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Happy Homemaker Monday, Presidents Day

HappyHomemakerMonday 10 Comments

Hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine’s Day weekend (if you celebrated). Mine was okay. Honestly, I’m glad my Galentine’s Day was so much fun because this weekend was just kind of blah. Nothing terribly wrong but I was just in a funk for most of it.

Quick weekend synopsis:

Friday at work was a hard day leaving me so fed up at the end of the day. Thankfully, I ended my day in my favorite classroom which probably saved my sanity.  We did nothing at home Friday evening although my husband did fix the waffles and bacon for dinner. I’d left him a Valentine’s Day card earlier in the day.

Saturday, he brought me flowers and eggs from Sam’s Club. Can you guess which one cost more? If you said the flowers, you’re wrong!

Sunday, my mood didn’t really improve despite it being a sunny but very cold day. Ran lots of errands to try to be out in the (cold) sunshine but my mood stayed pretty grumbly until last night.

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Moving on to today, the lovely little gray cat woke me at 4:00AM for who knows why. She didn’t leave me alone until I was out of bed either. SIGH. Let’s just get to our Happy Homemaker Monday categories and link up with the host of this lovely community, Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Mood partially explained! Dusting of 1-2 inches of snow today with a high of 20 degrees, currently 11 degrees with a windchill of 0. Still snowing right now though supposed to stop. Winter storm warning from Tuesday at 12:00 AM until Wednesday at 3:00 AM. Also, cold weather advisory from tonight at 9:00 PM (apparently 20 degrees isn’t cold) until Wednesday at 6:00 PM. Oh, and let’s not forget this one: Extreme Cold Watch (I’ve honestly never even heard of this one!) from Wednesday at 6:00 PM until Thursday at noon. And it’s supposed to be 50 degrees by Sunday, of course. Welcome to the Midwest Weather Roller Coaster.

As I Look Outside My Window

Think we covered that in the weather. However, I did want to share this photo of my Flicker woodpecker from last week. He (or she?) is still visiting my suet feeders and I was excited to see some of the yellow tail feathers showing from this angle.

Right Now I Am

Working on this post in a slightly chilly basement (it’s usually warm).

Something Fun To Share

 

I made grocery store Valentine’s cookies on Saturday that I filled with marshmallow creme buttercream for part of our Valentine’s Day weekend. G said they looked like “Walmart brand macarons” which he said was not an insult when I asked if I should be insulted or complimented. LOL.

Thinking And Pondering

Work. I said on Friday that I was going to find another sub to cover me for a certain classroom on Thursday but I’m torn. I feel like I’m giving up if I don’t go ahead and work my day but I can’t have another experience like rest time on Friday. The teachers in said class will understand either way, I know. They’ve been nothing but supportive.

And I do love the kids, some of them just…honestly, need a different environment than that classroom. They’d probably thrive with a smaller class and more structure.

On My Bedside Table

Same stuff, lamp, phone charger, book

On My TV

Still working through Brooklyn Nine-Nine though I did watch the SNL music special on Saturday night and enjoyed it. Missed the big program last night, might stream it later today just to see.

On My Reading Pile

If you want a completely creepy and engaging read, I suggest Someone in the Attic by Andrea Mara. Couldn’t put it down.

Listening To

Forgot to cancel my Amazon music trial, must do that this week, so had on some classical music while I read on Saturday afternoon.

On The Menu For This Week

Well, I had it all planned out in my head while grocery shopping but I’m struggling to remember…

MONDAY: hotdogs, French fries, cantaloupe

TUESDAY: Maybe minestrone, rolls

WEDNESDAY: Pork chops, sweet potatoes

THURSDAY: Mexican casserole (corn tortillas, taco meat, ect)

FRIDAY: No idea

*All subject to change

On My To Do List

Need to pay a few bills, laundry, water plants! (forgot this yesterday), not really anything pressing (unless I’m forgetting something, highly possible)

Happening This Week

Snow. SIGH. Depending on the storm timing, Bunco on Tuesday night but I’m thinking it’s going to be a no-go. Maybe work on Thursday from 7:45-2, see thinking and pondering section, suppose that also depends on if I can find a sub for myself as that might not happen anyway.

What I Am Creating

Nada

My Simple Pleasure

Fresh flowers. Warmer weather and sunshine.

Lesson Learned The Past Week

When things are bothering me at home, I need to speak up a bit sooner and not let them simmer so long. Also, never agree to come into work in the middle of a holiday party. I will never do that one again, shouldn’t even have been asked to do that. Beginning or end is fine but not the middle, so disorienting and confusing.

Looking Around The House

Another part of my weekend mood, might have uttered words to effect that I’m not the hired help. I think the walls are closing in, actually it needs the usual cleaning bits and a whole lot of declutter work.

From The Camera

Combo of phone/”real” camera pics in this post but this one’s from the phone. Doesn’t she look all cuddly, cute, and innocent and not like a furry, demanding 4:00 AM alarm clock?

Prayer List

Family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, all the kids in our school. Anyone struggling with this crazy cold winter.

Quote For The Week

 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 19:18 ESV)

 

Galentine’s Day Fun

Five on Friday Week in Review 8 Comments

Happy Valentine’s Day! We don’t do much for it around here. Today, it’s just a normal workday for most of us though the preschool kids have their “party,” a pretty understated affair at the school. A special treat and then an exchange of Valentine’s day cards using brown paper bags the kids decorate themselves mostly with stickers.

Here at home, I planned on a simple dinner of waffles (they vetoed the idea of chocolate waffles!) and bacon. However, my husband was mentioning something about pizza last night so who knows. I did pick up some slice and bake cookies on sale so probably going to make those into cookie sandwiches (Why do we have so much marshmallow creme in the pantry??)  along with some chocolate covered pretzels I promised J. Maybe we’ll all watch a movie or have a game night, clearly our Valentine’s Day is not planned out very well.

What is usually somewhat planned out is the annual Galentine’s Day adventure with my close friends! So I thought I’d share about that for this week’s Five on Friday hosted by My Creative Life.

ONE: Friendship Gift

While the gift of having a group of amazing friends for almost 25 years is certainly enough, we usually exchange small token gifts of friendship at our annual Galentine’s Day dinner. Here’s a glance at what I gave:

What’s in the bag?

Chocolates (Of course!) and some photos, one of which I framed. Then, I wrapped the framed photo in some Valentine’s Day tissue paper before putting them in the cloth bags.

TWO: Outfit

I like to dress in something somewhat Valentine’s day related if only through the colors. I picked my red sweater (Chiefs fans tend to own lots of red, LOL!) and some black velvet pants.

THREE: Location

Since we’ve started celebrating Galentine’s Day, we’ve met at The Cheesecake Factory on the Country Club Plaza. It’s expensive, yes, but typically we only go once a year. J gave me a gift card for Christmas so that was nice. And it’s always been very good. I typically get the spicy vodka pasta, a cosmopolitan, and a slice of classic cheesecake with strawberry topping.

An added treat this year, they decided to leave the Plaza lights on until Valentine’s Day so we also got to see those.

(Dear Cheesecake Factory, you need to clean your windows!)

Thankfully as well, the weather held off until late Tuesday night/early Wednesday morning as a winter storm moved into our area.

FOUR: My Amazing Gifts

A funny thing happened this year as 3 of us had the exact same idea to do photo related gifts, framed photos and a picture coffee mug!

 

The other friends went a self-care route, we know each other well after almost 25 years! And some of us are very talented on top of that, look at the beautiful cardinal print my friend made for me.

FIVE: Thankful for Friendship

I’m thankful for all the friendships in my life whether they are new or life-long, work, in person or blogging friendships made over the Internet. I hope all of you reading this have many great friendships of all kinds as well!

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Happy Valentine’s Day, Friends!

 

 

 

Another Snow Day Plus Hot Chocolate Review

Winter Wednesday 2 Comments

Kind of a clunky title up there but that’s exactly what this post is about today.

Really thought I was going to have to work (we don’t get snow days quite as often as the public schools) so super excited when that message showed up on my phone.

Got my snow day list ready instead of trying to figure out what to wear:

  • Pajamas. Check!
  • Latest Paula Hawkins book loaded on my phone. Check!
  • Hot chocolate. Check!
  • Not needing to worry about driving in the snow. Triple check! (For the record, I can do it but it’s nice not to have to do it)

Hot Chocolate Time

I’m happy to report I enjoyed this Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate. And it was easy enough to make, could be an occasional repeat around here. Seemed like a good choice for Valentine’s Day week.

Mostly, I followed the recipe exactly with a few exceptions: I cut it in half so just made one cup. Didn’t want to dirty a pan for one cup of hot chocolate so I warmed my milk in the microwave and then just mixed in the hot chocolate mix. Also, I only had regular hot chocolate mix with marshmallows (though I do only buy Swiss Miss brand so that part was the same). I find the little marshmallows just melt into the hot chocolate anyway so doubt it impacted the flavor.

Clearly, I also didn’t take the time to make a chocolate covered cherry opting instead to just add some cherries on top of the whipped cream (Reddi-wip over here) and garnished with a bit of regular cocoa powder.

Final thoughts: This had good flavor and would probably be truly amazing with the extra chocolate in the garnish. I think a shot of amaretto might really enhance this hot chocolate if you were so inclined (though maybe not at 8:a.m.). Might consider simply adding in a teaspoon of almond extract as well if I make it again.

It’s got enough cherry flavor that if you for some reason do not like cherries, you will not like this. I liked it as I like cherry flavor. The only flavor I really despise is grape so I won’t be trying any grape hot chocolate not that I’ve see a recipe for that anywhere.

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Are you a fan of cherry flavor? Are there any flavors you intensely dislike? What flavor do you think would be a good addition to a hot chocolate?

What about snow days? Do you get those? And if so, how do you spend them?

Hope if you are in the path of this latest snowstorm, you stay safe and warm!

 

 

Happy Homemaker Monday, Blue Monday

HappyHomemakerMonday 8 Comments

Or rather a green Monday. Congratulations to the Philadelphia Eagles fans! Your team outplayed the Chiefs big time.

Still love my Chiefs though. Can’t knock a team too much that’s made it to the Super Bowl 3 years in a row. Who knows maybe it’ll be a re-match (hopefully, with a different outcome!) next year.

Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for Happy Homemaker Monday. She’s changed up the categories so I’m trying to play along a bit.

*Headings in Green in honor of the Eagles* Just for today.

The Weather

Sunday’s sunrise

A bit gloomy. Cold. Supposed to snow tomorrow night into Wednesday–winter’s back! Along with a winter storm warning, just snow. And again on Saturday though that might be rain or snow.

As I Look Outside My Window

Clouds, a few random birds at the bird feeders. In the front, a truck doing some sort of serious looking plumbing work at the house on the corner.

Right Now I Am

Working on this post, trying to decide where to start on cleaning the house, status: post-birthday and Super bowl nightmare level & we didn’t even host anything here.

Thinking And Pondering

Trying to not feel guilty for saying no to work today. If I’d been called early, I’d have probably went but I got the text while in the grocery store. By the time I got there, it’d been a 2 hour day of lunch and naptime. Need to focus on my own family today (housecleaning, groceries, errands, etc)

On My Bedside Table

Just a lamp, phone charger, and the book G gave me at Christmas (my e-books from a long library waiting list keep popping up so I keep putting it down). Sometimes the cat if she’s decided I’ve slept too long and decides to sit there meowing until her lazy employee gets out of bed, I mean really the nerve of her employee to sleep past 5:30 in the morning!

On My TV

We watched last season’s Super Bowl yesterday afternoon. It was much better than the one last night 😉 Other than that, random westerns (My husband tends to turn that channel on and leave, then here I am all interested in movies like Red Headed Stranger with Willie Nelson from 1986.). Also, still watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine

On My Reading Pile

One of my long-wait list books, Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley. Eleven people waiting on me, kind of wish the library wouldn’t show me that. A little slow to start but really intriguing. I also have Paula Hawkins latest novel to read waiting as well.

Listening To

A bit of sports talk radio last night/this morning before I turned on the regular Pop music station.

On The Menu For This Week

MONDAY: Sad Superbowl Leftovers (smorgasbord of leftover Chinese (G & J), salad, maybe shrimp cocktail, strawberries, cookies, and I don’t know what else)

TUESDAY: Chicken and Noodles/mashed potatoes *I hopefully have plans OUT for Galentine’s Day*

WEDNESDAY: Roast in the Crock Pot *I work(?) 8-4*

THURSDAY: Korean Meatballs, rice *I work 11-2*

FRIDAY: Waffles, Bacon *Valentine’s Day* *I work 10:30-4*

On My To Do List

grocery store, clean the house (cat box, blah!), laundry, check in with work over Wednesday, order prints for part of a Galentine’s Day gift, call brother to see if family still coming in for other brother’s birthday, probably other stuff I can’t remember. Adding in have J look at the computer and see why it’s going so slow again.

Happening This Week

  • I work Wednesday (maybe, teacher wanted off for the Chiefs parade, yes, that’s how spoiled our Chiefs had us), Thursday, and Friday
  • Galentine’s Day dinner out with friends on Tuesday night (hoping it’s not cancelled due to weather)
  • Might have family in town for brother’s birthday on Thursday, need to check on it
  • Valentine’s Day on Friday, no plans at the moment

What I Am Creating

I have a few artichoke seedlings!

My Simple Pleasure

Spending time with friends

Lesson Learned The Past Week

Trust that I raised my kids to do the right thing.

Looking Around The House

I need to quit looking and start cleaning, it’s bad!

From The Camera

Didn’t pick up the camera this week but here’s a phone pic of the cat giving G a very mean look because he was out of town over the weekend. She was mad at him but has since forgiven her favorite person.

Prayer List

Friend who recently lost her father, everyone to stay healthy (so much ickiness floating around), friends, family, strangers

Quote For The Week

 

Better to light a candle than curse the darkness. (William A. Watkinson)

 

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Ice, Ice, Baby

Winter Wednesday 4 Comments

It’s an ice day around here (well, for me). Husband went to work and G had a late start. It’s not a pretty ice storm either. It’s the kind where the roads/sidewalks look fine but then you step outside and it’s slick! Lots of wrecks and highway shutdowns this morning.

Oddly, Monday was so warm that I went to the grocery store with no coat and we grilled pork chops for dinner. Yesterday, the temperature took a dive and by the late afternoon, the bitter wind arrived.

Anyway, here’s the hot chocolate report for this week.

Iced Hot Chocolate

A few weeks back I tried a vanilla hot chocolate packet which I did not like at all. And to my dismay, I’d accidentally purchased 2 of them! I noticed on the back of the packet directions for making iced-hot chocolate. Interesting. Since it was so warm on Monday, I gave it a try. Definitely better this way. Probably not going to be a go-to for me but way better than the hot version. However, I’m going to stick with iced-coffee (or blended–a better value at the fancy coffee shops) and iced-tea when the weather is warm.

Hazelnut Hot Chocolate

I think I’ve perhaps learned my lesson with these particular packets of hot chocolate:

The Hazelnut chocolate cocoa mix is missing hazelnuts from the ingredients! Geez. Since I had time this morning I opted to go in search of an actual hazelnut hot chocolate recipe instead. Maybe I’ll try the iced version of the packet another time.

I found a recipe for Nutella hot chocolate here.

And since we always have some of this in our pantry:

Yes, it’s off brand Nutella, don’t judge.

I decided to give it a try.

Cut the recipe in half as I was the only one interested in it. Final product:

Looked pretty. Apparently, I’ve become a pretty big hot chocolate critic. This was only okay to me. Not something I’m going to make again. And I do love Nutella! Maybe it needed more, it reminded me more of a hot Nesquik than hot chocolate. I guess is it even technically a hot chocolate?

Going to stick with having my Nutella the proper way, just having it straight off a spoon. Or heated over a bit of ice cream. (G likes peanut butter and Nutella sandwiches but I’ve never tried those).

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I’ll end this post properly with this fun throwback (we actually heard it on the radio this weekend!):

And a couple questions: Have you ever had an iced-hot chocolate? Do you think Nutella hot chocolate counts a genuine hot chocolate?

*Full Disclosure: I had to pay a cat tax collector in a bit of whipped cream while trying to judge my Nutella hot chocolate. She refused to be photographed.

Happy Homemaker Monday, February

HappyHomemakerMonday 14 Comments

A new month! January wasn’t bad for us (though I know it was rough for many) but I’m still happy to welcome a new month.

Time to join in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for another Happy Homemaker Monday.

The Weather

Ready to be jealous? It was 60 degrees here yesterday! Yep, Six OH beautiful degrees Fahrenheit. And partly sunny. It’s nice again today, ran to the store this morning without needing a coat. (J wore shorts to his band practice last night). Tomorrow, I think we turn back to normal, and then a good chance of a rain/snow mix for Wednesday. Nothing too scary though. And for anyone who might need it, I even saw a bit of green on my walk yesterday!

As I Look Outside My Window

Blue skies, a few (not many) birds at the feeders, and hardly any snow left, just the base of a neighbor’s snowman that likely won’t last the afternoon.

Right Now I Am

Just back from the grocery store and finished up with lunch.

Thinking And Pondering

Downy woodpecker

If I can squeeze in a walk today, lots on the *have to* list but it’s so pretty outside! (At least, I got to go yesterday)

On My Bedside Table

Lamp, phone charger, a book (need to move it though as I prefer the table to be empty)

On My TV

Brooklyn Nine-Nine and of course on Sunday,….The Super Bowl. GO CHIEFS! Come On, 3-Peat!

Listening To

Washing machine at the moment.

On The Menu 

MONDAY: Grilled pork chops, potatoes (maybe), corn on the cob, rolls, salad

TUESDAY: White Chicken Chili

WEDNESDAY: Spaghetti

THURSDAY: Taco soup

FRIDAY: Homemade pizza *I work 8-4:30*

Decided to keep things pretty simple and basic this week since the weekend’s going to be exciting.

On My To Do List

Grocery store (DONE), laundry, need to do some other shopping errands (husband’s birthday is Saturday), send a few cards, cleaning chores

Happening This Week

My happenings are usually subject to change based on whether or not I get called into work.

Tuesday: We’re attending a funeral for a friend who lost their father

Thursday: G is going out of town

Friday: I work all day

Saturday: Husband’s birthday

Sunday: Superbowl Party to attend. GO CHIEFS!

What I Am Creating

Um, I started some artichoke seeds. (I’m attempting more to grow them for the flowers)

Simple Pleasure

Reading before bed

From The Camera

(All photos in post from the “real” camera!)

What’s that blue?

It’s an Eastern Bluebird! (And I’m out of practice with the “real” camera)

Quote For The Week

We don’t have to agree on anything to be kind to one another. (unknown)

 

Local Fun, Flavor, and Random Bits

Five on Friday Week in Review 10 Comments

We’ve made it to Friday! It’s a rainy dreary day here and I’m still a bit shocked to find myself with an unscheduled day. No complaints about it though. G’s under the weather and working from home so I’ve enjoyed a few “water cooler” chats with him and J. Ha, they probably wouldn’t even know what I meant by that. Going to have to ask in a bit.

Time for another Five on Friday. Don’t forget to go check it out over at My Creative Life!

After a few days of working (actually, I think I worked Tuesday, Wednesday, and yesterday), I really only have my Monday photos of the Fan Zone at Union Station to share so sorry (not really) to all the non-Chiefs fans out there. Don’t run away though, Union Station in Kansas City is a beautiful historical building (you can probably see it beyond the Chiefs pictures).

Here’s the backside of Union Station as viewed from the parking garage (they usually only show the front with the lights and flags on TV):

ONE: Fan Zone at Union Station

I mentioned in my Happy Homemaker Monday post how I talked my husband into going to the Fan Zone at Union Station with me. This is just inside the station entry where they put Chiefs signs and such for fan photo ops. It’s fun and free (not counting parking fees).

TWO: Photos My Husband Took

My husband took better photos really than I did of the Fan Zone. Also, you can see on the left edge there, the shirts hanging, a store inside the station where you bet I bought an AFC West Championship tee-shirt. And yes, that’s me on the right there. And sitting in the chair in the next photo. 

THREE: Union Station Architecture

Here’s some for the non-sports fans (note: some Chiefs stuff may still show in these photos)

photo credit to my husband on this one as well

 

FOUR: Local Flavor

Our city goes all out for the Chiefs right down to the ice cream flavors!

This is from a local ice cream shop but they were selling it in the grocery store. A little (Okay, a lot) expensive but they’d marked it down so I picked it up to try. Wow, it was so good.

FIVE: Random Bits from the Week

A picture of “Taylor’s boyfriend” that has nothing to do with the rest of the text under this heading.

As I said, I worked on Tuesday, Wednesday, and yesterday this week. And if you don’t believe it, let me tell you preschooler conversations are the best for making you have hope for humanity (much needed lately!), laugh, and shake your head. Sometimes all at once!

Overheard lunchtime conversation:  First kid:  They had to slice my mom open and pull me out of her tummy!  Second kid: WELL, my mom had to poop me out her *correct word that starts with V*

And then, they were on to a new topic, probably about the actual lunch or Bluey or who knows what.

My co-teacher and I looked at each other trying so hard not to give into fits of laughter!

A hopeful conversation: Little boy told me, did you know they used to not let people who looked different go to school?! That’s just not right. Cause we’re all the same on the inside.

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There’s happiness, laughter, and hope for the future out there. Hope you see a glimpse of it this weekend!

Oh, and one last thing: GO CHIEFS! COME ON 3-PEAT!

 

Hot Chocolate and Hot Weather

Winter Wednesday 4 Comments

Okay, maybe hot weather is relative. Snow melting, no coat in January weather? The first super early round of mud season is upon us weather? Hello, potholes weather (actually, that weather’s been here for a bit!). A fool’s spring definitely.

Quick post as it was a long day, I make my own schedule so why would I agree to close one day and open the next? Ugh. Not bad days but I’m tired.

Hot Chocolate of the Week:

Not a hit with me even with marshmallows added. And I typically do like Dove chocolates (though to be fair, I’m a dark chocolate fan much more than milk chocolate). I think this came from my work Christmas gift. Hoping I’ve not ruined quick hot chocolate for myself by making those homemade versions! I made this Sunday when it was cooler out.

Hot Weather (for January)

It’s beautiful and sunny outside except it’s also oh so muddy! Lots of snow from a blizzard makes lots of mud when it melts. Just a reminder that this was our weather just last week on Tuesday:

So between the two, I’ll take the warmer weather. That said I’ve seen this meme numerous places to the point I’m not sure how to credit the original author but it’s extremely accurate:

What season is it where you are?

 

Happy Homemaker Monday, Happy Day!

HappyHomemakerMonday 6 Comments

If you aren’t smiling in Kansas City today, you’re either a Bills fan or a sports hater. And let me tell you, around here, we’re smiling! So happy to see my team going for a chance to make Super Bowl history with a 3-peat!

We had sports talk radio on this morning and I think one of the hosts kind of summed things up:  You really do feel bad for Josh Allen because he seems like a nice guy and no denying he’s a great quarterback. But then, you go We’re going to the Super Bowl! AGAIN. Wheeee!

So much to do today after feeling under the weather pretty much all of last week. Still, I’m determined to post and join in with Sandra for Happy Homemaker Monday.

Let’s get to it.

The Weather

Sunrise with the moon showing on Saturday or Sunday, can’t remember which

The sun is shining, it’s warming up, 43 degrees already. Did I mention it was a happy day?! Supposed to be in the 50’s tomorrow and Wednesday, then drop back to the 40’s and probably rain on Friday. I’ll be even happier if the rain washes away the ugly snow piles from the blizzard.

Things That Make Me Happy

How ‘Bout Those Chiefs?!!!!!?? (Sorry, I’ll *try* to be less obnoxious the rest of the week but this is super exciting!)

(I actually talked my husband into going to the fan zone at Union Station this morning to get some pictures! Sharing some here, more in later posts)

On the Breakfast Plate

French toast bagel and coffee, vitamins

On the Lunch Plate

Macaroni and Cheese from the blue box (G is home sick from work and requested it). I added leftover BBQ little smokies to mine, super yummy!

On The Dinner Plate

Trying a new one off the back of the carton of chicken stock: Asian Bow Tie Pasta (trying to get the elements of chicken soup into my son who doesn’t like soup)

On The Menu

The *three* rings off our dessert cupcakes from dinner last night. (Store-bought)

MONDAY: Asian Bow Tie Pasta

TUESDAY: Kielbasa on the grill, potatoes, cucumber salad *I work 2:30-6*

WEDNESDAY: Spicy Korean Chicken, homemade spring rolls, rice (seeing if my husband will grill it tomorrow) *I work 7:00-3:30*

THURSDAY: Korean meatballs/rice *I work 3-5*

FRIDAY: Cabbage Roll Casserole

 On My Reading Pile

Too many books I need to read, good problem. Right now I’m trying to finish up Deck the Donuts by Ginger Bolton and just started Mickey7 by Edward Ashton (G gave me this book for Christmas) plus have 2 ebooks that came off my hold list at the library (not sure I remember the titles at the moment).

On My TV This Week

Football! I’m kind of glad the Washington Commanders lost as I’d have felt bad cheering against them in the Super Bowl. I have no reservations about cheering against Philadelphia (again). I don’t think this is the last we’ve seen of the Commanders (or the Bills, of course).

In non-sports viewing, I watched the second season of Night Agent (really like that show) on Netflix. A movie that shouldn’t have been so good but was: The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. And finally, I’ve been casually watching Brooklyn 99 at night, a funny, you don’t have to think very hard comedy.

On My To Do List

Mostly getting things back in order after being sick so all the usual: laundry, cleaning the house, grocery store, etc. Add in going to the bank and getting a new bankcard because my new one never arrived (DONE), double checking if I have any auto withdraws because the pin changed (I don’t think I do but sometimes I put Black Friday streaming deals on my card), car wash, double-checking work calendar, and I don’t even know what else.

New Recipe I Tried Or Want To Try

The Asian Chicken Bow Tie pasta is new. So is the cabbage roll casserole.

From The Camera

Quote for the Week

 

Where there is love, there is joy. (Mother Teresa)

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Slow Week: Five on Friday

Five on Friday Week in Review 4 Comments

It’s been a slow January week. And I’ve been fighting off some sinus-type thing for most of it. Focusing on resting mostly. Good week for it with the super cold temperatures and not much going on really (other than the Chiefs, you bet I’m wearing my lucky red even if I’m home on red Friday. Go Chiefs!)

For right now, I’m hopping on here with a Five on Friday post with images from this week.

ONE: A Fun Surprise

My sister-in-law who moved to Florida a few years ago, sent us Christmas cookies (made after Christmas, it’s okay I wondered as well)! I don’t make these cookies (don’t even try) so we were all thrilled. Only one slight issue:

How many crumbs equal a cookie?  We figured it out and they were still super delicious!

TWO: Cold Sunlight

The cold didn’t stop the sunlight from streaming in the windows. I found myself a bit captivated with the way it hit this hibiscus bloom. Why is my hibiscus blooming indoors in January? I have no idea.

It also hit upon the bromeliad plant. I picked up two of these around Christmas as bedroom decor plants.

THREE: Bird-watching

Of course, I immediately went to bird-watching upon picking up the “real” camera again. I’ll be excited to get images from outside and not through the backdoor when the weather warms up again. Here’s an interesting bird:

(Remember these images are through the glass of the backdoor)

My goal is to get a good image of this bird but it won’t cooperate!  Did you figure out what it was yet?

Believe it or not, it’s a Northern Cardinal! It’s either molting or has severe leucism or both.

And since those pictures were awful, here’s an actual in focus one of the Flicker woodpecker visiting the suet feeder:

Such amazing looking birds!

FOUR: Frugal Menus

I didn’t even have a menu prepared on Monday so here’s what we ended up eating this week:

  • Monday: Roast in the crock pot
  • Tuesday: Chicken Tingas, from freezer, plus I used some corn tortillas to make homemade chips
  • Wednesday: Beef vegetable stew using leftover roast meat and dinner rolls
  • Thursday: Fried pork chops, baked potatoes, and dinner rolls again
  • Friday: Tonight I’m either making turkey sausages and peppers or we’ll have waffles/bacon
  • Sat/Sun: Not sure yet but I know we have chili in the freezer so maybe that during the game

FIVE: Reading and Watching

Here’s what I’ve been reading and watching (besides the birds!)

Reading:

I finished up all the Jessica Dodge books that were available on Kindle Unlimited. Not high brow literature but I did enjoy the somewhat spooky stories set mainly in Wales and Scotland. They weren’t exactly a series but I’d suggest reading them in this order: The Forgotten Witch, The Book of Lost Enchantments, and then, Misplaced Magic. I did find the last one a bit spookier than the first two and not ideal for before bed reading.

Now, I’m reading Deck the Donuts by Ginger Bolton. Yes, it’s a Christmas cozy murder mystery.

Watching:

Something about being under the weather with me and I watch old action movies I’ve somehow never seen. This week’s been all about the Rush Hour movies with Jackie Chan. I only have the third left to watch.They are goofy but enjoyable. Also on my list of viewing from this week, Brooklyn 99, it’s nice and light, not much thinking required. Perfect if your before bed book is a bit too scary. And finally, I started watching season 2 of The Night Agent yesterday as I really enjoyed the first season. Of course, football this weekend. Did I already say Go Chiefs!?

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Not much going on today, just laundry and probably a bit more watching (of birds and tv). I really need to run to Target but haven’t felt like it. If I feel decent at all tomorrow or Sunday, I plan to spend some much needed time outside (it’s supposed to be in the high 30’s or maybe 40’s finally). No big plans just going to let the weekend unfold.

Do you have exciting weekend plans?

*Also, planning to link up to My Creative Life for this Five on Friday when she posts. Go check out her blog!

 

 

 

 

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