I was a bit shocked yesterday realizing this is the last week of March. However, I’m excited to see what good things April brings. Hoping it is going to bring the warm spring weather on a more consistent basis.

Today’s a busy Monday around here. I’ve already been to the grocery store, started a roast in the crock pot for dinner, and am now working on this post. In just a bit, I’ll take J for the second part of his testing. Once he’s done with that, he should be ready to graduate. Just a few small things to check on for that. Later tonight, I’ll also be taking him to his baritone lesson.

So far the rest of my week seems fairly open. Let’s join in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom to plan the week.

The Weather 

Trampoline? Bounce House? Warm, then cold. Rainy, then sunny. Today we get cold and sunny though it’s supposed to warm up later. Currently 34 degrees, we woke up in the 20’s though. No complaints as I know some of you have snow covering your ground. Supposed to be in the 50’s and gradually warm up the rest of the week. Chances of rain tomorrow and bigger chance on Friday.

As I Look Outside My Window

Birds at the bird feeder out the back.

Thinking And Pondering

Still thinking about yesterday’s church service a bit, the sermon was on compassion. Also, thinking about our Easter plans though we have 2 weeks. We’ll have church as J plays in the 11 am service but not sure what we’ll do after. The flower and vegetable gardens….my mind is all over the place today.

On My Bedside Table

The usual, just the lamp and phone charger though in the early morning hours a certain cat likes to sit on it and “talk” to me until I get my lazy self out of bed.

On My TV Tonight

Probably just The Voice.

Listening To

I can hear a few birds outside this morning.

On The Lunch Plate

No idea, J’s testing is right around lunch time

On The Dinner Plate

Roast is in the crock pot for dinner tonight

On My Menu This Week 

Every time I think it’s time for lighter spring suppers, the weather turns cold again…

MONDAY: Roast in the crockpot

TUESDAY: Grilled chicken, asparagus, maybe with  fettuccine

WEDNESDAY: Korean BBQ meatballs with chive pancakes (we have chives coming up wild in the yard and I thought it might be fun to use them)

THURSDAY: Turkey sausage and zucchini skillet

FRIDAY: Pizza of some sort, salad

On My Reading Pile

Just started reading Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King. It’s more mystery than scary at this point and I’m okay with that. Last week I read a series of books by Rosemary Whittaker, a bunch of escape/feel good romance books. The last one was my favorite, The Feijoa Tree. While the books are presented as a series, they are all slightly different with different characters so could be read in any order, I think.

On My To Do List 

1. Enjoy the sunny days!
2. Pay a few bills
3. Take back library book (way overdue, hangs head in shame)
4. Put away winter sweaters (almost done)
5. Put out some Easter decor
6. Clean out fridge
7. Laundry
8. Cancel a few subscriptions we no longer use/need
9. Take J to renew his driver’s permit
10. Spring cleaning chores (walls, living room curtains hopefully, windows)
11. And of course, posts for the Blog 365

Plans This Week

Spring cleaning, yard work, it’s our Saturday dinner out/game night with friends

What I’m Creating

I bought a new diamond art of a Tuscany Village scene but I’ve yet to start. Garden areas outside.

Simple Pleasure

Spring Flowers. Dreaming of Summer flower and vegetable gardens.

Looking Around The House 

As much as I love my plants, I am ready for the outside ones to go back out there, just a few more weeks. And of course, I need to clean.

From The Camera

I bought hot pepper suet to discourage the squirrels. Not sure but I think he’s looking for his margarita to go with the new spicy food. SIGH. Our squirrels don’t mind the hot pepper suet.

On My Prayer List

Friends, family, strangers, the homeless, J to successfully graduate, more peace and kindness in the world.

Quote For The Week

Found this one on Pinterest.

A kind word is like a spring day. (Russian proverb)

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Day 84/365

Been a busy first day of spring around here so I’m a bit late getting to things today. Are you excited for the new season? I know I am so happy and ready for warmer days, green grass, and flowers.

Let’s just get straight to joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for this planning post.

The Weather

It’s currently 60 degrees and sunny. We couldn’t have asked for better first day of spring weather. Maybe a little less windy but I don’t mind as I’m too busy soaking up the sunshine and warm temperatures. There are chances for rain the rest of the week until Friday, cooler tomorrow with a high of only 48 but then, we bounce to 67 before leveling off in the 50’s for the rest of the week.

As I Look Outside My Window 

I see a robin! A sure sign of spring. All the winter birds are still here but I I’m thinking they should be packing their suitcases soon (looking at you little snowbirds!)

Right Now

Trying to get this post done before I have to throw together dinner and take J to his lesson tonight.

Thinking And Pondering

Too much on my mind. One of the things: I was just in the grocery store thinking how sad it is that my go-to cheap meals are now some of the more expensive ones. French Toast used to be such an easy thing but now the bread, eggs, and milk make it cost as much as a “normal” meal. And still with the random things they don’t have at times. I just want my normal taco seasoning packet (and yes, I know I can make my own but I like this kind)

On My Bedside Table

Currently the camera bag. I should have my phone on the charger but just remembered it.

On My TV Tonight

Probably just The Voice. 

Listening To

Nothing at the moment. Earlier the cat was meowing mad at me for forgetting her outside when I came back inside. I got an earful of meows! Ha.

On The Lunch Plate

The boys and I had McDonald’s, one of those days.

On The Dinner Plate

No idea, grocery store chicken, leftovers (pork chops or tacos), cereal. We ate lunch kind of late. My husband had a root canal so is not super excited about eating. It’s an on  your own type of night, I think.

On The Menu This Week

MONDAY: OYO *J had to take a test for school off-site at 9:30* *J has a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes *I might go to Bunco*

WEDNESDAY: Homemade sub sandwiches, chips, fruit

THURSDAY: Might make fajitas or finally the pepper steak I keep moving around on the menu *I work 2:30-5 and then, have CPR training, I think…need to make sure*

FRIDAY: Pancakes (might switch this with Wednesday depending on how my husband feels)

On My Reading Pile

Just the spring magazines. I really need to find a book for tonight.

On My To Do List

• Spring cleaning
• Grocery store 
• Pay a couple bills
• Get some seeds started
• Other stuff…?

Plans This Week

wash living room curtains, shower curtain, (all the curtains!), clear off a few tall surfaces, go to Bunco depending on how tomorrow goes, work

What I’m Creating

Way too early but I’m anxious to get the garden going. Also, I did buy a new diamond art painting to try.

Simple Pleasure

Warm spring days with sunshine, birds, flowers, and bees!

(See that little yellow ball on the bee? I had to look that one up as I’d never noticed that on my early spring bees before. Interesting explanation of it all in this article about why bees have pockets.)

Looking Around The House

Ugh. Let’s do that after a bit of spring cleaning happens. We did get a new dresser for J’s room at Ikea but I forgot to take a photo before we set it up in there. I’ll have to sneak in one day when he’s not home.

From The Camera

Last sunset of winter over a local lake.

On My Prayer List

A peaceful, positive spring season for all. J to graduate high school, we’re inching closer. My husband to not be in too much pain after his dental work. Friends, family, strangers.

Quote For The Week

Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat. (Laura Ingalls Wilder)

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Day 77/365

A week without worrying about anything school related? Sold! Of course, I will probably still spend some time looking at my calendar and replying to few texts I blew off last week. And I won’t be surprised if I get a text or two.

However, I don’t have to worry about being anywhere school related this week. So, I’ll take that. My days are (mostly) my own this week. So let’s get to planning them by joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Here’s the weather my alter-ego, hip and young avatar Jean is experiencing on her spring break:

Our actual weather, not what I ordered. Not going to complain too much as I saw where those of you north of us got hit with more snow over the weekend so I’ll take cloudy and cold. Right now, it’s currently 26 degrees but feels like 14. What?! I know it’s still winter but grumble, I’m on “spring” break. Thankfully, by mid-week we are in the upper 50’s/low 60’s but with rain. Then, cold again for the weekend. We were just completely spoiled with those super warm days earlier this month.

As I Look Outside My Window

Clouds, mostly sparrows at the bird feeders. I keep “encouraging” the snowbirds (juncos) that maybe it’s time to go home so our nice warm weather can start. Ha!

Right Now

I’m trying to see how far I can get on this post before I have to stop and take J to an appointment.

Thinking And Pondering 

Thinking about all the things (looks like they’re going to be mostly indoors) I want to do this week. Pondering how much of it is going to be “goofing off” vs “getting things done”

On My Bedside Table

The usual. I do have some shamrock cookies hidden in the bottom part for later this week. (Have to keep things hidden around here or they tend to disappear…) The amaryllis blooms are starting to fade but I do see another bloom trying to open.

On My TV Tonight

J still has a lesson so probably not much unless I stay up later. End of The Voice when we get back from his lesson.

Listening To

The heat kicked on this morning so that’s all I hear at the moment.

On The Lunch Plate

Hoping to talk J into lunch at a local restaurant near his appointment that sells great cinnamon rolls. Otherwise, no idea. *UPDATE: Neither of us were hungry so we came home and had frozen Mexican style pizza for lunch later*

On The Dinner Plate

Leaning toward spicy potato soup. Simmering on the stove right now.

On The Menu This Week

Thought about trying to do an Irish theme this week but that might be too heavy for us. Instead I’m just going to add an element of green to each meal.

MONDAY: Spicy Potato Soup/I always add a chopped fresh (seeded) jalapeno to this soup for an extra kick and bit of color *J has an appt at 11* *J has a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Pepper steak/chicken/takes lime juice in the marinade so we’re counting that

WEDNESDAY: Ham steaks, cornbread, salad *I have a hair appointment at 9:30*

THURSDAY: Tacos, we’ll have them with guacamole

FRIDAY: Crunchy coleslaw with grilled chicken added, asparagus, and shamrock cookies and shakes (from McDonalds)

On My Reading Pile

An overdue library book, You by Caroline Kepnes on the e-book kindle app on my phone, and a pile of March magazines.

On My To Do List

1. Pay a few bills
2. Go to grocery store Done, late but done
3. laundry
4. clean the house
5. Enjoy my spring break!!

Plans This Week

Relax, movie with G tomorrow (we’re planning to see Everything Everywhere All at Once), Getting a haircut, going to a record store with J one day.

What I’m Creating

Really need to start on creating the vegetable and flower gardens by starting a few more seeds.

Simple Pleasure

Coffee (especially the day after Daylight Savings Time)

Looking Around The House

Well, we were here pretty much all weekend and it looks like it. The daffodils were drooping outside (apparently big variations in temperature/early warm days can cause this) so I broke down and picked a few.

From The Camera

It was a slow week for picking up the camera, pictures are all from today. Chelsey looks like she’s posing for senior portrait, silly cat!

Quote For The Week

A kind word never broke anyone’s mouth. (Irish proverb)

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Day 70/365

Welcome to March! It’s been way too kind to us so far.

Almost feel as if this post should come with a trigger warning for those of you suffering from spring fever. Consider yourselves warned.

Now, let’s get on with planning this week by joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather 

Our second day in a row with sunshine and warm temperatures. Yesterday was just unbelievable, 72 degrees! Oh, I didn’t even know how much my soul needed to be out working around the yard in that sunshine.

Least you get too jealous, after today’s predicted high of 61, the temps fall. We’re back to highs in the mid to upper 40’s with rain showing on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I’ll be shocked if we get that much rain though.

As I Look Outside My Window

I see sunshine!!

Thinking And Pondering 

Yesterday’s church sermon on consumerism versus the simple life Jesus led. Probably not the best summary but the message spoke to me. Had me thinking about how often I’ve been buying things I don’t really need.

On My Bedside Table

The usual, lamp and phone charger. Of course, I’m not sure what’s in the drawer. And I also have some sweaters to put away stacked on the open shelving part.  I also keep my camera in the open shelving part.

On My TV Tonight

A rare free Monday night here. If The Voice is on tonight, I might watch it. If not, no idea.

On My Reading Pile

Finished If It Bleeds by Stephen King and haven’t started anything new yet. Probably need to check the due date on the My Hygge Home book. Might just spend some time looking at my magazines and garden catalogs this week.

Listening To

Washing machine spin cycle.

On The Lunch Plate

Possibly a grilled cheese maybe with tomato soup

On The Dinner Plate

Grilled pork chops, asparagus, baked potatoes

On The Menu This Week

Not too much going on this week.

MONDAY: Grilled Pork Chops, Asparagus, Baked Potatoes, and I think I’m making a strawberry pie

TUESDAY: Chicken Parmigiana (precooked chicken patties) , salad *I work 8:15-3:45*

WEDNESDAY: Roast in the Crock Pot

THURSDAY: Husband’s Choice *Mom’s Night Out* *I work 2:30-6*

FRIDAY: Chicken and Noodles

SATURDAY/SUNDAY IDEAS: Leftovers/Chili/Burgers/Hot Dogs/ OUT

On My To Do List 

Lots of things. We’ll see how many happen today…this is more of a for the week list.

1. Call trash company about getting some yard waste stickers
2. Wash all the bedding
3. Replace the Terro in the pantry/bathroom (trying to get ahead of the spring ants)
4. Make a potential meal list from items in the pantry and freezer (both need a good clearing)
5. Prep fruit and veggies in fridge
6. Pick the blooming daffodils before the freezing weather arrives
7. Buy cat food (need to check our local Target for this)
8. Clean the house
9. Get more starter trays to start veggie seeds
10. Make a strawberry pie

Plans This Week

Get all the bedding washed and changed over (both boys still have flannel sheets on their beds), Go to Mom’s Night Out, and do a little Spring Break planning (it’s next week)

What I’m Creating 

Nothing currently, just starting to think of what I want to plant in the front yard flower garden and on the front porch.

Simple Pleasure

Springtime! 

Looking Around The House 

Um, don’t you want to look around the yard instead? I can show you our blooming daffodils?

It’s even nice enough we can sit on the front porch bench though there aren’t any blooming flowers yet.

From The Camera

As you can hopefully tell, I did pick the camera up a bit more often last week.

Quote For The Week

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21) 

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Day 64/365

Just two days left in February.

On Wednesday, we welcome in March and all it brings. Promises of green, spring, and the anticipation of a new season. Who’s ready? I’m definitely ready. Time to lighten up and move forward from the dark winter. (I’d say cold, dark winter but really we’ve had such a weird one that it’s hardly been cold or dark really.) 

However, for today, let’s just stick with planning the week ahead. Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for the fabulous link up.

The Weather

Yesterday was cloudy and misty, just a blah sleepy day. Today is kind of the same except it’s windy. We’re under a wind advisory until noon though I don’t think it’s that windy out there. We had some storms overnight so everything is still wet outside. It’s 51 which is pretty warm but doesn’t feel like it with the wind. I probably should’ve worn a coat to the store.

It’s supposed to be in the 60’s most of the week before going back to the mid 40’s on Thursday and Friday. I see a slight chance of rain/snow on Thursday when the cold front moves through. Does that mean March is coming in like a lamb or a lion? Hmmm….

As I Look Outside My Window

Cloudy skies, birds at the bird feeders.

Right Now

I’ve just returned from the grocery store and sat down to work on this post.

Thinking And Pondering

Quite a bit, some school changes for J. They’re for the better and mean he’ll graduate (thank you, God!) but it’s yet another transition. New things I want to do personally in March. Mainly some lifestyle changes I want to make. Time to get back in shape or at least be healthier.

On My Bedside Table

The usual, lamp and phone charger. It does hold my glasses and phone at night. Here’s something that is currently beside it by the window. My amaryllis about to bloom! This plant/flower is three years old.  Look how big it’s become.

And yes, it started as just one of those bulbs you pick up at the garden centers around Christmas.

It goes outside every summer. And I’ve actually divided it twice though I’ve yet to see blooms from those plants.

On My TV Tonight

Probably not much. Today, I’ll watch a Dr. Who episode but probably not much else unless I decide to fold a bunch of laundry. Then, I’ll watch some episodes of You. 

Listening To

I can hear G moving around upstairs getting ready to go to class. Otherwise, it’s quiet in here.

On The Lunch Plate

Currently leaning toward a grilled hummus sandwich and chips

On The Dinner Plate

Korean Meatballs, rice, maybe green onion pancakes if I get ambitious.

On The Menu For This Week

MONDAY: Korean Meatballs, Green Onion Pancakes maybe *J has a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Taco Salads

WEDNESDAY: Chicken and spinach skillet dinner

THURSDAY: Hawaiian BBQ pork sandwiches, french fries

FRIDAY: Maybe waffles? Peanut butter pancakes?

SAT/SUN: OUT on Saturday, Roast in the Crock Pot on Sunday

On My Reading Pile

Over the weekend, I couldn’t put down a book called The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides. I did have some suspicions about how it would turn out and disliked the ambiguous ending a bit but overall, pretty intriguing. The other book I read last week was called The Personal Assistant by Kimberly Belle. I enjoyed it enough to check out another book by the same author called My Darling Husband to read this week.

I’m also finally reading through My Hygge Home by Meik Wiking. It’s a “real” library book so I’m enjoying the pictures as much as the text. Thinking I’m going to need my own personal copy of it.

On My To Do List

1. Grocery store *DONE*
2. Target for cat food
3. Clean the house
4. Laundry
5. Sort out one shelf each in pantry/upstairs freezer
6. Figure out J’s new school plan, it’s at a different school and I’m not sure of the times

Plans This Week

*whispers* This seems to be a slower week so no big plans. Maybe I’ll start some seeds as I didn’t do it over the weekend. We do have our once a month dinner/game night with friends on Saturday.

What I’m Creating

I shared this last week but look I did a diamond painting project! I’ll be looking for more of these in the future.

Simple Pleasure

Soft, warm blankets on cold, cloudy days.

Looking Around The House

Looks like a Monday after we were home all weekend.

From The Camera

More plants and flowers, of course.

Quote For The Week

Be a goldfish (Ted Lasso)

Explanation for those of you not familiar with the show:

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Day 57/365

Happy Monday! It’s almost Spring, 27 days away according the my Farmer’s Almanac daily email.

The countdown is upon us. Winter is starting to pack his bags. Although I’m not so naive as to think he might not do some last minute sightseeing.

It’s also a holiday around here (President’s Day) so a bit of a later start today. Time to plan this shorter week with Sandra and her link up over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather 

It’s a beautiful sunny day. Currently 58 degrees. It’s supposed to hit the 60’s a couple of times this week. Also, rain on Wednesday. And cold for the end of the week. Then, we yo-yo back up to the 50’s for Saturday and Sunday.

As I Look Outside My Window

Sunny blue skies, saw this bird (I think it’s a hawk of some sort though at first, I debated if it was an owl) across the street early this morning. 

Right Now

I just got back from dropping off some donations. We went through a tub this morning. Or rather I did, an emotional one of things from my parents’ home. Kept very little of it. Time to let it go.

Thinking And Pondering 

Quite a few things. Main thing on my mind is the meeting I have on Wednesday with J’s school counselor. Hoping and praying it goes well.

On My Bedside Table

Nothing but the lamp and phone charger but here’s a glimpse of my dresser. I don’t do as well at keeping it cleared of stuff. (Clothes, coupon book from store, framed photos that do belong there)

On My TV Tonight

Nothing tonight but I might watch an episode or 2 of the second season of You later today.

Listening To

I can hear G playing some online video game with his friends.

On The Lunch Plate

Nothing, wasn’t really hungry

On The Dinner Plate

Probably rotisserie chicken and salad.

On The Menu For This Week

I had this all worked out in my head at the store and now I’m drawing a blank!

MONDAY: Rotisserie chicken, asparagus, and  salad *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: It’s pancake Tuesday so what else would we have? Pancakes! Probably with either bacon or sausage as well.

WEDNESDAY: Chicken sausage, broccoli, and orzo skillet*I have a meeting with J’s high school counselor at 8:30*

THURSDAY: Steak sandwiches (stuff I bought at store, we’ll see…), potatoes

FRIDAY: Taco salads

On My Reading Pile

I’m between books but I’ll find one by tonight to read during J’s lesson. I did finally finish Kurashi at Home by Marie Kondo.  Enjoyed it enough I’m pondering buying my own copy, it’s a pretty book.

Might look for another one from Loreth Anne White for tonight. Read The Patient’s Secret last week and it was pretty good.

On My To Do List 

1. Grocery store *DONE*
2. Drop off donations at thrift store *DONE*
3. Spend some time outside
4. Finish paying bills
5. Get bird seed at Menards
6. Take back embarrassingly late library book (on Tuesday)

Plans This Week

Not sure, meeting at the high school, give the house a bit more of a cleaning, work outside on the nicer days clearing off the porch.

What I’m Creating

Really need to get started on that diamond art kit.

Simple Pleasure

Sunshine!

Looking Around The House

I did clean a bit over the weekend but it’s kind of hard to tell. Need to do it again. Trying to make our tiny entry area more welcoming. Time to lighten things up for spring as well.

From The Camera

Mostly took pictures of my flowers this week.

Quote For The Week

I stumbled across this a couple of weeks back and I keep thinking on it. Seems a pretty powerful sentiment:

Let go or be dragged. (Zen Proverb)

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Day 50/365

CHIEFS!!!!!

You knew I had to do that, right? And it was a good game as well.

Okay, now it’s time to quickly join in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for the Happy Homemaker Monday link up. I’ve only got about 35 minutes before I need to leave for work so this is going to be a quick one. (Let me apologize in advance for the lack of pictures in this post.)

The Weather

Nice today, highs in the upper 50’s. WooHoo, preschool kids get to go OUTSIDE. Rain all day tomorrow. High 40’s for Chiefs Victory parade day and then, I think it turns a bit cooler for the rest of the week.

As I Look Outside My Window

Blue skies and sunshine, going to be a beautiful day.

Right Now

This post, then work, followed by J’s baritone lesson. Grocery store afterward.

Thinking And Pondering

J’s still struggling a bit with getting to school and I’m at the point where I’m just done. I know that sounds awful but I’m so tired of not knowing every morning what’s going to happen. And it just seems like every time I get my hopes up that things are going better, we have a slip. Can I please cut in line to have my breakdown now?

On My Bedside Table

Just the lamp and a phone charger but you don’t want to see my dresser!

On My TV

Chiefs coverage mostly. Earlier yesterday, I did watch the first episode of You. I’m hooked.

Listening To

I started the dishwasher before running down here so I can hear it running upstairs.

On The Lunch Plate

No idea what’s for lunch at work but I’m taking a PBJ with me today.

On The Dinner Plate

I need to go to the store and I work until 5. They’re going to have to fend for themselves. Honestly, I’m thinking about getting an “87” concrete (special ice cream flavor from a local place) and calling it dinner

On The Menu This Week

This category is such a mess after we’ve been eating out so much and all having different things.

MONDAY: On Their Own *I work 8:30-5* *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Maybe roast in the crockpot? *I work 8:30-4:15* OH, I just remembered it’s Valentine’s Day. Maybe OUT. Chocolate pie for dessert. I don’t know.

WEDNESDAY: Roast in the crockpot? *I might work 8:30-5 depending on whether or not school closes for the Chiefs parade, I imagine I’ll be working*

THURSDAY: A day to breathe! Maybe pepper steak that I keep putting on the menu and then, not making.

FRIDAY: No school for J (officially)…maybe spicy potato soup and homemade bread?

All of the above is subject to change and probably will change.

On My Reading Pile

Between books again. Probably going to share about a couple I read in a different post. Yesterday I finished up All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers. It was ok, not the best. Of course, in fairness, the two books I read prior were excellent so it made the mediocracy a bit more apparent.

On My To Do List

1. Work
2. Figure out Valentine’s Day
3. Grocery Store
4. Probably other stuff

Plans This Week

Work, Valentine’s Day, Watch the Chiefs parade if I’m home, maybe relax at some point?

Simple Pleasure

Hanging out with friends

Looking Around The House

Looks like we had a Super Bowl party here instead of going to one.

From The Camera

Hoping I do better with this category next week. Here’s a phone pic I snapped this morning of my holiday cactus. Looks like more blooms in the future!

On My Prayer List

Friends, family, strangers. The people of Turkey and Syria.

Thought For The Week

I’m not even going to apologize for this one 😉

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day 43/365

Happy Monday! Pretty typical type Monday start over here. Woke up to find out we were out of milk. Ahh! My coffee without milk? Ugh. Tried it with some whipped cream and then some coffee ice cream but neither was really doing it for me. Sometimes I just want my regular coffee especially on a Monday.

However, I ran to the store right after dropping J at school. And now I feel much better thanks to my “regular” caramel macchiato from Starbucks. And a croissant for breakfast.

Time to join in with Sandra for Happy Homemaker Monday. Let’s just get right to the categories.

The Weather

Right now it’s beautiful, almost 50 degrees and partly cloudy. A bit blustery, glad I grabbed a light jacket to wear to the store. I did hear rumblings of a cold front moving into the area tonight or maybe tomorrow. I know it’s supposed to get chilly and rain on Wednesday. And maybe again on Friday. I see temps in the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s listed throughout this week.

As I Look Outside My Window

I saw a cardinal on the regular bird feeder and several sparrows protesting still. Who knew they were such foodies? Changed back to safflower seed and added a new bird feeder. They apparently don’t like it. That’s a good thing. The sparrows were emptying my feeders on a daily basis and I couldn’t keep up (too expensive). Now maybe my favorite little chickadees and cardinals might get to eat again. 

Right Now

Working on this post while enjoying the coffee swirling through my system.

Thinking And Pondering  

Nothing too serious at the moment, the timing of some baking I need to do this week (husband’s birthday on Wednesday), what plans to make (or not make) for the Super bowl.

On My Bedside Table

I keep it clear but should I confess my dresser is always a mess? And currently covered with sweaters that don’t quite fit in the drawers at the moment? Need to get that cleaned off soon.

On My TV Today

Local morning news earlier, not sure maybe my weekly episode of Dr. Who unless I save that until tomorrow. Mondays aren’t big tv days for me.

Listening To

The wind blowing outside, another noise I can’t quite identify..someone outside doing some sort of work. This morning I heard the call of an owl in the backyard.

On The Lunch Plate

Not sure yet. Perhaps scrambled eggs?

On The Dinner Plate

Leaning toward a very basic dinner of ham steaks and fried potatoes

On The Menu This Week

This is an oddly busy week where we’re going in different directions that makes menu planning a bit of a challenge.

MONDAY: ham steaks, fried potatoes, something green (maybe salads or some fruit) *I work 2-3:45ish* *J has a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Out for me, Out for G, husband and J on their own. I might make some taco meat during the day so they can just have tacos.

WEDNESDAY: OUT to a local steakhouse for husband’s birthday.

THURSDAY: Something in the crock pot, either a crock pot version of chicken and noodles or maybe white chicken chili *I work 12-6*

FRIDAY: Pizza, maybe, frozen, homemade, or out. *I work 8:30-5*

On My Reading Pile

Over the weekend, I read my Amazon First Reads choice of The Maid’s Diary by Loreth Anne White. Very well-written and intriguing. Always appreciate a mystery that I haven’t predicted 50% into the book. This one kept me guessing right up to the end. Plan to look for more books by the author.

Oh, and somewhere in there I read a memoir by Katy Tur called Rough Draft. It was okay, I didn’t really know who she was as we don’t have cable. Appreciated the insight into the world of journalism/tv. Her difficult relationship with her father/parents was compelling. Ended up skimming some of her recounting of covering the former president though.

Now, I’ve started on one of my library books that came up off my hold list: I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy. So far, this one is heartbreaking.

On My To Do List

1. The usual (bills, laundry, clean the house)
2. Get birthday presents for my husband’s birthday
3. Invite brother-in-law/sister-in-law to have dinner and cake with us for husband’s birthday
4. Bake cookies/cake for Galentine’s dinner/husbands birthday (not sure how these two things ended up back to back, sigh)
5. Give entry way a GOOD cleaning (and remove season’s greeting mat from under new mat)
6. Finish/renew physical library books about home stuff

Plans For This Week

Work, Dinner out with friends on Tuesday evening, Dinner out with family to celebrate husband’s birthday on Wednesday evening, Watch the Super Bowl (Go Chiefs!)

What I Am Creating

Haven’t yet started my diamond art kit. This week I’ll be creating chocolate chip cookies and homemade chocolate cake with white frosting.

My Simple Pleasure

Turning the calendar page over to a new month

Looking Around The House

I should be able to get it in decent shape by Wednesday. It’s really not even too bad this morning.

From The Camera

The full “snow” moon last night

Quote For The Week

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. (Exodus 14:14)

P.S.

I know the headings in red are super bright, I can see it. However, I can’t change it until the Chiefs win the Super Bowl. Not that I’m superstitious or anything….

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day 37/365

This is either going to be the quick edition or the all day edition (more likely). I have about 2o minutes until I leave for work so trying to get this post done in that time.

Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom. Go check out the fun link up! And join in, it’s such an encouraging way to start the week.

The Weather  

Not sure what happened but it actually seems like winter lately. 25 and cloudy right now, chance of snow Wednesday. Supposed to be in the 30s to low 40’s most of the week with one cold day right after the day they call for snow. We’re getting to enjoy the pretty snow but mostly not worry about the roads. I’ll take it.

As I Look Outside My Window

It’s cloudy. Saw a few birds at the bird feeders out the back door.

Right Now

I’m seeing how far I can get on this post before my “go to work” timer rings.

Thinking And Pondering

Monday’s off to a pretty good start here so I’m hoping it’s the sign of a good week. And that the week doesn’t slide downhill from here. Optimistic this morning, huh?

On My Bedside Table

This morning I actually have the TV remote and a hair tie on it.

On My TV Tonight

Probably nothing for me, too much to do tonight. Tomorrow I’ll finish watching Wednesday and see what else. And of course, I watched football over the weekend. How ’bout those Chiefs!!!???

Listening To

The dryer and a minute ago, the heating unit but it stopped.

On The Lunch Plate

No idea, I lost my lunch calendar from preschool. They seldom follow it anymore (annoyance on my part). However, I’m taking a Luna bar and an apple so I’m good.

On The Dinner Plate

Freezer frenzy night! And grocery store chicken

On The Menu For This Week

MONDAY: grocery store chicken, brisket, who knows what other odds and ends from freezer *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30* *I work 8:15-4:30*

TUESDAY: Spaghetti, breadsticks, maybe salad

WEDNESDAY: Not sure, maybe chicken chili? Or maybe just chicken strips?

THURSDAY: Roast in the crock pot

FRIDAY: Ribs in the crock pot, corn

On My Reading Pile

Finished Us Against You (finally, it’s well-written and I know I’d have enjoyed it more if I read the books in order). Also read a quick one, Five Winters by Kitty Wilson. A bit predictable but I still enjoyed it. And I’ve just started one of my library holds that came up, Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. I’m not far enough into it to have an opinion.

On My To Do List

1. Grocery Store (DONE yesterday)
2. Clean up house a bit
3. Laundry (ALWAYS)
4. Pay bills
5. ??Something else but I can’t remember
6. All the other stuff I can’t think of right now

Plans For This Week

Other than working today, I have no plans and I can’t say I’m sad about it.

What I Am Sewing, Knitting, or Creating  

A cozy home I hope

My Simple Pleasure

Watching the birds at the feeders (and yelling at the squirrels?)

****This is where my timer went off****

Looking Around The House

Looks like we were home all weekend and I worked all day today.

From The Camera

Prayer List

Friends, family, strangers. Neighbor to stay healthy. My boss and her husband to be able to go home from the hospital soon. Some sick preschool kids and teachers. J’s last semester of school to go well. A peaceful and healthy year for all.

Quote For The Week

Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do… but how much love we put in that action. (Mother Teresa)

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day 23/365