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

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

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

The Weather

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

How I Am Feeling This Morning (Afternoon)

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

On The Breakfast Plate

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

On My Reading Pile

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

On My TV

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

On The Menu

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

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

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

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

THURSDAY: Roast in crockpot

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

From The Camera

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

Looking Around The House

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

To Relax This Week, I Will

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

Something I Want To Share

Dumb joke I heard on the radio last week:

Why did Tigger stick his head in the toilet?

He was looking for Pooh!

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

Quote For The Week

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

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Are you excited for it to finally be officially summer?

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

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

Let’s just get straight to it.

The Weather

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

On My Reading Pile

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

On My TV

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

On The Menu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On My To Do List

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

What I Am Creating

Maybe some day some pretty flower garden areas.

Looking Around The House

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

From The Camera

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

Something Fun To Share

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

On My Prayer List

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

Quote For The Week

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

*********

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

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

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

The Weather

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

On My Reading Pile

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

On My TV

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

On The Menu

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

MONDAY: husband grilled ribs, corn, fruit salad

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

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

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

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

On My To Do List

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

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

Creating

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

Looking Around The House

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

From The Camera

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

Something Fun To Share

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

On My Prayer List

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

Quote For The Week

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

Today was a manic Monday.  Late getting my post up after working all day. I agreed to be in the kitchen at work for today. Let’s just say that phrase about no good deed going unpunished fit for the day.

It was rather stressful from the fluorescent lights not firing on properly to a lack of information about the food I had to prepare. Oh, and add in a delivery right as lunch needed serving. However, I did have several teachers help me how they could and offer to help. And that was very much appreciated. That said, I’m looking forward to hopefully having a day off tomorrow!

Let’s just move on to the planning of the rest of this week with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Hot and humid today.  Upper 70’s/low 80’s all week until 65 degrees on Friday. Good news is it didn’t rain yesterday or today (in this area, other areas still got a few downpours). Bad news is that it’s supposed to rain yet again tomorrow and Thursday. The backyard is essentially turning into a wetland at this point. Maybe I’ll see a duck or two at the birdfeeders, who knows!

On My Reading Pile

Still not much. I did breeze through my turn with a library hold over the weekend, The End Of Her by Shari Lapena. Wasn’t my favorite, all seemed a bit far fetched. Could’ve just not been in the mood for a thriller though. I have a list of lighter summer reads that I’m planning to start on after Memorial Day when it’s proper summer season. Might do a blog post about my list.

On My TV

Been watching Fear The Walking Dead and ahem may or may not have signed up for the 2 months of AMC+ for 99 cents each over the weekend to see the end of the season 5 cliffhanger (had been watching on Hulu). Blaming the weather, dreary rainy days make for good days to watch zombie shows. However, our self-appointed comptroller (J) informed me of the total were spending on streaming services so we really should look into making some cuts and soon.

On The Menu

MONDAY: Tacos *I worked 8:30-5*

TUESDAY: honey lemon chicken legs, asparagus, salad

WEDNESDAY: Fridge Free For All (leftovers) *I work 3-6*

THURSDAY: Hawaiian Chicken, rice *I work for just a tiny bit in the a.m.*

FRIDAY: OUT *I work 7:30-3* *J has an appt at 4*

On My To Do List

1. This post (in progress)
2. Clean up house (always)
3. Mow front yard if it stays dry
4. Still need to clean out upstairs freezer
5. Pay a few bills
6. Mail a graduation card
7. Probably a bunch of other stuff I just can’t think of right now

What I Am Creating

A Wildflower garden area in the far corner of the yard.

My garden helper inspecting the flowers:

Silly cat follows me everywhere, trudged right beside me through the soggy yard that looked like this:

Looking Around The House

I did at least get my summer/spring wardrobe change out put away so we could sleep last night. Rest of the house needs a good cleaning as usual.

From The Camera

A bloom from the yard.

And a bloom from the grocery store bouquet.

Something Fun To Share

I’ve been trying to listen to more up to date music but you know I just have to share this 80’s favorite today.

And One More because it popped up and I like that song, too.

On My Prayer List

Next door neighbor, still in the hospital, friend of my husband, recently diagnosed with cancer on his jaw, father-in-law, who fell and is doing knee rehab. All the recent high school and college graduates. Friends, family, strangers.

Quote For The Week

May your life be like a wildflower growing freely in the beauty and joy of each day. (Native American Proverb)

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Did you have a manic Monday as well?

Our week got off to a rainy start. All day yesterday, it rained. The sky is still cloudy and gloomy this morning with a few more rain chances.

The weekend around here reflected the weather. Didn’t do much. Even putting off a few “have-to” items until today. Finally, made it to the grocery store this morning. Laundry is in progress (could’ve done that yesterday but didn’t).  And now, it’s time to join in with Sandra and the other wonderful bloggers who link up with her over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Cloudy and rainy. Basement has water trickling inside (more than that but not a flood, thank goodness!). Looking forward to lots more flowers blooming when the sun reappears. Temperature is fine, mid to upper 70’s.

On My Reading Pile

This is odd for me but the answer is nothing. Well, not any books at the moment. Plan to give my magazines a glance through this week. Sometimes I find interesting book suggestions in those. And I do have a couple e-books, I’ve been putting off reading because I want to read them during true summer weather.

On My TV

The series finale of Prodigal Son on Tuesday. I am DONE with shows on the Fox network. Second time (3rd if count Fringe but I started watching it too late to complain) I’ve become very interested in one of their shows and then, they cancel it. I don’t know why they think their entire audience wants to watch even more animated tv shows. UGH. (Fit over). Also, Masked Singer on Wednesday. And yes, I know it’s also on Fox.

Watched a couple movies over the weekend, Tenet and Inception. (Husband insisted we’d seen Inception before but I couldn’t remember it so watched it again). Both were odd but enjoyable movies. Also, caught up on a few episodes of Fear the Walking Dead. Probably watch a few more while folding laundry later.

On The Menu

Rainy weather equals baking weather, also. I used up some things that were about to expire/go bad and made peanut butter banana bread on Saturday. Then, yesterday, I made sour cream softie cookies as well as 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies. Lunchbox items covered for a bit.

A few carryover items from last week on here.

MONDAY: Salsa Verde Chicken in the crock pot

TUESDAY: ham steak, asparagus, black-eyed peas, and cornbread *I work 10-4*

WEDNESDAY: Pizza rolls (homemade, rolls…not the store things), salad, maybe minestrone

THURSDAY: either pork chops or chicken strips, French fries

FRIDAY: OUT for G’s birthday (He requested Chinese)

On My To Do List (For the Week)

1. Laundry
2. Clean up the house
3. Clean out upstairs freezer
4. Call the trash company for the THIRD time, it’s getting comical the level of incompetence
5. Pay some bills (thankfully, the trash company phone call is not bill related!)
6. Make sure I have some graduation cards/deliver one/mail the other
7. Get G a birthday present! And find out what kind of cake he wants
8. Still need to switch out clothes for fall/winter/spring/summer
9. Verify When I’m Working This Summer
10. Clean out my purse (car, too if the weather improves)

What I Am Sewing, Knitting, or Creating

Still dreaming about my garden areas and working on those. And attempting to make a garden journal. Go back and forth on how I want to put it together.

Looking Around The House

Pretend house looks great!

Real one where we actually live, not so much.

Clean up house is number 2 on my to do list for good reason.

From The Camera

For some reason, I woke up super early on Saturday. However, it was worth it because I got to witness the most amazing cloudy sunrise.

Something Fun To Share

When I worked on Friday, the kids had their last share day. At my school, it revolves around letter sounds. And of course, Z was our last letter sound. One sweet kid brought in Zinnias for the school to plant. And another, Zebra Cakes (the little Debbie treats) to share with the entire class including the teachers. We also, of course, saw lots of zoo items, zippers, and stuffed zebras.

On My Prayer List

Next door neighbor who was taken to hospital by ambulance on Saturday with breathing issues (she was sitting up and talking at least), preschool student (and his mom, a fellow teacher) who had a severe asthma attack last week, a couple of blogging friends having health issues either themselves or within their families. All the graduates out there. Friends, family, and strangers.

Quote For The Week

“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”  (Psalm 118:24)

Happy Monday! Hope you all had a wonderful Mother’s Day yesterday. It is May, right? Wonder why I’m asking? I’m asking because I generally don’t get up thinking about bumping on the heat during the second week of May!

It was a cold 41 degrees this morning! Supposed to stay chilly until the weekend. Wait, I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s save the weather talk for its category.

Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom where she hosts these wonderful weekly link ups. And she changed up the categories just a bit as well. However, the weather always stays at the top.

So, on to the categories starting with…

The Weather

Yesterday was gray and gloomy and also, chilly. I talked about this morning above but at least the sun is shining again! Most of our week is in the low to mid 60’s, about 10 degrees below normal. We’re, thankfully, back in the 70’s for the weekend. And because it’s spring, there’s also a chance of more thunderstorms over the weekend as well.

On My Reading Pile

Currently, nothing. A bit unusual. I did read Reluctantly Home by Imogen Clark last week. Always enjoy her novels though the subject matter of this one rang a little heavy at times (deals with the death of a child).

On My TV

Usual, Masked Singer and Prodigal Son. Phinneas and Ferb with J, a bit. And I watched the entire season of Dad Stop Embarrassing Me on Netflix over the weekend (only 8 episodes).   A bit of an edgier comedy, probably not for everyone but I found it a bit like the comedies from the 70’s, 80’s, & maybe 90’s so I enjoyed the reminiscent feel of the show while it dealt with current issues.

On The Menu

My husband and kids took me out to eat yesterday and we had a lovely in restaurant meal. Probably the first time we’ve all eaten out together in a restaurant in over a year! It was a catfish restaurant and so lots of delicious fried food, led to some rather tender stomachs last night and this morning.

Luckily, dinner for tonight is already prepped.

MONDAY: BBQ roast sandwiches (my husband cooked one on the smoker), leftovers from the restaurant (okra, fries, coleslaw, and beans)

TUESDAY: taco salads

WEDNESDAY: ham steaks, baked potatoes, asparagus

THURSDAY: Spaghetti or I might try these zucchini boats (zucchini was on sale at the store!), salad *I work 8:30-1:30*

FRIDAY: OUT! *J has an appt at 4* *I work 8:30-1:30*

SATURDAY: (not sure I’ll do this but I had a thought that Saturday would be a great crock pot meal day) Chicken Verde

On My To Do List (This Week)

1. Put entire pantry back together. I know it IS May despite the weather because we had ants visiting the pantry yesterday morning. UGH.
2. Still need to sort winter/spring/summer clothes. Except it can’t seem to pick a season around here!
3. Find a new book to read
4. Go outside and dump all the standing water I can find (rained over the weekend so now I’m on mosquito patrol today)
5. Call the trash company (AGAIN) to get a second recycling bin delivered (it was supposed to come last Tuesday)
6. Figure out what to do for G’s birthday and to celebrate him getting his Associate’s Degree (He’s transferring to a 4 year college now)
7. Work in the yard, get some plants in the ground
8. Clean the house
9. Look for a new pair of tennis shoes
10. Pick up the camera every day

What I Am Sewing, Knitting, or Creating

Working on getting the outside front porch and yard ready for the summer. I’m also back to working on my Animal Crossing New Horizons Island just for fun.

Looking Around The House

Well, the kitchen table is completely full at the moment, covered in pantry items. The rest of it is okay but needs a good clearing and cleaning.

From The Camera

The purple iris fell over but it still bloomed!

Something Fun To Share

I got nothing. Although I’m excited there are only 9 school days left for J! It’s been a rough year but he’s almost done.

On My Prayer List

Friends, family, strangers.

Quote For The Week

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20)

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Happy May! I’m excited to start a new month and move toward summer. At the same time, I’m acknowledging that I’m tired. The first part of this year (or maybe last year entirely) wore me down. Hoping that things continue to edge even more toward normal as spring continues and summer begins.

Before I begin this week, I want to say I’m very sorry I didn’t get a chance to visit everyone last week. Hopefully, I’ll get by and visit and comment with all of you this week. Now, let’s move on to the present week.

Linking up as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom. Be sure and visit for some homemaking inspiration!

The Weather

It’s spring and again, Happy May! Welcome to the unpredictable weather season (more than normal). This morning, chilly and looked like rain. Now, the sun is starting to stream through this basement window. It’s supposed to be in the 70’s today and then, a cold front with rain and low 60’s for temps moves through. Will that happen? Who knows. I just enjoy the warm sunny days as they arrive.

How I’m Feeling This Morning

I’m in the mood to just spend all my time (and money, ha!) outside working in the garden areas. Trying not to feel too guilty about turning down a last minute request to go into work. Already had my day sort of planned out though. Working very hard on telling myself that even if I have plans to just be with myself, those plans also count. Also, need to do some things with J today as he’s home from school again.

On The Breakfast Plate

A bit different today, scrambled eggs with sausage, toast, coffee, and vitamins. Hopping back on the carb cycling bike, I think. Was very sad about missing my toast until I remembered I could have a few carbs with breakfast. Need to re-read the book. We’ll see how it goes.

On My Reading Pile

Last week, I finished Girl A by Abigail Dean. It was one of my holds at the library. Really, I’d hoped for more. It just wasn’t my thing. I’m also on and off reading but I’ve started picking it up more lately, When Less Becomes More by Emily Ley. It’s a “real” book and I tend to do more reading on my phone lately. Though I do love the feel of “real” books.  Finally, I’ve just started Reluctantly Home by Imogen Clark. Since I’ve enjoyed all her books very much, I have high hopes for it.

On My TV

With the exception of Prodigal Son because of it’s dark humor, I’m finding I need lighter viewing. Watched Moana on Saturday afternoon. And J and I started re-watching Phineas and Ferb, one of our favorites. Probably going to watch The Masked Singer on Wednesday night.

On The Menu

Trying to keep things simple as the weather warms up (well, maybe) and to make it easy with my unpredictable schedule.

MONDAY: Stuffed Peppers, salad

TUESDAY: *Cinco de Mayo* Steak and Chicken Fajitas, peppers *I work 7:45-4:15*

WEDNESDAY: Waffles, bacon, sausage, fruit

THURSDAY: Copycat Chik-Fil-A, French Fries

FRIDAY: Some type of pizza (homemade, frozen, or OUT)

Looking Around The House

Well, it’s starting to look pretty outside of it. Getting closer to getting the porch flowers done.

SIGH. I need to straighten and clean quite a bit inside the house.

To Relax This Week, I Will

You’ll probably find me outside working on the flower garden areas. Or dreaming of landscaping projects. Reading some magazines or my books. Practicing with the camera (I can tell from the amount of blurry photos I’m taking that I’ve not picked it up enough recently).

Something I Want To Share

As much as I love working in my garden areas, I’m still not very good at identifying the returning perennial flowers from weeds. And I’d been trying to use the Plant Snap app without much success. Even I know that I’m not growing a Japanese banana tree in the front yard, come on! However, I found another free app that I think is going to work well. It’s called iNaturalist and I’m very happy with it so far based on my limited use of it without signing up for anything fancy.

From The Camera

I’ll get back to my bird watching posts eventually. Right now, I’m trying to think about how to structure when I post (keeping Mondays, of course) and whether I want to be on-line at all on the weekends. Meanwhile, here’s my accidental dove photo.

Quote For The Week

I came across this verse more than once last week so perhaps I should share it.

Psalm 119:105: Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

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How are you spending your first week of May?

Not really a surprise anymore that I’m a day late with my Happy Homemaker Monday post. It’s just started off to be that kind of a week.

Worked yesterday so it does feel a bit as though my week is starting today. Let’s just get straight to the categories.

Don’t forget to check out the Happy Homemaker Link Up over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Something *finally* woke up spring or perhaps summer decided to take a trial run. Dare I say it was a little hot yesterday? Hot and windy, really windy. Today is also going to be warm, predicted high of 82, but maybe not so windy. Good chances of rain tonight into tomorrow. Then, it looks like a decent weekend with highs in the upper 70s. Sold, I’ll take it!

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Still trying to shake off yesterday’s mood. Been in such a funk lately. Work was okay, I was mostly in the preprimary class but it was the outdoor picnic day (postponed Earth day celebration) so it wasn’t bad. However, home was just frustrating. I’ll just leave it at that. Bit frazzled over all the things I should do today and all the things I want to do today. A bit of overlap on some of them.

On The Breakfast Plate

Lemon meringue pie yogurt, coffee, and vitamins.

On My Reading Pile

I just started in on Confessions on the 7:45 by Lisa Unger and it’s very good so far. Read a couple of David Bell books last week, not bad just not my favorites. Characters aren’t very likeable in his books. Good for low concentration reading. Books were The Request and Since She Went Away. If you have a choice between a book by Lisa Unger and David Bell, go with Lisa Unger, so much better.

On My TV

I’ll watch Prodigal Son tonight. Might see if we have a streaming service where I can watch Debris from the beginning. Always catch glimpses of it and think it looks interesting. Movies I watched over the weekend: Souls (very good, I’d watch it again!), Green Lantern (with my husband, I’d seen it before and slept through the end, it’s probably one of the worst super hero movies out there), and King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (Really enjoyed this one! Charlie Hunnam plays King Arthur and Jude Law plays King Vortigern, longer movie but worth watching, definitely not the Disney version of things, it’s on HBO Max).

On The Menu

Being in a funk equates to not having a great menu plan.

MONDAY: I was ticked off at the family and left them to their own devices, personally I ate chips and salsa plus a balanced break thing with nuts and pepper jack cheese cubes *I worked 8:15-3:30*

TUESDAY: Grilled Chicken Legs (probably going to just marinate them in some Italian dressing), salad

WEDNESDAY: Pork Chops (I’m going to grill them tonight), baked potatoes, salad *MNO!!*

THURSDAY: Stuffed peppers or spaghetti depending on mood/weather

FRIDAY: OUT or leftovers *J has an appointment at 4*

Looking Around The House

I’d rather be outside. It needs a good straighten and cleaning especially the kitchen (going to have a discussion about this with the teenagers)

To Relax This Week I Will

Work in the garden areas planting flowers. Maybe set up some fairy gardens. Go for a walk. Try to clean and clear out the house, want to redecorate a bit.

Something I’d Like To Share

How about something a little positive? My husband made me a raised garden bed using an old box springs we removed from J’s room.

Needs one more layer of soil. Not sure what we’re going to plant yet, maybe tomatoes here and something else over in the garden.

From The Camera

Quote For The Week

“Nothing is worth more than this day. You cannot relive yesterday. Tomorrow is still beyond your reach.”

(Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)

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What do you do to get out of a funk?

To start this week, after some typical spring days, we get maybe snow? Not happy about that. Not sure who out there is, happy for you if you get excited about April snow. However, most of us do not.

I’m ready to plant my flowers and more plants in the garden. Sit out in the sunshine. Not so much still drink hot cocoa and dream about doing it. SIGH. Guess I better make the most of today’s sunshine.

First though, it’s time to join in with Sandra for Happy Homemaker Monday.

The Weather

Guess it’s fitting they’re busy talking about football on the news this morning (spring training camp stuff) since the weather predictions are more fall/winter than early spring. It’s been an usually cold spring, I think. The maybe snow is probably more like a good chance of it since we’re under a winter weather advisory starting later tonight. At least it looks as if things are back to normal by the weekend, and warm (finally) next week.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Tired, relieved, frustrated, sad. Pretty much all the feelings. Tired because I didn’t sleep great. Relieved because J went to school this morning. Frustrated because I had to take the G’s car and I don’t want to take it to do my other errands, it is not a joy to drive (Husband took my car to go turkey hunting this morning). Frustrated for lots of other reasons, grab the tiny violins as I’m having a bit of a pity party. Sad because we have family moving out of state tomorrow and I’m going to miss them (though note: I am very happy for them).

Ever feel like there’s too much and not enough on your plate all at the same time? Kind of where I am right now. If that makes no sense to you, don’t worry, it doesn’t even make a lot of sense to me.

On The Breakfast Plate

Something a little different, strawberry toaster strudels with coffee and vitamins. I really need to get to the store.

On My Reading Pile

Finished two books last week. First, I read Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century by Jessica Bruder which was fascinating and disturbing and sad and hopeful all at once. After my nonfiction choice, I needed an “escape” so I read Girl A by Dan Scottow. A page turning thriller that surprised me in some ways and not in others at the end.

Finally, this week I’ll finish up reading The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian. I wasn’t sure I’d like it, pretty mixed reviews on Amazon (I checked it out of the library, I don’t think it’s free over on Amazon). However, I’m enjoying it. It reads like a thriller but the author spends a bit more time developing the main characters than in most thrillers I’ve read. Seemed to annoy some of the Amazon reviewers but I kind of like it.

On My TV

Tried very hard to watch the Nomadland movie after reading the book. Just couldn’t get through it. Too depressing for a Friday night. That said, some of the people profiled in the book play themselves in the movie so that aspect was interesting. Didn’t really watch anything else of note.

Typical TV shows: Prodigal Son, Masked Singer, Falcon and the Winter Soldier. I’ve been watching a bit of the Doctor Who reruns now and then.

On The Menu

Did I mention how I really need to go to the store? Last week, I changed a lot of my menu ideas so might be some repeats here. I’m sure things will change again this week as I’ll probably get called into work as well as change my mind once I go grocery shopping.

MONDAY: Subway OUT *J has a band concert!!*

TUESDAY: Spaghetti, salad, garlic bread

WEDNESDAY: Pork chops probably, salad, baked potatoes

THURSDAY: Chicken strips or there’s a moo shu pork recipe I’ve been wanting to try (would use the left over pork chops)

FRIDAY: Frozen pizza or OUT *J has an appt at 3*

Looking Around The House

I need to do a serious clean up again.

To Relax This Week I Will

Read my book, watch the birds, maybe do a little shopping other than at the grocery store

From The Camera

Something I Want To Share

I moved my So Not Organized blog followers from Bloglovin’ over to this blog. Hello! (Feel free to unsubscribe if this isn’t your cup of tea (or coffee), I won’t take offense.)

Also, look at these Earthship homes. I’d never heard of them before reading Nomadland.

Quote For The Week

Everyone needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul. (John Muir)

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How’s your weather look this week? Is it a maybe snow forecast for you as well?

Well, last week got away from me. Some day I’ll go back to posting more than these Monday posts that sometimes don’t show up until Wednesdays.

I ended up working a lot more than I expected last week. One of the reasons explaining all the blog silence. Anyway, it’s a new week and time for a fresh start on things.

Going to link up as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom. Go check out her posts!

The Weather

A little cooler this morning but today is going to be another beautiful spring day! There is a chance for a frost overnight and on Tuesday night but lots of sunny skies predicted for the next few days.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Brave and accomplished. Despite being super scared of needles, I went and got my Covid 19 vaccine. Thankfully, I found a place with the Johnson and Johnson one shot kind. And I’m even more thankful for the kindness of the pharmacy tech who gave it to me. A lot less nervous now but still just a tiny bit worried about side effects. As someone who’s had an allergic reaction in the past (to amoxicillin), I probably won’t fully relax until a couple days are past. Still, I’m done with the super scary needle part of things! Hooray.

On The Breakfast Plate

Lemon meringue pie flip yogurt, vitamins, and coffee.

On My Reading Pile

After waiting since December, I finally had a turn to read The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. Really enjoyed it. Over the weekend, I read a quick thriller by Lisa Unger called Under My Skin. I find I appreciate her books aren’t overly predictable.

On My TV

Over the weekend (it rained all day Saturday!), we watched a few movies. By myself I watched Gone Girl because I’d long ago read the book. Book was better. Of course. Then, we did it. We watched the FOUR hour Justice League movie. Started it Saturday night so had to watch a bit of the end again on Sunday (I may or may not have fallen asleep during part of the middle, just a battle scene, I think, and at the end). It was good. A bit too much slow motion in it (cut that and you’d probably have a 3 hour movie). Finally, yesterday, we watched Monsters, Inc. Just for fun.

Excited that Prodigal Son is back on tomorrow night! Need to finish the Q documentary on HBO Max. And of course, I’ll watch Falcon and the Winter Soldier on Disney Plus Friday night (husband wouldn’t admit it but he’s watching it with me).

On The Menu This Week

Last week was weird with me working unexpectedly and odd hours every day except Monday. Lots of eating out. Too much. Hopefully, this week we eat at home around the table a lot more.

MONDAY: Probably leftovers from the weekend or maybe pasta of some sort. Maybe pasta and leftovers *I have a hair appt at 11*

TUESDAY: Roast in crock pot

WEDNESDAY: Chicken Verde in crock pot

THURSDAY: Fried cube steak, mashed potatoes

FRIDAY: Probably OUT *J has an appt at 3*

Looking Around The House

Not too bad, lots of nervous energy funneled into cleaning the house a bit yesterday. Husband does have tax papers all over the living room. And we still have a box of jewelry sitting on the couch. Kitchen table is clear, however.

To Relax This Week, I Will

You’ll find me either outside working on the garden areas or inside dreaming about doing it. Read a book. Enjoy a cup of tea.

From The Camera

I’d kind of lost my camera motivation. I don’t know, all motivation. However, this little Eastern Towhee came to visit yesterday morning and I enjoyed some time chasing him around with it.

Something I Want To Share

Probably goes under book talk but I’m really enjoying and finding a lot of peace in reading through the Jesus Calling book I picked up on Easter weekend. Have you read through it before?

Quote For The Week

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)

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What are your plans for this lovely part of mid-April?