I’m a day late (nothing new there) but still ready to plan my week. 

Last week ended up a bit busier with work than I expected but so far (fingers crossed) this week is shaping up to be a bit quieter (except yesterday, I did work). I have lots of “homework” I need to do as in actually working in my home. Hoping this post inspires me to do some of it.

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

The Weather

Cool mornings and warm afternoons. Thankful the mornings aren’t cool enough to need a jacket, just cool enough to notice. We are supposed to maybe get rain one day this week and by the weekend, maybe highs in the low 90’s one day. Otherwise, it’s the 80’s. A good decade and a good weather temperature. Right now, 75 and sunny.

As I Look Outside My Window

Lots of things I need to do but the flowers are still blooming and the little hummingbird was out there. I didn’t see any at the nature center though so I’m sure my little guy is counting down as well.

Right Now

Washer is going, cat is keeping me company (I’m sorry I had to edit out her long row of 5’s but I guess she was trying to high 5 you all?). Soon, I need to go get J from his classes. He still needs to get a parking pass for the college.

Thinking and Pondering

Nothing too serious. I was glancing at Instagram earlier (I enjoy following lots of nature/garden accounts) and this reel popped up where a baby boomer lady was making a joke about their kids lunches vs the lunches millennials pack for their children. And I went down the rabbit hole of reading the comments. Never read the comments. Ugh, so many upset people over a joke about school lunches. I don’t get the whole generational conflict thing anyway. As a Gen X, I just live my life and take people as individuals without worrying too much about the generations before or after me. Hopefully, I’ve taught my Gen Z kids to do the same.

On The Breakfast Plate

Did you know today is Johnny Appleseed day? Me either. However, I did have an apple cinnamon bagel and coffee for breakfast.

On The Lunch Plate

Grilled ham and swiss sandwich

On The Dinner Plate

Tacos are on the board but I’m not sure…

What I’m Wearing Today

I looked nicer yesterday wearing my blue denim dress with tennis shoes for work. However, today, I’m wearing a striped floral tee-shirt, olive green shorts, and my tennis shoes.

On My Reading Pile

I have a stack of new library books, actual books! However, I was on a Mary Burton kick over the weekend and read The House Beyond the Dunes (really good) and Don’t Look Now (not quite as good but I still enjoyed it). Currently, I just started another e-book called The Day I Disappeared by Brandi Reeds.

On My TV

Football, The Voice (for a while), tried the new show The Irrational, really liked it. Doctor Who, Daryl Dixon, and Only Murders in the Building. Whatever else happens on while I’m folding laundry.

On The Menu

 

Pretty basic this week, still not quite cool enough to heat the house up with oven baked dinners.

MONDAY: grilled chicken legs, salad

TUESDAY: tacos…maybe

WEDNESDAY: some form of pork chops, potatoes

THURSDAY: chicken fried steak, maybe with mashed potatoes?

FRIDAY: No idea, maybe French Toast

I really need to have a look in the freezer and see what needs cleared out of it.

Looking Around The House

I have two bags full of cleaning stuff I bought at Target on Sunday evening. They are sitting right there with the rest of the mess on the sofa. I did light my apple machiatto candle (from Bath and Body Works, not Target) so hopefully, the house smells better than it looks right now.

Why don’t these creatures I see on the nature trail ever come home with me and help clean like in the Disney films? SIGH.

On My To Do List

 

1. This post
2. Clean the house!
3. Grocery store (DONE yesterday right after work)
4. Lalala laundry
5. Blog post/letter writing
6. Decorate for fall/Halloween if I ever manage to get the house clean
7. Outside stuff/start preparing plants to come inside, the weather is thankfully giving me a break with this by staying warmer for a bit.
8. Lots of little things nagging at me, stuff leftover from previous to-do lists

From The Camera

All photos in this post are again from my walks on the path at the nature center near J’s college campus. Mostly from last week but a few from today.

On My Prayer List

Former teacher from my work who was in the auto accident, she is making tiny progress but has a very long way to go to heal. Friends, family, strangers. The world to be a kinder, gentler place.

Quote For The Week

 

One last week of my favorite season though it’s feeling more like the upcoming one each early morning and late evening. Oddly, I am quite ready for fall this year. Well, in regards to the weather, baking, and the cozy nights inside and out. Am I actually ready as far as the house/wardrobe (I am not a coat person, thus my love for summer)? No.

Let’s get on with planning our week with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

I see lots of chances for much needed rain this week but I’m not holding my breath that it’ll happen. Highs in the upper 70’s to mid 80’s.

As I Look Outside My Window 

I’ve yet to see our hummingbird when I look outside the back door.  It makes me sad. Hopefully, he’s not already gone and is just mad that I didn’t get the feeder cleaned yesterday like I normally do. (The hummingbird photos in this post are from a local nature center) *UPDATE: I did see a hummingbird briefly this evening but I’m not sure he was one of “our” hummingbirds.*

Right Now

I’m trying to get a start on this post before J and I head off to the DMV. He passed his driver’s license test on Thursday afternoon but the administrative side was so slow that we didn’t get the picture/fees paid. I worked on Friday but my husband and J tried again on that day, again so slow in the afternoon. So, we’re going early (by teenage definitions) this morning almost right after they open so we can get it done. *UPDATE: We lined up 5 minutes before the office opened at 9 and two hours later at 11, had a fully licensed new driver in our house*

Thinking And Pondering

Well, I decided to be content with things regarding my job, can’t beat the flexibility and they are so  understanding and supportive about my availability. That said, I do think I’ll keep a day for myself when J’s schedule/transportation need changes again. After starting last week off a bit grumbly and dissatisfied, I find myself feeling a lot more gratitude this week. Of course, my husband also keeps reminding me/encouraging me that we need to just take a year of having no big commitments (this said when I thought it might be fun to take curling lessons though I see his point as well).

How I Am Feeling

Not too bad. Little tickle in my throat but I think that’s something in the air lately.

On The Breakfast Plate

Coffee, vitamins, and a blueberry bagel

On The Lunch Plate

We had pre-frozen orange chicken and some cream cheese wontons, neither of which was very good.

On The Dinner Plate

My husband grilled hot dogs and corn on the cob. I passed on the corn and had a fresh peach instead.

What I’m Wearing

Not winning any fashion awards today, navy blue short sleeved shirt where the back is longer than the front, grass green capri pants, and yes, I’ve had my leopard print slip on shoes on all day.

On My Reading Pile

Read one called The Nature of Secrets (Finley O’Sullivan #2) by Debra Webb, part of a murder mystery series but a fun read as it was set in Nashville. Then, I read Susie’s Santorini Summer by Daisy James for something lighter. And then, turning completely, I read The Midnight Club by Christopher Pike, mainly because it was a skip the wait library e-book that said it had a Netflix series. Wasn’t quite as scary as I expected. Series seems a bit spookier though. Finally, I grabbed The Art of Making Memories by Meik Wiking to read while waiting on J’s class to end tonight. I’ve had the book forever and somehow never actually took the time to read it? So, that’s what I’m currently reading.

On My TV

Right now, we have Monday night football going (cheering for the Steelers over here). Earlier, I watched an episode of Doctor Who as well as an episode of The Midnight Club (definitely a watch in the daytime one for me if I stay with it). At some point, I’ll probably also watch the new episode of Daryl Dixon. 

On The Menu This Week

I seem to always be lacking inspiration, especially after we’ve gone through what I refer to as our rotation…

MONDAY: hotdogs and corn on the cob on the grill

TUESDAY: pepper steak and rice *I work 1-4:30* and have Bunco

WEDNESDAY:  Maybe tacos?

THURSDAY: chicken and spinach skillet

FRIDAY: Maybe French toast? or Out?

Looking Around The House

It’s not looking any better than last week and honestly, might be a bit worse. Here look at these birds I saw instead:

On My To Do List

1. Finish the laundry
2. Grocery store *DONE*
3. Take J to DMV for his driver’s license *DONE*
4. Call our car insurance company
5. Clean the house
6. Clean the house some more
7. Mail some letters (write some, too!)
8. Bills
9. Outside chores

From The Camera

With the exception of the salad, all the photos in my post are from a local nature center where I’ve been walking each Tuesday and Thursday morning.

Prayer Request

I found out when I worked on Friday that a former teacher (very young, in her 20’s) was in a very bad auto accident and in the ICU at a local hospital.  Please join me in sending her healing vibes and prayers.

Quote For The Week

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

It’s a new week and ours is off to a sleepy, rainy start but no complaints here.

J was supposed to take his driver’s test today but opted to sleep so we’ll go either tomorrow or Wednesday. Probably better not to take it in the rain anyway though I have no doubt he could’ve passed it. Gave me a chance to get my grocery shopping out of the way at my normal time.

For now, taking a minute to plan my week with Sandra’s Happy Homemaker Monday link up. Go check it out over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Um, I can’t believe it but I’m actually cold. It’s currently 67 degrees with a steady downpour of rain falling. Much needed rain. Rest of the week is supposed to be no warmer than the upper 70’s. It’s as if fall is almost here.

As I Look Outside My Window

It’s a gloomy, rainy day and I’m wondering if our little resident hummingbird is also cold.

Right Now

Working on this post instead of folding the mountain of laundry waiting for me on our bed.

Thinking And Pondering

Job/career choices have been on my mind a lot lately. Mid-life career crisis? Is that a thing? I really just need to embrace this odd season, I think. On another note, ever feel like you simply can’t get things done? I feel like I keep doing just the basic chores but can’t find the time/motivation to get to a lot of the other things on my list. And finally, I did, of course like most of Americans I imagine, spend some time thinking the September 11 from 22 years ago. I could tell you exactly where I was and what I was doing at that time.

How I’m Feeling

Really, not awful. Slept okay, just need to find that motivation and I think I’d feel so much better.

On The Breakfast Plate

Coffee, vitamins, chocolate chip muffins. Then, at the store I used the end of my Starbucks gift card to get an oatmilk apple macchiato. Did not like it much. Apple macchiato is a nice candle smell that doesn’t translate to a very tasty drink. Might’ve been the oatmilk, it just had an odd flavor to it.

On The Lunch Plate

I just had a lemon meringue pie flip yogurt as I wasn’t super hungry.

On The Dinner Plate

Planning to put some meatballs and spaghetti sauce in the crock pot before I run J to his band class that’s at a college about 30 minutes away.

What I’m Wearing Today

Washington D.C. tee-shirt, jeans, and my leopard print slip on shoes.

On My Reading Pile

Tried to get away from all the serious non-fiction by reading Paris:The Memoir by Paris Hilton, turned out to be a bit more serious than I expected. While I’m not ever going to be a huge fan, I did find myself with a bit more respect for her after reading it. She endured some pretty significant abuse at one of those teen wilderness schools that were somewhat popular in the 90’s (I can remember seeing a few Dr. Phil episodes about them being a great thing).

Thankfully, I found a fiction author I liked on the Kindle Unlimited app and have been working my way through her books. I really enjoyed The Secret of the Villa Alba and The Lost Notebook by Louise Douglas. I’ve just started in on The House by the Sea.

On My TV This Week

Do I want to talk about the football game last week? I do not. Not even sure what I’ll have time to watch this week. Probably whatever streaming service shows fit my mood. Today’s rainy weather has me in a zombie mood so I plan to check out The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon later.

On My Menu

Menu planning has become interesting because until J gets his license, we are on the road at dinner/cooking times every day due to his schedule.

MONDAY: spaghetti, meatballs, garlic toast

TUESDAY: chicken strips, oven baked potato chips

WEDNESDAY: roast in the crock pot *MNO for me!*

THURSDAY: sausage/green beans/new potatoes (maybe in crock pot?)

FRIDAY: Husband’s choice *I work 7-3:30*

Looking Around The House

Let’s not do that today.

 

On My To-Do List

Please don’t judge if I say everything from last week plus:

1. Take J to take his driver’s test
2. Post office for stamps (I also need to write some letters)
3. Laundry (in progress at least)
4. Another blog post about our Nashville trip
5. I don’t even know but I’m sure there’s something I’m forgetting

From The Camera

Aren’t surprise flowers the best? Didn’t expect this clematis (a garden center rescue) to bloom again this year! 

Dragonfly I spotted while I was out watering one day last week.

Happy bumblebee on my bargain zinnias. (Unpopular opinion: I’ve bought them plenty of times in the fall but I’m just not a huge fan of mums. Did you know zinnias will also bloom until the first frost? I was really excited to see these and may have bought a few more than I really needed).

Quote For The Week

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27)

 

Yesterday was a holiday so I chose to spend it away from the computer and around my family. We had a nice long weekend. 

Saturday morning I ran to a couple farmer markets. Early in the afternoon, J and I walked to a local festival (it’s only a little over a mile from our home) to get some kettle corn and other goodies. On Sunday, we made my husband drive us back for funnel cakes and then, we watched a band called Styx Illusion on one of the stages for a few songs. Yesterday was just a nice slow day without much happening. My husband cooked a brisket on the smoker while I read my book and watched tv. Basically, I just had a lazy day though I did do a tiny bit of outside stuff.

Well, shall we get on with planning this four day week? Joining in as usual with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Near the end of last week and especially yesterday it was HOT but not over 100 degrees hot. A small rain “sprinkle” not sure you’d call it a shower came through this morning. Cooled things down a bit. Right now it’s 85 degrees and partly cloudy. Still shows were supposed to be in the upper 90’s later today and tomorrow, mid to high 80’s for the rest of the week.

As I Look Outside My Window

I see lots of yard work and flower tending I’ve been avoiding.

Right Now

Trying to see how far I get on this post before I need to run and pick J up from his class.

Thinking And Pondering

Just thinking about the stuff I want to get done around here this week. I ended up getting called into work twice last week and am hoping for a full 4 days at home (between running around for J).

How I Am Feeling

Not too bad, slept decent.

On The Breakfast Plate

Coffee, cinnamon sugar bagel, and vitamins

On The Lunch Plate

Not entirely sure, maybe just a sandwich *UPDATE-I made a frittata*

On The Dinner Plate

Chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes

What I’m Wearing Today

Striped shirt with teal flowers, navy blue shorts, socks, and tennis shoes

On My Reading Pile

Currently between books, a trip to the library is on my list for today. Finished reading Raising Lazarus: Hope, Justice, and the Future of America’s Overdose Crisis by Beth Macy. It was a bit depressing but gave good insights. Then, needing something light I chose Penelope in Retrograde by Brooke Adams for my Prime First reading choice. Read it in a day, really enjoyed it!

On My TV This Week

Well, Thursday, quite a few of us will be saying: How ‘Bout Them Chiefs!!?? Otherwise, last week G got me to watch Abbott Elementary which I loved and pretty much binge-watched the entire series, so funny! And I watched yet another documentary on the opioid crisis called Crime of the Century over on HBO Max, I joked that I was finally ready to write my research paper but really there are no words for the disgust I had at all the ways those with money and influence bent rules for these drugs (and are probably still doing it). While waiting for the Chiefs, I might watch a Dr. Who episode or two this week.

On The Menu

Everyone everywhere is screaming fall. Meanwhile, our weather still says summer. Plus, still lots of back and forth driving for J’s schedule.

MONDAY: brisket, watermelon, brownies

TUESDAY: chicken and noodles

WEDNESDAY: leaning toward ham steak, sweet potatoes

THURSDAY: taco soup (requested) *Go Chiefs!*

FRIDAY: No idea, leftovers? J has a driving lesson at noon.

Looking Around The House

Ever feel like you just can’t get caught up on things?

On My To Do List

1. Grocery store *Done, almost, forgot a few things*
2. Target at some point
3. Library
4. Laundry
5. Outside stuff
6. Clean the house/get it ready for fall/winter

From The Camera

J’s college classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays are close to a local nature center so I’ve been walking the paved trail there after dropping him off. Most of the photos in the post are from those walks. 

Quote For The Week

Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back and reasons to stay. (Dalai Lama)

 

Well, I was motivated until I realized my to-do list kept going and going scroll style. Ha!

My own fault as I was quite lazy over the weekend and did basically nothing. Seems odd to say I needed the rest as we’d just returned from vacation last week. However, that phrase about needing a vacation after your vacation exists for a reason. Now, it’s a new week and I’m ready to start doing the things on my list.

Glad that Sandra is still doing this wonderful link up on Mondays as it keeps me motivated. Go check out her blog and the link up at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

It’s so nice out! I’m kind of mad at myself for sitting around indoors all weekend. Thankfully, the nice weather and break from all the heat continues for us this week. Highs in only the low 80’s all week long. We could use some rain but none in the forecast, going to have to remember to water. I find it harder to remember that when the air isn’t boiling hot.

As I Look Outside My Window

A lovely view of all the things I’ve neglected with the heat. The poor bird feeders (with the exception of my little hummingbirds) are all empty–on my list to get more birdseed this week. Some plants are trying to recover but there are more than a few I need to let go.

Right Now

I just finished renewing my license plates (on-line, hooray!) and am still marveling at how ridiculously easy it was this time around. Hopefully, the local office mails my stickers soon (My plates expire in 3 days!).

Thinking and Pondering

Grocery store prices. How on Earth are people making it? Feeling blessed we are fortunate enough to afford things. While it was annoying at times (many times), I’m glad to have grown up with parents who lived during the Great Depression and knew how to save/make use of things. I’m not going to start saving every piece of foil though my husband does re-use one for his lunches during the week. However, I plan to do a better job with using what we purchase. Threw out a fair amount of produce this morning that had gone bad. I know it happens but I also know I can do better.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Not too bad really. Slept good.

On The Breakfast Plate

Cinnamon toast croissant, coffee, vitamins

On The Lunch Plate

Not sure. Maybe a grilled cheese?

On The Dinner Plate

A roast is in the crockpot

What I’m Wearing Today

V-neck shirt with a blue, gold, and black swirl design, black shorts, socks and tennis shoes.

On My Reading Pile

I need some new light reading books! A trip to the library is in order for this week. Almost finished with Dopesick by Beth Macy. Might look into her new book.

On The TV This Week

So I discovered the show How to Get Away with Murder on Netflix. SIGH. I’m hooked though I do call it Grey’s Anatomy with lawyers and fast forward through some of the scenes that are a bit much for me. Still, I did watch the first season in one weekend so…there’s that. We watched The Flash movie on Saturday night. I wanted to give it a chance despite not great reviews but it was bad, maybe it will become a cult classic but I said I felt like I was watching a parody of a movie. Oh, and I watched the movie, Dumplin’ on Netflix as well. Really cute. A bit older (2018) but I needed an easy feel good movie so it worked.

On My Menu This Week

Okay, I might need menu ideas. Until J gets his license and a car, on Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays, we’re out of the house during dinner prep/dinner hour. And on Tuesdays and Thursdays, he has class at 6, not getting back until later. G’s schedule is not much better. And of course, my husband is home at normal dinner hour times. So I need dinners that are somewhat easy to make and easy to reheat/grab for all this different schedules.

(This week I’m trying to eat a bit out of what’s already in our freezer)

MONDAY: Roast in the crock pot

TUESDAY: OUT maybe? It’s our actual 25th wedding anniversary. I’m thinking I’ll grill chicken legs for the kids during the early afternoon and then my husband and I will go out while J’s at class (G works Tuesday night)

WEDNESDAY: Spaghetti (might just throw it all in the crockpot)

THURSDAY: BBQ pork chops (pork chops are already cooked and in freezer), broccoli

FRIDAY: Hamburgers? OUT? I’m not sure

Looking Around The House

How can it be worse after a week of us being here than when we were gone? Please don’t tell me our kids our better housekeepers than we are? SIGH. I need to pick up and clean.

On My To Do List

Everything, yes, everything that I didn’t do last week. And then, let’s see…

1. Grocery store *DONE*
2. Library
3. Menards for bird seed
4. Yard chores, cut back petunias, replace some dead flowers in front, plant seeds (fall garden?)
5. Get husband an anniversary card
6. Blog posts about our trip
7. Go for walk at nature park near J’s college while he’s in classes tomorrow
8. Hobby Lobby to see about framing some photos
9. Big fridge clean out (I do this every Labor Day weekend and I’m way too excited)
10. Prep some easy/healthy snacks for everyone, sweet treats as well

From The Camera

Once we returned from our trip, I didn’t take one picture until this morning when I ran out and grabbed some for this post.

Quote For The Week

I saw this on Pinterest this morning and it really spoke to me.

Thought I’d take the time to put together a Happy Homemaker Monday post today. However, it is a bit late as we’re already to Wednesday. Feels like a Monday though, does that count?

We were in the car returning from our trip to Nashville, Tennessee all day Monday, and then yesterday, was a whole lot of laundry and running around town.  This morning, I’ve been trying to get caught up on all that stuff I was going to do before we left town but didn’t. Does that happen to anyone else? Plans to have everything done and the house spotless before a trip but somehow those plans never quite work out? Ha.

Still going to link this post up with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

HOT. Crazy hot. It’s not supposed to feel like 100 degrees at 10 in the morning. Seems strange that it was cooler south of here. Of course, our heat wave is supposed to be moving their way. Heat warnings all around. Husband left for work before it was light out this morning. Heat is supposed to last until the weekend, then it cools down to normal.

As I Look Outside My Window

It just looks hot out there. Garden didn’t fare too well while we were gone but these tomatoes on the front porch managed. (Note: this is the only picture from home, all others are from our trip)

Right Now

Working on this post while doing a load of my “hang to dry” laundry, thinking about how I forgot to text my boss back (she did text me on Monday so we were technically still on vacation…I chose to ignore until we got home, then forgot to reply).

Thinking and Pondering

A lot of gratitude this morning: the kids (okay, young adults) managing so well while we were gone. The living room was even clean when we returned and the rest of the house passable. Glad we were were able to go on our trip and get there and back safely. The blessings of having air conditioning and clean water in this heat wave. J’s excitement at starting college courses (so much running though, gotta get him his license, we’re waiting til the heat wave is over). All of G’s help with so many little things.

How I’m Feeling This Morning

Just a bit tired. And maybe this should have went under thinking/pondering but I’m still feeling a bit burned out with my job. Guess we could turn that into more gratitude of my husband convincing/wanting me to wait a year on doing a full-time option.

On The Breakfast Plate

Is it ever too hot for coffee? Not yet. Coffee, chocolate chip muffins (from a box mix, oven on early in the morning and then, no more!), some reheated sausage.

On The Lunch Plate

Not sure. Been craving a peanut butter and jelly sandwich so maybe that.

On The Dinner Plate

Nothing that requires oven/grill preparation. I did have my husband get a big bag of salad at Sam’s Club yesterday so maybe some sort of salad, maybe a blt chicken salad?

What I’m Wearing Today

STAR labs t-shirt, black shorts, leopard print shoes.

On My Reading Pile

Mostly between books though I’m still working on the Intuitive Eating book, I read a bit, and then stop, read a bit, then stop.  While on vacation, I read The Wife Before by Shanora Williams, it was okay. Don’t tell me a book has a big twist when it really doesn’t have that great of one. And yesterday, I finished up The Wedding Planner by Danielle Steel. I enjoyed it for what it was, basic chick lit type stuff. The kind of book you don’t really need to think to read. Sometimes we need that.

On My TV This Week

Yesterday, I watched the beginning of Catch Me If You Can, an older movie that I’d somehow never seen. We’d watched the end of it last week so I had to see the beginning. Also, watched a couple of Doctor Who episodes. Not sure what I’ll watch this week, lots of half-watched shows in my que. Probably going to finish Dopesick on Hulu. I’d watched the Netflix documentary on the opioid crisis called Painkiller only to find out Hulu had already made a (so far) much better one with Michael Keaton as the lead. Then, I have Jack Ryan to finish, Only Murders in the Building, and who knows what else, oh, Locke and Key. Too many.

On The Menu This Week

Not even sure I’m going to plan out a menu at this point. It’s just too hot and there’s so much running around with everyone’s new schedules. Going to have to figure things out but maybe not until next week.

MONDAY: We were on the road, ate at Steak and Shake in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. It was okay, not the best but not the worst.

TUESDAY: Rotisserie Chicken/Pulled Pork/Taco Bell. Everyone was going different directions. I actually ate a handful of pistachios and a yogurt for dinner. *J had a class at 6, G was called into work at 4, so it was a bit crazy*

WEDNESDAY: I’m leaning toward BLT chicken salads or maybe taco salads but no idea really as J has a college concert band practice at 6 about 30 minutes away.

THURSDAY: Maybe some sort of pasta?

FRIDAY: French toast? No idea…

Looking Around The House

It’s ready for a good round of decluttering. And cleaning. However, it really doesn’t look too awful, just needs attention.

On My To Do List

1. This post and a few trip report posts
2. Rest of the laundry
3. Pay bills (most are done but things wigged out while I was trying to renew my car tags online)
4. Figure out J and G’s college schedule/mostly J’s so I can figure out my work availability
5. Clean the house, then start a room by room declutter

   

From The Camera

I actually took more cell phone photos on our trip than “real” camera photos this week. The camera pictures are throughout the post but here are a few from the cellphone of our stop in Metropolis, IL on our way. Fun accidental find.

Quote For The Week

I work just a few hours tomorrow. It’s the first day of school at my work, way too early to start but nobody consulted me on things. Of course, it’s also way past time for the summer program to end. It ended on Thursday and somehow I ended up working a few hours of it. I try to avoid working the last days as it’s so hard to say goodbye to some of those kids. Did I go home and cry a bit? Not telling.

I thought it best to go ahead and get this post written today since tomorrow and possibly the rest of the week might be a bit busy. We’re getting ready to go out of town starting on Thursday so lots to do.

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

The Weather

It’s 74, cloudy, and rainy today! Such a nice change. Bit stormy at times and I guess a chance of strong storms tonight but I don’t mind. We needed the rain. And the cooler weather though I wish I’d managed to plant a few more things yesterday. Supposedly, after the rain clears out, it’s not going to get above the low to mid 80’s all week until it shoots up into the 90’s on Saturday. Not sure I believe it’s going to stay that comfortable for that long.

As I Look Outside My Window

Cloudy skies and rain though I did see the end of the sunrise earlier before the clouds fully moved in on us.

Right Now

Working on this post, listening to the dryer, thinking I need to add some more clothes to the washer.

Thinking And Pondering

The kind comments from last week regarding my feelings with all the transitions. Feeling a bit better today. Also, realized I needed to give myself permission to fully relax. After working so many hours last month, I had slowed down on my days at home but still felt guilty about doing it. Also, realized something was making me just not want to be at home. If I’m at home, I’m outside or planning somewhere to go. So, yesterday, I gave myself permission to just do the “lazy” things I wanted to do. And it helped my mood and attitude so much. Now, I feel ready to tackle making home somewhere a bit more welcoming to myself (and to others).

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Just a little tired, can’t figure out how to reset the furry four footed alarm clock to a more reasonable hour.

On The Breakfast Plate

Stale croissant, spoonful of Nutella, and a couple pieces of bacon

On The Lunch Plate

No idea. *UPDATE: my husband ordered pizza*

On The Dinner Plate

Husband is making pulled pork (in the rain!)

What I’m Wearing Today

Kansas City Chiefs tee shirt (Football is back! Hooray!), black shorts, leopard print slip on shoes

On My Reading Pile

I read This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar in about 2 days this weekend. Wasn’t sure about it at first, it’s a heavy dose of sci-fi but ended up loving it. And I’ve started a new historical fiction one called The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont that has lots of promise, about the 11 day disappearance of Agatha Christie.

On My TV 

In just a bit, Kansas City Chiefs preseason football game!  *update: they lost, SIGH, but it’s just preseason and they did lose on the very last play so at least it was a game.* Yesterday, I watched the best movie I’d seen in a long while. Air on Amazon Prime is definitely worth your time. Also caught up a bit on Fear The Walking Dead at some point last week. Not sure what else I’ll watch this week.

On The Menu

This is going to be an interesting week because my husband and I leave Thursday for our anniversary trip so the boys will be on their own for the second half of the week.

MONDAY: Pepper steak/chicken and rice *I work 8-11*

TUESDAY: Grilled chicken legs, corn on the cob, salad

WEDNESDAY: ham steaks, potatoes, fried apples, maybe cornbread

THURSDAY: G and J’s choice

FRIDAY: G and J’s choice

Looking Around The House

I’m hoping to have it somewhat clean before we leave.

On My To Do List

1. Work
2. Grocery Store
3. Finish Laundry
4. Pay bills so we don’t have to come back to the task
5. Few outdoor chores if it’s not too soggy, we’ve had LOTS of rain today but it’s been nice

From The Camera

First a few from last Friday, J and I went to Worlds of Fun, a local amusement park so I could ride the Zambezi Zinger, a discontinued roller coaster that they’d rebuilt and reimagined. It was not the same, no pictures. And then, he got me to go on one called The Mamba. Terrifying for someone scared of heights but fun. When I can see the downtown skyline from the top, um, no thanks but it was too late. Still, fun. Just scary.  Also, I pretty much lived at this amusement park in my early teenage years and then, worked there in my later teenage years so it was fun to share the nostalgia of it all with my youngest son. Happened to be the parks 50th anniversary this year so they had a fun display of things. Oh, how many times I did ride the roller coaster pictured below:

Amusement park photos were phone pics. Here are a few camera pics.

On My Prayer List

Friends, family, strangers. The people of Maui impacted by the fire. Safe travels for myself and my husband and the boys (ok, so they are young adults) to be okay while we’re gone. Peace and kindness in the world.

Quote For The Week

There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind. (C.S. Lewis)

 

 

A true happy homemaker Monday post today as I’m actually at home! My long-term subbing is over for now. Typically, August and September are slower months as well. Time to get things back in order around here for a bit. While I’m missing my sweet preschool students quite a bit this morning, I am excited to have time for blogging again.

Joining in as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for this wonderful link up and community of bloggers.

The Weather

 

It looks and feels oddly fall-like out there this morning. It’s overcast and 71 degrees. We’re not supposed to get any rain today so I did go ahead and water everything. Chances of rain tomorrow and Wednesday but the temperature isn’t supposed to hit 90 degrees until Friday. A nice break from all the super hot weather we’ve had.

As I Look Outside My Window 

Okay, so not technically outside my window and from yesterday but I can’t wait to share this. Look what was hiding under those leaves in the front porch flower garden yesterday: A Luna Moth! Isn’t it beautiful?

Right Now

Working on this post, trying to adapt to a bit of a slower pace today while thinking of the million and one things I need to do this week.

Thinking And Pondering

Yesterday was a bit rough. I was dealing with quite a bit of resentment at needing to be home right now. Not that I hate being at home but my plan had always been to work at the preschool full-time when J graduated but it’s not the right time. Sometimes it just feels like as the mom, I make way more concessions to my plans/life/wants/needs than my husband. Seems like he gets to do whatever he wants and when he wants to do it, not entirely true but it feels that way a lot. Just me? Probably normal but like I said I was struggling with it yesterday and my mood toward my poor husband really reflected it. Just needing to work on accepting and embracing this new stage of things.

How I Am Feeling Today

Not awful though I was up a bit last night with some tummy troubles (probably a combination of the thoughts above and dinner not setting well as I ate kind of late)

On The Breakfast Plate

I had a Cafe Mocha from Starbucks and a grocery store croissant, a smaller one…much better than their larger ones.

On The Lunch Plate

I’m not sure but maybe a Blueberry Dutch baby pancake as we seem to have surplus of blueberries and the neighbor gave us lots of fresh eggs!

On The Dinner Plate

Lazy day, I’m just going to reheat some already cooked brisket that’s in the freezer, maybe cook some potatoes to go with it.

What I’m Wearing Today

navy blue shirt with butterfly design plus capri pants that match the color of the butterfly design in kind of a brighter blue color plus socks and tennis shoes.

On My Reading Pile

Lots of overdue library books! Still working through the book on Intuitive Eating, haven’t really started anything new. Need to sort/recycle the magazine pile. Probably going to do that later today.

On My TV This Week

I’m so excited that Only Murders in the Building season 3 premieres tomorrow! I’ll be watching that one. Mostly, I’ve been watching House Hunters International. It’s fascinating to me, love seeing the homes in the different countries and how much some of them differ from our homes here in the U.S.

On My Menu

 

Keeping things pretty basic and simple. Our anniversary trip is later next week so I want to make things this week that I can stash the leftovers in the freezer as I know J especially won’t want to eat out every day while were gone.

MONDAY: brisket, potatoes of some sort *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: tacos with peppers *Election day/Vote!* *MNO with friends*

WEDNESDAY: pork chops on the grill, corn on the cob, salad?

THURSDAY: spaghetti and meatballs, salad

FRIDAY: roast in the crock pot

Would also like to try and do a bit of baking this week to take advantage of the nicer weather, probably banana bread, zucchini bread, maybe just make some cookie dough for the freezer.

Looking Around The House

Oh boy. If you’ve seen the Barbie movie, you’ll know what I mean when I say it’s time time move it a bit away from a mojo dojo casa house and back toward a dream house. Somewhere in the middle would be nice. Basically, it’s a mess!

On My To Do List

All the stuff I’ve been ignoring/unable to do for the past month!

1. Research the ballot for tomorrow’s special election (it’s just a school bond thing)
2. Take J to the bank to set up a checking account
3. Get J enrolled in the community college (He can do this himself, I’m just the encouragement/ride)
4. Prepare for our trip next week
5. So much yard work! Freshen up the flowers (read: clear away the pots holding dead flowers), garden (I did weed a bit yesterday, time to plant for fall…a bit late but we’ll see)
6. Clean the house!
7. Schedule J’s 2nd driving lesson, take him to take his driver’s test
8. Go on a hike with the camera
9. Take some donations to the thrift store
10. Dry some herbs/freeze some veggies from the garden

From The Camera

Orange marigolds make me happy so I’m adding a few to the flower garden and vegetable garden.

Technically, this one is a phone photo but I’m refreshing the flower garden areas a bit and loved the way the lantana looked with the brown-eyed Susan flowers. Plus the photo bomb by our little gray cat.

On My Prayer List

Friends, family, strangers. My preschool students who are moving on to their new schools after the summer program ends this week. The teachers for a successful school year. My father-in-law as he recovers from back surgery. J to have a good start to his college years and G to have a good finish as he starts his last semester. Peace, good health, and kindness to those in need (isn’t that all of us?)

Quote For The Week

The will of God will not take us where the grace of God cannot sustain us. (Billy Graham)

 

My last week of a full-time schedule started today. Am I counting down a bit now? Maybe. I’ve enjoyed it but I’m ready to go back to being a part-time substitute for a bit.

As always, I’m joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom where her Happy Homemaker Monday posts help plan my weeks.

The Weather

It’s been so hot but last night it stormed a bit and then, again a bit this morning. Right now, it feels fantastic outside. It’s 81 degrees and partly cloudy (I see lots more clouds than blue sky).  There’s a chance for more rain tomorrow and Wednesday plus the heat is supposed to return. Not sure if we’ll get more heat advisory weather.

As I Look Outside My Window

Not exactly outside my window or current but on Saturday, we had two Belted Kingfisher birds in the yard! New sighting for around here. Not sure why they were so far from water (there is a pond at the end of the street though I’ve never seen any around there).

Right Now

I’m working on this post and enjoying a rare Monday where we don’t have to run to J’s lesson. He competed in a music competition on Saturday and rated so well that we had to return on Sunday for him to play an encore with an audience and get his award. The small band he plays in also competed and did very well.

Thinking And Pondering

At the moment, I’m wondering how I’m going to get to work a half-hour earlier for the rest of the week. Schedule changes from being there at 8AM to getting there at 7:30AM.  I can do it but it’s going to be painful after being so used to my current schedule.

How I Am Feeling Today

A little tired, rainy days are nice when I’m at home to enjoy them. At school, however, they mean stuck inside with changes to the routine. And mud when we did go outside. It was just a rather long day. It was nice to come home and see my husband had already started dinner. That made me happy.

On The Breakfast Plate

I had a croissant with some cherry jam and one slice of bacon (leftover from yesterday).

On The Lunch Plate

It was hot dog day at school so that’s what I had along with chips and apple slices. Plus some grapes and a granola bar on my work break.

On The Dinner Plate

Korean meatballs and rice

What I Am Wearing Today

I’ve changed into jean shorts but I wore a short-sleeved purple shirt and light striped linen pants to work. Plus socks and tennis shoes.

On My Reading Pile

Over the weekend, I had a quick read of my Prime first reads choice from July (barely squeezed it in!). I picked To Die For by Lisa Gray. A fun murder mystery with some surprising twists at the end. And I’m still working through Intuitive Eating and Soulful Simplicity (not sure how I got so sidetracked from it!).

On My TV This Week

I mostly have a log of shows I want to watch next week when I’m not so busy. My Doctor Who episodes, season 2 of Dark Winds, The Mario Movie, season 3 of Only Murders in the Building. For now, I’ve been watching House Hunters International because I enjoy seeing the different styles of houses from around the world. And the mystery of disconnect between the people who have no jobs and their home buying/renting budget.

On The Menu 

While I’m a summer person, this heat wave has me ready for some fall menus. And our grill broke on Saturday! Thankfully, it was nothing serious and my husband has already repaired it. However, I planned the menu this week without relying on it.

MONDAY: Korean meatballs and rice *I worked 8-4:30*

TUESDAY: Ham steaks, sweet potatoes *I work 7:30-3:45* *J has a recital at 7*

WEDNESDAY: Copycat Chik-Fil-A and waffle fries*I work 7:30-3:45*

THURSDAY: Fish sticks and ??? *I work 7:30-3:45*

FRIDAY: French Toast with fresh fruit *I work 7:30-3:45*

Looking Around The House

Probably don’t want to do that today. I didn’t get very far with my cleaning motivation this weekend. Look, a squirrel!

On My To Do List

I don’t even know…

1. Get some fall garden plants in the ground
2. Measure the flower pots of plants that need repotted/to come inside in cooler weather
3. Laundry is mostly done
4. This post/blog visiting
5. ???? I’m sure there’s something…oh, clean up the living room.

From The Camera

Photos are a mix of phone and “real” camera pictures.

The sunflowers blooming at my work. Why can’t I grow sunflowers like this at home?

Is it even the end of July/start of August if the “naked ladies” aren’t dancing? Also known as surprise lilies. In our backyard. 

On My Prayer List

My father-in-law as he’s having back surgery on Wednesday, the homeless and others who are dealing with this extreme weather from super hot to rain can’t be much fun, friends, family, and strangers.

Quote For The Week

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

Okay, not a bit busy. Still a lot busy but I’m starting to countdown just a little. Two full weeks left of the full-time work schedule. Then, I’m not sure what is happening the second week of August, I might be working or I might get a break. Same thing for the first week of school. 

However, we’re not there quite yet so let’s at least get a planning post on the blog for this week. I’ll be linking up with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom sometime tomorrow as I’m putting this post together on Sunday afternoon.

The Weather

Last week we had some rain that cooled down our air, then the sun came out and did it ever get steamy out there! And then, we had another nice day with highs just in the mid 80’s, lower 90’s for Friday and Saturday. However, we’re bracing ourselves for the crazy heat due to arrive tomorrow. Highs near 100 every day with the heat index in the 100’s.

As I Look Outside My Window 

Well, this morning I did see the cutest little Carolina Wren sitting on the fence when I glanced outside the back door.

Thinking And Pondering

Nothing too deep today. Just enjoying the final fragments of my weekend. Thinking about what to wear to work this week to stay comfortable in the crazy heat. Pondering how crazy it would get if we did a Christmas in July day at preschool and a few ideas I have for it. Probably going to try it on Tuesday (one idea involves making “snow” from baking soda and shaving cream).

How I Am Feeling

Not too bad though a bit tired as the cat thought maybe 4:15 AM was a great wake-up time for a Sunday morning. It is not.

On The Breakfast Plate

A blueberry muffin and way too much coffee. Vitamins

On The Lunch Plate

I made tacos plus we had some chips and guacamole

On The Dinner Plate

No idea, maybe leftover pizza from last night. J and I were the only ones who ate tacos for lunch while my husband and G had leftover pizza. Sundays are hard because J and I leave to go his band practice basically at dinner time and don’t get home until around 8:30. *UPDATE: We had a frittata with red peppers, ham, cheese, and bacon bits*

What I’m Wearing Today

Missouri State t-shirt, black shorts, socks and tennis shoes

On My Reading Pile

I feel like I have too many books on my pile which makes it funny that one of them is titled The One Thing by Gary Keller. Really need to read a bit more of that one, it’s interesting but I keep getting distracted from it. A few “real” books from the library plus another book on my kindle app called Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch. It’s very intriguing and it sounds weird to say I’m enjoying a book about how to eat healthy but I am finding it so comforting and insightful to read. Focus is on our diet culture and this book is about making peace with food and ourselves and being healthy.

On My TV This Week

Nothing much. I did watch a couple Dr. Who episodes this weekend. And found a fun HGTV show called Problem Spaces that I really enjoyed.

On The Menu This Week

Nothing that bakes forever in the oven! Oh, and I’m also on a bit of a grocery store strike this week as well. Need to use what we have around here.

MONDAY: Pepper steak and rice *J has a baritone lesson at 6*

TUESDAY: Turkey sausage hash/salad?

WEDNESDAY: Ribs in the crockpot

THURSDAY: 15 minute Italian Garden Pasta (I’ll have to figure out some sort of meat to add for my husband)

FRIDAY: Probably OUT if we haven’t melted away.

Looking Around The House

Well, I could tell you it’s spotless and clutter free but I wouldn’t be talking about our home. It’s a mess with the exception of J’s room which I did deep clean yesterday morning while he was out. Oh, how it needed that and he was very happy that I did it. I think sometimes those suffering from depression and anxiety need that extra help so I didn’t mind. He’s doing so much better but I think his room was at the point where he didn’t even know where to start.

On My To Do List

Well, I did manage to mow and pay bills plus go to Menards this weekend. By the way, I’m changing their slogan from save big money to spend big money. SIGH. Let’s see what’s left.

1. Do a bit of housework/laundry (thankful that my husband is helping with the laundry!)
2. Encourage/Coerce/Bribe? J to finish his graduation thank you cards.
3. Get J signed up for the driving lessons that came with yesterday’s driving safety course
4. Water the garden/measure some pots so I can replant a few things in cooler weather
5. Whatever stuff I’m forgetting and I’m sure I’m forgetting stuff

From The Camera

I did make an effort to pick up the camera a bit this past week. These brown-eyed susans take over my front porch garden area every summer but I don’t mind as they are such easy going and cheerful little flowers. 

A few different colors are still mixed in with all the yellow.

Quote For The Week

No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted. (Aesop)