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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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)

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