Called into work early this morning making a hectic start to this week. Early phone call, barely gave myself enough time to get there. Had to stop at the grocery store on the way home so J had something for dinner before band practice (Thankful for the ubiquitous rotisserie chicken today!). Feed our stray cat, help me, I’ve named him! Water the garden. And now it’s after 9!

Still didn’t want to miss posting today. Linking up later with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

HOT! Another round of heat advisory days for us. Car read 100 when I ran J to band practice. Phone said feel like temperature of 106. This current round is supposed to last until Thursday. Not sure what happens after that. Maybe rain?

 How I’m Feeling Tonight

Bit of a headache, probably from lack of caffeine on my regular schedule or not enough water or not really eating dinner (chicken didn’t appeal to me as that was basically lunch at school today).

On The Breakfast Plate

Whew! That was much earlier today. Grabbed a flip yogurt and ate it at school very quickly before any kids arrived (I opened the classroom today). Not nearly enough coffee. Forgot to take my vitamins. Oops.

On My Reading Pile

Needed a “light” escape so last week I finished 2 books in a new Daisy James series set on the Greek Island of Corfu, really enjoyed Escape to the Hummingbird Hotel and Summer at the Hummingbird Hotel. I love how characters from her other books sometimes show up briefly in different series. And the setting was enchanting enough, I found myself planning a dream vacation to Corfu after reading the first two books in the series. If only….maybe though because our fortune cookies from Saturday’s dinner did hint at a trip.

 

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On My TV

Still working through The Good Witch on Netflix. However, Saturday I stayed up way too late watching The Net. You know a movie from 1995?! Still pretty good, almost relevant still minus the floppy disk stuff.

On The Menu

Who wants to cook in heat advisory weather? Yeah, me either.

MONDAY: Rotisserie chicken, salad *I worked 7-3:30* *J had band practice 6-8:45*

TUESDAY: Turkey sausages, maybe on the grill or maybe just on the stovetop, chips, maybe fries *I work 11:30-3:45* *J has a baritone lesson at 6*

WEDNESDAY: Ribs, probably in the crock pot, yes has been on menu for a while, corn *J has some kind of friend hang out all day*

THURSDAY: Not sure. Maybe pork chops and potatoes?  *J has a driver’s education class 8-12* *And band practice 6-8:45*

FRIDAY: OUT! Or chicken on the grill. Or OUT.

On My To Do List

1. E-mail school about J’s schedule, it’s not correct
2. Laundry! Thought I just did this but somehow it’s all back…
3. Work on finding a home for Chip (our stray cat that I’ve um, named)
4. Yuck stuff: car inspected, tags, driver’s license renewal documents
5. Make a vet appt for our cat and get her some flea stuff as well

From The Camera

Who could resist this sweet little face?

Apparently, everyone in this household except me. And her highness, the ruler of us all is certainly displeased with this development.

Looking Around The House

It’s better to look around the front porch and gardens!

To Relax I will

Take care of my flowers, read

Quote For The Week

More grows in the garden than the gardener sows. (Spanish proverb) Source: Pinterest

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Hello, August! And where did you come from exactly? Wasn’t May/June/July just here?

August is always my reminder of a few things, some good and some sad (our wedding anniversary is the 29th, however, my father passed away 17 years ago on August 1) but mostly I use it as a reminder to make sure I embrace and enjoy the rest of my summer days before the crazy pace of fall starts.

However, can I tell you a secret? This year, I’m kind of looking forward to fall. Mostly, I think because I missed that crazy pace of fall during the pandemic. J’s school  year was so rough on us especially him but this year, I’m hoping and praying we get that much desired normality. Or at least a touch of it. Marching band practices start back up this week so at least we have that (even if it does mean lots of running around for us).

Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom as always. Go check out her blog!

The Weather

Strange, true dog days of summer last week with crazy heat and advisories. Woke up most days last week to 80 degrees by 7:00a.m. with it feeling warmer. This morning it was 63 degrees out there! Highs in the mid-80’s most of this week but I did hear on the radio as I was out running errands they’re predicting a high of 95 for Saturday. So who knows?

How I Am Feeling This Morning

A little tired but also a need to do ALL the things. Lots to do today that I didn’t do last week/over the weekend.

On The Breakfast Plate

Flip yogurt (key lime pie flavor), coffee, vitamins. More coffee (an iced caramel macchiato at Starbucks in the grocery store, seems to be my go-to “fancy” coffee drink lately).

On My Reading Pile

Finished Unrestricted Access, the collection of short stories from James Rollins. A library hold came up for me, The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave. A good suspenseful mystery. Read it in about a day. And I’ve started Walking: One Step At a Time by Erling Kagge (note: I know it sounds like an exercise book but it’s not, more of a philosophical type writing). 

On My TV

Needed something light and happy that didn’t require a lot of concentration so I settled on The Good Witch over on Netflix. Not my typical style of show but I’m enjoying it. Not much else, a bit of the Olympics here and there. Whatever random thing my husband happens to be watching (so think Storage Wars, Yukon Gold, or old westerns…)

On The Menu

Seems early to already have this busy of a schedule for J but here we are…

MONDAY: ham steaks, potatoes (on grill), green beans from garden (we’ll all get 2 beans, ha!), salad *J has band practice 6-8:45*

TUESDAY: roast in crock pot *J has a baritone lesson time TBD*

WEDNESDAY: ribs, probably in the crock pot/maybe on grill, corn, salad *I have a hair appt at 11*

THURSDAY: Chicken (grilled, lately I’ve just been marinating it in a bit of balsamic vinegar, oil, and Italian seasoning/dressing mix), salad. Something simple and easy.  *J has band practice 6-8:45*

FRIDAY: Leftovers or OUT or cereal. I’m not cooking it whatever we have.

On My To Do List 

All the things!

1. Mow the lawn (Husband didn’t want me to do this during the extreme heat)
2. Plan out fall gardens (vegetable and flowers)
3. Finish cleaning basement (basement camp didn’t go so well)
4. Grocery store
5. Laundry (mostly just need to fold)
6. Sort out what is in the fridge and freezers
7. Maybe make a master list of ALL the things
8. Clean the house (always)
9. Start cooking a little extra when we have easy meals to put in freezer for busy fall days/nights
10. Blog at least 3x a week on here (I think I managed this last week)
11. Go for walk at park with my camera while the weather is nice

From The Camera

My flowers have been bringing me lots of peace and happiness lately. Hope you enjoy the photos here and sprinkled throughout the post.

To Relax This Week, I Will

Clean the house (It will help to relax later), sit on the front porch and pet the cat while enjoying my flowers, read, take that walk at the park

On My Prayer List

My blogging friend Rebecca, who recently lost her husband followed shortly by one of her oldest and dearest friends, my husband’s good friend who is battling cancer around his jaw and once again in the hospital with low calcium and possible more cancer, my sister-in-law by love who I just found out is hospitalized with throat cancer. Too much illness in this world. A normal school year for J with actual marching band performances. My family that recently moved to Florida (no reason just felt the pull to pray for them). Peace, kindness, and healing graces for us all.

Quote For The Week

I know I’ve shared this quote before regarding August but it rings so true, I’m sharing it again:

August is like the Sunday of summer. (unknown)

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How are you spending your August days?

Nope, I’m not going camping this week. However, I am off work. J has band camp and I’ve decided I’ll have “basement camp” and try to make it decent down here. 

Had a few errands and things to take care of this morning so getting a bit of a late start with my post (and my basement camp, ha!). Joining in as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

It rained a little over the weekend which was nice and cooled things down just enough to take us from an excessive heat warning to an excessive heat advisory for the rest of this week. Last Friday and Saturday were miserable hot. Today feels pretty nice so far. It’s about 85 right now but there’s a breeze so that helps. Sunny days most the week. It’s summer!

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Recharged, energetic, and ready to do all the things. We’ll see how long that lasts. And also, I’m missing my sweet preschool kids just a bit. However, it’s nice having a week at home (other than band camp chauffeur duties) to take care of things. And oh boy, I do have lots to take care of around here.

On The Breakfast Plate

Didn’t go to the store over the weekend (went this morning) so I just had a chocolate chip muffin from home and an iced caramel macchiato from Starbucks in the store. Need to take my vitamins still.

On My Reading Pile 

A bunch of overdue library books. I need to see if I can renew them as there are couple, a book of short stories by James Rollins and Peaceful on Purpose by Joel Osteen that I’d like to read still.

On My TV

Last Wednesday, I watched the finale of Crime Scene Kitchen and was frustrated with how they determined the winners. Not that I don’t think the winners deserved to win but it’s like they threw the whole way the show was run out the window for the last episode. Did you watch? Thoughts?

Friday into Saturday I binge-watched Mare of Easttown on HBO Max. Very good! Kept me guessing until the end. Thank you, Carrie from Northwoods Scrapbook for the suggestion.

On The Menu

This week’s a hard one with J having band camp, the heat, and really me just not being super motivated. Of course, I’m also debating trying my hand at a homemade angel food cake. I usually buy a box mix but I could use the extra egg shells for my garden.

MONDAY: Possibly out? Maybe ham steaks and salad. *J has band camp 8-4* *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: taco salads *J has band camp 8-4*

WEDNESDAY: pork chops, baked potatoes *J has band camp 8-4*

THURSDAY: hot dogs on grill, chips, watermelon *J has band camp 8-4* *I think I’m meeting with friends, need to check date*

FRIDAY: Roast in crock pot (might switch this to Thursday) *J has band camp 8-4*

On My To Do List

1. Go to grocery store
2. Weed garden
3. Start on basement clean up (started)
4. Renew library books
5. laundry (in progress)
6. Clean rest of the house
7. Pick up MO license book for J (he’s ready to get his permit, I think)
8. See what documents I need for my driver’s license renewal
9. Make some appointments
10. Search for new hose and sprinkler (I accidentally ran over the hose with the lawn mower)
11. Mow the yard
12. Finish and file my complaints against our trash service if our bill isn’t adjusted by Thursday
13. Actually, post on my poor neglected blog once again

From The Camera

I went with my husband yesterday to his hunting lease land so he could trade out the SD cards on the trail cameras. The landowner’s home on the property has so many feeders full of hummingbirds and the most beautiful patch of zinnias! We also did lots of hiking through the woods to get the cards.

To Relax This Week I Will

Take care of the garden and my flowers, catch up with friends, work on my garden journal

Something To Share

Watch the bugs if you go hiking, they’re bad around here this year. Even with insect repellant, I had my fair share of seed ticks clinging to me yesterday. Yuck. My husband swears by this stuff. You spray it on clothing but they also make a lotion that I dearly wished I’d applied a bit better.

Quote For The Week

Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life. (Rachel Carson)

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This is my last week of working a full-time schedule for a bit. It’s been fun but also a bit exhausting. This last week of it should be interesting as lots of kiddos are coming back from vacation and we are on a three teacher rotation in that classroom.

This is yet another Sunday Evening posting but I will be joining up with Sandra and the other fabulous bloggers over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom tomorrow morning or evening. Depends on how the morning goes.

The Weather

We had a beautiful weekend! A few sprinkles here in the afternoon (poured just a few blocks north of us) but mostly sunny and in the mid-80’s. This coming week is showing sunny and in the 80’s as well except when it inches toward the 90’s on Friday. I’ll take it!

How I’m Feeling Tonight

My back is a little sore as I planted lots of flowers over the weekend. And can you believe I only took one early picture  (shared on Instagram) of my project? I’ll have to take a few during the course of the week. However, I’m happy because my edge of the driveway butterfly garden is much closer to a reality.

On The Breakfast Plate

Same boring flip yogurt and vitamins I always eat (both today and tomorrow). However, this morning I did treat myself to an iced caramel macchiato from the grocery store Starbucks, thought it was pretty good.

On My Reading Pile

Not too much. I read Summer Island by Natalie Normann last week and really enjoyed it. Nice romantic escape to Norway.  Some magazines, my favorite free (local) gardening magazine. I’ll need to find something before J’s lesson tomorrow night, something light probably.

On My TV

Not much. Watched the season finale of Loki on Friday. And then, we watched The Tomorrow War which we’ve subtitled Tremors meets Jurassic Park meets Predator meets Terminator meets….you get the idea. However, still fairly enjoyable, not one you have to think too hard to watch.

On The Menu

Another week of keeping it simple!

MONDAY: chicken on the grill, tricolor pasta *I work 8-4:30* *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: pepper steak, rice *I work 8-4:30*

WEDNESDAY: turkey sausage and zucchini skillet *I work 8-4:30*

THURSDAY: pork chops on the grill, baked potatoes *I work 8-4:30*

FRIDAY: Homemade pizza or OUT *I work 8-4:30*

SATURDAY: maybe ribs in the slow cooker?

On My To Do List

1. Pay bills!
2. Finish filing my complaints against trash company with BBB and Attorney General (They keep charging us for things they stated in a letter were to be provided at no cost, it’s been a 4 month saga at this point and I’m done with them)
3. Take care of indoor plants (give them some plant food, probably give some to plants on vacation outdoors as well)
4. Still need to enroll J for next year (provide proof of residency)
5. Pick up some bird seed (didn’t get to it over the weekend)
6. Still need to make list of all the things, might push to next week
7. AND G’s stuff remains in the living room. SIGH.

From The Camera

Looking Around The House

If you spend the whole weekend outside doing yardwork, then you don’t have to look at your messy house as much. My tip. Ha! Suffice it to say getting the house clean again and in a bit of order is on the list of all the things.

To Relax This Week I Will

Take care of my flowers, work on my garden journal

Something To Share

Plants I’ve found that repel mosquitoes. Lots of lists on-line but the ones from those lists that I find actually work the best are: Lemongrass, lavender, scented geraniums, marigolds, and basil. Basil was a new to me discovery for the mosquito repellent list. Apparently, basil leaves are toxic to mosquito larvae. I did go and put the basil leaves in some standing water in the yard during our heavy rains and the mosquitoes didn’t seem as bad as they could’ve been this year.

Quote For The Week

When spying a dragonfly dancing on air, your Guardian Angel is hovering near. (Richard Doyle)

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So much for scheduling a few posts last week. Maybe I’ll do better this week. After, I figure out exactly where my weekend went?

Right now, I’m just glad to have some photos to go along with my posting. As I was coming down here to write my post, I dropped the camera SD card under the basement steps. Not a great place for it to land. Or for me to really want to search. It’s not exactly a finished basement down here. However, I found it so hooray for pictures with the post! Not too many though as now the computer is acting up. Always something.

Writing this on Sunday night because I do indeed work every single day again this week. So, I’ll be linking up later tomorrow afternoon or evening with Sandra, our host, over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

We’ve had a bit of a rainy weekend after a super hot Friday (100 degree heat index). Right now it feels like fall out there, 69 degrees with a light mist falling. After a hot and humid week, it actually (dare I say it as a summer lover) feels kind of good. Supposed to be a bit cooler early this week and then gradually heat back up to proper summer weather where it’s in the upper 80’s and 90’s.

How I’m Feeling Right Now

A bit scatterbrained. I can’t believe it’s already Sunday evening. Seems as though the weekend just started but no, it’s already ending. Lots of projects on my mind for when I’m off work again.

On The Breakfast Plate

Unusual but I did not eat breakfast today (however, I still drank my coffee!). Tomorrow, I’ll have the usual Chobani Flip yogurt.

On My Reading Pile

I did finish the Magic of Found Objects by Maddie Dawson last week. I usually love her books but for some reason this one wasn’t quite as good as previous books, I thought.  Probably going to read a book of short stories by James Rollins this week as I think my library books might all be due back very soon.

On My TV

Not a lot of TV watching happening. Did watch the latest Loki episode. And yesterday while folding laundry, I watched Into the Heights on HBO Max. Watching it was J’s suggestion, “even if it’s bad, maybe the music will be good” It was all around good, I really enjoyed it. Note: the teenager suggested it but did not watch it with me. Probably because I was folding laundry, ha!

On The Menu

Trying for simple again this week!

MONDAY: hot dogs on the grill, chips, watermelon (or if I feel like doing “real” cooking, we’ll have the 20 min turkey sausage and zucchini skillet) *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30* *I work 8-4:30*

TUESDAY: Pepper steak, rice *I work 8-4:30*

WEDNESDAY: Maybe minestrone? I’ve been craving it. Might move it to Monday. *I work 8-4:30*

THURSDAY: Pork chops and potatoes *I work 8-4:30*

FRIDAY: Homemade Pizza, salad *I work 8-4:30*

On My To Do List

1. Make a list of the things I want to do when I’m off work (house chores, cleaning and clearing out)
2. Mow the lawn
3. Mail nephew a birthday card
4. Enroll J for next year
5. Organize upstairs freezer (somehow it’s a mess again)
6. Motivate G to go through his things so we can sort furniture out of our living room

From The Camera

Looking Around The House

See #6 on to do list. G’s stuff is still in living room. We’ve all been busy but it’s starting to bug me a bit more.

To Relax This Week I Will

Read my books, pick up the camera, have a cup of tea (either hot or cold with lemonade added)

Something To Share

I really don’t know why this old 80’s tune popped into my head when I started my post. However, here it is:

On My Prayer List

Friends who’ve lost loved ones very recently, our next door neighbor who is in poor health and once again the hospital, family, near and far, and strangers.

Quote For The Week

If you are cold, tea will warm you;
if you are too heated, it will cool you;
If you are depressed, it will cheer you;
If you are excited, it will calm you.”
― William Ewart Gladstone

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My staycation comes to an end today. And after a week of waking up at the same early time each week, it figures today I slept in! Felt nice though I do hope it doesn’t mess me up for going to bed on time tonight.

Definitely going to need a plan for the coming week. Glad to join in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for the Happy Homemaker Link Up.

The Weather

While my staycation week started off rainy, it finished with nice sunny weather. Looks like more of the nice sunny weather for the rest of this week as well. It’s supposed to be in the mid 80’s to upper 90’s most of this week. Slight chances of thunderstorms, hope those chances stay very slight! 

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Still a bit disoriented from waking up late. Also, still a little sore from some yardwork we tackled on Saturday. Mowed the lot of an empty house so it wouldn’t appear empty. My shoulders are still talking to me about how no good deed goes unpunished.

On The Breakfast Plate

Chocolate chip muffins and coffee.

On My Reading Pile

Just magazines. However, J has a baritone lesson later and I noticed there’s a new Maddie Dawson book on the Amazon Prime First Reads list so I’ll probably download that for tonight.

On My TV

Finished up my Walking Dead series including the new one Walking Dead The World Beyond (only one season of that). Watched the latest Loki episode. And because it was randomly on TV one day, I watched Terminator (kind of a if it’s on tv, I’m going to watch it movie for me). Then, yesterday, because it’s tradition, I watched Independence Day. Not sure how much TV I’ll watch this week.

On The Menu

I’m still struggling with the menu planning. Different schedules for all of us. G is working now, keeping his own schedule hanging out with friends, etc. And my husband is probably going to work lots of hours to make up for last week. Probably going to end up shuffling the menu around a lot.

Still, we have to eat so I’ll keep trying…

MONDAY: grilled steaks (didn’t make them yesterday), crunchy coleslaw (leftover), corn on the cob, and strawberries. Probably salads as well. *J has a lesson at 6:30* *G works 3-8*

TUESDAY: spaghetti, garlic toast, salad *I work 8-4:30**G works 3-8*

WEDNESDAY: grilled chicken, baked potatoes, watermelon *I work 8-4:30*

THURSDAY: pork chops, no idea what we’ll have with them maybe rice? *I work 8-4:30*

FRIDAY: tacos, pizza, out? Depends on how the week goes. *I work 8-4:30*

On My To Do List

Decided I need to keep this category to stay somewhat organized and productive. Or at least to look and know the things I’m not doing that I should be doing. Ha!

1. Fill out online forms for J’s college level chemistry class
2. Fill out online high school enrollment forms for J
3. Clean up our Fourth of July trash in yard and street DONE
4. Laundry (In progress)
5. Clean the house up a little, work with G to figure out what to do in his room. After getting his desk last week & rearranging, a lot of the contents of his room remain in the living room.
6. Look into buying some new work clothes
7. Go for a walk at least 2 times this week
8. Spend at least 15 minutes working on cleaning the basement
9. Write and schedule some posts in advance so it’s not silent on here all week

From The Camera

Red, White, And Blue in nature

Looking Around The House

See above about the contents of G’s room being in the middle of the living room. Some is also in our bedroom as well. And on the kitchen table. A bit of a project for today.

To Relax This Week I Will

Read, go for a walk, work in the flower garden areas in the yard or work on my garden journal.

Quote For The Week

So, I’ve been struggling with missing the way things used to be lately. The pre-pandemic days and really, even the times before that. Things are changing and that’s normal though I’m not one who does well with change. At all. I’m trying though. Interestingly, this was the verse in my Jesus Calling book this morning.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.  (Isaiah 43:19)

And while it wasn’t listed in the book, the verse right before that one?

Forget the former things; Do not dwell in the past. (Isaiah 43:18)

Sometimes I guess we need a (not so) subtle reminder to look forward, huh?

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Before I end my post, do you struggle with looking back? What are you looking forward to this week?

Better to join in late than never, right? Hope so! On vacation (staycation) this week, so I’ve been a bit lazy about coming down here and working on the blog. However, I still wanted to go ahead and join in the fun for this week!

If I can, I’ll still link up with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom. And of course, I plan to visit all the fabulous bloggers who link up over there as well.

The Weather

I’ll just let B.J. Thomas do our weather forecast.

We’ve had lots of rain! Every single day since Saturday maybe? Seriously though, I wish I could send our surplus to some of those places with the super high temps and drought conditions. At least only one day so far, felt jungle steamy. Waiting for the sun…

How I’m Feeling This Morning

Not too bad. I slept in a bit (that means I woke up at 6:30 as opposed to 5, sigh.). Kind of upset with myself for not running errands yesterday when it was a bit of a light rain as now it’s a pouring down kind of rain and a Wednesday (busier day to run errands).

On The Breakfast Plate

My husband went and got us doughnuts! I had a frosted apple fritter. It was okay, needed a lot less frosting and a lot more filling, it wasn’t the one he meant to get me but it was still a nice change. And of course, coffee.

On My Reading Pile

Just finished the book I was reading, Daylight by David Baldacci. It’s the 3rd in a series. It’s intriguing enough. Not sure what I’ll pick up next, maybe something from my summer reading list. Today, I’ll probably focus on magazines and getting the rest of the June magazines glanced at and recycled.

On My TV

Finished up The Walking Dead over the weekend (reminds me I need to cancel AMC+ now). Haven’t really started anything else. Been watching a few random movies, mostly ones we’ve seen before like Bourne Identity and Red. Oh and I’ve been watching Loki on Disney Plus. Husband’s been watching America’s Got Talent (I could never get into that one for some reason).

On The Menu

I need to go to the grocery store so I’ve been kind of day by day on the menu. I’ll really need a better plan for when I work the next 3 weeks.

MONDAY: We had BBQ roast sandwiches and chips plus I made jello *J had a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Frozen pizza

WEDNESDAY: Maybe tacos?

THURSDAY: OUT, hoping to go on a daytrip at least

FRIDAY: No idea depends on what’s on sale at the store

From The Camera

A friend and I finally visited a local daylily garden last Friday! It was so peaceful and relaxing out there.

And yes, you could buy daylilies to bring home and plant so of course, I did that. The variety pictured below is called Mokan Butterfly and one now has a home in my garden by the front porch.

Looking Around The House

Well, it’s not awful but it’s looked better. I have big cleaning plans for the last week of July when J is at band camp and I *hopefully* have the house to myself.

To Relax This Week I Will

Not worry about the weather, spend time with my family. Read my magazines. Visit my silly Animal Crossing Island where maybe the sun is shining.

Something I Want To Share

Since the Fourth of July is this weekend, here’s something that’s just silly and fun I stumbled across this morning. (I think I can name relatives like most the characters portrayed in this video! Ha!)

Quote For The Week

May the flowers remind us why the rain was so necessary. (Xan Oku)

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

Back from nowhere. I didn’t actually go anywhere but the last two weeks were a bit of a whirlwind. Fun, hardworking, and happy. However, also too exhausted to come downstairs and sit at a computer each night and do any blogland visiting. “Thyme” to come back and do a Monday posting.

The whole month of July looks like the same kind of busy but I do have a bit of a break between now and then so here I am back to my routine. Sort of. Took the day to be a bit lazy so just now getting to my posting. And I should also get a chance to do some blogland visiting this week as well, might not be until later in the week though.

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

The Weather

It’s been HOT. My kind of weather but even a bit hot for me a few days. Today is a bit of a reprieve as we had a cold front move through and it was in the mid 60’s this morning. A nice change after waking up to the mid 80’s most of last week. It’s supposed to be the mid 80’s/low 90’s for most of the week as our high temps not the starting points.

How I Am Feeling This Morning (Afternoon)

Not too bad. Looking forward to having a few days off and happy that it’s officially summer.

On The Breakfast Plate

A Chobani Flip Yogurt, chewy churro flavor, not a fan.

On My Reading Pile

Just finished two Alison Sherlock books in the past two weeks. The Village of Lost and Found (Riverside Lane #2) and A House to Mend a Broken Heart, one of her older books and not my favorite. The Riverside Lane series is great though.

On My TV

Zombies! Been catching up with Fear the Walking Dead and The Walking Dead.

On The Menu

Didn’t really make a menu last week or maybe I did and we didn’t follow it. Seems to be the theme for my summer menus, make menu, change it all last minute.

MONDAY: Cooked Pork Chops (from freezer), baked potatoes, salad My husband ended up making us pancakes *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: pepper steak, rice *I work 8:15-4:45*

WEDNESDAY: chicken spinach skillet *I work 8:15-4:45*

THURSDAY: Roast in crockpot

FRIDAY: turkey sausages, chips, strawberries *J has an appt at 3* *I have am plans with a friend*

From The Camera

Planned to go take some quick updated pictures of the garden areas but when you don’t pick the camera up for two weeks, you don’t know the battery needs a charge. So, all the photos in this post are from 2 weeks ago…

Looking Around The House

It’s looked better, a lot better but it’s still livable.

To Relax This Week, I Will

Water my flowers, work in the gardens, take a walk, pick up the camera again

Something I Want To Share

Dumb joke I heard on the radio last week:

Why did Tigger stick his head in the toilet?

He was looking for Pooh!

(Not preschool appropriate but I thought it was funny!)

Quote For The Week

A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows (St. Francis of Assisi)

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Are you excited for it to finally be officially summer?

Our calendar is once again full. So is my heart. I am so happy to see activities and places for us to be listed on there once again. Though it seems we might be making up for lost time this week.

That’s why I’m getting a jump on things and putting my Happy Homemaker Monday post together on Sunday evening. Later, I’ll link up with Sandra, the host of the link up, over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

Let’s just get straight to it.

The Weather

Sun, sun, Mr. Golden sun decided to shine down on us almost all of last week! It’s apparently now something called the start of the “meteorological” summer but I’ll take it. Very slight rain chances and highs in the 80’s and low 90’s this week. Hooray! My weather is here.

On My Reading Pile

Magazines. Tried to start Jane Eyre but it feels like a fall read so I’m not sure I’ll continue. I’ll find something, maybe from my list, to start tomorrow night during J’s lesson.

On My TV

Been catching up with the rest of the Lucifer episodes on Netflix. Other than that, just whatever happens to be on…enjoying Crime Scene Kitchen when I catch it though. Probably start the Loki series on Disney plus on Friday.

On The Menu

Now, you’ll see what I mean by a full calendar. Keeping things simple for my sanity this week.

MONDAY: French Toast and sausage, fruit *I work 7:45-4:15* *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30 (HOORAY)*

TUESDAY: Pepper steak, noodles or rice, salad? *I work 7:45-4:15*

WEDNESDAY: On Your Own *I work 7:45-4:15* *I have a hair appt at 5*

THURSDAY: Greek sheet pan chicken and potatoes *I work 7:45-4:15*

FRIDAY: Frozen pizza or homemade pizza, salad *I work 7:45-4:15* *J has an appt at 3 or 4 (G will take him)*

SATURDAY: Moo shu pork in crock pot *J takes ACT at 8am*

On My To Do List

1. Mow the lawn
2. plant the flowers I bought today
3. Try to visit the other local nursery before they shut down for the season (she told me they stopped after Father’s Day, it’s a local pop up kind of place)
4. Remember to water the garden
5. Get with husband regarding whether we’re actually going to go somewhere for a vacation
6. Breathe

What I Am Creating

Maybe some day some pretty flower garden areas.

Looking Around The House

Please, don’t. Not this week. All the pretty outside flower pictures are supposed to distract us from that.

From The Camera

Need to be better about picking it up after work. Took all the photos for this post today except this one. A phone photo from Saturday. Think this is a newly hatched Katydid on my petunia. Stayed there all day yesterday.

Something Fun To Share

I got a last minute invitation to the ball (aka the preschool graduation, ha) last week. Had to earn my chair with parking lot duty (directing students and parents to their respective places) but didn’t mind. One of the songs the kids sang was this one. Very cute (obviously, for privacy reasons I’m not showing you MY school instead just a random video of a different school singing the song).

On My Prayer List

Friends, Family, Strangers. For things to continue to return to normal in the world. My dear blogging friend, Rebecca over at Rebecca’s Hearth and Home and her friends and family who are having some serious health struggles.

Quote For The Week

To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow. (Audrey Hepburn)

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Seems silly but I had no idea eggplant flowers were purple! Excited for the new garden addition. Did you plant a garden this year? What are you growing?

Maybe that should say night. I’m a bit late with my posting today. No real reason, just a bit of holiday laziness before a full week of work. 

Debated postponing until tomorrow but really do need to get a plan for this upcoming week underway. Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom helps me do just that.

The Weather

Rainy and cool all day today. However, the rest of the week looks nice with highs in the 70’s and I do think we might hit the 80’s on Friday. A slight chance of rain on Wednesday. Would be nice to properly dry out again.

On My Reading Pile

Read two books from my summer reading list. Spent a lot of today finishing The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins. A good twisty suspense novel that’s supposed to be a bit like Jane Eyre (one of those classics I’ve never read, hmm…perhaps I need to make another list?). My lighter summer read was A Summer Wedding at the Cornish Confetti Agency by Daisy James. A bit disappointed to see that series come to an end as I really enjoyed the characters.

On My TV

Trying to finish my Walking Dead shows before my AMC+ trial ends, need to finish Lucifer now that they’ve added the rest of the season to Netflix. And my husband and I started watching The Kominsky Method, also on Netflix (funny but for adults!) Just reruns on network tv now probably so whatever I happen to catch.

On The Menu

A full work week after the holiday today so keeping things pretty simple.

MONDAY: husband grilled ribs, corn, fruit salad

TUESDAY: Spaghetti, salad *I work 8:30-5*

WEDNESDAY: Honey lemon chicken legs, rice (or I may make the crunchy coleslaw I forgot to make today) *I work 8:30-5*

THURSDAY: BLT salads *I work 8:30-5*

FRIDAY: OUT (or something from freezer) *I work 8:30-5*

On My To Do List

Not too much since my work schedule is pretty full this week (for the next 3 weeks!)

1. Pay bills
2. Need to find the time to go buy new tennis shoes
3. Take some donations to the thrift store
4. Remind husband that Saturday is the big item drop off in the city (we have some large junk to dispose)
5. Maybe a little vacation planning

Creating

Honestly not much, just working on the garden areas. Pulled a bunch of weeds (thought they were flowers coming back but determined no, they were indeed just weeds) yesterday. Front porch still needs more flowers. At least I have my pink petunia pot going…

Looking Around The House

Well, G cleaned his room which somehow translates to lots of stuff in the living room. Can’t complain too much as he finally went through his clothes and now there are 2 bags of donations to take to the thrift store just from his stuff.

From The Camera

An older one from our 2019 Washington, D.C. Trip but meaningful to share today.

Something Fun To Share

I think I’ve shared her videos before but I made this recipe for our dessert tonight. (It wasn’t a huge hit but I liked it. My husband and oldest didn’t care for the apple in it. J hasn’t tried it yet as he just wasn’t super hungry today.)

On My Prayer List

Friends, Family, Strangers. Especially the strangers having a medical emergency in the grocery store on Sunday morning (it’s weird to here a call for a doctor over the intercom that usually plays music, I saw the ambulance as I left the store).

Quote For The Week

Another photo, taken during our 2019 Washington, D.C. trip. Good reminder for today especially.