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)

 

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

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)

 

 

Last week was busy with work, enjoying the beautiful weather, and meeting up with friends on the weekend. Decided to just let myself go with the flow and not worry too much about computer land.

Back today though to plan my week with the help of Happy Homemaker Monday hosted by Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

It’s been so nice out lately! Light jacket weather or no coat weather if wearing a sweatshirt/sweater. Today’s a little chilly and in the 40’s but it’s supposed to bump up to the 50’s by afternoon. And be in the 60’s to end the week! Of course, I do see a snowflake predicted on Superbowl Sunday.

As I Look Outside My Window

The sun is shining! The birds are pooping on our cars  singing!

Right Now

Taking a minute between today’s normal tasks to post here.

Thinking and Pondering

How to “encourage” 3 other persons in this household to help me out a bit more. Also, pondering on my focus areas for February. I’ve decided upon love, friendship, and kindness for this month. Hoping to get a post up about how last month’s focus of cleaning and clearing went and my ideas for this month’s focus areas.

How I am Feeling

A bit like I’m struggling to stay on top of being sick. Not currently sick but have that run-down feeling and a bit of a scratchy throat. The scratchy throat might just be our crazy weather.

On the Breakfast Plate

Coffee, sausage mcmuffin (from home, leftover breakfast sausage plus an English muffin), vitamins, black elderberry capsules

On the Lunch Plate

Not really sure yet. Thinking more about the lemonade tea I bought than eating.

On The Dinner Plate

French Dip sandwiches by request

On The Menu

We really winged it on last week’s menu but it went okay. Still, nice to have a plan for this week. It’s a bit crockpot heavy.

MONDAY: French Dip sandwiches

TUESDAY: Banana Pancakes and bacon, what else would we have on Pancake Tuesday?? UPDATE: I thought tomorrow was pancake Tuesday but it’s next week! Oops. Maybe we’ll have French toast instead…

WEDNESDAY: Mississippi Chicken (this is a new Paula Deen recipe for the crockpot…hoping it’s good because I have plans and won’t be home for dinner, ha!)

THURSDAY: OUT for husband’s birthday! We’re having BBQ. Chocolate cake at home.

FRIDAY: Taco soup (requested by husband)

SATURDAY/SUNDAY: Leftovers/Super Bowl party food (pizza)

What I Am Wearing Today

The week before the Chiefs are in the Super Bowl, we wear red everyday. However, I forgot to hang to dry my Chiefs shirts last night so I’m wearing a red heart Valentine sweater and jeggings today.

On My Reading Pile

I finished reading a really great one last week titled After the Forest by Kell Woods. A bit of a reimagining of Hansel and Gretel and Snow White all combined starting the tale with Hansel (Hans) and Gretel (Greta) as young adults. Really like how it kept in line with the Grimm fairy tales.

On My TV This Week

Well, of course, we cheered on Taylor Swift at the Grammys last night. Husband was mainly watching because he wanted to see Billy Joel sing. Quite a lot going on this week so not sure when/what I’ll be watching. The Big game on Sunday, of course!

Looking Around the House

 

Did set out a few Valentine Decor items.

Real-life photos from the kitchen with dishes to clean and groceries to put away:

On My To Do List

1. Grocery store *DONE*
2. Hang up clothes to dry *DONE*
3. Dinner started in crock pot *DONE*
4. Work a few hours on Wednesday afternoon
5. Enjoy Galentine’s Day dinner with friends on Wednesday night
6. Bake cake for husband’s birthday on Thursday/Go out to dinner
7. Wish brother happy birthday today *DONE*
8. Start artichoke seeds
9. Put a few outdoor plants on front porch for to let them enjoy weather also
10. Cheer on the Chiefs in the Superbowl on Sunday night!

From The Camera

I’ve not picked my camera up in far too long. All these photos are from my phone!

 

Quote for the Week

Let all that you do be done in love. (Corinthians 16:14)

 

 

A light sheen of ice is covering our cars and road this morning. A lot of the local schools including my preschool are once again closed. Thankfully, by afternoon, the temperature is supposed to bounce above freezing improving the roads. 

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

The Weather

Icy and not so cold (but feels cold) to start the week. Yesterday, it warmed up to the low 30’s but still felt like it was in the lower teens most the day. We’re supposed to get more rain tomorrow and Wednesday but the temperature is also supposed to be in the 40’s so that will hopefully, wash away the snow for a bit.

As I Look Outside My Window

 

Icy sheen on the cars and the street, birds at the bird feeders seem to be coping just fine. (I put out birdseed last night so I wouldn’t be slip sliding trying to do it this morning.

Right Now

The Monday morning usuals, working on this post and listening to the washing machine. Also, working on some tax numbers (blah) and talking to my husband about the road conditions (he’s getting ready to go to work).

Thinking and Pondering

Trying to not worry too much about J who appears to be struggling again, winter blues hits hard sometimes. Happy I was able to get him out of the house for a bit yesterday afternoon. Thinking about all the decluttering I’d like to get done in this house. Saved a bunch of Christmas boxes for that purpose but now they’ve sort of become clutter themselves.

How I am Feeling

Not terrible. Slept okay, relieved it turned out to be a snow day at my work as I didn’t want to have to turn people down though I wasn’t planning on getting out in the ice. A little grumpy as we were out of regular milk for my coffee this morning. Found some sweetened condensed milk in the pantry so not all was lost thankfully.

On the Breakfast Plate

An English muffin and coffee with the sweetened condensed milk which is actually not bad. Just not something I’d want every day. Vitamins.

On the Lunch Plate

Not sure: canned soup or hot sandwiches?

On The Dinner Plate

I did finally clean out and organize our pantry on Saturday. Made a list of meals we could have based on the ingredients in there. Lots of pasta in our future it seems. Pasta of some sort for today or maybe the Asian bow tie pasta that’s on the side of the chicken stock carton.

On The Menu

Struggling to get into a new routine around here so of course, the menu planning struggles as well. Trying to clear out the freezer a bit with the pantry.

MONDAY: Penne pasta in Vodka sauce (jar in pantry), going to try to make it in the slow cooker. Salad, breadsticks. Going to have hamburger, mushrooms, and cheese to add into the pasta separately according to taste.

TUESDAY: ham steaks and cornbread (cornbread mix in pantry, ham steaks in freezer)

WEDNESDAY: applesauce waffles, bacon (applesauce in pantry)

THURSDAY: chicken enchiladas (so much enchilada sauce in the pantry!) Taco meat from freezer for husband who doesn’t do yellow cheese

FRIDAY: Husband’s choice or leftovers

What I Am Wearing Today

Chiefs tee-shirt, jeans, and right now black and white polka dot slipper socks.

On My Reading Pile

The Little Cafe in Copenhagen by Julie Caplan, just started it. I’d read a preview a while back but couldn’t find it at the library and it wasn’t on Kindle Unlimited. Finally, in December maybe, it went on sale for 99 cents and I bought it. Really enjoying it so far.

On My TV This Week

You know I have to say it: How ‘Bout Them Chiefs?????!!!! What a great game, missed a bit of the beginning being out with J but saw most of the game. Buffalo played a good one and I was almost feeling sorry for them until those fans started pelting the players with snowballs? Ice balls? Not classy. I know not all the Buffalo fans did that but ugh. Note to Carrie: I cheered on your team as well and was so sad they didn’t quite make it. Looks like a team that’s going to be there next year for sure though!  Since we didn’t get our Green Bay/Kansas City wish, I’m now hoping for a Detroit/Kansas City game 🙂 One more week to get through.

Non-sports things: I started watching The Bear and it is really good. Also, the Percy Jackson series on Disney, nothing like that horrid movie from a few years back. And game shows: The Floor, I Can See Your Voice, and We Are Family (I’ve even had a few correct guesses!).

Looking Around the House

Well, cleaning and clearing is still the January focus not that you could tell from looking around this place.

On My To Do List

1. Go to grocery store for just a few things (like milk and bananas)
2. Target trip for just a very few essentials (hair conditioner, cat food, etc)
3. Continue working on tax stuff
4. Continue the cleaning and clearing of the house, might do a few kitchen cabinets
5. Usuals: laundry, cleaning
6. Hopefully, on a clear warmish day, drop off donations at charity shop
7. Get outside and go for walk one day (maybe Thursday or Friday? Both?)
8. Go out with friends for Mom’s Night Out, need to find the exact date
9. Send a few cards in the mail
10. ????

From The Camera

I had some red-winged blackbirds visit the bird feeder! I’ve had a lonely female visit previously but never a whole group. Pictures aren’t the best as it was still super cold and I couldn’t get the door open quietly. Had to settle for pictures through the not so clean glass.

And a couple from my walk last Thursday

 

Something Fun To Share

Just something silly for the fans of Hallmark movies and the Chiefs. (Filmed locally!)

Fun fact: You can actually purchase a sweet nectar of the endzone candle! Do I want one? Yes but they are a bit pricey (I think). Maybe if the Chiefs make it to the Super Bowl again, I’ll cave and shell out the dollars.

Quote for the Week

What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness? (John Steinbeck)

 

 

Greetings from balmy Kansas City!

Today’s a holiday for most but my husband still went to work. J’s enjoying his last full day of relaxation before his spring college courses start. G’s asleep as is the cat. And I’m sitting down here to take some time and plan out this week.

Glad to have the inspiration to do it from Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom. Always fun to join in this weekly link up of bloggers.

The Weather

Like I said, it’s balmy outside. Ahem. I’m trying to wait until the temperature crawls up to 0 for my weekly grocery store run. We do get a bit of a heatwave on Wednesday when it’s going to be 32 for our high! Bring on the shorts. Then, it plummets again for the weekend. I did sneak a peek at the 10 day forecast and next week looks warmer and rainy with highs in the low 40’s. I don’t even know what’s normal for our area anymore.

UPDATE: It’s noon and we’re barely above 0 now! Woohoo.

As I Look Outside My Window

Lot of birds under the birdfeeders. I ran out of food but it seems they’ve knocked enough on the ground to sustain themselves for a bit.

Right Now

How did we end up with so much laundry? Laundry, coffee, computering.

Thinking and Pondering

 

J’s new college schedule leaves me very limited on my available working hours. Not sure what to do about it. Not sure to be perfectly honest what I want to do about it. It was kind of nice to slow down last fall so maybe this is a sign to slow down a bit more? Classes start tomorrow so I’ll have a better handle on how his schedule truly fits after this week. Might just take this week completely off from work. Probably have no choice on that. Not like I don’t have plenty of at home tasks to keep me occupied.

How I am Feeling

If I hadn’t had quite so much coffee this morning (trying to use up the end of the Keurig pods to put the machine away until next year)….I’d say tired. Unnamed little gray cat wanted to play and cuddle last night or um, early this morning? Two a.m. SIGH

 

On the Breakfast Plate

Did I mention the coffee? Also, cinnamon toast and vitamins

On the Lunch Plate

Depends on when I actually go to the store. Feels like it might be a blue box mac and cheese kinda day

On The Dinner Plate

I’m not sure, probably going to make pork chops and baked potatoes depending on my store timing

On The Menu

Giving everyone an assigned day didn’t work out very well (yet). So I’m basically on my own again this week:

MONDAY: pork chops, baked potatoes, salad?

TUESDAY: chicken/rice/broccoli casserole (J requested this, I made it a long time ago, no idea what recipe I used so…this could be an interesting dinner night)

WEDNESDAY: hamburgers and sweet potato fries (gotta celebrate that heatwave!)

THURSDAY: honey garlic baked chicken legs, mashed potatoes or maybe noodles (trying new recipe)

FRIDAY: maybe spicy potato soup in the crock pot? Or leftovers…

What I Am Wearing Today

purple v-neck sweater, jeggings, and right now, slip on leopard print shoes (changing into other footwear if I go out, of course)

On My Reading Pile

I finished Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam and it was one of those rare instances where the movie was so much better than the book. How they made a decent movie out of that trainwreck is beyond me. Now, I’m reading a much more intriguing one called Almost Surely Dead by Amina Akhtar. One of my First Reads (get two in January) and I’ve been pretty much unable to put it down to the point I’m almost finished with it.

On My TV This Week

You know I have to say it: How ‘Bout Them Chiefs!!!?

And also, for Carrie: How ‘Bout Them Packers!!!?

Is this the year our teams are going to finally meet again in the Super Bowl?!

Later, I hope to really be saying How ‘Bout Them Steelers!? Ha. Okay, I’ll quit boring the non-sports fans now.

I’m also just about finished with The Last Of Us on Max, started watching because I needed my zombie show fix and it was the best I could find. It’s surprisingly good. And I also decided to give the new Percy Jackson series on Disney plus just one episode and now I’m hooked. So I’ll be watching that each week (glad to have a weekly show to watch). Not sure what else I’ll watch, it’s tv season but the writer’s strike threw the timing off on all my winter shows. Probably just those silly game shows and whatever else I stumble across.

Looking Around the House

Cleaning and clearing is definitely on today’s list. And finally putting away the rest of Christmas, still some lingering bits here. I think it’s time for the greenery around the kitchen doorway to go. I did clean the inside of the fridge yesterday so if you come over, I’ll open it and you can admire our clean fridge instead of gawking at the rest of the messy house.

On My To Do List

1. Grocery store
2. Put away rest of Christmas
3. Clean our bedroom/sort out rest of winter clothing
4. Pay bills
5. So much laundry
6. Take a walk when it warms up on Wednesday!
7. Clear some clutter in the bedroom (I’m working through a challenge)
8. Paperwork/filing
9. Clean the bathrooms
10. Decide if I want to go to Bunco tomorrow night

From The Camera

These pictures are all from last week when it was slightly warmer outside.

Quote for the Week

Peace is more precious than diamonds or silver or gold.

(Martin Luther King Jr.)

A day late with my post (same year, same timing of my posts!) after I ended up working yesterday. We’re in the midst of a predicted winter storm over here and today I have a snow day! Wasn’t scheduled to work but it’s still exciting to have a snow day.

Time to join in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom and plan this week.

The Weather

It’s snowing! Not that cold, at least not yet. It’s mostly in the 30’s for the next two days. Then, we’re due to get some kind of cold front that puts the temperatures down into the 20’s. Oh, and with a chance of more snow Friday into Saturday. The forecast for the Chiefs game this weekend: Mostly cloudy with a high of 15 degrees (and that’s one of the more generous predictions I’ve seen). Winter is here. The weird thing is I’m not even upset. I’ve missed it the past few  years. (That outlook subject to change, of course)

As I Look Outside My Window

Hard to see, this is out the front window, but big fat snowflakes were falling (probably still are, I’m in the basement with no view to work on my post).

Right Now

Working on this post, rewashing the laundry I forgot (oops), and trying not to think about all the cleaning chores awaiting me upstairs.

Thinking and Pondering

Not too much, I’m in a just kind of go with the flow mood this morning.

How I am Feeling

Not too bad though I did wake up with a slight headache. It seems to be going away, thinking I just needed some caffeine from my coffee. *UPDATE: between the computer going slow and the cat being fussy, knocking things over, I’m feeling a bit frustrated as I’ve been working on this post for over an hour now (with breaks to do things like start dinner in the crock pot)

On the Breakfast Plate

Maple and brown sugar oatmeal, sausage patty, vitamins, and coffee.

On the Lunch Plate

Undecided

On The Dinner Plate

I planned on roast but forgot to thaw it so I guess I am pondering if I still want to have that for dinner. UPDATE: I decided to go ahead and make the roast.

On The Menu

Would you believe I got up and went to the store by 6:15 A.M. yesterday after getting called into work? I had to be at work at 8 and knew I didn’t want to go after work even though my husband said it would just be raining. It was not raining after work, snow started at about noon yesterday. Glad I went.

MONDAY: Chicken strips and sweet potato fries (all frozen stuff) *I worked 8-4:30*

TUESDAY: Roast in the crock pot

WEDNESDAY: Maybe pork chops? *I work 1-3:45*

THURSDAY: Tacos

FRIDAY: spicy potato soup

Not sure I’ll stick to the above menu, we’ll see what ideas I can get out of the rest of them.

What I Am Wearing Today

Snow day uniform:

Pink leopard print pajamas/loungewear…top is more like a hoodie and bottoms have pockets though I probably wouldn’t wear this outfit to the grocery store. Add in black and white fuzzy socks.

On My Reading Pile

Finished some good ones over the weekend: Pretty Things by Janelle Brown, I don’t think I’d read anything from her before so I’ve requested more. Prior to that I read It Girl by Ruth Ware, her books have yet to disappoint me. Ruth Ware’s book was a thriller, of course. Not sure how I’d classify Pretty Things, not really a hard core thriller but still exciting and interesting. One of those makes you think about the social media kind of books.

On My TV This Week

I did enjoy that new Rob Lowe game show, The Floor, last week so I’ll probably watch it again. Not really sure what else, need a new show to watch. Mentioned in Saturday’s post, we watched The Creator and Leave the World Behind over the weekend, both were decent movies. I’ve picked up the Leave the World Behind book from the library to compare. Oh, and of course, I watched and will watch the Chiefs game!

Looking Around the House

Just a few Christmas things I’ve yet to put away included in the usual mess. Kitchen table needs serious attention as does pretty much everywhere else.

On My To Do List

I’m not even sure, let’s see

1. Figure out what is going on with this computer!
2. Clean the house/laundry
3. Pay bills
4. Clean out fridge/freezer
5. Go outside and play in the snow (before it gets crazy cold)

   

From The Camera

I did go on a walk Sunday while there was a bit of sunshine and before the snow moved into our area. A few photos sprinkled into the post up above as well. Thank you to Aritha for the idea to take a picture of the sun while it was there:

 

Look at the shimmer on the ice:

Quote for the Week

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

(Ingrid Goff-Maidoff)

 

 

 

 

Can’t think of a better way to start 2024 on my blog than with a Happy Homemaker Monday post! And since I’ve not taken a single photo yet, I’m sprinkling in 12 photos from last year (one from each month, an idea I saw over on Daniela’s blog, Danahandmade). Also, I want to congratulate any of you who managed to blog for 365 days! Amazing.

 

Okay, now onto my weekly planning post. Grateful that Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom decided to continue this wonderful link up in 2024. (Did I wish everyone a happy new year yet? Happy New Year!)

The Weather

It’s pretty dreary out and chilly this morning. Temps in the high 20’s, feels like the low 20’s. Sun is supposed to come out later this afternoon with a very slight warm up. Hoping to get a short walk in when that happens. The rest of the week is normal for around here: highs in the upper 30’s/low 40’s. Chance of rain (maybe snow? Who knows) over the weekend.

Right Now I Am

Downstairs working on this post, wondering why it’s a bit chilly in our usually very warm basement.

Thinking And Pondering

Still trying to decide on a word for this year. Usually a word has come to me by now but I’m still sorting through things: heart, happiness, that came up something 3 times on an auto-word generator as did explore (which I do like), joy, trust. So many words! Maybe I’ll do a separate post and get your input to help me choose.

How I Am Feeling

TIRED. We went out last night, traditional New Year’s plans, played games with friends until midnight. Couldn’t sleep, my alarm went off unexpectedly at 6:00AM but it worked out as J also had plans an overnight party and decided to come home at 6:15AM but we had the door bolted. Oops. Glad I was up to let him in the house.

On The Breakfast Plate

Photo has nothing to do with breakfast, huh? My first breakfast of 2024: coffee (of course!), vitamins (nothing new), donuts, and bacon. Donuts are supposed to be a lucky thing to eat on New Year’s Day so of course, I had to do that.

On The Lunch Plate

Absolutely no idea.

On The Dinner Plate

 

Traditional New Year’s Dinner: spicy black-eyed peas, cornbread, salad (ham steaks for the picky ones who won’t touch the black-eyed peas)

On The Menu

I’m not completely finished menu planning and also toying with the idea of assigning everyone here a day to plan for 2024. Also, planning to do a bit of a pantry/freezer/fridge clear out in the next few weeks so…

MONDAY: black-eyed peas, cornbread, salad, ham

TUESDAY: copycat Chik-Fil-A sandwiches

WEDNESDAY: Pepper steak maybe?

THURSDAY: not sure

FRIDAY: not sure

What I Am Wearing

Like my turtle friend, I’m moving slow this morning. Still in my “pajamas” of an Eskimo Joe’s t-shirt, sun and moon pj pants, and slip on leopard print shoes.

On My Reading Pile

Working my way through Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. Not very far into yet. Garden catalogs, is it too soon?

On My TV This Week

The Chiefs ended the year (and started the tv viewing week) on a good note winning the AFC West championship for the 8th year in a row (!) so I watched/listened to that. We’ll probably watch some more football at some point this week. Not really sure what else. TV Viewing Last Week: Based on a True Story, The Doctor Who Special, Oppenheimer, Mommy Dead and Dearest (documentary about Gypsy Rose), and re-watched the Barbie movie. Maybe more reading this week?

Looking Around The House

Living room and bathrooms are clean. The rest? Yeah, needs a little (a lot) of work.

On My To Do List

If you’re keeping count this is the 13th category here. I did go for a walk on December 29 so I’ll share those pictures for the rest of this post.

1. Decide on a word for the year
2. Lots of blog posts rattling around in my brain to get “on paper”…er, the computer
3. Finish putting away Christmas and washing putting away Christmas sweaters
4. Usuals: laundry, bills, cleaning
5. Start slowly cleaning/clearing our clutter

From The Camera

Few more from my walk last Friday. We’d had quite a bit of rain over Christmas so this was the path in places: 

Squirrel!!

Quote For The Week

You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream. (C.S. Lewis)

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas holiday! Today is my traditional pajama day. I stay in my pajamas all day while taking down the tree and watching the Doctor Who Christmas special. Before I start taking down my Christmas decorations, thought I’d pop on here to plan this slower week.

Joining in as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom. Very grateful she continues to give us the gift of hosting this link up and for the wonderful community of bloggers who join in with it.

The Weather

After a bizarrely warm week including a warm, rainy Christmas Eve, it’s 32 degrees/feels like 22 with snow flurries in the air! There’s a chance of a little snow (dusting to an inch) today. I’m happy to have a bit of winter weather finally. Summer person as I am, I was missing my winter weather as it helps add to my holiday mood. (That said: Christmas shopping with no coat is super nice!)

As I Look Outside My Window

I was so taken with the clouds this morning! Probably not to those of you who live near mountains but the clouds reminded me of mountains.

Right Now

I’m typing up this post, listening to the dryer, the cat’s snoozing on the daybed behind me and the boys are also still asleep upstairs. My husband is also home and watching a show on his tablet.

Thinking/Pondering

 

We had a really nice relaxing Christmas this year.  Thinking about the different looks of our Christmas over the past few years. Really liked the energy of Christmas this year, despite the entire year going by at breakneck speed, Christmas felt slower and less frenzied. Hoping to keep that feeling going into the new year (and beyond!).

How I Am Feeling

Still tired. I didn’t get my Christmas nap as I had to make pies to take to our Christmas dinner with my brother. (Excuse me a minute while I go jot something down in my Christmas notebook: Make pies the day/night before Christmas!)

On The Breakfast Plate

Cinnabon cinnamon roll, bacon, coffee plus the usual vitamins

On The Lunch Plate

No idea, maybe a ham sandwich on French toast bread (G made us French toast as part of Christmas breakfast yesterday)

On The Dinner Plate

Pork chops, baked potatoes, probably Christmas goodies for dessert/leftover apple pie (chocolate pie disappeared in minutes)

On The Menu This Week

Monday: Christmas! We had my brother in law over for Christmas breakfast (my SIL worked the Chiefs game). Biscuits and gravy (and sausage and biscuits for those of us that don’t like gravy), French toast, watermelon cut into Christmas tree shapes and strawberries, coffee, juice, and of course, Christmas cookies! No lunch and then, dinner at my brother’s house where he made homemade spaghetti sauce with both Italian sausages and meatballs, salad, and bread. I took dessert, apple and chocolate pies plus there were some cookie plates as well (not from me).

TUESDAY: pork chops, baked potatoes (this is mainly because the pork chops didn’t get put in the freezer on Sunday when I ran to the store early in the a.m. so I wouldn’t have to go today.)

WEDNESDAY: pepper steak, rice

THURSDAY: maple baked chicken thighs (This has been on the menu for something like 5 weeks and I’m determined to actually make these!)

FRIDAY: hotdogs and French fries

What I Am Wearing Today

Velvety pink and black leopard print pajamas, the pajama top is more like a hoodie, regular leopard print slip on shoes that don’t match (I’d be in slipper socks but need shoes for running up and down to the basement putting Christmas stuff away)

On My Reading Pile

I have 2 new library books loaded on my phone. One is Yellow Face by R.F. Kuang and I don’t remember the other one, I know it’s a thriller that I’ll probably read first. Over the last few days, not Christmas-y at all, I read The Whispers by Ashley Audrain. Didn’t do much for me and I found the ending frustrating though many reviewers on Goodreads seemed to love it.

On My TV

Well, there was that Grinchy part of tv viewing yesterday. Would someone please get the Chiefs an offensive line for Christmas? Ugh. Also watched Charlie Brown Christmas and had A Christmas Story on in background during Christmas morning. More football on at my brother’s house. Doctor Who later today. Not sure what else, not really watching any series at the moment.

Looking Around The House 

Post Christmas chaos and I wouldn’t want it any other way!

On My To Do List

Not too much thankfully.

1. Put away Christmas tree (Nativity will stay out until the Epiphany)
2. Pay bills
3. Clean house, G is talking about maybe inviting some people over for New Year’s Eve so we’ll also need to clean the basement a bit in case anyone needs to stay the night
4. Send a couple Christmas cards, late but still…
5. Maybe go out to the nature center and go for a walk, fresh air sounds nice

From The Camera

Didn’t take many pictures over the holiday weekend (Excuse me again….off to make another note in my Christmas notebook!), not even with my phone.

We went to the KC Symphony on Friday.

Holiday screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas, symphony played all the music in the movie as it showed on the big screen. (Fun trivia fact I learned: Catherine O’Hara, the mom in Home Alone is also the voice of Sally!)

Beautiful Christmas Eve Sunrise (from the grocery store parking lot, ha!)

Waiting for Santa

Super cool and special gift from my brother who hosted Christmas dinner. A bird feeder he made from an old redwood post that he had kept from our late parents home.

Quote For The Week

I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future.

(Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol)