Hopefully, you had a good Thanksgiving (if in the United States) and are ready for the holiday season.

Sharing the video of one of my favorite songs of the season as believe it or not, I did not take a single photo yesterday!

To say this has been a week of ups and downs is likely an understatement.

MONDAY and TUESDAY

Monday was a lovely day of mostly happiness. Started the morning with a haircut, always enjoy my “hair-apy” sessions so much. And my lovely hairdresser always gives a small Christmas gift to her clients. Guess I should’ve taken a picture of that. A little plastic cup with a straw filled with candies, lip balm, and lotion. The saying on the cup:

May your day be as amazing as your hair!

*Very grateful for her, she’s been my hairdresser since I was in high school!*

Then, I kicked off my holiday season a bit early by doing a bit of shopping. Hit a few shops on the east side of town that I don’t get toward quite as often. Picked up a tin of my husband’s favorite cookies, J’s favorites, and few other stocking stuffers. Plus a chocolate Advent calendar.   The chocolates were so pretty, I couldn’t resist!

A happy Monday, and then came Tuesday. SIGH. Crashing down.

Anxiety rushed back at J. It’s so hard to watch someone you love suffer. And we won’t even get into the guilt it brings. Suffice it to say I struggled the whole day as well.

However, G was kind enough to see just how much I was struggling and bought me lunch. (While his kindness helped my mood, Taco Bell didn’t do much for my stomach already upset from poor food choices from earlier in the day)

Wednesday and Thursday

Wednesday helped me climb back up the good mood ladder a bit. Time spent with loving preschool kiddos is such a mood boost! And J didn’t have school anyway so no worries there.

One of the students in the afternoon class told me several jokes. I love when the preschool kids tell me jokes. Sometimes they make no sense but his were really funny. Sample:

What do lazy dogs do for fun? 

Chase parked cars!

Ha!

Yesterday (Thursday) was of course, Thanksgiving. And I’ve had lots of thoughts about the holidays and then, even more thoughts here.

It was a strange day here with just the four of us. My husband cooked the turkey on the pellet grill and I made all the sides: cranberry sauce (Wednesday night), pumpkin and chocolate pies, cornbread, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes (cheated, used instant), corn, and we also had dinner rolls (cheated, bought at Hy-Vee, not great).

As I cooked, mostly, I worked through a bit of grief and memories. Cried my way through some Facebook photos and memories.

I think I needed this holiday with just the four of us to grieve the loss of our Oklahoma holiday traditions. Hadn’t had a chance to do that yet as our aunt passed away in October 2019 so close to the holidays that I think I was simply in shock. And last year, the pandemic didn’t allow much room for any other thoughts as things were just so different all the way around.

After dinner, we did manage to lure the kids from their rooms for a few rounds of Uno. And then, J and I played Go. I think the boys had a good holiday. Hope so anyway.

Upcoming Weekend

While I thought about kicking off the holiday season with a bit of Black Friday shopping, the allure of staying in my pajama bottoms was too great. Did do a tiny bit of on-line though.

My plans for the weekend involve mostly laundry, deep cleaning, and Christmas decorating. Maybe putting together a list of Christmas books to read and movies to watch. Last year I made a point to watch a Christmas movie every day in December (not sure I managed every day) and really enjoyed it. So, a planned repeat of that is in order.

So far, I’ve deep cleaned the main bathroom and put up the Christmas shower curtain. Just taking my time with everything today.

How was your week (and holiday if you celebrated)? What do you have planned for the weekend?

How about a few favorite things instead of a summary of this week. Let me tell you it’s been a week and a half. It’s Friday afternoon and I’m still in my pajamas yet to shower. I did get up and at them the rest of the week but…whew, this week was a bit of a tootsie pop-y week. Guess that’s a nice way to say it?

And it took more than 3 licks to get to the center (end) of it. I always enjoyed this commercial.

There is so much I’d like to say about this week and so much I don’t feel like sharing. Monday was J’s birthday, that was good. Tuesday through Thursday, I worked and that was okay. I did set off their alarm accidentally on Tuesday morning (Oops! Thankfully, I could quickly call and let the alarm company know it was an accident. Getting proper codes and the alarm turned off inside the building took a little longer.). Between some rough mornings at home and kind of tough (not terrible though) work days, by yesterday afternoon I felt pretty much emotionally depleted. Still kind of there if I’m honest.

Like I said earlier, instead of too many details, I’m just going to share a few favorite things that got me through the week.

Snacks and Drinks

So, I’ll just confess I’m a stress eater. Sugar? Okay. However, some days just call for CRUNCHING. And these are my latest favorites for that. They’re also a little salty but that’s okay as well. 

(By the way, I know I don’t talk about our other “football” team often but I hear Sporting KC is in the playoffs! Someday I’d like to get to one of their soccer games as I hear they’re quite fun)

I try not to indulge in soda or pop (my dad called it soda pop so don’t ask me) too often but this is definitely my all-time favorite. As a mostly Coca Cola fan, that’s saying something. Mango Pepsi for days when it’s just too warm out there for hot tea. And hey, it does have 1 percent of mango juice.

Aroma Therapy

My current favorite scents. I know I mentioned being taken with the cold brew Irish cream coffee at Starbucks. This candle is a cheaper way to get my thrill.

And for the diffuser, here’s a rather odd scent for a summer lover to be a bit enamored with lately:

It’s a very peaceful scent. Not sure how else to describe it. (Please forgive the blurry photo)

Self-Care

Not my favorite term but it fits for this category. Of the few, 21 for 21 items on my list from the beginning of the year, a skincare routine has actually somewhat lasted.

Maybe because I allowed myself to indulge in these Philosophy products.

Today, I tried a sample of a clay mask which I’ve added to my list of full-sized products to buy. Thankfully, they last a long time. The sample sized set pictured was on sale so I went with it.

Shall We Just Howl? Or Cry?

At least as possible explanation for the week, I saw the full moon starting on Wednesday evening. And again as J and I walked around a local park late yesterday afternoon. Missed the eclipse though. Went to bed early last night and just couldn’t quite get out of bed this morning. I must’ve needed the sleep. 

A Theme Song For My Week? My Month?

Seriously, this week has just left me a bit burned out. Perhaps the whole month.

And of course, I just found out that we need to go get J sized for a tux for concert season. (My fault a bit as I forgot about it and sizing/money is all due on Monday) So much for pajama day.

*I should say that I did stop and find bits of gratitude that helped get me through this week as well: beautiful weather early in the week, time with those wonderful preschool kids that filled my heart, time with my own kids as well, open bathrooms at the park yesterday afternoon (always a gamble in November!), and amazing helpful co-workers. And a spot on verse in the Jesus Calling book this morning.

What kind of week have you had? Any favorite things helping you get through it?

The week moved at a slightly slower paced speed for the second week of November. As I review my week for you, I’m again sharing bits of gratitude I found in each day.

MONDAY

Worked half a day and would you believe it’s the only day I worked all week? I’m still in a bit of shock about that. In the afternoon, I ran to the grocery store where I discovered a new Starbucks favorite treat. Though I probably wouldn’t want it in today’s cold blustery wind, the 70 degrees on Monday was perfect for an Irish Cream Cold Brew. It’s definitely going to be my treat drink of choice on warmer days. Finished off the day by taking J to his lesson and reading my book for a bit.

Gratitude items from Monday: Beautiful weather, discovery of a much needed new favorite coffee treat, and a chance to work and see my favorite preschool kids. (Hint: They’re all my favorites!) 

TUESDAY

Our beautiful weather continued on Tuesday. And since I had the day off work, I took the opportunity to finally go for a walk at one of my favorite local parks. After picking up J from school, I then went with my husband so he could complete his purchase of a new truck. He’s been driving an 2004 with many miles and has been looking for almost a year now. So it was quite exciting that he finally found what he wanted and got a deal on it (no small feat, it’s definitely currently not a buyers market for automobiles).

Gratitude for Tuesday: A beautiful much needed walk in the nature of the park, my husband finding a truck after a very long search, GPS in my car to help navigate rush hour (he found his truck on the Kansas side of the state line and I had to make my way home through downtown during rush hour traffic). 

WEDNESDAY

Another day at home for me. Such a strange week, needed the down time but still had lots of people in this house still needing me. Had to find insurance information for my husband. G borrowed my car for most of the day (better gas mileage) to do a school project. I spent a bit of time working on a new blog post about some of my favorite authors. Later, my husband took J and I in the new truck out to Culvers for dinner. A no cooking night is always a win!

Thankful Things from Wednesday: Another day to enjoy being at home, dinner out with (most) the family. 

THURSDAY

I found myself shocked (and if I’m honest, a bit relieved) to once again not get called into work on Thursday. Did a little birthday and Christmas sorting (J’s birthday is next week). Got a wild hair and baked a fruitcake, we’ll see how that turns out. And had a nice get together/Mom’s Night Out with friends. I missed the last one so it was nice to catch up with everyone.

Thankful Things from Thursday: another day to relax at home (almost caught up on the laundry even!), time to bake, a chance to see friends.

FRIDAY

We went from super sunny fall days early in the week to a cold, blustery 38 degrees currently. And I know I saw snow flurries earlier as well! So far today, I’m just having a lazy day. Ate some snacks, watched some TV. Honestly, I’ve done pretty much nothing so far with my free Friday. Did remove some weird looking white cocoon thing from my Meyer lemon tree (whole branch is gone now) but that’s about it. G even bought my lunch at McDonald’s so I didn’t have to worry about that either. 

Gratitude so far for today: a cozy warm house, spotting the weird white cocoon thing before whatever was inside it joined our family (we’re at occupancy around here!), a thoughtful older son who always asks if I want something when he goes out for lunch, a free day! 

Our Upcoming Weekend

For the first time in probably 2 months, I can sleep in tomorrow morning. Probably won’t but it’s nice to know we have nowhere to be. G and J have dinner plans with their grandpa but I don’t know what I’m doing yet. Sunday morning, J plays with his baritone instructor’s band during a church service so I’ll probably attend that. Chiefs game on Sunday evening of course. Over all, a nice slightly slower paced weekend even. And for that, I’m very grateful. 

Where did you find gratitude during the past week? Or what about the upcoming weekend makes you want to give thanks?

Thought I’d hop on here and share a few tidbits about my first week of November. Much like the rest of 2021, it went by in a blur.

Since it’s November, I’m also going to share a few bits of gratitude from each of my days.

Monday was a slow day with J staying home from school and missing his baritone lesson that night as well. Didn’t quite know what to do with myself with a free Monday. It’d been a while. I’d like to say I accomplished a lot but honestly, I don’t think I did. Seems so long ago even though it was only a few days. Oh, I did manage to take down all the Halloween specific decorations indoors and started on outdoors but it started raining so today I’ll finish that chore. And I almost forgot the most important thing, we changed trash companies! No more 2 inch folder of customer service complaints to track.

Grateful for a free Monday and the much needed rain. And a new trash company!

Caffeinated and Vaccinated

Tuesday, J had no school and I opted not to work as I made an appointment to get a booster COVID vaccine shot. *Insert many unkind words directed to Johnson and Johnson regarding the one and done shot. Cruel trick to play on those of use very scared of needles* For anyone interested, the booster was Moderna, mix and match for me.

Before I went and tested my bravery, I made a very quick grocery run. Then, I went to my appointment at Walgreens. They were busy but I got in and out fairly quickly and even picked up a bit of bargain Halloween candy (May or may not have picked up some Halloween bargains at the grocery store as well. However, those purchases were put away for Christmas.). Really, most of the “caffeinated” part of Tuesday came from chocolate in the leftover/bargain Halloween candy. At least, I skipped the Starbucks this time.

Grateful for an amazing pharmacy tech at Walgreens who was super understanding and distracted me to the point the shot didn’t even hurt! Also, science. And Halloween candy on sale.

What’s on TV on Wednesdays

I could’ve have worked on Wednesday but didn’t want to take a chance on getting there and feeling bad. So, I basically had an all day TV marathon on Wednesday. Probably did some other stuff as well but can’t remember it. Netflix choice of the day: a complete catch up of DC Legends of Tomorrow and a start of seasons 6/7 of The Flash. Nothing requiring too much concentration. Wednesday evening we watched The Masked Singer.  

Thankfully, my husband had brought home a rotisserie chicken from Sam’s club so no dinner worries either.

Grateful for so many choices of TV programs, limited mild reaction from my vaccine on Tuesday (mostly just tired and a bit of a sore arm but nothing like the first time). 

Working for a Living

Since I didn’t feel too bad with vaccine side effects, I went ahead and agreed to work Thursday. A full day but it always feels like a shorter day when it starts at 7:00a.m. and ends at 3:30p.m. Can I just say driving to work as well as arriving there in full on dark stinks? Can not wait for mornings to be light once again. More excited about that than the extra hour of sleep most of us are getting back tonight.

Grateful for a peaceful work day in the preprimary classroom. And enough food in the fridge that I didn’t really have to cook for a 3rd day (leftover roast transformed into BBQ sandwiches for dinner)

Finally the Weekend

Friday started as a bit of a comedy of errors as I worked but the teacher that called me in also called in 2 other subs! Oops. Bit of a mix up but it was fine and I was only there for a half-day. Sometimes, it’s hard to work on Fridays but I do always enjoy seeing the kids as well as what they bring for share time (every Friday). Last night we didn’t do much, I watched a bit more of The Flash, not the best season, and we had pizza late.

Grateful for getting to spend time with so many amazing preschool kids at a job I still love six years later. Beautiful fall weather. Changing trees and more crunchy leaves under my feet each day. 

Today, I took J to all-district band tryouts early this morning, then he went to a friend’s house. Later, my husband and I are going out to dinner with friends followed by a game night, I think. Tomorrow, an extra hour of sleep and watching the Chiefs game are the main to-do list items. And getting outside as it’s supposed to be close to 70 degrees. 

Grateful for a chance to chat with the mom of a good friend of J’s during the tryouts (I rarely see her as she works weekends), friends, and fine fall weather.  

What things were you grateful for this week or weekend?

Is that a song title?  Or maybe a lyric in a song? I’m not sure. All I know is here we are again with me posting bookends. A post to start the week and one to end it. Can’t promise I’ll be better about it next week either.

So, let’s see what happened around here on this short 4 day week?

An Unexpected Day Off! Sort of…

I was supposed to work Tuesday but then, she cancelled me. Offered it up if I just wanted hours to come be extra help for them. However, I politely declined (especially as it was in the pre-primary classroom) and payed the price I suppose. J woke up wrought with anxiety on Tuesday and stayed home from school. SIGH. How’s the old saying go? Two steps forward and one step back. Thankfully, the rest of the school week worked out just fine for him.

It did feel as though everyone needed me for something on Tuesday and so no my unexpected day off I accomplished basically nada.

A Working Wednesday

So much for my grand escape for working in the pre-primary classroom. I ended up working for another teacher in the classroom next door. The kids are cute and fun but every time I work in those classrooms, my back hurts and my hands dry out from the constant washing/sanitizing. Still, I like to put in time down there on occasion as it helps to know the kids as they move up to primary. And I do like the teachers, just not overly fond of the age group (18 months to 3 years though mostly barely 2).

Thursday, Time to Clean And Me-Time Guilt

I could have worked again (in primary) on Thursday but opted not to as I’d already had my day at home (ah-lone) planned out. Why is it I felt guilty saying no? If I’d had plans with a friend, I’d been fine but instead I felt guilty that I didn’t rearrange my day for them. Ugh. The perils of being a sub.

A bit of an aching back and feeling stressed from the disaster mess in the house, I had to make the time to stop and take care of things including myself.

Not overly important, except perhaps to the birds, but I did run and get bird seed to finally fill the feeders again. I’d been neglecting them as I didn’t want to make the poor birds easy prey for Chip. Still no word on if he wandered back out of the woods at his new home yet.

Also, ran to the Dollar Tree. Who are these people who find great organizing bins and decorating items there? Am I even shopping in the right store? I grabbed some stick scarecrow people for outside and a few random snacks for the weekend but for containers? Nothing suitable.

Friday (Today), First More Guilt, Then Football

Turned down work again today, honestly I’m feeling crabby and just need some time to decompress.

I’m also working every day next week so want the time to get things done. September is typically my slow time in the sub area so I’m feeling the need to carve out and protect my personal time. Of course, I still feel a bit guilty doing that which logically, I know is silly.  If the teacher had asked me last night, I’d perhaps have been more willing but I don’t feel 45 minutes notice is respectful of my time so I politely declined. (Note: It was the same teacher from yesterday so she had to have had an inkling she needed a sub prior to this morning) Have I mentioned I’ve been feeling a bit grumpy and unsettled with the need to decompress this week?

It’s red Friday here in KC aka Chiefs Kingdom aka The Football Town. Could’ve went out early and made a donation to get a Chiefs flag but opted not to do that. If it’d been a garden flag, perhaps. However, I am wearing my red shirt. Not a Chiefs shirt because I don’t own a short-sleeved one and it’s supposed to be 90 degrees today.  Different kind of football tonight, high school football! Excited for marching band. Could hear the percussion practicing while watering my flowers this morning.

Rest of Today and The Weekend 

The rest of today, I plan to do a bit more cleaning. Might tackle an organizing project. Take a trip to Target (Personally, I do best with their containers). Maybe repot some plants. Time to start thinking of gradually returning my houseplants indoors.

I finished up Hot Mess House on Discovery Plus. Enjoyed it, I really do find her organizing style/solutions inspiring.

Need to remember to cancel Discovery Plus though I haven’t watched all I wanted yet. My plan is to cancel all our streaming services at some point and then go back and pay for each one on an annual basis. Trying to figure out how to do it so we don’t interrupt things.

Couldn’t get to the closet to get my garden flag out for Labor Day but now that I’ve cleaned, I definitely pulled it out for this weekend. Can’t believe it’s been 20 years since 9/11.  I can remember with uncertain clarity where I was (home) and what I was doing (Taking 4 month old G for a walk around the block in his stroller as it was a beautiful September day. Stopping to talk to the neighbors and tell them how I’d just watched on Good Morning America how a plane “accidentally” collided into the World Trade Center. Returning from the walk to tune back into the show and learn that it was no accident and a second plane had hit the towers and hearing of the other horrors of that day.)

Seems as if we no longer stand united and it’s sad. So tired of all the division and negativity in this country.  Time to turn off the news and social media sites and go outside for a bit.

***************

This has certainly been a bumpy week. It’s been a bit like a roller coaster, complete with the shaky feeling you get when you’re in the car going up the high hills or around the corners.

I started off amazed on Sunday, when opening the front door, a hummingbird appeared right on the front porch.

It even lingered in the air in front of the door a few moments for me. Hummingbirds always make me think a bit of my late mother-in-law as they were one of her favorites. The little bird certainly seemed like it wanted to share something with me. Here’s an interesting article on the meaning and symbolization of hummingbirds.

Or maybe it was just my local fellow saying thank you for keeping his feeder full. 

Monday and Tuesday

These were the shaky days on the bumpy week crawl up the hill of things.

Monday, over all was a pretty good day. I went and had my hair permed along with that much needed therapy session with my hairdresser. Came home and made a wonderful discovery that I didn’t need the dreaded car inspection after all. Five minutes later, fees for car tags paid on line. No worries about that for another two years. 

However, Monday evening we received very sad news that my husband’s friend passed away in early evening hours. Honestly, still haven’t quite wrapped my head around it.

Tuesday was yet another busy day as I took our stray cat “Chip” to the vet for his surgery. Bit of waiting around as well as figuring out what to do with him once he came home. The vet advised keeping him confined but our options of spaces for that were limited. However, we managed but it appears I’ve not found all the mess as my husband told me the room where we had him still stinks this morning. SIGH.

Wednesday

This day represented a bit of the highlight of my week. The one day I worked. Wasn’t overly excited about going to work in the preprimary classroom but wasn’t sure what the rest of the week would hold so agreed. An early day as well, meant getting up at 4:45 a.m. to get myself ready before J who had band practice at 6:30 a.m. so I could get to work by 7:00 a.m.

Turned out, sadly, many kids were out sick (Not with Covid-19 thank goodness though RSV seems to making some rounds.), so I did get a bit of a break. Offered my help in another class or to go home (numbers were that low) but was told I could stay and just have an easy day. So I spent most of it cleaning the classroom, giving some extra attention to a rather high energy kiddo (had a great time hanging out with just him on the “big” playground before it got too hot).

One of the teachers from the class I helped out with last week (and pretty much all summer) told me a few of their kids had been asking for me earlier in the week. That news (and of course, the hugs from a variety of kids) certainly filled my heart with joy.

Thursday and Today

Yesterday, I spent most of the day “eating those frogs” though not nearly enough. In addition, I spent some time watching Westworld or as I’m calling it now Weird World. Baked banana bread in the late afternoon. And last night, decided at the last minute, to go join for a bit of Mom’s Night Out time at a friend’s backyard pool. It was perfect weather for it though I couldn’t stay very long as I had to pick J up from band practice at 8:45. 

Today, I’m lacking a bit energy after sleeping a bit later than normal (5:45 a.m. as opposed to 5:00 a.m.) and not having showered yet.  Did get out and water all my flowers with Chip throwing himself in front of my feet every few minutes and his newest trick of nipping at my ankles (Working on breaking him of that habit even though he’s not biting me hard!). Took a few pictures with the camera as well. 

Probably just going to finish up the laundry unless I find some of that motivation from yesterday to deal with more frogs. This bumpy week  has me needing that minute to wait for the overhead harness to unlock as we arrive at the weekend.

(Fun fact: I used to work at Worlds of Fun, a local amusement park! And I loved the riding the roller coasters.)

Looking To Our Weekend

This is going to be a bit of a sad, strange weekend I think. Not much happening tonight but then, tomorrow we have the visitation for our friend.

And Sunday is our 23rd wedding anniversary! With everything going on, I’ve not so much as even picked up a card for my husband. I think the idea of buying a sympathy card and anniversary card at the same time was just too overwhelming for my brain. Not sure what we’ll do to celebrate. Maybe I can talk my husband into taking a day trip somewhere, probably do us both some good. 

Between the ups and downs of this week, the news (such sad and scary stuff), I’m truly yearning to get away for a bit. Or at least just take a long nap.

How has your week been. Any exciting weekend plans?

Weird and thankful are the two words I’m using to describe this week. I have had more than a few weird happenings. And I’ve been thankful for quite a few blessings put in my path at just the right time as well.

Tiny Bits of Blessings

These small things (but they felt like big wonderful things at the time) made me offer up a few prayers of thankfulness this week. 

• Called into work on early on Monday morning, time crunch. Barely got there and as I did, the other opening teacher let me know the time clock wasn’t working so I was able to be in the classroom right at the proper time. Whew!
• In a rush to get home, mad dash into the grocery store. The chickens I wanted to grab for dinner were on sale and right in the front so I didn’t have to wander deep into the store for them. Time saver!
• A rain shower on Tuesday morning to save me time watering the plants. And the plants and flowers prefer that rain water anyway. And another one Thursday afternoon, actually that one was a bigger thunderstorm which cooled us off. No more heat wave this morning.
• J agreed to go on a walk at a nearby nature center with me on early on Thursday. We saw a few monarchs and a snake (!), neither of which posed readily for the camera. Honestly, I didn’t try very hard with the snake even if it was tiny.

  

Wee Bits of Weirdness

Here’s where the weird and thankful part of this post arrives. I’ve had some strange encounters this week.

• Had to stop for gas on the way home from work Tuesday. Had a fellow ask me to slap him. Something about a bet with his friends and $200. What?! I politely declined the offer as I was wearing one of my work t-shirts along with it being a bit strange.
• Remembered one of my dreams. I hardly ever remember my dreams. I was in the living room of a lovely older couple I didn’t know and we were talking about fields of all things. My contribution to the conversation was to tell them about Hodge’s field down the road from where I grew up, it’s now a housing subdivision. Wonder who those people were. Maybe relatives I never met?
• In the McDonald’s drive-thru with J. Splattering on the windshield like it’s raining. Except not one other car had water on it. Something dripping off the roof, just on us. We joked maybe it was Sprite but hoped it was simply water. From what? We have no idea…
• Need more than a wee bit of weirdness? Post a found cat (or anything really) on the Next door neighborhood app. Yeah, I don’t think I’m calling the guy who someone else posted the two different numbers for him at different times (both in the middle of the night) regarding the cat. Scam alert senses tingling.

Ending With A Song

Overall, it’s been a pretty good week around here. However, this has definitely been the theme song for the week. (Early 2000’s Country Flashback Ahead)

In case you don’t want to watch the video/hear the song (full printed lyrics here), the main chorus is as follows:

God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy.

*********

More happened but I think there’s been enough said about my weird and thankful week.  How’s your week been?

Thought I’d share five things from this week in the style of a week in review post. Kind of a Five on Friday kind post with a twist, admittedly not much of one. When checking, I saw the last time I did a week in review post was back in March!

Oops. Didn’t think my week in review posts were going to be quite that sporadic. Maybe I’ll do better during the school year.

My Five Things From This Week

One: Speaking of Oops, I fed a stray kitten.

And now it’s adopted me. Except everyone in the household voted no to adding this sweet fellow to our family. Our current cat voted a very loud no on the matter.

However, in fairness to the family, we do take care when discussing adding another cat as our current cat is quite small (she weighs about 10 pounds) and we don’t want her overwhelmed by a larger cat. This little fellow is going to be fairly large if his ears and paws are any indication.

Why oh why did you feed the cat? Everyone knows not to do that. Except the poor guy was starving and seemed to be eyeing the all you can eat bird buffet at my feeders. Barely a baby and yes, I did go to Target yesterday and get some kitten food.

I do have his picture posted on the neighborhood site so hopefully, someone needs a cat and soon before I get any more attached.

Two: Front Porch Privacy

It’s not that I don’t like my neighbors. However, our houses are not that far apart and their porch is not big. While I’m glad they have their daughter staying with them while her mom recovers from some medical issues, she is outside all the time. Sitting on the bench which faces our front porch, it’s the only way it fits on their porch. While she is very kind, I find it hard to grasp my peace when she is out there because:

Direct line of sight is how my husband put it. And sometimes when I’m sitting on my front porch, I just want the solitude of my porch, the cat laying there, and the gentle scent of my flowers. Hard to obtain with someone a few yards away, constantly on the phone and (ugh) smoking. Case you ever wondered, cigarette smoke overpowers the scent of flowers.

So, I’ve been attempting to construct a living privacy wall of sorts. Tall lemongrass, lavender, sage. I need a plant stand as well. It helps a bit with the direct line of sight at least. Trying to give us both a bit of privacy, I’m sure they’d prefer a little bit as well.

Might be time to focus on making the back deck an oasis instead. Except, it’s all shady and I like my sun loving flowers that do good only around the front of the house.

Three: Feeling Summer Cozy With Books and TV Shows

The Netflix laundry folding show I’ve been watching, The Good Witch, has a real fall feel to it. And it’s just kind of a happy, settle in kind of show.

And I’ve escaped (via a kindle book) to The Hummingbird Hotel, thanks to Daisy James and her new series.

The two characters start off with that strong dislike of each other that we all know leads to love and romance in the end (well, if it doesn’t I’ll be both surprised and disappointed!).

Four: Haunted By The Ghosts of My Farming Grandparents, Apparently

The only reason I can think to explain this self-proclaimed city girl (okay, suburban girl) suddenly having this desire to plant a fall garden. Or even actually work in our current (albeit small) vegetable garden pulling weeds.

Yesterday, I planted a second set of bean seeds (after tearing out the current bean plants because they were tangling on all the other plants and the beans from them tasted awful!). And pulled weeds plus pulled up my poor zucchini plant that had seen better days. Does look we may have a bumper crop of cucumbers in a few weeks. Plan to get a few more things going today.

My fall garden plans include: one okra seed (This is just a to see if it will work kind of thing, I found one lonely seed in a packet from spring. The okra we planted in the spring didn’t make it), green beans, lettuce, carrots, and sweet corn. My idea is to grow most of it in pots around the front porch area as that’s honestly the place with the best light.

Five: Random Tidbits

Aside from my crazy idea to try fall gardening, I might need to ban myself from the garden centers for a bit. Can’t resist those bargain flowers that they mark down this time of year.

Especially when I’m convinced by fluttering sales agents in the form of hummingbirds visiting the sage and monarchs showing me the sombrero salsa coneflowers (yes, I think that’s a weird name as well).

J had two band practices and a baritone lesson this week. G had car trouble and we had to go jump start his car the one evening J didn’t have an activity. My husband’s been mostly busy with work and visiting his friend in the hospital (things weren’t looking great on Tuesday).

Oddly, I’ve not worked all week but I don’t mind. I’m enjoying my time at home while things are slow. Of course, I should be making better use of it and doing the “boring” stuff like getting the car inspected, tags renewed, actually finishing this basement project, etc.

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Well for a summary of the week, this post got rather long. Better end it here. How has your week been?