Happy Monday from cold, snowy, and sad after a Super Bowl loss KC. It’s a balmy 7 degrees with snow out there this morning.

Most schools are either having on-line or snow days. Grateful J’s school still opts in for the idea of snow days.

I was supposed to work for just a few hours this morning but did something my younger self probably would never consider. I called and asked if they actually needed me. Thankfully, the answer was no, stay home and be safe. Hooray! A snow day for me as well.

Time to join in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

As I told my husband, we tend to forget that February is the coldest and snowiest month around here. It’s certainly not letting us down as we move into the 2nd week of the month. I mentioned it earlier but we’re in single digits (weekend wind chills were below zero and we had a bit of snow then as well) and snowing. Winter advisory until this afternoon. We are supposed to reach the teens later this week with slight chances for snow most days. It’s the Midwestern Winter version of just wait 5 minutes…

How I Am Feeling This Morning

A little tired with a slight headache (probably from lack of sleep, nothing serious) so relieved they didn’t need me at work today. Sad that my team lost the Super Bowl (grudgingly says congratulations, Tampa Bay!) but still (like most fans) super proud they made it there 2 years in a row. Shocked to hear last night that it’s the first time in his professional career that Patrick Mahomes lost a game by double digits. He’ll be back (with the rest of the team).

On My Mind

Trying to figure out what to do with my unexpected free time today. While J’s school called an official snow day they encouraged the kids to work on late/missing work. I certainly have more than a few procrastinated projects and phone calls. Maybe I’ll do the adult version of working on late/missing work. Or clean the house.

On The Breakfast Plate

I had apple cinnamon oatmeal, 2 sausages, coffee, and vitamins

On My Reading Pile

In keeping with my word of the year, I decided to spend less time trying to force myself to read books that weren’t holding my attention. Hamilton by Ron Chernow returned to the library as did The Little Book of Cottagecore by Emily Kent.

I started Infinite by Brian Freeman last Monday and finished it well before the week ended. His books seldom disappoint me and this one stayed true to that form. I really enjoyed this story of multiple realities intertwining though the ending left me on the fence.

Another of my holds popped up and I surprised myself by reading Rising Out of Hatred: The Awakening of a Former White Nationalist by Eli Saslow in 2 days. Interesting from a sociological perspective, hopeful, and sobering all at the same time. Well worth reading.

And now, I’ve changed reading direction yet again and am reading another library hold that popped up for me, Playing Nice by J.P. Delaney.  Infants switched at birth because of a hospital mistake (maybe)? Parents meeting to discuss what to do about it. Really curious to see where this story is going.

On My TV

With the weather, I imagine I’ll watch a bit of TV this week. Last week I did a little better but Saturday I needed a day. So I sat and watched too many episodes of Fear The Walking Dead. Back to that for some reason. Might watch more today. And of course, I’ll watch Prodigal Son on Tuesday evening. And the new WandaVision (that one is getting good!) on Friday.

Speaking of on the TV, what did you think of the Super Bowl halftime show? I saw where quite a few thought it was boring but I enjoyed it. My sons actually came out and watched that with us (they aren’t football fans). I appreciated the simplicity of it.

On The Menu This Week

MONDAY: Minestrone (I’ll brown some hamburger on the side for my husband to add to his soup) *I work 9:45-2* *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30* *It’s my husband’s birthday so this may change, we celebrated some yesterday with the cake already*

 

TUESDAY: Baked pork chops with oven roasted carrots and parsnips, stuffing

WEDNESDAY: Chili and cornbread *I have a hair appt at 9*

THURSDAY: Chicken strips and French Fries *I work 11-4*

FRIDAY:  OUT maybe Panda Express? *Chinese New Year* *No school for J*

From The Camera

Sunnier days from long ago (last Wednesday)

 

New Recipe I Tried Last Week Or One That We Really Enjoyed

Sometimes the second time I make a new recipe they aren’t as big a hit as the first try. However, this spinach chicken skillet passed the second time test. I’ll need to add it into our regular rotation more often.

To Relax This Week, I Will

Read, work on this blog, and probably play the silly game I downloaded onto my phone: Project Makeover. It’s dumb but also kind of fun. Let’s call it a guilty pleasure. I also downloaded the game Go so that maybe I could understand it a bit better. (J is trying to teach me to play)

Something I Want To Share

Cottage Market is a blog I enjoy and she often offers free printables. I currently have the one pictured above on my fridge. Also, she donates to a pet rescue charity each week based on comments (I confess to being bad about commenting on Saturdays but I love the idea!).

Quote For The Week

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Not the best start to the new month around here. Someone stole not one but both of my husband’s ATVs out of the backyard over night. SIGH. I’ll probably be working on this post on and off this morning as we wait. Lots of waiting today.

I woke up early and waited for J to get up for school (clearly not early enough to hear the backyard heist)

He has to wait for the police to return his call. 

Then, wait for an official police report so we can contact our home owner insurance company.

Plus, I’m waiting for G to wake up so we can ask if he heard anything (doubtful as he usually wears headphones while talking to friends at night). However, we do think the thieves rolled the vehicles out of the backyard away from the house so it’s not likely.

SIGH, not my plans for the first Monday of the month.

Let’s just try and get on with planning this first week of a new month. Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Cloudy and chilly. Upper 20’s out there right now, we’re supposed to hit the mid-30’s today. Warming up all early in the week to around 53 on Wednesday. Then, back down to chilly, cold temperatures we slide. I just hope the sun makes an appearance and soon.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Lots of mixed emotions. Sad because of what happened. Relieved that J went to school. Motivated to get things done around here despite the bad start. Physically, I don’t feel too bad, slept decent. Maybe too decently? Wish I’d heard something last night and flipped on the lights to stop things.

On My Mind

My husband, he’s as you can imagine quite upset but staying remarkably calm.

On The Breakfast Plate

Working on a sugar-free week so I had an English muffin and scrambled egg instead of my usual choices. Still had coffee and vitamins.

On My Reading Pile

Still stalled out on reading Hamilton by Ron Chernow. Also, tried starting The Little Book of Cottagecore: Traditional Skills for a Simpler Life by Emily Kent. Thinking I’d probably enjoy it in hardcover form, not really getting into it in e-book form. Noticed Brian Freeman has a book titled Infinite on the Amazon Prime First Reads this month. That’s probably going to be my choice for tonight as I know I’ll not have trouble reading this author.

On My TV

Way too much! I watched a bit much over the weekend. Finished all the Marvel timeline movies (forgot how much I despised that ending of Infinity War: End Game). And then, in desperate need of something lighter, I re-watched Frozen. And my husband and I finally got around to watching a few more episodes of Cobra Kai on Netflix. Hoping to do a bit more reading (or something that’s not TV watching) this week. However, I’ll still watch Prodigal Son on Tuesday night and probably something else, just haven’t decided.

On The Menu This Week

I still need to get to the grocery store, the excitement (of a bad kind) from this morning delayed my trip. Keeping it simple this week. Might make changes after my grocery trip.

MONDAY: Roast in the crock pot Forgot to thaw it. Probably going to do chicken sandwiches *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Roast in the crock pot

WEDNESDAY: BLT’s and French Fries

THURSDAY: Pork chops and sweet potatoes

FRIDAY : Chicken Enchilada Soup *I work 1:30, maybe 7:30 to 5*

From The Camera

Not much to share, only really took bird photos last week (see previous post for those). For fun, from the phone camera, here’s a picture of a picture I liked at Target.  A little too pricey for me currently but maybe if it gains a clearance sticker…

 

Looking Around The House

It’s not awful but I’m in a clean it up, clear it out kind of mood. Excited that I could get into J’s room and air it out a bit this morning.

New Recipe I Tried Last Week Or One That We Really Enjoyed

Sadly, I was the only fan of the Parmesan Roasted Leeks. J said they tasted like the bad part of onion rings. G said they were way too strong. And my husband refused to try them! More for me. They looked pretty in the beginning stages of cooking. (Forgot to snap a finished photo) And yes, this is another phone photo.

To Relax This Week, I Will

Bundle up and get outside with my camera, drink tea and read a book. Look at beautiful images of nature and cozy spaces from around the world on Instagram.

Something I Want To Share

Songs ever get stuck in your head? Here’s the tune I’ve been singing ever since Sunday afternoon:

Quote For The Week

Hustle and Heart will set you apart. (Alisa Jacobs)

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Happy Monday! I’m a bit late today as I worked this morning, then went shopping for a bit. Came home, lunch, housekeeping, cat entertainment, and now at almost 4p.m. am just sitting down for this post.

Joining in for hopefully every Happy Homemaker Monday this year with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Chiefs excitement in the air! Sounded a bit like New Year’s Eve again last night. Also in the air? Lots of wind and rain. We were supposed to have a winter storm today/tonight but it went north of us. So, just rain, maybe a bit of snow on Wednesday. Pretty normal temperatures for January, 30’s mostly though it looks like it might be close to 50 on Friday. A fairly mild winter so far, most my heavy sweaters still stored as I haven’t need them.

How I Am Feeling This Morning Afternoon

Mostly at this point, sleepy and a bit grumpy. Didn’t accomplish most of the things I thought I might.

On My Mind

Plans for the rest of this week, husband’s upcoming birthday (in early February around Super bowl time), work, dinner. Usual stuff.

On The Breakfast Plate

Seems like a long time ago but I had apple cinnamon oatmeal and two sausages. Coffee and vitamins, too.

On My Reading Pile

Last week, I read The Conjurer (Vine Witch #3) by Luanne G. Smith. Best one of the 3 in the series. Then, on a whim, I picked up (well, as much as you can pick up an e-book) The Dutch House by Ann Patchett.

That book got to me a bit. Didn’t expect to enjoy it and yet, I couldn’t put it down. The sibling relationship, the sitting outside of the house where they no longer live and reminiscing, it just left me with so many feelings. And made me miss my sister (who I’ve not spoken with in a few years, family squabbles and all that. The not speaking part is not my decision, by the way, nothing would bring me more joy than a phone call from her.)

Moving on to this week’s reading choices. Starting with something lighter, in honor of my attempt to join in the Rudolph Day fun (planning for next Christmas), I’m reading Christmas Island by Natalie Normann and enjoying it so far. And this week’s serious choice: Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow.

On My TV

My book choices probably gave you a clue what musical I watched on Disney plus over the weekend. Also, working my way trough the Marvel movies in time line order (an ongoing thing), ready for Captain America: Civil War. Watched a teeny bit of TV this weekend, caught the newest Wandavision episode on Friday. And of course, the Chiefs game (sort of watched/didn’t watch for luck) on Sunday evening.

This week, I’ll watch my favorite show of the moment Prodigal Son on Tuesday evening and probably continue to work my way through the Marvel movies.

On The Menu This Week

MONDAY: Hawaiian pulled pork sandwiches, sweet potato fries *I worked 8:30-12* *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Chili or tacos

WEDNESDAY: Chicken Cacciatore, Parmesan roasted leeks (vegetable of the week)

THURSDAY: Pork chops, baked potatoes, salad *I work 1-3:45*

FRIDAY: Homemade pizza, salad

From The Camera

Didn’t pick up the camera nearly enough last week.

Looking Around The House

Not awful, needs a bit of a clean up and then, I plan to pull out the Valentine’s Day decorations tomorrow

New Recipe I Tried Last Week or One That We Really Enjoyed

Not much to report here from last week, the favorite of the week was basic spaghetti. I’ve finally come around and started doing shredded Parmesan as opposed to the green shaker can. I buy it shredded in the bag so not completely fresh but wow, a huge difference over the green can.

To Relax This Week I Will

Drink a cup of tea in the afternoons, read my books

Something I Want To Share

Found a fun site when trying to figure out what/how to do Rudolph day, followed a few links to find:

a site with relaxing snow 

On My Prayer List

Family, friends, our world, end to this virus, a lot more peace and kindness everywhere.

Quote For the week

Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud. (Maya Angelou)

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Today’s a holiday so we’re all home except my husband. His boss is making him work today. I wonder about that boss of his sometimes. (He’s self-employed)

Wish I could say I spent a few extra minutes sleeping in today but I got up early to “practice” a bit for a more structured week. Still took my time with things this morning.

J was up early as well uncertain about whether he had school. Encouraged me to not watch the news this morning, just turn it on for the weather. And so, we watched an episode of Peep and the Big Wide World together. One of his old, preschool favorites. So, thankful my son and I aren’t arguing so much these days.

Now, I’m taking a few minutes to put up this post and look at the week ahead. Joining in with Sandra from Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather Outside Is

 

Seasonable. Saw the sun yesterday but a bit cloudy now that it’s mid-morning. We’re supposed to get in the low 50’s (a little warm) later this week but most the week has highs in the mid 40’s. No rain/snow expected this week. Most of the snow from last week is gone.

On The Breakfast Plate This Morning

Cinnamon swirl bagel with cream cheese, coffee, and vitamins

As I Look Outside My Window

Gray skies, brown ground, good sleeping weather says the cat.

As I Look Around the House

It’s been worse and it’s definitely been better. Probably spend a bit of time cleaning today so we’re ready for our four day work/school week.

What I’m Wearing Today

Long-sleeved purple V neck shirt, kind of like a sweatshirt, navy leggings, tennis shoes

Currently Reading

Go me, I returned the two books I couldn’t get into back to the library. Read and finished Tuscan Dreams at the Cornish Confetti Agency by Daisy James. Her books are great for light, romantic, escape reading.

I also read and finished just last night, The Year of Less, How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings, And Discovered Life As Worth More Than Anything You Can Buy In A Store by Cait Flanders. It was a decent memoir but she lost me when she delved into giving advice at the end. You can see my Goodreads review here.

Even though it shows I’m reading two books over there, I’m not. Need to remove them. Unless a library hold arrives today, I’ll probably start in on the The Conjurer (Vine Witch #3) by Luann G. Smith just to have something to read at J’s lesson tonight.

On The TV This Week

Maybe something while I fold a little laundry today, not sure what I’ll watch. Prodigal Son tomorrow night as I’m definitely hooked for the new season. And I gave WandaVision a try over the weekend and liked it so I’ll watch the next episodes of that whenever they release.

Otherwise, I may look into if the seasons of Family Guy are streaming somewhere. Every time we catch that we end up laughing and my husband and I could use a new watch together show.

On The Menu This Week:

Oh, still on the TV thing, we’ll of course, watch the Chiefs play! I was so happy over the win (whew, that breeze you felt was probably a collect cry of joy/sigh of relief from this entire city) that I rebooted Thanksgiving dinner last night. We had turkey (from the freezer), sweet potatoes, corn, and roasted acorn squash.

MONDAY:  Spicy potato soup, crusty rolls (from a bag) *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Lemon Artichoke Chicken *I work 8:30-??, covering a morning* (carryover meal from last week)

WEDNESDAY: Spaghetti, garlic toast, salad

THURSDAY: Husbands choice but I’ve slated it for hamburgers & hot dogs *I work 9-6*

FRIDAY:  Tacos *I work 8:30-5:30*

Something Fun To Share

When on Instagram, I kept seeing this tag #DianeinDenmark. Curiosity finally got the better of me and I looked her up on the Internet. She has a blog and You-tube channel (mostly, the blog provides links to the You-tube). I think I’ll probably start following along with her as I like her personality (one of those people who just seems to ooze happiness) and her paper sorting idea surely resonated with me today.

Favorite Photo From The Camera

Camera battery died yesterday while I was out waiting for the Stealth jet to flyover (Chiefs game start and we’re in the flight path) but I missed it anyway. So, snapped this cold little robin waiting for spring this morning.

Quote For The Week

 

If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way. (Martin Luther King, Jr)

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Well, we did it. We survived the first week of January 2021. Shall we see what the second week holds?  I’m hoping it’s a little bit of calm, both here and around the world.

Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for this fun and encouraging weekly link-up.

The Weather

The sun is coming! The sun is coming! And warmer temperatures as well. It’s a balmy 26 degrees as I type this around 7:00a.m. but we’re supposed to hit the 50’s by Wednesday of this week. A welcome break from the cold. Even better, a break from dreary gray skies.

On The Breakfast Plate

Nothing yet but my plan is for apple cinnamon oatmeal, a blueberry English muffin, followed by vitamins. Already drinking the coffee, of course.

As I Look Outside My Window

The backyard is still in the fuzzy outlines of the dawning day. Birds (and squirrels) not quite yet awake. It’s just past peak sunrise so nothing really photo worthy though I’m happy to see that blue sky.

As I Look Around The House

I see a multitude of small messes and projects requiring my attention. Most of it appears to be mine.

What I’m Wearing Today

Black, long-sleeved tee shirt and my elephant pants plus I’ve went ahead and put on my tennis shoes. High aspirations for a productive day.

Currently Reading

Excited to pick out two books containing my word of the year. One fiction and one non-fiction. The fiction one is titled Less by Andrew Greer. And it won the Pulitzer Prize in 2018. And can I just say so far I have no idea why. In the interest of following my word of the year, it may become a “DNF” for me. (Did Not Finish). I might read “less” of Less and more of something I find enjoyable.

The non-fiction book I tried is titled The Sweet Spot: How To Accomplish More by Doing Less by Christine Carter. It also risks becoming a DNF. Seems aimed at a different time period than pandemic times. I’ll give it another chance today and see if my mind changes.

I’m mostly excited to seek out and read the new Daisy James novel, Tuscan Dreams at the Cornish Confetti Agency. It’s not exactly Pulitzer Prize material but I’ve been waiting for it to release and am more excited to read it than either of the two books currently (not) holding my attention.

On The TV For This Week

Murder!

I’m super excited they renewed this show and the new season starts on Tuesday. Prodigal Son is smart and sometimes funny, all the things you want in a show about the son of a serial killer who works as a criminal profiler now. (Also, sometimes a bit gory) I’ve already went and refreshed my memory by watching the last show of season 1 on Hulu (the whole first season is there and I highly recommend this one if you like murder mystery type shows, each episode ties up in the end with season having an on-going mystery).

Watched a little Fargo over the weekend, finally got around to finishing season 3. Ugh, what was with the ending of that season? Started season 4.  Also, in lighter TV viewing, watched all the Chronicles of Narnia movies on Disney Plus (The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, and finally, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader). Might need to go re-read that series as it’s one of my all-time favorites (much to G’s aggravation, he’s not a big fan. Prefers The Lord of the Rings series. To each their own.)

On The Menu This Week

 

Last week I followed the entire menu plan! This week, not sure that’s going to happen, thinking I’ll be re-arranging these meals a bit based on the weather. And switching the oven meal to a grill meal.

Of course, it’s an on-line school week and I turned down my work for today so I could be here to oversee things (SIGH, wish me luck as I’ve traded love and hugs from 3-6 year old children for surly teenage angst. I’m where I need to be though I’m already missing my coworkers and the kids.) Long way to say, there’s hope for this menu plan.

MONDAY: 20 minute skillet sausage and zucchini, salad *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Lemon Artichoke Chicken and Rice (by request from J!)

WEDNESDAY: Flank steak in the oven, asparagus (I bought frozen in a bag), baked potatoes *maybe a MNO, warm enough weather to be outside around a fire pit*

THURSDAY: Seared pork chops with turnips, baked sweet potatoes?

FRIDAY: Homemade or Frozen Pizza or OUT

Something Fun To Share

During the opening sequence of a season 3 episode of Fargo, they played Peter and the Wolf narrated by Billy Bob Thornton. This immediately took me back to when I was a kid in the late 70’s/early 80’s. My mom had the album. Not narrated by Billy Bob Thornton, of course.  So I looked it up and my mom’s album was narrated by non other than David Bowie. Had no idea.

I remember liking the music and thinking it slightly scary all at the same time. Here’s the full you-tube recording:

(Note: I think someone simply put his narration to the Disney cartoon as the original cartoon dates back to 1946 with Sterling Holloway as narrator)

Favorite Photo From The Camera

Frozen lake at the end of the street:

Quote For The Week

A friend posted these verses on her Facebook wall last week and it stuck with me.

Ephesians 4:31-32 put away all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with malice, and be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ has forgiven you.

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So, what kind of things does your second week of January hold?

 

Starting my post a bit late on Monday. We’re technically still on Christmas break around here so spending the day at a leisurely pace. J goes back to school tomorrow. My husband returns to work Wednesday. I (so far) return to work on Friday. And who knows what G’s college schedule holds.

In fairness, he’s told me. I just don’t remember, something about 8 week online courses starting later. Believe it or not, he’ll have his associates degree when this semester ends. Enough future talk, let’s get back to the present.

I’m excited to continue to join in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom every Monday in 2021! It’s a great supportive community of bloggers.

Moving on to look at our week with the categories:

The Weather

Just announced to my husband that the sun is out! Been a few days. The year started with a snowstorm for us and it’s been clouds every since. And fog. Lots of fog. It’s also been in the 20’s. I think we’re supposed to hit the 40’s later. With a few chances for snow and/or rain. Hooray for Winter!   

On The Breakfast Plate

I just ate lunch but breakfast consisted of apple cinnamon instant oatmeal and a blueberry English muffin. Plus coffee and vitamins.

As I Look Outside My Window

This morning I saw fog everywhere but now I see blue skies. And birds. Mostly sparrows. A few cardinals.

As I Look Around The House

The Nativity and too many treats still covering the kitchen table (and that’s after freezing many) are the only reminders of Christmas past. Amazing how it suddenly seems bigger isn’t it? I do need to do a bit of a deep clean.

What I’m Wearing Today

Olive green corduroy pants, a gray sweatshirt, and panda slipper socks. No, I don’t match at all.

Currently Reading

How to Stop Time by Matt Haig. It’s intriguing and I had to stop myself from staying up too late reading it last night. Most likely I’ll finish it at J’s baritone lesson tonight.

On The TV For This Week

We just watched the first two episodes of the new season of Kobra Kai on Netflix. Trying to limit it to 1-2 episodes a night. Not sure but if Prodigal Son is back this week, I want to catch that one. Otherwise, hit and miss with all the streaming stuff. Started watching Scientology and the Aftermath with Leah Remini on Netflix (disturbing) so want to try and finish it.

J mentioned wanting to see The Emperor’s New Groove so we may watch that as a family. (We all had a family viewing of The Little Mermaid last week).

On The Menu This Week

My extra vegetable with each dinner starts next week as this week I’m focusing on clearing out the freezer, fridge, and pantry.

MONDAY: French Toast, bacon/sausage, strawberries *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Pork chops, crunchy coleslaw *J’s first day back at school after break/in person week*

WEDNESDAY: Minestrone soup, lasagna squares, salad and Three King’s Cake for dessert *Epiphany*

THURSDAY: Roast in the crockpot (may switch this up with Wednesday)

FRIDAY: Maybe steak bites and baked potatoes or OUT *I work 8:30-5:30*

Something Fun To Share

I need to work on this area. Seems I’ve come up blank ever since it became a category. How about a photo as I look inside my window? Looking into the one of the windows in the front.

 

Favorite Photo From The Camera

Taken on New Year’s Day.

 

Quote For The Week

The secret to happiness, you see, is not in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less. (Socrates)

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In case you’re wondering, I used to blog at So Not Organized but switched over for the new year to a brand new blog. Needed to change hosting so started fresh.