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Productive Day

After yesterday’s very unproductive day, I did manage to get a few things accomplished today. Resting on and off all day yesterday and going to bed at 8PM helped. So did a mistaken coffee order.

This Morning

I started off the morning by checking on my daffodils. As much as I’d like to have a lovely vase of flowers in here, I just can’t bring myself to pick them.

(Should mention it was yet another cloudy, rainy day so the lighting for my photos was not the best.)

Despite the cold, rainy weather, it felt good to be outside getting a bit of fresh air. Discovered the little purple flowers in the yard (not planted by me, they come up all over the front yard each spring). I battled these purple flowers, scilla aka “glory of the snow,” for years before embracing them as a cheerful first sign of spring.

If it was a sunny, warm day, I’d have probably seen happy bees with them.

Anyway, besides being outside a bit, I also managed to fill the car with gas. And while I was running that errand, I ran to Tractor Supply to pick up some overpriced bird seed. Went there instead of Menards since it’s closer to home. And because I knew they’d have a good selection of seed starter trays, bought a few more of those as well.

And I was brave, for the first time ever, I went through one of those drive-through coffee shops. They kind of intimidate me so I’d never been despite having many choices around here. Ordered something called an Irish Blondie (Irish cream,vanilla, and caramel breve) and they accidentally gave me a large instead of a medium. Woohoo extra productivity!

This Afternoon

Had another day with some time home alone as J went work with my husband again. And G works every Saturday. So, I spent some time writing a much overdue letter to my penpal. And doing a little house cleaning. Of course, I never seem to get enough finished before everyone returns.

Lunch was up in the air but at the last minute, I made a “clean out the fridge” type of frittata. Used potatoes, orange and yellow peppers, onion, and cheese. Turned out pretty good. Wish I’d had fresh parsley or some other green component but alas nothing.

J and I agreed next time, we’ll add bacon and more cheese. And maybe spinach. Plus perhaps skip the potatoes. (My husband doesn’t eat eggs so had something else for lunch).

Then, my productivity kind of stopped. Had to pace myself after yesterday plus the cat found my lap again. So, I watched more baking shows. Decided I’m not a fan of the Easter Baking Championship, too much food waste. They were baking huge cakes and then the judges were only judging a tiny component.

This Evening

My husband and I spent some time looking at hotels (on-line) for our upcoming trip in August. We’re in the very early planning stages. Then he made waffles for dinner for J and himself (all day breakfast over here). G ate noodles, he made those himself. I’ve yet to eat, not really hungry. Finally, we spent some time watching his cooking show, Guy Fieri Tournament of Champions. I like it as well.

Guess I’ll end tonight’s fairly random post with a reminder that here in the US (except for a few lucky states), it’s time to spring forward an hour.

The cat’s face at another rainy day is pretty much how I feel about that. Not a fan. Can I even say it often enough that the days get naturally longer and shorter? Ugh.

Here, let me leave you with another shot of a cheerful daffodil instead of that unpleasant thought.

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Day 69/365

 

 

 

 

 

Unproductive Day

Like the show Seinfeld, this is basically a post about nothing. Feeling uninspired to post today. However, I don’t want to miss a day in the Blog 365 challenge.

I didn’t sleep well last night. At all. And so have spent most the day dozing on and off while watching season 8 of the Spring Baking Challenge on Discovery Plus.

Another cold, cloudy day outside. Didn’t even have the energy to go check on the daffodils. Here’s a picture of a holiday cactus bloom so there’s at least a picture in this post.

And now, I’m off to maybe take another nap. Hoping for better sleep tonight and more energy tomorrow.

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Day 68/365

Thursday Things

Are you excited for it to be almost the weekend? I know I’m excited over here. Not much going on this Thursday morning. It’s another cloudy sky and more rain is moving in for later. I’m listening to J practice euphonium as I type this. Such a nice sound.

Breakfast this morning was the current usual:

Coffee and oatmeal. Lower sugar maple flavor. I’ve started making my instant oatmeal with water instead of milk. One tiny change at a time, we’ll see if it helps with the shedding of the winter pounds.

Strawberry pie probably doesn’t help. I didn’t think the pie was a huge hit around here. However, it turns out I might have been wrong. My husband’s been taking it in his lunch for dessert and I did find this in the kitchen this morning:

Did I forget to take a picture of the actual pie after I made it? Possibly. I used this strawberry pie recipe from The Pioneer Woman.  I was slightly short on strawberries (like 1/4 cup) but it didn’t make a huge difference. However, if making it for company, I’d go big on the strawberries as well as adding some fresh sliced ones on top for garnish.

On Today’s Agenda

Pretty much everything from my to do list on Monday. The only thing I’ve managed this week is to wash all our bedding. And make the strawberry pie. Forgot to pick the daffodils but thankfully, the weather never turned super cold so I think they’ll be okay. Main item today is getting cat food as we’re now completely out of it.

The rest of the list waits for me. And now, there’s more to do. Go to the bank, pay bills,  and clear off the kitchen table. Also, work this afternoon and a fun mom’s night out planned for tonight.

Weekend Plans

We have no big weekend plans at the moment. Maybe another movie or G said something about playing Mario Party 2 (they’ve somehow downloaded the old Nintendo 64 games to the switch). I usually read my book while they do those things but I used to sometimes play the Mario games with them when the boys were younger.

As I bring this post to a close, J’s finished practicing and now I can hear the rain once again falling outside. Just makes me think of the how everything will soon be green and growing. Like these little tomato plants I started indoors:

These are actually from a Dollar Tree “tomato rocket” so we’ll see how they do this summer. I was excited to see them sprout.

Are you excited about any of your weekend plans?

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Day 67/365

 

 

 

Winter’s Winding Down

This is the second to last Wednesday in winter and so my second to last post for the season. It’s definitely an indoor kind of late winter day. I’m cooked a roast in the crock pot and spent some time wrapped in my snuggly blanket watching television.

The Weather

It’s a pretty chilly day. Cloudy, rained on and off all day. Haven’t see the sun. Currently 43 degrees out there with a feels like of 36. Funny how that feels cold to me today but if we’d had a day like this in January, it would’ve just about qualified as no coat weather. (For the record, we had several light jacket only days in January this year)

Thoughts As This Winter Winds Down

Even though our weather’s been mild, I do still feel as though I’m coming out of a hibernation a bit. And I’m still angry that I’m not yet “shedding” my winter coat of fat. Ha. Probably work better if I stopped making strawberry pies and such.

I do wonder if the milder weather was a factor in fewer days of feeling depressed over here. Maybe I should have tracked if we had more days of sun than usual. I tend to get down a bit in the winter months and really, didn’t feel it as much. (I’ll have to ask my husband if he noticed, he might have a different opinion about it)

Seems that my allergy/sore throat stuff morphed into a touch of bronchitis/pneumonia. Been a while but I recognize it. Had a good run. All the dust from mowing up the dead leaves over the weekend didn’t help things. It’s not awful, just annoying. Need to make friends with my black elderberry syrup again.

Also, I wonder if they realize with the upcoming time change around here, they’re springing us forward while it’s still technically winter?

Finally, like the little spring plants pushing up from the ground, I’m starting to feel a bit hopeful for the future. If you’ve followed for a while, you know the past few years have been tough at times with my youngest. (Every time I mention it, I want to add what pops into my head: stupid Covid!) However, I’m starting to think spring and summer just might bring good things for all of us.

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Day 66/365

 

 

 

 

One Of Those Days

This is just a quick post for the Blog 365. I’ll catch up with everyone tomorrow.

Today was one of those days.  A full moon kind of day, I guess.

Kids were a little crazy but we had low numbers so it wasn’t awful. Statewide tornado drill none of us knew was going to happen, fun. Animal guy presentation, teachers did know this one, and the kids were squirrelly (ha, no pun intended) even for him. Afternoon went better.

Didn’t come home to the best news (not really in the mood to elaborate, sorry to be vague).

Started raining this afternoon. Made chicken and noodles for dinner instead of the planned chicken parmigiana. We forgot to eat the strawberry pie for dessert last night so are having it tonight.

And now off to do something to recharge for hopefully, a better day tomorrow.

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Day 65/365

 

 

Happy Homemaker Monday, Marvelous March

Welcome to March! It’s been way too kind to us so far.

Almost feel as if this post should come with a trigger warning for those of you suffering from spring fever. Consider yourselves warned.

Now, let’s get on with planning this week by joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather 

Our second day in a row with sunshine and warm temperatures. Yesterday was just unbelievable, 72 degrees! Oh, I didn’t even know how much my soul needed to be out working around the yard in that sunshine.

Least you get too jealous, after today’s predicted high of 61, the temps fall. We’re back to highs in the mid to upper 40’s with rain showing on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I’ll be shocked if we get that much rain though.

As I Look Outside My Window

I see sunshine!!

Thinking And Pondering 

Yesterday’s church sermon on consumerism versus the simple life Jesus led. Probably not the best summary but the message spoke to me. Had me thinking about how often I’ve been buying things I don’t really need.

On My Bedside Table

The usual, lamp and phone charger. Of course, I’m not sure what’s in the drawer. And I also have some sweaters to put away stacked on the open shelving part.  I also keep my camera in the open shelving part.

On My TV Tonight

A rare free Monday night here. If The Voice is on tonight, I might watch it. If not, no idea.

On My Reading Pile

Finished If It Bleeds by Stephen King and haven’t started anything new yet. Probably need to check the due date on the My Hygge Home book. Might just spend some time looking at my magazines and garden catalogs this week.

Listening To

Washing machine spin cycle.

On The Lunch Plate

Possibly a grilled cheese maybe with tomato soup

On The Dinner Plate

Grilled pork chops, asparagus, baked potatoes

On The Menu This Week

Not too much going on this week.

MONDAY: Grilled Pork Chops, Asparagus, Baked Potatoes, and I think I’m making a strawberry pie

TUESDAY: Chicken Parmigiana (precooked chicken patties) , salad *I work 8:15-3:45*

WEDNESDAY: Roast in the Crock Pot

THURSDAY: Husband’s Choice *Mom’s Night Out* *I work 2:30-6*

FRIDAY: Chicken and Noodles

SATURDAY/SUNDAY IDEAS: Leftovers/Chili/Burgers/Hot Dogs/ OUT

On My To Do List 

Lots of things. We’ll see how many happen today…this is more of a for the week list.

  1. Call trash company about getting some yard waste stickers
  2. Wash all the bedding
  3. Replace the Terro in the pantry/bathroom (trying to get ahead of the spring ants)
  4. Make a potential meal list from items in the pantry and freezer (both need a good clearing)
  5. Prep fruit and veggies in fridge
  6. Pick the blooming daffodils before the freezing weather arrives
  7. Buy cat food (need to check our local Target for this)
  8. Clean the house
  9. Get more starter trays to start veggie seeds
  10. Make a strawberry pie

Plans This Week

Get all the bedding washed and changed over (both boys still have flannel sheets on their beds), Go to Mom’s Night Out, and do a little Spring Break planning (it’s next week)

What I’m Creating 

Nothing currently, just starting to think of what I want to plant in the front yard flower garden and on the front porch.

Simple Pleasure

Springtime! 

Looking Around The House 

Um, don’t you want to look around the yard instead? I can show you our blooming daffodils?

It’s even nice enough we can sit on the front porch bench though there aren’t any blooming flowers yet.

From The Camera

As you can hopefully tell, I did pick the camera up a bit more often last week.

Quote For The Week

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21) 

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Day 64/365

 

Grow

Change is inevitable. Growth is optional. (John C. Maxwell)

 

Every flower must grow through dirt. (Laurie Jean Sennott)

 

It is okay if you are growing differently than expected. (Danica Gim)

 

The things that bury you may also be the soil where you bloom.  (Our Mindful Life)

 

Quotes from Pinterest, The Health Sessions, GoodReads, and Our Mindful Life.

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Day 63/365

Morning With A Cold

Not too much to share today. Just a post here to make sure there’s something on here every day.

No, I’m not sick. If you are a cat owner, have you ever suffered from the COLD?

Although the sun is shining now, the morning started off cloudy and drizzly. Making a day with the COLD quite welcome. I’m not sure there’s a cure for the COLD. And really why would  you want one?

COLD= Cat On Lap Disease

In comparison with the other ailment with the same name, this COLD is actually quite pleasant. Sometimes even comes with soothing sound effects.

That’s it for today, not much happened due to the COLD, does tend to impact one’s productivity. Managed to get a couple loads of laundry set before it happened. And finished my book. Reading is a lovely companion when a COLD finds you. We’re off to dinner later tonight and I need to go do a few things prior to that.

Hope everyone is having a great Saturday!

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Day 62/365

Entertaining Escapes

Sometimes you just need to escape for a bit. And without a Bahama vacation on the horizon, I have to find other means. My favorite form of escape is reading. Funny to think that after reading voraciously for years, a few years ago I had just stopped. I’m so glad I picked this habit up again.

Anyway, here’s a little peek into my current and past escapes from the past few weeks.

Let’s start, obviously, with books.

Reading

I’ve been working my way through the book pictured. It’s actually a collection of short stories. The first one is Mr. Harrigan’s Phone, a Netflix movie made from it. Not sure why it was considered movie worthy as I’m finding the other stories to be far more interesting. Enough so that I’ll forgive Mr. King for apparently having no clue what states comprise the Midwest.

My other fun reads have been from Kimberly Belle. She writes pretty good suspense novels though I think so far The Personal Assistant definitely is my favorite. All her books seem to be set in Atlanta and have a pretty decent twist. By the third one I read, I expected the twist.

Moving on…

My Game

I feel as though I should preface this by saying I do play Wordle every morning.

And this game does have a puzzle element (my youngest son quickly points out it is luck but I do think there’s a bit of skill involved in the match 3 type games). It’s not as mindless as it seems. Or maybe it is and I just don’t care.

I’m not sure if I’d love this game as much if I were playing on a tablet as opposed to a small cellphone. Maybe. As I tell my family, it’s really like 3 games in one. First, there’s the match 3 levels you must win to get the coins for the makeover portion. And then, there’s the makeover portion. I recently “helped” an astrophysicist with a new look and an apartment makeover. You get to makeover both the person and their living quarters or office. And then, you also get to makeover your avatar and their dressing room.

There’s an option for other locales, I have the beach house. However, I lucked into a “sale” on that where I had enough gemstones. The other locales take more gemstones than I could get without spending real dollars. And I’m too cheap to do that.

Finally, let’s move on to the bigger screen known as TV.

Movies and TV Shows

First, I have no idea why in the beginning of March I’m on a scary book and tv show watching binge. That is so unlike me. However, these were really good.

Megan

Actually, this probably doesn’t qualify as scary. My husband turned this on last Saturday. And I threatened that I might not be able to sleep. I slept just fine. Pure entertainment.

Oh my, it was so funny! I’m not sure if it was meant to be. Had to get on my husband for cheering for the killer doll. It’s at the theaters but I’m glad we were able to stream it on Peacock. We were laughing out loud at this one.

The Watcher

This is a Netflix one based on a true story. I just wanted something short (it has just 7 episodes) and accidently found myself sucked into this story. Family moves into a super expensive house in New Jersey and starts getting super creepy letters from someone calling themselves “The Watcher.”  The whole show has a super creepy but engaging vibe to it. I was busy trying to solve the case. Let me know if you watch/have watched this one.

Regular TV Shows

Masked Singer is back so I’m happy about that one. If you do watch, is it just me or are they way over hyping Medusa’s talent?  Next Level Chef usually holds my attention but I’m struggling with it this season, not sure why.

And I did actually catch La Brea this week. Oh my, that doesn’t disappoint. I love that I can say, hey they’ve got time travel, saber tooth tigers, now all they need is a….and there it is! Ha. I might have to find a way to catch up a bit though as I was rather lost on some parts of it.

Classic Movies

After watching Megan, we did also watch Tommy Boy. Not sure why my husband added it, maybe to keep me from being scared from the first movie (I wasn’t). Tommy Boy is one of my all-time favorites though so I stayed up a bit late watching the whole thing. (My husband fell asleep)

J, my non-movie kid, walked through the living room while I was watching and said at least he’d seen that one. So, it reminded me of some other classics the kids need to see. And tonight’s plan is a family movie night with another of my favorite “stupid” comedies: Dodgeball. 

What are some of your favorite (or recent) escapes with games, books, and movies or tv shows?

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Day 61/365

Not A Very Exciting Day

Today wasn’t a very exciting day. Here, let me tell you all about it. Nothing wrong with not very exciting. At all. Just a few small things to share about today.

The amaryllis bloomed.

Also, a hawk flew through the backyard while I was filling the bird feeders.

The cat took a nap.

A daffodil bloomed.

One of my house finches visited the feeder. I hadn’t seen my house finches in quite a while with so many sparrows hanging around the feeders.

I watched too much tv wrapped in a cozy blanket (it was cold outside) but it never rained despite the sky looking like this a lot today.

Other things today for which there are no photos: A lot of work texts, I’m now working the entire month of July. Some anniversary trip planning with the husband. A few texts about our upcoming dinner out on Saturday. Another about when to have the next Mom’s Night Out. An adult version of green eggs and ham for lunch (spinach, cheese, and ham omelette). An order delivery (Christmas present for the kids).

Nothing really noteworthy just typical daily life things around here.

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Day 60/365

 

 

 

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