, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, and TOC (another cooking competition show). Oh, and I need to catch up on Abbott Elementary. Streaming Movies I’ve watched this week/last weekend: Wonka, The Last Witch Hunter, and yesterday, The Meg. Today, you know I plan to watch The Meg 2. Ha! Again, I’m on Spring break! Also, did I start to maybe cheer for the shark during the last movie? Maybe…

Looking Around the House

Spring break hasn’t equaled spring cleaning despite my best intentions. Maybe today. Maybe tomorrow. We shall see. 

On My To Do List

Not a whole lot really.

1. Grocery store *DONE yesterday*
2. Pay bills *MUST DO TODAY*
3. One fun activity for each day of my spring break and as I told G, the grocery store shouldn’t count. Here’s my small plan so far: MONDAY: bought a shamrock plant, tiny one on clearance, also enjoyed a small “adult” beverage last night TUESDAY: a trip to “save big money” at Menards which I’ll then use my savings for a fancy coffee drink from Dutch Bros in the afternoon. (Truth: I’ll be saving no money!) And of course, some outside time WEDNESDAY: G and I are going to go see Dune 2 in Imax. Super excited for that! THURSDAY and FRIDAY: Undecided though J and I have talked forever about checking out a new store (not exactly a thrift store but they sell reclaimed merchandise…) so maybe that.
4. Clean off the front porch/deck to get ready for planting flowers
5. Whatever I want to do without worrying about getting called into work
6. Catch up with all my blogging friends 🙂

From The Camera

Mostly flowers and a cat photo. Did finally pick up the camera and walk around the yard a bit over the weekend to look for signs of the new season.

And of course, my helper ready to go back inside. It was warm by windy the day I took photos. She doesn’t care for the wind.

Quote for the Week

A kind word never broke anyone’s mouth. (Irish Proverb, found on Pinterest)