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?

**********

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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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)

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

Are you excited for it to finally be officially summer?

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

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

Let’s just get straight to it.

The Weather

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

On My Reading Pile

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

On My TV

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

On The Menu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On My To Do List

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

What I Am Creating

Maybe some day some pretty flower garden areas.

Looking Around The House

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

From The Camera

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

Something Fun To Share

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

On My Prayer List

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

Quote For The Week

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

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

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

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

The Weather

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

On My Reading Pile

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

On My TV

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

On The Menu

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

MONDAY: husband grilled ribs, corn, fruit salad

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

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

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

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

On My To Do List

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

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

Creating

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

Looking Around The House

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

From The Camera

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

Something Fun To Share

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

On My Prayer List

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

Quote For The Week

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

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)

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

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?