Category: HappyHomemakerMonday

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

Enjoyed watching the sky go from pink to this lavender shade this morning

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

The usual (bills, laundry, clean the house)
Get birthday presents for my husband’s birthday
Invite brother-in-law/sister-in-law to have dinner and cake with us for husband’s birthday
Bake cookies/cake for Galentine’s dinner/husbands birthday (not sure how these two things ended up back to back, sigh)
Give entry way a GOOD cleaning (and remove season’s greeting mat from under new mat)
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

Happy Homemaker Victory Monday

January 30, 2023

jehdld

HappyHomemakerMonday 12 Comments

Well, if you follow football in any miniscule amount, you know how I must start my post today.

How ’bout those……

CHIEFS!

They are Super Bowl bound for the 3rd time in four seasons! Hopefully for a win.

Cincinnati played a good game and to say this city is still on the edge of our seats/running on pure adrenaline this morning might be an understatement. I’ll try not to be too obnoxious during my post today but make no promises.

However, I know not everyone including some in my own family are sports fans so let’s get to the task at hand. Time to plan the week by linking up with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Good thing we have the excitement of a victory to keep us warm today. The weather on its own is cold. It’s cloudy and 12 degrees right now. The wind chill was negative 2 when I took J to school earlier (hey, another victory there. J went to school today!). Not supposed to snow or anything, cold to start the week but by Saturday, temperatures back in the 50’s. Welcome inside the pinball machine of weather that is the Midwest in winter.

As I Look Outside My Window

Nothing as I’m in the basement. However, outside the car window this morning I did spot a skunk at the end of our road this morning.

Right Now

Working on this post and trying to warm up a bit. Might need to take a break for another few sips of coffee.

Thinking And Pondering

If I want to send flowers for a family birthday I completely forgot. It’s one of those sticky family situations where a missed card will be interpreted wrong. Despite it being a completely innocent slipped my mind kind of thing. I’ll probably send the flowers just to keep the peace and because this person isn’t in the best of health. Better to send flowers to the living while they can enjoy them. Well, that got rather morbid. Let’s move on back to happier things.

On My Bedside Table

Currently, my camera bag. I discovered I need to charge the battery so photos in this post are either from the weekend or my cell phone.

On My TV Today

Probably a few more episodes of Jack Ryan (season 3) on Amazon prime while finishing up the laundry.

Listening To

It’s quiet right now though I hear G stirring upstairs getting ready for his class. I heard this on the radio while driving home from dropping J off at school:

Just the “welcome to the red kingdom part.” Imagine I’ll be hearing it a lot (more) the next couple of weeks as the DJ on my local station likes to play that clip.

On The Lunch Plate

Not really sure. Here’s a random picture of a donut from yesterday. Should probably eat something healthier today.

On The Dinner Plate

I’ve been craving minestrone soup. Thinking I’ll cut the recipe in half and pull some grilled chicken out of the freezer for the ones who aren’t soup fans. Plus garlic bread.

On The Menu This Week

Mini Aussie pies weren’t a huge hit (a last-minute menu change)

and it turns out, kiwi is also not a huge favorite here

MONDAY: minestrone soup, grilled chicken, garlic bread *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: pork chops, baked potatoes

WEDNESDAY: Quick chicken sandwiches (frozen chicken patties in freezer), French fries, green beans maybe? *J has an appt at 2*

THURSDAY: Pepper steak, rice

FRIDAY: maybe waffles? clean out the freezer night?

SATURDAY: Out with friends

On My Reading Pile

Started reading This Place of Wonder by Barbara O’Neal late last night right before bed. Not very far into it.

Last week I finished reading A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab, the 3rd and final book in her Shades of Magic series. Gave it a kinder star rating than it probably deserved. Well-written, yes. Did she answer any of the pressing questions about the history of the main characters? No. Some of it felt like a “who shot J.R.?” ending so like I said, maybe not so well-written and a kinder star rating than it deserved.

The other book I read was a quick one from a “skip the line” library loan called Piranesi by Susanna Clarke. It was delightfully weird and I enjoyed it. Weird parallel universe stuff and a likeable main character. Quick references to a few favorite books/tv shows.

On My To Do List

Pretty much the usual at this point: laundry, clean the house, grocery store, Target (out of cat food)

Other random things:

Figure out what husband wants to do for his birthday next week
We’re doing a Galentines MNO next week so need to figure out small gifts for that
Clean out my purse
Plant lemon seeds in small pot I bought a couple weeks back

Plans This Week

This is (hopefully) a slow week before next week where I have MNO, husband’s birthday, and a work day. Other than having to take J a few places and figuring out things for next week, not much on the agenda. We do have our dinner out with friends on Saturday so I’m looking forward to that.

What I’m Creating

Hoping to create a small lemon plant. Will it grow into a tree? Who knows. Will the grocery store ever drop the price on their small Meyer Lemon trees? Apparently not. SIGH. (G put my small meyer lemon tree outside when it was too cold in the fall and it never recovered. I’d bought it on clearance at the grocery store for $10 bucks in 2021. Now they cost $40).

My Simple Pleasure

Attempting and sometimes succeeding at growing vegetables, plants, and flowers.

Lesson Learned This Past Week

To slow down, wait, and listen. So much more but the words aren’t there this morning.

Looking Around The House

Not awful if I don’t look at the kitchen table or the couch in the living room.

From The (Phone) Camera

On My Prayer List

Friends, family, strangers. Anyone who has no choice but to be outside in today’s cold weather. J to have a good day at school as well as good week and be back on track with things. My father-in-law’s wife who is recovering from chemo. Friends struggling with loss during the long winter months.

Quote For The Week

The most important of the Lord’s work you will ever do will be the work you do within the walls of your own home. (Harold B. Lee)

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day 30/365

Happy Homemaker Monday

January 23, 2023

jehdld

Blog365 HappyHomemakerMonday 12 Comments

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

Grocery Store (DONE yesterday)
Clean up house a bit
Laundry (ALWAYS)
Pay bills
??Something else but I can’t remember
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

Happy Homemaker Monday, MLK Day

January 16, 2023

jehdld

Blog365 HappyHomemakerMonday 19 Comments

Happy Monday! MLK= Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

It’s a federal holiday here. Banks, post offices closed, kids off school. However, my husband still went to work. Grocery store is still open, thankful for that one.

Still have to plan the week ahead. Joining in with always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom. (Always glad for this link up but especially now as it’s at least one day I don’t have to think about what I’m going to post during the Blog 365 challenge).

The Weather

I went to the grocery store this morning without wearing a coat in January. Pretty unusual for here. It’s currently 58 degrees and sunny. Though I should confess, it’s very windy and I probably should’ve taken a jacket this morning. However, how often can you go coat free and in January?! Soaking it in and trying not to think what this might mean for February, usually our harshest winter month.

This week: stays nice for the rest of today and tomorrow. Back to normal with some rain on Wednesday and high temperatures back in the upper 30’s/low 40’s. (And looking ahead, I see snowflakes predicted for next Tuesday but who knows).

As I Look Outside My Window

Blue skies and sunshine!!

Right Now I Am

Working on this post, listening to the washer and dryer (wouldn’t be Monday if I wasn’t!), and breathing a sigh of relief that our elderly neighbor is okay. He’s been falling as he goes to his vehicle and is supposed to trigger his auto alarm if he does. It went off this morning. However, he wasn’t outside so I had to go to the door to make sure he hadn’t fallen indoors. Thankfully, I think the wind probably triggered it and he’s fine.

Thinking And Pondering

Well, I had something I was thinking about earlier. However, with all the excitement of the auto alarm, I can’t remember what thoughts were in my head.

On My Bedside Table

Lamp, phone charger. This category might get a bit boring. Maybe I’ll have to share what’s on my husband’s bedside table: two kinds of hand cream (from his Christmas stocking), the tv remotes (one’s the firestick), his tablet, multiple receipts to who only knows what, a lamp, earbuds case,…you get the idea. Funny thing is that I’m typically the messy one.

On My TV Tonight

Probably not much tonight. Later, I’m going to watch the last episode of The Chosen, season 2, and another David Tennant Doctor Who episode while folding laundry. Might watch the last of the playoff games later, doesn’t matter to us who wins tonight though. Wasn’t too happy with the outcomes of yesterday’s games.

Listening To

Guess I already covered this. More specific: the spin cycle of the washer along with the dryer.

On The Lunch Plate

I struggle with lunch. Not sure. Maybe Mac and cheese?

On The Dinner Plate

Tonight’s plan is for grilled pork chops and baked potatoes, maybe salad as well.

On The Menu This Week

Nothing overly exciting but I am planning on us ordering “million dollar” Chinese food on Saturday in honor of the Chinese New Year. (I just call our favorite restaurant that as if we all get exactly what we want it gets pricey. We don’t order it too often though).

MONDAY: grilled pork chops, baked potatoes, salad *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: grilled marinated chicken (just marinating in balsamic vinegar/Italian dressing and doing today), pasta, fresh green beans sauteed in butter *I work 8-4:30*

WEDNESDAY: spicy potato soup

THURSDAY: Maybe leftovers? I’m struggling with this day for some reason.

FRIDAY: Homemade pizza perhaps.

SATURDAY: Take-out Chinese food. I’ll likely get General’s chicken, G will get sesame chicken, my husband gets moo goo gai pan, and J likes just vegetable lo mein with chicken on a stick. Egg rolls, and maybe my favorite a crab rangoon or two (G likes these as well). Very different tastes for all of us.

On My Reading Pile

Struggling my way through Us Against You by Fredrik Backman. I usually love his writing and his books. This one is just hard to read because I’m reading it out of order. It’s the second book in a series and I have already read the first and last ones. Read the last one (The Winners) by mistake before realizing there was another book. First book is Beartown for anyone interested. Good series but intense.

A bit more excited my “real” book hold of Meik Wikig’s My Hygge Home: How to Make Home Your Happy Place is ready at the library. Can’t get it today though, closed for the holiday.

On My To Do List

Grocery store *DONE*
Laundry *in progress*
Go get library book
Pay a few bills
Sort out our linen closet (It’s at an avalanche level)
Call/text a few friends
Other stuff I can’t remember at the moment

Plans For The Week

Work tomorrow, go to the library, maybe take blankets back to Kohls, try to get the house somewhat clean for Chinese New Year (I think of it as my 2nd chance New Year since I never seem to manage to get the house clean the first time)

What I Am Sewing, Knitting, Or Creating

I’m going to need to be more intentional with this category. Currently, nothing.

My Simple Pleasure

I know many see it as a chore but I love going to the grocery store. Especially if I can go in the mornings when it’s not too busy. If I lived somewhere where walking to the market was a thing, I’d be so happy. However, here, I drive to Hy-vee and look at all the things inside as I pick up items on (and usually also not on) my list. Look longingly at the floral area as I leave (I have enough plants) and once a week, stop at the Starbucks inside for a coffee and sometimes a small treat (chocolate croissant today).

Lesson Learned The Past Week

Perhaps that I need to pay better attention. I’m sure I learned a few things last week. Don’t want to think I’m getting dumber each week though that is a possibility.

Looking Around The House

Pretend the rest of the house looks as nice as my bedside table. (Spoiler: It does not.)

From The Camera

Thought I was going to catch a good sunrise but the early morning clouds were just as nice (missed the sunrise)

And just for fun, playing with a filter on the “wild” cat who got in the way of the camera.

On My Prayer List

Next door neighbor, he’s elderly, recently lost his wife and is now falling a lot, his daughter who lives closest has her hands full with her own family and is encouraging him to move to assisted living, for J’s last semester of high school to go well, new and old blogging friends who’ve endured hard losses in their families last week, friends, family, and strangers. Peace in the world. Less judgement and more understanding in hardened hearts.

Quote For The Week

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. (Martin Luther King, Jr. )

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day 16/365

Happy Homemaker Monday, Second Week of January

January 9, 2023

jehdld

Blog365 HappyHomemakerMonday 4 Comments

I debated if I was going to go ahead with a HHM post tonight. It’s Monday evening now and I’m a bit tired. However, since it’s still Monday, why not?

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

The Weather

Really nice. It was in the mid 50’s today. Still 50 degrees tonight. January 50 degrees is chilly but nice. Supposed to be in the 50’s all week until Thursday and Friday when it drops back into the mid 30’s. Chance of rain on Thursday. Back to the high 40’s/low 50’s for the weekend.

As I Look Outside My Window

This was my lunch time view out the front windshield of the car.

Right Now

Yawning. And working on this post.

Thinking And Pondering

Mostly about J’s school semester. Things went well today. Trying to be cautiously optimistic. I was feeling great in the fall and everything sort of bottomed out so I’m not wanting to get my hopes up too high. However, I also don’t want to be pessimistic about it all. Ugh, there’s that word of the year again, whispering to just wait and see.

On My Bedside Table

A lamp. Phone charger. That’s it. I’ll charge my phone there tonight and set my glasses on it.

On My TV Tonight

No time to really watch. Husband was watching Top Chef when I got home from work. And America’s Got Talent when we got home from J’s lesson.

Listening To

The washer and dryer. What else?

On The Lunch Plate

School lunch of macaroni and cheese. Wasn’t awful. Passed on the sides so the kids could have more, apples and green beans. Also, had a Luna bar (nuts over chocolate variety), my own apple, and 3 chocolate covered pretzels on my break.

On The Dinner Plate

Brisket, cool ranch Doritos, slice of 3 Kings cake. Not the best dinner though the brisket was good. (Came from freezer, cooked some time last July)

On The Menu This Week

MONDAY: everyone was on own, J had grocery store chicken, G went out with a friend, not sure what my husband ate, I had the leftover brisket *I worked 8-4:30* *J had a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Breakfast for dinner, either waffles or French toast, maybe a blueberry dutch baby pancake. Something in that variety *J has appt at 3*

WEDNESDAY: Pepper steak, rice

THURSDAY: Chicken and broccoli

FRIDAY: Maybe some sort of pasta dish? *No school for J*

On My Reading Pile

A Gathering of Shadows by V.E. Schwab. Second in a series. Planning a post to talk more about books and tv.

On My To Do List

Clean the house
Go to Sam’s Club
Take J to appt
Go to local music store to check out baritones with J on Friday
Drop off donations
Pay Bills
Take an Amazon return to Kohl’s
All the other stuff I can’t think of right now

Plans This Week

Mom’s night out on Thursday (need to make sure I have the week right), music store with J, Lots of laundry sorting,…take time to take a walk.

What I’m Creating

Nothing right now.

My Simple Pleasure

Looking at the moon.

Lesson Learned This Past Week

So many. One that caught me by surprise: You can be extremely happy for someone on their achievement while still being sad for yourself on missing an opportunity.

Looking Around The House

With Christmas put away, you can really see the dirt. Ugh.

From The Camera

How about an oops photo? I got this one when I was trying to get the moon photo above. These are all photos downloaded from my phone. I was taking it out the car window (note: car was parked!)

On My Prayer List

J to have a last successful semester of high school and graduate, friend’s son who was very sick around Thanksgiving and then, again after New Year’s Eve, that it’s nothing serious, the husband of my boss to continue to recover from his cancer treatment, one of my preschool kiddos who’s having some medical issues (and her family because how scary!), lots of other friends, family, and strangers.

Quote For The Week

Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be. (Sonia Ricotti)

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Day 9/365

First Happy Homemaker Monday of 2023

January 2, 2023

jehdld

Blog365 HappyHomemakerMonday 15 Comments

I know it’s silly but does it make anyone else happy that the new year started on a Sunday? The first four Saturdays of January make for perfect multiples of seven: 7, 14, 21, 28. Then, of course, it stops since there are 31 days in January.

Time to join in for the very first Happy Homemaker Monday of 2023. I was waiting to see if Sandra might’ve changed the categories for the new year but I need to go ahead and get my post up now. If they’ve changed, I’ll just change them next week. UPDATE: She did add a few new ones but like I said, I’ll catch up on that next week.

The Weather

Yesterday was beautiful, sunny *almost* no coat weather. Today, however, is foggy and chilly. Rain predicted for later this afternoon. Looking forward to the free carwash! Should’ve seen the lines with the nice weather over the weekend. Right now, it’s 42 degrees with a predicted high of 57 later today. Then, we start sliding back down into the reality of winter temperatures. After tomorrow, highs are in the 30’s for the rest of the week. More chances of rain (high of 38) again on Saturday.

As I Look Outside My Window

I don’t see too much, pretty foggy right now. Have an electric candle in the window and a vanilla candle burning on top of the bookcase. Semi-cozy around the mess I suppose.

Right Now

Waiting for the washing machine to finish as I work on this post. It’s laundry day!

Thinking And Pondering

About My word for the year and what to add to my list of 23 things I’d like to do in 2023. What the new year will bring.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

I work the rest of this week, J returns to school tomorrow (praying it goes well) so basically some standard Sunday night anxiety tripled into Monday day anxiety. SIGH. Otherwise, not too bad.

Listening To

Washer and dryer down here. If I were upstairs, I’d hear the background of the local morning news my husband is watching.

On The Breakfast Plate

Lower sugar maple brown sugar instant oatmeal and a cookie (balance, right?), vitamins, coffee

On The Lunch Plate

Probably leftover black-eyed peas and cornbread

On The Dinner Plate

I am not sure…need to ponder it as I work on this post

What I Am Wearing Today

long-sleeved black t-shirt, greenish color jeggings, tennis shoes

On My Reading Pile

Need to start a new book on my phone! Probably the first chapters of the Marie Kondo book, Kurashi at Home: How to Organize Your Space and another book I picked up at the library about being outdoors. Can’t recall the exact title but it’s about the concept of Friluftsliz, the Norwegian word for outdoor love. Something like that.

On My TV

Probably not much with my work schedule this week. Planning to watch one episode a week of the David Tennant Doctor Who episodes.

Over Christmas break, I finished watching Litvinenko on AMC+, it was interesting. And also White Lotus, can’t quite decide how I felt about that show. First season was better than the second. It was on HBOmax. And I watched a couple Netflix movies, Slumberland (really enjoyed it!) and Troll (fun, think it was supposed to be scary but was a bit silly).

And of course, yesterday, how about them…Chiefs! Actually, they were aggravating me. At one point after they got the lead, my husband turned to me and asked if I knew they were winning. We’re very spoiled by such a good team. And though it is a bit painful, most of KC has to say Go Bengals! (Just for tonight)

On The Menu

And here we are at the category, I wanted to avoid. As usual, I really do need to go to the store but let’s see what I can manage from the fridge/freezer first.

MONDAY: Roast in the crockpot *J has baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Chicken strips *I work 8-4:30*

WEDNESDAY: Pork chops, baked potatoes *I work 8-4:30*

THURSDAY: Pepper steak *I work 8-4:30*

FRIDAY: Turkey of some sort, sweet potatoes *I work 8-4:30*

Looking Around The House

Still a few touches of Christmas amid the mess. Trying to decide if I want to go ahead and take them down today or wait until after the Epiphany.

On My To Do List

So much. Why did I wait until the last minute for everything??

Grocery store
Target for household supplies: shampoo, cleaning, etc
Laundry
Find books/plan for school tomorrow
Pay a few bills/at least get them organized
Put away all Christmas sweaters/clothing until next year
Clean out cat box *SO overdue on this, oops
Hope it’s not cheating if I write and schedule a few blog posts for the blog365 challenge
Clear off kitchen table/either throw away or freeze Christmas goodies
Clean out email inbox. Say it with me: There will always be another sale.
Spend 23 minutes outside for another challenge I’m doing

From The Camera

Took advantage of the great weather after the game yesterday to go for a walk on a local trail. Excited to finally make it this bridge. (It’s a 5 mile loop trail and I usually don’t have time for the loop, still didn’t but got to the bridge at least)

What I’m Creating

I have a candle project I’d like to do but likely won’t have time to look at it until Saturday

Quote For The Week

May my heart be kind, my mind fierce, and my spirit brave. (Kate Forsyth)

***********

Day 2 of 365

Happy Homemaker Monday, After Christmas Tuesday

December 27, 2022

jehdld

HappyHomemakerMonday 6 Comments

I took yesterday completely off. Other than taking down a few Christmas items, I stayed in my pajamas and pretty much watched Doctor Who all day. It was a nice break but I’m ready to be a little more productive this morning.

Already have done a few things. Including paying our taxes. Ugh, what genius in this state thought it would be a good idea for all the taxes to be due in December? Grumble. Grumble. Grateful we had the funds to pay them however as I’m sure many probably don’t at this point.

Even though I’m on Christmas break, I’m still joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom to keep somewhat on track with my week. Straight to the categories, shall we?

The Weather

Cold this morning but look at our Thursday!

Ready for that day. And a little wary, warmer weather usually brings a storm behind it. Probably nothing like the “storm of storms” that didn’t turn out to be much for us other than crazy, bitter cold.

As I Look Outside My Window

I saw this sunrise earlier! Even stepped out on the front porch in the 16 degrees to grab a photo.

Right Now

Just finished paying a few bills including our taxes so I’m taking a moment to do something a bit more fun like working on this post.

Thinking And Pondering

Christmas, how things went, notes I want to make for next year. And of course, thinking a bit about ideas, goals, and my word for next year. We did have a nice Christmas, hope you did as well!

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Pretty good. After being a bit sloth like (okay, a lot sloth like) yesterday, it felt good to get up, shower, and get dressed this morning.

Listening To

The sound of silence. Isn’t that a song? Also, can hear J moving about upstairs fixing his breakfast of scrambled eggs though it’s back to quiet so he must’ve finished.

On The Breakfast Plate

Nothing yet but coffee. Trying to decide between leftover pumpkin pie with homemade whipped cream, Christmas cookies, or being good and just eating oatmeal or eggs and toast. Vitamins with whatever option I pick.

On The Lunch Plate

More Christmas leftovers, either leftover spaghetti or taco soup.

On The Dinner Plate

Since my husband went back to work, I suppose I’ll have to make us a real dinner tonight. Leaning toward pork chops, have a quick Gordon Ramsay recipe I like to use. Probably something simple like baked potatoes with them. Nothing fancy.

What I’m Wearing Today

Short-sleeved black sweater, jeans, leopard print slip on shoes (I’ll change shoes if I go out anywhere today)

On My Reading Pile

I have a stack of library books, can’t think of a single title at the moment. Today’s reading plan is to focus on all the December magazines. Give them a glance and throw them in the recycle.

On My TV

Watched enough TV yesterday for a full week probably. However, if I fold a bit of laundry, I may watch an episode or two of Emily in Paris, new season is out.

On My Menu

Um, Christmas cookie casserole? Ugh. This is definitely, I think, the hardest week of the year for menu planning. And I need to go to the store.

MONDAY: We ate out (Backyard Burger) *J had no lesson so that was nice*

TUESDAY: pork chops, baked potatoes

WEDNESDAY: chicken of some sort? I’m not sure

THURSDAY: chicken sausage/broccoli/orzo skillet *I have tentative plans to get together with a friend*

FRIDAY: Frozen/Homemade pizza maybe? with salad

This is all subject to change once I clean out the fridge and see what is actually in it behind the Christmas crowding.

Looking Around The House

Looks like in the process of taking Christmas down especially in the living room. Kitchen table is once again covered. Of course, most of the stuff on the table is Christmas goodies so it’s not all bad.

On My To Do List

Pay a couple bills including taxes. DONE
Grocery store
Continue to take down Christmas decor
Organize Christmas decor a bit better, make a special tub for Advent so I can unpack it first
Sort out and add things to donation pile (doing this very little with Christmas decor as I didn’t put much up this year. However, I didn’t so much as take the plastic off my Christmas tree stacking mugs, think they can go)
Ponder things, eat junk food, reflect on word of year and list from 2022, make new ones for 2023
Laundry (Is this ever not on the list? Thankful my husband did a bit yesterday)
Wash and put away Christmas sweaters, sheets, and shower curtain
Get birdseed somewhere (not sure if I want to brave the after Christmas shoppers at Menards)
Get outside and get some sunshine!

From The Camera

Picking up the camera more must be a goal for 2023! I’ve gotten so lazy about it. While I didn’t put much on the tree this year, I did love my battery operated clip on candles so much.

What I’m Creating

Goal for 2023 is to create a clutter-free, cozy home full of things I love and nothing else. Isn’t that always the goal?

Quote For The Week

How about a song instead. I’ve had this stuck in my head every since the candlelight service at church on Saturday.

Happy Homemaker Monday, Almost Christmas!

December 19, 2022

jehdld

HappyHomemakerMonday 8 Comments

Seems a bit quiet in blogland this morning. Maybe because it’s almost Christmas? Six days if you’re counting.

Still, I need to stay on track this week so I’m joining in as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for the Happy Homemaker Monday link up.

The Weather

The snow-magedon of rush hour predicted for this morning didn’t happen. It did snow for perhaps 5 minutes while I was in the grocery store. Maybe it’s doing a bit more now, not sure. It’s above freezing at a balmy 36 degrees so nothing is bothering the roads. Our big snow is due for Thursday along with the famous “arctic air” where temps are supposed to be in the teens and the windchill below zero. Right now Christmas is supposed to be a balmy 16 degrees. White Christmas though…

As I Look Outside My Window

I saw a bit of snow on the wet ground. Neighbors haven’t deflated their Christmas decorations yet so it’s a cheery view looking across the street.

Right Now

Working on this post to hopefully help sort out in my mind the things I need to do in the coming days.

Thinking And Pondering

It’s a bit early but I’m starting to think about my word for the year in 2023. This is just the time of year a word or “theme” for the next year starts kind of swirling and whispering in my subconscious. With the pace with which 2022 blazed by us, I’m leaning toward words like slow or pause for 2023. Or appreciate, relish. It’s just been on my mind how rushed everything feels and I’m searching for a word to focus on putting space between the holidays/major events next year. And yes, I get that it’s the very idea of what I’m doing now instead of focusing on Christmas.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

So much better. I should’ve known when I started feeling grouchy/emotional Friday night. Yep, one of the 7 plagues of preschool finally caught me. Stomach bug variety. Thankfully, it was a quick though miserable bug.

Listening To

Earlier I was listening to the cat purr as she sat here watching me type, then fuss as she wanted me upstairs with her. Also, heard J getting up and fixing his breakfast. Now, it’s fairly quiet again.

On The Breakfast Plate

Coffee, vitamins, Stollen (German fruitcake?), and a caramel brulee latte from Starbucks

On The Lunch Plate

No idea quite yet and it’s lunch time already so I really do need to decide

On The Dinner Plate

Pork chops, baked potatoes

What I’m Wearing Today

Long-sleeved v-neck purple sweatshirt, jeggings, tennis shoes

On My Reading Pile

An Unwanted Inheritance by Imogen Clark. I was happy to discover this as she’s one of my favorite authors. Last week I finished up Every Day in December by Kitty Wilson, a nice holiday quick holiday romance read. Good character development in it.

On My TV

The Chiefs. I’ll say I’m glad they won and that I hope the referees from that game are giving their families really nice presents with their take. Ugh, one sided calling much. Ugly but a win is a win (and a division championship for the 7th year in a row, we’re a little spoiled here in KC). Also, The Sound of Music was on last night. Despite all the streaming services, isn’t it nice to still stumble on a favorite on regular tv?

Also watched Elf, Polar Express, A Christmas Story Christmas, and The Holiday Baking Championship (get to see who won today!). And then because we wouldn’t want to get too cheery, I also started watching Litvenenko on AMC+. If you’re a David Tennant fan you already know this but he’s an amazing actor!

On My Menu

Well, with the cold weather I planned a bit of a more hearty menu. However, since it’s a hustle and bustle time of year, it’s all subject to change.

MONDAY: pork chops, baked potatoes *J has a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: chili

WEDNESDAY: stuffed peppers *I have a hair appt at 9:30*

THURSDAY: white chicken chili

FRIDAY: OUT *G and J are eating out with their grandpa, who knows what we’ll do*

SATURDAY: Christmas Eve *Candlelight Christmas Eve service at 5* Thinking maybe Subway for a late lunch/heavy snacks after service

SUNDAY: Christmas *Spaghetti at my brother’s house*

Looking Around The House

Maybe it’ll be clean by Christmas. Maybe.

On My To Do List

Good question….

Get gift card for J’s baritone instructor/deliver gift tonight
Make Norwegian gingerbread cookies (dough is done, chilled overnight, just need bake)
Finish up Christmas shopping/stocking stuffers
Grocery store *DONE*
Make peanut brittle
Target for cat food plus a few other items
Guess I should clean the house
Eat too many Christmas goodies/watch Christmas movies/tv
Write and publish this post as well as my Blogmas post
Call text/friend who’s been on my mind

From The Camera

Went for a walk yesterday around 4PM, it was in the low 30’s so a bit brisk. Still glad I got out and took advantage of the fresh air and bits of sunshine.

What I’m Creating

Cookies, peanut brittle (hopefully)

Quote For The Week

“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! ‘Maybe Christmas,’ he thought, ‘doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas … perhaps … means a little bit more!

Dr. Seuss in How The Grinch Stole Christmas

Happy Homemaker Monday, Real Life Edition

December 12, 2022

jehdld

HappyHomemakerMonday 10 Comments

First, yes, every week is a real life edition of my post. This one I just decided to show the nitty gritty messy house pictures with it. Just in case, someone else is feeling a bit overwhelmed like I am over here.

Not working today at work but oh at home, the to-do list seems endless this morning! And in true Monday morning fashion, my camera battery died right as I was taking my photos. So, not too many, all un-edited as well.

Hoping that joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for Happy Homemaker Monday will help me get on track.

The Weather

Gloomy and grey. It also started misting just as I arrived home from the store. (We’re not supposed to get rain until Wednesday but I guess the actual weather had different plans). It’s above freezing at least, right around 40 degrees. It was in the low 30’s with a blustery wind when I opened the door for the cat in the dark morning hours.

Tuesday, now I guess is the big rain day with a high in the low 50’s and then, temps all over the place in the 40’s and 30’s. Next week the big cold front is due. Who knows what weather we’ll actually get. I’m just hoping to see the sun again sometime today.

As I Look Outside My Window

Gray skies, dreary day, birds waiting to be fed but may have to wait a bit longer. (I’ve started only filling my feeders every other days thanks to very greedy squirrels and a flock of house sparrows).

Right Now

Working on this post a minute after putting away the groceries I just bought at the store this morning.

Thinking And Pondering

Holy cow, did grocery store prices jump again, or is it just me? On a happier note, I’m thinking how thankful I am to be able to go to the grocery store without wearing a mask and make small talk (mostly about the awful grocery store prices, LOL) with random strangers/fellow shoppers again. Despite the crazy high prices, people were very civil, kind, and nice this morning. So grateful to live in an area where that is the norm.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Physically: My back is hurting a bit, no injury, just slept on the couch for a bit last night. I was having trouble sleeping and bothering my husband (who had to go to work very early) so I opted to sleep on the couch so he could rest.

Mentally: A bit overwhelmed with everything. So much to do before Christmas, the house is a mess, my to-do list is a million miles long. Just needing to clear some clutter and take a few deep breaths. Hoping I get a chance to do those things this week.

On The Breakfast Plate

Coffee, vitamins, a chocolate chip granola bar (before the grocery store), more coffee in the form of a Starbucks caramel brulee latte and a cheese danish as well (after the grocery store).

On The Lunch Plate

Probably going to use leftovers from last night to make BBQ pork sandwiches (we had pulled pork and rice last night)

On The Dinner Plate

I’m not sure, currently at this point in my post I’m trying to decide between: Korean BBQ meatballs, stuffed peppers, or white chicken chili. Leaning toward the stuffed peppers to use up the rice I made last night as well.

What I Am Wearing Today

A purple v-neck sweater, jeggings, purple alpaca socks (found some on sale over at Etsy and wanted to try them…still undecided), and tennis shoes. Probably going to change into a black t-shirt as I do things around the house as I’m already getting hot in the sweater.

On My Reading Pile

Just finished re-reading one of my Christmas favorites. I highly recommend this one if you are looking for a sweet, Christmas romance escape kind of book. Really wish the author would write a few more books in English! (She’s a Norwegian author and the book is set on an island off the coast of Norway)

On My TV

If you need a break from Christmas movies, we all loved Bullet Train on Netflix. Very funny story of a bullet train full of assassins. Christmas movie I watched: Spirited on Apple Plus. Very good and also funny. Finally, finally finished The Walking Dead. Not the most impressive (by far) series finale I’ve ever watched. And so many spin off shows coming! Ugh. Will I still watch most of them? Sigh. Probably.

And of course, Football. An ugly win is still a win. The Chiefs better step it up a notch if they have any hopes of beating Buffalo or (ugh, Cincinnati). Or pretty much any other team.

On My Menu

Talked to my brother on my birthday last week, he’s doing spaghetti for Christmas so….need to keep that off the men for the next couple weeks.

MONDAY: Leaning toward stuffed peppers *J has a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: White chicken chili

WEDNESDAY: Roast in the crockpot *J has an appt at 11* *I work 1:30-6*

THURSDAY: Hot dogs, chips, veggies *J has a dentist appt at 1*

FRIDAY: Korean BBQ meatballs, rice, maybe I’ll get fancy and go get some spring rolls from Panda Express (I don’t like much else from there but I love their spring rolls!)

Looking Around The House

I’ve already shared that ugliness with you in pics throughout this post.

On My To Do List

Did wrap a few presents over the weekend

Grocery store *DONE*
Target/Sam’s Club
Pay bills
Clean the house
Finish Laundry
Fill out forms for J’s appt on Thursday
Order some Christmas presents
Inventory of stocking stuffers
Blogmas catch up (this will help motivate me for #8 as that’s where I’m at in the days)
Bit of Christmas baking
Finish decorating for Christmas (seems to be a cycle, I want the house clean and by the time the house is clean, I’m too tired to decorate. By the time I’m ready to decorate, the house is a mess again)
Spend some time on a de-clutter around here

From The Camera

Didn’t do a good job picking up the camera last week. Only picture I took last week was of my birthday cake. All other pics in post are from today.

J made my cake for me with minimal help (I measured some shortening, showed how to separate eggs)

Silver white cake with white frosting, all made from scratch using the ’70’s Betty Crocker cookbook.

Quote For The Week

Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

Happy Homemaker Tuesday

December 6, 2022

jehdld

HappyHomemakerMonday 6 Comments

Another week that went from not so busy to whirlwind within a day. No post yesterday as I went into work at 7a.m., then the grocery store, and followed that with taking J to his lesson. Went to be early again.

However, it’s a new day and time to join in for Happy Homemaker Monday hosted by Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom. I’m only a day late so that’s not too bad.

The Weather

Just pick something and we’ve probably had it. Today does look like a normal gloomy December day. It’s currently 37 degrees and feels like it might rain. Not supposed to rain until Thursday. Really, this week is fairly normal for us with highs in the mid to upper 40’s.

As I Look Outside My Window

It looks a bit more like fall with leaves on the ground and cloudy skies. Birds at my birdfeeder. The group of sparrows hanging out goes through so much birdseed. I’ve started only filling the feeders every other day, sometimes I go a bit longer.

Right Now

Trying to get this post done. I finished my Blogmas post first and spent longer on it than I planned. Had some issues with my images showing up. Frustrating. Hoping I don’t have the same issues when I go to add them here.

Thinking And Pondering

Christmas. Really need to take stock of what gifts I have already and what I still need to get. Also, need to have a rough outline of our holiday.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

So very grateful to be feeling good. Lots of sickness going around in our area and at my work.

On The Breakfast Plate

Maple brown sugar instant oatmeal, two sausage patties, plus coffee. And vitamins. And a black elderberry gummy (disgusting, need to get more syrup but Target was out on Sunday night and I forgot to look at the store yesterday)

On The Lunch Plate

No idea

On The Dinner Plate

Feels like perhaps a spaghetti night but I’m not sure

What I’m Wearing Today

A red Grinch tee-shirt that says “Define naughty” and brown pants, tennis shoes

On My Reading Pile

Just finished Christmas in the Little Irish Village by Michelle Vernal. It was enjoyable enough. Not sure what I’ll read next. I did manage to get to the library and get my on hold books last week. Been a while since I had a “real” book to read vs. reading one on the phone. (Oh, I guess I did also read Grumpy Monkey, Oh, no! Christmas as well. The preschool kids all enjoyed it)

On My TV

Not too much. Watched a couple Christmas movies over the weekend: Gremlins and A Christmas Story. Most of a certain football game we shall speak of no more. Darn Cincinnati curse! Hopefully, paybacks are coming or we don’t have to play them again (not sure which one I should be hoping for here). Holiday Baking Championship, it’s one of my favorite things to watch during the holidays.

On My Menu

I can tell it’s going to be an off week for menu planning but let’s get some ideas on here anyway.

MONDAY: My husband had pulled pork and rice, J and I had loaded baked potatoes, then he had nachos later after his lesson. G went out. *I worked 7-1:30* *J had a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Spaghetti? *I work 3-6*

WEDNESDAY: OUT *It’s my BIL’s birthday and they are all going to a local BBQ restaurant* *I have MNO and so will go my own way to a friend’s house, not sure what I’ll eat*

THURSDAY: Maybe pepper steak? Carry over from last week.

FRIDAY: OUT? (My birthday) *We have a hand bell Christmas concert to attend at 7*

Looking Around The House

Not today. It’s on the list. Let’s leave it at that.

On My To Do List

All the things. Sigh.

Grocery store *DONE*
Catch up on a bit of laundry
Finish decorating for Christmas
Christmas shopping
Clean the whole house
Clean the basement **priority as G has a friend coming home on leave from army who may stay here a couple days**
Figure out what I have for Christmas gifts/still need to get
Maybe some baking
Find out shipping dates
Other things I’m sure I’m forgetting

From The Camera

Last week was more of a work week than a pick up the camera week. So not much to share.

Quote For The Week

The book I just finished started each chapter with an Irish blessing. I liked this one.

This Christmas may you have Walls for the wind And a roof for the rain, And drinks bedside the fire, Laughter to cheer you, And those you love near you, And all that your heart may desire.