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

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

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

Breakfast Time…What Is On The Plate This Morning

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

Looking Around The House

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

On Today’s To Do List

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

Currently Reading

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

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

On The TV This Week

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

The Weather Outside Is 

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

On The Menu This Week

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

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

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

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

THURSDAY: Enchilada Chicken in the slow cooker, rice

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

If I Have A Few Minutes To Myself I Will

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

New Recipe I Tried Or Want To Try This Week 

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

One Of My Simple Pleasures

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

Favorite Photo From The Camera

Praying For

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

Quote For The Week

One of my favorite autumn quotes:

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

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

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

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

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

Breakfast Time…what is on the plate this morning:

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

Looking Around The House

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

On Today’s To Do List

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

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

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

Currently Reading

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

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

On The TV This Week

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

The Weather Outside Is

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

On The Menu This Week

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

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

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

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

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

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

If I Have A Few Minutes To Myself I Will

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

New Recipe I Tried Or Want To Try This Week

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

One Of My Simple Pleasures

Dark chocolate

Favorite Photo From The Camera

Praying For 

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

Quote For The Week

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

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

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

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

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Guess I got chatty after all. Oops!

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

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

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

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

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

Breakfast time…what is on the plate this morning

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

Looking around the house

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

On today’s to do list

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

Currently reading

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

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

On the tv this week

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

The weather outside is 

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

On the menu this week

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

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

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

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

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

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

If I have a few minutes to myself, I will

Be outside messing around with the flower garden areas.

New recipe I tried, or want to try this week

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

One of my simple pleasures

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

Favorite photo from the camera

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

Praying for

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

Bible verse/Quote for the week

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

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

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

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

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

The Weather

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

Right Now I Am

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

Thinking

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

On My Reading Pile

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

On My TV

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

On The Menu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On My To Do List

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

In My Craft Basket

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

Looking Forward To This Week

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

Looking Around The House

See above about getting a fall cleaning list ready!

From The Camera

On My Prayer List

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

Quote For The Week

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

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

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

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

The Weather

Perhaps it’s best described in song this week:

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

Right Now I Am

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

Thinking

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

On My Reading Pile

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

On My TV

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

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

On The Menu For This Week 

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

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

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

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

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

FRIDAY:  *I may work 8:15-4:45*

On My To Do List

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

In The Craft Basket

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

Looking Forward To

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

Looking Around The House

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

From The Camera

On My Prayer List

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

Quote For The Week

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Weather

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

How I’m Feeling Tonight

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

On The Breakfast Plate

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

On My Reading Pile

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

On My TV

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

On The Menu

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

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

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

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

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

FRIDAY: OUT *NOT WORKING*

From The Camera

Looking Around The House

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

To Relax This Week, I Will

See above!

On My Prayer List

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

Quote For The Week

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

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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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