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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Hello Dear Friend!
I hope you feel better. How sad about your neighbor. I’m with you – praying for peace and healing everywhere! It sure feels needed.
Nice to have you back and to catch up with you. You capture such lovely pics. And I love that tip for the hummingbirds!!
Have a blessed rest of your week dear Jean. xoxo
Thank you, I am feeling better. I really do think it was my food at the restaurant. Always get excited to see my hummingbirds visiting flowers as well as the feeders. Hope you have a great rest of your week as well!
Lovely photos Jean glad you’re feeling better now. Sorry that the neighbours situation affected you, sadly it happens… and more often and common than people realise. Heartbreaking for ALL members of the family, I’m pleased that you care, that’s why it has unsettled you. My prayer is ‘always’ that God will shine light on and expose these secret sufferings, so Praise God for that. It should be exposed and then change can happen. Take care my friend and enjoy a restful weekend x
Thank you. The neighbor is home now from the hospital. Still can’t quite comprehend it happening with them. Had a nice weekend catching up with family. Hope your week is off to a wonderful start!
Where has the time been going? Here it is Sunday again and I’m just getting around to visiting. Glad you’re feeling better and have been taking some time for yourself also. so sad about your neighbors. I remember reading an article several months ago about the impact of the lock down, ongoing uncertainty of the virus, etc… and the impact on families. It talked about an increase in abuse 🙁 just so sad. Will keep them in my prayers. Have a great rest of the weekend.
Yes, summer seems to be whizzing by this year (again). Yes, the lockdown has had a sadly profound impact on mental health, know this first hand from J’s issues with anxiety that popped up during and after it. Hope you had a great weekend. Time for another week.