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)

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)

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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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