While it was super hot over the weekend again (though not *heat advisory* hot), it’s been cooling down all day and is currently 77 degrees. The rain is on the way! Oh, I hope it finds us soon. Walking on the ground outside feels like walking on concrete because it’s been so hot and dry this summer.

Bit late getting my post up today/tonight. I worked this morning and then spent the afternoon grocery shopping. Shaping up to be one of those busy starts to the week. Let’s look at the week ahead.

The Weather

There was such a pretty sunrise this morning but by the time I found my camera and got it ready, I missed the best of it. This is a view to the south. I was just excited to see a few clouds! It’s supposed to rain later tonight into tomorrow. And then, the next two days the highs are predicted in the mid to high 70’s followed by 2 days with highs in the low 80’s. A much needed break and fall preview.

As I Look Outside My Window

Not the best photo but I couldn’t resist sharing my “star of the flying trapeze” squirrel. The view out the back door window. 

Right Now I Am

Trying to get this post written and published before I need to go pick up J from band practice.

Thinking And Pondering

Whether I want to work a full day on J’s first day of school. He’s going to be a senior. After the last 2 years, instead of feeling excited and sad, I’m just so ready for it all to be done. Hopefully, I’ll find a little more enthusiasm once school starts (next Monday for him).

How I Am Feeling

I’ve got a slight headache which I truly hope means rain is really coming!

On The Breakfast Plate

Key lime flip yogurt, vitamins, and coffee.

On The Lunch Plate

Ate lunch at preschool, it was scrambled eggs (not my favorite), pineapple, and a sausage link. Then, since I only worked until 1, I had a croissant spread with Nutella when I came home.

On The Dinner Plate

Not a stellar food day. I had a chicken sandwich from McDonald’s as G went and got it for him and J while I was at the store. He ordered too much food and offered it to me. My husband ate grocery store rotisserie chicken and potatoes. (Can I just interject that yesterday we had grilled chicken sausage, corn on the cob, grilled broccoli for dinner?)

What I’m Wearing Today

At school, I wore a pink t-shirt with lace eyelet sleeves and loose fitting black Capri pants plus tennis shoes. After work, I traded the Capri pants for a pair of black shorts and my slip on leopard print shoes.

On My Reading Pile

I’m actually between books! Over the weekend, I read Kingdom of Bones by James Rollins. It was about a virus. UGH. However, it was part of a series I really enjoy so managed to enjoy it despite the subject matter being a bit too recent for most of us. (I did feel his pain as he addressed the subject of the book in the forward, how he started writing the book in 2019 right before the world went nuts in 2020. And I am glad he went ahead and finished it as I did learn quite a bit and requested some of his research books (about trees) to read for myself.)

Another quick one I read was a choice on my kindle unlimited by Brian Freeman titled I Remember You. A sci-fi type thriller where the main character has someone else’s memories combined with her own.

On My TV

Finished Ted Lasso, one more episode left of Better Call Saul. G has us all watching a strange one (comedy?) on HBO Max called The Rehearsal. It’s very funny, disturbing at times, and interesting all at once.  Netflix movie called The Grey Man, not that good.

On The Menu

MONDAY: you already read about today’s disaster *I worked 8-1* *J had band practice 6-8:45*

TUESDAY: Spaghetti, garlic bread, salad *I work 8-1* *Appt with counselor at J’s school at 1:30, messed up schedule, sigh* *I have Bunco!!*

WEDNESDAY: Some sort of chicken on the grill? Zucchini *I work 8-1*

THURSDAY: Pepper steak, rice *I work 8-1* *J has band practice 6-8:45*

FRIDAY: Pizza of some sort *I work 8-1*

Looking Around The House

Pass. I even have outdoor chores I’m putting off doing at this point.

On My To Do List

1. Make a list of some blog post ideas before I forget them!
2. Pay bills
3. Find J’s lunchbox. It’s missing?!
4. Figure out what I’m wearing to work for rest of the week (should be number 1 on list)
5. Laundry
6. Grocery store *DONE*
7. Trim some more outdoor flowers (My petunias started blooming again after I cut them back a few weeks ago)

From The Camera

Yet another week where I barely picked up the camera. Grabbed most of these photos just before I put up this post.

Quote For The Week

I found this new fitness site that’s wait for it….FREE. It’s a faith based fitness thing and I’m doing the 14 day kickstart. I’ll share the link here, I’m only on day four but I’m really loving it so far: Faithful Workouts

Found it on Instagram of all places. Anyway, today’s quote in the Pep talk video was pretty impactful. I’d never heard it before so thought I’d share it here:

As long as habit and routine dictate the pattern of living, new dimensions of the soul will not emerge. (Henry Van Dyke)

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Now, go check out Sandra’s link up over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom!

I was on standby to work this morning so up and ready to go by 7:30 but then, I didn’t have to go in after all.  Meant I was ready for the day early. Tended the garden (read watered a few things), went to the store, and made J breakfast.

As I left the store, the door greeter person told me “Have a Magnificent Monday!” and so far I’ve been doing just that. I hope that you are as well! 

Time to get to the business of planning the week ahead with the help of the wonderful link up hosted by Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

The word of the day suites it! After another weekend of heat advisory weather, a cool front moved into our area. It’s currently 81 degrees and partly cloudy out there. Cooler than our 85 degree and million percent humidity start to the day. No rain in the forecast the rest of the week but highs in the mid-80’s. Sold! I’ll take it.

As I Look Outside My Window

Earlier this morning as I looked out the backdoor window, I watched with amusement as one of our little hummingbirds chased a baby Carolina wren all over the bird feeder area. The poor baby Carolina wren did not know what to think about that bird chasing it.

Right Now I Am

Procrastinating cleaning the disaster in the kitchen and living room. Working on this post.

Thinking And Pondering

How nice it feels to have a completely free Monday. Normally, J would have a lesson tonight but we had to reschedule because of evening band practice. Then, they had to cancel the band practice. So I don’t have to rush to do anything today. Pondering how I can continue to make my Monday “magnificent.” 

How I Am Feeling 

I’m feeling pretty optimistic this morning (early afternoon), slept well. However, I’ve been sneezing a bit. Probably something in the air though my husband came home for lunch and said his stomach was upset over night. Hoping it’s just something he ate (and that I didn’t cook).

On The Breakfast Plate

Something different! Since I had some time and was also cooking for J, I made us toad in the hole eggs with a side of bacon (already cooked from a different day) and a small cinnamon toast round from the bread center. I did overcook the eggs a bit but still good. For me, also coffee (including my grocery store Starbucks caramel macchiato) and vitamins.

On The Lunch Plate

I was thinking grilled cheese while at the store (white American cheese was on sale in the deli) but now, I’m not sure as that seems like a lot of bread on top of our breakfast. Might just play it by ear. UPDATE: G made mac and cheese for him and J. I’ve not eaten lunch yet.

On The Dinner Plate

Current plan is grilled ham steak, corn on the cob, and asparagus plus honey butter crescent rolls (a splurge but oh my, they are so good once in a while!)

What I’m Wearing Today

Light blue capris and a palm leaf design t-shirt that sort of matches the light blue color. Plus since I didn’t go to work, I left on my leopard print slip on Keds tennis shoes that match nothing.

On My Reading Pile

I broke down and bought a couple of Daisy James novels, Wedding Bells at the Villa Limoncello and Summer Dreams at the Villa Limoncello. There’s a third one in the triology but I switched things up and am reading Trapper Road (Stillhouse Lake, #6) by Rachel Cane and Carrie Ryan. It’s a good series and book but kind of sad to read as the original author, Rachel Cane, passed away before finishing her manuscript and her friend finished it. It is true to her style and I am enjoying the story.

On My TV

I was on a bit of TV kick over the weekend watching Best Leftovers Ever! on Netflix as well as a random movie with Ryan Reynolds and Dwayne Johnson called Red Notice (dumb but entertaining).  Found a gardening show on Discovery Plus so watched a bit of it plus a few episodes of Chopped (the Netflix show mentioned is only 8 episodes). Need to finish up Ted Lasso and of course, I’ll watch the latest Better Call Saul episode tomorrow.

On My Menu

Not sure if it was watching a few cooking shows or the weather change but I did feel slightly inspired at the store this morning. Nothing overly exciting but I did have ideas of what I wanted to make.

MONDAY: Grilled ham steak with smoked honey, corn on the cob, asparagus, and honey butter crescent rolls

TUESDAY: Hawaiian pulled pork sliders, coleslaw *J has an appt at 3*

WEDNESDAY: Taco salads

THURSDAY: Pepper steak, rice *J has band practice 6:30-8:45*

FRIDAY: Chicken sausage, broccoli, and orzo pasta skillet

**I might change today’s menu to minestrone since my husband came home and ate a ham sandwich for lunch plus I do have some veggies I need to use. Or maybe I’ll make that for our lunch.

Looking Around The House

The kitchen is the worst. Everywhere else just needs a bit of straightening and quick cleaning.

On My To Do List

1. Return overdue library books
2. Grocery store DONE
3. Finish up the laundry (did most of it over the weekend)
4. Figure out a “finger food” to take to a birthday party this weekend
5. Figure out what fall veggies we’re going to plant in empty raised bed (onions did not do so well)

From The Camera

Quote For The Week

Happy are they who take life day by day, complain very little, and are thankful for the little things in life. (Unknown)

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After some lovely rain last week, we’re back to HOT this week. The rain was a nice reprieve. And one less worry before our trip as I didn’t need to try to explain all the watering (this plant needs every day, this one every other day, etc.) to my older son.

We left Thursday for Saint Louis (where just a day or two before they had a record 11 inches of rain in one day! Thankfully, the flooding had receded by Thursday).  J played in the Mid America Music Festival, two solos plus a couple of pieces with the band. We’ll hear how the judges scored it all on Tuesday evening at a recital held with the students of his instructor. I’m a bit late posting today because I agreed to work (why?!) this morning from 7a.m. to 12:45 (had to pick up my kid from band camp).

Time to see what’s on the agenda for this new week. Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather 

HOT. Heat advisory until 8 p.m. tomorrow night, wonder if they’ll extend it. Still in the low 90’s for the rest of the week. There are a few chances of storms Wednesday and Thursday. It’s also currently quite HUMID out there as well.

As I Look Outside My Window 

I see nothing but the hot, humid haze. Here’s a better view, what we saw from our hotel room in St. Louis where the weather was incredible for our time there. 

Thinking And Pondering

My work’s been on my mind a bit. So many changes lately. I go back and forth between thinking I’d like to be there on a regular basis with a consistent schedule and wanting to just call it quits. None of my concerns relate to the kids. I was happy to work this morning and see all of them even if everyone was grumpy (myself included, just a Monday type of Monday).

How I Am Feeling

Headache from too much salt water taffy (a food related one to cross off the summer bucket list I never created!) and tired.

On The Breakfast Plate

Back from our trip so a return to boring flip yogurts and coffee.

On The Lunch Plate

Black beans and rice at preschool, too much salt water taffy at home.

On The Dinner Plate

I didn’t go to the store yet, let G take my car to his work (I have better a/c), and it’s way too hot to cook. Probably taco meat already cooked in the freezer made into crunchy tacos or burritos. UPDATE: J had mozzarella sticks and chopped peppers, husband had peanut butter crackers, and I had a Balanced Break plus another flip yogurt. G just got back from work and apparently stopped at Panda Express on the way home because he just delivered me 2 spring rolls (my favorite from there).

What I’m Wearing Today

For work I wore light cotton pants with a “groovy” multi colored design and a green t-shirt with the preschool name on it. Now, I’m wearing a light blue marching band shirt from one of G’s years and a tan linen shorts.

On My Reading Pile

I’m currently reading Confetti at the Hummingbird Hotel by Daisy James. Her books are always light and uplifting so a nice change after reading The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley and We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz while on the way/in St Louis. Both were rather murderous accounts set during vacations so not perhaps the best choice to read during a trip.

On My TV

Still watching Ted Lasso and Doctor Who. Plus there’ll be a new Better Call Saul episode tomorrow. I did take a minute and finally watch the movie CODA one day last week. It definitely deserved all the awards. Such a good movie.

On My Menu

Absolutely no idea. The taco meat idea got a face so none of us had that tonight.

MONDAY: Everyone on own *J had band practice 6:30-1* *I worked 7-12:45*

TUESDAY: ??? *J has band practice 6:30-1* *I have a 9:30 hair appt* *J’s recital at 6:30* Might be an OUT kind of night

WEDNESDAY: Perhaps pork chops, potatoes, salad *J has band practice 6:30-1*

THURSDAY: Chicken??? Maybe I’ll throw it in the crock pot *J has band practice 6:30-1*

FRIDAY: Pizza on the grill??? *J has band practice 6:30-1*

Looking Around The House

It’s on my list for tomorrow as it’s borderline disgusting currently.

On My To Do List 

1. Go to the store (I skipped it today as I was too tired. Have to cram it in to tomorrow)
2. Send some documents to J’s school, proof of immunizations, etc. (Wed slated for paperwork)
3. Laundry is DONE, just not folded
4. Water garden, harvest a few vegetables: black eyed peas, I have eggplant!, might have beans, tomatoes aren’t ready yet
5. Clean out upstairs freezer

From The Camera

Pictures from Saint Louis are in my post this week. (I might do a proper post about our trip with a few more pictures but no promises)

Quote For The Week 

 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. (Proverbs 16:3)

After a week of nothing but working and watering the garden (last week wiped me out), it’s been raining on and off since the super early (middle of the night Sunday) yesterday morning. We needed it so bad. And if you are still somewhere with the crazy heat wave, I hope some rain and cooler temperatures find you soon.

At some point, I’m hoping to get back into a better blogging routine. For now, I’m just happy today for a few minutes to join in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for the Happy Homemaker Monday link up. And of course, catch up with all of you!

The Weather

Not to brag but did I mention it rained yesterday? And today! And maybe even tomorrow. Yesterday’s high was mid 70’s. It’s still cool and comfortable today. As much as I love my summer weather, even I was getting a bit sick of highs in the upper 90’s and 100 with higher heat index values.

As I Look Outside My Window

I’m in the basement so I can’t see anything through the window as it has the privacy film on it. However, I’m glad the flying ant thing on the inside of it seems to have found somewhere else to go as it was making me rather nervous.

Right Now I Am

Spending some time on this post instead of going to Target like I need to be doing (no, I really do need things there today).

Thinking And Pondering

If I watch the news I feel kind of down about here and everywhere and everything. Yet, when I went to the store yesterday in the beautiful rain, I overheard a woman offering to bring up the car for a stranger (I know I wanted to be suspicious as well but could just tell it was nothing but a kindness offered to an older woman who clearly had walking difficulties). One of my favorite door/parking lot people (not sure his exact job title) told me a funny joke as I left (I don’t offend easy so apologies if this offends anyone: What does congress think Roe v Wade actually is? Two ways to cross the Rio Grand. HA!)

How I Am Feeling

Much better than yesterday. I didn’t sleep well Sunday night and slept on my wrist so it hurt all day yesterday. Amazing what a decent night of sleep does for the mind and the body.

On The Breakfast Plate

I made waffles and bacon this morning so J could have a decent breakfast prior to band music camp. Plus, I had coffee.

On The Lunch Plate

Spaghetti. It’s what we had for dinner last night.

On The Dinner Plate

Some form of tacos. Maybe taco salads.

What I’m Wearing Today

Orange Ponca City, Oklahoma t-shirt, jean shorts, and my leopard print slip on shoes.

On My Reading Pile

After Carrie from Northwoods Scrapbook mentioned the Enchanted Mystrery garden books by Bailey Cattrell, I knew I needed to read those. Requested them from the library and absolutely loved them. Really wish there were more than 3 books in the series. Last night I finished up Rock, Paper, Scissors by Alice Feeney. A pretty creepy novel that would be good for Halloween time, I think.

On My TV

Doctor Who, still have one season left of the Peter Capaldi doctor, I think. Over the weekend, I binge-watched a series called Dark Winds on AMC+ that was pretty good, just 6 episodes so perfect to watch on a day when it was too hot to do much else.

Started watching Ted Lasso on Apple Tv. Always skeptical of the overly hyped shows but this one is hilarious. And, Better Call Saul started back so watching that as well.

On My Menu This Week

The heat wave had me craving fall comfort foods (or maybe just the weather for them?) but with absolutely no desire to cook at all. This week is staying pretty basic as we’re going on a short trip starting Thursday. G has to work so will stay here holding down the fort.

MONDAY: We had spaghetti *J has music/band camp 8-4* *J had a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Tacos *J has music/band camp 8-4* *J has an appt for a physical, new band requirement, at 5*

WEDNESDAY: Roast in the crock pot *J has music/band camp 8-4* *I have work training 1-2:45*

THURSDAY: Out of Town

FRIDAY: Out of Town

Looking Around The House

I’ve let go of the dream of leaving a spotless house when we leave on Thursday. I’ll focus on the house next week.

On My To Do List

1. Go to Target. Need to get a card/gift for a retiring teacher
2. Fill the car with gas, was hoping to wait until we left for our trip but the little illuminated gas pump says I better go ahead and do it today
3. Make a loose itinerary for our trip
4. Pay bills
5. Other stuff that I’ll think of later

From The Camera

(all pictures probably from last week or the week before)

Quote For The Week

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)

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How is it already the second week of July? Didn’t summer just begin? Got to make sure to really savor the second half.

Didn’t do much better at keeping up with my blog last week. Truth is, this time of year, my head and my heart are out in the garden or with the flowers in nearly every single free moment. Or I’m reading about it. Or escaping into a summer read.

However, I’m determined to stay on course with these Monday planning posts. So, I’m as always joining linking to Sandra’s Happy Homemaker Mondays over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Same old summertime story. Hot. Not heat advisory hot (that was last week) but still mostly hotter than average. Currently 91 and sunny. Tomorrow is supposed to be “normal” with a high in the mid 80’s but then back to the 90’s for the rest of the week. No chances of rain until Saturday.

As I Look Outside My Window

I see birds out the back door, hopefully not angry birds though I do need to fill the feeders. Blue skies, flowers mostly blooming or about to bloom.

Right Now

Putting up this post before I do a few other “have-to” computer items.

Thinking And Pondering

Weekend ended (or week started?) on a wonderful note. Last night, I went to over to visit some family I’d not seen since 2019! It was so nice to see them all again (One brother from Texas was visiting another brother). Between politics and the pandemic, we’d fallen out of getting together. So nice to get together with family again. Hopefully, we’ll all get to go see my brother/the kids’ aunt and uncle before they head home. Politics and ideas about the pandemic are stupid reasons to miss out on seeing family (my belated opinion on matters).

Homemaking Tips

Not much to share but speaking from sad experience, make sure the freezer door is shut if you have an extra one. I apparently didn’t get our deep freezer door shut on the Fourth of July. We lost quite a lot of food, had to cook a fair amount that was thawed as well. SIGH. On a grateful note, it could’ve been so much worse and while annoying and frustrating, it was mostly heat and eat “crap” we lost so I can easily replace it a few items at a time.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Trying not to feel guilty for saying no to work not once, not twice, but three times this morning! I do have things I *have* to do because I work non-stop from Wednesday on until the 25th. And I need to schedule things. Plus, a bit concerned because 2 of the teachers calling were in the classroom I’m supposed to be in this week. Don’t want to be sick!

On The Breakfast Plate

Not oatmeal. Not yogurt. Today was a Starbuck’s cheese Danish and caramel macchiato (cold brew). Last of my Mother’s Day gift card.

On My Reading Pile

A pretty intriguing Lisa Gardner book entitled One Step Too Far. A “real” book from the library as opposed to an e-book.

On My TV

Not a whole lot. Bit of Dr. Who still. I did break down and rent Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom so I could say I’ve see all the Jurassic Park movies before seeing the final one. It was better than I expected.

On The Menu

I went grocery shopping this morning and I still don’t know…hoping we’ll have another family catch up night one day this week.

MONDAY: Depends on whether J wants to eat before or after his lesson *J has a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Spinach chicken skillet

WEDNESDAY: Husband’s choice *I work 9-5* *Mom’s club reunion dinner at local Italian restaurant*

THURSDAY: Pork chops, crunchy coleslaw *I work 7-1:30*

FRIDAY: Homemade pizza (might try cooking it on the grill?) *I work 7-1:30*

From The Camera

Looking Around The House

UGH. I did clean it one day last week (Thursday, I think?) but you can’t tell now.

On My To Do List

Fun Stuff:

1. Make sun tea
2. Figure out a time to go see my dinosaur movie (probably this weekend)
3. Research upcoming trip a bit more
4. Take care of garden/flowers around yard. Plan out a new shade garden area in backyard.

Have To Do’s:

1. Grocery store *DONE*
2. Laundry *In progress*
3. Make J appt for an immunization he needs for school
4. Cat vet appt (I had this on here before and procrastinated/then forgot)
5. Pay bills

On My Prayer List

Friends. Family. Strangers. My neighbor and her son. The world. Prayers of gratitude for our freezer food loss not being as serious as it could’ve been. For reconnecting with family. For my husband’s ability to pick out a good watermelon.

Quote For The Week

Gardening is a medicine that does not need a prescription and has no limit on dosage.  (unknown)

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Took a bit of a break from the blog the last couple weeks.  Busy with work and just needing to breathe a bit. However, since this is a bit of a slower week, I’m jumping back into blogland.

Hope everyone had a nice Fourth of July, ours was extremely low-key but it was just what I needed. A nice, relaxed no pressure kind of holiday. My work is closed again today (super nice to get an extra day!) so I’m enjoying another day of relaxation while catching up on a few procrastinated tasks.

Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom. These posts really do help keep me on track and I noticed a bit of my lack of planning last week.

The Weather

Hot! Again. Heat advisory until Thursday night I think it was. Already 85, feels like 90 something at 9 a.m. this morning. If I remember right, it’s supposed to feel like 108 later today with the actual temperature close to 100. It’s so hot out there our little heat loving gray cat has opted to come back inside. She rarely does that. At least, I got all the plants and flowers watered early this morning.

As I Look Outside My Window

Out the back window, I see some remnants of our low-key Fourth of July fireworks, the birds at the bird feeders, and a few despised Japanese beetles around the deck. So far the heat seems to be keeping them in check in the front yard and garden.

Right Now

I’m doing a tiny bit of laundry (washing our bedding, an overdue task) while working on this post.

Thinking and Pondering 

We found out some disturbing and sad news about one of our backyard neighbors yesterday. And it’s still left me unsettled.   Yesterday afternoon neighbor A came over and told us that the other neighbor’s son (he’s in the same grade and friends with neighbor A’s son) was with them because the mom was in the hospital and the dad was in jail for domestic violence. They’ve been our backyard neighbors for as long as we’ve lived here and I never thought anything like that was happening. Although lately, we’d heard them have screaming matches in their backyard. Makes me wonder if it’d been happening all these years or if the past couple of years triggered a mental break in the husband. Praying the mom and son are going to be okay.

Homemaking Tips

I’m extending this to flower gardening (because my house is not exactly a clean haven lately). A flower I’ve found that hummingbirds LOVE is sage. Not the herb (though they might like that as well) but Russian Sage. I’ve often accidentally disturbed my little hummingbird by opening the front door and finding him near the sage. Also, a bit of Vaseline on the pole if you use one to hang your feeders, keeps the ants down to a minimum.

How I Am Feeling 

A bit tired. My stomach’s been off the past couple days. Not sure if it’s a bug or the food I ate Saturday night (I think this is more likely). We ate out at a Mexican restaurant and the chopped bacon in my quesadilla wasn’t cooked enough. I tried to take it out but I think I missed a few pieces and ate it before I noticed. And I mean, not cooked enough that it didn’t look cooked at all. BLECH.

On The Breakfast Plate

Just a couple pieces of toast and coffee.

On My Reading Pile

I’m currently reading my free Kindle First Reads from Amazon Prime, The Last Lie Told by Debra Webb. It’s surprisingly good for one of the free choices. Lately, they’ve been a little subpar so I’ve been pleasantly surprised by this. Other than that, I’ve been on a Liane Moriarty kick reading a lot of her books. I thought I’d read the books then watch the tv series/movies. However, I’ve found while I somewhat enjoy her books, the programs deviate just enough to be annoying to me. So I’ll stick with the books. They aren’t exactly wowing me anyway but I’m finding them nice place fillers while I wait for things I really want to read to come off the hold list. Mostly 3 stars from me with the exception of Nine Perfect Strangers and Big Little Lies, both getting 4 stars.

On My TV

Lots of movies and Dr. Who, not sure what season, Peter Capaldi is the doctor now. I did watch the Nine Perfect Strangers on Hulu but found it didn’t follow the book enough for me. Couldn’t get into Big Little Lies though I tried. So, I watched the following movies instead (not on the same day!): Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness (re-watch), Last Night in Soho (So Good!), The Thing (1982 one), and Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (re-watch). And of course, yesterday, I upheld my tradition of watching Independence Day like I do every 4th of July.

On The Menu

Take an upset tummy throwing a heat wave and you get no ideas for dinner or menu planning. However, they’ll still want to eat. All I know is it’s going to be a menu with minimal stove usage.

MONDAY: We grilled turkey sausages, corn, and had watermelon and key lime pie as desserts (Husband bought the pie from Sam’s Club)

TUESDAY: Something with pasta most likely though probably not spaghetti

WEDNESDAY: Shrimp, maybe on the grill? baked potatoes *J has an appt at 3*

THURSDAY: Pepper steak/chicken (I’ll probably just marinate and then throw it on the grill)

FRIDAY: OUT or pancakes *J has a practice session/lesson at 1*

From The Camera

Sunday before last I had to take J to his band practice as his ride wasn’t available. With the cost of gas, I decided to stay in the area and hike a local trail for the hour and half time frame. I’m adding a few photos from that to the rest of the post.

Looking Around The House

It looks like yesterday was a holiday

On My To Do List

Pretty much all the stuff I was supposed to do the last 2 weeks and put off doing. Also, a Target run. Repot a couple plants. Plant some seeds (definitely an early morning activity).

On My Prayer List

Family. Friends. Strangers. The neighbors. Peace. More concern about people as individuals and less concern about politics from everyone including the politicians. An end to the oversimplification of complex issues. A kinder, gentler, healthier world.

Quote For The Week

To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles. (Mary Davis)

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Ha! That seems like a funny thing to say after we’ve just had a week of heat advisory weather. However, the “official” summer solstice is tomorrow!  Summer is my favorite. 

Time to look ahead at planning this new week and “new” season. Joining in as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

It’s been hot just like I like it. Right now it’s 85 and sunny outside. I’ll have to get out there and enjoy it when I’ve finished this post. The rest of the week is supposed to stay warm though we’re done with  heat advisory weather for a while. Not too many chances of rain which I wouldn’t mind a little rain but I’ll take the warm, sunny summer days.

As I Look Outside My Window

I see flowers blooming, the birds at the bird feeders (mainly just the resident house finches and chickadees), and a few summer insects.

Right Now

Putting aside lots of things I should be doing to work on this post.

Thinking And Pondering

I had a bit of an epiphany this weekend that I didn’t need to be good at things to enjoy it. That something could still be a hobby even if you weren’t good at it. So, I guess gardening is a hobby of mine. I do enjoy it but I’m not very good at it. I can grow some flowers but I also for what it’s worth managed to kill an Aloe Vera plant. Who does that? And let’s just say our vegetable harvest is never great but I keep trying.

Homemaking Tips

Keep your calculator handy in the grocery store. Sometimes the big multipacks work out to be cheaper than the individual items even if those items are on sale. Also, it’s not a bargain to buy the store brand if your family doesn’t like and therefore won’t eat the store brand.

How I Am Feeling This Morning (Afternoon at this point)

I feel like I am starting to climb out of the funk I was in most of last week. After working on Friday afternoon, we had a fairly nice weekend. I spent a decent amount of time actually deep cleaning the house a bit Saturday morning and we went out to eat for Father’s Day that night (husband wanted to beat the crowds). Yesterday, we had a quiet Father’s Day celebration where my husband and I went to see Top Gun (predictable but very good), the boys gave him his gift (some video game they downloaded for him), and I spent a large amount of the day working in the garden and with my flowers.

On The Breakfast Plate

I ran to the store this morning so a late breakfast of a brown sugar cinnamon bagel, strawberries and whipped cream plus coffee (grocery store treat coffee: Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato).

On My Reading Pile

Bonus tip: Don’t read creepy suspense thrillers before bed! Currently reading The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James. Last week I read three very different books. Sunny Days at the Hummingbird Hotel by Daisy James. I’m already looking forwarding and awaiting the next in the series (end of July release date). Then, I read Beyond the Moonlit Sea by Julianne MacLean and enjoyed it. Finally, I read a memoir that I still am not sure how I’d rate it. I actually thought Group: How One Therapist and a Circle of Strangers Saved My Life by Christie Tate was a fiction read until I realized the main character and the author had the same name. Truth is stranger than fiction?

I almost forgot, it came up as a skip the line loan so I also read The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. Interesting and well-written though I found the ending a little unsatisfying.

On My TV

Master chef, the conclusion of The Time Traveler’s Wife, not sure what else.

On My Menu

Heat advisory weather is over, menu planning struggles not so much.

MONDAY: leftover brisket, probably just made into sandwiches. *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: chicken and spinach skillet *I have a hair appt at 9* *J has an appt at 3*

WEDNESDAY: spaghetti? *I have work training 1-2:45*

THURSDAY: Sausage and French Toast (already cooked in freezer) *I work 10:30-1:30*

FRIDAY: Hamburgers/hot dogs on grill *I work 8:00-1:30 or maybe 4:45, unsure as summer schedules change a lot*

From The Camera

Looking Around The House

Did I say I deep cleaned on Saturday morning? SIGH. Needs picked up a bit.

On My To Do List

No idea.

1. Finally got around to repotting the lemon tree and trying to rid it of the scale infestation. We’ll see what happens.
2. Grocery store *DONE*
3. Target (maybe)
4. Do laundry (mainly lots of folding)
5. A few tasks that have been on my to do list but not ever done (cat vet appt, letter writing, a bit of decluttering)

On My Prayer List

Friends, family, strangers. Friends who have a son sick with COVID, that he makes a speedy recovery and they don’t get it (so far, he’s been okay with it). Those who struggled with Father’s Day yesterday. For things to cycle back to a kinder, healthier, gentler dare I say more affordable world.

Quote For The Week

The Earth laughs in flowers. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Instead of marveling on how it’s already mid-June, look I’m posting on an actual Monday. And in the morning as well!

Last week was good over all but ended a bit bumpy and left me in a bit of a funky and grumpy mood all weekend. Still trying to shake it off (apologies if that made Taylor Swift lyrics pop into your head) this morning. 

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

The Weather

We went from a late start to summer to spring storms last week to heat advisories all this week. It doesn’t feel too bad out there right now as far as the temperature. However, the humidity is just oppressive today. Highs in the 90’s all week with a few chances of thunderstorms here and there.

As I Look Outside My Window

Glad I took the time to mow the lawn on Saturday before more storms/our current heat wave arrived. I need to fill the bird feeders.

Right Now

Working on getting this post done so I can get on with the rest of today’s list.

Thinking And Pondering

It seems the grocery store prices increased again! We’re definitely going to be using what we have with a bit of seriousness in the coming weeks. Thankful to be in a place where this is currently more of an inconvenience than a burden but we’ll need to be careful. Thinking of those who are struggling with these higher prices.

Homemaking Tips

Note sure this counts as homemaking:  Even though I despise doing it, keeping the blinds/shades drawn and the lights low during super hot days helps keep it a little cooler inside.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Still in a bit of a funk, wondering if maybe I didn’t sleep as well as I thought.

On The Breakfast Plate

French Toast bagel and coffee.

On My Reading Pile

Finished my non-fiction so now mostly fluff. My turn with The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley finally arrived. I’d not read anything by her but found it a satisfying enough thriller to add the rest of her titles to my holds list.  Read a couple of Mary Ellen Taylor novels, one through the First Reads: The Brighter the Light and Honeysuckle Season. Easy enough reads that I enjoyed more for the settings than the actual storylines. Like I said pretty much fluff. A library trip is on today’s list though.

On My TV

Dr. Who, Time Traveler’s Wife, the season finale of Barry. And I’m watching all the Jurassic Park movies before I go see the new one. One movie left to go. All these streaming services and is it on any of them (for free)? UGH. Trying to decide if I want to rent it or skip it.  (FYI: The 3 originals are on HBO Max, we happened to own the first of the Chris Pratt ones.) Network TV: The song shows, the new Master Chef season.

On The Menu 

What exactly do you plan when the price of groceries is crazy, you’re in a funk, and there’s a heat wave making you not want to cook anything any way? This whole menu may evaporate into a week of frozen pizza, salads, and cereal for dinners. I do know I also have lasagna in the freezer as well as French toast if needed.

MONDAY: Probably OUT (I know) *J has band camp 3-6 followed by a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Pepper steak/chicken, rice  *J has band camp 3-6*

WEDNESDAY: BLT salads (throwing in the leftover pepper steak/chicken)

THURSDAY: Shrimp on the grill maybe?  *I might work 8-1:30, need to confirm*

FRIDAY:  Chicken legs on the grill?

From The Camera

Looking Around The House

It looks like someone started to clean a bit and then just stopped. Oh, that would be me on Saturday. I should probably finish it.

On My To Do List

1. Grocery Store *Done*
2. This post *In progress*
3. Sort/Pay bills
4. Clean house
5. Return library books
6. Visit garden center
7. Water Plants

On My Prayer List

Friends, family, strangers. The teachers and kids at the preschool (especially in the classroom where I worked last week, one of the class pets, a Guinea pig,  passed away–7 years so most likely simply from old age but still tough). The world, for better times to come and erase this season of viruses and hatred replacing it with health and kindness.

Quote For The Week

Borrowed from the book I read this weekend.

“A garden is always a series of losses set against a few triumphs, like life itself.  (May Sarton, poet)”

I can’t seem to get caught up lately. However, I’m trying. Our internet/this computer gave me problems all last week. However, I’m hoping it’s done acting up for a while.

Time to get on with another Happy Homemaker Monday and plan the rest of this week. Joining in as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather 

Finally summer!! It’s been so rainy and cool out. Today was nice and warm and tomorrow is supposed to be a bit warmer yet, closer to the 80’s and 90’s than the 70’s. Sunny skies with just a few chances of rain.

As I Look Outside My Window

Not much to see through the basement window as it’s frosted glass. I do know on the other side of it soaking up the sun outside are my lemon gem marigolds in pots.

Right Now

I’m taking advantage of working internet/computer to get this post up and visit a few of you!

Thinking And Pondering

Just wondering why I feel so insanely behind on so many things.

Homemaking Tips

A sharpie is a great kitchen tool! Whenever I put leftovers in freezer bags, I make sure to mark them. Also, if I buy a large bag of frozen chicken breasts at the store, I find it very helpful to mark the date on them.

How I Am Feeling

Relieved. J came home from his band trip not feeling good and a couple of the kids tested positive for Covid but his test was negative and he’s feeling better already. Also tired. Aside from that dread and drama, feeling pretty good.

On The Breakfast Plate

One of the usual items in my rotation, flip yogurt and of course, coffee.

On My Reading Pile

I have to finish Chasing the Scream. the non-fiction about the war on drugs, this week as it’s due back to the library but I’ve only got a couple chapters left.

Took a break to read Out of the Corner by Jennifer Grey. I wanted to like her memoir a lot more but I found myself skimming whole sections of it. While her life was certainly interesting, I think the book would’ve been better served without so much of her self-introspection about it all. And for the record, I don’t care who is producing or starring in it, I can not get behind a sequel to Dirty Dancing. Some movies should just stand alone without any sequels or remakes.

On My TV

Little bit of everything. Started re-watching Dr. Who (starting with the Peter Capaldi episodes as that’s where I left off), the music game shows, Time Traveler’s Wife, whatever else I stumble across.

On The Menu

Why are the simpler summer menus the harder ones to plan?

MONDAY: I’m still undecided. Maybe chicken on the grill or turkey sausages, broccoli, and orzo (most likely) *I worked 7-12*

TUESDAY: Something in the taco genre or perhaps a version of white chicken chili *I work 7-12*

WEDNESDAY: Something easy from the freezer, maybe brisket (already cooked) *I work 7-12* *J has an appt at 3*

THURSDAY: Leftovers *I work 7-12* *J has a baritone lesson at 5*

FRIDAY: Spaghetti? *I work 7-12*

**All subject to move around and/or change depending on how the days go**

From The Camera

Do not discount the cheap seed packets from Dollar Tree. Planted both of these last year and they’ve come back and done great again this year!

Looking Around The House

Bonus homemaking tip: keep your outside pretty in the summer so you can just entertain people outside and not need to show the inside. Ha! It’s in dire need of a cleaning in here.

On My To Do List

I don’t even know any more.

1. Sort/pay bills
2. Grocery store *DONE*
3. Finish up laundry
4. Clean house

On My Prayer List 

Family, friends, strangers. Prayers of gratitude for the band returning safely from last week’s trip to Florida, our health, having enough during these hard times.

Quote For The Week

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. (Lao Tzu)

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Last week and our long weekend went by in a bit of a blur.  And I didn’t get around to commenting and visiting much on your blogs. I’ll do better this week.

We did have a nice but busy long weekend. Spent most of yesterday doing outdoor things.

Since I’m already a day late again, let’s just join in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom by getting straight to the categories.

The Weather

This morning is dark and stormy. Yesterday was beautiful and sunny. Tomorrow is set to be another rainy day, then Thursday and Friday we get nicer sunny days again. Followed by chances of rain for the weekend. Temperatures mostly in the upper 70’s. Strangely cool for June.

As I Look Outside My Window

When I looked earlier it looked like a dark and stormy night even though it was 8:00a.m. Thankfully, the storms are not of the severe nature. Just average late spring thunderstorms.

Right Now

I’m enjoying a quiet house, working on this post and getting ready to take a quick break to change out the laundry. Also, cleaning up my e-mail a bit here and there.

Thinking and Pondering

There are quite a few things on my mind. Just not sure I’ve got the words for it all today.

Homemaking Tips

Not sure if this counts as homemaking or organizing but sometime last year I started storing my kitchen storage containers with the lids attached. It makes such a big difference! No more piles of lids or containers crashing out of the cabinet. And it keeps the numbers of containers in check (I should note that my husband isn’t a huge fan of this method for that very reason but he tends to hoard containers so I love it!)

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Could have used a bit more sunshine but at least the rain is making me determined to get some inside chores accomplished. Ones I’ve been putting off for far too long. I guess I’m feeling determined this morning.

On The Breakfast Plate

Oatmeal and coffee.

On My Reading Pile

Still reading Chasing the Scream by Johann Hari, my interesting non-fiction pick. However, I noticed that a Daisy James fiction lighter read is finally available on kindle unlimited so I’ll likely be reading Sunny Days at the Hummingbird Hotel later this week. Or I may save it for when I can sit on the front porch and read.

On My TV 

We’ve been watching all the music shows on network tv: Don’t Forget the Lyrics, Beat Shazam, and Name That Tune. Plus, the new season of Master Chef, it’s a second chances show this time around. On HBO Max, I binge-watched the show Barry. So funny. If you love absurd comedy, it’s worth your time. And thank you Steven Moffat, for adapting one of my favorite novels, The Time Traveler’s Wife, great so far. Nothing like that horrible “chick flick” movie they made it into a few years ago. I have a 2 month trial of Apple Plus TV starting soon so I’ll be checking out the shows over on that very soon.

On The Menu

No school lunches to worry over, J’s out of town for the week, so it’s just 3 of us with random work schedules over here. And I didn’t go to the store on my usual day (yesterday) and not planning to go unless absolutely necessary today. Hmmm…..time to see what’s in the pantry, fridge, and freezer again.

MONDAY: We had leftover pizza/brisket from the weekend

TUESDAY: pork chops, asparagus

WEDNESDAY: spaghetti and meatballs, salad

THURSDAY: salsa verde chicken or white chicken chili, undecided *I work 7-1:30*

FRIDAY: hamburgers and French fries (husband’s turn to cook) *I work 7-4:15*

From The Camera

Looking Around The House

Living room and main bathroom are good. The rest? *shudder*

On My To Do List

A lot.

1. Wash our bedding (in progress)
2. Clean the house
3. Clean out my e-mail inbox (in progress a bit)
4. Pay the trash bill! Oops.
5. Make hotel reservations for a trip we’re planning in July
6. Grocery store and Target for usual stuff
7. Spend some time cleaning this basement!
8. Clean out pantry/fridge/freezer
9. Take some books to Half-Price books (on a non-rainy day)
10. Make J an appt for an immunization he needs before the next school year
11. Make the cat a vet appt

Stopping my list at lucky 11. Maybe I’ll accomplish all that. We’ll see…

On My Prayer List

Friends, family, strangers. Of course, Uvalde and Ukraine. A kinder, gentler world. A safe time for J and the rest of the band on their trip and in their travels.

Quote For The Week

“The planet does not need more successful people. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers and lovers of all kinds.”  (Dalai Lama)

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