We made it through winter and now, it’s officially springtime!

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

The Weather

A bit chilly and cloudy, 55 degrees right now. Supposed to bump up into the 70’s by the end of the week. Along with a few thunderstorm chances.

As I Look Outside My Window

Thought I saw a goldfinch on the feeder earlier but I was too slow to get to another window to confirm.

Right Now I Am

Finally sitting down to finish up this post at 2:30 in the afternoon.

Something Fun To Share

I always come across great stuff in the weekend favorites by Courtney Carver. 

How to Feel More at Peace was my favorite one from this past weekend. Much needed!

Thinking And Pondering

Spring cleaning. Decluttering. Whether or not I like the lilac scented candle. Can’t decide if it smells more floral or too much like old lady perfume.

On My TV

Did a bit of tv watching last week: Wicked, Moana 2 for movies. White Lotus, Spring Baking Championship, Righteous Gemstones, Tournament of Champions, and started a rewatch of The Last of Us for streaming series. Also, still on Brooklyn Nine-nine. On regular tv, The Voice, Next Level Chef, and started Farmer Wants A Wife.

On My Reading Pile

Still working my way through my James Rollins book. Need to read more this week.

Listening To

Currently nothing. Two weeks ago with no warning the 2 most popular morning radio shows in our area were cut. So I’m boycotting those stations while searching for something else. (And I’m not alone in my boycott) It’s a very small thing but I very much miss my morning radio program!

On The Menu For This Week

Tried to plan out the fridge/freezer a bit.

MONDAY: ham/potato stir fry with asparagus (keep forgetting it’s in the fridge!)

TUESDAY: tacos

WEDNESDAY: pork loin on the grill with fresh green beans

THURSDAY: roast in the crock pot

FRIDAY: open

On My To Do List

Pay the bills (DONE), grocery store (DONE), a bit of spring cleaning and clearing (not done) more yard clean up (not done) not sure what else, having trouble focusing today

Happening This Week

Not much, official spring break is over but I’m currently not scheduled to work until Friday (7:30-4)

What I Am Creating

Thinking about Easter basket ideas….that’s about it

My Simple Pleasure

A good night’s sleep. I didn’t get that last night.

Lesson Learned The Past Week

It was spring break, didn’t have time for learning! Ha. I’m sure I learned something but I’m drawing a blank right now. Oh wait, I know. Don’t walk around in those little foot mask socks from Target or you could hurt your foot.

Looking Around The House

It’s not looking great, lots of tidying needed.

From The Camera

Spring is in bloom around the front yard

 

Prayer List

Friends, family, strangers, the world.

Quote For The Week

The renewal that comes in springtime refreshes not only the earth but us as well. (George H. Bonner)

 

 

It’s Spring Break week here. So nice to not have to think about work for an entire week. My plan is to do something in the “need to” department each day as well as something fun. We’ll see how that plan works.

And of course, we’re celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day today. Just minor things, mint shakes somewhere and something Irish-esque for dinner.

For now, I’m joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for the Happy Homemaker Monday link up community.

The Weather

It’s been interesting. Warm and windy. Cold and rainy and sleet plus snow on Saturday night. By the time I remembered a photo, all that was left, a bit of ice on the deck:

No snow this week but up and down, windy, sunny, rainy weather. It’s March.

As I Look Outside My Window

Blue skies and sunshine today!

Right Now I Am

Working on this post, was filling out my passport application while waiting on photos to load. No tripped planned but thought it might be a good idea to get one. Just in case the process becomes more complicated (or expensive!) in the future. Plus, I do want to travel some day!

Something Fun To Share

Tomatoes are coming! (hopefully)

Thinking And Pondering

Things to do this week, fun things and spring cleaning things

 On My TV

Spring Baking Championship is back (woohoo), Tournament of Champions (also a cooking show, watching this with the husband), Righteous Gemstones (again, watching with the husband), and White Lotus. Probably The Voice on regular tv plus Next Level Chef. Catch up on some other shows maybe.

On My Reading Pile

Arkangel by James Rollins, a few cookbooks, Gangsters of Capitalism by Jonathan M Katz, and something by Wendy Corsi Staub on the phone (sorry can’t remember the title, it’s a thriller just downloaded)

Listening To

Birds chirping outside

On The Menu For This Week

Not really sure, didn’t go to the store yet and may put it off until tomorrow. It’s spring break after all!

MONDAY: Irish coddle (sausage, potatoes, kind of like a stew), soda bread

TUESDAY: Husband’s choice *my bunco group decided to eat out this month in lieu of playing the game*

WEDNESDAY: ???

THURSDAY: ???

FRIDAY: ????

On My To Do List

Enjoy my spring break! A bit of spring cleaning and a bit of fun for the week! (Still need to go to the grocery store, Target, and do a bit of laundry plus pay bills)

Happening This Week

Mint shakes for St. Patrick’s Day today, think the boys and I are going to eat lunch at Arby’s. G and I have plans to go see Mickey-17 in the theatre. Dinner out with my Bunco group on Tuesday night. The boys and I may go explore a semi-local (40 minute drive at least) Asian supermarket. Time outside! I listed all the fun stuff, more exciting than the spring cleaning items.

What I Am Creating

I’ve got nothing

My Simple Pleasure

Spending time with family and friends

Lesson Learned The Past Week

The reminder that sometimes peace is better than being right.

Looking Around The House

Needs some attention and cleaning/clearing of the clutter

From The Camera

Prayer List

Friends, family, strangers. The country, the world. Peace, love, and kindness to overtake the hatred and bitterness out there.

Quote For The Week

 

God spoke in flowers today, and I, who was waiting on words, almost missed the conversation.

(Ingrid Goff-Maidoff)

 

 

Oops, I think I overshot the spring forward bit as it’s now Tuesday! Really, just a fairly busy Monday.

I’ll skip the part where I share my opinions on this spring forward stuff and just suffice it to say Sunday wasn’t exactly the best day. Been in a bit of a mood the past couple of days. However, here we are at a beautiful sunny and warm Tuesday!

A day late but still linking up with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for Happy Homemaker Monday.

The Weather

Spring is coming!

It’s sunny and in the 50’s this morning. It was almost 80 degrees yesterday. However, rain and cooler temps (should say normal weather) predicted for the weekend.

As I Look Outside My Window

Blue skies and sunshine!

Right Now I Am

Taking a break from my put away the heavy winter sweaters project. So, yes, if it snows (shudder) again, it’ll be my fault. I do think we’re done with the crazy cold though. And I don’t have anything to wear for warmer days (workwise) so it was time for a mini clothing switch.

Something Fun To Share

Kansas City is a host city for the World Cup in 2026 and Tech N9ne released the theme song for our city this morning:

Thinking And Pondering

Do you really want to know? Probably not.

On My Bedside Table

Currently, nothing just the way I like it. We aren’t going to talk about the husband’s table. Suffice it to say: opposite.

On My TV

Excited to watch the first episode of The Spring Baking Championship later this afternoon (or tomorrow if I run out of time today).

On My Reading Pile

Finished The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave. Gave up on The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt, skimmed it and gave it back for the next person. Now, I’m reading Arkangel by James Rollins.

Listening To

Silence.

On The Menu For This Week

 

It’s all on my grocery list which is somewhere in my purse….

MONDAY: Stir fried potatoes and ham from the Korean cookbook. *It was a success*

TUESDAY: I’m going out so may just leave it up to the husband

WEDNESDAY: Grilled pork chops, asparagus

THURSDAY: Chicken wraps, air fryer French fries

FRIDAY: Open or Rigatoni pasta with vodka sauce and spicy Italian sausage (probably this)

On My To Do List

just to continue to get the yard and inside ready for spring, also sort through and organize the pantry (I’m trying to stock up a bit here and there just in case), and the usual grocery store/laundry/cleaning/pay the bills stuff

Happening This Week

• What idiot makes an haircut appointment for 9AM on the Monday after daylight savings? This one! SIGH.
• I work today and Thursday from 2-4 PM (Could change but right now I’m good with a lighter schedule this week)
• Mom’s Night Out tonight (Tuesday), meeting friends for dinner/drinks
• Grouchiness from the time change
• Hopefully, lots of yard clean-up

What I Am Creating

Some  “word art” on my mango Pepsi (I read somewhere they weren’t making it anymore so picked some up yesterday, it’s my favorite but I don’t drink it very often which means sometimes other people drink it all before I’ve had a even one can):

My Simple Pleasure

The hope of spring (and summer) flowers starting to bloom

Lesson Learned The Past Week

Sometimes it’s just as important to speak up as it is to KMBMS (keep my big mouth shut). The key is knowing when to do each. Ongoing struggle.

Looking Around The House

I cleaned a bit yesterday so it’s not awful but still needs attention

From The Camera

Yet another week where I didn’t pick up the real camera. Actually, I did pick it up and try to go for a walk but the road to the park I wanted to visit was closed. And the other place was way too busy. SIGH. Maybe tomorrow? 

Prayer List

Friends, family, strangers, the country, the world. Health, peace, compassion, and kindness.

Quote For The Week

March is finally here complete with spring fever and weird super quick changing weather!

For now, it’s time to join in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for Happy Homemaker Monday.

The Weather

Weird. It’s been nice but also chilly. When I left for the store this morning, I stepped out onto the front porch in the sunshine and said: Oh, it’s so nice out!

And then, when I stepped out of the store, the clouds were there along with a chilly breeze. SIGH. It is supposed to be almost 60 today so I’m not giving up hope.We’re supposed to get some type of rain/light snow mix overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, I think. Almost wonder if it’s arriving sooner. Then, back to *regular* winter with highs in the mid 40’s for the rest of the week. Spring weather again next week.

 Right Now I Am

Working on this post, doing laundry, wondering what to have for lunch

Something Fun To Share

I stumbled across this fun channel on Instagram but he’s also on YouTube: Cookin’ with Congress.  I was going to share the video where he ate like Harry S Truman since I’m here in Missouri but alas, I can’t figure out how to share a short on here. Here’s Eisenhower (from Kansas, right next door to us). It’s really fun to see what they all ate!

Thinking And Pondering

Just going to admit it, I was petty and turned down work. I knew if I went, I’d be resentful about a lot of things. Not a great attitude to take in there with the kids. (Plus I’m fairly certain I would’ve been covering in the classroom where the stomach bug’s been flying. Wanting NO part of that). So is it worse to be petty or resentful? I mean neither is good, of course.

On the other hand, I’m human. And I did wake up with a pretty sore shoulder this morning (pulled muscle, maybe?) so I guess it all worked out.

On My TV

Not much, I need to read this week. However, I’ll probably watch Spring Baking Championship if it’s on Max. And Next Level Chef on Thursday. Maybe The Voice with my husband later tonight.

On My Reading Pile

So many books, so little time! How can I have so many books on hold for 8-10 weeks out and then, they all come up for my turn at the exact same time? This week I’m going to focus mainly on reading Mickey7 by Ashton Edward, not even a library book but the movie comes out this weekend.

On the Kindle app, I’m trying to get through The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided By Politics And Religion by Jonathan Haidt. Um, I had such high hopes but it’s starting a bit (coughs *A LOT*) dry. Feel like I’m back in college and reading a textbook. I’m still interested but it’s slow-going.

Listening To

Silence now, time to switch up the laundry.

On The Menu For This Week

 

Trying to be more mindful and less wasteful so we’ve decided to start leaving Fridays open for leftovers.

MONDAY: Carnitas , corn tortillas (trying to use up a package of these from the fridge)

TUESDAY: Pancakes with strawberries and blueberries

WEDNESDAY: Spaghetti, salad, garlic toast

THURSDAY: Turkey sausage (from freezer, grilled last week), broccoli, and orzo

FRIDAY:

On My To Do List

Usuals: laundry, clean the house, etc

I don’t even know what else…prepare for the apocalypse? Oh, I remember I did want to rake the leaves off the garden…

Happening This Week

I work on Wednesday morning but other than that nothing. And I’m perfectly okay with that. I’m sure things will come up or I’ve forgotten something.

 My Simple Pleasure

Cat snuggles.

Lesson Learned The Past Week

If you’re sick, rest is good. And keeps you from ending up with that never-ending stuff. (My poor husband is now sick and not resting so I hope he doesn’t end up with the never-ending stuff. He’s downing the Emergen-C so maybe that’ll help)

Looking Around The House

It’s a mess! If it’s a clear surface, somehow it’s not. Time for a bit of cleaning and clearing.

From The Camera

What camera? Sigh, I must do better with the real camera and actually getting out. (All phone pics in this post)

Prayer List

Family (especially my niece, more on that later), Friends, Neighbors (I saw the neighbor on the corner leave in an ambulance last night, he’s been on hospice so I don’t think that’s a great sign), Strangers, Our Country, the entire world…

Quote For The Week

May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears. (Nelson Mandela)

 

 

Is it me or has February been a bit brutal this year? Though I’m determined not to rush the year along, I’m not exactly sad to see this month end.

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

The Weather

A Spring preview! And I’m happy to enjoy it. It’s currently 57 degrees outside, snow is melting, only places really left are the giant piles from the snowplows. Bring on the mud! This entire week is supposed to be in the 50’s/60’s with a slight chance of rain on Wednesday.

As I Look Outside My Window

An amazing sunrise this morning! Bit later now so not as much to see, blue skies and empty bird feeders. I’m out of bird seed but not as worried, figured I got the birds through the super cold. They can manage for a day in 50 degree weather.

Right Now I Am

Sniffling. SIGH. I’ve been sick a lot this school year and it’s annoying.

Something Fun To Share

Maybe next week. Unless you want this cold? Of course, it’s not fun.

Thinking And Pondering

Just stuff. I want to go for a walk but how muddy is it out there and I really don’t feel great, zombie level 5ish. New job or no? Need to go on a date with the husband. Hoping I feel better for our friend get together on Saturday and can KMBMS (Keep My Big Mouth Shut) depending on where the conversation lands.

On My Bedside Table

A kleenex (clean), book, lamp, phone charger

On My TV

Started getting this crud on Saturday so basically just watching movies I’ve already seen: Infinity Wars, End Game, Speed, and Spider Man: No Way Home. Also, Next Level Chef later this week and maybe catch up on some other regular tv shows. Need to circle back to Brooklyn Nine-Nine, still enjoying it, just took a little break.

On My Reading Pile

I don’t even know. Some random Ginger Bolton cozy mystery, the next in the series. I like to read them at bedtime because they take very little concentration. My library hold came up but I’ve not started it: The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion by Jonathan Haidt. Mickey-7 by Edward Ashton, need to finish reading it before the movie comes out sometime in March.

And I just remembered, I have an actual book to go pick up at the local library (usually do e-books), Gangsters of Capitalism: Smedley Butler, The Marines, and the Making and Breaking of America’s Empire by Jonathan M. Katz.

Listening To

A quiet house, no tv, no radio, really just the appliances now and then.

On The Menu For This Week

Hooray for a warmer week! Friday’s dinner of vodka pasta with bacon and cherry tomatoes (optional add-ins):

MONDAY: grilled chicken legs, asparagus, corn on the cob

TUESDAY: hamburgers, French Fries

WEDNESDAY: spicy Korean chicken, rice

THURSDAY: grilled turkey sausage with peppers and onions

FRIDAY: Open

Saturday/Sunday: We’ve got dinner plans on Saturday night and I’m thinking possibly spaghetti for Sunday

On My To Do List

Usual items of grocery store, cleaning the house, and laundry. Pay a few bills. Water some plants. Hoping I feel good enough to do outside stuff tomorrow.

Happening This Week

Thankfully not too much, I work (so far) on Friday and then, we have dinner plans out on Saturday

My Simple Pleasure

Fresh flowers. I’m especially looking forward to going outside and seeing flowers on the front porch and in the yard again.

Lesson Learned The Past Week

Doesn’t matter how many vitamins you take, a sick kid hanging on you and getting the coughs in before you can say “Germ Catcher!” has a high probability of sharing the cold with you.

Looking Around The House

Wish I had to the energy to clean up a bit more but I don’t. Carpet needs cleaned although more mud is coming so that might need to wait.

From The Camera

Sadly, I don’t think I picked up the “real” camera last week. Hoping to change that and get some nice outdoor shots this week. Still photographing my Valentine’s Day flowers.

Prayer List

Friends, family, strangers, the country, the world. The Pope. The people I don’t want to pray for because they annoy and anger me but I’m doing it anyway.

Quote For The Week

It takes courage to be kind. (Maya Angelou)

 

Hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine’s Day weekend (if you celebrated). Mine was okay. Honestly, I’m glad my Galentine’s Day was so much fun because this weekend was just kind of blah. Nothing terribly wrong but I was just in a funk for most of it.

Quick weekend synopsis:

Friday at work was a hard day leaving me so fed up at the end of the day. Thankfully, I ended my day in my favorite classroom which probably saved my sanity.  We did nothing at home Friday evening although my husband did fix the waffles and bacon for dinner. I’d left him a Valentine’s Day card earlier in the day.

Saturday, he brought me flowers and eggs from Sam’s Club. Can you guess which one cost more? If you said the flowers, you’re wrong!

Sunday, my mood didn’t really improve despite it being a sunny but very cold day. Ran lots of errands to try to be out in the (cold) sunshine but my mood stayed pretty grumbly until last night.

***********

Moving on to today, the lovely little gray cat woke me at 4:00AM for who knows why. She didn’t leave me alone until I was out of bed either. SIGH. Let’s just get to our Happy Homemaker Monday categories and link up with the host of this lovely community, Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Mood partially explained! Dusting of 1-2 inches of snow today with a high of 20 degrees, currently 11 degrees with a windchill of 0. Still snowing right now though supposed to stop. Winter storm warning from Tuesday at 12:00 AM until Wednesday at 3:00 AM. Also, cold weather advisory from tonight at 9:00 PM (apparently 20 degrees isn’t cold) until Wednesday at 6:00 PM. Oh, and let’s not forget this one: Extreme Cold Watch (I’ve honestly never even heard of this one!) from Wednesday at 6:00 PM until Thursday at noon. And it’s supposed to be 50 degrees by Sunday, of course. Welcome to the Midwest Weather Roller Coaster.

As I Look Outside My Window

Think we covered that in the weather. However, I did want to share this photo of my Flicker woodpecker from last week. He (or she?) is still visiting my suet feeders and I was excited to see some of the yellow tail feathers showing from this angle.

Right Now I Am

Working on this post in a slightly chilly basement (it’s usually warm).

Something Fun To Share

 

I made grocery store Valentine’s cookies on Saturday that I filled with marshmallow creme buttercream for part of our Valentine’s Day weekend. G said they looked like “Walmart brand macarons” which he said was not an insult when I asked if I should be insulted or complimented. LOL.

Thinking And Pondering

Work. I said on Friday that I was going to find another sub to cover me for a certain classroom on Thursday but I’m torn. I feel like I’m giving up if I don’t go ahead and work my day but I can’t have another experience like rest time on Friday. The teachers in said class will understand either way, I know. They’ve been nothing but supportive.

And I do love the kids, some of them just…honestly, need a different environment than that classroom. They’d probably thrive with a smaller class and more structure.

On My Bedside Table

Same stuff, lamp, phone charger, book

On My TV

Still working through Brooklyn Nine-Nine though I did watch the SNL music special on Saturday night and enjoyed it. Missed the big program last night, might stream it later today just to see.

On My Reading Pile

If you want a completely creepy and engaging read, I suggest Someone in the Attic by Andrea Mara. Couldn’t put it down.

Listening To

Forgot to cancel my Amazon music trial, must do that this week, so had on some classical music while I read on Saturday afternoon.

On The Menu For This Week

Well, I had it all planned out in my head while grocery shopping but I’m struggling to remember…

MONDAY: hotdogs, French fries, cantaloupe

TUESDAY: Maybe minestrone, rolls

WEDNESDAY: Pork chops, sweet potatoes

THURSDAY: Mexican casserole (corn tortillas, taco meat, ect)

FRIDAY: No idea

*All subject to change

On My To Do List

Need to pay a few bills, laundry, water plants! (forgot this yesterday), not really anything pressing (unless I’m forgetting something, highly possible)

Happening This Week

Snow. SIGH. Depending on the storm timing, Bunco on Tuesday night but I’m thinking it’s going to be a no-go. Maybe work on Thursday from 7:45-2, see thinking and pondering section, suppose that also depends on if I can find a sub for myself as that might not happen anyway.

What I Am Creating

Nada

My Simple Pleasure

Fresh flowers. Warmer weather and sunshine.

Lesson Learned The Past Week

When things are bothering me at home, I need to speak up a bit sooner and not let them simmer so long. Also, never agree to come into work in the middle of a holiday party. I will never do that one again, shouldn’t even have been asked to do that. Beginning or end is fine but not the middle, so disorienting and confusing.

Looking Around The House

Another part of my weekend mood, might have uttered words to effect that I’m not the hired help. I think the walls are closing in, actually it needs the usual cleaning bits and a whole lot of declutter work.

From The Camera

Combo of phone/”real” camera pics in this post but this one’s from the phone. Doesn’t she look all cuddly, cute, and innocent and not like a furry, demanding 4:00 AM alarm clock?

Prayer List

Family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, all the kids in our school. Anyone struggling with this crazy cold winter.

Quote For The Week

 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 19:18 ESV)

 

Or rather a green Monday. Congratulations to the Philadelphia Eagles fans! Your team outplayed the Chiefs big time.

Still love my Chiefs though. Can’t knock a team too much that’s made it to the Super Bowl 3 years in a row. Who knows maybe it’ll be a re-match (hopefully, with a different outcome!) next year.

Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for Happy Homemaker Monday. She’s changed up the categories so I’m trying to play along a bit.

*Headings in Green in honor of the Eagles* Just for today.

The Weather

A bit gloomy. Cold. Supposed to snow tomorrow night into Wednesday–winter’s back! Along with a winter storm warning, just snow. And again on Saturday though that might be rain or snow.

As I Look Outside My Window

Clouds, a few random birds at the bird feeders. In the front, a truck doing some sort of serious looking plumbing work at the house on the corner.

Right Now I Am

Working on this post, trying to decide where to start on cleaning the house, status: post-birthday and Super bowl nightmare level & we didn’t even host anything here.

Thinking And Pondering

Trying to not feel guilty for saying no to work today. If I’d been called early, I’d have probably went but I got the text while in the grocery store. By the time I got there, it’d been a 2 hour day of lunch and naptime. Need to focus on my own family today (housecleaning, groceries, errands, etc)

On My Bedside Table

Just a lamp, phone charger, and the book G gave me at Christmas (my e-books from a long library waiting list keep popping up so I keep putting it down). Sometimes the cat if she’s decided I’ve slept too long and decides to sit there meowing until her lazy employee gets out of bed, I mean really the nerve of her employee to sleep past 5:30 in the morning!

On My TV

We watched last season’s Super Bowl yesterday afternoon. It was much better than the one last night 😉 Other than that, random westerns (My husband tends to turn that channel on and leave, then here I am all interested in movies like Red Headed Stranger with Willie Nelson from 1986.). Also, still watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine

On My Reading Pile

One of my long-wait list books, Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley. Eleven people waiting on me, kind of wish the library wouldn’t show me that. A little slow to start but really intriguing. I also have Paula Hawkins latest novel to read waiting as well.

Listening To

A bit of sports talk radio last night/this morning before I turned on the regular Pop music station.

On The Menu For This Week

MONDAY: Sad Superbowl Leftovers (smorgasbord of leftover Chinese (G & J), salad, maybe shrimp cocktail, strawberries, cookies, and I don’t know what else)

TUESDAY: Chicken and Noodles/mashed potatoes *I hopefully have plans OUT for Galentine’s Day*

WEDNESDAY: Roast in the Crock Pot *I work(?) 8-4*

THURSDAY: Korean Meatballs, rice *I work 11-2*

FRIDAY: Waffles, Bacon *Valentine’s Day* *I work 10:30-4*

On My To Do List

grocery store, clean the house (cat box, blah!), laundry, check in with work over Wednesday, order prints for part of a Galentine’s Day gift, call brother to see if family still coming in for other brother’s birthday, probably other stuff I can’t remember. Adding in have J look at the computer and see why it’s going so slow again.

Happening This Week

• I work Wednesday (maybe, teacher wanted off for the Chiefs parade, yes, that’s how spoiled our Chiefs had us), Thursday, and Friday
• Galentine’s Day dinner out with friends on Tuesday night (hoping it’s not cancelled due to weather)
• Might have family in town for brother’s birthday on Thursday, need to check on it
• Valentine’s Day on Friday, no plans at the moment

What I Am Creating

I have a few artichoke seedlings!

My Simple Pleasure

Spending time with friends

Lesson Learned The Past Week

Trust that I raised my kids to do the right thing.

Looking Around The House

I need to quit looking and start cleaning, it’s bad!

From The Camera

Didn’t pick up the camera this week but here’s a phone pic of the cat giving G a very mean look because he was out of town over the weekend. She was mad at him but has since forgiven her favorite person.

Prayer List

Friend who recently lost her father, everyone to stay healthy (so much ickiness floating around), friends, family, strangers

Quote For The Week

 

Better to light a candle than curse the darkness. (William A. Watkinson)

 

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

 

 

A new month! January wasn’t bad for us (though I know it was rough for many) but I’m still happy to welcome a new month.

Time to join in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for another Happy Homemaker Monday.

The Weather

Ready to be jealous? It was 60 degrees here yesterday! Yep, Six OH beautiful degrees Fahrenheit. And partly sunny. It’s nice again today, ran to the store this morning without needing a coat. (J wore shorts to his band practice last night). Tomorrow, I think we turn back to normal, and then a good chance of a rain/snow mix for Wednesday. Nothing too scary though. And for anyone who might need it, I even saw a bit of green on my walk yesterday!

As I Look Outside My Window

Blue skies, a few (not many) birds at the feeders, and hardly any snow left, just the base of a neighbor’s snowman that likely won’t last the afternoon.

Right Now I Am

Just back from the grocery store and finished up with lunch.

Thinking And Pondering

If I can squeeze in a walk today, lots on the *have to* list but it’s so pretty outside! (At least, I got to go yesterday)

On My Bedside Table

Lamp, phone charger, a book (need to move it though as I prefer the table to be empty)

On My TV

Brooklyn Nine-Nine and of course on Sunday,….The Super Bowl. GO CHIEFS! Come On, 3-Peat!

Listening To

Washing machine at the moment.

On The Menu 

MONDAY: Grilled pork chops, potatoes (maybe), corn on the cob, rolls, salad

TUESDAY: White Chicken Chili

WEDNESDAY: Spaghetti

THURSDAY: Taco soup

FRIDAY: Homemade pizza *I work 8-4:30*

Decided to keep things pretty simple and basic this week since the weekend’s going to be exciting.

On My To Do List

Grocery store (DONE), laundry, need to do some other shopping errands (husband’s birthday is Saturday), send a few cards, cleaning chores

Happening This Week

My happenings are usually subject to change based on whether or not I get called into work.

Tuesday: We’re attending a funeral for a friend who lost their father

Thursday: G is going out of town

Friday: I work all day

Saturday: Husband’s birthday

Sunday: Superbowl Party to attend. GO CHIEFS!

What I Am Creating

Um, I started some artichoke seeds. (I’m attempting more to grow them for the flowers)

Simple Pleasure

Reading before bed

From The Camera

(All photos in post from the “real” camera!)

What’s that blue?

It’s an Eastern Bluebird! (And I’m out of practice with the “real” camera)

Quote For The Week

We don’t have to agree on anything to be kind to one another. (unknown)

 

If you aren’t smiling in Kansas City today, you’re either a Bills fan or a sports hater. And let me tell you, around here, we’re smiling! So happy to see my team going for a chance to make Super Bowl history with a 3-peat!

We had sports talk radio on this morning and I think one of the hosts kind of summed things up:  You really do feel bad for Josh Allen because he seems like a nice guy and no denying he’s a great quarterback. But then, you go We’re going to the Super Bowl! AGAIN. Wheeee!

So much to do today after feeling under the weather pretty much all of last week. Still, I’m determined to post and join in with Sandra for Happy Homemaker Monday.

Let’s get to it.

The Weather

The sun is shining, it’s warming up, 43 degrees already. Did I mention it was a happy day?! Supposed to be in the 50’s tomorrow and Wednesday, then drop back to the 40’s and probably rain on Friday. I’ll be even happier if the rain washes away the ugly snow piles from the blizzard.

Things That Make Me Happy

How ‘Bout Those Chiefs?!!!!!?? (Sorry, I’ll *try* to be less obnoxious the rest of the week but this is super exciting!)

(I actually talked my husband into going to the fan zone at Union Station this morning to get some pictures! Sharing some here, more in later posts)

On the Breakfast Plate

French toast bagel and coffee, vitamins

On the Lunch Plate

Macaroni and Cheese from the blue box (G is home sick from work and requested it). I added leftover BBQ little smokies to mine, super yummy!

On The Dinner Plate

Trying a new one off the back of the carton of chicken stock: Asian Bow Tie Pasta (trying to get the elements of chicken soup into my son who doesn’t like soup)

On The Menu

MONDAY: Asian Bow Tie Pasta

TUESDAY: Kielbasa on the grill, potatoes, cucumber salad *I work 2:30-6*

WEDNESDAY: Spicy Korean Chicken, homemade spring rolls, rice (seeing if my husband will grill it tomorrow) *I work 7:00-3:30*

THURSDAY: Korean meatballs/rice *I work 3-5*

FRIDAY: Cabbage Roll Casserole

 On My Reading Pile

Too many books I need to read, good problem. Right now I’m trying to finish up Deck the Donuts by Ginger Bolton and just started Mickey7 by Edward Ashton (G gave me this book for Christmas) plus have 2 ebooks that came off my hold list at the library (not sure I remember the titles at the moment).

On My TV This Week

Football! I’m kind of glad the Washington Commanders lost as I’d have felt bad cheering against them in the Super Bowl. I have no reservations about cheering against Philadelphia (again). I don’t think this is the last we’ve seen of the Commanders (or the Bills, of course).

In non-sports viewing, I watched the second season of Night Agent (really like that show) on Netflix. A movie that shouldn’t have been so good but was: The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. And finally, I’ve been casually watching Brooklyn 99 at night, a funny, you don’t have to think very hard comedy.

On My To Do List

Mostly getting things back in order after being sick so all the usual: laundry, cleaning the house, grocery store, etc. Add in going to the bank and getting a new bankcard because my new one never arrived (DONE), double checking if I have any auto withdraws because the pin changed (I don’t think I do but sometimes I put Black Friday streaming deals on my card), car wash, double-checking work calendar, and I don’t even know what else.

New Recipe I Tried Or Want To Try

The Asian Chicken Bow Tie pasta is new. So is the cabbage roll casserole.

From The Camera

Quote for the Week

 

Where there is love, there is joy. (Mother Teresa)

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Happy Monday! Here in the U.S., it’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as well as Inauguration Day. And bitter cold, here in Kansas City. No work for me today (schools out because of MLK, Jr. Day) so a good day to putter around and maybe get a bit of indoor housekeeping done.

Joining in again with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom, hoping 2025 is the year, I manage to post a Happy Homemaker Post every Monday.

The Weather

Come hang out by the Netflix fireplace with me:

Already mentioned it but again, it’s bitter cold out there! Right now it’s 7 degrees with a minus 4 degree windchill and supposed to get colder before warming up again. By Wednesday though we’re back to our normal mid 30’s and I even see some 40’s for the weekend. Slight (very slight) chance of a sprinkling of snow on Thursday.

Things That Make Me Happy

How About Those Chiefs????!!!!!  Two games away from a 3 peat win of the Super Bowl!

As I Look Outside My Window

Saturday sunrise out the front windows (I may have actually stepped out and froze for this photo)

This was from yesterday but the birds were busy at the birdfeeders! A few favorites. I took these through the backdoor so not super great quality!

And who’s this?

On the Breakfast Plate

Apple cinnamon oatmeal and coffee

On the Lunch Plate

I’m thawing out a frittata from the freezer that I made around New Year’s

On The Dinner Plate

Roast in the crock pot, dinner rolls

On The Menu

A work in progress. I’ve decided I need to spend today seeing what we have and making menus to clear out the fridge/freezer/pantry. Threw some produce away this morning that should have been used. UGH, I know we’ve all had it happen but it’s so frustrating especially with the price of groceries.

MONDAY: Roast in the crock pot

TUESDAY:  Maybe Chicken Tingas (already cooked in freezer) *Hair appointment for me at 10:00 a.m.*

WEDNESDAY: ???

THURSDAY: ???

FRIDAY: ???

On My Reading Pile

The Forgotten Witch by Jessica Dodge, I enjoyed The Book of Lost Enchantments enough to read another. Each book seems to be stand alone. They are cozy and kind of whimsical reads set in Scotland. Probably make great Fall reads but I’m reading them in winter.

On My TV This Week

Oh, can I say it again? How About Those Chiefs????!!!! Okay, I’ll stop. Obviously, football this weekend. And I’m so grateful that I won’t have to listen to Joe Buck/Troy Aikman again. UGH, they were annoying. For the record, I saw the same roughing the passer calls in a quite a few other non-Chiefs games earlier in the season where the announcers explained the rule instead of griping. I confess I spent many years hating on New England so I guess I get it, they hate us ’cause they ain’t us 😉

Okay, enough of that, time to start practicing my “Shut Up, Tony Romo!” yells. LOL. I actually don’t mind him as much.  Sorry about the tough loss for the Detroit fans out there.

Other than that, my husband and I have one episode of Resident Alien left to watch. Maybe I’ll finally get around to finishing Emily in Paris.

On My To Do List

What’s not on my to do list? Same old stuff really: laundry, clean the house, declutter a bit (I did *finally,* on a couple warm days last week, drop off some donation boxes that had been in the trunk way too long), grocery store and Target runs, make meal list from items in fridge/freezer/pantry, pay bills,etc.

What I’m Creating

I usually don’t have anything for this category but we had a work event on Friday and it was a painting party:

(I got a little carried away with my snow!)

I’m also planning to create a loaf of banana bread in bit to have the oven maybe heat the house up a bit more.

From The Camera

I picked my real camera up this week for the first time in such a long time! So the pictures in the post are a combo of phone/real camera pictures.

Think she’s dreaming of warm summer days? I think the hibiscus I moved in for the winter is sharing her dream as it bloomed over the weekend! 

Quote for the Week

My favorite quote from Martin Luther King, Jr. : 

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.