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A Return to Five on Friday

Five on Friday 6 Comments

Back when I blogged as So Not Organized, I really enjoyed joining in the Five on Friday community. Sadly, it went the way much of the older blogs have gone. Poof, just gone. However, good news!

My friend, Cathy, who blogs over at My Creative Life, is picking up the hosting reins and dusting them off for us. The “rules” are pretty simple, you can read more on her post, as you can really just share 5 things of your choosing each Friday.

For my first “official” return to the Five on Fridays, I present a hodgepodge of things from my week. Shall we go backwards?

ONE: The Morning Sky

These clouds caught my eye!

And then, I caught them this way while trying to capture the view from our cat’s back of the chair perch:

Now, we seem to have blue skies and sunshine. And I have a cat who is not on her perch but incessantly walking across the keyboard in demand of attention.

TWO: Last Night’s Dinner

I cannot stress how rare it is to get unanimous agreement that a new (to us) dinner is really good. Winner, winner, and it was a chicken dinner. Of sorts. I used this recipe to make spicy Korean chicken (grilled). No changes except for using regular chili powder as I forgot to search out Korean chili powder at the store.

Note while it has great flavor, it’s not overly spicy either. Served it with steamed rice, broccoli, and the rest of the cucumber salad.

My husband finished the cucumber salad when I injured my finger on Wednesday. It turned out a bit too pickled for my taste (then he shared he used less sugar as he thought 50/50 was too much. He also didn’t add enough red onion as he thought it was too strong.  SIGH. Next time I’ll use that guard that comes with the mandolin and make it right).

Still, dinner was a hit with all of us! I’ll take that win. (Or J can have it as he suggested the spicy Korean chicken)

THREE: Second amaryllis stalk blooms

The interesting thing with these blooms is I’ve hardly (read maybe once?) watered these bulbs. My pots of neglected amaryllis bulbs sat all winter in our bedroom in front of a west facing window where I ignored them short of maybe tripping over a pot once. And this one, just on its own decided to put up stalks and flower. Once the flower budded, I think I added a bit of water maybe once. And suddenly, flowers! Tell me a little sunshine isn’t the best thing ever.

FOUR: More Early Spring Flowers

Violets. Every year when these start taking over the lawn, I think about making jelly from them. Maybe this is the year the thought becomes a reality? These are just a few very early ones, need many more for jelly. And while I don’t think these are edible (to humans), the early pollinators adore the squill that takes over the yard first. It doesn’t like to be held in by any garden beds and just pops up randomly (it was here before we were) in the yard. I stopped fighting it long ago as it disappears long before the lawn is even long enough for a mowing.

FIVE: What Bird is That?

Me as I glanced out the back door earlier this week calling to my husband. Why? I’m the one who can generally name the birds. He didn’t know.

Oh, wait a minute. That’s the back of the bird! Turn around little birdie.

More, please and let me get the camera to focus.

Oh, not so little. Well, little for a hawk! Hello, some type of hawk. Is it a young cooper’s hawk? Or a sharp shinned hawk? Not sure. Did I mention to start we had 2 and then one flew away. The one that stayed played peek a boo with me for a bit. And then there was this brave or stupid little snowbird (dark eyed junco, spring is here go home!) out there at the same time.

He didn’t get eaten this time but I did see the hawk again the following day (in a different tree one yard over).

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And so ends my hodgepodge of things for Five on Friday. If you are trying to decide what to blog about today, might I suggest joining in the Five on Friday and linking up over at My Creative Life.

 

 

 

 

Coffee Shop Breakup

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Yesterday was an interesting day. Mostly good though it ended with injury. First, G and I went to see Dune 2 on the Imax screen. Worth it. However, after a bathroom trip, I took another trip right over my purse falling on my face. SIGH. Nothing injured that time but my pride.

Then, as I was prepping dinner and slicing cucumbers on a mandolin, I missed and cut my finger. Middle finger on my left hand. Ugh, thankfully, not hospital serious but not pretty either. And have I ever mentioned I’m left-handed? Please forgive any typos as I’m trying to type with minimal use of that finger (It apparently does have uses other than giving bad drivers the bird, I don’t do that. Really, I don’t. Just fun to type it out.)

Back when I blogged as So Not Organized, I used to sometimes do Tiny Tip on a Thursday. Here’s a not so tiny tip for today: ALWAYS use the guard when slicing vegetables on a mandolin.

Did any of the above have anything to do with my blog post title? No.

True Topic: I’ve broken up with Starbucks

We just grew apart. First the grocery store put up new entrance “gates” making it just a tiny bit harder for me to get my coffee treat after shopping. It required true intention and I discovered I often just didn’t want the coffee that badly.

Next, a new (to me) drive through coffee place (Dutch Bros) opened very close to my work where I am quite often. After a fumbled start, didn’t care for my first drink, I gave them another chance with a new flavor. Plus, a gift card helped our relationship flourish. However, I think they made me fall in love with them yesterday when I ordered a hot drink.

Up until yesterday, I typically ordered iced coffee drinks or maybe was in too much of a hurry to notice? If so, apologies to my new favorite coffee shop.

Starbucks, you should listen to a certain Bruno Mars song because you should have brought me lids with beautiful words.

What’s your favorite coffee place?

(For the record, I also love some local places but Dutch Bros is my new favorite on the go spot)

Happy Homemaker Tuesday, Spring Break Week

HappyHomemakerMonday 6 Comments

Sometimes the best intentions…meant to post yesterday but then never quite made it down here to the computer! However, I am *finally* back to posting and starting with a Happy Homemaker Monday (er Tuesday) seems like a great start.

A quick note about where I’ve been: Um, nowhere really. I was sick for a week and that lingered a bit as my work schedule was super full. Read, did not get enough rest. Sometimes you can know something and still do the wrong thing. Then, honestly, I kind of lost my blogging motivation during all of it as well. Still working on getting that back a bit. Time to post!

Joining in as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Pick a season, any season! Yesterday, winter gave a last hurrah and we woke to temps in the 20’s with a 14 degree feels like temperature. Today, they predict a high of 70 degrees! Then, back down to the mid 50’s for the rest of the week. Rain chances for the weekend (kind of hope we get it).

As I Look Outside My Window

This is out the front window. I see tulips blooming! What? A bit early for these parts but my tulips at the edge of the driveway are blooming.

Right Now

Trying to get this post up and posted before the daily distractions begin. 

Thinking and Pondering

Currently, what to have for breakfast. Wondering what my one fun thing for my spring break week might be today. I’m trying to do one fun thing a day even if it’s something small.

How I am Feeling

Not too bad, glad the annoying lingering cough from being sick is finally gone.

On the Breakfast Plate

Undecided though I’m leaning toward toast and apricot jam. Plus the usual, coffee (already had some of that magical beverage, of course) and vitamins.

On the Lunch Plate

Again, undecided. Yesterday, J and I attempted broccoli cheese rice casserole with limited success. Today might just be a sandwich day.

On The Dinner Plate

Spicy potato soup

On The Menu

As always completely subject to change.

MONDAY: We had fettuccine alfredo with garlic butter chicken, salad, and breadsticks

TUESDAY: spicy potato soup *I have Bunco at 7*

WEDNESDAY: turkey sausage on the grill, cucumber salad, pasta salad (maybe?), chips

THURSDAY: spicy korean chicken, trying a new recipe at J’s request

FRIDAY: French toast

I also baked an angel food cake (from a box!) last night and we have strawberries/blueberries for it.

What I Am Wearing Today

A tee shirt with a blue/aqua/green palm tree like design, and currently, purple pajama shorts. I am letting lotion soak into my legs. However, I’ll change into black pants (or jeans) and tennis shoes before leaving the house.

On My Reading Pile

I just finished The Candy House by Jennifer Egan and didn’t get the hype at all. Nothing wrong with the actual writing but if I’m reading a novel, I expect a bit more of a cohesive story not something that feels like a collection of short stories that don’t always have satisfying endings.

Now, I’m onto reading a nonfiction titled How to Break Up with Your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life by Catherine Price. It’s copyright date is 2018 which isn’t too long ago but in technology terms is also almost ancient. I’m still intrigued by the concept.

And for a fun read, just my Amazon Prime first read pick of Matterhorn by Christopher Reich. I’ve barely started it.

On My TV This Week

Too much *but* I’m on spring break so I get to watch junky tv all I want. Regular TV: The Voice, I do like the new judges. Next Level Chef, and Masked Singer. Streaming TV series: The Ones Who Live, Spring Baking Championship, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, and TOC (another cooking competition show). Oh, and I need to catch up on Abbott Elementary. Streaming Movies I’ve watched this week/last weekend: Wonka, The Last Witch Hunter, and yesterday, The Meg. Today, you know I plan to watch The Meg 2. Ha! Again, I’m on Spring break! Also, did I start to maybe cheer for the shark during the last movie? Maybe…

Looking Around the House

Spring break hasn’t equaled spring cleaning despite my best intentions. Maybe today. Maybe tomorrow. We shall see. 

 

On My To Do List

Not a whole lot really.

  1. Grocery store *DONE yesterday*
  2. Pay bills *MUST DO TODAY*
  3. One fun activity for each day of my spring break and as I told G, the grocery store shouldn’t count. Here’s my small plan so far: MONDAY: bought a shamrock plant, tiny one on clearance, also enjoyed a small “adult” beverage last night TUESDAY: a trip to “save big money” at Menards which I’ll then use my savings for a fancy coffee drink from Dutch Bros in the afternoon. (Truth: I’ll be saving no money!) And of course, some outside time WEDNESDAY: G and I are going to go see Dune 2 in Imax. Super excited for that! THURSDAY and FRIDAY: Undecided though J and I have talked forever about checking out a new store (not exactly a thrift store but they sell reclaimed merchandise…) so maybe that.
  4. Clean off the front porch/deck to get ready for planting flowers
  5. Whatever I want to do without worrying about getting called into work
  6. Catch up with all my blogging friends 🙂

From The Camera

Mostly flowers and a cat photo. Did finally pick up the camera and walk around the yard a bit over the weekend to look for signs of the new season.

And of course, my helper ready to go back inside. It was warm by windy the day I took photos. She doesn’t care for the wind.

Quote for the Week

A kind word never broke anyone’s mouth. (Irish Proverb, found on Pinterest)

 

 

Quick Hello and Catch Up Post

Chitchat Winter Wednesday 6 Comments

Hello, I haven’t fallen off the edge of the Earth or gone sailing around it (oh, that might be fun!). A few days of sickness gave way into a crazy working schedule. All the teachers had a turn being sick with either a stomach bug or a nasty respiratory virus, thankfully not Covid. And I’m glad to have not drawn the stomach bug card at least.

My amaryllis bloomed!

Not sure how many Happy Homemaker Mondays I’ve missed. The first one I missed because I favored sleep over Internet activities. The past few I’ve missed because of working. Quite a few more early (7:00 AM start) shifts than normal, after those…again, sleep over Internet activities).

Today, I get a bit of a break as I don’t need to go into work until noon before returning to an early start tomorrow and another full day on Friday. Spring break is next week for us. My list of things for next week is growing exponentially each day. Catching up with all my blogging friends is absolutely on the list!

Other Happenings and Random Things

Somehow, it’s gone from snow to crocus blooms to daffodils to tiny purple flowers covering the yard and more daffodils. Hopefully, better pictures coming soon. It’s been too long since I’ve properly picked up my good camera.   

More daffodil pictures coming soon hopefully! Along with prettier purple flower pictures (squill/glory of the snow flowers)

G made dinner a couple nights while I was sick. Very helpful. French Toast and spaghetti, not at the same time!  Once I felt better, J and I attempted spring rolls (his idea) to go with the Korean meatballs. They were semi-successful. Rice paper is a tad difficult. Trying again tonight as accompaniment to our pepper steak. Oh and last week, I tried avocado toast at work. Really liked it so we had it alongside taco salads for dinner last night.

This Week’s Menu

Monday: I grilled bbq chicken and garlic butter chicken (saved for later) that I picked up already marinated from the grocery store. *I worked 7 to 1*

TUESDAY: taco salads and avocado toast *I worked 7 to 3:45*

WEDNESDAY: pepper steak, rice, spring rolls *I work 12:30-3:45*

THURSDAY: Leftovers plus I picked up a cookies and cream pie for Pi day (3.14)  *I work 7:15 to possibly 3:45, need to clarify* Mom’s Night Out! (If my work day is short, I might make a quiche for dinner instead to keep with the pie theme)

FRIDAY: fettuccine alfredo with garlic butter chicken, salad maybe? *I work 10:30-4:30*

Reading/TV watching

Didn’t do much reading while I was sick or I can’t recall much of what I read.  Casually read an early 2 book series by V.E. Schwab, Vicious and Vengeful. They were just okay. Her later books are so much better. I’ve just started a promising book called The Secret Life of Flora Lee by Patti Callahan Henry.

So much yet so little tv watching. Since I felt a bit like a zombie, I rewatched the first season of The Walking Dead and part of the 2nd season as well. Watched the new Rick and Michonne series, need to catch up on the last episode. Can’t decide, any other fans out there…what do you think? For all the hype, I think to start the Daryl Dixon series is way better.

Husband and I watched The Voice, of course now that they have their teams I’m probably done.

And once I started feeling like a human again, I was happy to watch Next Level Chef and see that the Spring Baking Championship is back (hooray, one of my favorite shows!).

Movies? Hmmm…Oh, I rewatched the original Jurassic Park just because. And the last half of the Oscars ( I was at Target/waiting on J’s band practice to end for the first half). So, I’ll end this section with my Oscar look via my silly phone game.

What do you think of my red carpet look? Ha.

Winter Wednesday Weather

Did you know today is the last Wednesday for this season? Our winter weather to see out the season calls for a high in the 70’s (again, yesterday was the same) followed by a chance of thunderstorms. Oh, how I hope we get some rain. Last night the rain missed our local area. Such a strange winter we’ve had! Makes me wonder what’s in store for spring and summer.

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Stopping my not a quick post after all here. Thanks for reading my rather lengthy update if you’re still here.

Time for me to go get ready for work. Tell me what’s the weather look like where you are?

 

Happy Homemaker Friday?!

HappyHomemakerMonday Week in Review 6 Comments

Thought it might be fun to do a Happy Homemaker Monday post on a Friday. Instead of a planning post, more of a what was planned vs what actually happened kind of post. So basically a week in review post with the Happy Homemaker Monday categories.

The Weather

On Sunday afternoon

 

The beginning of the week was beautiful, a bit above normal in the high 40’s and then, we hit the 60’s. Today, cold and snowy.

snowflakes and tree branches reflected in car’s windshield

As I Look Outside My Window

Didn’t have much time to look out my window on Monday.  I was called into open at work (meaning I had to be there by 7:00a.m.). Now, I see snow and I think the cat sees a bird.

Right Now

I worked every day this week. And I forgot my coat at work yesterday. So, after running into work to grab it early this morning, I’m finally sitting down to write a proper post.

Thinking and Pondering

Too many thoughts and too few words to express them.

How I am Feeling

Well, after working mostly for sick teachers all week…I’m still managing to be 85% healthy. Okay, maybe closer to 80%. Lots of vitamins in my morning routine this week. And early bedtimes mostly.

On the Breakfast Plate

Monday was some sort of flip yogurt, coffee, and vitamins. Today, I took the time to make lemon poppyseed muffins (from a box mix). Vitamins and coffee.

On the Lunch Plate

Maybe my leftover Chinese food from Valentine’s Day. Not sure.

On The Dinner Plate

Leaning towards pulling the minestrone I made a few weeks ago out of the freezer for dinner tonight. Or maybe some other form of pasta.

On The Menu

My sad attempt at KC Chiefs logo on sugar cookies from Sunday. Left these for the kids as we were in charge of taking salad to our party.

This is what a week with no menu plan looks like at our house:

MONDAY: leftovers from the super bowl…we took a big salad to our party so we had rotisserie chicken and salad. *I worked 7:00-3:30*

TUESDAY: Plan was for pancakes but I worked and then, went pretty much straight to the movie theater as I had plans with a friend. (We saw Wonka, I really enjoyed it!)  I don’t even remember what the husband ended up doing…I think he thawed taco soup maybe?  *I worked 7:00-3:45*

WEDNESDAY: We ordered in Chinese food for Valentine’s Day *I worked 7:00-3:40ish*

THURSDAY: They all ate leftover Chinese food for dinner. I ate a yogurt as I wasn’t super hungry. *I worked 8:15-6:10* (stayed a little later than planned to cover a different teacher)

FRIDAY: Pasta of some sort….*glad to have a day at home finally*

What I Am Wearing Today

Monday, I wore a Chiefs shirt, of course. Today, I’m wearing a pink work hoodie and blue leggings, tennis shoes.

On My Reading Pile

A December to Remember by Jenny Bayliss. Waited a long time for it, a nice perfect fun and lighter read so far.

On My TV This Week

Well, had this been on Monday, I’d obviously been saying how ’bout those Chiefs!!!! We had so much fun watching the game with friends (a couple of them were obnoxiously cheering on San Francisco, so lots of good natured ribbing during the game). Not really any time for much tv on Mon/Tues though I did manage to watch The Floor. On Wednesday, I finally had to just turn the news off and had G watch part of Dune with me. He’s agreed to go see part 2 in the theaters. Last night, I sort of dozed through Next Level Chef. Not sure what if anything I’ll watch this weekend.

Looking Around the House 

Looks like I’ve not been here much though we did manage to keep the laundry and kitchen areas somewhat on track.

On My To Do List

Mostly I went to work this week. Other things from my list:

  1. Grocery store
  2. Go see Wonka movie with friend (we’d planned on doing this over Christmas break but then, life happened…)
  3. Get Valentine’s for husband and kids *did NOT happen, it’s okay everyone was happy with their “million dollar Chinese food*
  4. Laundry *Husband helped with this A LOT, good enough Valentine for me*
  5. Sort out some issues with J’s college finances *In progress*

From The Camera

Probably goes without saying, didn’t really pick my camera up this week. All pictures in post are from my phone.

On My Prayer List

This city, this country, the world. SIGH

A Funny And Weekend Plans

Since I’d like to end this post on a lighter note, I thought I’d share a “warning” if you pick up candy from another country out of the discount cart at the grocery. Turn it over and see what is actually in it. I bought Italian candy labeled Caramelle Dure thinking oh, caramels! I like caramel. Um, no I’ve discovered Italian cough drops. They were menthol and eucalyptus candies. Yikes! Not caramel. Timely for having a slight sore throat, however.

No real weekend plans here. Anyone else have big weekend plans?

Quick Update

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Thought I’d pop on here real quick for those of you who might be wondering about the scary news from the KC Chiefs parade today. I did not attend as I was working for a teacher so she could go. Her and the other teacher who went are safe.  So far all of my friends and family in attendance are safe though a bit upset and shaken. I angry and embarrassed that something that was supposed to be a happy occasion in our city ended like that.  Praying that none of the victims were children. And of course, praying for the victims.

Not much else to say at this point as I’m still a bit stunned by it.

Anyway, I’ve not been around as a lot of sickness going around school and I’ve been working a lot more than usual. Hoping to catch up properly (and reply to my week old comments, I did read them all) very soon.

Hope everyone is healthy and enjoying this odd first day of Lent/ Valentine’s Day. (On a Winter Wednesday note: It’s 63 and sunny here today!)

February Sunrise

Winter Wednesday 6 Comments

Sometimes it feels like February is the longest winter month. I know we all start getting a bit antsy for spring this month. And it doesn’t help with days of warmer spring like temperatures teasing. Then, the temperature likely plummets and here comes some cold. This is typically our coldest month. We’ll see what happens. And it always feels like the longest winter month to me as well.

However, we also get sunrises that look like this:

And there are things to do to keep the February blahs at bay. Though some do take intention.

Fun Things in February:

  1. Groundhog day! (He didn’t see his shadow, so early Spring. Of course, here it was a sunny day so hopefully all our groundhogs slept through and didn’t see any shadows that way)
  2. My husband’s birthday (Maybe you have family/friend birthdays to celebrate this month?)
  3. Galentine’s Day…this is tonight for me. Getting together with girlfriends at the Cheesecake Factory for a fun dinner and exchange of small tokens of friendship.
  4. Super Bowl Sunday! Go Chiefs! It’s more fun to watch when your team is playing but I still watched many years when neither of the teams wore red.
  5. Pancake Tuesday. I’m all about holidays involving food!
  6. Mardi gras
  7. Valentine’s Day. Just pass me the dark chocolate and we’ll be fine.
  8. President’s Day, a holiday is a holiday and a day off work for this one!
  9. Chinese New Year is Saturday, it’s the year of the dragon!
  10. And of course, there are 29 days in February this year as it’s a Leap Year.

 A Fun Photo:

I took this reflection of the sunrise in the window of my husband’s truck this morning. It captured the sunrise colors better than my proper photo. 

What do you plan to celebrate in February?

 

 

 

 

Happy Homemaker Monday

HappyHomemakerMonday 12 Comments

Last week was busy with work, enjoying the beautiful weather, and meeting up with friends on the weekend. Decided to just let myself go with the flow and not worry too much about computer land.

Back today though to plan my week with the help of Happy Homemaker Monday hosted by Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

It’s been so nice out lately! Light jacket weather or no coat weather if wearing a sweatshirt/sweater. Today’s a little chilly and in the 40’s but it’s supposed to bump up to the 50’s by afternoon. And be in the 60’s to end the week! Of course, I do see a snowflake predicted on Superbowl Sunday.

As I Look Outside My Window

Inside the window

The sun is shining! The birds are pooping on our cars  singing!

New leaves keep arriving

Right Now

Taking a minute between today’s normal tasks to post here.

Thinking and Pondering

How to “encourage” 3 other persons in this household to help me out a bit more. Also, pondering on my focus areas for February. I’ve decided upon love, friendship, and kindness for this month. Hoping to get a post up about how last month’s focus of cleaning and clearing went and my ideas for this month’s focus areas.

How I am Feeling

A bit like I’m struggling to stay on top of being sick. Not currently sick but have that run-down feeling and a bit of a scratchy throat. The scratchy throat might just be our crazy weather.

On the Breakfast Plate

Coffee, sausage mcmuffin (from home, leftover breakfast sausage plus an English muffin), vitamins, black elderberry capsules

On the Lunch Plate

Not really sure yet. Thinking more about the lemonade tea I bought than eating.

On The Dinner Plate

French Dip sandwiches by request

On The Menu

We really winged it on last week’s menu but it went okay. Still, nice to have a plan for this week. It’s a bit crockpot heavy.

MONDAY: French Dip sandwiches

TUESDAY: Banana Pancakes and bacon, what else would we have on Pancake Tuesday?? UPDATE: I thought tomorrow was pancake Tuesday but it’s next week! Oops. Maybe we’ll have French toast instead…

WEDNESDAY: Mississippi Chicken (this is a new Paula Deen recipe for the crockpot…hoping it’s good because I have plans and won’t be home for dinner, ha!)

THURSDAY: OUT for husband’s birthday! We’re having BBQ. Chocolate cake at home.

FRIDAY: Taco soup (requested by husband)

SATURDAY/SUNDAY: Leftovers/Super Bowl party food (pizza)

What I Am Wearing Today

The week before the Chiefs are in the Super Bowl, we wear red everyday. However, I forgot to hang to dry my Chiefs shirts last night so I’m wearing a red heart Valentine sweater and jeggings today.

On My Reading Pile

I finished reading a really great one last week titled After the Forest by Kell Woods. A bit of a reimagining of Hansel and Gretel and Snow White all combined starting the tale with Hansel (Hans) and Gretel (Greta) as young adults. Really like how it kept in line with the Grimm fairy tales.

On My TV This Week

Well, of course, we cheered on Taylor Swift at the Grammys last night. Husband was mainly watching because he wanted to see Billy Joel sing. Quite a lot going on this week so not sure when/what I’ll be watching. The Big game on Sunday, of course!

Looking Around the House

Want to fill this with little decorative hearts maybe

 

Did set out a few Valentine Decor items.

Real-life photos from the kitchen with dishes to clean and groceries to put away:

On My To Do List

  1. Grocery store *DONE*
  2. Hang up clothes to dry *DONE*
  3. Dinner started in crock pot *DONE*
  4. Work a few hours on Wednesday afternoon
  5. Enjoy Galentine’s Day dinner with friends on Wednesday night
  6. Bake cake for husband’s birthday on Thursday/Go out to dinner
  7. Wish brother happy birthday today *DONE*
  8. Start artichoke seeds
  9. Put a few outdoor plants on front porch for to let them enjoy weather also
  10. Cheer on the Chiefs in the Superbowl on Sunday night!

From The Camera

I’ve not picked my camera up in far too long. All these photos are from my phone!

Can you see the little blob of a bluebird in this photo?

 

Quote for the Week

Let all that you do be done in love. (Corinthians 16:14)

 

 

Walking in Sunshine

Winter Wednesday 4 Comments

After so much cold and rain, the clouds parted, the Chiefs won (again!), and the warm sunshine arrived. It’s been a busy start to the week (work-wise) over here so not much time to post. This post is going to be short as well. Hopefully, I’ll have a minute to catch up on Friday. Just two photos for today.

Walking in Sunshine

(And mud, I took a picture but the computer doesn’t want any muddy pictures. Not sure why it won’t load. I did enjoy squishing into the mud while wearing my boots though)

 

My Kind of Winter Day

 

We went from the arctic blast to cloudy and rainy to 62 and sunny today! Welcome to Midwest living. How’s your weather?

A Weary Winter Week

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While it’s had its moments of happiness, it’s also been a bit of just a weary winter week around here. And no sunshine!  Oh how I miss it!

Just thought I’d pop on here for a little week in review though not much to share. Taking a break from the aggravations of adding up tax numbers. The main aggravation coming from the local utility department insisting we have no account. Computer glitch probably but very annoying.

A few tidbits from my week and sadly, not many pictures as it’s been rainy and foggy so outside photos didn’t happen. Perhaps a sign to work on my indoor photos? Hmm. Something to ponder.

A hawk came to visit, doesn’t seem thrilled with the weather either

MONDAY and TUESDAY:

Everything started off icy this week. Thankfully, by Monday afternoon the temperature bumped up enough that I felt safe to go get a few things at the grocery store. And J got out to his band class as well. Always good to get out. He also shared with me what was going on so we started on fixing that (Just some college administration things that arrived last week. Somehow they were counting a dual credit class from 2 years ago into last semester’s grades causing all kinds of havoc with financial things.). Tuesday was another bit of an icy start so no classes for J again.  I don’t know what I did, maybe some cleaning and clearing? Oh yes, that is it. I cleaned out our medicine cabinet. So far I’ve cleared the pantry, medicine cabinet, and a few things from our bedroom.

WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY:

Wednesday was a struggle. My solar battery started to wear down very fast. Had a bit of an argument with J. Went to the library and the power went out while I was there. However, they were very kind to write down my books so I could still take them. Had the things to drop off at the donation center in my trunk (still there) but the donation area was closed probably due to weather. My husband did make dinner Wednesday evening (pancakes and bacon) so that helped a bit as well.

Yesterday was much better even though it poured down rain the entire day! J went off to his classes and I spent most the morning making minestrone soup.

The beginning of minestrone

Treated myself to a much needed Starbucks chai latte when I had to run to the store for pasta (I’ve decided dinatale pasta is the best for minestrone even though my recipe calls for elbow macaroni).

Last night I went out with friends, never underestimate how much that can help with a down week. We went to the Nelson (how we refer to the main art gallery in town locally) to see a Monet exhibit as well as exhibit of the works of Evelyn Hofer (very interesting!). Our kind friend obtained tickets to the exhibit for us through her work.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

And then, we all went out to eat a bit of a Kansas City institution of hamburger restaurants, Winsteads. I’d not been there in years! We were at the original location but they used to have restaurants throughout the city including a couple close to us. Sadly, those restaurants are long gone.

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Today and the rest of the weekend: I’m wearing my lucky red sweater for red Friday today. Trying to remember to wash my lucky long-sleeved red Chiefs shirt so it’ll be dry in time for Sunday (it’s a no dryer item). Our weather is supposed to bump way up in temperature but I’m still going to wear it. J needs to go the college bookstore later.

I’d like to maybe visit a Hallmark store as I’m starting to think on my 2 focus words for February….love and friendship are calling to me. Think I’ve done a decent job with my cleaning and clearing for January–perhaps a blog post is in order. It’s another weekend where we have no big plans (outside of cheering on the Chiefs on Sunday afternoon) but I’m not mad about it. Maybe I’ll spend some time practicing on indoor photos.

If the sun shines, you know I’ll be chasing it. And if it doesn’t, I’m planning to get outside anyway (I can manage anything but ice and pouring rain, I think).

How has your week been? What big or small plans do you have for the weekend?

 

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