I know Fall starts this week but summer is going out with a Fourth of July type bang around here. That said, even my summer loving self is ready to welcome a new season. 

Joining in a day late with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom to plan my week.

The Weather

It’s not chili nor chilly weather yet this week. Though a cold front is supposed to move in later around Thursday or Friday. Today the predicted high is 96! Though Thursday the predicted high is in the upper 60’s. Hopefully, we’ll get some rain in there somewhere.

As I Look Outside My Window

It’s sunny and hazy. Our little hummingbirds continue to hang around each morning/afternoon. I wonder how much longer I get to enjoy their company? 

Right Now I Am

Trying to get a start on this post before I leave for a 10:30 hair appointment.

Thinking And Pondering

Yesterday at this time, I felt pretty defeated but today I’m feeling much better. The local high school had me so frustrated last week and into yesterday. How is it I could get a reply faster from an administrator at a school my son doesn’t attend (yet) than I could from his own school? UGH. Maybe because the administrator that answered was there last year and actually knows how to do his job. Anyway, I suppose it seems as though things might work out for J to transfer to a different school, work to take the Hi-SET but still get awarded a diploma. School time would be less but he’d also be required to work or volunteer. Complex but a good option for him. Very thankful there a few people left in our school district who care more about the kids than the bureaucracy of it all (not pointing fingers at teachers as I know they’re all doing the best they can within it). UPDATE: This is an ongoing saga, so much red tape to unwind…

How I Am Feeling

Very cautiously optimistic. Keep thinking of the Latin words (don’t remember those) my mom kept posted on the fridge that said “What is it in the light of Eternity?”

On The Breakfast Plate

Coffee, vitamins, and a cinnamon spice bagel. It didn’t have a hole. If your bagel isn’t holey, is it evil? Ha! Still tasted the same.

On The Lunch Plate

Absolutely no idea.

On The Dinner Plate

Mesquite BBQ chicken sandwiches (Just pre-marinated chicken from grocery store that I’ll grill. Nothing fancy). Maybe homemade onion rings.

What I’m Wearing Today

Missouri State tee-shirt (where G planned to go to college initially before changing his mind way back before the pandemic struck. On a happy note, He IS about to graduate college possibly next semester), some type of jeans shorts from Old Navy, and my leopard print slip on Keds tennis shoes (somehow they’ve become my garden shoes).

On My Reading Pile

Just finished reading The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab.  I loved it! Not sure why it took me so long to break down and decide to read it. I’ll definitely be looking into other books by this author.

On My TV

Glanced at The Voice last night, watched all of the Quantum Leap reboot and enjoyed it. Husband and I need to watch Cobra Kai, we managed the first episode. Football. And I did watch a bit of the Queen’s funeral procession.

On The Menu

MONDAY: Leftover pork chops, mozzarella sticks, peanut butter crackers, yogurt *I worked 10-1* *J had a baritone lesson at 6:30* In case you couldn’t tell, it was a fend for yourself night.

TUESDAY: BBQ chicken sandwiches, onion rings *I may have Bunco, need to check* *Hair appt at 10:30*

WEDNESDAY: Spaghetti, garlic toast, maybe some fresh from the garden appetizers: fried eggplant, tomatoes and fresh mozzarella with balsamic and fresh basil (stole that one from preschool), salad

THURSDAY: Ham Steaks (for boys), Green beans and new potatoes in crock pot, apple cake for dessert *FIRST DAY OF FALL*

FRIDAY: Possibly homemade pizza on grill or fend for selves again or OUT

Looking Around The House

Been so focused on J’s school issues that I’ve let it slide quite a bit. Plus last week G did build a computer on the kitchen table.

On My To Do List

1. Go get hair cut (DONE)
2. Little bit of laundry
3. Maybe put out fall decorations (later this week)
4. Continue to fight with school about J (already have a headache over it)
5. Lots of garden chores, too hot today, and mow lawn at some point
6. Probably lots of other things I can’t think of right now

From The Camera

A few from last week and yesterday.

Quote For The Week

The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: 4-7)

Well, Monday is almost over but I still wanted to get a post in over here. I know my blogging has been very spotty. Just a lot going on lately. Still processing quite a bit of it. Most of it concerns J’s school choices, it’s not all bad but very different from what I thought this year might be…a post of itself eventually. Essentially, we’re looking into him not finishing his senior year and simply taking the high school equivalency test.

Didn’t want to miss a second week of joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for the weekly link up. Hoping to catch up with everyone tomorrow.

The Weather

We had a fall preview over the weekend (and rain!!) with temperatures cool enough to have the air off and the attic fan running. It was even dare I say cold on Sunday morning. However, it’s back to the a/c and high 80’s for the rest of this week. One last hoorah for summer weather.

As I Look Outside My Window

Dark now but this was one morning last week. It turns out praying mantis are predators of the hummingbird so this fellow was swiftly relocated elsewhere.

Right Now I Am

Working on this post, thinking it feels like midnight though it’s only 8:30.

Thinking And Pondering

How different this fall will look from the image I had in my head. The battle of what’s best for my son vs. the grief of missing all the lasts of the senior year from a parent perspective. Also, wondering what I hit my hand on earlier, I vaguely recall bumping it on something while running errands but it has a bump and is a bit sore so I must have hit it harder than I remember.

How I Am Feeling

A bit sad and uncertain about things. Gee, I’m a pocket of happiness tonight. SIGH. That said I think sometimes I tend to only post when it’s all happy and this is real life right now.

On The Breakfast Plate

A crappy grocery store donut and a Starbucks caramel macchiato (not ready for pumpkin spice quite yet). Did take my vitamins though.

On The Lunch Plate

Ham sandwich, chips, and another crappy grocery store donut, this one had no sprinkles and was some sort of spice flavor so a bit better.

On The Dinner Plate

The rest of them had roast and potatoes, I had a flip yogurt. Just wasn’t super hungry.

What I’m Wearing Today

Started out with the band tee-shirt from J’s freshman year and olive green capris, switched into jeans (it was chilly this morning!), then switched into a striped shirt (got the tee-shirt dirty while working in the garden) with the jeans.

On The Reading Pile

Right now I’m reading a Danielle Steel novel that I’m struggling to get through called Suspects. I just finished a book called No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood that was an interesting satirical view of the Internet meshed with her real life experience of grieving a loss. It’s pretty choppy between the first and second parts but also quite poignant.

On My TV

How about them Chiefs!!!? I did watch the new Thor last week, it was okay. And because I came across a few references to it but had never seen it, I watched Sliding Doors over the weekend as well. Enjoyed that more than Thor.

On The Menu

Thankfully, no more donuts. They just weren’t that great.

MONDAY: Roast in the crockpot *J had a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Korean meatballs and rice (one of my I don’t need to think meals, frozen meatballs, jar of sauce, crockpot, add rice, and then green onions for color. Bonus: everyone likes it)

WEDNESDAY: Maybe chicken strips?

THURSDAY: Tacos

FRIDAY: I work either all day or 1-3:45. OUT

Looking Around The House

We can say it’s either a disaster or looking very lived in…G is building a computer on the kitchen table, the couch is covered with a couple boxes plus a blanket from the cold morning, shoes on floor, bathrooms need cleaned.

On My To Do List

1. Grocery Store *DONE*
2. Pay bills *DONE*
3. Talk to J about things *DONE*
4. Plant cabbage, carrots, and broccoli starts in garden *mostly DONE*
5. Laundry *2 loads to go until DONE*
6. Return to grocery store because they forgot to give me my gas discount *DONE*
7. Go to different store for potting soil and bird seed *DONE*
8. Clean the house
9. Clean out pantry (can’t do this until G finishes his computer project)
10. More yardwork

From The Camera

Just a few from around the yard today. Time to transition from summer flowers to fall flowers as well as bring some plants back inside.

Quote For The Week

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)

Maybe I should just start planning on taking blogging breaks when school starts. I missed catching up with everyone last week but it was another whirlwind of activity. J’s school started and I continued to help out at the preschool. This week should be a bit more reasonably paced. Maybe.

Definitely missed having a weekly plan in place. I’m glad to have a bit of time this morning to post here and then link up with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather 

Hot, then rainy, and then hot again. However, not heat advisory hot. Just normal end of August hot. Might thunderstorm this afternoon, then highs in the upper 80’s/low 90’s for the rest of the week.

As I Look Outside My Window

It’s bright and sunny out there. We have 3 (!) little hummingbirds that fight over our feeder and are so entertaining to watch (but hard to catch on camera!).

Right Now I Am

Ignoring a lot of housework to work on this post instead.

Thinking And Pondering

It’s the time of year when I get a little garden obsessed. If you can recognize a perennial flower, it’s a great time to shop for flowers for next year. Or replace a few annuals that didn’t quite make it in the drought.  Plus I’m planning a bit of a front yard garden expansion going for a cottage garden look.

How I Am Feeling

Pretty good. Yesterday I was feeling a bit down but being outside works wonders for the mood.

On The Breakfast Plate

Flip yogurt, coffee, vitamins, and a Stoopwafel.

On The Lunch Plate

Good question. I’m not sure. No dinner leftovers (it was a hit!) so maybe just a scrambled egg or something.

On The Dinner Plate

Absolutely no idea. It’s our 24th wedding anniversary but I work until 5:30, followed by needing to get J to his baritone lesson so it’ll be a late dinner.

What I’m Wearing Today

Currently: Black t-shirt, light tan linen look shorts, and leopard print slip on shoes, no socks. Later, for work: probably change into a work t-shirt and some thin cotton pants plus tennis shoes (with socks).

On My Reading Pile

Trying to get through The Secret Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben but I’m struggling with it. Just started Before She Disappeared by Lisa Gardener. And I’m also casually glancing at all of these:

On My TV

A few too tired to do much else as well as a rare rainy day led to a bit of TV watching. Discovered two series I really enjoyed and very much hope to see second seasons added. The first on Netflix, The Sandman. Kind of a dark fantasy, just enough for those of us who can’t do scary.  And the second, also a bit dark/comedy and drama combo on Apple TV, Severance. Both well worth your time. (On a semi-related note: As I start to evaluate the million streaming services we have here, I think Apple TV is going to replace Hulu for us. We’re too hooked to not be able to see the 3rd season of Ted Lasso).

On The Menu 

Anyone know of a chef that will work for free? Must be able to feed a super picky family and do clean up duty. Send them my way!

MONDAY: No idea *I work 1-5:30* *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30* *Our wedding anniversary*

TUESDAY: Fish (from store boxed frozen), cucumber salad (with homegrown cucumbers!), fried okra (with some homegrown okra plus some my brother-in-law gave us)

WEDNESDAY: Pork chops, baked potatoes *Chelsey has an 9:15 vet appt*  *I have work training 1-2:45*

THURSDAY: Chicken fajitas, yellow rice *J has band practice 6-8:45* *I have a senior parent band parent meeting at 7* (Might switch this menu to Wednesday)

FRIDAY: OUT *J has an appt at 3*

Looking Around The House 

My summer loving self is going to need to do some serious fall cleaning at some point. I’m getting that back to school time to clear the clutter restlessness. Just me?

On My To Do List

1. Lots of outside chores: repotting plants to transition inside, marking off expanded front garden, weeding butterfly garden by driveway edge (it’s an embarrassing mess!)
2. Clear out pantry/fridge/freezer (this is my typical Labor day weekend project)
3. Take cat to vet on Wednesday morning
4. Keep up with laundry (trying the one load a day thing)
5. Spend some time cleaning the basement area

From The Camera

Should probably add pick up the camera more to the to do list as I ran around taking most the photos in this post this morning.

Quote For The Week

Remember that children, marriages, and flower gardens reflect the kind of care they get.

(H. Jackson Brown, Jr.)

While it was super hot over the weekend again (though not *heat advisory* hot), it’s been cooling down all day and is currently 77 degrees. The rain is on the way! Oh, I hope it finds us soon. Walking on the ground outside feels like walking on concrete because it’s been so hot and dry this summer.

Bit late getting my post up today/tonight. I worked this morning and then spent the afternoon grocery shopping. Shaping up to be one of those busy starts to the week. Let’s look at the week ahead.

The Weather

There was such a pretty sunrise this morning but by the time I found my camera and got it ready, I missed the best of it. This is a view to the south. I was just excited to see a few clouds! It’s supposed to rain later tonight into tomorrow. And then, the next two days the highs are predicted in the mid to high 70’s followed by 2 days with highs in the low 80’s. A much needed break and fall preview.

As I Look Outside My Window

Not the best photo but I couldn’t resist sharing my “star of the flying trapeze” squirrel. The view out the back door window. 

Right Now I Am

Trying to get this post written and published before I need to go pick up J from band practice.

Thinking And Pondering

Whether I want to work a full day on J’s first day of school. He’s going to be a senior. After the last 2 years, instead of feeling excited and sad, I’m just so ready for it all to be done. Hopefully, I’ll find a little more enthusiasm once school starts (next Monday for him).

How I Am Feeling

I’ve got a slight headache which I truly hope means rain is really coming!

On The Breakfast Plate

Key lime flip yogurt, vitamins, and coffee.

On The Lunch Plate

Ate lunch at preschool, it was scrambled eggs (not my favorite), pineapple, and a sausage link. Then, since I only worked until 1, I had a croissant spread with Nutella when I came home.

On The Dinner Plate

Not a stellar food day. I had a chicken sandwich from McDonald’s as G went and got it for him and J while I was at the store. He ordered too much food and offered it to me. My husband ate grocery store rotisserie chicken and potatoes. (Can I just interject that yesterday we had grilled chicken sausage, corn on the cob, grilled broccoli for dinner?)

What I’m Wearing Today

At school, I wore a pink t-shirt with lace eyelet sleeves and loose fitting black Capri pants plus tennis shoes. After work, I traded the Capri pants for a pair of black shorts and my slip on leopard print shoes.

On My Reading Pile

I’m actually between books! Over the weekend, I read Kingdom of Bones by James Rollins. It was about a virus. UGH. However, it was part of a series I really enjoy so managed to enjoy it despite the subject matter being a bit too recent for most of us. (I did feel his pain as he addressed the subject of the book in the forward, how he started writing the book in 2019 right before the world went nuts in 2020. And I am glad he went ahead and finished it as I did learn quite a bit and requested some of his research books (about trees) to read for myself.)

Another quick one I read was a choice on my kindle unlimited by Brian Freeman titled I Remember You. A sci-fi type thriller where the main character has someone else’s memories combined with her own.

On My TV

Finished Ted Lasso, one more episode left of Better Call Saul. G has us all watching a strange one (comedy?) on HBO Max called The Rehearsal. It’s very funny, disturbing at times, and interesting all at once.  Netflix movie called The Grey Man, not that good.

On The Menu

MONDAY: you already read about today’s disaster *I worked 8-1* *J had band practice 6-8:45*

TUESDAY: Spaghetti, garlic bread, salad *I work 8-1* *Appt with counselor at J’s school at 1:30, messed up schedule, sigh* *I have Bunco!!*

WEDNESDAY: Some sort of chicken on the grill? Zucchini *I work 8-1*

THURSDAY: Pepper steak, rice *I work 8-1* *J has band practice 6-8:45*

FRIDAY: Pizza of some sort *I work 8-1*

Looking Around The House

Pass. I even have outdoor chores I’m putting off doing at this point.

On My To Do List

1. Make a list of some blog post ideas before I forget them!
2. Pay bills
3. Find J’s lunchbox. It’s missing?!
4. Figure out what I’m wearing to work for rest of the week (should be number 1 on list)
5. Laundry
6. Grocery store *DONE*
7. Trim some more outdoor flowers (My petunias started blooming again after I cut them back a few weeks ago)

From The Camera

Yet another week where I barely picked up the camera. Grabbed most of these photos just before I put up this post.

Quote For The Week

I found this new fitness site that’s wait for it….FREE. It’s a faith based fitness thing and I’m doing the 14 day kickstart. I’ll share the link here, I’m only on day four but I’m really loving it so far: Faithful Workouts

Found it on Instagram of all places. Anyway, today’s quote in the Pep talk video was pretty impactful. I’d never heard it before so thought I’d share it here:

As long as habit and routine dictate the pattern of living, new dimensions of the soul will not emerge. (Henry Van Dyke)

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Now, go check out Sandra’s link up over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom!

I was on standby to work this morning so up and ready to go by 7:30 but then, I didn’t have to go in after all.  Meant I was ready for the day early. Tended the garden (read watered a few things), went to the store, and made J breakfast.

As I left the store, the door greeter person told me “Have a Magnificent Monday!” and so far I’ve been doing just that. I hope that you are as well! 

Time to get to the business of planning the week ahead with the help of the wonderful link up hosted by Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

The word of the day suites it! After another weekend of heat advisory weather, a cool front moved into our area. It’s currently 81 degrees and partly cloudy out there. Cooler than our 85 degree and million percent humidity start to the day. No rain in the forecast the rest of the week but highs in the mid-80’s. Sold! I’ll take it.

As I Look Outside My Window

Earlier this morning as I looked out the backdoor window, I watched with amusement as one of our little hummingbirds chased a baby Carolina wren all over the bird feeder area. The poor baby Carolina wren did not know what to think about that bird chasing it.

Right Now I Am

Procrastinating cleaning the disaster in the kitchen and living room. Working on this post.

Thinking And Pondering

How nice it feels to have a completely free Monday. Normally, J would have a lesson tonight but we had to reschedule because of evening band practice. Then, they had to cancel the band practice. So I don’t have to rush to do anything today. Pondering how I can continue to make my Monday “magnificent.” 

How I Am Feeling 

I’m feeling pretty optimistic this morning (early afternoon), slept well. However, I’ve been sneezing a bit. Probably something in the air though my husband came home for lunch and said his stomach was upset over night. Hoping it’s just something he ate (and that I didn’t cook).

On The Breakfast Plate

Something different! Since I had some time and was also cooking for J, I made us toad in the hole eggs with a side of bacon (already cooked from a different day) and a small cinnamon toast round from the bread center. I did overcook the eggs a bit but still good. For me, also coffee (including my grocery store Starbucks caramel macchiato) and vitamins.

On The Lunch Plate

I was thinking grilled cheese while at the store (white American cheese was on sale in the deli) but now, I’m not sure as that seems like a lot of bread on top of our breakfast. Might just play it by ear. UPDATE: G made mac and cheese for him and J. I’ve not eaten lunch yet.

On The Dinner Plate

Current plan is grilled ham steak, corn on the cob, and asparagus plus honey butter crescent rolls (a splurge but oh my, they are so good once in a while!)

What I’m Wearing Today

Light blue capris and a palm leaf design t-shirt that sort of matches the light blue color. Plus since I didn’t go to work, I left on my leopard print slip on Keds tennis shoes that match nothing.

On My Reading Pile

I broke down and bought a couple of Daisy James novels, Wedding Bells at the Villa Limoncello and Summer Dreams at the Villa Limoncello. There’s a third one in the triology but I switched things up and am reading Trapper Road (Stillhouse Lake, #6) by Rachel Cane and Carrie Ryan. It’s a good series and book but kind of sad to read as the original author, Rachel Cane, passed away before finishing her manuscript and her friend finished it. It is true to her style and I am enjoying the story.

On My TV

I was on a bit of TV kick over the weekend watching Best Leftovers Ever! on Netflix as well as a random movie with Ryan Reynolds and Dwayne Johnson called Red Notice (dumb but entertaining).  Found a gardening show on Discovery Plus so watched a bit of it plus a few episodes of Chopped (the Netflix show mentioned is only 8 episodes). Need to finish up Ted Lasso and of course, I’ll watch the latest Better Call Saul episode tomorrow.

On My Menu

Not sure if it was watching a few cooking shows or the weather change but I did feel slightly inspired at the store this morning. Nothing overly exciting but I did have ideas of what I wanted to make.

MONDAY: Grilled ham steak with smoked honey, corn on the cob, asparagus, and honey butter crescent rolls

TUESDAY: Hawaiian pulled pork sliders, coleslaw *J has an appt at 3*

WEDNESDAY: Taco salads

THURSDAY: Pepper steak, rice *J has band practice 6:30-8:45*

FRIDAY: Chicken sausage, broccoli, and orzo pasta skillet

**I might change today’s menu to minestrone since my husband came home and ate a ham sandwich for lunch plus I do have some veggies I need to use. Or maybe I’ll make that for our lunch.

Looking Around The House

The kitchen is the worst. Everywhere else just needs a bit of straightening and quick cleaning.

On My To Do List

1. Return overdue library books
2. Grocery store DONE
3. Finish up the laundry (did most of it over the weekend)
4. Figure out a “finger food” to take to a birthday party this weekend
5. Figure out what fall veggies we’re going to plant in empty raised bed (onions did not do so well)

From The Camera

Quote For The Week

Happy are they who take life day by day, complain very little, and are thankful for the little things in life. (Unknown)

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

After some lovely rain last week, we’re back to HOT this week. The rain was a nice reprieve. And one less worry before our trip as I didn’t need to try to explain all the watering (this plant needs every day, this one every other day, etc.) to my older son.

We left Thursday for Saint Louis (where just a day or two before they had a record 11 inches of rain in one day! Thankfully, the flooding had receded by Thursday).  J played in the Mid America Music Festival, two solos plus a couple of pieces with the band. We’ll hear how the judges scored it all on Tuesday evening at a recital held with the students of his instructor. I’m a bit late posting today because I agreed to work (why?!) this morning from 7a.m. to 12:45 (had to pick up my kid from band camp).

Time to see what’s on the agenda for this new week. Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather 

HOT. Heat advisory until 8 p.m. tomorrow night, wonder if they’ll extend it. Still in the low 90’s for the rest of the week. There are a few chances of storms Wednesday and Thursday. It’s also currently quite HUMID out there as well.

As I Look Outside My Window 

I see nothing but the hot, humid haze. Here’s a better view, what we saw from our hotel room in St. Louis where the weather was incredible for our time there. 

Thinking And Pondering

My work’s been on my mind a bit. So many changes lately. I go back and forth between thinking I’d like to be there on a regular basis with a consistent schedule and wanting to just call it quits. None of my concerns relate to the kids. I was happy to work this morning and see all of them even if everyone was grumpy (myself included, just a Monday type of Monday).

How I Am Feeling

Headache from too much salt water taffy (a food related one to cross off the summer bucket list I never created!) and tired.

On The Breakfast Plate

Back from our trip so a return to boring flip yogurts and coffee.

On The Lunch Plate

Black beans and rice at preschool, too much salt water taffy at home.

On The Dinner Plate

I didn’t go to the store yet, let G take my car to his work (I have better a/c), and it’s way too hot to cook. Probably taco meat already cooked in the freezer made into crunchy tacos or burritos. UPDATE: J had mozzarella sticks and chopped peppers, husband had peanut butter crackers, and I had a Balanced Break plus another flip yogurt. G just got back from work and apparently stopped at Panda Express on the way home because he just delivered me 2 spring rolls (my favorite from there).

What I’m Wearing Today

For work I wore light cotton pants with a “groovy” multi colored design and a green t-shirt with the preschool name on it. Now, I’m wearing a light blue marching band shirt from one of G’s years and a tan linen shorts.

On My Reading Pile

I’m currently reading Confetti at the Hummingbird Hotel by Daisy James. Her books are always light and uplifting so a nice change after reading The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley and We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz while on the way/in St Louis. Both were rather murderous accounts set during vacations so not perhaps the best choice to read during a trip.

On My TV

Still watching Ted Lasso and Doctor Who. Plus there’ll be a new Better Call Saul episode tomorrow. I did take a minute and finally watch the movie CODA one day last week. It definitely deserved all the awards. Such a good movie.

On My Menu

Absolutely no idea. The taco meat idea got a face so none of us had that tonight.

MONDAY: Everyone on own *J had band practice 6:30-1* *I worked 7-12:45*

TUESDAY: ??? *J has band practice 6:30-1* *I have a 9:30 hair appt* *J’s recital at 6:30* Might be an OUT kind of night

WEDNESDAY: Perhaps pork chops, potatoes, salad *J has band practice 6:30-1*

THURSDAY: Chicken??? Maybe I’ll throw it in the crock pot *J has band practice 6:30-1*

FRIDAY: Pizza on the grill??? *J has band practice 6:30-1*

Looking Around The House

It’s on my list for tomorrow as it’s borderline disgusting currently.

On My To Do List 

1. Go to the store (I skipped it today as I was too tired. Have to cram it in to tomorrow)
2. Send some documents to J’s school, proof of immunizations, etc. (Wed slated for paperwork)
3. Laundry is DONE, just not folded
4. Water garden, harvest a few vegetables: black eyed peas, I have eggplant!, might have beans, tomatoes aren’t ready yet
5. Clean out upstairs freezer

From The Camera

Pictures from Saint Louis are in my post this week. (I might do a proper post about our trip with a few more pictures but no promises)

Quote For The Week 

 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. (Proverbs 16:3)

After a week of nothing but working and watering the garden (last week wiped me out), it’s been raining on and off since the super early (middle of the night Sunday) yesterday morning. We needed it so bad. And if you are still somewhere with the crazy heat wave, I hope some rain and cooler temperatures find you soon.

At some point, I’m hoping to get back into a better blogging routine. For now, I’m just happy today for a few minutes to join in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for the Happy Homemaker Monday link up. And of course, catch up with all of you!

The Weather

Not to brag but did I mention it rained yesterday? And today! And maybe even tomorrow. Yesterday’s high was mid 70’s. It’s still cool and comfortable today. As much as I love my summer weather, even I was getting a bit sick of highs in the upper 90’s and 100 with higher heat index values.

As I Look Outside My Window

I’m in the basement so I can’t see anything through the window as it has the privacy film on it. However, I’m glad the flying ant thing on the inside of it seems to have found somewhere else to go as it was making me rather nervous.

Right Now I Am

Spending some time on this post instead of going to Target like I need to be doing (no, I really do need things there today).

Thinking And Pondering

If I watch the news I feel kind of down about here and everywhere and everything. Yet, when I went to the store yesterday in the beautiful rain, I overheard a woman offering to bring up the car for a stranger (I know I wanted to be suspicious as well but could just tell it was nothing but a kindness offered to an older woman who clearly had walking difficulties). One of my favorite door/parking lot people (not sure his exact job title) told me a funny joke as I left (I don’t offend easy so apologies if this offends anyone: What does congress think Roe v Wade actually is? Two ways to cross the Rio Grand. HA!)

How I Am Feeling

Much better than yesterday. I didn’t sleep well Sunday night and slept on my wrist so it hurt all day yesterday. Amazing what a decent night of sleep does for the mind and the body.

On The Breakfast Plate

I made waffles and bacon this morning so J could have a decent breakfast prior to band music camp. Plus, I had coffee.

On The Lunch Plate

Spaghetti. It’s what we had for dinner last night.

On The Dinner Plate

Some form of tacos. Maybe taco salads.

What I’m Wearing Today

Orange Ponca City, Oklahoma t-shirt, jean shorts, and my leopard print slip on shoes.

On My Reading Pile

After Carrie from Northwoods Scrapbook mentioned the Enchanted Mystrery garden books by Bailey Cattrell, I knew I needed to read those. Requested them from the library and absolutely loved them. Really wish there were more than 3 books in the series. Last night I finished up Rock, Paper, Scissors by Alice Feeney. A pretty creepy novel that would be good for Halloween time, I think.

On My TV

Doctor Who, still have one season left of the Peter Capaldi doctor, I think. Over the weekend, I binge-watched a series called Dark Winds on AMC+ that was pretty good, just 6 episodes so perfect to watch on a day when it was too hot to do much else.

Started watching Ted Lasso on Apple Tv. Always skeptical of the overly hyped shows but this one is hilarious. And, Better Call Saul started back so watching that as well.

On My Menu This Week

The heat wave had me craving fall comfort foods (or maybe just the weather for them?) but with absolutely no desire to cook at all. This week is staying pretty basic as we’re going on a short trip starting Thursday. G has to work so will stay here holding down the fort.

MONDAY: We had spaghetti *J has music/band camp 8-4* *J had a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Tacos *J has music/band camp 8-4* *J has an appt for a physical, new band requirement, at 5*

WEDNESDAY: Roast in the crock pot *J has music/band camp 8-4* *I have work training 1-2:45*

THURSDAY: Out of Town

FRIDAY: Out of Town

Looking Around The House

I’ve let go of the dream of leaving a spotless house when we leave on Thursday. I’ll focus on the house next week.

On My To Do List

1. Go to Target. Need to get a card/gift for a retiring teacher
2. Fill the car with gas, was hoping to wait until we left for our trip but the little illuminated gas pump says I better go ahead and do it today
3. Make a loose itinerary for our trip
4. Pay bills
5. Other stuff that I’ll think of later

From The Camera

(all pictures probably from last week or the week before)

Quote For The Week

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)

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How is it already the second week of July? Didn’t summer just begin? Got to make sure to really savor the second half.

Didn’t do much better at keeping up with my blog last week. Truth is, this time of year, my head and my heart are out in the garden or with the flowers in nearly every single free moment. Or I’m reading about it. Or escaping into a summer read.

However, I’m determined to stay on course with these Monday planning posts. So, I’m as always joining linking to Sandra’s Happy Homemaker Mondays over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Same old summertime story. Hot. Not heat advisory hot (that was last week) but still mostly hotter than average. Currently 91 and sunny. Tomorrow is supposed to be “normal” with a high in the mid 80’s but then back to the 90’s for the rest of the week. No chances of rain until Saturday.

As I Look Outside My Window

I see birds out the back door, hopefully not angry birds though I do need to fill the feeders. Blue skies, flowers mostly blooming or about to bloom.

Right Now

Putting up this post before I do a few other “have-to” computer items.

Thinking And Pondering

Weekend ended (or week started?) on a wonderful note. Last night, I went to over to visit some family I’d not seen since 2019! It was so nice to see them all again (One brother from Texas was visiting another brother). Between politics and the pandemic, we’d fallen out of getting together. So nice to get together with family again. Hopefully, we’ll all get to go see my brother/the kids’ aunt and uncle before they head home. Politics and ideas about the pandemic are stupid reasons to miss out on seeing family (my belated opinion on matters).

Homemaking Tips

Not much to share but speaking from sad experience, make sure the freezer door is shut if you have an extra one. I apparently didn’t get our deep freezer door shut on the Fourth of July. We lost quite a lot of food, had to cook a fair amount that was thawed as well. SIGH. On a grateful note, it could’ve been so much worse and while annoying and frustrating, it was mostly heat and eat “crap” we lost so I can easily replace it a few items at a time.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Trying not to feel guilty for saying no to work not once, not twice, but three times this morning! I do have things I *have* to do because I work non-stop from Wednesday on until the 25th. And I need to schedule things. Plus, a bit concerned because 2 of the teachers calling were in the classroom I’m supposed to be in this week. Don’t want to be sick!

On The Breakfast Plate

Not oatmeal. Not yogurt. Today was a Starbuck’s cheese Danish and caramel macchiato (cold brew). Last of my Mother’s Day gift card.

On My Reading Pile

A pretty intriguing Lisa Gardner book entitled One Step Too Far. A “real” book from the library as opposed to an e-book.

On My TV

Not a whole lot. Bit of Dr. Who still. I did break down and rent Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom so I could say I’ve see all the Jurassic Park movies before seeing the final one. It was better than I expected.

On The Menu

I went grocery shopping this morning and I still don’t know…hoping we’ll have another family catch up night one day this week.

MONDAY: Depends on whether J wants to eat before or after his lesson *J has a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Spinach chicken skillet

WEDNESDAY: Husband’s choice *I work 9-5* *Mom’s club reunion dinner at local Italian restaurant*

THURSDAY: Pork chops, crunchy coleslaw *I work 7-1:30*

FRIDAY: Homemade pizza (might try cooking it on the grill?) *I work 7-1:30*

From The Camera

Looking Around The House

UGH. I did clean it one day last week (Thursday, I think?) but you can’t tell now.

On My To Do List

Fun Stuff:

1. Make sun tea
2. Figure out a time to go see my dinosaur movie (probably this weekend)
3. Research upcoming trip a bit more
4. Take care of garden/flowers around yard. Plan out a new shade garden area in backyard.

Have To Do’s:

1. Grocery store *DONE*
2. Laundry *In progress*
3. Make J appt for an immunization he needs for school
4. Cat vet appt (I had this on here before and procrastinated/then forgot)
5. Pay bills

On My Prayer List

Friends. Family. Strangers. My neighbor and her son. The world. Prayers of gratitude for our freezer food loss not being as serious as it could’ve been. For reconnecting with family. For my husband’s ability to pick out a good watermelon.

Quote For The Week

Gardening is a medicine that does not need a prescription and has no limit on dosage.  (unknown)

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Took a bit of a break from the blog the last couple weeks.  Busy with work and just needing to breathe a bit. However, since this is a bit of a slower week, I’m jumping back into blogland.

Hope everyone had a nice Fourth of July, ours was extremely low-key but it was just what I needed. A nice, relaxed no pressure kind of holiday. My work is closed again today (super nice to get an extra day!) so I’m enjoying another day of relaxation while catching up on a few procrastinated tasks.

Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom. These posts really do help keep me on track and I noticed a bit of my lack of planning last week.

The Weather

Hot! Again. Heat advisory until Thursday night I think it was. Already 85, feels like 90 something at 9 a.m. this morning. If I remember right, it’s supposed to feel like 108 later today with the actual temperature close to 100. It’s so hot out there our little heat loving gray cat has opted to come back inside. She rarely does that. At least, I got all the plants and flowers watered early this morning.

As I Look Outside My Window

Out the back window, I see some remnants of our low-key Fourth of July fireworks, the birds at the bird feeders, and a few despised Japanese beetles around the deck. So far the heat seems to be keeping them in check in the front yard and garden.

Right Now

I’m doing a tiny bit of laundry (washing our bedding, an overdue task) while working on this post.

Thinking and Pondering 

We found out some disturbing and sad news about one of our backyard neighbors yesterday. And it’s still left me unsettled.   Yesterday afternoon neighbor A came over and told us that the other neighbor’s son (he’s in the same grade and friends with neighbor A’s son) was with them because the mom was in the hospital and the dad was in jail for domestic violence. They’ve been our backyard neighbors for as long as we’ve lived here and I never thought anything like that was happening. Although lately, we’d heard them have screaming matches in their backyard. Makes me wonder if it’d been happening all these years or if the past couple of years triggered a mental break in the husband. Praying the mom and son are going to be okay.

Homemaking Tips

I’m extending this to flower gardening (because my house is not exactly a clean haven lately). A flower I’ve found that hummingbirds LOVE is sage. Not the herb (though they might like that as well) but Russian Sage. I’ve often accidentally disturbed my little hummingbird by opening the front door and finding him near the sage. Also, a bit of Vaseline on the pole if you use one to hang your feeders, keeps the ants down to a minimum.

How I Am Feeling 

A bit tired. My stomach’s been off the past couple days. Not sure if it’s a bug or the food I ate Saturday night (I think this is more likely). We ate out at a Mexican restaurant and the chopped bacon in my quesadilla wasn’t cooked enough. I tried to take it out but I think I missed a few pieces and ate it before I noticed. And I mean, not cooked enough that it didn’t look cooked at all. BLECH.

On The Breakfast Plate

Just a couple pieces of toast and coffee.

On My Reading Pile

I’m currently reading my free Kindle First Reads from Amazon Prime, The Last Lie Told by Debra Webb. It’s surprisingly good for one of the free choices. Lately, they’ve been a little subpar so I’ve been pleasantly surprised by this. Other than that, I’ve been on a Liane Moriarty kick reading a lot of her books. I thought I’d read the books then watch the tv series/movies. However, I’ve found while I somewhat enjoy her books, the programs deviate just enough to be annoying to me. So I’ll stick with the books. They aren’t exactly wowing me anyway but I’m finding them nice place fillers while I wait for things I really want to read to come off the hold list. Mostly 3 stars from me with the exception of Nine Perfect Strangers and Big Little Lies, both getting 4 stars.

On My TV

Lots of movies and Dr. Who, not sure what season, Peter Capaldi is the doctor now. I did watch the Nine Perfect Strangers on Hulu but found it didn’t follow the book enough for me. Couldn’t get into Big Little Lies though I tried. So, I watched the following movies instead (not on the same day!): Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness (re-watch), Last Night in Soho (So Good!), The Thing (1982 one), and Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (re-watch). And of course, yesterday, I upheld my tradition of watching Independence Day like I do every 4th of July.

On The Menu

Take an upset tummy throwing a heat wave and you get no ideas for dinner or menu planning. However, they’ll still want to eat. All I know is it’s going to be a menu with minimal stove usage.

MONDAY: We grilled turkey sausages, corn, and had watermelon and key lime pie as desserts (Husband bought the pie from Sam’s Club)

TUESDAY: Something with pasta most likely though probably not spaghetti

WEDNESDAY: Shrimp, maybe on the grill? baked potatoes *J has an appt at 3*

THURSDAY: Pepper steak/chicken (I’ll probably just marinate and then throw it on the grill)

FRIDAY: OUT or pancakes *J has a practice session/lesson at 1*

From The Camera

Sunday before last I had to take J to his band practice as his ride wasn’t available. With the cost of gas, I decided to stay in the area and hike a local trail for the hour and half time frame. I’m adding a few photos from that to the rest of the post.

Looking Around The House

It looks like yesterday was a holiday

On My To Do List

Pretty much all the stuff I was supposed to do the last 2 weeks and put off doing. Also, a Target run. Repot a couple plants. Plant some seeds (definitely an early morning activity).

On My Prayer List

Family. Friends. Strangers. The neighbors. Peace. More concern about people as individuals and less concern about politics from everyone including the politicians. An end to the oversimplification of complex issues. A kinder, gentler, healthier world.

Quote For The Week

To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles. (Mary Davis)

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Ha! That seems like a funny thing to say after we’ve just had a week of heat advisory weather. However, the “official” summer solstice is tomorrow!  Summer is my favorite. 

Time to look ahead at planning this new week and “new” season. Joining in as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

It’s been hot just like I like it. Right now it’s 85 and sunny outside. I’ll have to get out there and enjoy it when I’ve finished this post. The rest of the week is supposed to stay warm though we’re done with  heat advisory weather for a while. Not too many chances of rain which I wouldn’t mind a little rain but I’ll take the warm, sunny summer days.

As I Look Outside My Window

I see flowers blooming, the birds at the bird feeders (mainly just the resident house finches and chickadees), and a few summer insects.

Right Now

Putting aside lots of things I should be doing to work on this post.

Thinking And Pondering

I had a bit of an epiphany this weekend that I didn’t need to be good at things to enjoy it. That something could still be a hobby even if you weren’t good at it. So, I guess gardening is a hobby of mine. I do enjoy it but I’m not very good at it. I can grow some flowers but I also for what it’s worth managed to kill an Aloe Vera plant. Who does that? And let’s just say our vegetable harvest is never great but I keep trying.

Homemaking Tips

Keep your calculator handy in the grocery store. Sometimes the big multipacks work out to be cheaper than the individual items even if those items are on sale. Also, it’s not a bargain to buy the store brand if your family doesn’t like and therefore won’t eat the store brand.

How I Am Feeling This Morning (Afternoon at this point)

I feel like I am starting to climb out of the funk I was in most of last week. After working on Friday afternoon, we had a fairly nice weekend. I spent a decent amount of time actually deep cleaning the house a bit Saturday morning and we went out to eat for Father’s Day that night (husband wanted to beat the crowds). Yesterday, we had a quiet Father’s Day celebration where my husband and I went to see Top Gun (predictable but very good), the boys gave him his gift (some video game they downloaded for him), and I spent a large amount of the day working in the garden and with my flowers.

On The Breakfast Plate

I ran to the store this morning so a late breakfast of a brown sugar cinnamon bagel, strawberries and whipped cream plus coffee (grocery store treat coffee: Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato).

On My Reading Pile

Bonus tip: Don’t read creepy suspense thrillers before bed! Currently reading The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James. Last week I read three very different books. Sunny Days at the Hummingbird Hotel by Daisy James. I’m already looking forwarding and awaiting the next in the series (end of July release date). Then, I read Beyond the Moonlit Sea by Julianne MacLean and enjoyed it. Finally, I read a memoir that I still am not sure how I’d rate it. I actually thought Group: How One Therapist and a Circle of Strangers Saved My Life by Christie Tate was a fiction read until I realized the main character and the author had the same name. Truth is stranger than fiction?

I almost forgot, it came up as a skip the line loan so I also read The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. Interesting and well-written though I found the ending a little unsatisfying.

On My TV

Master chef, the conclusion of The Time Traveler’s Wife, not sure what else.

On My Menu

Heat advisory weather is over, menu planning struggles not so much.

MONDAY: leftover brisket, probably just made into sandwiches. *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: chicken and spinach skillet *I have a hair appt at 9* *J has an appt at 3*

WEDNESDAY: spaghetti? *I have work training 1-2:45*

THURSDAY: Sausage and French Toast (already cooked in freezer) *I work 10:30-1:30*

FRIDAY: Hamburgers/hot dogs on grill *I work 8:00-1:30 or maybe 4:45, unsure as summer schedules change a lot*

From The Camera

Looking Around The House

Did I say I deep cleaned on Saturday morning? SIGH. Needs picked up a bit.

On My To Do List

No idea.

1. Finally got around to repotting the lemon tree and trying to rid it of the scale infestation. We’ll see what happens.
2. Grocery store *DONE*
3. Target (maybe)
4. Do laundry (mainly lots of folding)
5. A few tasks that have been on my to do list but not ever done (cat vet appt, letter writing, a bit of decluttering)

On My Prayer List

Friends, family, strangers. Friends who have a son sick with COVID, that he makes a speedy recovery and they don’t get it (so far, he’s been okay with it). Those who struggled with Father’s Day yesterday. For things to cycle back to a kinder, healthier, gentler dare I say more affordable world.

Quote For The Week

The Earth laughs in flowers. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)