After missing last week, it was just a rather busy and emotional week (more on that later), time to get back to planning. A day late as usual.
Linking up with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom as usual also. Let’s just get straight to the categories.
The Weather 
Today is a cool, rainy day after a weekend full of nice, sunny days.
As I Look Outside My Window
The much needed rain is falling but I can see where a squirrel had breakfast on the deck leaving his mess of walnut shells.
Right Now
I am working on this post while also trying to clear out my work e-mail in attempt to figure out why it won’t forward to my regular e-mail any more.
Thinking And Pondering 
Mostly just hoping this week is a bit calmer than last week. Last week was emotional and rough. The co-director of my work passed away Monday evening, I worked more than expected, and J had some rough days (not related) as well. There were some happy moments, G turned 21 on Saturday! We ate dinner out with family (including my father-in-law) to celebrate. Sunday was the celebration of life and the day we did G’s presents and cake here (He worked Saturday and had plans that evening after dinner). A bit surreal to bake a birthday cake in the a.m., attend a funeral service in the p.m., and then go home to frost the cake and sing Happy Birthday.
Homemaking Tips
I’ve discovered checking cookbooks out from the library! There’s just something about browsing through an actual cookbook vs. finding recipes on-line. Fun way to try new recipes. (Haven’t tried anything from this one yet but added a few recipes from a Gordon Ramsay cookbook to our rotation) 
How I Am Feeling This Morning
Okay, I slept better last night but have quite a lot to do this week.
On The Breakfast Plate
Oatmeal and toast
On My Reading Pile
Just started reading Chasing The Scream: The First and Last Days of The War on Drugs by Johann Hari. Really interesting so far.
On My TV
Watched both seasons of Emily in Paris on Netflix in far too few days last week. I think there’s one more Better Call Saul left before the mid-season finale. So just whatever happens to be on mostly. Last night it was Don’t Forget the Lyrics and Shazam.
On The Menu
Definitely trying to do a bit more eating at home and out of the freezer/pantry with current prices. YIKES.
MONDAY: We had pork chops (Gordon Ramsay recipe, simple pan seared/finished in oven with garlic and thyme) and baked potatoes
TUESDAY: Forgot to thaw a roast for the crockpot so it’s now Taco Tuesday. *J has a baritone lesson at 5:30* *I’m helping with preschool graduation at 4:30*
WEDNESDAY: Roast in the Crock pot *I have work training 1-2:45* *J has early morning band practice*
THURSDAY: Pepper steak/chicken with rice *I work 8:30-5*
FRIDAY: Choice of leftovers *I work 8:30-5*
From The Camera
Didn’t have a lot of camera “mojo” last week so most photos in the post were from yesterday. 
Looking Around The House
Haven’t had a lot of house cleaning “mojo” either even with using the Fly lady timer method. Not awful but hoping to get a burst of energy and make it look a bit fresher today.
On My To Do List
Longer than 5 items but I’m struggling to focus and remember it all.
- Clean up the house
- Put winter clothes away in space saver bags (FINALLY, had to order couldn’t find the bags anywhere)
- Figure out when/where to get J a haircut and some new shorts
- Pay bills *DONE*
- Grocery store *DONE*
On My Prayer List 
All the big and little kids graduating, my boss and her family (the co-director was her father), safe travels for the high school band on their upcoming trip, an end to COVID once and for all, peace, the world.
Quote For The Week
Gardening is cheaper than therapy and you get tomatoes. (unknown)
Hellooooo my beautiful sweet amazing Friend!!!
I’m so very sorry to hear about your co-worker friend. And about the rough week in general. Biggest hugs to you and prayers for you and all of their family and friends. I pray this week is treating you much better. 🙏
I love looking through cookbooks too. And I miss going to the library. I never think to go there since my kiddos have grown. It was one of my fave places to take them and we all loved browsing through books and brining our big stacks home. 😊
So you’ve loved Emily in Paris too? lol I gobbled it right up. Fun story and characters and I loved the fashion!
I love your pics! That dutch baby looks amaze balls yummy!! 😋 And I love fuschias. They’re such a beautiful flower. And hummingbirds love them and that makes me happy. 🌸
I hope the rest of this week is very blessed and “pain”-free my lovely Jean. 🤗
Thank you. Last week was somewhat better though it really got away from me! It’s fun to go to the library as alone as an adult as well 😉 I did love Emily in Paris. When I first moved out on my own, fuchsias were the very first flowers I bought. And yes! Our little hummingbird will come right up on the deck for them. Hope you had a great week and long weekend!
My sympathies for the loss of your friend.
Happy belated bday for G.
Have a great week
Thank you! Last week really got away from me. Hope you had a good one and a nice weekend as well!
I love menu planning from my shelves and freezers. It makes it interesting and don’t have to purchase alot of items. If I shop planning by a recipe, for some reason it costs me more. I love the flowers.
Thank you! I usually kind of menu plan unofficially while I’m at the store based on what is on sale, then if we don’t make that meal the week I shop, the ingredients are there for another time. Hope you had a nice long weekend!