Today is the last day of November. I am more than ready to welcome in December. This month has been a bit rough and I’m ready to move into the Christmas season as well as a brand new year.

Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for the Happy Homemaker Monday link up. And look, she changed the categories! I had a feeling she might, some fun ones for the Advent season as well.

The Weather 

It certainly does not feel like the end of November around here! It was in the high 50’s yesterday but supposed to hit almost 70(!) today. Sunshine abounds. Such strange weather. Of course, usually warm spells in the fall and especially winter usually signal some cold stormy weather around the bend. We’ll see. I did take advantage yesterday with a long walk in the park. Sprinkling the pictures throughout this post.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Tired with a slight headache (from lack of sleep I’m sure), frustrated and guilty over my inability to really help J in his struggle with anxiety and depression. Still trying to stay positive and working on getting him help.  Add in annoyed with the million cyber Monday deals in my inbox to try and sift through while looking for more important ones. 

On My Mind

The on-line church sermon from yesterday. The bullet points: rejoice how God is using you, Praise God, Anticipate how God is transforming the world, and remember God’s faithfulness in the past. 

Trying very hard especially with the first one but struggling a bit.

Something Christmas-Related I’ve Done The Past Few Days

Attempted to re-arrange the entire living room to find a new place for the Christmas tree. It didn’t work. Advice: If you have a small living room, never and I mean NEVER buy a sectional. It only fits one way. On a happier thought, I had a small peppermint mocha yesterday morning and we put up the greenery around the doorway plus the tree (didn’t decorate it yet).

Christmas Movie I Watched

I usually don’t start watching Christmas movies until Dec 1. However, I did watch maybe 5 minutes of Robbie the Reindeer in Hooves of Fire. A bit too bizarre even for me.

What I’m Wearing Today

Black short-sleeved light-weight sweater, olive green pants, socks & tennis shoes. Not very festive.

On My Reading Pile

Lots of books! I went to the library for 2 hold pick ups and browsed a bit. Over Thanksgiving, I finished one of my holds: God of Lost Words by A.J. Hackworth. It was the 3rd and final installment in the Hell’s Library series. An interesting series for book lovers as long as you don’t get too bogged down in the semantics and ideas of the settings. It’s fantasy fiction and stays true to that genre, not for everyone but I enjoyed it.

I also (finally!) have the new Andy Weir book, Hail Mary, on my pile. He wrote The Martian so I’m super excited to read this. Then, I have a slew of other random books covering everything from “getting cozy” to a silly satirical book of 90’s movie reviews.

However, currently, I’m reading The Christmas Countdown by Donna Ashcroft on my kindle app because it’s the Christmas season!

On Today’s To Do List

1. Breathe
2. Complete this post
3. Gather items for renewing my driver license (yuck!)
4. Make some appointments for J/e-mail school (half-done)
5. Do a bit more Christmas decorating
6. Go outside and enjoy the beautiful weather! 

On The TV

Not sure, probably just the usual stuff: The Voice, La Brea, Masked Singer, maybe The Flash. Christmas movies.

Listening To

At the moment, the clothes dryer. Might turn on some music later.

On The Menu

Tired of summer menu items but the weather isn’t cooperating for fall/winter menus.

MONDAY: turkey hot dogs on the grill, broccoli or I might make the minestrone soup I skipped over doing yesterday. Maybe both and I’ll just freeze the minestrone for a cold day. *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Roast in the crock pot, potatoes

WEDNESDAY: Pork chops with Asian flair, rice, pineapple (Freezer crock pot meal)

THURSDAY: Chicken strips, French fries *I work 8:30-5*

FRIDAY: Homemade pizza (carry over from last week)

From The Camera

Just more park pictures. I think the “all you need is love” tree must be some sort of geocache, marker in the park. Always interesting little treasures on it. And I couldn’t stand how the love banner fell so I moved it up higher on the tree again. 

Looking Around The House

Not awful, just need to decorate for Christmas. My husband did put our tv on the wall so now I have a bit more space for my Nativity scenes.

In Prep For The Holidays

This week is just going to be about decorating, maybe putting some cookie dough in the freezer.

On My Prayer List

J that he’ll overcome this battle with anxiety/depression and once again feel happy. (And if you have a spare prayer, can I ask for some for us as well because it’s a little tough dealing with all this as parents)

Those dealing with heavy feelings and grief as they try to maneuver the holiday season.

Family, friends, strangers.

Quote For The Week

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

(Psalm 55:22)  

Posting a bit late today as I had a few errands this morning. Getting a bit more excited about Thanksgiving though still missing our plans of old a bit (when we used to travel to Oklahoma). 

A short week school and work-wise, however, still needs a plan. Let’s just get right to it by joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

Breakfast Time..What Is On The Plate This Morning

Felt a bit festive after my morning grocery store run: Caramel Brûlée Latte and peppermint perfection flavor flip yogurt (also, regular coffee early in the am & vitamins) 

Looking Around The House

Let’s not. I had a good run on Saturday morning but that was 2 days ago…

On Today’s To-Do List

Mostly errands that are done.

1. Go to grocery store for Thanksgiving items
2. Haircut
3. Run a couple Christmas shopping errands
4. This post
5. Take J to his lesson tonight

Currently Reading

I must find something lighter for J’s lesson tonight. Finished too rather dark thrillers over the weekend. First, I read Last Girl Ghosted by Lisa Unger. Definitely, an intense can’t put it down kind of thriller. I gave it 5 stars. And I just finished The Push by Ashley Audrain. This one moved at a different pace and was a twisty, disturbing kind of thriller that dealt with raw emotions and inherited mental illness (whether from nature or nurture is left up to the reader a bit). It’d be a good book club read if you knew the members well (there’s lots that could really be upsetting to someone in a fragile state)

On The TV This Week

La Brea, Masked Singer if it’s on this week with the holiday, whatever catches my eye on the streaming services. Football.

The Weather Outside Is 

Confusing. One day it’s in the mid 50’s, the next day we’re waking up to 28 degrees. It’s 48 degrees and sunny right now so today’s a chilly one but then, it’s supposed to warm up for a couple days, then back to cold. It was nice enough yesterday afternoon that I cleared out the garden and tilled it. 

On The Menu This Week

Um, Thanksgiving. Not sure about those days around it. Let’s see…

MONDAY: No idea. Maybe chicken strips? Brocoli

TUESDAY: Either tacos or homemade pizza

WEDNESDAY: Whichever we don’t do on Tuesday *I work 12-4:30*

THURSDAY: Turkey, sweet potatoes, rolls, pumpkin pie to name a few items and yes, I did buy this to make things a bit more special and fun:

FRIDAY: Leftovers

If I Have A Few Minutes To Myself I Will

Probably just have a cup of tea and relax

New Recipe I Tried Or Want To Try This Week

Pretty traditional fare this week though I did pick up the ingredients to try a new fudge recipe (need to make sure we can freeze it for Christmas first)

One Of My Simple Pleasures

Fuzzy socks

Favorite Photo From The Camera 

Still working on getting back into the habit of picking up the camera

Praying For 

A friend of my husband who is in the hospital with COVID (this is the brother of the friend who just passed away of cancer) and his family (his son also has COVID related pneumonia but is not hospitalized)

My favorite grocery store cashier (she has the same name as me!) who I overheard tell a coworker that her sister passed away over the weekend

Friends and family (and strangers) who are celebrating their first holidays without loved ones

My family to stay healthy and my brother’s significant other (SIL) to continue to heal from throat cancer

*special prayer request for J* J who’s once again dealing with high levels of anxiety. For him to go to school the rest of the semester and once again take joy in his band activities without feeling so overwhelmed.

All of those reading this blog to have a wonderful week and Thanksgiving (if you celebrate)

Quote For The Week

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

 

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Happy Monday! It’s not only “victory Monday” around here but also a birthday Monday for J. A good day indeed. 

After a low-key weekend, I’m happy to find some motivation for getting things done in the week ahead. Let’s just get right to things today. Joining in as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

Breakfast Plate…What Is On The Plate This Morning

My source of the current levels of motivation and high energy: a venti cold brew Irish cream coffee from the Starbucks in the grocery store. I really probably should stop and eat something as well as take my vitamins. Maybe a pumpkin spice English muffin in a bit.

Looking Around The House

Not too bad at the moment but my husband is due back from his hunting trip later today and after that, I don’t even want to think about it.

On Today’s To Do List

1. Go to grocery store *DONE*
2. Bake J’s birthday cake/wrap his presents
3. Take J to his baritone lesson (he opted to still go tonight)
4. Finish up the laundry
5. Enjoy the beautiful, sunny day

Currently Reading

I finished up a rather depressing memoir (ended happy) called Flying on the Inside: A Memoir of Trauma and Recovery by Rachel Gotto by  so I needed something light for this week. I’ve started in on Snowflakes at the Hummingbird Hotel by Daisy James. Should probably start in on my pile of actual library books as well.

On The TV This Week

Shall I just confess that I ate too many snacks and watched way too much TV last week? Binge-watched the entire season 7 of The Flash, watched the latest episode of Legends of Tomorrow, and the movie Enchanted (so fun!). Add in our regular shows, The Voice, La Brea (still dumb and I’m still watching…), and The Masked Singer.  Less TV should happen this week though I’ll still catch The Masked Singer on Wednesday night.

The Weather Outside Is

Much like the Chiefs, it’s back to being great out there! It’s going to be in mid-60’s and sunny today, close to 70 tomorrow, just nice. We do dip back down to the mid 40’s, low 50’s later in the week but that’s pretty typical for this time of year.

On The Menu This Week

Note to self: Please clean out the freezers and see what we have! I’ve put this on the to-do list many times but not done it. Now, I really do need to get it done.

MONDAY: J’s 17th birthday so his choice. Maybe Subway? Chocolate cake and white icing for dessert.

TUESDAY: Pork chops, green beans (fresh), baked potatoes *I work 7:15-3:30* *Bunco night*

WEDNESDAY: Steaks on the grill, salad *I have a hair appt at 9:00*

THURSDAY: Roast in the crock pot

FRIDAY: Homemade pizza

If I Have A Few Minutes To Myself I Will

Be outside with the camera

New Recipe I Tried Or Want To Try This Week

Well, I made a fruitcake last week. Not sure how it’s going to turn out as I used cherry juice instead of rum for my glazing. Also wondering now if I shouldn’t put in the fridge?  Also used the end of the summer tomatoes (tiny crop) to make some crostini. I enjoyed it but the kids weren’t fans. Finally, I also finished off the butterscotch chips to make half a batch of Old Timey Butterscotch Treats.

One Of My Simple Pleasures

Casual conversations with strangers at the grocery store (oh my, that sounds like an Ed Sheeran song. Oops! Not the kind of conversation I meant). It was just so nice to have a random bit of conversation about the Chiefs winning last night with the gentleman behind me in line at the checkout this morning. Just a tiny bit of casual conversation, something I missed so much during the height of the pandemic. Everyone just feels a bit more relaxed now.

Favorite Photo From The Camera

 

Praying For

Friends, Family, Strangers. That this new lifting of the mask mandates around here stays put this time and doesn’t lead to increased cases/get rescinded once again. A safe, healthy, and happy holiday season for all of us. Strength to reach out and start reconnecting with estranged family members (It just feels like time).

Quote For The Week 

This is the day which the Lord hath made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24 KJV)

 

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First, yes I know it’s Tuesday. Day late seems to be the usual for me lately.

And now, for my unpopular opinion at this time of year. I love when we switch off Daylight Savings Time. It makes me so happy to have daylight in the mornings again. No more taking J to school in the dark. No more missing the beautiful sunrises because I am already at work or busy with other chores.

My only complaint this year is the later switching really did mean it gets dark already at 5:30! Ugh. If we’d switched a bit sooner, we could’ve eased into the darker evenings a bit more.

Okay, enough about that. Time to plan the rest of the week ahead by joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

Breakfast Plate…What Is On The Plate This Morning

Something different for a change! A pumpkin English muffin and a bowl of maple sugar instant oatmeal. Coffee and vitamins remain constant breakfast fare.

Looking Around The House

Giving it a decent tidying and perhaps some cleaning definitely on the list for today.

On Today’s To Do List

1. Laundry
2. This post/menu plan
3. Write another blog post
4. Figure out plans for J’s birthday next week
5. Whatever the Flylady kitchen missions are for yesterday and today
6. Write and mail a letter

Currently Reading

Midnight Kisses at Willow Tree Hall (book 4 in the series) by Alison Sherlock. I read a couple of her other books over the weekend. They’re not long reads and are just happy, feel good romances.

On The TV This Week

The Voice and La Brea tonight, Masked Singer tomorrow. Not sure about the rest. Probably finish up The Flash for my laundry folding show.

The Weather Outside Is

Beautiful! Back to a late summer/early autumn feeling. High of 70 degrees yesterday, low 60’s today. Still a bit windy though so not quite as warm. Cloudy this morning. Then, good chances for rain tomorrow and cooler temps for the weekend. It’s typical up, down, and sideways weather for us.

On The Menu This Week

Continuing to struggle with what to fix….went to the store yesterday but we’ll see if that helps me think of anything.

MONDAY: No idea what G ate, J and my husband had rotisserie chicken and I had a bowl of cereal *I worked 8:30-1* *J had a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Hamburgers/cheeseburgers on pretzel buns, maybe I’ll make onion rings on the side

WEDNESDAY: Pork chops in crock pot, rice (depending on my mood, may just switch this and make tacos)

THURSDAY: Spicy potato soup

FRIDAY: Grilled cheese, soup

If I Have A Few Minutes To Myself, I Will

Take my camera and go for a walk!

New Recipe I Tried Or Want To Try This Week

I have a very few red tomatoes left from our garden (turned them red in a brown paper sack) and thinking I’m going to half this recipe for tomato crostini to use them up before they go bad.

One Of My Simple Pleasures

Seeing the sunrise in the early morning hours

Favorite Photo From The Camera

Didn’t take many photos at all last week so all my photos are of the same first day of no daylight savings sunrise. This one was my favorite of the bunch.

Praying For

Friends, family, strangers. That the people from the car accident blocking the road last night were okay.  A peaceful holiday season.

Quote For The Week

Darkness cannot drive out darkness.

Only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate.

Only love can do that.

(Martin Luther King Jr.) 

 

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My calendar says November 1 but my e-mail says Christmas! and my mind says, wait what happened to August? Ha. Guess we’ll just have to believe the calendar.

Hope everyone had a good Halloween weekend. Mine was busy but good. Friday I helped out at the preschool Halloween party, exhausting but fun. Saturday morning the high school band marched in a local Halloween parade and then that night my husband and I attended a bonfire at a friend’s house. Yesterday was a bit more low-key. I made taco soup in the crock pot, watched a few Harry Potter movies, and we all played Uno while waiting for the trick-or-treat kids to arrive. Not as many as last year. However, lots going on around town this year.

And of course, my boys are excited to see leftover candy in that bowl. Unfortunately, J woke up not feeling great today so he’s home with a sore throat. No fever so I’m hoping it’s not serious and since tomorrow is a no school day (election day) that he’ll be back on track for Wednesday.

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

Breakfast Time…What Is On The Plate This Morning

Something different today. Pumpkin spice English muffin and then the usual vitamins and coffee.

Looking Around The House

Time to pack up the Halloween specific decorations, fall can stay though.

On Today’s To Do List

1. Finish paying bills
2. Cancel our trash service (We are going with a new company! Local and cheaper!)
3. Laundry
4. Take down outdoor Halloween decorations (Hoping it warms up a bit today)
5. Make grocery list/maybe go to store
6. Write and publish final post in my 31 days series, didn’t make it quite the full 31

Currently Reading

Just finished Christmas in the Scottish Highlands by Donna Ashcroft. She’s definitely one of my favorite kindle authors. I’m only sorry I didn’t save this one for the Christmas season. On my “real” book pile, I’ve started Ten Arguments For Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now by Jaron Lanier. Very interesting so far.

On The TV This Week

The Voice, La Brea, hopefully, The Masked Singer is back, also watching Legends Of Tomorrow on Netflix. And may finish up my Harry Potter movie marathon I started (made it through 3 movies yesterday).

The Weather Outside Is

Chilly! It was nice for the parade on Saturday but now it’s turned and we’re getting lower than normal temperatures for the first week of November. It’s 43 degrees this morning. Predicted lows in the upper 30’s all week with highs in the mid 40’s to upper 50’s. Cloudy out there as well.

On The Menu This Week

Trying to eat out of the freezer this week a bit. However, I also have an appointment for a vaccine booster on Tuesday morning so they might be on their own depending on how I feel later. I’m going to try and keep it simple.

MONDAY: Maybe leftover taco soup, rottessire chicken?

TUESDAY: Roast in the crock pot  *Election Day* *No school* *I have an appt at 9:30*

WEDNESDAY: Chicken strips, French Fries

THURSDAY:  No idea, maybe minestrone?

FRIDAY: Frozen pizza, salad

If I Have A Few Minutes To Myself, I Will

I don’t know. Sleep?

New Recipe I Tried Or Want To Try This Week

The taco soup was my husband’s grandmother’s recipe and I’d never made it before. It turned out good and we all liked it. Husband wanted a bit more heat but I thought it had good flavor.

One Of My Simple Pleasures

Covering up with soft blankets or throws while watching tv or reading

Favorite Photo From The Camera

Another week where I just didn’t pick up the camera very much. The two other photos in this post were from my cell phone & I grabbed this one with the bridge camera as it was handy. Holiday treats from the “good” bakery. Two words: pistachio cream. YUM (Okay, that was 3 words) 

Praying For

My son that it’s nothing serious and he wakes up feeling fine, friends especially those dealing with grief, family, strangers. The neighbors I always hear yelling. Teacher at work who has to quarantine for 2 weeks. Bit of bravery for myself tomorrow.

Quote For The Week

 

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 

(2 Timothy 1:7)

 

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I’m feeling a bit behind this week. Probably because once again I’m posting on a Tuesday. The end of last week and the weekend were both busy with work and activities. And I also worked again yesterday.

Today, I woke up ready to take back the house and maybe do a little bit of planning for the upcoming busier months of the year. And as always, I’ll link up to Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom where Sandra hosts these Happy Homemaker Mondays each week.

Breakfast Plate…What Is On The Plate This Morning

A bit of a change up today. Pulled the pumpkin spice English muffins from the freezer so toasted one of those and added a bit of butter. Plus coffee. And vitamins.

Looking Around The House

Did I mention I was on a bit of a mission to take it back today?  (Just a quick note: If you’ve been following my 31 Days Series, I haven’t forgotten. Life just got busy without much blogging time.)

On Today’s To Do List

What isn’t on today’s list would take up less space. Just a quick sampling of today’s list:

1. Wash all the household bedding (Long overdue, in progress)
2. Regular laundry
3. General house cleaning
4. Pay rest of the bills including the once a year big ones (homeowners insurance, car insurance)
5. Clean out fridge/freezer
6. Outdoor tasks, not sure if it’s too late to plant bulbs? Need to trim the peony leaves (to try and stop disease)
7. Perhaps a bit of Christmas planning
8. Return library books
9. Work on blog/computer stuff
10. Make a list for errands/maybe go to store to get all the stuff I forgot last night

Currently Reading

Finished Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte last week. Started a bit slow but once I got further into the story, my interest increased. Also, read Boston Scream Murder (Deputy Donut Mystery #4) just because it sounded fun. Not my favorite though I do love this Ginger Bolton series. Needing something quick to read during J’s lesson last night, I downloaded Christmas in the Scottish Highlands by Donna Ashcroft.

Also floating around on the kindle app on my phone is the Chaos to Clean: in 31 Babysteps by Marla Cilley. Not making much progress. I do better with physical books on that type of subject matter. And in the pile of actual library books half-started is Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire: The Guide to Being Glorious You by Jen Hatmaker. Not sure why I couldn’t get into it. Going to try one more time before I take it back to the library.

On The TV This Week

Watched Dune over the weekend and really enjoyed it. Never saw the original so wasn’t sure what to expect or even the plot. Probably a good one to see in theater if you’re into the series (I watched on HBO Max).  La Brea tonight and The Masked Singer tomorrow unless the World Series pre-empts them. Not sure about that. Whatever catches my eye on the streaming services. Thinking of doing a Harry Potter movie marathon on the weekend, depending on the weather.

The Weather Outside Is 

Much cooler though it’s supposed to get up to 61 today. The mornings have been in the low to mid 40’s.  We had some storms (most went around us) over the weekend and are due for 2 solid days of (much needed) rain tomorrow and Thursday. It’s supposed to chilly and sunny on Saturday (nice as we have a Halloween parade to attend, high school band marches) and then, just partly cloudy but still nice on Sunday, Halloween. Fall is finally here, I think.

On The Menu This Week

I’ve been struggling so much in this area lately. Not even sure why. Feels like we’ve just been doing the same meals on repeat but it’s been too warm really for the homey, meals of fall/winter. Maybe this week.

MONDAY: G and I had BBQ pulled pork (from freezer), husband had leftover tacos, and J had pizza rolls *I worked 8:30-5* *J had a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes

WEDNESDAY: Spaghetti, breadsticks, salad

THURSDAY: Stuffed peppers

FRIDAY: Leftovers/Out/Cereal *I work 8:30-12:30*

SAT/SUN: Not sure about Saturday but I plan to make taco soup for Halloween.

If I Have A Few Minutes To Myself I Will

Probably waste it playing a stupid game on my phone. Or hopefully instead of that, read. Maybe sit outside if the weather is warm enough.

New Recipe I Tried Or Want To Try This Week

Might give these quick yogurt scones a try with some of the Flip yogurts as we seem to have an abundance of cookies and cream flavored ones (A certain teenager burned out on that flavor after I bought a bunch, not my favorite breakfast flavor either).

One Of My Simple Pleasures

Getting into bed at night when the sheets are freshly cleaned.

Favorite Photo From The Camera

Still working on getting back into the groove of picking up my camera more but I didn’t want to miss the full Hunter’s moon last Tuesday night. (Note: these two photos were with the bridge camera as it has a special setting for the moon.) 

Praying For

Friends, family, strangers. The neighbors. A healthy “normal” fall/winter season for all of us. A lessening of the all that divides us and return to civility, respect, and kindness.

Quote For The Week

This verse popped into my head just now as I typed the end of my prayer list.

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:26)

 

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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)

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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: