I don’t think I even took my shoes off until after 8:30 at night yesterday. Worked, took J to his class (it’s 30 minutes both ways so takes a big chunk of the afternoon), came home and went grocery shopping. And finally, stopped to watch a bit of tv/read.

Today feels more like the start of the week to me where I stop and plan it all out. Does it ever go according to the plan? Nope. Do I keep doing this anyway because I’m stubborn? Yep. Plus, I enjoy it. So, let’s get on with this Happy Homemaker Monday hosted by Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom even though it’s Tuesday.

The Weather

Really hard to get the fall feels when it was still in the 90’s over the weekend. Right now it’s 74 and partly cloudy. Might rain tonight and be cooler for the rest of the week. Maybe even cooler than normal for the weekend?

As I Look Outside My Window

Not much to see as I’m in the basement. However, when I walked outside to the front porch this morning (view I’d kind of have if privacy film didn’t cover basement window), I saw some of these flowers:

Right Now

I just returned from my walk on the paved trail at the nature center, threw in a load of laundry, and sat down to put together this post.

Thinking And Pondering

Honestly, I’m feeling so much overwhelm from things I need to do that I’m pondering doing one of those “brain dump” kind of lists using actual pen and paper.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

My knees were hurting a little when I woke up but I feel better after my walk.

On The Breakfast Plate

Apple cinnamon bagel, vitamins, and coffee.

On The Lunch Plate

Probably something using the leftover taco meat from Sunday’s dinner. Perhaps these burritos.

On The Dinner Plate

French toast, sausage or bacon

What I’m Wearing Today

Just realized I’m wearing the exact same outfit I wore last Monday. And I didn’t exactly dress up for work yesterday either opting to wear jeans and a white tee shirt with yellow flowers (changing into shorts as soon as I arrived home).

On My Reading Pile

Over the course of last week, I read a couple pretty good ones. My turn for Hello, Beautiful by Ann Napolitano finally came up at the library as did my turn for 56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard. The first one was enjoyable although a little different than my typical thriller kind of choice (not a thriller at all), not sure I get all the 5 star reviews but definitely worth reading. The second one captivated me. It used the Covid lockdown as a plot device and did it very well. Basically two people who start to date but barely no each other move in together as the lockdown begins in Dublin. Is one or the other a serial killer? Is something else going on? So twisty and good. Immediately, requested the rest of the books by Catherine Ryan Howard from the library.

On My TV

Lots of Zombies, caught up on all the Walking Dead shows during my less than productive moments. Watched the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie with G and really enjoyed it. A bit of The Voice, Doctor Who episode, and I’m casually watching The Irrational, last night’s episode wasn’t as good as the first one but I’ll give it another week or two.

On The Menu This Week

It’s hard to think fall/plan fall menus when the temp outside is still in the 90’s…

MONDAY: Husband grilled hamburgers, sweet potato fries *I worked 9-3:30*

TUESDAY: French Toast, sausage or bacon

WEDNESDAY: Minestrone in bread bowls

THURSDAY: Husband’s choice *I have an evening activity, shopping event at nearby town*

FRIDAY: Chicken enchilada in crockpot, maybe?

Looking Around The House

We might own a sofa. I’ll let you know after I get things cleaned. Really ready to put out the fall decor but need to clean first. Hopefully, it happens before Christmas decor comes out.

On My To Do List

Too much. Short list for here:

1. Laundry
2. Clean the house
3. Pay bills
4. Call friend about Thursday night
5. Pull out a few fall clothing items/put away serious summer items (sleeveless shirts, tank tops, things like that)

From The Camera

A few from the unpaved trail…

On My Prayer List

Friends, family, strangers. The former teacher from my work to continue improving and healing. A kinder, gentler world to take over.

Quote For The Week

And the sun took a step back, the leaves lulled themselves to sleep and Autumn was awakened. (Raquel Franco)

I’m a day late (nothing new there) but still ready to plan my week. 

Last week ended up a bit busier with work than I expected but so far (fingers crossed) this week is shaping up to be a bit quieter (except yesterday, I did work). I have lots of “homework” I need to do as in actually working in my home. Hoping this post inspires me to do some of it.

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

The Weather

Cool mornings and warm afternoons. Thankful the mornings aren’t cool enough to need a jacket, just cool enough to notice. We are supposed to maybe get rain one day this week and by the weekend, maybe highs in the low 90’s one day. Otherwise, it’s the 80’s. A good decade and a good weather temperature. Right now, 75 and sunny.

As I Look Outside My Window

Lots of things I need to do but the flowers are still blooming and the little hummingbird was out there. I didn’t see any at the nature center though so I’m sure my little guy is counting down as well.

Right Now

Washer is going, cat is keeping me company (I’m sorry I had to edit out her long row of 5’s but I guess she was trying to high 5 you all?). Soon, I need to go get J from his classes. He still needs to get a parking pass for the college.

Thinking and Pondering

Nothing too serious. I was glancing at Instagram earlier (I enjoy following lots of nature/garden accounts) and this reel popped up where a baby boomer lady was making a joke about their kids lunches vs the lunches millennials pack for their children. And I went down the rabbit hole of reading the comments. Never read the comments. Ugh, so many upset people over a joke about school lunches. I don’t get the whole generational conflict thing anyway. As a Gen X, I just live my life and take people as individuals without worrying too much about the generations before or after me. Hopefully, I’ve taught my Gen Z kids to do the same.

On The Breakfast Plate

Did you know today is Johnny Appleseed day? Me either. However, I did have an apple cinnamon bagel and coffee for breakfast.

On The Lunch Plate

Grilled ham and swiss sandwich

On The Dinner Plate

Tacos are on the board but I’m not sure…

What I’m Wearing Today

I looked nicer yesterday wearing my blue denim dress with tennis shoes for work. However, today, I’m wearing a striped floral tee-shirt, olive green shorts, and my tennis shoes.

On My Reading Pile

I have a stack of new library books, actual books! However, I was on a Mary Burton kick over the weekend and read The House Beyond the Dunes (really good) and Don’t Look Now (not quite as good but I still enjoyed it). Currently, I just started another e-book called The Day I Disappeared by Brandi Reeds.

On My TV

Football, The Voice (for a while), tried the new show The Irrational, really liked it. Doctor Who, Daryl Dixon, and Only Murders in the Building. Whatever else happens on while I’m folding laundry.

On The Menu

 

Pretty basic this week, still not quite cool enough to heat the house up with oven baked dinners.

MONDAY: grilled chicken legs, salad

TUESDAY: tacos…maybe

WEDNESDAY: some form of pork chops, potatoes

THURSDAY: chicken fried steak, maybe with mashed potatoes?

FRIDAY: No idea, maybe French Toast

I really need to have a look in the freezer and see what needs cleared out of it.

Looking Around The House

I have two bags full of cleaning stuff I bought at Target on Sunday evening. They are sitting right there with the rest of the mess on the sofa. I did light my apple machiatto candle (from Bath and Body Works, not Target) so hopefully, the house smells better than it looks right now.

Why don’t these creatures I see on the nature trail ever come home with me and help clean like in the Disney films? SIGH.

On My To Do List

 

1. This post
2. Clean the house!
3. Grocery store (DONE yesterday right after work)
4. Lalala laundry
5. Blog post/letter writing
6. Decorate for fall/Halloween if I ever manage to get the house clean
7. Outside stuff/start preparing plants to come inside, the weather is thankfully giving me a break with this by staying warmer for a bit.
8. Lots of little things nagging at me, stuff leftover from previous to-do lists

From The Camera

All photos in this post are again from my walks on the path at the nature center near J’s college campus. Mostly from last week but a few from today.

On My Prayer List

Former teacher from my work who was in the auto accident, she is making tiny progress but has a very long way to go to heal. Friends, family, strangers. The world to be a kinder, gentler place.

Quote For The Week

 

One last week of my favorite season though it’s feeling more like the upcoming one each early morning and late evening. Oddly, I am quite ready for fall this year. Well, in regards to the weather, baking, and the cozy nights inside and out. Am I actually ready as far as the house/wardrobe (I am not a coat person, thus my love for summer)? No.

Let’s get on with planning our week with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

I see lots of chances for much needed rain this week but I’m not holding my breath that it’ll happen. Highs in the upper 70’s to mid 80’s.

As I Look Outside My Window 

I’ve yet to see our hummingbird when I look outside the back door.  It makes me sad. Hopefully, he’s not already gone and is just mad that I didn’t get the feeder cleaned yesterday like I normally do. (The hummingbird photos in this post are from a local nature center) *UPDATE: I did see a hummingbird briefly this evening but I’m not sure he was one of “our” hummingbirds.*

Right Now

I’m trying to get a start on this post before J and I head off to the DMV. He passed his driver’s license test on Thursday afternoon but the administrative side was so slow that we didn’t get the picture/fees paid. I worked on Friday but my husband and J tried again on that day, again so slow in the afternoon. So, we’re going early (by teenage definitions) this morning almost right after they open so we can get it done. *UPDATE: We lined up 5 minutes before the office opened at 9 and two hours later at 11, had a fully licensed new driver in our house*

Thinking And Pondering

Well, I decided to be content with things regarding my job, can’t beat the flexibility and they are so  understanding and supportive about my availability. That said, I do think I’ll keep a day for myself when J’s schedule/transportation need changes again. After starting last week off a bit grumbly and dissatisfied, I find myself feeling a lot more gratitude this week. Of course, my husband also keeps reminding me/encouraging me that we need to just take a year of having no big commitments (this said when I thought it might be fun to take curling lessons though I see his point as well).

How I Am Feeling

Not too bad. Little tickle in my throat but I think that’s something in the air lately.

On The Breakfast Plate

Coffee, vitamins, and a blueberry bagel

On The Lunch Plate

We had pre-frozen orange chicken and some cream cheese wontons, neither of which was very good.

On The Dinner Plate

My husband grilled hot dogs and corn on the cob. I passed on the corn and had a fresh peach instead.

What I’m Wearing

Not winning any fashion awards today, navy blue short sleeved shirt where the back is longer than the front, grass green capri pants, and yes, I’ve had my leopard print slip on shoes on all day.

On My Reading Pile

Read one called The Nature of Secrets (Finley O’Sullivan #2) by Debra Webb, part of a murder mystery series but a fun read as it was set in Nashville. Then, I read Susie’s Santorini Summer by Daisy James for something lighter. And then, turning completely, I read The Midnight Club by Christopher Pike, mainly because it was a skip the wait library e-book that said it had a Netflix series. Wasn’t quite as scary as I expected. Series seems a bit spookier though. Finally, I grabbed The Art of Making Memories by Meik Wiking to read while waiting on J’s class to end tonight. I’ve had the book forever and somehow never actually took the time to read it? So, that’s what I’m currently reading.

On My TV

Right now, we have Monday night football going (cheering for the Steelers over here). Earlier, I watched an episode of Doctor Who as well as an episode of The Midnight Club (definitely a watch in the daytime one for me if I stay with it). At some point, I’ll probably also watch the new episode of Daryl Dixon. 

On The Menu This Week

I seem to always be lacking inspiration, especially after we’ve gone through what I refer to as our rotation…

MONDAY: hotdogs and corn on the cob on the grill

TUESDAY: pepper steak and rice *I work 1-4:30* and have Bunco

WEDNESDAY:  Maybe tacos?

THURSDAY: chicken and spinach skillet

FRIDAY: Maybe French toast? or Out?

Looking Around The House

It’s not looking any better than last week and honestly, might be a bit worse. Here look at these birds I saw instead:

On My To Do List

1. Finish the laundry
2. Grocery store *DONE*
3. Take J to DMV for his driver’s license *DONE*
4. Call our car insurance company
5. Clean the house
6. Clean the house some more
7. Mail some letters (write some, too!)
8. Bills
9. Outside chores

From The Camera

With the exception of the salad, all the photos in my post are from a local nature center where I’ve been walking each Tuesday and Thursday morning.

Prayer Request

I found out when I worked on Friday that a former teacher (very young, in her 20’s) was in a very bad auto accident and in the ICU at a local hospital.  Please join me in sending her healing vibes and prayers.

Quote For The Week

And all at once summer collapsed into fall. (Oscar Wilde)

It’s a new week and ours is off to a sleepy, rainy start but no complaints here.

J was supposed to take his driver’s test today but opted to sleep so we’ll go either tomorrow or Wednesday. Probably better not to take it in the rain anyway though I have no doubt he could’ve passed it. Gave me a chance to get my grocery shopping out of the way at my normal time.

For now, taking a minute to plan my week with Sandra’s Happy Homemaker Monday link up. Go check it out over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Um, I can’t believe it but I’m actually cold. It’s currently 67 degrees with a steady downpour of rain falling. Much needed rain. Rest of the week is supposed to be no warmer than the upper 70’s. It’s as if fall is almost here.

As I Look Outside My Window

It’s a gloomy, rainy day and I’m wondering if our little resident hummingbird is also cold.

Right Now

Working on this post instead of folding the mountain of laundry waiting for me on our bed.

Thinking And Pondering

Job/career choices have been on my mind a lot lately. Mid-life career crisis? Is that a thing? I really just need to embrace this odd season, I think. On another note, ever feel like you simply can’t get things done? I feel like I keep doing just the basic chores but can’t find the time/motivation to get to a lot of the other things on my list. And finally, I did, of course like most of Americans I imagine, spend some time thinking the September 11 from 22 years ago. I could tell you exactly where I was and what I was doing at that time.

How I’m Feeling

Really, not awful. Slept okay, just need to find that motivation and I think I’d feel so much better.

On The Breakfast Plate

Coffee, vitamins, chocolate chip muffins. Then, at the store I used the end of my Starbucks gift card to get an oatmilk apple macchiato. Did not like it much. Apple macchiato is a nice candle smell that doesn’t translate to a very tasty drink. Might’ve been the oatmilk, it just had an odd flavor to it.

On The Lunch Plate

I just had a lemon meringue pie flip yogurt as I wasn’t super hungry.

On The Dinner Plate

Planning to put some meatballs and spaghetti sauce in the crock pot before I run J to his band class that’s at a college about 30 minutes away.

What I’m Wearing Today

Washington D.C. tee-shirt, jeans, and my leopard print slip on shoes.

On My Reading Pile

Tried to get away from all the serious non-fiction by reading Paris:The Memoir by Paris Hilton, turned out to be a bit more serious than I expected. While I’m not ever going to be a huge fan, I did find myself with a bit more respect for her after reading it. She endured some pretty significant abuse at one of those teen wilderness schools that were somewhat popular in the 90’s (I can remember seeing a few Dr. Phil episodes about them being a great thing).

Thankfully, I found a fiction author I liked on the Kindle Unlimited app and have been working my way through her books. I really enjoyed The Secret of the Villa Alba and The Lost Notebook by Louise Douglas. I’ve just started in on The House by the Sea.

On My TV This Week

Do I want to talk about the football game last week? I do not. Not even sure what I’ll have time to watch this week. Probably whatever streaming service shows fit my mood. Today’s rainy weather has me in a zombie mood so I plan to check out The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon later.

On My Menu

Menu planning has become interesting because until J gets his license, we are on the road at dinner/cooking times every day due to his schedule.

MONDAY: spaghetti, meatballs, garlic toast

TUESDAY: chicken strips, oven baked potato chips

WEDNESDAY: roast in the crock pot *MNO for me!*

THURSDAY: sausage/green beans/new potatoes (maybe in crock pot?)

FRIDAY: Husband’s choice *I work 7-3:30*

Looking Around The House

Let’s not do that today.

 

On My To-Do List

Please don’t judge if I say everything from last week plus:

1. Take J to take his driver’s test
2. Post office for stamps (I also need to write some letters)
3. Laundry (in progress at least)
4. Another blog post about our Nashville trip
5. I don’t even know but I’m sure there’s something I’m forgetting

From The Camera

Aren’t surprise flowers the best? Didn’t expect this clematis (a garden center rescue) to bloom again this year! 

Dragonfly I spotted while I was out watering one day last week.

Happy bumblebee on my bargain zinnias. (Unpopular opinion: I’ve bought them plenty of times in the fall but I’m just not a huge fan of mums. Did you know zinnias will also bloom until the first frost? I was really excited to see these and may have bought a few more than I really needed).

Quote For The Week

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27)

 

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

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

1. Grocery store *Done, almost, forgot a few things*
2. Target at some point
3. Library
4. Laundry
5. Outside stuff
6. 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)

 

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

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…

1. Grocery store *DONE*
2. Library
3. Menards for bird seed
4. Yard chores, cut back petunias, replace some dead flowers in front, plant seeds (fall garden?)
5. Get husband an anniversary card
6. Blog posts about our trip
7. Go for walk at nature park near J’s college while he’s in classes tomorrow
8. Hobby Lobby to see about framing some photos
9. Big fridge clean out (I do this every Labor Day weekend and I’m way too excited)
10. 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.