I’ve lots to do this week. Unfortunately, none of it is all that exciting. Just the basics. Sometimes that’s nice though. And look, I’m posting on an actual Monday! Sort of morning still on top of that. 

Let’s just get to it by joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Well, the weather app on my phone and the local news told us it was raining this morning. However, not at our house. Must have been all around us. There’s more in the forecast for the coming week. Sure hope it falls here. Otherwise, it’s warmer this week with a predicted high in the mid 80’s for today. Then, by Friday the high is 68. Decent chances of rain the next 3 days. Looking ahead to next week, it looks COLD. Better stop procrastinating on bringing my plants inside.

As I Look Outside My Window

My visiting birds are still sporadic. Did see a cardinal and the sparrows last night. Hoping to at least see a few migrating birds one day soon. Speaking of that, I spotted this little bird in the oak tree one day last week:      Some sort of warbler, I think.

Thinking And Pondering

A serious declutter of the house. Need to get it in some order prior to the holidays but I feel so behind in everything. Also, trying to get my calendar sorted a bit for the next few months, J has 3 concerts plus we have 2 birthdays (his and mine), G’s college graduation, plus all the usual holidays (Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas). Maybe a bit of house cleaning will be my focus for the next two weeks.

How I Am Feeling

I’m actually feeling pretty motivated this morning. Woke up early but must have slept somewhat decent. Adding frustrated because somebody is ready to play after their nap and keeps walking on the keyboard!

On The Breakfast Plate

English muffin with sausage, coffee, plus extra Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte from Starbucks (so good!)

On The Lunch Plate

Not sure, maybe just leftovers (so BBQ pulled pork sandwich)

On The Dinner Plate

Huli Huli Chicken is marinating in the fridge, rice, maybe broccoli on the side?

What I’m Wearing Today

Red Chiefs tee shirt, jeans, and tennis shoes

On My Reading Pile

Between books! Over the weekend I finished the stack of Catherine Ryan Howard books I’d checked out of the library. And also finished Mistletoe and Mystery (The Paradise Cookery School book 3)  by Daisy James.

On My TV This Week

The Chiefs! (Actually, more on the radio for me as I was out and about a bit during the game), The Voice, Masked Singer, Loki, and today I’ll start watching the last of Fear The Walking Dead. The rest of season 4 of Doctor Who. Not sure what else.

On The Menu This Week

I don’t know why I was struggling to put one together for the week, maybe the weather?

MONDAY: Huli Huli Chicken (Just a note, I’ve checked a Six Sisters Stuff cookbook out of the library and so far almost all the recipes have been winners. A bonus is that they all seem to be online as well).

TUESDAY: Tacos *I work 2-4:30*

WEDNESDAY: Husband’s Choice (either BLT’s or French Toast) *I work 8-3:30*

THURSDAY: Pork Schnitzel, sweet potatoes

FRIDAY: Either BLT’s or French Toast or maybe Waffles, depends on what my husband makes on Wed

Looking Around The House

Ugh. Need to clean the kitchen, clear the living room clutter, clean the bathrooms, make the bed. You know all the basics and then actually deep clean.

On My To Do List

Need to glance back to see if my new to do list strategy worked….sort of. Giving it a bit more time.

WHO: my pen pal, write her a very overdue letter.

WHAT: pay a few more bills, clean the house, laundry, work

WHERE/WHEN: work on Tuesday/Wednesday so far, Bonfire on Saturday (maybe? Still need details, I was off a week for it last week)

So not a lot really going on this week which is nice.

From The Camera

Thanks to some unexpected road construction, I was still walking at the park when the Chiefs game started but I was able to see these planes circling for the fly over prior to kickoff so kind of fun. There were all kinds of gulls circling in the air as well so my first photo captured the planes and the birds.

Then, here they are in a row. Not as clear as I’d like but I was fighting with a tree line, wind, and moving planes so not as awful a photo as it probably should be either…

Quote For The Week

I thought of this quote on my walk yesterday as the leaves rustled in the wind:

Wild is the music of the autumnal leaves Amongst the faded woods. (William Wordsworth)

 

 

I took a bit of a break from this spot last week (not necessarily a screen break but a break from coming down here and sitting at the desk top). Somehow, I just never found the motivation to come down here and do a proper post. However, I’m ready to post this week (hopefully, I’ll manage more than today but no promises). 

So let’s get on with planning the week by joining up with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather 

Well, my husband kicked the heat on this morning. Think that’s a bit extreme (he did it last week as well) but he’s not wrong in us needing to know if it works now rather than when it is truly cold. We’ve had lows in the 40’s and yesterday I don’t know that we made 60 degrees plus some so very much needed rain! Not enough of that. Today started out cold again but the week is supposed to jump into the mid-70’s.

As I Look Outside My Window

Hummingbird is long gone though I’ve yet to take down the feeder. Happily, my sparrows and a cardinal have at last returned. My birdfeeders sat empty a bit longer than usual back in August/September and my birds left. Looks like they are returning now.

Right Now

I’m getting a head start on my post before I run to the grocery store (needs to be soon).

Thinking and Pondering

I made my “big list of to do’s” last week (finally). I threw a reminder or two in there while I was writing it. Maybe  you needed to see it in capital letters as well that boundaries are okay? As well as that your own stuff matters. 

This morning I was pondering a new way to organize my weekly to-do list. I’m going to try it out here when I get to that category.

How I Am Feeling

Not too bad. I was a little achy yesterday (weather) but I think today will be different.

On The Breakfast Plate

Cinnamon toast croissant, coffee, vitamins. Might treat myself to a pumpkin spice latte after shopping depending on the line. UPDATE: I treated myself to a pumpkin cream chai…so good!

On The Lunch Plate

Just enough white chicken chili leftover from Saturday for one bowl.

On The Dinner Plate

Roast in the crock pot

What I’m Wearing Today

Long-sleeved Kansas City Chiefs shirt (red), black linen pants from Old Navy, socks and tennis shoes. If it warms up a lot by noon, I’ll probably change to a short-sleeved shirt of some sort (not Chiefs though as they are all in the wash).

On My Reading Pile

I’ve been slowly re-reading this one:

And some thrillers, too!

On My TV

Only G could’ve managed to get me to watch the movie, Scream last week. Have to admit, I enjoyed it despite not doing scary. It wasn’t too scary at all, more on the goofy side. Daryl Dixon finale, Dr. Who, The Voice, Masked Singer, whatever happens to be on at night. Oh, I’m also watching the 2nd season of Loki, pretty good so far.

On The Menu This Week

I know I didn’t post last week but I still made a menu and am still in a bit of shock because we actually made everything on it! We didn’t follow the days but still cooked each dinner at some point last week. That hardly ever happens around here.

If you’re interested: Korean hot dogs, spaghetti, asian marinated pork chops, grilled chicken, and hamburgers on the grill (husband made these).

Wondering if I can go 2 for 2?

MONDAY: Roast in the crockpot *I work 1-3:30*

TUESDAY: Pepper steak and rice

WEDNESDAY: Ribs in the crockpot

THURSDAY: Husband’s choice (I’m sure we’ll follow this day, LOL) *I work 1:30-4:30 and have evening plans with a friend*

FRIDAY: Ranch chicken enchiladas in the crock pot

Looks like it’s gonna be crockpot week!

Looking Around The House

I did finally get out some Halloween/fall decor! Not as much as usual but there’s enough peeking out from the mess.

On My To Do List

 

I’ve decided to organize my weekly priority list by who, what, and where/when for each week. Thinking it will help. I’ll let you know. Maybe it will at least make for a more interesting blog post?

WHO:

FIL, birthday on Tuesday. Need to order something/send gift. DONE. Sent a ghoulish garden (air plants in fun pumpkin/gourds plus a grocery store gift card. He used to love Halloween so I’m hoping he still does.)

Friend. Need to call/text and finalize our plans to see the Taylor Swift Eras movie on Thursday.

SIL. Call/text family to see how she’s doing. Found out last week she’d been ill and hospitalized (out of state)

WHAT:

Pay bills

Clean the kitchen (as soon as I finish this post)

Find out more about bonfire husband and I are supposed to attend on Sat.

WHERE/WHEN:

Work today and Thursday

Tomorrow/go with J to music store for part for his euphonium (nothing major). Also, get a cannoli from the deli by the store. That is a BIG priority!

Go see Taylor Swift movie with friend on Thursday after work. (Possibly go get spiced cider mix from store in that area as part of a housewarming gift for different friend).

Saturday, go to an annual bonfire with husband at friend’s place a little bit out of town.

From The Camera

Convinced my husband to go on a hike with me Thursday afternoon as I wasn’t sure how far it was to the “lookout” on the unpaved trail. (Not that far) My phone camera made me a real pretty picture of it!

On My Prayer List

Friends, family, strangers. Those impacted by the war in Israel. The families of the awful car wreck on the interstate Saturday morning (I drove by as they were clearing the cars and learned later one person did die in the crash). Peace, Love, Light, and Kindness to fill the world leaving no room for the darkness.

Quote For The Week

May the joy of simple things color the canvas of your soul. (Mary Davis)

 

 

 

I don’t think I even took my shoes off until after 8:30 at night yesterday. Worked, took J to his class (it’s 30 minutes both ways so takes a big chunk of the afternoon), came home and went grocery shopping. And finally, stopped to watch a bit of tv/read.

Today feels more like the start of the week to me where I stop and plan it all out. Does it ever go according to the plan? Nope. Do I keep doing this anyway because I’m stubborn? Yep. Plus, I enjoy it. So, let’s get on with this Happy Homemaker Monday hosted by Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom even though it’s Tuesday.

The Weather

Really hard to get the fall feels when it was still in the 90’s over the weekend. Right now it’s 74 and partly cloudy. Might rain tonight and be cooler for the rest of the week. Maybe even cooler than normal for the weekend?

As I Look Outside My Window

Not much to see as I’m in the basement. However, when I walked outside to the front porch this morning (view I’d kind of have if privacy film didn’t cover basement window), I saw some of these flowers:

Right Now

I just returned from my walk on the paved trail at the nature center, threw in a load of laundry, and sat down to put together this post.

Thinking And Pondering

Honestly, I’m feeling so much overwhelm from things I need to do that I’m pondering doing one of those “brain dump” kind of lists using actual pen and paper.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

My knees were hurting a little when I woke up but I feel better after my walk.

On The Breakfast Plate

Apple cinnamon bagel, vitamins, and coffee.

On The Lunch Plate

Probably something using the leftover taco meat from Sunday’s dinner. Perhaps these burritos.

On The Dinner Plate

French toast, sausage or bacon

What I’m Wearing Today

Just realized I’m wearing the exact same outfit I wore last Monday. And I didn’t exactly dress up for work yesterday either opting to wear jeans and a white tee shirt with yellow flowers (changing into shorts as soon as I arrived home).

On My Reading Pile

Over the course of last week, I read a couple pretty good ones. My turn for Hello, Beautiful by Ann Napolitano finally came up at the library as did my turn for 56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard. The first one was enjoyable although a little different than my typical thriller kind of choice (not a thriller at all), not sure I get all the 5 star reviews but definitely worth reading. The second one captivated me. It used the Covid lockdown as a plot device and did it very well. Basically two people who start to date but barely no each other move in together as the lockdown begins in Dublin. Is one or the other a serial killer? Is something else going on? So twisty and good. Immediately, requested the rest of the books by Catherine Ryan Howard from the library.

On My TV

Lots of Zombies, caught up on all the Walking Dead shows during my less than productive moments. Watched the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie with G and really enjoyed it. A bit of The Voice, Doctor Who episode, and I’m casually watching The Irrational, last night’s episode wasn’t as good as the first one but I’ll give it another week or two.

On The Menu This Week

It’s hard to think fall/plan fall menus when the temp outside is still in the 90’s…

MONDAY: Husband grilled hamburgers, sweet potato fries *I worked 9-3:30*

TUESDAY: French Toast, sausage or bacon

WEDNESDAY: Minestrone in bread bowls

THURSDAY: Husband’s choice *I have an evening activity, shopping event at nearby town*

FRIDAY: Chicken enchilada in crockpot, maybe?

Looking Around The House

We might own a sofa. I’ll let you know after I get things cleaned. Really ready to put out the fall decor but need to clean first. Hopefully, it happens before Christmas decor comes out.

On My To Do List

Too much. Short list for here:

1. Laundry
2. Clean the house
3. Pay bills
4. Call friend about Thursday night
5. Pull out a few fall clothing items/put away serious summer items (sleeveless shirts, tank tops, things like that)

From The Camera

A few from the unpaved trail…

On My Prayer List

Friends, family, strangers. The former teacher from my work to continue improving and healing. A kinder, gentler world to take over.

Quote For The Week

And the sun took a step back, the leaves lulled themselves to sleep and Autumn was awakened. (Raquel Franco)

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)