Since it’s wordless Wednesday (also, red Wednesday here in KC, go Chiefs!), I’m going to just show mainly photos of our first day in Nashville.
Centennial Park
The Parthenon (located within the park)
Inside, the statue of Athena:
Marathon Motor Works
(Note: this was building also contained several shops including Antique Archeology, made famous from the show American Pickers)
Downtown Nashville Pedestrian Bridge
View of football stadium though not once did I see anyone in Titans attire. Unheard of in these parts, dare you to come to KC and try to go an hour without spotting someone wearing Chiefs attire, especially during football season. That said, I think hockey must be the thing there as I spotted lots of Predators hats and shirts to the point I had to look it up (no pro hockey here).
Country Music Hall of Fame
Other places we went not pictured
I should first mention that the inside of the Parthenon ($10 to get inside) also contained a really interesting little art gallery.
We did go inside and look around Antique Archeology which was to me just an antique store but probably worth a look if you like that sort of thing.
While downtown, we ate lunch at Jack’s Bar-B-Que. Husband loved it, I did not and found their KC sauce insulting. For the record, we had different things and he liked the spicy sauce they offered. We also visited the Johnny Cash museum which was neat but oh so crowded when visited. I think we might have been a bit too old for the whole Broadway strip thing with the bars and country music blasting out of them. However, I’m glad we were able to see it.
For dinner, we went to the Rock’n Dough Pizza and Brewery where I was a fan of the angry Hawaiian pizza and my ale. Husband thought it was okay. After dinner, we went to, wait for it, a Trader Joe’s (for a few snacks and fruit, the hotel breakfast was honestly, a bit subpar). And then, a local Target, can’t even remember why. Probably for something we forgot to pack.
Yesterday was a holiday so I chose to spend it away from the computer and around my family. We had a nice long weekend.
Saturday morning I ran to a couple farmer markets. Early in the afternoon, J and I walked to a local festival (it’s only a little over a mile from our home) to get some kettle corn and other goodies. On Sunday, we made my husband drive us back for funnel cakes and then, we watched a band called Styx Illusion on one of the stages for a few songs. Yesterday was just a nice slow day without much happening. My husband cooked a brisket on the smoker while I read my book and watched tv. Basically, I just had a lazy day though I did do a tiny bit of outside stuff.
Well, shall we get on with planning this four day week? Joining in as usual with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.
The Weather
Near the end of last week and especially yesterday it was HOT but not over 100 degrees hot. A small rain “sprinkle” not sure you’d call it a shower came through this morning. Cooled things down a bit. Right now it’s 85 degrees and partly cloudy. Still shows were supposed to be in the upper 90’s later today and tomorrow, mid to high 80’s for the rest of the week.
As I Look Outside My Window
I see lots of yard work and flower tending I’ve been avoiding.
Right Now
Trying to see how far I get on this post before I need to run and pick J up from his class.
Thinking And Pondering
Just thinking about the stuff I want to get done around here this week. I ended up getting called into work twice last week and am hoping for a full 4 days at home (between running around for J).
How I Am Feeling
Not too bad, slept decent.
On The Breakfast Plate
Coffee, cinnamon sugar bagel, and vitamins
On The Lunch Plate
Not entirely sure, maybe just a sandwich *UPDATE-I made a frittata*
On The Dinner Plate
Chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes
What I’m Wearing Today
Striped shirt with teal flowers, navy blue shorts, socks, and tennis shoes
On My Reading Pile
Currently between books, a trip to the library is on my list for today. Finished reading Raising Lazarus: Hope, Justice, and the Future of America’s Overdose Crisis by Beth Macy. It was a bit depressing but gave good insights. Then, needing something light I chose Penelope in Retrograde by Brooke Adams for my Prime First reading choice. Read it in a day, really enjoyed it!
On My TV This Week
Well, Thursday, quite a few of us will be saying: How ‘Bout Them Chiefs!!?? Otherwise, last week G got me to watch Abbott Elementary which I loved and pretty much binge-watched the entire series, so funny! And I watched yet another documentary on the opioid crisis called Crime of the Century over on HBO Max, I joked that I was finally ready to write my research paper but really there are no words for the disgust I had at all the ways those with money and influence bent rules for these drugs (and are probably still doing it). While waiting for the Chiefs, I might watch a Dr. Who episode or two this week.
On The Menu
strawberry summer cake
Everyone everywhere is screaming fall. Meanwhile, our weather still says summer. Plus, still lots of back and forth driving for J’s schedule.
MONDAY: brisket, watermelon, brownies
TUESDAY: chicken and noodles
WEDNESDAY: leaning toward ham steak, sweet potatoes
THURSDAY: taco soup (requested) *Go Chiefs!*
FRIDAY: No idea, leftovers? J has a driving lesson at noon.
Looking Around The House
Ever feel like you just can’t get caught up on things?
On My To Do List
Grocery store *Done, almost, forgot a few things*
Target at some point
Library
Laundry
Outside stuff
Clean the house/get it ready for fall/winter
From The Camera
J’s college classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays are close to a local nature center so I’ve been walking the paved trail there after dropping him off. Most of the photos in the post are from those walks.
Quote For The Week
Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back and reasons to stay.(Dalai Lama)
I’ll get back to posting my trip report tomorrow. Today, I wanted to take a minute and join in the Share Four Somethings link up hosted by Jennifer over at Overflowing With Thankfulness.
I like how it keeps me somewhat mindful and paying attention during each month. My four somethings for August are listed below.
LOVED
Taking an anniversary trip with my husband to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary.
J starting college courses (He’s loving it so far).
Going out with friends. We went to a local brewery where they do a karaoke night two times in August.
And going to see the Barbie movie with other friends.
A brand new preschool student telling me his favorite color was teal. (I just happened to have on teal capri pants that matched his socks). And then later, looking at me and going, “I like you” Things like that are what I love about my job.
Watching our hummingbirds and those at a local nature center.
LEARNED
How to use an ant moat on a hummingbird feeder, what it actually was and that our hummingbird feeder had one. It somewhat helped with keeping the ants out of it.
I’m a bit more of a fair weather gardener than I care to admit. Pretty lettuce flowers pictured below:
More about the opioid crisis than I really needed to know, still learning. (This relates to my reading choices not anything happening personally in my life)
READ
Dopesick and now I’m reading Raizing Lazarus by Beth Macy. All because I watched a documentary on Netflix and then someone told me it didn’t get great reviews. So, I looked it up and found there was another one on Hulu and then, watched it. Decided to read the book. Down the rabbit hole I fell.
I didn’t just read super serious (and rather depressing) non-fiction. Some fiction titles I read in August:
The Wedding Planner by Danielle Steel
This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar
The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont
Ate
We ate lots of good food and yet, I managed not to take a picture of any of it! How is that possible? I’m sharing the fun food items in random order as they pop into my mind.
Last year in St. Louis, my husband discovered a bakery/cafe called The Sweet Spot that offered up these fried croissant donuts that were amazing. Amazing enough that we went out of our way (just a bit) to get some on our way to Nashville. I was a bigger fan of the cannoli, so I got those.
As hot as it’s been, I should mention ice cream. With the heat, of course, we had ice cream a few times. We didn’t go out anywhere fancy. However, I did one night buy these fun Klondike cones that we all liked so much they’ve been in the freezer more than once this month. The unicorn ones were a bit interesting but the vanilla and chocolate flavors, huge hits!
An amazingly good flatbread pizza at the karaoke place.
Food we ate in Nashville: I loved the angry Hawaiian pizza at the Rock’n Dough Pizza & Brewery. We loved breakfast at the Nashville Biscuit House so much we ate there twice! I’d go back again if it were closer. And yes, I did have a hot chicken sandwich at the Germantown Pub and enjoyed it. Timing wasn’t on our side for the lines at the two famous places.
Pizza again for our anniversary from a local place. Schedules and all that though it was nice not to be attending any back to school open houses on our anniversary, we’ve done that many times.
*************
So that concludes my 4 things for August. Soon it’ll be time to start loving and learning in September. And maybe remembering to take a food picture now and then.
Just thought I’d share a little about our trip to Nashville the next few days. Seems like a good way to procrastinate cleaning the house get back into a routine of blogging.
We left early Thursday morning, too early for me and not early enough for my husband. Have you seen that meme floating around (can’t find it) that says there are two types of people, the ones who pack the night before and the ones who try to sneak in another load of laundry the morning of the trip? And that they marry each other. Very relatable. For the record, I’m the “another load of laundry” person. Nashville is about a solid 8 hour drive from here.
We left about 8 a.m. and made good time. Stopped at The Sweet Spot in St. Louis so my husband could get some fried croissants and I could get a couple cannoli. We enjoyed our treats for the next couple of days as well. It threw us off our planned route but was well worth it.
We then, stopped for lunch at a Dairy Queen somewhere east of St. Louis in Illinois though I think we’d passed by east St. Louis by then. It wasn’t a very scenic drive through that area of Illinois. A random bathroom break brought us to our fun stop in Metropolis, IL. Shared a few pictures last Monday so maybe just one today.
Last Stop Before Our Destination
We actually spent a bit more time there than intended. Mostly because I was wearing a Chiefs shirt and you know, KC fans are everywhere. We ran into a woman (not literally) who used to live in the KC area and she was a talker though her stories were quite interesting. She told us how her supervisor had run her over (he was drunk) causing back injuries when she was doing road work on a local state highway back in the early 90’s. And that she’d helped in getting the law about the fines for hitting construction workers made. She was there when former President Clinton signed it into law.
I wish I’d have thought to ask her for her name. I could find nothing regarding what she said during a few google searches on the way home but I don’t disbelieve her stories either.
Nashville Arrival
I wish I could tell you we hit the ground running and did lots of fun exciting things when we arrived. We did not. Even the photo above is from the following day. We checked into our hotel which was a nice Marriott in a business district–we’re not hip downtown staying kind of people. Plus, honestly, we were too cheap to pay the downtown hotel parking rates. We checked into our hotel later in the afternoon and then, went to eat at…wait for it…Arby’s. Yes, that’s how exciting we are over here.
For the record, I don’t like Arby’s and it apparently doesn’t matter if it’s in a different state. Still don’t like it. Of course, I should have got the chicken but tried roast beef as I knew we’d likely be having hot chicken in Nashville and didn’t want to ruin my appetite for it.
Don’t worry, we did do more exciting things than go to Arby’s on our trip. I’ll share about our first full day in my next post.
Well, I was motivated until I realized my to-do list kept going and going scroll style. Ha!
My own fault as I was quite lazy over the weekend and did basically nothing. Seems odd to say I needed the rest as we’d just returned from vacation last week. However, that phrase about needing a vacation after your vacation exists for a reason. Now, it’s a new week and I’m ready to start doing the things on my list.
Glad that Sandra is still doing this wonderful link up on Mondays as it keeps me motivated. Go check out her blog and the link up at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.
The Weather
It’s so nice out! I’m kind of mad at myself for sitting around indoors all weekend. Thankfully, the nice weather and break from all the heat continues for us this week. Highs in only the low 80’s all week long. We could use some rain but none in the forecast, going to have to remember to water. I find it harder to remember that when the air isn’t boiling hot.
As I Look Outside My Window
A lovely view of all the things I’ve neglected with the heat. The poor bird feeders (with the exception of my little hummingbirds) are all empty–on my list to get more birdseed this week. Some plants are trying to recover but there are more than a few I need to let go.
Right Now
I just finished renewing my license plates (on-line, hooray!) and am still marveling at how ridiculously easy it was this time around. Hopefully, the local office mails my stickers soon (My plates expire in 3 days!).
Thinking and Pondering
I actually bought this bread at a local farmers market
Grocery store prices. How on Earth are people making it? Feeling blessed we are fortunate enough to afford things. While it was annoying at times (many times), I’m glad to have grown up with parents who lived during the Great Depression and knew how to save/make use of things. I’m not going to start saving every piece of foil though my husband does re-use one for his lunches during the week. However, I plan to do a better job with using what we purchase. Threw out a fair amount of produce this morning that had gone bad. I know it happens but I also know I can do better.
How I Am Feeling This Morning
Not too bad really. Slept good.
On The Breakfast Plate
Cinnamon toast croissant, coffee, vitamins
On The Lunch Plate
Not sure. Maybe a grilled cheese?
On The Dinner Plate
A roast is in the crockpot
What I’m Wearing Today
V-neck shirt with a blue, gold, and black swirl design, black shorts, socks and tennis shoes.
On My Reading Pile
I need some new light reading books! A trip to the library is in order for this week. Almost finished with Dopesick by Beth Macy. Might look into her new book.
On The TV This Week
So I discovered the show How to Get Away with Murder on Netflix. SIGH. I’m hooked though I do call it Grey’s Anatomy with lawyers and fast forward through some of the scenes that are a bit much for me. Still, I did watch the first season in one weekend so…there’s that. We watched The Flash movie on Saturday night. I wanted to give it a chance despite not great reviews but it was bad, maybe it will become a cult classic but I said I felt like I was watching a parody of a movie. Oh, and I watched the movie, Dumplin’ on Netflix as well. Really cute. A bit older (2018) but I needed an easy feel good movie so it worked.
On My Menu This Week
Okay, I might need menu ideas. Until J gets his license and a car, on Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays, we’re out of the house during dinner prep/dinner hour. And on Tuesdays and Thursdays, he has class at 6, not getting back until later. G’s schedule is not much better. And of course, my husband is home at normal dinner hour times. So I need dinners that are somewhat easy to make and easy to reheat/grab for all this different schedules.
(This week I’m trying to eat a bit out of what’s already in our freezer)
MONDAY: Roast in the crock pot
TUESDAY: OUT maybe? It’s our actual 25th wedding anniversary. I’m thinking I’ll grill chicken legs for the kids during the early afternoon and then my husband and I will go out while J’s at class (G works Tuesday night)
WEDNESDAY: Spaghetti (might just throw it all in the crockpot)
THURSDAY: BBQ pork chops (pork chops are already cooked and in freezer), broccoli
FRIDAY: Hamburgers? OUT? I’m not sure
Looking Around The House
How can it be worse after a week of us being here than when we were gone? Please don’t tell me our kids our better housekeepers than we are? SIGH. I need to pick up and clean.
On My To Do List
Everything, yes, everything that I didn’t do last week. And then, let’s see…
Grocery store *DONE*
Library
Menards for bird seed
Yard chores, cut back petunias, replace some dead flowers in front, plant seeds (fall garden?)
Get husband an anniversary card
Blog posts about our trip
Go for walk at nature park near J’s college while he’s in classes tomorrow
Hobby Lobby to see about framing some photos
Big fridge clean out (I do this every Labor Day weekend and I’m way too excited)
Prep some easy/healthy snacks for everyone, sweet treats as well
From The Camera
Once we returned from our trip, I didn’t take one picture until this morning when I ran out and grabbed some for this post.
Quote For The Week
I saw this on Pinterest this morning and it really spoke to me.
Thought I’d take the time to put together a Happy Homemaker Monday post today. However, it is a bit late as we’re already to Wednesday. Feels like a Monday though, does that count?
We were in the car returning from our trip to Nashville, Tennessee all day Monday, and then yesterday, was a whole lot of laundry and running around town. This morning, I’ve been trying to get caught up on all that stuff I was going to do before we left town but didn’t. Does that happen to anyone else? Plans to have everything done and the house spotless before a trip but somehow those plans never quite work out? Ha.
Full scale replica of the Parthenon in Nashville, TN
HOT. Crazy hot. It’s not supposed to feel like 100 degrees at 10 in the morning. Seems strange that it was cooler south of here. Of course, our heat wave is supposed to be moving their way. Heat warnings all around. Husband left for work before it was light out this morning. Heat is supposed to last until the weekend, then it cools down to normal.
As I Look Outside My Window
It just looks hot out there. Garden didn’t fare too well while we were gone but these tomatoes on the front porch managed. (Note: this is the only picture from home, all others are from our trip)
Right Now
Centennial Park, Nashville, TN
Working on this post while doing a load of my “hang to dry” laundry, thinking about how I forgot to text my boss back (she did text me on Monday so we were technically still on vacation…I chose to ignore until we got home, then forgot to reply).
Thinking and Pondering
A lot of gratitude this morning: the kids (okay, young adults) managing so well while we were gone. The living room was even clean when we returned and the rest of the house passable. Glad we were were able to go on our trip and get there and back safely. The blessings of having air conditioning and clean water in this heat wave. J’s excitement at starting college courses (so much running though, gotta get him his license, we’re waiting til the heat wave is over). All of G’s help with so many little things.
How I’m Feeling This Morning
Just a bit tired. And maybe this should have went under thinking/pondering but I’m still feeling a bit burned out with my job. Guess we could turn that into more gratitude of my husband convincing/wanting me to wait a year on doing a full-time option.
On The Breakfast Plate
Is it ever too hot for coffee? Not yet. Coffee, chocolate chip muffins (from a box mix, oven on early in the morning and then, no more!), some reheated sausage.
On The Lunch Plate
Not sure. Been craving a peanut butter and jelly sandwich so maybe that.
On The Dinner Plate
Nothing that requires oven/grill preparation. I did have my husband get a big bag of salad at Sam’s Club yesterday so maybe some sort of salad, maybe a blt chicken salad?
What I’m Wearing Today
STAR labs t-shirt, black shorts, leopard print shoes.
On My Reading Pile
Mostly between books though I’m still working on the Intuitive Eating book, I read a bit, and then stop, read a bit, then stop. While on vacation, I read The Wife Before by Shanora Williams, it was okay. Don’t tell me a book has a big twist when it really doesn’t have that great of one. And yesterday, I finished up The Wedding Planner by Danielle Steel. I enjoyed it for what it was, basic chick lit type stuff. The kind of book you don’t really need to think to read. Sometimes we need that.
On My TV This Week
Yesterday, I watched the beginning of Catch Me If You Can, an older movie that I’d somehow never seen. We’d watched the end of it last week so I had to see the beginning. Also, watched a couple of Doctor Who episodes. Not sure what I’ll watch this week, lots of half-watched shows in my que. Probably going to finish Dopesick on Hulu. I’d watched the Netflix documentary on the opioid crisis called Painkiller only to find out Hulu had already made a (so far) much better one with Michael Keaton as the lead. Then, I have Jack Ryan to finish, Only Murders in the Building, and who knows what else, oh, Locke and Key. Too many.
On The Menu This Week
Not even sure I’m going to plan out a menu at this point. It’s just too hot and there’s so much running around with everyone’s new schedules. Going to have to figure things out but maybe not until next week.
MONDAY: We were on the road, ate at Steak and Shake in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. It was okay, not the best but not the worst.
TUESDAY: Rotisserie Chicken/Pulled Pork/Taco Bell. Everyone was going different directions. I actually ate a handful of pistachios and a yogurt for dinner. *J had a class at 6, G was called into work at 4, so it was a bit crazy*
WEDNESDAY: I’m leaning toward BLT chicken salads or maybe taco salads but no idea really as J has a college concert band practice at 6 about 30 minutes away.
THURSDAY: Maybe some sort of pasta?
FRIDAY: French toast? No idea…
Looking Around The House
It’s ready for a good round of decluttering. And cleaning. However, it really doesn’t look too awful, just needs attention.
On My To Do List
Trail on the grounds of Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
This post and a few trip report posts
Rest of the laundry
Pay bills (most are done but things wigged out while I was trying to renew my car tags online)
Figure out J and G’s college schedule/mostly J’s so I can figure out my work availability
Clean the house, then start a room by room declutter
The Hermitage, home of Andrew Jackson
From The Camera
I actually took more cell phone photos on our trip than “real” camera photos this week. The camera pictures are throughout the post but here are a few from the cellphone of our stop in Metropolis, IL on our way. Fun accidental find.
I work just a few hours tomorrow. It’s the first day of school at my work, way too early to start but nobody consulted me on things. Of course, it’s also way past time for the summer program to end. It ended on Thursday and somehow I ended up working a few hours of it. I try to avoid working the last days as it’s so hard to say goodbye to some of those kids. Did I go home and cry a bit? Not telling.
I thought it best to go ahead and get this post written today since tomorrow and possibly the rest of the week might be a bit busy. We’re getting ready to go out of town starting on Thursday so lots to do.
It’s 74, cloudy, and rainy today! Such a nice change. Bit stormy at times and I guess a chance of strong storms tonight but I don’t mind. We needed the rain. And the cooler weather though I wish I’d managed to plant a few more things yesterday. Supposedly, after the rain clears out, it’s not going to get above the low to mid 80’s all week until it shoots up into the 90’s on Saturday. Not sure I believe it’s going to stay that comfortable for that long.
As I Look Outside My Window
Cloudy skies and rain though I did see the end of the sunrise earlier before the clouds fully moved in on us.
Right Now
Working on this post, listening to the dryer, thinking I need to add some more clothes to the washer.
Thinking And Pondering
The kind comments from last week regarding my feelings with all the transitions. Feeling a bit better today. Also, realized I needed to give myself permission to fully relax. After working so many hours last month, I had slowed down on my days at home but still felt guilty about doing it. Also, realized something was making me just not want to be at home. If I’m at home, I’m outside or planning somewhere to go. So, yesterday, I gave myself permission to just do the “lazy” things I wanted to do. And it helped my mood and attitude so much. Now, I feel ready to tackle making home somewhere a bit more welcoming to myself (and to others).
How I Am Feeling This Morning
Just a little tired, can’t figure out how to reset the furry four footed alarm clock to a more reasonable hour.
On The Breakfast Plate
Stale croissant, spoonful of Nutella, and a couple pieces of bacon
On The Lunch Plate
No idea. *UPDATE: my husband ordered pizza*
On The Dinner Plate
Husband is making pulled pork (in the rain!)
What I’m Wearing Today
Kansas City Chiefs tee shirt (Football is back! Hooray!), black shorts, leopard print slip on shoes
On My Reading Pile
I read This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar in about 2 days this weekend. Wasn’t sure about it at first, it’s a heavy dose of sci-fi but ended up loving it. And I’ve started a new historical fiction one called The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont that has lots of promise, about the 11 day disappearance of Agatha Christie.
On My TV
In just a bit, Kansas City Chiefs preseason football game! *update: they lost, SIGH, but it’s just preseason and they did lose on the very last play so at least it was a game.* Yesterday, I watched the best movie I’d seen in a long while. Air on Amazon Prime is definitely worth your time. Also caught up a bit on Fear The Walking Dead at some point last week. Not sure what else I’ll watch this week.
On The Menu
Zucchini bars though they were more cake like than I prefer
This is going to be an interesting week because my husband and I leave Thursday for our anniversary trip so the boys will be on their own for the second half of the week.
MONDAY: Pepper steak/chicken and rice *I work 8-11*
TUESDAY: Grilled chicken legs, corn on the cob, salad
WEDNESDAY: ham steaks, potatoes, fried apples, maybe cornbread
THURSDAY: G and J’s choice
FRIDAY: G and J’s choice
Looking Around The House
I’m hoping to have it somewhat clean before we leave.
On My To Do List
Work
Grocery Store
Finish Laundry
Pay bills so we don’t have to come back to the task
Few outdoor chores if it’s not too soggy, we’ve had LOTS of rain today but it’s been nice
From The Camera
First a few from last Friday, J and I went to Worlds of Fun, a local amusement park so I could ride the Zambezi Zinger, a discontinued roller coaster that they’d rebuilt and reimagined. It was not the same, no pictures. And then, he got me to go on one called The Mamba. Terrifying for someone scared of heights but fun. When I can see the downtown skyline from the top, um, no thanks but it was too late. Still, fun. Just scary. Also, I pretty much lived at this amusement park in my early teenage years and then, worked there in my later teenage years so it was fun to share the nostalgia of it all with my youngest son. Happened to be the parks 50th anniversary this year so they had a fun display of things. Oh, how many times I did ride the roller coaster pictured below:
Amusement park photos were phone pics. Here are a few camera pics.
On My Prayer List
Friends, family, strangers. The people of Maui impacted by the fire. Safe travels for myself and my husband and the boys (ok, so they are young adults) to be okay while we’re gone. Peace and kindness in the world.
Quote For The Week
There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind. (C.S. Lewis)
Probably should have posted this yesterday. Tuesday I found myself by one of my favorite parks. Wrong shoes. Wrong time of day. No camera besides the phone. However, I went for a very quick walk anyway. Pretty short walk because I also had no water and it was a bit hot.
Thought I’d share the few phone photos I took before I leave for work.
A true happy homemaker Monday post today as I’m actually at home! My long-term subbing is over for now. Typically, August and September are slower months as well. Time to get things back in order around here for a bit. While I’m missing my sweet preschool students quite a bit this morning, I am excited to have time for blogging again.
Joining in as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for this wonderful link up and community of bloggers.
The Weather
It looks and feels oddly fall-like out there this morning. It’s overcast and 71 degrees. We’re not supposed to get any rain today so I did go ahead and water everything. Chances of rain tomorrow and Wednesday but the temperature isn’t supposed to hit 90 degrees until Friday. A nice break from all the super hot weather we’ve had.
As I Look Outside My Window
Okay, so not technically outside my window and from yesterday but I can’t wait to share this. Look what was hiding under those leaves in the front porch flower garden yesterday: A Luna Moth! Isn’t it beautiful?
Right Now
Working on this post, trying to adapt to a bit of a slower pace today while thinking of the million and one things I need to do this week.
Thinking And Pondering
Yesterday was a bit rough. I was dealing with quite a bit of resentment at needing to be home right now. Not that I hate being at home but my plan had always been to work at the preschool full-time when J graduated but it’s not the right time. Sometimes it just feels like as the mom, I make way more concessions to my plans/life/wants/needs than my husband. Seems like he gets to do whatever he wants and when he wants to do it, not entirely true but it feels that way a lot. Just me? Probably normal but like I said I was struggling with it yesterday and my mood toward my poor husband really reflected it. Just needing to work on accepting and embracing this new stage of things.
How I Am Feeling Today
Not awful though I was up a bit last night with some tummy troubles (probably a combination of the thoughts above and dinner not setting well as I ate kind of late)
On The Breakfast Plate
I had a Cafe Mocha from Starbucks and a grocery store croissant, a smaller one…much better than their larger ones.
On The Lunch Plate
I’m not sure but maybe a Blueberry Dutch baby pancake as we seem to have surplus of blueberries and the neighbor gave us lots of fresh eggs!
On The Dinner Plate
Lazy day, I’m just going to reheat some already cooked brisket that’s in the freezer, maybe cook some potatoes to go with it.
What I’m Wearing Today
navy blue shirt with butterfly design plus capri pants that match the color of the butterfly design in kind of a brighter blue color plus socks and tennis shoes.
On My Reading Pile
Lots of overdue library books! Still working through the book on Intuitive Eating, haven’t really started anything new. Need to sort/recycle the magazine pile. Probably going to do that later today.
On My TV This Week
I’m so excited that Only Murders in the Building season 3 premieres tomorrow! I’ll be watching that one. Mostly, I’ve been watching House Hunters International. It’s fascinating to me, love seeing the homes in the different countries and how much some of them differ from our homes here in the U.S.
On My Menu
generous gifts from our neighbors
Keeping things pretty basic and simple. Our anniversary trip is later next week so I want to make things this week that I can stash the leftovers in the freezer as I know J especially won’t want to eat out every day while were gone.
MONDAY: brisket, potatoes of some sort *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*
TUESDAY: tacos with peppers *Election day/Vote!* *MNO with friends*
WEDNESDAY: pork chops on the grill, corn on the cob, salad?
THURSDAY: spaghetti and meatballs, salad
FRIDAY: roast in the crock pot
Would also like to try and do a bit of baking this week to take advantage of the nicer weather, probably banana bread, zucchini bread, maybe just make some cookie dough for the freezer.
Looking Around The House
Oh boy. If you’ve seen the Barbie movie, you’ll know what I mean when I say it’s time time move it a bit away from a mojo dojo casa house and back toward a dream house. Somewhere in the middle would be nice. Basically, it’s a mess!
On My To Do List
All the stuff I’ve been ignoring/unable to do for the past month!
Research the ballot for tomorrow’s special election (it’s just a school bond thing)
Take J to the bank to set up a checking account
Get J enrolled in the community college (He can do this himself, I’m just the encouragement/ride)
Prepare for our trip next week
So much yard work! Freshen up the flowers (read: clear away the pots holding dead flowers), garden (I did weed a bit yesterday, time to plant for fall…a bit late but we’ll see)
Clean the house!
Schedule J’s 2nd driving lesson, take him to take his driver’s test
Go on a hike with the camera
Take some donations to the thrift store
Dry some herbs/freeze some veggies from the garden
From The Camera
Orange marigolds make me happy so I’m adding a few to the flower garden and vegetable garden.
Technically, this one is a phone photo but I’m refreshing the flower garden areas a bit and loved the way the lantana looked with the brown-eyed Susan flowers. Plus the photo bomb by our little gray cat.
On My Prayer List
Friends, family, strangers. My preschool students who are moving on to their new schools after the summer program ends this week. The teachers for a successful school year. My father-in-law as he recovers from back surgery. J to have a good start to his college years and G to have a good finish as he starts his last semester. Peace, good health, and kindness to those in need (isn’t that all of us?)
Quote For The Week
The will of God will not take us where the grace of God cannot sustain us. (Billy Graham)
My last week of a full-time schedule started today. Am I counting down a bit now? Maybe. I’ve enjoyed it but I’m ready to go back to being a part-time substitute for a bit.
As always, I’m joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom where her Happy Homemaker Monday posts help plan my weeks.
The Weather
It’s been so hot but last night it stormed a bit and then, again a bit this morning. Right now, it feels fantastic outside. It’s 81 degrees and partly cloudy (I see lots more clouds than blue sky). There’s a chance for more rain tomorrow and Wednesday plus the heat is supposed to return. Not sure if we’ll get more heat advisory weather.
As I Look Outside My Window
Not exactly outside my window or current but on Saturday, we had two Belted Kingfisher birds in the yard! New sighting for around here. Not sure why they were so far from water (there is a pond at the end of the street though I’ve never seen any around there).
Right Now
I’m working on this post and enjoying a rare Monday where we don’t have to run to J’s lesson. He competed in a music competition on Saturday and rated so well that we had to return on Sunday for him to play an encore with an audience and get his award. The small band he plays in also competed and did very well.
Thinking And Pondering
At least getting up at the crack of dawn gets rewarded with viewing some nice sunrises
At the moment, I’m wondering how I’m going to get to work a half-hour earlier for the rest of the week. Schedule changes from being there at 8AM to getting there at 7:30AM. I can do it but it’s going to be painful after being so used to my current schedule.
How I Am Feeling Today
A little tired, rainy days are nice when I’m at home to enjoy them. At school, however, they mean stuck inside with changes to the routine. And mud when we did go outside. It was just a rather long day. It was nice to come home and see my husband had already started dinner. That made me happy.
On The Breakfast Plate
I had a croissant with some cherry jam and one slice of bacon (leftover from yesterday).
On The Lunch Plate
It was hot dog day at school so that’s what I had along with chips and apple slices. Plus some grapes and a granola bar on my work break.
On The Dinner Plate
Korean meatballs and rice
What I Am Wearing Today
I’ve changed into jean shorts but I wore a short-sleeved purple shirt and light striped linen pants to work. Plus socks and tennis shoes.
On My Reading Pile
Over the weekend, I had a quick read of my Prime first reads choice from July (barely squeezed it in!). I picked To Die For by Lisa Gray. A fun murder mystery with some surprising twists at the end. And I’m still working through Intuitive Eating and Soulful Simplicity (not sure how I got so sidetracked from it!).
On My TV This Week
I mostly have a log of shows I want to watch next week when I’m not so busy. My Doctor Who episodes, season 2 of Dark Winds,The Mario Movie, season 3 of Only Murders in the Building. For now, I’ve been watching House Hunters International because I enjoy seeing the different styles of houses from around the world. And the mystery of disconnect between the people who have no jobs and their home buying/renting budget.
On The Menu
While I’m a summer person, this heat wave has me ready for some fall menus. And our grill broke on Saturday! Thankfully, it was nothing serious and my husband has already repaired it. However, I planned the menu this week without relying on it.
MONDAY: Korean meatballs and rice *I worked 8-4:30*
TUESDAY: Ham steaks, sweet potatoes *I work 7:30-3:45* *J has a recital at 7*
WEDNESDAY: Copycat Chik-Fil-A and waffle fries*I work 7:30-3:45*
THURSDAY: Fish sticks and ??? *I work 7:30-3:45*
FRIDAY: French Toast with fresh fruit *I work 7:30-3:45*
Looking Around The House
Probably don’t want to do that today. I didn’t get very far with my cleaning motivation this weekend. Look, a squirrel!
On My To Do List
I don’t even know…
Get some fall garden plants in the ground
Measure the flower pots of plants that need repotted/to come inside in cooler weather
Laundry is mostly done
This post/blog visiting
???? I’m sure there’s something…oh, clean up the living room.
From The Camera
Photos are a mix of phone and “real” camera pictures.
The sunflowers blooming at my work. Why can’t I grow sunflowers like this at home?
Is it even the end of July/start of August if the “naked ladies” aren’t dancing? Also known as surprise lilies. In our backyard.
On My Prayer List
My father-in-law as he’s having back surgery on Wednesday, the homeless and others who are dealing with this extreme weather from super hot to rain can’t be much fun, friends, family, and strangers.
Quote For The Week
Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud. (Maya Angelou)
Also, I pretty much lived at this amusement park in my early teenage years and then, worked there in my later teenage years so it was fun to share the nostalgia of it all with my youngest son. Happened to be the parks 50th anniversary this year so they had a fun display of things. Oh, how many times I did ride the roller coaster pictured below: 
