My June started with a quick little girlfriend weekend getaway to the Ozark mountain area in southern Missouri. Lampe, Missouri to be exact. So, I’ll be sprinkling pictures from our trip throughout this post.
This morning was spent trying to catch up on all the things before yet another somewhat busy work week.
Still, I wanted to make sure to take time today and join in for Happy Homemaker Monday hosted by Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.
The Weather
Summer is “officially” right around the corner. It’s hot and humid. Today is a poor air quality day (we get those sometimes) with an expected high of 88, small chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. I still watered everything. Rest of the week is supposed to have highs in the upper 80’s as well.
As I Look Outside My Window
(This is the only picture from here. I was releasing a lost ladybug back into the garden and stumbled on the crow family. I think these are the younger ones) 
Right Now
I’m finishing up the laundry, working on this post, have a few too many tabs open on the computer, and am trying to figure out how to talk my husband into ordering a hotel mattress for our bed. (The current one is bothering us both).
Thinking And Pondering
I wasn’t able to keep up with some friends (not everyone went) on a hiking trail and it made me so mad (not at them, at myself for being so out of shape). The trail was very steep but still.
My weight has gotten very out of hand the past few years. Stress eater + lots o’ stress = not good news. Started with a nutrition shake this morning from 310 Nutrition. Probably share more about what I’m planning to do anyway in a different post. Especially as I’m still trying to figure things out with it all.
How I Am Feeling
Honestly? Fat and out of shape. Tired and grumpy. And like I need a few more vacations very soon.
On The Breakfast Plate
A 310 Nutrition shake made with the vanilla flavor, cup of coffee, banana, ice, and tablespoon of cocoa. It’s a recipe. Calls for the caramel flavor really but vanilla worked fine.
On The Lunch Plate
Great question, maybe another shake? Not really hungry.
On The Dinner Plate
Taco salads is the plan for tonight
What I’m Wearing
S.T.A.R. labs t-shirt, very old jean shorts, and leopard print slip on shoes.
On My Reading Pile
I was struggling with The End of the World is Just the Beginning so I put it down for a bit. Picked up Pines: Wayward Pines: 1 by Blake Crouch, barely started it.
On My TV
Finished both Barry (mixed feelings) and Ted Lasso (no comment on whether I cried throughout a lot of the last episode) last week. Probably just my Doctor Who episode and some cooking shows this week. Oh and I almost forgot, I sat and watched Scott Pilgrim vs the World with G last night. I’d never seen it, so funny! (It’s the kind of super stupid comedy I love).
On My Menu This Week
It worked out well having the boys each take a night to cook last week so I’m doing that again this week.
MONDAY: taco salads *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*
TUESDAY: Sausage, pepper, potato, and onion hash *I work 8-3*
WEDNESDAY: G is in charge of bacon wrapped chicken *I work 8-3*
THURSDAY: J’s choice. I still need to get with him about what he wants to make *J has an appt at 1* *I work 3-4:30, as a favor for a teacher*
FRIDAY: biscuit BLT’s (BLT’s on biscuits with lettuce from the garden) *I work 8-4:30*
Looking Around The House
It was surprisingly tidy when I got home yesterday. However, I still need to do the basic cleaning.
On My To Do List
Sometimes I feel like this could be its own post.
- Laundry *In progress*
- Grocery store *DONE*
- Water flowers/garden *DONE*
- Clean hummingbird feeder/replace food *DONE*
- Sort/Pay bills if needed *DONE*
- Make eye appointment for new glasses
- Clean house
- Research deals for upcoming family vacation
- Need to pot some plants
- Whatever I’m forgetting
From The Camera
Pictures from Dogwood Canyon in Lampe, MO. It’s a park created by Johnny Morris (the founder of Bass Pro Shops). We took a tram ride as well as walked the grounds and some of the trails, very beautiful place.
I think this is a dickcissel (spotted at the George Washington Carver national monument in Diamond, MO) 
Quote For The Week
The finite mind of man can never grasp the mysteries of the infinite. It is the highest wisdom as it is our great happiness to accept our limitations to use what we have and leave the rest to God. (George Washington Carver)
I knew it! I knew when you said Lampe that you ended up at Dogwood Canyon! I’ve not been, but it’s on my bucket list! Did you get to see the white bison? I heard that Johnny Morris has got one down there. The baby bison is so cute! Aren’t they precious??? And, yes, you are correct! That bird is definitely a dicksissle! I hear you on the weight issues. It was bad enough anyway, but, since losing John, I’ve done nothing but stress it. I have GOT to find a way to get a handle on some of this stuff and get on with it! Anyway, sounds like you had a lovely trip in some beautiful country. I’m going to be heading Hannibal soon with Amanda and I can’t wait! I’ve never been in that part of our state before! Have a great week, Jean, and don’t beat yourself up too much. One step at a time. Small changes reap big rewards. Blessings, my friend! <3
I did see the white bison. However, I didn’t get a very good photo. I think I was too busy watching the babies. We were very close to all of them on the tram. It almost felt too close really. Thank you for confirming my bird sighting. You know I’d have never known that bird if not for you 🙂 Hopefully, we’ll both figure out the weight issues soon. Hannibal is on my bucket list, hope you enjoy!
We’ve had the bison so close to the wagons at Jubilee that they were pulling pieces of hay out of the bales we were sitting on. Not often, but it has happened before. Not good!!! And you’re welcome! Glad you know about them now. Dickcissels are my summer favorites! Talk soon! 🙂
What a sweet picture of the little crows. I love hearing the birds at this time of year. I suppose crows don’t make the prettiest of sounds but they are lovely none-the-less.
Thank you. We have a crow’s nest in our backyard and it’s so fun to watch, this is the second year they’ve returned to the same spot but the first time I’ve even glimpsed the younger crows.
Hello, my friend! Your photos! They are absolutely stunning!!! Did you say Star Labs shirt? Years ago, as a teacher, we had this thing called Star Lab at the school. I loved it!!!! Wonder if that is the same thing?! And I hear you about the weight. I am thinking about how to do something myself. I downloaded Weight Watchers for a trial period but am rethinking it. I don’t want to have to count points and all that. I think I will try to use these summer months to commit to healthier eating and more movement. Two things that do NOT come easy for me! Have a great day!!!!
Thank you! I did say Star Labs but my shirt is a fan shirt from the tv show The Flash. I know what you mean about not wanting to count points and all that. I’m trying (very slowly) something called 310 Nutrition, they have protein shake powder and the like. I saw an ad somewhere and gave it a try since you could order a trial set for $9. It does taste better than a lot of the other shakes (of course, I’m mixing it in the Ninja…not sure about just using the shaker cup they sent). So far, I’m having one of those shakes each morning….hmmm…I think I”ll write a post. Hope you had a terrific Tuesday!
Love the pictures. Seems you had a good weekend with friends.
Have a great week
Thank you! I did have a nice weekend.
So sorry I’m late this week. I laughed when I read your note that your TO DO list could be a category post of its own – that is so my life right now! Seems like the TO DO list has a never ending bottom lately.
Glad you had a good trip and LOVE all the pictures. Celebrating a LOT of BIG birthdays amongst my friends lately so I understand the as you get older thoughts. I have a friend who has been doing those shakes 1-2 meals a day to lose weight – they said she had to lose 50 pounds so she can have her ankle surgery. She loves them and she’s looking GREAT and feeling more energetic. Her surgery is scheduled for August 2. I hope you enjoy them as much as she has.
I LOVE the idea of the kids cooking and giving you a break – glad that’s going well. Have a GREAT rest of the week.
Thank you! That’s encouraging to hear about the shakes working so well for your friend. Hope your week has been great so far!
Sorry I’m so late visiting – catching up. I LOVE the pics. Looks like it was a wonderful trip. 😉 I look forward to seeing more. You’re such a wonderful Gal going wherever you’re needed to help…but I’d be with you and would want to enjoy the kiddos. 💗
I feel like I’m always late in visiting/blogging lately. It was a nice trip. They’ve hired a new person for in there and the sub who likes to be in there will be in there all next week (the new person doesn’t start until the following week). I’m so grateful for that. So much more fun to be out with the kids.