I took a bit of a break from this spot last week (not necessarily a screen break but a break from coming down here and sitting at the desk top). Somehow, I just never found the motivation to come down here and do a proper post. However, I’m ready to post this week (hopefully, I’ll manage more than today but no promises). 
So let’s get on with planning the week by joining up with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.
The Weather
Well, my husband kicked the heat on this morning. Think that’s a bit extreme (he did it last week as well) but he’s not wrong in us needing to know if it works now rather than when it is truly cold. We’ve had lows in the 40’s and yesterday I don’t know that we made 60 degrees plus some so very much needed rain! Not enough of that. Today started out cold again but the week is supposed to jump into the mid-70’s.
As I Look Outside My Window
Hummingbird is long gone though I’ve yet to take down the feeder. Happily, my sparrows and a cardinal have at last returned. My birdfeeders sat empty a bit longer than usual back in August/September and my birds left. Looks like they are returning now.
Right Now
I’m getting a head start on my post before I run to the grocery store (needs to be soon).
Thinking and Pondering
I made my “big list of to do’s” last week (finally). I threw a reminder or two in there while I was writing it. Maybe you needed to see it in capital letters as well that boundaries are okay? As well as that your own stuff matters. 
This morning I was pondering a new way to organize my weekly to-do list. I’m going to try it out here when I get to that category.
How I Am Feeling
Not too bad. I was a little achy yesterday (weather) but I think today will be different.
On The Breakfast Plate
Cinnamon toast croissant, coffee, vitamins. Might treat myself to a pumpkin spice latte after shopping depending on the line. UPDATE: I treated myself to a pumpkin cream chai…so good!
On The Lunch Plate
Just enough white chicken chili leftover from Saturday for one bowl.
On The Dinner Plate
Roast in the crock pot
What I’m Wearing Today
Long-sleeved Kansas City Chiefs shirt (red), black linen pants from Old Navy, socks and tennis shoes. If it warms up a lot by noon, I’ll probably change to a short-sleeved shirt of some sort (not Chiefs though as they are all in the wash).
On My Reading Pile
I’ve been slowly re-reading this one: 
And some thrillers, too!
On My TV
Only G could’ve managed to get me to watch the movie, Scream last week. Have to admit, I enjoyed it despite not doing scary. It wasn’t too scary at all, more on the goofy side. Daryl Dixon finale, Dr. Who, The Voice, Masked Singer, whatever happens to be on at night. Oh, I’m also watching the 2nd season of Loki, pretty good so far.
On The Menu This Week
I know I didn’t post last week but I still made a menu and am still in a bit of shock because we actually made everything on it! We didn’t follow the days but still cooked each dinner at some point last week. That hardly ever happens around here.
If you’re interested: Korean hot dogs, spaghetti, asian marinated pork chops, grilled chicken, and hamburgers on the grill (husband made these).
Wondering if I can go 2 for 2?
MONDAY: Roast in the crockpot *I work 1-3:30*
TUESDAY: Pepper steak and rice
WEDNESDAY: Ribs in the crockpot
THURSDAY: Husband’s choice (I’m sure we’ll follow this day, LOL) *I work 1:30-4:30 and have evening plans with a friend*
FRIDAY: Ranch chicken enchiladas in the crock pot
Looks like it’s gonna be crockpot week!
Looking Around The House
I did finally get out some Halloween/fall decor! Not as much as usual but there’s enough peeking out from the mess.
On My To Do List
I’ve decided to organize my weekly priority list by who, what, and where/when for each week. Thinking it will help. I’ll let you know. Maybe it will at least make for a more interesting blog post?
WHO:
FIL, birthday on Tuesday. Need to order something/send gift. DONE. Sent a ghoulish garden (air plants in fun pumpkin/gourds plus a grocery store gift card. He used to love Halloween so I’m hoping he still does.)
Friend. Need to call/text and finalize our plans to see the Taylor Swift Eras movie on Thursday.
SIL. Call/text family to see how she’s doing. Found out last week she’d been ill and hospitalized (out of state)
WHAT:
Pay bills
Clean the kitchen (as soon as I finish this post)
Find out more about bonfire husband and I are supposed to attend on Sat.
WHERE/WHEN:
Work today and Thursday
Tomorrow/go with J to music store for part for his euphonium (nothing major). Also, get a cannoli from the deli by the store. That is a BIG priority!
Go see Taylor Swift movie with friend on Thursday after work. (Possibly go get spiced cider mix from store in that area as part of a housewarming gift for different friend).
Saturday, go to an annual bonfire with husband at friend’s place a little bit out of town.
From The Camera
Convinced my husband to go on a hike with me Thursday afternoon as I wasn’t sure how far it was to the “lookout” on the unpaved trail. (Not that far) My phone camera made me a real pretty picture of it! 
On My Prayer List
Friends, family, strangers. Those impacted by the war in Israel. The families of the awful car wreck on the interstate Saturday morning (I drove by as they were clearing the cars and learned later one person did die in the crash). Peace, Love, Light, and Kindness to fill the world leaving no room for the darkness.
Quote For The Week
May the joy of simple things color the canvas of your soul. (Mary Davis)
My goodness that carrot cake parfait looks amazing! Your pictures are absolutely beautiful. I just love this time of the year. So pretty and I love the cooler temperatures. Your menu sounds fantastic too! Have a wonderful week!
Thank you! The carrot cake parfait was really pretty but the buttercream (I was expecting cream cheese) was really just too sweet. Hope you have a wonderful week as well!
Hello dear Jean!
I love seeing your flowers still looking lovely – but fun to hear you’re getting real Fall weather too. And you got out your decorations! Yay!! Lol
I’m so curious as to what Korean hot dogs are? And that book sounds right up my alley, so it must be good if you’re re-reading it?
That parfait is so pretty, but why didn’t they do cream cheese frosting? Everyone knows that goes with carrot. Lol
And I had the pumpkin cream chai latte from Starbies the other day too – it was amazing! 😋
Blessings on your week Love. xoxo
Korean hot dogs are so good, a type of Korean street food. G was showing them to me a few months ago and then, out of the blue, there was a recipe for them in my Food Network magazine (the September one, I think). Yummy but not something for every day…so heavy. Basically, you take a hot dog on a skewer, dip it in a batter, and THEN, coat it in chopped up potatoes (the recipe called for chopping up frozen crinkle fries) before deep frying it! Here, I found the recipe online: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/gamja-hot-dog-9468515 We had the same issue as the reviewer but they were still tasty, LOL. Hope your week is going great so far!
A wonderful post with particularly beautiful images. The picture of the river is fantastic!
Hugs to you!
Thank you! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!