Instead of marveling on how it’s already mid-June, look I’m posting on an actual Monday. And in the morning as well!

Last week was good over all but ended a bit bumpy and left me in a bit of a funky and grumpy mood all weekend. Still trying to shake it off (apologies if that made Taylor Swift lyrics pop into your head) this morning. 

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

The Weather

We went from a late start to summer to spring storms last week to heat advisories all this week. It doesn’t feel too bad out there right now as far as the temperature. However, the humidity is just oppressive today. Highs in the 90’s all week with a few chances of thunderstorms here and there.

As I Look Outside My Window

Glad I took the time to mow the lawn on Saturday before more storms/our current heat wave arrived. I need to fill the bird feeders.

Right Now

Working on getting this post done so I can get on with the rest of today’s list.

Thinking And Pondering

It seems the grocery store prices increased again! We’re definitely going to be using what we have with a bit of seriousness in the coming weeks. Thankful to be in a place where this is currently more of an inconvenience than a burden but we’ll need to be careful. Thinking of those who are struggling with these higher prices.

Homemaking Tips

Note sure this counts as homemaking:  Even though I despise doing it, keeping the blinds/shades drawn and the lights low during super hot days helps keep it a little cooler inside.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Still in a bit of a funk, wondering if maybe I didn’t sleep as well as I thought.

On The Breakfast Plate

French Toast bagel and coffee.

On My Reading Pile

Finished my non-fiction so now mostly fluff. My turn with The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley finally arrived. I’d not read anything by her but found it a satisfying enough thriller to add the rest of her titles to my holds list.  Read a couple of Mary Ellen Taylor novels, one through the First Reads: The Brighter the Light and Honeysuckle Season. Easy enough reads that I enjoyed more for the settings than the actual storylines. Like I said pretty much fluff. A library trip is on today’s list though.

On My TV

Dr. Who, Time Traveler’s Wife, the season finale of Barry. And I’m watching all the Jurassic Park movies before I go see the new one. One movie left to go. All these streaming services and is it on any of them (for free)? UGH. Trying to decide if I want to rent it or skip it.  (FYI: The 3 originals are on HBO Max, we happened to own the first of the Chris Pratt ones.) Network TV: The song shows, the new Master Chef season.

On The Menu 

What exactly do you plan when the price of groceries is crazy, you’re in a funk, and there’s a heat wave making you not want to cook anything any way? This whole menu may evaporate into a week of frozen pizza, salads, and cereal for dinners. I do know I also have lasagna in the freezer as well as French toast if needed.

MONDAY: Probably OUT (I know) *J has band camp 3-6 followed by a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Pepper steak/chicken, rice  *J has band camp 3-6*

WEDNESDAY: BLT salads (throwing in the leftover pepper steak/chicken)

THURSDAY: Shrimp on the grill maybe?  *I might work 8-1:30, need to confirm*

FRIDAY:  Chicken legs on the grill?

From The Camera

Looking Around The House

It looks like someone started to clean a bit and then just stopped. Oh, that would be me on Saturday. I should probably finish it.

On My To Do List

1. Grocery Store *Done*
2. This post *In progress*
3. Sort/Pay bills
4. Clean house
5. Return library books
6. Visit garden center
7. Water Plants

On My Prayer List

Friends, family, strangers. The teachers and kids at the preschool (especially in the classroom where I worked last week, one of the class pets, a Guinea pig,  passed away–7 years so most likely simply from old age but still tough). The world, for better times to come and erase this season of viruses and hatred replacing it with health and kindness.

Quote For The Week

Borrowed from the book I read this weekend.

“A garden is always a series of losses set against a few triumphs, like life itself.  (May Sarton, poet)”

I can’t seem to get caught up lately. However, I’m trying. Our internet/this computer gave me problems all last week. However, I’m hoping it’s done acting up for a while.

Time to get on with another Happy Homemaker Monday and plan the rest of this week. Joining in as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather 

Finally summer!! It’s been so rainy and cool out. Today was nice and warm and tomorrow is supposed to be a bit warmer yet, closer to the 80’s and 90’s than the 70’s. Sunny skies with just a few chances of rain.

As I Look Outside My Window

Not much to see through the basement window as it’s frosted glass. I do know on the other side of it soaking up the sun outside are my lemon gem marigolds in pots.

Right Now

I’m taking advantage of working internet/computer to get this post up and visit a few of you!

Thinking And Pondering

Just wondering why I feel so insanely behind on so many things.

Homemaking Tips

A sharpie is a great kitchen tool! Whenever I put leftovers in freezer bags, I make sure to mark them. Also, if I buy a large bag of frozen chicken breasts at the store, I find it very helpful to mark the date on them.

How I Am Feeling

Relieved. J came home from his band trip not feeling good and a couple of the kids tested positive for Covid but his test was negative and he’s feeling better already. Also tired. Aside from that dread and drama, feeling pretty good.

On The Breakfast Plate

One of the usual items in my rotation, flip yogurt and of course, coffee.

On My Reading Pile

I have to finish Chasing the Scream. the non-fiction about the war on drugs, this week as it’s due back to the library but I’ve only got a couple chapters left.

Took a break to read Out of the Corner by Jennifer Grey. I wanted to like her memoir a lot more but I found myself skimming whole sections of it. While her life was certainly interesting, I think the book would’ve been better served without so much of her self-introspection about it all. And for the record, I don’t care who is producing or starring in it, I can not get behind a sequel to Dirty Dancing. Some movies should just stand alone without any sequels or remakes.

On My TV

Little bit of everything. Started re-watching Dr. Who (starting with the Peter Capaldi episodes as that’s where I left off), the music game shows, Time Traveler’s Wife, whatever else I stumble across.

On The Menu

Why are the simpler summer menus the harder ones to plan?

MONDAY: I’m still undecided. Maybe chicken on the grill or turkey sausages, broccoli, and orzo (most likely) *I worked 7-12*

TUESDAY: Something in the taco genre or perhaps a version of white chicken chili *I work 7-12*

WEDNESDAY: Something easy from the freezer, maybe brisket (already cooked) *I work 7-12* *J has an appt at 3*

THURSDAY: Leftovers *I work 7-12* *J has a baritone lesson at 5*

FRIDAY: Spaghetti? *I work 7-12*

**All subject to move around and/or change depending on how the days go**

From The Camera

Do not discount the cheap seed packets from Dollar Tree. Planted both of these last year and they’ve come back and done great again this year!

Looking Around The House

Bonus homemaking tip: keep your outside pretty in the summer so you can just entertain people outside and not need to show the inside. Ha! It’s in dire need of a cleaning in here.

On My To Do List

I don’t even know any more.

1. Sort/pay bills
2. Grocery store *DONE*
3. Finish up laundry
4. Clean house

On My Prayer List 

Family, friends, strangers. Prayers of gratitude for the band returning safely from last week’s trip to Florida, our health, having enough during these hard times.

Quote For The Week

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. (Lao Tzu)

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Last week and our long weekend went by in a bit of a blur.  And I didn’t get around to commenting and visiting much on your blogs. I’ll do better this week.

We did have a nice but busy long weekend. Spent most of yesterday doing outdoor things.

Since I’m already a day late again, let’s just join in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom by getting straight to the categories.

The Weather

This morning is dark and stormy. Yesterday was beautiful and sunny. Tomorrow is set to be another rainy day, then Thursday and Friday we get nicer sunny days again. Followed by chances of rain for the weekend. Temperatures mostly in the upper 70’s. Strangely cool for June.

As I Look Outside My Window

When I looked earlier it looked like a dark and stormy night even though it was 8:00a.m. Thankfully, the storms are not of the severe nature. Just average late spring thunderstorms.

Right Now

I’m enjoying a quiet house, working on this post and getting ready to take a quick break to change out the laundry. Also, cleaning up my e-mail a bit here and there.

Thinking and Pondering

There are quite a few things on my mind. Just not sure I’ve got the words for it all today.

Homemaking Tips

Not sure if this counts as homemaking or organizing but sometime last year I started storing my kitchen storage containers with the lids attached. It makes such a big difference! No more piles of lids or containers crashing out of the cabinet. And it keeps the numbers of containers in check (I should note that my husband isn’t a huge fan of this method for that very reason but he tends to hoard containers so I love it!)

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Could have used a bit more sunshine but at least the rain is making me determined to get some inside chores accomplished. Ones I’ve been putting off for far too long. I guess I’m feeling determined this morning.

On The Breakfast Plate

Oatmeal and coffee.

On My Reading Pile

Still reading Chasing the Scream by Johann Hari, my interesting non-fiction pick. However, I noticed that a Daisy James fiction lighter read is finally available on kindle unlimited so I’ll likely be reading Sunny Days at the Hummingbird Hotel later this week. Or I may save it for when I can sit on the front porch and read.

On My TV 

We’ve been watching all the music shows on network tv: Don’t Forget the Lyrics, Beat Shazam, and Name That Tune. Plus, the new season of Master Chef, it’s a second chances show this time around. On HBO Max, I binge-watched the show Barry. So funny. If you love absurd comedy, it’s worth your time. And thank you Steven Moffat, for adapting one of my favorite novels, The Time Traveler’s Wife, great so far. Nothing like that horrible “chick flick” movie they made it into a few years ago. I have a 2 month trial of Apple Plus TV starting soon so I’ll be checking out the shows over on that very soon.

On The Menu

No school lunches to worry over, J’s out of town for the week, so it’s just 3 of us with random work schedules over here. And I didn’t go to the store on my usual day (yesterday) and not planning to go unless absolutely necessary today. Hmmm…..time to see what’s in the pantry, fridge, and freezer again.

MONDAY: We had leftover pizza/brisket from the weekend

TUESDAY: pork chops, asparagus

WEDNESDAY: spaghetti and meatballs, salad

THURSDAY: salsa verde chicken or white chicken chili, undecided *I work 7-1:30*

FRIDAY: hamburgers and French fries (husband’s turn to cook) *I work 7-4:15*

From The Camera

Looking Around The House

Living room and main bathroom are good. The rest? *shudder*

On My To Do List

A lot.

1. Wash our bedding (in progress)
2. Clean the house
3. Clean out my e-mail inbox (in progress a bit)
4. Pay the trash bill! Oops.
5. Make hotel reservations for a trip we’re planning in July
6. Grocery store and Target for usual stuff
7. Spend some time cleaning this basement!
8. Clean out pantry/fridge/freezer
9. Take some books to Half-Price books (on a non-rainy day)
10. Make J an appt for an immunization he needs before the next school year
11. Make the cat a vet appt

Stopping my list at lucky 11. Maybe I’ll accomplish all that. We’ll see…

On My Prayer List

Friends, family, strangers. Of course, Uvalde and Ukraine. A kinder, gentler world. A safe time for J and the rest of the band on their trip and in their travels.

Quote For The Week

“The planet does not need more successful people. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers and lovers of all kinds.”  (Dalai Lama)

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After missing last week, it was just a rather busy and emotional week (more on that later), time to get back to planning. A day late as usual.

Linking up with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom as usual also. Let’s just get straight to the categories.

The Weather 

Today is a cool, rainy day after a weekend full of nice, sunny days.

As I Look Outside My Window

The much needed rain is falling but I can see where a squirrel had breakfast on the deck leaving his mess of walnut shells.

Right Now

I am working on this post while also trying to clear out my work e-mail in attempt to figure out why it won’t forward to my regular e-mail any more.

Thinking And Pondering

Mostly just hoping this week is a bit calmer than last week. Last week was emotional and rough. The co-director of my work passed away Monday evening, I worked more than expected, and J had some rough days (not related) as well. There were some happy moments, G turned 21 on Saturday! We ate dinner out with family (including my father-in-law) to celebrate. Sunday was the celebration of life and the day we did G’s presents and cake here (He worked Saturday and had plans that evening after dinner). A bit surreal to bake a birthday cake in the a.m., attend a funeral service in the p.m., and then go home to frost the cake and sing Happy Birthday.

Homemaking Tips 

I’ve discovered checking cookbooks out from the library! There’s just something about browsing through an actual cookbook vs. finding recipes on-line. Fun way to try new recipes. (Haven’t tried anything from this one yet but added a few recipes from a Gordon Ramsay cookbook to our rotation)

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Okay, I slept better last night but have quite a lot to do this week.

On The Breakfast Plate

Oatmeal and toast

On My Reading Pile

Just started reading Chasing The Scream: The First and Last Days of The War on Drugs by Johann Hari. Really interesting so far.

On My TV

Watched both seasons of Emily in Paris on Netflix in far too few days last week. I think there’s one more Better Call Saul left before the mid-season finale. So just whatever happens to be on mostly. Last night it was Don’t Forget the Lyrics and Shazam.

On The Menu

Definitely trying to do a bit more eating at home and out of the freezer/pantry with current prices. YIKES.

MONDAY: We had pork chops (Gordon Ramsay recipe, simple pan seared/finished in oven with garlic and thyme) and baked potatoes

TUESDAY: Forgot to thaw a roast for the crockpot so it’s now Taco Tuesday. *J has a baritone lesson at 5:30* *I’m helping with preschool graduation at 4:30*

WEDNESDAY: Roast in the Crock pot *I have work training 1-2:45* *J has early morning band practice*

THURSDAY: Pepper steak/chicken with rice *I work 8:30-5*

FRIDAY: Choice of leftovers *I work 8:30-5*

From The Camera

Didn’t have a lot of camera “mojo” last week so most photos in the post were from yesterday.

Looking Around The House

Haven’t had a lot of house cleaning “mojo” either even with using the Fly lady timer method. Not awful but hoping to get a burst of energy and make it look a bit fresher today.

On My To Do List

Longer than 5 items but I’m struggling to focus and remember it all.

1. Clean up the house
2. Put winter clothes away in space saver bags (FINALLY, had to order couldn’t find the bags anywhere)
3. Figure out when/where to get J a haircut and some new shorts
4. Pay bills *DONE*
5. Grocery store *DONE*

On My Prayer List

All the big and little kids graduating, my boss and her family (the co-director was her father), safe travels for the high school band on their upcoming trip, an end to COVID once and for all, peace, the world.

Quote For The Week

Gardening is cheaper than therapy and you get tomatoes.  (unknown)

Felt a bit like just another manic Monday (wish it was Sunday…are you singing yet?) around here. Oh, and random trivia before I get my actual post: Did you know that Prince wrote the song Manic Monday? Heard it on the radio a few weeks back. Please share any trivia winnings with me. Ha!

On to the weekly planning post where I join the link up hosted by Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Hot, hot, and hotter still. Was I wearing my winter coat last week? Highs in the 90’s most of this week with chances of rain for the weekend. It’s a bit windy out there right now, comfortable but I can feel the heat building.

As I Look Outside My Window

Clouds from the weekend are blowing away and the sun’s appeared. Wish I could stay home and play in my garden areas. However, it’s a working day.

Right Now I Am

working on this post while the laundry goes, I’ve just returned from the grocery store, and need to run up and grab my caramel macchiato (iced) from the kitchen counter before it turns watery.

Thinking And Pondering

Lots of things. Had a really nice Mother’s Day weekend, hope everyone else did as well. Of course, I’m paying a bit of the price for a lazy day yesterday. However, it was worth it for a nice low-key day. We just ordered in pizza, then went and got some rocks for my butterfly garden area. Main excitement came when I picked up one of the rocks and there was a baby copperhead (we think, very small but venomous head shape) underneath it. Gigantic wolf spider under a different one. YIKES! Glad I had on gloves. (I’ll share photos of the “new” area later probably in a separate post)

Homemaking Tips

I think of these during the week and then forget them when posting time comes along. Going to have to start writing them down.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Motivated but tired. Didn’t sleep well. And then, J overslept but managed to get to school on time. Hooray!

On The Breakfast Plate

Lemon curd full milk yogurt (lots o’ protein), coffee, vitamins, apple cider vinegar tabs, and more coffee from the grocery store.

On My Reading Pile

Finished a really good non-fiction read over the weekend: Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention and How to Think Deeply Again by Johann Hari. Went ahead and reviewed it over on Good Reads.  Yesterday I started reading The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware. I love Ruth Ware’s books but this wasn’t a great choice to start reading prior to bed. A bit scary for me though I’ll finish it.

On My TV

Better Call Saul, season finale of Masked Singer, not sure what else.

On The Menu

Dropped J off at school and went straight to the store this morning. Still trying to eat from freezer/pantry as much as we can.

MONDAY: chicken sausage, broccoli, orzo skillet *I work 12-5*

TUESDAY: Ham steaks, green beans, corn *I work 7:45-4:45*

WEDNESDAY: Likely out *J has 6:30a.m. band practice* *J has an appt at 3*

THURSDAY: Going to try the shrimp tacos Billie Jo from Afternoon Coffee and Evening Tea mentioned in her post last week.

FRIDAY: Freezer foraging day

From The Camera

Looking Around The House

Laundry mountain on bed, rest needs a bit of a clean, not awful but not great

On My To Do List

1. Organize bills to be paid
2. Fold all that laundry, ugh
3. Get some more outdoor plants/clean front porch/work on garden
4. Grocery store/DONE
5. Pick up things I forgot at Target last week plus look for some summer work clothes

On My Prayer List

Friend diagnosed with skin cancer, another friend having some family issues, co-director at my school, family, strangers. Health, peace, compassion, and kindness to overtake all the sickness and hatred that seems so prevalent in the world lately.

Quote For The Week

Not a quote this week but how can I not end my post with this iconic song? Sing along with me…

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Is it Monday or Tuesday? Is it March or is it May? 

Well, I know it’s Tuesday (worked yesterday so a day late with this) and that it’s indeed May. However, it sure feels a bit more like March around here. Cold and rainy. Woke up to hear our heat running as it was in the low 40’s.

Going to join in with Sandra and the other lovely bloggers over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for the Happy Homemaker Monday, even if it is a Tuesday. Let’s just get straight to the categories.

The Weather

Cold, windy, off and on rainy. We did have a nice thunderstorm last night. And the weather on the news this morning promised a sunny weekend full of temps in the 80’s. Hope so!

As I Look Outside My Window

I saw a hummingbird this morning! There is hope. Of course, I wasn’t prepared as it’s been so cold. Hope he comes back since his feeder is out there now.

Right Now

Working on this post before I leave to go get my hair cut in about an hour.

Thinking and Pondering

It’s a very rare thing (luckily) but I somehow put the wrong dates down on my calendar at some point. Thought G’s band concert was tonight but it’s tomorrow. Turned things down because of it. My whole week feels kind of off now. However, everything worked out in the end.

Homemaking Tips

Whenever I use Clorox wipes, I always run out of wipes but still have a bunch of liquid left in the container. I always shove some paper towels in the container and shake it up to use every drop of the wipe fluid.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

A bit tired, the cat woke me up at 4:00a.m. this morning and then I got up and finally let her outside about half an hour later (she’s quite vocal when she doesn’t get her way). Normally, I’d just stay up but I fell back asleep on the couch and woke up with a start when the 5:30 alarm sounded.

On The Breakfast Plate

Boring oatmeal. I’ll probably go have some toast and take the vitamins I forgot later though. Yesterday, I had a new kind of yogurt (not the Flip stuff) that was cold brew coffee cream flavored. A new favorite!

On My Reading Pile

I’m on a bit of thriller kick. I’ve discovered a new (to me) author, B.A. Paris and have been reading through her books. Quick reads. The first, Bring Me Back, was mildly predictable but still fun. The second one, Behind Closed Doors was a bit darker but scary good. I’ll need to find the title of the next one, I’ve started reading the preview of it after Behind Closed Doors, hoping it’s a kindle unlimited read as well.

On My TV

My husband and I finished Ozark over the weekend. I found the ending completely unsatisfying but he didn’t mind it. We don’t do well watching tv series on Netflix together. I’m a want to know the name of the episodes, what episode I’m watching, how many are left in the season kind of person. He’s a just let the next episode load and watch it type. I wasn’t mentally prepared for the last episode to be the last one. He didn’t get it. Please tell me I’m not the only one who likes to know when  watching the last episode of something?

Also watching Better Call Saul, Masked Singer, and Moon Knight. Sometimes Fear the Walking Dead (I have to be in just the right mood/have it the right time of day-no night-time for zombie shows)

On The Menu

Found myself a little fed up with prices/things the grocery store didn’t have yesterday. I just want normal chicken breasts, not pre-cooked, not wings, just the normal bag. And for it not to cost a million dollars. Too tall an order in 2022 apparently. Ha! It’s see what’s here already week, I think.

MONDAY: Spaghetti *I worked 7-3:30* (and then went to the store)

TUESDAY: Chicken sausage, broccoli, and orzo pasta *I have a hair appt at 10:30**J now has an appt at 5*

WEDNESDAY: OUT (Subway per tradition) *J has a band concert at 7*

THURSDAY: Ham steaks, green beans and new potatoes, cornbread *I work 7-1:30*

FRIDAY: Maybe homemade pizza or shrimp or whatever else I dig out of freezer? No idea basically.

From The Camera

I made more of an effort to pick up the camera but with the weather, not much luck in photos.

Looking Around The House

Last Friday, I spent some time giving it a good cleaning, the kind you do with music blaring. However, it needs attention again today.

On My To Do List

More to do than I have time to do.

1. Pick up suet for suet feeder in backyard
2. Go get more flowers
3. Laundry (always)
4. Clean the house
5. Organize the bills, pay a couple that are due
6. Make sour cream softies (cookies) with sour cream that’s about to go bad, trying to be more frugal with what we have around here

   

7. Attempt violet jelly (I have the violets and the pectin, stay tuned for more info)
8. Target trip, need space saver bags for winter clothes along with the usual
9. Check calendar and confirm some work dates for summer
10. Other stuff I’ll think of after hitting publish on my post

On My Prayer List

Friend who just lost her father, friend diagnosed with skin cancer, co-director at my work who suffered cardiac arrest and is currently hospitalized in critical condition (and his family, so sad and scary as we just had a conversation about a week ago! A lot of Covid-19 complications, sigh). Family, strangers.  A healthier, more peaceful world.

Quote For The Week

It’s not what you look at that matters; it’s what you see. (Henry David Thoreau)

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

Can you believe this is the last week in April?  I’m spending this last week of the month with a fairly full work schedule so I’m just going to get right into things this morning.

As always, I’ll be joining in with Sandra, our host, over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

The weather continues to be up and down and even sideways here. The photo above was from one day last week when the sun was shining and it was raining all at once. We could just pick our weather depending on which direction we wanted to look.

After a warm weekend, it’s 45 degrees this morning and we’re under yet another frost advisory for overnight. I hope that’s the end of those! It’s back up in the upper 60’s/low 70’s for the second half of the week.

As I Look Outside My Window

I see birds at the feeders and spring flowers finally blooming. Plus blue skies and sunshine!

Right Now

A bit of laundry and trying to get this post up before I head off to work at noon.

Thinking and Pondering

The weather warmed up and so I’m pretty much focused on the outdoors right now. I have too many projects going but picking just one is a struggle. Front porch? Flower garden beside it? Vegetable garden? Adding a garden in front of the porch? New garden area in back yard? And on and on my mind spins.

Homemaking Tips

Not sure if I’ve shared this before but I’ve found storing kitchen storage containers with the lids on makes such a huge difference. No pile of random lids falling on my head. An automatic control on the cabinet filling with too many containers (my husband never met a take out container he didn’t want to keep, drives me nuts!).

How I Am Feeling This Morning 

Not too bad. After feeling under the weather most of last week, I had lots of energy for the weekend and it’s spilled over into today.

On The Breakfast Plate

Oatmeal, water, coffee, vitamins.

On My Reading Pile

After finishing The Betrayal of Anne Frank by Rosemary Sullivan, I was quite shocked to find it was a very controversial book.  Mainly because of the conclusion that likely another Jewish person had been the betrayer in an effort to save his own family. Apparently, there were concerns it was anti-semantic .And that the publisher had apologized, removing it from the shelves in many countries. I thought it was well-written and researched and did not get that vibe from it at all (the last 20 percent of the book was nothing but footnotes/bibliography material many times listing the number of people killed in the various concentration camps).

After all that, I picked a lighter read for my next choice. Alison Sherlock never disappoints and I enjoyed a much needed return visit to Cranbridge in The Village of Happy Ever Afters.

On My TV

Probably not much tv watching this week. Masked Singer, Just Call Me Kat, Moon Knight on Disney+, catching up on Fear the Walking Dead, and also watching Better Call Saul on AMC+.

On The Menu

I had lots of inspiration at the grocery store yesterday and was making a mental list of meals while shopping. Unfortunately, I’ve forgotten it already. Let’s see if it comes back to me.

MONDAY: Leftovers/whatever is in freezer (we had roast yesterday) *I work 12-5:30* *J has a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Lasagna *I work 7-3:30*

WEDNESDAY: Ham steaks, cornbread, salad *I work 7-3:30*

THURSDAY: Pepper steak maybe? *I work 12-3:45*

FRIDAY: Probably OUT *I work 3-6*

From The Camera

I didn’t really pick up the camera over the weekend as I was busy doing yard work. So with the exception of the rainbow, all the other photos in this post are from this morning.

Looking Around The House

I still don’t want to do that! It’s not terrible but I spent too much time outside doing other things this weekend. Like feeling this Lamb’s Ear plant. I might have a new front porch favorite!

On My To Do List

Tried to do a few things over the weekend as I knew this would be a busier week. Not making a super long list at all for this week.

1. Laundry
2. Figure out when my next hair appt is scheduled
3. Check kitchen pantry for ants (don’t really want to do this but thought I saw one)
4. Write and mail a letter
5. Sort out winter/early spring clothes and switch for late spring/summer clothes
6. Continue to research plants/flowers for garden areas

On My Prayer List

A friend recently diagnosed with skin cancer who is struggling with the news, friends, family, strangers. The people of Ukraine. The continued receding and a disappearance of the Covid-19 virus. A return to a kinder, gentler world. Peace.

Quote For The Week

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. (Hebrews 12: 14-15)

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We had a good, cold, and rainy Easter. Really, I wondered if perhaps I was supposed to be saying Happy Thanksgiving or Merry Christmas. These freeze warnings are getting old. However, the sun is out and shining brightly today so let’s just get to planning the week.

Joining in as always with Sandra of Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom who hosts this wonderful link up.

The Weather

Wishing spring would just get here already. It was a chilly weekend and we woke up to freeze warnings and mid 30’s. Same for tomorrow. Highs in the 50’s today. Can’t remember the last time we had to run our heat over night this late in April. It’s currently 41 degrees and sunny. Supposed to hit the 60’s later in the week with a few rain chances.

As I Look Out My Window

In the basement, the sun is coming in strong through the privacy glass. Outside the back door, the clouds are clearing off, the birds are busy, and it’s still a bit wet from yesterday’s rain.

Right Now

Trying to get this post done quickly as I work later this afternoon.

Thinking And Pondering

I missed hosting Easter brunch yesterday (3rd year in row we didn’t host it). However, it wasn’t all bad considering that it was cold and rained all day, Easter with a large group is always nicer when you can spread outside. Planning (no promises) on a post about our Easter, maybe tomorrow. *update: you can read about our Easter holiday here* The holidays continue to look different as our kids get older. Trying to figure all that out. Wondering when a good time might be to try and have family over for an non-occasion.

Homemaking Tips

Had one but I can’t think of it. Maybe it will come back to me as I type up the rest of this post.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Tired, not feeling 100%. Think it’s allergies or sinus, my nose was running a bit last night (took a Covid test just in case but thankfully, that was negative) Would kind of like to go back to bed but think I’ll be fine.

On The Breakfast Plate

Oatmeal, coffee, vitamins, apple cider vinegar tabs, and black elderberry syrup. Plus a few white chocolate pretzels (Easter leftovers)

On My Reading Pile

Currently, I’m reading The Betrayal of Anne Frank, A Cold Case Investigation by Rosemary Sullivan. Just started it yesterday but I can tell it’s going to be a very interesting non-fiction read. Over last week/the weekend, I read a couple of Heather Gudenkauf books. A new to me suspense/horror author. I enjoyed The Overnight Guest as it was twisty and while a bit predictable at the end, still a good read. This Is How I Lied, not as good and just didn’t do much for me. I also read The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner and enjoyed it very much.

On My TV

Masked Singer, Moon Knight on Disney +. Watched a couple of Netflix movies over the weekend. From their “90 minute movies” category, I watched The Cleaner. A good, basic suspenseful movie. And then, I watched The Adam Project, enjoyable but I doubt it would be as good without Ryan Reynolds.

On The Menu

I’m really not sure. Not going to the store today because of my work schedule/J’s lesson so probably going to try to pull things out of the fridge/freezer for this week.

MONDAY: Maybe pork chops? With Easter Leftovers *I work 12-3:45* *J has a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Korean meatballs, rice *J has an appt at 3*

WEDNESDAY: No idea?

THURSDAY: ????

FRIDAY: Out?

From The Camera

Looking Around The House

Pass.

On My To Do List

1. Work
2. Pay Bills
3. Laundry
4. Grocery Store
5. Outside stuff
6. Sort out some work dates (In progress)

On My Prayer List

Friends, Family, Strangers. A friend who just got some unsettling news regarding her health. The people of Ukraine. The World. Peace.

Quote For The Week

All my hurts, my garden spade can heal. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

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Since I had a full work day yesterday followed by J’s lesson, today is Happy Homemaker Tuesday around here.  Of course, I’ll be linking my post to Sandra from Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom, the host of Happy Homemaker Monday, even on this Tuesday.

We had a weekend with really nice weather and managed to get a few things done around the yard. Finally, got rid of some junk that’d been taking up real estate in the backyard for much too long. Excited to get back a planting area at the back of the house. It’s all shaded in the morning with just a bit of afternoon sun so I’m still in the research phase of how I’m going to fill it. Right now, it holds a single bleeding heart plant. I planted it last spring to claim the free space in the area. Excited that it returned and bloomed again this spring!

The Weather

We’ve had some picture perfect spring days. Chilly mornings followed by warm “no jacket needed” afternoons. However, today is gray and cloudy with a wind advisory. Chances of severe storms later tonight into tomorrow. And it’s supposed to dip back into the 30’s for overnights later this week. Thankfully, the daytime highs all stay above 45 degrees.

As I Look Outside My Window

Can’t see out this basement window as it’s covered in privacy stuff. However, I think judging by the brightness that the sun might’ve just made an appearance for a moment. Maybe it’ll stick around. I was hoping to get the garden tilled prior to the wind advisory and storms.

Thinking And Pondering

All the outside projects I’d like to complete. Picture day at school tomorrow (I’m helping) and hoping the rain/storms are gone by the time I’m shuffling kids between their classrooms and the picture area. Taking a vacation or even just a weekend get away soon. It’s much needed.

Homemaking Tips

Don’t store potatoes and onions together. Just learned this thanks to the Farmer’s Almanac. I have them in separate bins but I do wonder if I still might have mine a bit too close together as our potatoes seem to turn pretty fast around here.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Tired, a bit frustrated (had planned on cleaning today but it turns out everyone is home with me, makes it harder to clean with everyone underfoot). Honestly, a little down as well.

On The Breakfast Plate

Oatmeal (the new usual) and croissant. Coffee. Forgot to take my vitamins. Better do that when I finish up here.

On My Reading Pile

Had a book from my library e-book hold pile come up so I read The Lying Game by Ruth Ware over the weekend. I really enjoy her twisty suspense novels. The setting was as interesting as the story in this one, however, I don’t think it was my favorite of all the ones I’ve read. And I also finished Don’t Look For Me by Wendy Walker, a skip the line loan. The story was engaging and yet forgettable. I enjoyed it but her writing didn’t really leave me wanting to read more. And finally, I’m still slowly working my way through the Will Robie series of David Baldacci books. I’m on book 5, End Game.

On My TV

When I’m not reading, I’ve been either at work or outside mostly. I did watch The Greatest Showman again on Friday night. And I’m enjoying Moon Knight on Disney plus. Masked Singer, Don’t Call Me Kat, sometimes I watch The Good Doctor if I happen to catch it. Probably other things but nothing too memorable. Happened to catch The Masters on Sunday and watched the end of that (I usually don’t watch golf).

On The Menu

I’m at a loss this week. Might be a wing it kind of week, those tend to go well. We seem to have gone through our rotation and then some. SIGH. Let’s see…

MONDAY: We had deli chicken *I worked 8:15-4:45* *J had a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: pork chops, baked potato, asparagus

WEDNESDAY: Korean BBQ meatballs, rice *I work 7-1*

THURSDAY: Italian chicken recipe from last week

FRIDAY: Shrimp, either honey garlic or scampi or we’ll just go out

From The Camera

Dreaming of a finished front porch garden area Get to work, lady!

Looking Around The House

Needs a good cleaning, maybe tomorrow. Sad to say I didn’t really decorate for Easter this year.

On My To Do List

1. Laundry
2. Work on the garden areas of yard if weather allows
3. Visit garden centers to get ideas for new backyard areas (try not to buy all the plants and flowers)
4. Mail some Easter cards
5. Get out the calendar and plan a weekend getaway, maybe just to a local state park

On My Prayer List

My sister in law & her family as one of their dogs passed away last night, friends, family, strangers, the country, the world.

Quote For The Week

Where flowers bloom so does hope. (Lady Bird Johnson)

Today is the only day I’m home all day and not working this week. A pretty busy schedule for me the rest of the week. Hopefully, I’ll do better about popping on here and visiting. Sorry I missed visiting a few of you last week! Sometimes the weeks just get away from me.

However, look, I’m actually posting on time (sort of, it’s afternoon now) this week! Joining in with Sandra from Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom to plan my week.

The Weather

It’s definitely spring weather with temperatures all over the place. I’m hoping for a solid week of warm temps soon. However, this week is warm to start and then chilly to end. Kind of the same as last week. Decent chances of rain tomorrow and Wednesday as well. That’s okay because we all know that April showers bring those wonderful May flowers (and green grass on the ground and leaves on the trees!)

As I Look Out My Window

Today’s a warm one with pretty blue skies and not too much wind. Started chilly out there but did warm up quickly. These little fellows won’t be hanging out with us too much longer.

Right Now

Taking a few minutes to work on this post and trying to ignore a long list of things I *should* be doing.

Thinking and Pondering

Too much. Ants, a vacation, J’s issues, what to do with the yard, life in general.

Homemaking Tips

We were having a horrible time with one of bathroom drains stinking and nothing was working, the baking soda, hot water, etc. I found these things called Sanisticks at our local Bed, Bath, and Beyond and they solved the problem! (The link is Amazon but they are much cheaper in stores). Hmm, the reviews show they don’t work for everyone but they worked great for us.

How I Am Feeling This Morning (Afternoon)

Tired. Been a bit of a bumpy Monday morning.

On The Breakfast Plate

Strawberry and cream instant oatmeal, coffee. Just a note: I tried the protein added instant oatmeal packets and found it disgusting!

On My Reading Pile

Just working my way through a David Baldacci series, currently reading The Target (Will Robie, #3)

On My TV

My husband and I watched an awful Liam Neeson movie on Netflix Friday night, A Walk Among the Tombstones. I’d have rather just watched Taken again. Masked Singer, a bit of American Idol. A couple other movies: Shrek Forever After. Much better than the 3rd one. And finally, G and I watched a pretty funny movie called The Bubble, a movie about making a movie during the pandemic.

On The Menu

Struggling with the planning this week as I feel like I went through all our standby meals last week.

MONDAY: ham steaks, corn bread, and broccoli *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: BLT salads with turkey (from freezer) *I work 10-4:30* *J has an appt at 3*

WEDNESDAY: Hamburgers and French Fries (husband is cooking, he just doesn’t know it) *I work 10-4:30*

THURSDAY: Mozzarella Chicken with Tomato Sauce and Mushrooms (trying new recipe) *I work 10-4:30*

FRIDAY: French Toast, Fish, OUT? *I work 7:45-4:15*

From The Camera

Looking Around The House

I did that and had to clean up a bit before starting this post! It’s better but still needs attention.

On My To Do List

Really, just get through the week but I’m hoping I can cross a few other things off the list

1. Grocery store (DONE)
2. Clean up house a bit (In progress)
3. Laundry (Also, in progress)
4. Serious clean up of main bathroom (the ants found us, UGH)
5. Fix bricks by flower garden at end of the driveway
6. Forgot to call trash company about yard waste last week, still need to do it
7. Take pictures with camera
8. Gather stuff for junk drop off put on by city this weekend (check prices again)

On My Prayer List

Friends, Family, Strangers. Someone who unexpectedly lost her new kitten last week. The country, the world.

Quote For The Week

I must have flowers, always, and always. (Claude Monet)

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