Last week was busy with work, enjoying the beautiful weather, and meeting up with friends on the weekend. Decided to just let myself go with the flow and not worry too much about computer land.

Back today though to plan my week with the help of Happy Homemaker Monday hosted by Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

It’s been so nice out lately! Light jacket weather or no coat weather if wearing a sweatshirt/sweater. Today’s a little chilly and in the 40’s but it’s supposed to bump up to the 50’s by afternoon. And be in the 60’s to end the week! Of course, I do see a snowflake predicted on Superbowl Sunday.

As I Look Outside My Window

The sun is shining! The birds are pooping on our cars  singing!

Right Now

Taking a minute between today’s normal tasks to post here.

Thinking and Pondering

How to “encourage” 3 other persons in this household to help me out a bit more. Also, pondering on my focus areas for February. I’ve decided upon love, friendship, and kindness for this month. Hoping to get a post up about how last month’s focus of cleaning and clearing went and my ideas for this month’s focus areas.

How I am Feeling

A bit like I’m struggling to stay on top of being sick. Not currently sick but have that run-down feeling and a bit of a scratchy throat. The scratchy throat might just be our crazy weather.

On the Breakfast Plate

Coffee, sausage mcmuffin (from home, leftover breakfast sausage plus an English muffin), vitamins, black elderberry capsules

On the Lunch Plate

Not really sure yet. Thinking more about the lemonade tea I bought than eating.

On The Dinner Plate

French Dip sandwiches by request

On The Menu

We really winged it on last week’s menu but it went okay. Still, nice to have a plan for this week. It’s a bit crockpot heavy.

MONDAY: French Dip sandwiches

TUESDAY: Banana Pancakes and bacon, what else would we have on Pancake Tuesday?? UPDATE: I thought tomorrow was pancake Tuesday but it’s next week! Oops. Maybe we’ll have French toast instead…

WEDNESDAY: Mississippi Chicken (this is a new Paula Deen recipe for the crockpot…hoping it’s good because I have plans and won’t be home for dinner, ha!)

THURSDAY: OUT for husband’s birthday! We’re having BBQ. Chocolate cake at home.

FRIDAY: Taco soup (requested by husband)

SATURDAY/SUNDAY: Leftovers/Super Bowl party food (pizza)

What I Am Wearing Today

The week before the Chiefs are in the Super Bowl, we wear red everyday. However, I forgot to hang to dry my Chiefs shirts last night so I’m wearing a red heart Valentine sweater and jeggings today.

On My Reading Pile

I finished reading a really great one last week titled After the Forest by Kell Woods. A bit of a reimagining of Hansel and Gretel and Snow White all combined starting the tale with Hansel (Hans) and Gretel (Greta) as young adults. Really like how it kept in line with the Grimm fairy tales.

On My TV This Week

Well, of course, we cheered on Taylor Swift at the Grammys last night. Husband was mainly watching because he wanted to see Billy Joel sing. Quite a lot going on this week so not sure when/what I’ll be watching. The Big game on Sunday, of course!

Looking Around the House

 

Did set out a few Valentine Decor items.

Real-life photos from the kitchen with dishes to clean and groceries to put away:

On My To Do List

1. Grocery store *DONE*
2. Hang up clothes to dry *DONE*
3. Dinner started in crock pot *DONE*
4. Work a few hours on Wednesday afternoon
5. Enjoy Galentine’s Day dinner with friends on Wednesday night
6. Bake cake for husband’s birthday on Thursday/Go out to dinner
7. Wish brother happy birthday today *DONE*
8. Start artichoke seeds
9. Put a few outdoor plants on front porch for to let them enjoy weather also
10. Cheer on the Chiefs in the Superbowl on Sunday night!

From The Camera

I’ve not picked my camera up in far too long. All these photos are from my phone!

 

Quote for the Week

Let all that you do be done in love. (Corinthians 16:14)

 

 

A light sheen of ice is covering our cars and road this morning. A lot of the local schools including my preschool are once again closed. Thankfully, by afternoon, the temperature is supposed to bounce above freezing improving the roads. 

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

The Weather

Icy and not so cold (but feels cold) to start the week. Yesterday, it warmed up to the low 30’s but still felt like it was in the lower teens most the day. We’re supposed to get more rain tomorrow and Wednesday but the temperature is also supposed to be in the 40’s so that will hopefully, wash away the snow for a bit.

As I Look Outside My Window

 

Icy sheen on the cars and the street, birds at the bird feeders seem to be coping just fine. (I put out birdseed last night so I wouldn’t be slip sliding trying to do it this morning.

Right Now

The Monday morning usuals, working on this post and listening to the washing machine. Also, working on some tax numbers (blah) and talking to my husband about the road conditions (he’s getting ready to go to work).

Thinking and Pondering

Trying to not worry too much about J who appears to be struggling again, winter blues hits hard sometimes. Happy I was able to get him out of the house for a bit yesterday afternoon. Thinking about all the decluttering I’d like to get done in this house. Saved a bunch of Christmas boxes for that purpose but now they’ve sort of become clutter themselves.

How I am Feeling

Not terrible. Slept okay, relieved it turned out to be a snow day at my work as I didn’t want to have to turn people down though I wasn’t planning on getting out in the ice. A little grumpy as we were out of regular milk for my coffee this morning. Found some sweetened condensed milk in the pantry so not all was lost thankfully.

On the Breakfast Plate

An English muffin and coffee with the sweetened condensed milk which is actually not bad. Just not something I’d want every day. Vitamins.

On the Lunch Plate

Not sure: canned soup or hot sandwiches?

On The Dinner Plate

I did finally clean out and organize our pantry on Saturday. Made a list of meals we could have based on the ingredients in there. Lots of pasta in our future it seems. Pasta of some sort for today or maybe the Asian bow tie pasta that’s on the side of the chicken stock carton.

On The Menu

Struggling to get into a new routine around here so of course, the menu planning struggles as well. Trying to clear out the freezer a bit with the pantry.

MONDAY: Penne pasta in Vodka sauce (jar in pantry), going to try to make it in the slow cooker. Salad, breadsticks. Going to have hamburger, mushrooms, and cheese to add into the pasta separately according to taste.

TUESDAY: ham steaks and cornbread (cornbread mix in pantry, ham steaks in freezer)

WEDNESDAY: applesauce waffles, bacon (applesauce in pantry)

THURSDAY: chicken enchiladas (so much enchilada sauce in the pantry!) Taco meat from freezer for husband who doesn’t do yellow cheese

FRIDAY: Husband’s choice or leftovers

What I Am Wearing Today

Chiefs tee-shirt, jeans, and right now black and white polka dot slipper socks.

On My Reading Pile

The Little Cafe in Copenhagen by Julie Caplan, just started it. I’d read a preview a while back but couldn’t find it at the library and it wasn’t on Kindle Unlimited. Finally, in December maybe, it went on sale for 99 cents and I bought it. Really enjoying it so far.

On My TV This Week

You know I have to say it: How ‘Bout Them Chiefs?????!!!! What a great game, missed a bit of the beginning being out with J but saw most of the game. Buffalo played a good one and I was almost feeling sorry for them until those fans started pelting the players with snowballs? Ice balls? Not classy. I know not all the Buffalo fans did that but ugh. Note to Carrie: I cheered on your team as well and was so sad they didn’t quite make it. Looks like a team that’s going to be there next year for sure though!  Since we didn’t get our Green Bay/Kansas City wish, I’m now hoping for a Detroit/Kansas City game 🙂 One more week to get through.

Non-sports things: I started watching The Bear and it is really good. Also, the Percy Jackson series on Disney, nothing like that horrid movie from a few years back. And game shows: The Floor, I Can See Your Voice, and We Are Family (I’ve even had a few correct guesses!).

Looking Around the House

Well, cleaning and clearing is still the January focus not that you could tell from looking around this place.

On My To Do List

1. Go to grocery store for just a few things (like milk and bananas)
2. Target trip for just a very few essentials (hair conditioner, cat food, etc)
3. Continue working on tax stuff
4. Continue the cleaning and clearing of the house, might do a few kitchen cabinets
5. Usuals: laundry, cleaning
6. Hopefully, on a clear warmish day, drop off donations at charity shop
7. Get outside and go for walk one day (maybe Thursday or Friday? Both?)
8. Go out with friends for Mom’s Night Out, need to find the exact date
9. Send a few cards in the mail
10. ????

From The Camera

I had some red-winged blackbirds visit the bird feeder! I’ve had a lonely female visit previously but never a whole group. Pictures aren’t the best as it was still super cold and I couldn’t get the door open quietly. Had to settle for pictures through the not so clean glass.

And a couple from my walk last Thursday

 

Something Fun To Share

Just something silly for the fans of Hallmark movies and the Chiefs. (Filmed locally!)

Fun fact: You can actually purchase a sweet nectar of the endzone candle! Do I want one? Yes but they are a bit pricey (I think). Maybe if the Chiefs make it to the Super Bowl again, I’ll cave and shell out the dollars.

Quote for the Week

What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness? (John Steinbeck)

 

 

Greetings from balmy Kansas City!

Today’s a holiday for most but my husband still went to work. J’s enjoying his last full day of relaxation before his spring college courses start. G’s asleep as is the cat. And I’m sitting down here to take some time and plan out this week.

Glad to have the inspiration to do it from Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom. Always fun to join in this weekly link up of bloggers.

The Weather

Like I said, it’s balmy outside. Ahem. I’m trying to wait until the temperature crawls up to 0 for my weekly grocery store run. We do get a bit of a heatwave on Wednesday when it’s going to be 32 for our high! Bring on the shorts. Then, it plummets again for the weekend. I did sneak a peek at the 10 day forecast and next week looks warmer and rainy with highs in the low 40’s. I don’t even know what’s normal for our area anymore.

UPDATE: It’s noon and we’re barely above 0 now! Woohoo.

As I Look Outside My Window

Lot of birds under the birdfeeders. I ran out of food but it seems they’ve knocked enough on the ground to sustain themselves for a bit.

Right Now

How did we end up with so much laundry? Laundry, coffee, computering.

Thinking and Pondering

 

J’s new college schedule leaves me very limited on my available working hours. Not sure what to do about it. Not sure to be perfectly honest what I want to do about it. It was kind of nice to slow down last fall so maybe this is a sign to slow down a bit more? Classes start tomorrow so I’ll have a better handle on how his schedule truly fits after this week. Might just take this week completely off from work. Probably have no choice on that. Not like I don’t have plenty of at home tasks to keep me occupied.

How I am Feeling

If I hadn’t had quite so much coffee this morning (trying to use up the end of the Keurig pods to put the machine away until next year)….I’d say tired. Unnamed little gray cat wanted to play and cuddle last night or um, early this morning? Two a.m. SIGH

 

On the Breakfast Plate

Did I mention the coffee? Also, cinnamon toast and vitamins

On the Lunch Plate

Depends on when I actually go to the store. Feels like it might be a blue box mac and cheese kinda day

On The Dinner Plate

I’m not sure, probably going to make pork chops and baked potatoes depending on my store timing

On The Menu

Giving everyone an assigned day didn’t work out very well (yet). So I’m basically on my own again this week:

MONDAY: pork chops, baked potatoes, salad?

TUESDAY: chicken/rice/broccoli casserole (J requested this, I made it a long time ago, no idea what recipe I used so…this could be an interesting dinner night)

WEDNESDAY: hamburgers and sweet potato fries (gotta celebrate that heatwave!)

THURSDAY: honey garlic baked chicken legs, mashed potatoes or maybe noodles (trying new recipe)

FRIDAY: maybe spicy potato soup in the crock pot? Or leftovers…

What I Am Wearing Today

purple v-neck sweater, jeggings, and right now, slip on leopard print shoes (changing into other footwear if I go out, of course)

On My Reading Pile

I finished Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam and it was one of those rare instances where the movie was so much better than the book. How they made a decent movie out of that trainwreck is beyond me. Now, I’m reading a much more intriguing one called Almost Surely Dead by Amina Akhtar. One of my First Reads (get two in January) and I’ve been pretty much unable to put it down to the point I’m almost finished with it.

On My TV This Week

You know I have to say it: How ‘Bout Them Chiefs!!!?

And also, for Carrie: How ‘Bout Them Packers!!!?

Is this the year our teams are going to finally meet again in the Super Bowl?!

Later, I hope to really be saying How ‘Bout Them Steelers!? Ha. Okay, I’ll quit boring the non-sports fans now.

I’m also just about finished with The Last Of Us on Max, started watching because I needed my zombie show fix and it was the best I could find. It’s surprisingly good. And I also decided to give the new Percy Jackson series on Disney plus just one episode and now I’m hooked. So I’ll be watching that each week (glad to have a weekly show to watch). Not sure what else I’ll watch, it’s tv season but the writer’s strike threw the timing off on all my winter shows. Probably just those silly game shows and whatever else I stumble across.

Looking Around the House

Cleaning and clearing is definitely on today’s list. And finally putting away the rest of Christmas, still some lingering bits here. I think it’s time for the greenery around the kitchen doorway to go. I did clean the inside of the fridge yesterday so if you come over, I’ll open it and you can admire our clean fridge instead of gawking at the rest of the messy house.

On My To Do List

1. Grocery store
2. Put away rest of Christmas
3. Clean our bedroom/sort out rest of winter clothing
4. Pay bills
5. So much laundry
6. Take a walk when it warms up on Wednesday!
7. Clear some clutter in the bedroom (I’m working through a challenge)
8. Paperwork/filing
9. Clean the bathrooms
10. Decide if I want to go to Bunco tomorrow night

From The Camera

These pictures are all from last week when it was slightly warmer outside.

Quote for the Week

Peace is more precious than diamonds or silver or gold.

(Martin Luther King Jr.)

A day late with my post (same year, same timing of my posts!) after I ended up working yesterday. We’re in the midst of a predicted winter storm over here and today I have a snow day! Wasn’t scheduled to work but it’s still exciting to have a snow day.

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

The Weather

It’s snowing! Not that cold, at least not yet. It’s mostly in the 30’s for the next two days. Then, we’re due to get some kind of cold front that puts the temperatures down into the 20’s. Oh, and with a chance of more snow Friday into Saturday. The forecast for the Chiefs game this weekend: Mostly cloudy with a high of 15 degrees (and that’s one of the more generous predictions I’ve seen). Winter is here. The weird thing is I’m not even upset. I’ve missed it the past few  years. (That outlook subject to change, of course)

As I Look Outside My Window

Hard to see, this is out the front window, but big fat snowflakes were falling (probably still are, I’m in the basement with no view to work on my post).

Right Now

Working on this post, rewashing the laundry I forgot (oops), and trying not to think about all the cleaning chores awaiting me upstairs.

Thinking and Pondering

Not too much, I’m in a just kind of go with the flow mood this morning.

How I am Feeling

Not too bad though I did wake up with a slight headache. It seems to be going away, thinking I just needed some caffeine from my coffee. *UPDATE: between the computer going slow and the cat being fussy, knocking things over, I’m feeling a bit frustrated as I’ve been working on this post for over an hour now (with breaks to do things like start dinner in the crock pot)

On the Breakfast Plate

Maple and brown sugar oatmeal, sausage patty, vitamins, and coffee.

On the Lunch Plate

Undecided

On The Dinner Plate

I planned on roast but forgot to thaw it so I guess I am pondering if I still want to have that for dinner. UPDATE: I decided to go ahead and make the roast.

On The Menu

Would you believe I got up and went to the store by 6:15 A.M. yesterday after getting called into work? I had to be at work at 8 and knew I didn’t want to go after work even though my husband said it would just be raining. It was not raining after work, snow started at about noon yesterday. Glad I went.

MONDAY: Chicken strips and sweet potato fries (all frozen stuff) *I worked 8-4:30*

TUESDAY: Roast in the crock pot

WEDNESDAY: Maybe pork chops? *I work 1-3:45*

THURSDAY: Tacos

FRIDAY: spicy potato soup

Not sure I’ll stick to the above menu, we’ll see what ideas I can get out of the rest of them.

What I Am Wearing Today

Snow day uniform:

Pink leopard print pajamas/loungewear…top is more like a hoodie and bottoms have pockets though I probably wouldn’t wear this outfit to the grocery store. Add in black and white fuzzy socks.

On My Reading Pile

Finished some good ones over the weekend: Pretty Things by Janelle Brown, I don’t think I’d read anything from her before so I’ve requested more. Prior to that I read It Girl by Ruth Ware, her books have yet to disappoint me. Ruth Ware’s book was a thriller, of course. Not sure how I’d classify Pretty Things, not really a hard core thriller but still exciting and interesting. One of those makes you think about the social media kind of books.

On My TV This Week

I did enjoy that new Rob Lowe game show, The Floor, last week so I’ll probably watch it again. Not really sure what else, need a new show to watch. Mentioned in Saturday’s post, we watched The Creator and Leave the World Behind over the weekend, both were decent movies. I’ve picked up the Leave the World Behind book from the library to compare. Oh, and of course, I watched and will watch the Chiefs game!

Looking Around the House

Just a few Christmas things I’ve yet to put away included in the usual mess. Kitchen table needs serious attention as does pretty much everywhere else.

On My To Do List

I’m not even sure, let’s see

1. Figure out what is going on with this computer!
2. Clean the house/laundry
3. Pay bills
4. Clean out fridge/freezer
5. Go outside and play in the snow (before it gets crazy cold)

   

From The Camera

I did go on a walk Sunday while there was a bit of sunshine and before the snow moved into our area. A few photos sprinkled into the post up above as well. Thank you to Aritha for the idea to take a picture of the sun while it was there:

 

Look at the shimmer on the ice:

Quote for the Week

God spoke today in flowers, and I, who was waiting on words, almost missed the conversation.

(Ingrid Goff-Maidoff)

 

 

 

 

Can’t think of a better way to start 2024 on my blog than with a Happy Homemaker Monday post! And since I’ve not taken a single photo yet, I’m sprinkling in 12 photos from last year (one from each month, an idea I saw over on Daniela’s blog, Danahandmade). Also, I want to congratulate any of you who managed to blog for 365 days! Amazing.

 

Okay, now onto my weekly planning post. Grateful that Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom decided to continue this wonderful link up in 2024. (Did I wish everyone a happy new year yet? Happy New Year!)

The Weather

It’s pretty dreary out and chilly this morning. Temps in the high 20’s, feels like the low 20’s. Sun is supposed to come out later this afternoon with a very slight warm up. Hoping to get a short walk in when that happens. The rest of the week is normal for around here: highs in the upper 30’s/low 40’s. Chance of rain (maybe snow? Who knows) over the weekend.

Right Now I Am

Downstairs working on this post, wondering why it’s a bit chilly in our usually very warm basement.

Thinking And Pondering

Still trying to decide on a word for this year. Usually a word has come to me by now but I’m still sorting through things: heart, happiness, that came up something 3 times on an auto-word generator as did explore (which I do like), joy, trust. So many words! Maybe I’ll do a separate post and get your input to help me choose.

How I Am Feeling

TIRED. We went out last night, traditional New Year’s plans, played games with friends until midnight. Couldn’t sleep, my alarm went off unexpectedly at 6:00AM but it worked out as J also had plans an overnight party and decided to come home at 6:15AM but we had the door bolted. Oops. Glad I was up to let him in the house.

On The Breakfast Plate

Photo has nothing to do with breakfast, huh? My first breakfast of 2024: coffee (of course!), vitamins (nothing new), donuts, and bacon. Donuts are supposed to be a lucky thing to eat on New Year’s Day so of course, I had to do that.

On The Lunch Plate

Absolutely no idea.

On The Dinner Plate

 

Traditional New Year’s Dinner: spicy black-eyed peas, cornbread, salad (ham steaks for the picky ones who won’t touch the black-eyed peas)

On The Menu

I’m not completely finished menu planning and also toying with the idea of assigning everyone here a day to plan for 2024. Also, planning to do a bit of a pantry/freezer/fridge clear out in the next few weeks so…

MONDAY: black-eyed peas, cornbread, salad, ham

TUESDAY: copycat Chik-Fil-A sandwiches

WEDNESDAY: Pepper steak maybe?

THURSDAY: not sure

FRIDAY: not sure

What I Am Wearing

Like my turtle friend, I’m moving slow this morning. Still in my “pajamas” of an Eskimo Joe’s t-shirt, sun and moon pj pants, and slip on leopard print shoes.

On My Reading Pile

Working my way through Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. Not very far into yet. Garden catalogs, is it too soon?

On My TV This Week

The Chiefs ended the year (and started the tv viewing week) on a good note winning the AFC West championship for the 8th year in a row (!) so I watched/listened to that. We’ll probably watch some more football at some point this week. Not really sure what else. TV Viewing Last Week: Based on a True Story, The Doctor Who Special, Oppenheimer, Mommy Dead and Dearest (documentary about Gypsy Rose), and re-watched the Barbie movie. Maybe more reading this week?

Looking Around The House

Living room and bathrooms are clean. The rest? Yeah, needs a little (a lot) of work.

On My To Do List

If you’re keeping count this is the 13th category here. I did go for a walk on December 29 so I’ll share those pictures for the rest of this post.

1. Decide on a word for the year
2. Lots of blog posts rattling around in my brain to get “on paper”…er, the computer
3. Finish putting away Christmas and washing putting away Christmas sweaters
4. Usuals: laundry, bills, cleaning
5. Start slowly cleaning/clearing our clutter

From The Camera

Few more from my walk last Friday. We’d had quite a bit of rain over Christmas so this was the path in places: 

Squirrel!!

Quote For The Week

You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream. (C.S. Lewis)

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas holiday! Today is my traditional pajama day. I stay in my pajamas all day while taking down the tree and watching the Doctor Who Christmas special. Before I start taking down my Christmas decorations, thought I’d pop on here to plan this slower week.

Joining in as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom. Very grateful she continues to give us the gift of hosting this link up and for the wonderful community of bloggers who join in with it.

The Weather

After a bizarrely warm week including a warm, rainy Christmas Eve, it’s 32 degrees/feels like 22 with snow flurries in the air! There’s a chance of a little snow (dusting to an inch) today. I’m happy to have a bit of winter weather finally. Summer person as I am, I was missing my winter weather as it helps add to my holiday mood. (That said: Christmas shopping with no coat is super nice!)

As I Look Outside My Window

I was so taken with the clouds this morning! Probably not to those of you who live near mountains but the clouds reminded me of mountains.

Right Now

I’m typing up this post, listening to the dryer, the cat’s snoozing on the daybed behind me and the boys are also still asleep upstairs. My husband is also home and watching a show on his tablet.

Thinking/Pondering

 

We had a really nice relaxing Christmas this year.  Thinking about the different looks of our Christmas over the past few years. Really liked the energy of Christmas this year, despite the entire year going by at breakneck speed, Christmas felt slower and less frenzied. Hoping to keep that feeling going into the new year (and beyond!).

How I Am Feeling

Still tired. I didn’t get my Christmas nap as I had to make pies to take to our Christmas dinner with my brother. (Excuse me a minute while I go jot something down in my Christmas notebook: Make pies the day/night before Christmas!)

On The Breakfast Plate

Cinnabon cinnamon roll, bacon, coffee plus the usual vitamins

On The Lunch Plate

No idea, maybe a ham sandwich on French toast bread (G made us French toast as part of Christmas breakfast yesterday)

On The Dinner Plate

Pork chops, baked potatoes, probably Christmas goodies for dessert/leftover apple pie (chocolate pie disappeared in minutes)

On The Menu This Week

Monday: Christmas! We had my brother in law over for Christmas breakfast (my SIL worked the Chiefs game). Biscuits and gravy (and sausage and biscuits for those of us that don’t like gravy), French toast, watermelon cut into Christmas tree shapes and strawberries, coffee, juice, and of course, Christmas cookies! No lunch and then, dinner at my brother’s house where he made homemade spaghetti sauce with both Italian sausages and meatballs, salad, and bread. I took dessert, apple and chocolate pies plus there were some cookie plates as well (not from me).

TUESDAY: pork chops, baked potatoes (this is mainly because the pork chops didn’t get put in the freezer on Sunday when I ran to the store early in the a.m. so I wouldn’t have to go today.)

WEDNESDAY: pepper steak, rice

THURSDAY: maple baked chicken thighs (This has been on the menu for something like 5 weeks and I’m determined to actually make these!)

FRIDAY: hotdogs and French fries

What I Am Wearing Today

Velvety pink and black leopard print pajamas, the pajama top is more like a hoodie, regular leopard print slip on shoes that don’t match (I’d be in slipper socks but need shoes for running up and down to the basement putting Christmas stuff away)

On My Reading Pile

I have 2 new library books loaded on my phone. One is Yellow Face by R.F. Kuang and I don’t remember the other one, I know it’s a thriller that I’ll probably read first. Over the last few days, not Christmas-y at all, I read The Whispers by Ashley Audrain. Didn’t do much for me and I found the ending frustrating though many reviewers on Goodreads seemed to love it.

On My TV

Well, there was that Grinchy part of tv viewing yesterday. Would someone please get the Chiefs an offensive line for Christmas? Ugh. Also watched Charlie Brown Christmas and had A Christmas Story on in background during Christmas morning. More football on at my brother’s house. Doctor Who later today. Not sure what else, not really watching any series at the moment.

Looking Around The House 

Post Christmas chaos and I wouldn’t want it any other way!

On My To Do List

Not too much thankfully.

1. Put away Christmas tree (Nativity will stay out until the Epiphany)
2. Pay bills
3. Clean house, G is talking about maybe inviting some people over for New Year’s Eve so we’ll also need to clean the basement a bit in case anyone needs to stay the night
4. Send a couple Christmas cards, late but still…
5. Maybe go out to the nature center and go for a walk, fresh air sounds nice

From The Camera

Didn’t take many pictures over the holiday weekend (Excuse me again….off to make another note in my Christmas notebook!), not even with my phone.

We went to the KC Symphony on Friday.

Holiday screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas, symphony played all the music in the movie as it showed on the big screen. (Fun trivia fact I learned: Catherine O’Hara, the mom in Home Alone is also the voice of Sally!)

Beautiful Christmas Eve Sunrise (from the grocery store parking lot, ha!)

Waiting for Santa

Super cool and special gift from my brother who hosted Christmas dinner. A bird feeder he made from an old redwood post that he had kept from our late parents home.

Quote For The Week

I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future.

(Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol)

 

 

Back to normal around here with posting a day late after a fairly busy weekend plus working last Friday and yesterday. Friday was just a typical workday though I had very little notice about getting there and it was a bit of a crazy day.

Saturday was my birthday! It was a nice day. We didn’t do too much as everyone was a little tired (and grumpy!) at times but enjoyed eating dinner out at a local Chinese buffet plus I finally got a pink donut for breakfast. 

I’d been craving one forever, no idea why. My family spoiled me properly with gifts plus an ice cream cake (and key lime pie).

Sunday, most of us (G needed to sleep) went to hear J play with his band during the church service. And then, in the afternoon, J and I went to a handbell concert at a different church. Finally, yesterday I worked all day in my favorite classroom enjoying the kids very much although this time of year is a bit crazy in the preschool realm.

And now, it’s suddenly Tuesday and time to join in (a bit late) with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom to plan the rest of this week.

The Weather

Imagine you’re hopping on a pogo stick (and not falling off like I’d probably do). Now, you have a sense of the weather around here. Yesterday was in the high 50’s. Today it’s barely supposed to hit 45. Then, warm again. SIGH. Makes the cooler days feel that much colder but I’m not complaining about those warm days when I have running around to do. Raise your hand if you’re also a “just going to leave my coat in the car” person?

Right Now I Am

I’ve just returned from dropping J off to take his history final at college and started working on this post. Phone is down here beside me so I won’t miss his text when he finishes though I’ve no idea how long it’s going to be.

Thinking And Pondering

Quite a bit. Always. Trying to focus on the holidays and put my word of the year from ’23 into action (WAIT) by waiting until after Christmas to worry about New Year’s stuff. However, I did cave and look at one of those word find things…you know the first 3 or 4 words you see will be your 2024. I saw: connection, breakthrough, purpose, and love. So, no pressure there. Geez.  Also, closer to the present, G’s graduation, the little celebration we’re doing for him on Saturday. The holidays. My work. Said in my Charlie Brown voice: ALL OF THE THINGS!

How I Am Feeling

Not too bad. Lots of sickness going around at school so I’ve been doubling down on black elderberry syrup in addition to my typical vitamins. And prioritizing my sleep though I didn’t really mean to go to bed at 8:30 last night (Oops!).

On The Breakfast Plate

Coffee, a cherry yogurt (not the flip kind), and a piece of fresh baked banana bread. Plus vitamins and 10 ml of black elderberry syrup.

On The Lunch Plate

I’m not sure but maybe a turkey and cheese melt or some sort of soup

On The Dinner Plate

Either chicken and noodles or ham steaks. Still trying to decide.

On The Menu This Week

My ice cream cake birthday cake, it’s Christmas but I didn’t care.

Working yesterday threw off my grocery store routine along with my menu making.

MONDAY: Rotisserie chicken for J and my husband. G and I had these chicken strip dinners the grocery store deli had on special. They were okay. *I worked 7:30-4:00*

TUESDAY: Either chicken and noodles/mashed potatoes or ham steaks/apples

WEDNESDAY: ham steaks/apples if I don’t make them today.

THURSDAY: Pork chops of some sort. NOT cornbread crusted. Those were a bit of a fail.

FRIDAY: OUT *G’s college graduation*

What I Am Wearing

Gray sweatshirt, jeggings, new very warm wool-blend socks (a birthday gift from G), and tennis shoes. (Yesterday was Grinch day at school and I wore a red Grinch t-shirt with a green sweater 🙂 )

On My Reading Pile

I just finished Being Henry: The Fonz…and Beyond by Henry Winkler. It was a very insightful look into how even as a celebrity a person can feel unworthy. Now, I need a good Christmas romance type book to read. Turns out I’m not a fan of Jenny Colgan. I couldn’t get past the first 3 pages of the first library book. Too much description. UGH, not my kind of writing. Did I possibly mix up Jenny Colgan with Julie Caplin? No comment. And of course, none of those books are at my local library. Might splurge and treat myself to The Little Cafe in Copenhagen since it’s not on kindle unlimited either.

On My TV

A certain football team which we shall not discuss further. Coal in a few players stockings maybe? UGH. Blue Beetle, really good movie! Forgot to cancel Apple plus (let’s be honest, I didn’t have 500 hours to figure it out either) so I watched the Hannah Waddingham Christmas special. I enjoyed it so much. Had no idea she was a singer as well as an actress. Saturday afternoon, G and I watched the latest Doctor Who special. Neil Patrick Harris was phenomenal as a creepy villain. And after work yesterday, I slept through watched a few episodes of Sugar Rush on Netflix.

Looking Around The House

Well…there’s mess. And then, there’s Christmas decorations. Followed by more mess. SIGH. On today’s agenda: more Christmas less mess. We’ll see.

On My To Do List

Just a few things. Ahem. Random order

1. Grocery store (I probably should go again as I went last night with no plan and not even sure…)
2. Wrap presents
3. Finish Christmas shopping
4. Clean the house
5. Figure out the cookies/cocoa/etc for G’s family graduation party
6. Figure out something to wear to G’s graduation
7. Pay bills
8. Figure out what we still need to do for Christmas gifts
9. Go a few places/get a few things
10. Everything else I’m forgetting

 

Christmas Tips, DIY, Ideas, or Recipes

I made half a batch of this Spicy Sinterklaas cookie recipe last week, leaving out the almonds and candied fruit. We really liked them and I’ll probably make more before Christmas. They aren’t very sweet and bonus, don’t take eggs!  J had the idea that it would be fun to do an Advent cookie calendar. So I’ve been kind of rolling with it and trying to either make or put out a different kind of cookie each day leading up to Christmas. (Note: I usually make one tray and freeze the rest of the dough, planning some to have on Saturday for the graduation celebration and some for cookie plates for friends/family). Never too late for a new tradition!

From The Camera

I took a walk last week and another one on my birthday so just a few photos from that to share here.

Quote For The Week

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before.Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store.Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”  (From How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Doctor Seuss)

Maybe more through rain than snow around here now but where did my weekend go? Or for that matter, my Monday morning?

We did have a nice (although a bit busy at times) first weekend of December. J’s concert on Friday night was a lot of fun. Then, a slower Saturday until our game night with friends. Yesterday, I don’t know…every time I looked up it was later in the day. And of course, I did listen to it on the radio and then, watch the second half of the Chiefs game. Ugh. It did at least give me a bit of joy to know how happy it probably made Carrie to see her Packers win. Going to put all the headings in green today to honor her team.

Let’s just move on with the week. Maybe I can get something posted and planned before noon…joining in as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

It started out properly miserable looking, cloudy, gray, and foggy. However, by the time I left the grocery store, blue skies and sunshine! I guess we’re in for one of those weeks with weather all over the place. High 40’s today and tomorrow, followed by 50’s and is that a 60 I see for Thursday? Then, rain moves in for the weekend and we go back down the 40’s.

Right Now

I just got back from the store. Put my too few groceries for what I paid away. And sat down to get started on this post.

Thinking And Pondering

The Happy Holidays song by Andy Williams is stuck in my head but before we can think completely of Christmas over here, we have a college graduation to celebrate! And before that, my birthday is this Saturday. What are we going to do for all this? I’d wanted to go see the eagles at a nature area north of town, however, the weather doesn’t look great. So, who knows what we’ll do. My main present is like J’s, the symphony tickets. Debating a “cookies, cocoa, and congratulations” family party for G next Saturday but need his input. He graduates the 15th but in a concert arena in downtown proper that we already know will make it difficult for older family members to attend. And also, today is national cookie day I guess. So, who’s baking cookies? I might figure out a time to make a few.

How I Am Feeling

Okay, a little overwhelmed, slightly tired, but I don’t feel bad.

On The Breakfast Plate

Well, um, coffee. And one piece of fudge from the fridge. Looks like it’s going to be big lunch day maybe.

On The Lunch Plate

Vitamins, maybe some type of hot sandwich? Not sure.

On The Dinner Plate

Spaghetti and meatballs, salad, and garlic toast

On The Menu

J helped me work out our menu this morning by looking through my latest batch of library cookbooks.

MONDAY: Spaghetti, meatballs, salad, and garlic toast

TUESDAY: Apple butter ribs in the crockpot, corn, and cornbread (from a slow cooker recipe book)

WEDNESDAY: Cornbread crusted pork chops, potatoes (from Tricia Yearwood’s cookbook)

THURSDAY: burritos

FRIDAY: maple baked chicken thighs, sweet potatoes (carry over meal)

SATURDAY: OUT for my birthday. Not sure where yet.

What I Am Wearing

Sweatshirt, jeans, socks and tennis shoes

On My Reading Pile

Read The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins over the weekend. It’s The Hunger Games prequel, I really enjoyed it but it was a bit different than the other books in the series with a more philosophical side. Noticed the reviews were a bit mixed, I think perhaps because of that. Still want to see the movie though. So much better than Holly by Stephen King, finished it as well and I must say it’s the first time I’ve ever been completely disappointed in one of his novels. The underlying story was good but his Covid references were just too many, I don’t care about the viewpoint as much as the clunkiness with which he dropped them into the story. Not subtle enough for me.

Finally, on a happier reading note, I’m still slowly working my way through my re-read of Christmas Island by Natalie Normann. And have a stack of Jenny Colgan Christmas books from the library to read.

On My TV

I did watch Candy Cane Lane, the new Christmas movie with Eddie Murphy over on Amazon. It was okay, not really great, a bit too long I think. And the new Doctor Who special which I enjoyed. Finally, some football…ah, those Chiefs…perhaps it’s not going to be their year. SIGH.

Looking Around The House

It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas! I set my Nativity sets out on Saturday and my husband put my lighted greenery up on Sunday. Still a few things to do. Oh, and this guy made an appearance a bit early this year:

On My To Do List

A lot of the usual stuff…plus Christmas things:

1. Grocery store *DONE*
2. Bake Christmas cookies
3. Laundry
4. Finish putting out the last of the Christmas decor
5. Go for walk and enjoy sunshine
6. Christmas shopping/make lists see who/what and all that
7. Breathe
8. Christmas cards
9. Water plants
10. Eat a candy cane and read my Christmas books or watch a movie

From The Camera

A few phone photos

Christmas Tips, DIYs, or Ideas

I’m drawing a bit of a blank today. In a do what I say, not what I do kind of advice giving here: it’s very helpful to buy 1-2 stocking stuffers and/or Christmas presents each month of the year. I started well this year and then, stopped. SIGH. Hopefully, I do better at this next year.

 

Quote For The Week

 

December starts this Friday! Can you believe it? Anyone else feel like they need to just take a moment to say goodbye to the blur that was November? And maybe take some deep breaths because of this:

Just 28 days until Christmas! And the way this year is going, I’m afraid to blink or it might be here.

Better slow down and get on with planning the week ahead with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

It’s frightful! Um, it snowed here Saturday night into Sunday. Way too early for that (Not really as we’ve had snow on Halloween in prior years. However, it seems odd as it’s been so warm for so long this year.). Right now it’s a balmy 27 degrees with a feels like temp in the teens. I’m not rushing off to the grocery store this morning. It is supposed to bounce back up to the 40’s later today and then, the 50’s with a bit of rain for the second half of the week. We need the rain but I hope it lets up on Friday afternoon as J has a concert.

Right Now

I’m working on this post mostly. Glancing at some cyber Monday deals, been a while since I’ve had a cyber Monday off work (that’s good AND bad). Also, checking to see if the grocery store is doing their Chiefs win/grocery discount.

Thinking And Pondering

The upcoming Christmas holiday mostly, that I feel happy when I think about it. This year despite the insane prices and me not working as much, I feel so much more positive than I have in a long time. Pondering the why. Not sure I have an answer and I’m really okay with that. Just enjoying the holidays and thinking about some more decorating I’d like to do and my baking plans.

How I Am Feeling

I feel good, slept fairly well. Breakfast needs to happen soon as I’m a bit hungry this morning.

On The Breakfast Plate

So far, just coffee as I’m trying to decide what I want. Maybe a homemade sausage muffin (reheating sausage my husband cooked yesterday morning and toasting an English muffin). And of course, vitamins!

On The Lunch Plate

Really not sure. Perhaps mac and cheese (from the trusty blue box!)

On The Dinner Plate

We’re having white chicken chili that I’ll put together in the slow cooker before J and I head off to his class.

On The Menu This Week

 

Trying to be a bit frugal and cook from the freezer/fridge/pantry.

MONDAY: White chicken chili

TUESDAY: Waffles and bacon

WEDNESDAY: Steak soup (new recipe though I might switch this up to spicy potato soup depending on mood, what G’s plans are as he’s not a steak fan at all)

THURSDAY: Pork chops and baked potatoes or hamburgers (husband’s choice)

FRIDAY: Probably OUT as J has a concert at 7 but has to be there for everything starting at 4:30 (he’ll get a dinner break). Last time we did this, I just got him Subway around 2:30.

What I’m Wearing Today

Long sleeved Chiefs shirt (red, of course), jeans, socks and tennis shoes

On My Reading Pile

Two books where the main character in each book is named Holly! I’m reading Holly by Stephen King as it came up from my hold list at the library (I’ve been waiting on it a long time!). And I’m also re-reading Christmas Island by Natalie Normann as it’s one of my very favorite Christmas time reads.

On My TV This Week

I watched SO much Football over the long weekend and was so happy to see a Chiefs win yesterday. Other than that, we got Hulu back (black Friday special) so I was finally able to finish Only Murders In The Building. And I was not even one tiny bit disappointed in the new Doctor Who special, even told G I’d watch it again today with him. Probably finish up Fear the Walking Dead this week and watch my baking show, maybe a Christmas movie.

Looking Around The House

Christmas is coming…I’m taking my time decorating.

On My To Do List

1. Grocery store (we do need a few items)
2. Laundry/Cleaning
3. Christmas decorating
4. Dollar Tree trip
5. Bake one kind of Christmas cookie (or make dough for freezer)
6. Take my (apparently overdue, oops) books back to the library/pick up holds
7. Plan for some upcoming December events: J’s concert(s), my birthday, G’s college graduation, our trip to the symphony, Christmas Eve & Christmas

From The Camera

It was an indoor kind of weekend.

Christmas Tips or Ideas

Make a Christmas notebook! It doesn’t have to be fancy or have 500 organized lists (unless that’s what you like). I just added stickers to a spiral notebook:

I’m left-handed so I turn the pages backwards so the spiral doesn’t bother me when I write. What I write in mine: at the end of each Christmas, I write down what worked/what we liked and didn’t like. That’s one way I knew I wanted to decorate more this year. Also, I write down random gift ideas and thoughts.

My random notes from 2022 (typed here so you can actually know what they say-awful handwriting):

• No more cinnamon popcorn for my husband
• Delegate/ASK for help
• Actually decorate the tree/we like it
• Put tablecloth on table early
• Do Christmas cards FIRST
• Invite people over before last minute!
• Gift idea: small jars of black-eyed peas/cornbread mix with recipe
• Battery operated candles for Nativity/window candles take C batteries/tree candles take AA
• Gift of reusable snack bags w/pretzels

I also start writing in it during the season with gift ideas and thoughts so it’s not a try to remember everything at once process. For this year, I’ve written a question that stuck with me: What brings you joy at the holidays?

Quote For The Week

“May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope; The spirit of Christmas which is peace; The heart of Christmas which is love.”
~ Ada V. Hendricks

(Found at Travelmelodies.com)

A bit late this week, unexpectedly called in to work yesterday and then last night, I watched the Chiefs game (SIGH). I’m working again this afternoon but thought I’d take a few minutes and try to get this post done before I leave. 

Thankful that Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom continues to do this link up inspiring me to get some sort of order to my weeks. It’s also fun to look back at these post near the end of the year!

The Weather

Dismal. Another rainy (we need it though!), cold, and cloudy day. It’s about 44 degrees right now. Supposed to be colder once the clouds move off. Weekend is supposed to be super chilly and I’m going to pretend I didn’t see a snowflake on the weather app on my phone. Good weather for decorating for Christmas which is how I typically spend my black Friday weekends.

Right Now

I’ve returned from the store, taken a shower and got myself ready for work. Now, I’m working on this post while listening to the sounds of the washer and dryer. My husband is off work today and kindly took it upon himself to do the laundry.

Thinking And Pondering

Wondering how crazy this afternoon is going to be. Realized there will likely be 2 subs in today plus there’s a sub there now covering the morning shift (I can’t do morning shifts on Tuesday/Thursday because of J’s current schedule). Hopefully, numbers are down due to the holiday though that didn’t seem the case yesterday.

How I Am Feeling 

A bit scatterbrained (normal pre-Thanksgiving state for most of us, I hope?) as I did shampoo my hair twice because I grabbed the shampoo bottle again instead of the conditioner. Otherwise, I feel pretty good though I’d be happy to see some sunshine, colder weather or not.

On The Breakfast Plate

I made blueberry muffins (from a box mix), coffee, vitamins, plus I treated myself to a caramel creme brulee latte at the grocery store.

On The Lunch Plate

Probably just another muffin and a flip yogurt. I don’t like to eat anything to heavy right before I go into work.

On The Dinner Plate

My husband made taco meat yesterday (we had a freezer issue so he had to use up some ground beef) so something taco related.

What I Am Wearing Today

Orange and red t-shirt that has shiny orange threads highlighting the design (needed something bright to counteract the gloomy skies), jeans, and tennis shoes.

On My Reading Pile

Finishing up The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth, then I’m switching to light, happy Christmas reads for the rest of the season. I’ve been waiting to read Christmas in the Scottish Highlands by Donna Ashcroft, so it’ll be up first.

On My TV This Week

Watched the Chiefs game last night (I have gift ideas Patrick Mahomes could give his teammates: velcro gloves so they can hang on to the darn ball, a timer, and an updated NFL rule book…in case you can’t guess, yesterday did not go my team’s way.). Probably more football on Thanksgiving. Excited for the Doctor Who special. Not sure what else.

On My Menu

It’s Thanksgiving week, always makes planning a bit of a challenge.

MONDAY: spaghetti *I worked 8-3:30*

TUESDAY: tacos *I work 1-5*

WEDNESDAY: Leaning toward OUT or we’ll forage through the fridge and freezer

THURSDAY: homemade cranberry relish, apple pie, chocolate pie, and pumpkin pie. OH wait, that’s what I’m contributing. My brother is making turkey, ham, said something about also smoking a turkey breast, sweet potatoes, green beans, stuffing, and who knows what else.

FRIDAY: LEFTOVERS (My brother always makes way too much food so I anticipate we’ll be sent home with plenty of extras)

Looking Around The House

I like my Thanksgiving decor but I’m ready to replace it with Christmas. Also, I need to clean a bit.

On My To Do List

1. Grocery store *DONE*
2. Target trip, might put it off but I do need to go
3. Work
4. Decide if I want to go to Bunco tonight, depends on if anything is going on with family
5. Pay bills (Ugh, no fun but must be done)
6. Also, figure out how to renew my blog hosting for 1 year instead of 3 at a time.
7. Remember to-do list I’m putting as my quote for the week…

From The Camera & (Phone Camera)

Not as many pictures in this post, I missed my walk on Thursday and didn’t feel like braving the cold and wet this morning plus had to make a grocery run. Sunday night, J asked me to text him some pictures of his college music while he was a band practice. He also got these two pictures of my “helper.”

Thanksgiving Tips or Ideas

If you aren’t hosting and there’s something you’ll really miss if it’s not on the Thanksgiving dinner table, offer to contribute that item (see homemade cranberry relish listed above). Bonus tip for those of you with younger kids, I saw this reminer somewhere else and remembered doing this myself: It’s okay to feed your kids a small meal at their normal time if Thanksgiving is at an odd one/later in the day. The holiday is a lot more enjoyable without hangry/crying children. Our Thanksgiving dinner isn’t until 4 this year and you bet even without small children, we’ll still be having a light breakfast and lunch!

Quote For The Week

(Found on Pinterest)