The weekend was busy, all good. My husband was out of town so I was on my own for the football game and parade on Saturday. Plus most of Sunday. Then, yesterday was also super busy with work, J’s lesson, and a grocery store trip.  I almost skipped going to the store last night. However, I wanted my KC Chiefs gas discount (31 cents off a gallon!) so pushed myself to get there.

I’m glad I went as it’s another sort of busy day today with parent-teacher conferences and Bunco later tonight. Still wanted to take time for the Happy Homemaker Monday link up, hosted by Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom, even if I’m a little bit late with it.

Breakfast Time, What Is On The Plate This Morning

The usual, flip yogurt, coffee, and vitamins. However, I have some pumpkin spice English muffins in the freezer that are calling my name. Might end up having one as a mid-morning snack.

Looking Around The House

It looks like we had a busy weekend.

On Today’s To Do List

1. Laundry (always, in progress)
2. Straighten up a bit
3. Gather all trash/take out trash containers (DONE)
4. Fly lady missions from yesterday and today
5. Attend a few parent-teacher conferences, so glad I can go in person this year.
6. Plant the crocus bulbs, maybe a bit more yard clean up
7. Figure out where to put the plants vacationing outside as they really need to return indoors soon
8. Take an inventory of what is in our deep freeze

Currently Reading

I’m almost finished with Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, still undecided on my opinion of it. Started reading Boston Scream Murder (Deputy Donut Mystery #4) by Ginger Bolton last night, seemed a good October choice.

On The TV This Week

Not sure outside of The Masked Singer, maybe a few more episodes of Lost.  Over the weekend, I did watch a couple of movies. First, I’d never seen Hocus Pocus and they’ve been talking about it on the radio quite a bit so I took the time to watch it. I loved it! Just might have a new Halloween favorite. I also watched Black Widow as it’s now free on Disney plus. Gave it a generous 7 out of 10 when my older son asked how I’d rate it. My thought was they tried to tell too many stories in one movie.

The Weather Outside Is 

Gorgeous fall days! Jacket weather in the morning, warm in the afternoons. Windy. Leaves have barely changed here though which is odd for this late in October, I think. Upper 60’s/low 70’s during the day and high 40’s/low 50’s over night. This past Friday night it did dip down to the low 40’s overnight into Saturday so I took the opportunity to make sure the heat worked just to get the morning chill off the floors.

On The Menu This Week

Really need to go through the freezer for this part.

MONDAY: Frozen pizza *I worked 8:30-5* *J had a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Grilled hot dogs, French fries? *I have parent-teacher conferences in the afternoon* *Bunco at 7**J had early morning band*

WEDNESDAY: Roast in the crock pot *J has early morning band*

THURSDAY: Chicken sandwiches of some sort *J has evening band practice*

FRIDAY: No idea, leftovers, out? *No School for J*

If I Have A Few Minutes To Myself I Will

Work on my garden journal

New Recipe I Tried Or Want To Try This Week 

Tried a new recipe by accident this week. Planned to make these banana crumb muffins but accidentally clicked on this banana muffin recipe instead. Didn’t notice my mistake until I had combined too many ingredients to correct things. Still put a quick crumb topping on them. The first recipe is definitely much better!

One Of My Simple Pleasures

The quiet of the house in the early morning hours

Favorite Photo From The Camera

I didn’t pick up the camera nearly enough this week! 

Praying For

Family, Friends, Strangers. The kids at preschool, especially a few who seem to be going through some rough (emotional) growing pains. The teachers during parent-teacher conference time (and the rest of the time as well). End to the virus, our country. A return to happier, kinder, and calmer times.

Quote For The Week

Autumn tucked me in her honeyed home,

a honeyed spot for my soul to roam.

(Angie Weiland-Crosby)

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

 

We are finally getting some much needed rain around here. After what seemed like never ending rains in the spring, lately it’s been incredibly dry here. The ground feels like concrete dry. Yesterday’s sunrise before the rain moved in last night was a good one:

Thankfully, we got a good soaking overnight that continues into this morning.

Getting my Happy Homemaker Monday post going early today as I go into work at 11 today. Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for this fun way to start my week.

Breakfast Time…What Is On The Plate This Morning

Original plan was to rebel and have a piece of apple cake but since I work later, I’ll be good. Flip yogurt and vitamins. Already drank a bit too much coffee.

Looking Around The House

It’s really not all that awful this morning.

On Today’s To Do List

1. Wash masks (DONE. Meant to do it last night and forgot so did at 5:30 this morning)
2. Work
3. Bit of Laundry
4. Flylady mission for today
5. Take J to his baritone lesson
6. Renew library books

Currently Reading

Finished two books last week, The Archive of the Forgotten (Hell’s Library #2) by A.J. Hackwith and A Day Like This by Kelley McNeil. The second book by A.J. Hackwith was good but I really loved the Kelley McNeil book. A rare thing to enjoy a Prime Reads first choice book so much. Basically about a woman who woke up in a different life and while it’s not super suspenseful, it did leave me wondering throughout much of the book how it might end. Was she crazy? Were they plotting against here? Just super interesting.

Need a new book for tonight. Might start my library copy of Jane Eyre.

On The TV This Week

The Voice, La Brea (bad but I’m still watching), Masked Singer, and Lost on Hulu.

The Weather Outside Is

Rainy! All weekend was very warm, warmer than usual. So, the 59 degrees and rain feels quite cold this morning. We’re back to having fall this week with highs in the upper 60’s to mid 70’s.

On The Menu This Week

Not super sure, still sticking to basics.

MONDAY: Spaghetti, salad, garlic bread *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30* *I work 11-3:30*

TUESDAY: Tacos *J has early morning band*

WEDNESDAY: Chicken (I may just cheat and throw the heat/eat chicken strips in the oven) or Roast in the crock pot (If I feel ambitious) *J has early morning band*

THURSDAY: Scrambled eggs and French Toast Sticks *J has evening band*

FRIDAY: OUT *I work 8:15-3:45* *Football game night*

If I Have A Few Minutes To Myself I Will

Look through some of our October magazines

New Recipe I Tried Or Want To Try This Week

Nothing new this week, made an apple chip cake yesterday, one of my mom’s old recipes. Not new but I did make a full size cake this time. Usually I cut the recipe in half and make it in an 8×8 pan. Think it had better flavor in the 9×13 pan. Probably my imagination

One Of My Simple Pleasures

Dreaming up new garden spaces and layouts for the front and backyards. I don’t sketch them out but I can picture them.

Latest project idea:  The kids don’t really use the swing set anymore (they are 16 and 20 so I suppose that ‘s to be expected). Husband took down all the swings and my plan is to spray paint the entire frame, plant vines to go up the poles and an entire mixed flower/vegetable garden area underneath. (Note: this isn’t the area, we had to move the frame yesterday as my husband wanted to trim a tree branch near it.) Husband wants to cut it down a bit but I’m fighting for the entire former swing set area.

Favorite Photo From The Camera

 

Praying For

Friends, family, strangers especially those who’ve had recent (and not so recent) losses.  Those who read my blog (though I consider most of you friends). An end to this virus. A peaceful fall and winter.

Quote For The Week

Rainy days, rainy nights,

wash the world, set to right.

Cleansing streets, set apart,

rainy days, cleanse the heart.

(unknown)

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What’s on your agenda for the day?

P.S.

Happy Thanksgiving, Canada!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good Morning! It’s a beautiful fall morning around here and though my post is going up a little later, our Monday started off great.

Everyone (except the college kid who doesn’t have classes until tonight) woke up not only on time but a little early and in decent moods.

Joining in with the Happy Homemaker Monday link up hosted by Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom. Definitely, a great way to start off the week.

Breakfast Time…What Is On The Plate This Morning

Boring usual. However, I did treat myself to a caramel macchiato at the grocery store. Last Saturday, we visited our new favorite local bakery.

No kolaches this time but they did have their yummy cinnamon rolls and eclairs “donuts”. Eclairs are their specialty and I guess people were asking for donuts which they don’t do so this was their answer. Pistachio cream in the center. Note we split the eclairs “donut” between my husband, myself, and saved some for G.  When we came home for a break from the band competition (the beauty of being local) in the late afternoon, G spent at least 15 minutes talking about the wonder and deliciousness of the eclairs “donut”. The cinnamon rolls lasted the entire weekend with someone eating the end of last one either late last night or early this morning.

Looking Around The House

So much stuff everywhere. Hoping to alleviate that a bit today.

On Today’s To Do List

1. Grocery store (DONE)
2. Laundry (In progress)
3. Pay Bills
4. Flylady Stuff (See my 31 Days Series)
5. Work Training Stuff (at home, on-line stuff)

Currently Reading

Finished a pretty good thriller titled Good As Dead by Susan Walter last week, bit predictable but not until the very end. It was a September First Reads and now, I’ve moved on to the October selections. I’m reading The Passing Storm by Christine Nolfi. Good enough for a before bed on my phone kind of read. Also reading my library book, Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire by Jen Hatmaker. Need to finish it as I think it’s due back to the library soon.

On The TV This Week

The Voice, La Brea, Masked Singer, and I’m re-watching Lost on Hulu (La Brea seems to be a bit of a Lost knockoff. As I told my husband, I might as well watch the real thing. I’ll still watch the new show for awhile as well but I’m not going to get excited about missing episodes unless it gets quite a bit better). Really, the only one listed I make time to watch is Masked Singer.

The Weather Outside Is 

Beautiful but still fairly warm. Okay with me but even I wouldn’t mind a few raindrops. It did rain on Saturday but it was spotty around our area, enough chances that the band director brought our band kids back early but not enough to really wet the ground around here. Friends just to the east of us got a good downpour.  More watering of gardens and flowers for me this week.

On The Menu This Week

J’s schedule is a little different this week as his baritone teacher is out of town and the band practices are moved around as well. So, I get to be slightly more relaxed this week.

MONDAY: Skillet Lasagna

TUESDAY: Grilled Balsamic Chicken, vegetables *J has early morning band practice*

WEDNESDAY: Ham steaks, spicy black-eyed peas, cornbread, and salad *I have a hair appointment at 9* *J has evening band practice at 6*

THURSDAY: Fried pork chops, baked potatoes, something else? *I’m on standby to work 8:15-4:45*

FRIDAY: OUT/Subway/Football Game tradition *I work 11-1*

If I Have A Few Minutes To Myself I Will

Be outside doing something or just sitting on the front porch

New Recipe I Tried Or Want To Try This Week

Tonight’s skillet lasagna is a new one from last month’s grocery store magazine. It calls for a lot of fresh herbs which I just happen to have growing in pots on the porch.

One Of My Simple Pleasures

Going outside each morning to check on the flowers and vegetable garden, watering things if needed and just observing the changes in the flowers plus inhaling the scents of it all.

Favorite Photo From The Camera

Morning glories always make me smile!

Praying For

Friends, Family (Especially my estranged sister and niece, had a dream about them 2 nights in a row. Odd? I do miss them.), Strangers. Those who have recently lost loved ones or who are sick and struggling whether with physical or mental pain or simply to get by. An end to this pandemic.  Kindness to overtake all the bitterness out there.

Quote For The Week

I liked my AM Daily Bible Devotion this morning.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)

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How did your Monday start?

Please tell me you sang the song with me about late September? Of course, around here we’ve been back in school for over a month now. And of course, my preschool’s been in session longer.

First, let me apologize for not coming around to visit any of my fellow bloggers last week.  Life got busy with work, high school activities, and family. 

Ended up working all week. Had to go to the high school football game Friday evening. (Football team lost but band performance was great!) Saturday, we had a local band competition. We went a little early to go the local farmer’s market in that city. I bought some local honey! Then a farm/outdoor store where I found a new bench for the front porch on clearance. It was beautiful weather for a band competition though a little hot in the sun. Our young band made the finals and then placed 9th (out of 12) so not the best but pretty good for having 2 classes (both the freshman and sophomores) who were marching for the first time this year. They’re only going to get better!

Sunday, G recruited his best friend, his best friend’s girlfriend, and J to help him with his homework for his film class. My husband and I mostly hid out in our bedroom and watched the Chiefs game (UGH on that game!) to give them their space. Spent sometime doing outdoor things as well.

Now, it’s time to focus on the new week. Joining in as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

Breakfast Time…What Is On The Plate This Morning

Pumpkin harvest flip yogurt, coffee, vitamins

Looking Around The House

Shall we just move on from this category? G moved a bunch of stuff to make his movie and has yet to move it back. I still need to decorate for fall.

On Today’s To Do List

Short one because I work later today.

1. Get some laundry going (DONE)
2. This post (In progress)
3. Work
4. Take J to his lesson tonight
5. Charge camera battery
6. Change Hulu to annual subscription

Currently Reading

Last week I finished up Being Dead is No Excuse: The Official Southern Ladies Guide to Hosting the Perfect Funeral by Gayden Metcalfe. A light and funny read. I think I finished that up on Monday. Then, the rest of the week, during my downtimes, I read Beyond A Reasonable Donut by Ginger Bolton. Just a silly, cozy mystery but I enjoy this series and the characters quite a bit.

Now, I’m working my way through The Library of the Unwritten (Hell’s Library #1) by A.J. Hackwith. I guess this is classified as fantasy, not a genre I generally read but I am enjoying this book. Fun premise for a story, a library of all the unfinished books out there.

On The TV This Week

We’re watching The Voice and The Masked Singer. Not sure what else. Maybe football.

The Weather Outside Is 

back to summer feeling for us though the mornings/evenings are cooler. Highs in the low 90’s and then, chances of thunderstorms later in the week. Just hope Saturday is nice again as there’s another local band competition.

On The Menu This Week

While I’m ready for the fall foods, the weather is not cooperating. Not eating soups and chili in 90 degree weather.

MONDAY: Tacos, might also put the chicken enchilada stuff in the crockpot, yellow rice *I work 1-5:30* *J has a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Pork chops (already cooked, in freezer), homemade potato chips (making on the grill) *J has early morning band practice*

WEDNESDAY: Steak bites, salad *J has early morning band practice*

THURSDAY: Some sort of chicken? Maybe chicken and spaghetti? *J has evening band practice*

FRIDAY: On their own/leftovers *I work 8:15-3:45*

If I Have A Few Minutes To Myself I Will

Make a list of some of the outdoor garden tasks I need to complete before it gets cold again.   Read on the front porch.

New Recipe I Tried Or Want To Try This Week

Not a new one but I want to make oatmeal butterscotch and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.

One Of My Simple Pleasures

Sitting outside on the front porch petting the cat and enjoying the flowers

 

Favorite Photo From The Camera

 

Praying For

A coworker who just lost her father-in-law last week to Covid-19, another coworker dealing with anxiety, my sister-in-law who’s in the hospital recovering from surgery for her throat cancer (surgeon got it all so that’s a huge blessing), friends, family, strangers, this country.

Quote For The Week

All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today. 

Note: I saw this on Pinterest credited as a Chinese proverb, then my google “research” shows it credited as an Indian proverb as well as a few different authors including Robin Craig Clark in The Miracle of Flowers. Great sentiment no matter the source ( please let me know if you know the correct source).

And just to leave you with the song I referenced above, here you go:

Just two little days of summer left around here. The weekend was hot and dry but this morning, I could feel things cooling off. The leaves aren’t changing quite yet but the ground is starting to have a fair scattering of acorns. And I watched a squirrel busy carrying a walnut across the wire one morning in preparation for the colder weather. The spiders are taking up residence all around the front porch and gardens. 

Not much happened over our weekend, it was a slow one. A bit of a calm before the storm I suppose. We’ll have plenty to do over the upcoming one so it was nice to simply relax a bit.

Already spent some time this morning grocery shopping and having a nice long catch up chat over the phone with a friend. Time to see about planning the rest of this week. Joining in as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

Breakfast Time…What Is On The Plate This Morning

Back to boring around here, lemon meringue flip yogurt, coffee, and vitamins. However, I did have a nice treat after grocery shopping, a non-caffeinated one if you can believe it! Tried the caramel apple spice at Starbucks. If you enjoy apple cider and/or caramel…get one! So good. One for those of you who don’t like coffee flavor as it contains not one drop of the stuff.

Looking Around The House

Same tune, different day. Really do need to get out the fall decorations after a bit of a clean up, of course.

On Today’s To Do List

1. Grocery Store (DONE)
2. This post (In progress)
3. Laundry (In progress)
4. Pay a couple bills
5. Make cookies (no reason, just want to do it)

Currently Reading

Last week I  finished Heart of Junk by Luke Geddes, just wasn’t my thing. And read an odd memoir that I only discovered because some random marketing type company has my information mixed up with another blog (maybe? I keep getting people plugging their books to me to feature on “Just the Little Things” which I cannot locate on-line. Did finally e-mail a couple of them and one children’s book author kindly said he’d let the rep know the information wasn’t correct. The poor people are paying for these incorrect leads.) While I wanted to support the author of the memoir with a positive review, I could not in good conscience give it one, two stars was really overly generous.

However, hope is not lost because I am now reading and very much enjoying two new books.  One book I had on my summer reading list was published by a fellow blogger. Afternoon Coffee: Thoughts on Motherhood, Family, Home, and All Things Cozy by Billy Jo Stoltz is a smaller book but I’m enjoying it so much. A very cozy read that feels just like having an afternoon coffee chat with her. The other book is a just for fun library book, Being Dead is No Excuse: The Official Southern Ladies Guide to Hosting the Perfect Funeral by Gayden Metcalfe. I’ve laughed out loud while reading this one.

On The TV This Week

Maybe whatever new shows premiere, Masked Singer? The Voice? Or is that all next week? Found out Lucifer season 6 was on Netflix so watched that. It took up most of my tv watching time over the weekend. A satisfying ending to the series with all the character arcs complete. That said, seasons 4 & 5 were much better. As I told my son, only Netflix could take an absurd show about the devil and make it feel like a Hallmark special. I also re-watched The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe over on Disney plus.

The Weather Outside Is 

Starting to feel like fall today! The wind is blowing, clouds are moving in, and we’re supposed to get rain this afternoon! It’s supposed to cool down a bit for this week with mornings in the low 50’s. Time to think about bringing in a few house plants. (Mainly just the lemon tree and the monstera plant we picked up on clearance at Sam’s Club yesterday. The plant was on clearance for $9 marked down from $70! And I have no idea where to put it in here. Too good a deal to skip, pot is worth more than $9 even if the plant doesn’t make it.)

On The Menu This Week

Hoping the weather change and cooler mornings might inspire me to want to cook dinner again. Been so unmotivated lately.

MONDAY: Ham steak, cornbread, asparagus *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Spaghetti, garlic bread, salad *J has early band* *BUNCO for me* *Last day of summer!**I work 815-345*

WEDNESDAY: Pork Chops, apples, salad *J has evening band practice*

THURSDAY: Enchilada Chicken in the slow cooker, rice

FRIDAY: OUT *I work 8:15-3:45* *Football Game*

If I Have A Few Minutes To Myself I Will

Sit on the front porch and read. Maybe take a nap? That actually sounds kind of nice today.

New Recipe I Tried Or Want To Try This Week 

I made a scaled down version of this eggplant casserole for my lunch last week. Other than accidentally burning some of the eggplant slices and setting off the smoke alarm, it turned out pretty yummy. I did use a bit too much salt so will tone that down if I make it again. And I’ll pre-cook the eggplant slices on the grill outside!

One Of My Simple Pleasures

When everyone is safe at home. Of course, I also enjoy when they’re all out doing stuff and I’m home alone just as well.

Favorite Photo From The Camera

Praying For

Peace, this country, friends, family, and strangers.

Quote For The Week

One of my favorite autumn quotes:

And all at once summer collapsed into fall. (Oscar Wilde)

 

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Monday things: Ready to put the finishing touches on my post and *poof* it’s gone. I thought I saved it but alas…apparently not. Second try today. Update: and now that was yesterday and I’m finishing this (again) today.

Maybe the computer thought I was too wordy and needed to edit my post down quite a bit. Well, it worked as this will be the shorter version of things.

Had a pleasant weekend, high school marching band/football game on Friday (so nice to be back in those stands. The football team lost but the marching band half-time show was fabulous!). Saturday morning, my husband and I went to the local farmer’s market and spent a few minutes watching the 9/11 memorial held in front of the local courthouse. I spent the rest of the day doing outside stuff (mowing mainly). Yesterday, a bit more outside and of course, watching the Chiefs win!

Now it’s time (again) to join in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom and plan the week.

Breakfast Time…what is on the plate this morning:

Same thing as always (yogurt, coffee, vitamins) so let’s talk about Saturday when I tried out a new local bakery. And learned about kolache by eating one (not pictured) with cherry and cheese filling. So good! The cinnamon roll and banana cake were also amazing (and so very rich, they lasted the entire weekend because a little slice of either went a really long way).

Looking Around The House

Lots of things that need put away, projects that need finished.

On Today’s To Do List

1. Shower (overslept but DONE)
2. Grocery Store (DONE)
3. A bit of laundry (In progress)
4. Sort out dresser (not going to happen today)
5. Repot plants to start transitioning them indoors (made a new outdoor herb planter instead)

All above was yesterday, here’s today’s list:

1. Repot plants
2. Lots of laundry now!
3. Make at least one freezer meal
4. Pay bills
5. Sort out dresser

Currently Reading

Finished The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney over the weekend. It was a well-written “slice of life” type novel but I didn’t care much for it. I think I was thrown as the cover alluded it was supposed to be a funny take on a dysfunctional family regarding their inheritance being blundered by one irresponsible sibling but I found it rather depressing.

Need to finish a couple library books this week, mainly Electric City by Thomas Hager.

On The TV This Week

Master Chef finale probably. Not sure what else other than maybe Cry Macho, the new Clint Eastwood movie on HBO Max when it comes out. (Have to admit I do enjoy the movie part of that streaming service, watching movies I’d want to see in a theater but probably not get around to going to see…)

The Weather Outside Is

Still summery here though we are supposed to get a bit of rain later this afternoon or tonight. I still watered the vegetable garden just in case it doesn’t happen. Highs have been in the upper 80’s/lower 90’s most days. Mornings have been a bit cooler though.

On The Menu This Week

It’s been a weird one so far as I was supposed to work half-days all week but then they cancelled it. Then, I was supposed to maybe work all day today but she found someone else (I didn’t see the message as I was at the visitation when she texted me). It’s okay this is typically my slow time as a sub but it always feels a bit strange to go from super busy to super slow…

MONDAY: Hodgepodge (We ate out late, J ate cooked chicken I pulled from the freezer, G worked) *We attended a visitation an hour north of here for the father of a good friend*

TUESDAY: Hawaiian Chicken and rice *J had early morning band practice*

WEDNESDAY: Roast in the crock pot *J has early morning band practice* *J has his baritone lesson at 6:30*

THURSDAY: Grilled pork chops and potatoes *J has evening band practice at 6*

FRIDAY: Ribs? Out? Homemade Pizza? Not sure….

If I Have A Few Minutes To Myself I Will

Pick up my camera and head outside. I’m out of practice with my camera a bit…

New Recipe I Tried Or Want To Try This Week

I’m thinking I might like to try making moussaka (Egyptian style so sans the béchamel sauce) or if only my husband would eat ricotta cheese (he hates all cheese except mozzarella on pizza), I would try this vegetable lasagna. Might do it anyway just in a smaller batch.

One Of My Simple Pleasures

Dark chocolate

Favorite Photo From The Camera

 

Praying For 

My friends who just lost their parent, family, strangers, this country, the world. For kindness, compassion, and understanding to overtake this virus and all the hate and hardened hearts that seem so prevalent in the world lately.

Quote For The Week

I recently downloaded a bible verse/devotion app on my phone and it has an am/pm bible verse and devotion. However, I usually read both the pm from the night before and the am of the day at the same time.

Spending time with old friends (we hadn’t seen them in over a year!) at the visitation last night made me miss family gatherings. Our family on both sides (husband and my own) became so splintered over the last few years (The pandemic just made things worse).

This one from last night really spoke to me as I’ve been struggling to look past the political views of some friends and family members. Accepting people as they are used to be something that came easily to me. It reminded me I need to get back to that place. Perhaps we all do or at least to a place where we can see other positive things beyond all our differences.

Since sometimes my graphics don’t show up in e-mail, here’s the verse: Love must be honest and true. Hate what is evil. Hold on to what is good. (Romans 12:9)

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Guess I got chatty after all. Oops!

Getting a bit of a later start on this holiday Monday. We’ve had a busy holiday weekend doing quite a bit of stuff.

As I drove home from work on Friday, I pondered if 4:30 would be too soon to switch into my pajamas. However, my husband and youngest actually had plans for us to go eat the junk at a local festival for dinner. So no clothes changing but no cooking either. Worked for me.

Saturday, we took Chip and delivered him to a sweet family that lives on acreage for him to be their outdoor cat. The kids were so excited. Unfortunately, he bolted into a wooded area behind their house. Hopefully, he’ll come back to them or their neighbors in a few days. (Pro tip: Don’t name the stray cats you aren’t planning to keep! Chelsey is back to being the happy queen of the castle around here once again. However, I admit to missing my little under the feet all the time outdoor guy.)

Yesterday, my husband and I got up early and borrowed my brother-in-law’s boat to go fishing at a conservation lake about an hour east of town. It was busy and the fishing wasn’t great but it was still fun.

A nice little weekend and an extra day today to relax or do all the things. Planning my week as always by joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for the Happy Homemaker Monday Link Up. And new categories for a new season!

Breakfast time…what is on the plate this morning

Cinnamon rolls from a tube, then I needed my usual protein so chocolate trifecta flip yogurt and vitamins

Looking around the house

I see so many spaces I want to clean and organize. The fall cleaning/organizing bug bit.

On today’s to do list

1. Clean out and reorganize fridge (Labor day tradition, I’ve cleaned all of it but the doors. Plan to reorganize as well)
2. Grocery store (Don’t want to go…SIGH)
3. J’s baritone lesson tonight
4. Outdoor stuff (moving a raised bed planter to the front porch to see how it works, replacing herb garden wall with mums. Finding a home for the herbs. Maybe trimming back lavendar)
5. Dollar tree trip for stuff to organize fridge (Note: husband thinks this is nuts but I have ideas I want to try)

Currently reading

Too many books at once. An e-book, I’m almost finished, called The Clutter Connection: How Your Personality Type Determines Why You Organize The Way You Do by Cassandra Aarssen. Colletta from Colletta’s Kitchen Sink mentioned it one Monday and I was intrigued. I’m so glad she did as I’ve found the book so inspiring! It’s kind of like a five love languages book except for organizing. There’s even a quiz to find your organizing style. (I’m a ladybug and my husband’s a bee, polar opposites, unsurprising!)

Then for fun, I’m reading Heart of Junk by Luke Geddes as well as Electric City: The Lost History of Ford and Edison’s American Utopia by Thomas Hager.

On the tv this week

I need to do a serious evaluation of all our streaming services. That said, I downloaded a free 7 day trial of Discovery plus so I could check out Hot Mess House (tv show hosted by the author of the book mentioned above) and a few other home/garden/cooking shows. Hoping I have time. Watched the old Westworld movie but have sort of lost interest in the series. And also re-watched Dr. Strange with G. Not sure what else I’ll find if anything to watch.

The weather outside is 

Not so hot, thank goodness. Yes, this summer loving person just said that. It’s still warm though. Mostly mid to upper 80’s, cooler evenings. I can do that. We had a few good thunderstorms over the weekend Thursday into Friday and Friday into Saturday, so no need to water gardens for a few days.

On the menu this week

Honestly, still at a loss with this. It’s as if I’ve lost my menu planning ability!

MONDAY:  Pasta salad with odds and ends vegetables (see fridge clean out on to-do list) and grilled chicken *J has a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY:  Grilled pork chops, baked potatoes *I work 8:30-2 or 3?* *J has early morning band practice*

WEDNESDAY: Waffles, bacon *J has early morning band practice*

THURSDAY:  Chicken strips (from frozen if I work, homemade if not), Fries *J has evening band practice*

FRIDAY: OUT-Subway, tradition *First football game of the marching band season, hooray for a season!*

If I have a few minutes to myself, I will

Be outside messing around with the flower garden areas.

New recipe I tried, or want to try this week

Sadly, none of us were really a fan of the crunchy lemongrass chicken. I’ve never seen G spit any type of a chicken dish in the trash after one bite. He apparently hates all things lemon-chicken. The rest of us thought it was okay but not a keeper dish (especially for the work involved in chopping lemon grass sans a food processor).

One of my simple pleasures

Wandering around outside and seeing what I find in the flower/vegetable garden areas. Two things I discovered yesterday, a monarch caterpillar and a black-and-yellow garden spider!

Favorite photo from the camera

My sunflowers all fell over but they’re still blooming!

Praying for

The wife and family of my husband’s friend who recently passed away, a dear friend from high school and her husband as her father-in-law passed away last week, for a semi-normal if not completely normal and healthy school year for all the kids, Afghanistan, those dealing with the aftermath of hurricane Ida as well as those in the path of the wildfires out west. That Chip returns and finds out how much that sweet little family wanted him. For those in the world and this country to be kinder and gentler to each other, remembering the traits of respect and compassion.

Bible verse/Quote for the week

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

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Last week and the weekend passed by in a blur. I can’t believe it’s another new week already. And almost the end of August! What? I’m not ready!

Though I didn’t work much last week, it seemed like a busy one. The weekend was also busy as we had the visitation for my husband’s late friend on Saturday, then went out for a sort of remembrance dinner after with his wife and a few close friends at Mexican restaurant. For our anniversary on Sunday, we just went out to eat at Chili’s. Nothing fancy, we needed low-key this time.  I also managed to do the typical weekend errands in between those things.

This week, I work a fair amount so it’s still going to be busy but a different kind of busy at least. We have no plans for the upcoming Labor Day weekend other than maybe getting Chip over to his new family. I might also push for a yard clean up day if the weather is not brutally hot or rainy.

First though, let’s see what this week ahead holds. Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom where her fabulous link up keeps us on track.

The Weather

Not as hot as last week but still hot and humid. Slight chances of isolated rain today and tomorrow. Can’t believe I’m actually saying this but I hope we get some rain! Temperatures in the mid to upper 80’s all week (Probably going to feel like the 90’s with the humidity.)

Right Now I Am

Sitting in the basement of a quiet house except for the cricket that was chirping earlier while working on this post. The cricket chirping reminds me I have a new to me laptop (my son gave me his old one when he bought a different one from a friend) to learn so I can do this stuff upstairs!

Thinking

When we went out for our anniversary last night, there was a family group seated across from us, grandparents, parents, young adults, and probably grandkids. Made me think of the times we would go out to eat with my husband’s family for different occasions when the boys were younger. I miss those times. And I was thinking about how when we all had just home phones, if you called for one person, you might still spend a few minutes chatting with whoever answered. Now, it feels like everyone even within a family unit is just so isolated. And viewpoints so divided. And yes, I do realize I sound like I’m a million years old here.

On My Reading Pile

Finished Good Company by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney. I enjoyed it as it was a little different from the “fluffy” romance stuff I’d been reading. For this week, my library hold of Electric City, The Lost History of Ford and Edison’s American Utopia by Thomas Hager arrived so I’ll be reading that. Or I’ll be reading the “staff pick” I grabbed when I went into the library, Heart of Junk by Luke Geddes.

On My TV

I fell asleep watching Westworld on Saturday night so I’ll need re-watch and figure out what episode. However, probably not a lot of TV watching time this week.

On The Menu

Still struggling to find things to cook in the hot weather when we’re kind of burned out on everything. In a rut perhaps. I did also check this book out of the library over the weekend:

Everyone has to pick one meal in it that appeals to them. The two bookmarks so far are for spicy pulled pork and enchilada chicken. Of course, that doesn’t help with this week does it?

MONDAY: OUT again probably or every one on their own *I work 1-5* *School open house 5:30-6, allotted time slot* *J has a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY:  Pan-fried lemon grass chicken and rice using some of the lemon grass from the front porch!  *J has early morning band*

WEDNESDAY:  create your own salad with ham, bacon, vegetables *I work 830-5* *J has early morning band*

THURSDAY:  Husband’s choice for J, probably tacos later *I work 8:15-445* *J has evening band practice at 6*

FRIDAY:  Maybe breakfast for dinner? *I work 8:15-445*

On My To Do List

1. Laundry, always laundry
2. Deep clean bathrooms
3. Get my fall cleaning list ready
4. Deep clean fridge and freezers (over the Labor Day weekend)
5. Mail a wedding card!
6. Clean out purse
7. Clean out e-mail (I was keeping up but then, SIGH)

In My Craft Basket

Not sure it counts but since I’m counting gardening as my crafting, I’ll list it. Try to make lavender and mint syrup for lemonade and tea. Also, dry out some lavender blooms.

Looking Forward To This Week

Is it to soon to say the weekend?  I’m actually sort of looking forward to tonight’s open house thing in person at the high school. Normally with a junior in high school, I’d skip it but planning to attend after all. A tiny bit of normal back though we’ll be wearing masks, walking through the temperature scanner thing, etc.

Looking Around The House

See above about getting a fall cleaning list ready!

From The Camera

 

On My Prayer List

The family of my husband’s late friend as they deal with his sudden and unexpected loss. My boss and her family as they just lost a family member to Covid-19, the family of one of Jason’s buddies from their elementary school days as his grandmother is in the hospital on a ventilator battling the virus, my sister-in-love (brother’s significant other) as she battles throat cancer (a bright bit of news, the pet scan showed it hadn’t spread and they think they can get it with surgery/radiation).  Those who were/are in the path of Hurricane Ida. And of course, the service members and families in Afghanistan. This country to find unity, peace, and healing.

Quote For The Week

Last week simply got away from me as preschool started up and I spent the entire week helping out there. Somehow that list of things I was going to do at home (I mostly worked 1/2 days with only 2 full days on Monday and Tuesday) turned into doing nothing. 

Today marks the first day of his junior year in high school for J and the beginning of his 3rd year of college for G. J’s already at school but G’s class isn’t until 6 p.m. tonight. Time to adjust to new routines for everyone again.

Hoping and praying for a peaceful and positive school year for them both. I’m off work today and getting my hair permed later this morning.

Okay, now that we’re some what caught up with the chit chat, let’s get on with the post. Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom and the great bloggers who link up with her. Planning on getting in some overdue blog visiting this week!

The Weather

Perhaps it’s best described in song this week:

Yep, another week of heat advisory weather through Thursday around here. At least we had a good thunderstorm Friday night into Saturday that gave everything a good soaking. Break from watering this morning but I’m sure it’ll dry out quickly this week.

Right Now I Am

Listening to the song I posted above and singing along (be glad you can’t hear me!) while working on this post.

Thinking

So much on my mind but mostly I’m hoping for a great school year for J. Thinking about all the things I need to do this week, mostly trying to cram it in the beginning of the week as I’m likely working near the end of the week. Lots of other things on my mind as well  but that would make this post way too long.

On My Reading Pile

Currently, nothing. I read a silly “uplifting romance” called The Little Village of Happiness last week. I enjoyed it but it certainly wasn’t highbrow literature. Think I need to find a good thriller to read. Library was shut down for Covid exposure for a couple weeks but it’s open again so maybe I’ll try my luck there.

On My TV

Took a break from watching The Good Witch, though I was enjoying it, felt more like a fall show. Over the weekend, I watched the movie Reminiscence on HBO Max. It had Hugh Jackman and that saved it. Seemed like more of a Nicholas Cage kind of movie. The kind of movie that’s bad but not quite bad enough to stop watching.

Also started watching Westworld. It’s weird but it sucked me right into the story. I’m only on about the 5th episode and my summary would be it’s a bit like Jurassic Park with android people.

On The Menu For This Week 

Here we go again with no ideas. This is one area where I’m definitely more ready for fall than normal as I’m ready for fall flavors and cooking. However, those don’t exactly appeal when it’s 100+ degrees out there.

MONDAY: Waffles? Maybe spaghetti,  I really don’t know…*I have a hair appt at 9:30*

TUESDAY: Roast in the crock pot *J has early morning band practice at 6:30*

WEDNESDAY:  BLT’s, French Fries *J has early morning band practice at 6:30*

THURSDAY:    *J has evening band practice at 6:00* *I may work 8:15-4:45*

FRIDAY:  *I may work 8:15-4:45*

On My To Do List

1. Get hair permed this morning
2. Get car inspected and get updated tags (Why did I put this off until the end of the month?!)
3. Call and make appointment to get stray kitty neutered (We have a family that will take him if we pay for this…also had a neighborhood site person interested but they’ve alas gone silent)
4. Clear off kitchen table and sofa
5. Pay bills
6. Mail sympathy card to sister-in-law who just lost her mother to lung cancer
7. Pick up camera, hoping to get picture of full moon tonight at least

In The Craft Basket

My outdoor garden area is kind of like a craft basket for me. I’ve been working on my petunias, for the first time ever, I cut them back. Supposedly, this helps them bloom again. We’ll see. In a couple weeks, I’ll know if I did it right or I’ll be replacing them with mums. I’ll also work on my garden journal while it’s too hot to do much outdoors.

Looking Forward To

Having curly hair again, the flat, straight plastered to head look (caused by the humidity) doesn’t work for me. Enjoying a rare Monday night at home (J’s baritone instructor is on vacation this week).  Also, this year we get a marching band season! Hooray! I may or may not have been a little teary eyed at the parent preview on Saturday. So nice to see my kid doing what he loves to do (actually, he prefers concert season so let’s hope we get to go see some concerts this fall and winter as well!).

Looking Around The House

Time to do some serious “get ready for fall” type cleaning. Of course, first I need to get through the I’ve been busy but not busy doing any cleaning layers.

From The Camera

 

On My Prayer List

All the kids and teachers returning to school this week for a safe, happy, and healthy school year.  My sister-in-law and brother as she battles throat cancer. My other brother and sister-in-law as they are both currently ill with Covid-19 (and are the ones who just lost a mother/mother-in-law to lung cancer). Husband’s friend and his wife as he found out last week that his cancer is terminal. And my husband who’s been struggling with this (though he won’t say it) and is helping them as much as he can. That all those who’ve suffered recent losses find some peace and comfort. Healing and love for the entire world.

Quote For The Week

This was a verse in the Jesus Calling devotional today. I’m amazed at how it is sometimes so spot on.

The Lord replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14)

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Well, this week has certainly started on some interesting notes.  (NOTE: Oops, I forgot to hit the publish button on Monday! Better late than never?)

Yesterday, our resident stray cat rewarded us by leaving a “gift” of a poo scented variety on my front porch bench. So much for that cushion! Cushion is in the trash.

Chip’s not been getting along with Chelsey at all (our little gray cat). She stayed inside all day yesterday which made me sad as she loves to just lay on the front porch and can no longer do that. So, with tears, I called the shelter (note: it’s a no-kill animal shelter). They could only take my name and put me on a waiting list that was a month out! Not sure what people who really can’t keep animals do in that scenario? Ugh. So, I’ve posted on Facebook trying to find him a new home. He is a sweetie but not getting along with the rest of them around here (I did finally forgive him for his gift. Blech)

As if that wasn’t enough excitement, school started (new semester) up again at preschool and I helped out. Right before lunch, I had to switch classrooms for a bit to fill in so a teacher could deal with a situation. That class was outside and that turned into another less than ideal situation when one of the kids stumbled on a yellowjacket nest. Quite a few kids stung, thankfully no serious reactions. And I got stung as well. OUCH. Not a sweet start to things! They had someone out dealing with the nest shortly.

Moving on with the week ahead, joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Mid to upper 80’s with slight chances of rain. Typical summer weather. Thankfully, no more of that excessive heat warning stuff so far.

How I’m Feeling Tonight

A little tired, bit annoyed with people (seriously, all those memes about the Next door site are correct!), thankful for the mostly good day today.

On The Breakfast Plate

Usual, key lime flip yogurt, vitamins, and coffee. However, would you believe I picked up some pumpkin spice English muffins at the grocery store on Saturday? They’re in the freezer waiting for a proper fall morning.

On My Reading Pile

Local library is closed again due to COVID (SIGH…not sure how that figures into the stack of books I needed to return). However, I’ve been mostly reading on my phone. Read a Daisy James one called Sunshine and Secrets (The Paradise Cookery School #1) that was okay but I wasn’t enchanted enough to buy the second book, I’ll read it if it becomes Kindle Unlimited but no rush. Tried out a new author, Jennifer Bohnet, with a book entitled Summer at the Chateau: Every End has a New Beginning. Liked it enough that I’m reading another one by her but I can’t recall the title this second. Her books seem to be set in France.

On My TV

Didn’t watch much last week. Need to finish The Good Witch sometime soon. Gave Black Summer season 2 a try and turned it off during the first episode. Just wasn’t appealing, even the dumbest zombie flick usually gives me at least one or two characters who are interesting. Also, even for me, a bit too violent.

On The Menu

I don’t care with a double side order of I don’t know…

MONDAY: We had fish and baked potatoes *I worked 8:15-4:45* *J had band practice 6:30-9*

TUESDAY: On their own? *I work 8:15-5:30 or maybe 6, hope not 6* *Bunco night again!*

WEDNESDAY: Steak on the grill, salad *I work 8:15-1:30, if they still need me, probably won’t know until tomorrow* *J has a baritone lesson at 5:30*

THURSDAY: No idea *I work 8:15-??? maybe 1 I’m covering a morning doctor’s appointment* *J has band practice 6-8:45*

FRIDAY: OUT *NOT WORKING*

From The Camera

 

Looking Around The House

Still playing in the gardens and not cleaning when I’m at home and not at work

To Relax This Week, I Will

See above!

On My Prayer List

Friends (especially friend of husband, who is battling cancer and back in the hospital with complications as well as his wife as she deals with all this), Family (sister in law in her battle with cancer and my brother as he takes care of her), and Strangers. The world. Selfish prayer that I can find this little stray cat a good home. All the kids starting school this week and in the weeks coming ahead.

Quote For The Week

Leave footprints of love and kindness wherever you go. (anonymous)

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