And I do know that it is actually Tuesday. My week has already started off going from zero to busy workwise. However, over the weekend, we had a nice relaxing time with friends in Arkansas staying at a cabin near the Buffalo National River. 

I have to leave for work very soon but wanted to get my post up real quick before I did. We’ll see if I can manage it. May be a shorter Happy Homemaker Monday today that I link up with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Rained all day yesterday and is still kind of rainy and cool this morning. Highs in the mid 60’s most the week and cooler nights in the lower 40’s. I think that’s normal for this time of year but I’m not sure.

As I Look Outside My Window

It’s gray and gloomy with wet leaves starting to cover the ground. Looks like fall has arrived.

Right Now

Have a timer set as I try to get this post finished before I need to leave for work around 9:10. (Please forgive any typos/grammar errors as my editing time is very limited this morning.)

Thinking And Pondering 

Not much, just trying to get myself ready and out the door plus do too many side jobs (run the dishwasher, start some laundry, etc.) on the way.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Couldn’t sleep last night so I’ll be paying the price today. Hoping the kids aren’t too crazy with the weather and that it stops raining long enough for us to go outside.

On The Breakfast Plate

Lemon meringue flip yogurt, coffee, vitamins

On The Lunch Plate

Not sure what is for lunch at work. Have my back up protein packed: cheese and peanut butter crackers, an apple, water, and maybe a cookie.

On The Dinner Plate

Pork chops and baked sweet potatoes

What I’m Wearing Today

Old Navy tee-shirt, kind of a muted floral design and navy pants with a ruffle flare looking thing at the bottom (I don’t describe clothes well). Tennis shoes and mismatched socks (spirit week at school)

On My Reading Pile

Just finished The End of Temperance Dare by Wendy Webb. It was a bit too scary for me. Actually had to quit reading it while we were out of town. A good one but super spooky! (Well, at least for this chicken).

On My TV

We didn’t watch tv on our trip, Chiefs game on Sunday (a good one!), probably Masked Singer on Wednesday. Not sure what else.

On My Menu

Always hard to plan after being away. Ha, always hard to plan no matter what. And my schedule is crazy this week (I’m doing a favor for a younger teacher and just covering her a few hours each day so she can do observations for her school stuff)

MONDAY: We had leftover taco soup *I worked 1-5* *J had a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUEDAY: pork chops and baked sweet potatoes *I work 9:30-4*

WEDNESDAY: Maybe white chicken chili? *I work 1:30-3*

THURSDAY: Spaghetti? *I work 1:30-3*’

FRIDAY: Homemade corndogs (sort of, I bought this biscuit can wrap stuff. We’ll see), chips, fruit *I work 1:30-3*

Looking Around The House

Surprisingly not awful. I did some cleaning yesterday morning before I was called into work.

On My To Do List

1. Grocery store *DONE*
2. Start laundry *DONE*
3. General clean up *In progress*
4. Sort through fridge/freezer/pantry *Ongoing*
5. Other things I can’t think of right now

From The Camera

I have more photos to share but it’s a process to get them edited to the right size for the blog. Hopefully, I’ll able to share some more on Wednesday.

Quote For The Week 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

It’s cold this morning! And due to get even colder later tonight. In the 20’s…what?

Somehow, today has turned into a busy Monday. However, before I jump into that, I’m taking time for the weekly Happy Homemaker Monday link up hosted by Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

Let’s just jump right into the categories.

The Weather

It was 36 degrees when I woke up to let the cat out this morning. And it’s still pretty chilly out there, just barely 40 degrees. I know I was wishing I’d grabbed a jacket when I did my grocery store run this morning. We have freeze warnings for tonight and tomorrow night with predicted lows in the mid-20’s. Barely upper 50’s by mid-week but then on Friday, a high of 80. Welcome to the Midwest. Dig out your sweaters but don’t put those summer shorts away quite yet.

As I Look Outside My Window

Well, yesterday I glanced out the bedroom windows into the backyard and saw snowbirds (dark-eyed juncos). Those aren’t supposed to be here until early November. And this morning, I looked out the backdoor and saw a white-throated sparrow. Bit concerned what these early arrivals might mean regarding our upcoming winter.

Right Now

Just taking a minute to ignore the to-do list and work on this post.

Thinking and Pondering

So much. An upcoming trip, some small joys, something that happened at my work on Friday (basically a teacher left, I’m unsure if she quit or was let go…thinking it was a choice), the holiday season, if I want to “compete in a friendly way” with the neighbors who upped their Halloween decorating game, what to do with the rest of my flower garden. Too many thoughts. Might need more (or maybe less?) coffee.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Not bad, husband was gone hunting Friday and Saturday, so I slept better last night once he was home.

On The Breakfast Plate

vitamins, crappy grocery store donut (it was good though…some kind of blueberry cheesecake thing), and vitamins.

On The Lunch Plate

Either a grilled cheese or PBJ (and Cheetos, maybe a banana, too)

On The Dinner Plate

My plan is for minestrone and homemade crusty bread with apple cake for dessert (we’ll see if the apple cake happens or not)

What I Am Wearing Today

Black tee-shirt, floral pink/purple button down shirt over it as jacket, and jeans. Plus I actually put on socks and tennis shoes today!

On My Reading Pile

Note to self: Do NOT read true crime/ghost story books when husband is out of town. I read my free Amazon Prime choices over the weekend. How weird is it that they were both set in Minnesota?  The first was called The Quarry Girls by Jess Lourey, set in Pantown, Minnesota during  70’s about a serial killer. I actually preferred the second book which was a little scarier than the true crime one of the first. The Stroke of Winter by Wendy Webb was a ghost tale set along the north shore of Lake Superior in the town of Wharton. I’ve read other works by Wendy Webb and always enjoyed them. This one had a bit of a cozy mystery feel to it though it was a bit creepy.

On My TV

The Chiefs, SIGH. The Bills played a good game but it was still a disappointing end. I had to listen to that part in the car as J had band practice, pleading the fifth on whether curse words were uttered. Didn’t get to see Masked Singer last week because of baseball, really hope it’s on this week. Finished Kim’s 
Convenience on Netflix. Not sure what else I’ll watch this week. Need to get back to The Walking Dead.

On The Menu

Just trying to use up a little of what we have on hand.

MONDAY: Minestrone, crusty bread (planning to use the remnants of a veggie tray for my minestrone) *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Roast in the crockpot *I have Bunco*

WEDNESDAY: Chicken strips, corn on the cob, maybe French Fries

THURSDAY: On their own

FRIDAY: On their own

Looking Around The House

UGH. Enough said.

On My To Do List

1. Grocery store *done*
2. Laundry
3. Clean up around the house
4. Go get birdseed somewhere (probably Mernard’s)
5. Pay bills
6. E-mail J’s school with the homeschool letter
7. Make crusty bread for tonight’s dinner
8. Do Some early Christmas shopping *maybe*
9. Dig out sweaters/hoodies for cold weather this week
10. Things I didn’t do last week

From The Camera

Quote For The Week

Last week/the weekend was a little hard with band senior night/the last band competition and J not being a part of it all. I actually ran across this verse at a time I really needed to see it. Trying to keep it in mind moving forward.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12: 1-2)

Happy Monday!  Lots of things to do today. However, a few delays. Can’t grocery shop until tomorrow (could but I want my gas discount based on how many points the Chiefs score). Delayed kitchen chores because a yellow jacket is in there angrily buzzing at the kitchen light fixture. Or rather there was. Which is scarier? Seeing it or not seeing it? I’m not sure.

UPDATE: I found it in a water glass, not sure if it was alive or not, and gave it a “gentle” toss out the back door. Sigh of relief to have my kitchen back.

Let’s just get straight to the categories provided for us by Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom, the gracious inventor and host of this weekly link up.

The Weather

It’s a beautiful fall morning out there, sunny and not too chilly. Supposed to be warm today, high of 82 predicted. Super excited to see a 50% chance of rain for tomorrow! After our rain (hopefully, we get it), the highs drop into the low 70’s. And I see a predicted low of 38 (BRR) for Thursday night. Guess I’ll be out throwing sheets over the mums again.

As I Look Outside My Window

Blue skies, sparrows mostly at my bird feeders, a few leaves starting to drift to the ground on our slight breeze today.

Right Now I Am

Doing some laundry, working on this post, considering another quick Target run for some items I forgot to pick up last night.

Thinking And Pondering

How to get back to the me I used to be before a lot of life happened. Oh, that’s nice and vague now isn’t it? Just thinking that I used to be better at being a caring and compassionate person and would like to do better than I have been doing lately.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Relieved as I think we finally have J’s schooling worked out, maybe. The plan we decided on (him and I) is that he’s going to on-line school (through a certified homeschool program because our district won’t let him use their on-line option, they have crazy strict restrictions on it) for this semester. Then, go back next semester to graduate from the high school with his friends. Have I ever mentioned the kid is only 8, yes eight, credits away from graduating?

And on an unrelated not, my back is hurting a bit but I’ll manage.

On The Breakfast Plate

Flip yogurt, coffee, vitamins.

On The Lunch Plate

Possibly out, probably just a sandwich. Sort of depends on yellow jacket status.

On The Dinner Plate

Plan is for pepper steak and rice.

What I’m Wearing Today

Um, it’s red Monday in these parts. Chiefs tee-shirt, navy blue shorts, and my slip on leopard print shows though I’ll probably change into real tennis shoes in a bit.

On My Reading Pile

Nothing at the moment but I just finished a book last night called Beartown by Fredrik Bachman. It was well written (I do enjoy his books) but the subject matter wasn’t what I expected. If you’re looking for a feel good sports story, this isn’t it. It’s a pretty grim and gritty story about a small town pinning it’s hopes on a youth hockey player and a violent assault against a young teenage girl. It’s worth reading but don’t pick it up expecting something light. I guess it’s a series so I’ll read the next one when it’s my turn at the library (both books were on hold with long lines). Need to find something a bit lighter for my next read.

On My TV 

Many thanks to Billie Jo over at Afternoon Coffee and Evening Tea for recommending Halloweentown as a fun movie to watch. I loved it! Also watching The Chiefs (of course), The Walking Dead, The Masked Singer, and Kim’s Convenience. Last night I caught the end of the Ravens and Bengals football game. Sorry to my Bengals friends but wow, what a finish to that one!

On My Menu

Felt like I cooked a lot last week. Another week of it, I suppose. Not really in the mood to put a lot of effort into meals this week.

MONDAY: pepper steak and rice *J has a lesson at 6:30* *G is due home from his trip!*

TUESDAY: Some form of tacos *I have Mom’s Night Out*

WEDNESDAY: Might just make chicken strips and have salad with it

THURSDAY: Korean BBQ meatballs again with rice, maybe I’ll get some spring rolls to have with it

FRIDAY: OUT or maybe just BLT’s and French Fries

Looking Around The House

I need to put out my Halloween decorations (clean first though)

On My To Do List 

1. Laundry *in progress*
2. Target for soap/check for a kind of granola bar husband likes that we suddenly can’t find
3. Get J enrolled in his on-line school/inform high school of change/etc.
4. Clean house
5. Grocery store (tomorrow)
6. Still need to clean out pantry (eventually this WILL happen)
7. Garden clean up chores (did tear out all but one tomato plant over the weekend)

   

8. Other things I can’t think of right now like paying a few bills that arrived in mail after I paid others

From The Camera

Still struggling to pick up the camera, not sure why. Need to get back to it, maybe just pick a time of day to go take a few photos. All the photos in this post I took this morning. 

Quote For The Week  

Rejoice always, pray continuously, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ. (Thessalonians 5:16-18)

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Did you see that blur that was September blaze on by us? And now, October is here. Hoping and praying this is going to be a great month for all of us.

Joining in as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for the Happy Homemaker Monday blog link up.

The Weather

One last hurrah (maybe?) of warmer weather before the cool temps arrive this weekend. Still no rain in sight and we really need it. High of 81 today but Friday’s high is only supposed to be 59. Time to get my indoor plants home from their outdoor vacations!

As I Look Outside My Window

I see lots of outdoor clean up of plants and pots I need to do. Sparrows wondering why their birdseed hasn’t magically appeared yet (I’m out). A cat sleeping on the bench on the front porch. Sunny skies.

Right Now

I’m taking the time to write this post after what seemed like a busy morning watering the garden, working on some plant cleanup, and a run to the grocery store. I’m replacing the herb garden wall pots in front of the porch with some mums, getting it into a bit of a Halloween theme, a work in progress:

Thinking and Pondering

I wrote last week about already having a topic for my 31 days series but the weekend got away from me. And now, I’m thinking that perhaps I’ll give myself a break. I still like my topic but perhaps I’ll write on it at slower pace, perhaps weekly.

How I Am Feeling

Not super tried but a bit frazzled thinking of all the things I would like to get done today. Also, trying to give myself permission to rest and not need to figure it all out. 

On The Breakfast Plate

I forgot to eat breakfast before I went to the store. Oops. So, I had a pumpkin spice latte (first of the season here!) and a cheese Danish from Starbucks. Plus vitamins. And of course, some coffee at home before I left for the store.

On The Lunch Plate

No idea. Lunch is a hard category for me. Maybe just peanut butter and jelly.

On The Dinner Plate

A roast is in the crockpot

What I Am Wearing Today

Black tee-shirt, olive green Capri pants, and of course, my leopard print slide on shoes.

On My Reading Pile

I’m on a Megan Miranda quick lately. Last week I read The Perfect Stranger (good) and then, The Safest Lies (YA novel and just okay for me). Currently I’m reading Such a Quiet Place (just started it but seems promising so far).

On My TV

Might be a summer person but I do love when the new seasons of my shows return! Masked Singer is back, hooray! La Brea, I missed the season premiere, need to find it somewhere. The Walking Dead is also back, planning to watch sometime this week. And if you are looking for something fun and a bit different, I stumbled on Only Murders in the Building on Hulu over the weekend, it’s a good one. And of course, anyone from this area knows the answer to the question: How ‘Bout Those….. (for those not local, the answer is CHIEFS!)

On The Menu This Week

G’s going out of town with friends later this week so I’m trying to make some things I know he likes to start the week and then, things we all like (that he doesn’t) while he’s away.

MONDAY: Roast in the crockpot (BBQ sandwiches) *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30)

TUESDAY: Chicken sausage and orzo skillet

WEDNESDAY: Either or Spaghetti or Korean BBQ meatballs *J has an appt at 3*

THURSDAY: Maybe fish *I work 2-5*

FRIDAY: Chili (if not on Friday, then definitely one day over the weekend)

Looking Around The House

I started on my Fall cleaning schedule last week, need to continue it. And figure out where I’m going to put too many plants that need to come inside.

On My To Do List

1. Grocery Store DONE
2. Hardware type store for bird seed
3. Repot and move more plants inside (lemon tree, hibiscus, maybe part of the lamb’s ear plant)
4. Fall cleaning items
5. E-mail J’s school (meeting last week went well, I have a bit of hope again)
6. Still need to clean out pantry
7. Pay bills
8. Send a message to a friend about getting together
9. Ask G to help fill out FASFA for J (college financial aid form)
10. Spend some time cleaning this basement

From The Camera

I did a horrible job of picking up the camera last week (though I did end up working a few days). Over the weekend we went “north of the river” to run some errands and I went in this fun tea shop in Liberty, MO. My purchase:

Quote For The Week

I came across this verse more than once last week so I’m sharing it on here.

But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12: 7)

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Glad to have a few minutes (hopefully) to get my post up this morning. Well, I guess technically it’s early afternoon but I like to get to the grocery store in the morning. I’m waiting for J’s school principal to call me so we can figure out his options. Does anybody enjoy waiting for a phone call? I know I don’t!

As I wait for the phone call that may not even come this morning, it’s time for my weekly planning post. Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom where she kindly hosts the link up each week.

The Weather 

The heat is gone but we could sure use some rain! Highs in the mid to upper 70’s all week long with sunny skies.

As I Look Outside My Window

No more hummingbirds though I’m leaving the feeder up until October 1 just in case of any stragglers. Herbs are starting to go and the squirrel keeps knocking my fuchsia flowers off the railing, the yellow jackets seem to like them as well so I may not pick them up this time. Cherry tomatoes turning red but still waiting on all the others…

Right Now I Am

Working on this post, waiting for the phone to ring, and keeping an eye on the clock as well. I do work later this afternoon.

Thinking And Pondering

What might be the best option for J. Reminding myself not everyone takes the same path. Think it’s time to give up the longing for the other universe where the pandemic didn’t happen and just let him move forward even if it means simply taking the Hi-SET. Also, thinking that maybe I should trust myself more to know what’s best for my child rather than a school or a therapist (while I don’t discount his ideas, I think maybe he might have different answers if he knew my child longer). And finding myself with an overwhelming disappointment in our entire education system considering everything from the start times to the lack of noticing and encouraging. Speaking in general terms as I do know there are some amazing teachers who do notice and encourage.

How I Am Feeling  

Didn’t sleep great though slept better than Saturday night. Last night I felt so discouraged but I’m trying to be optimistic as well. Not sure that makes sense.

On The Breakfast Plate

Too much coffee! An English muffin with butter. Vitamins. A iced caramel macchiato for Starbucks in the grocery store.

On The Lunch Plate

Not sure, I may just eat a flip yogurt depending on how much time I have after finishing this post.

On The Dinner Plate

Grilled hot dogs, chips, I may throw together some coleslaw before I go to work

What I Am Wearing Today

Blue work t-shirt, olive green Capri pants, later tennis shoes but right now my leopard print slip on shoes

On My Reading Pile

I finished Priestdaddy by Patricia Lockwood. It was okay, not even sure how to rate it. I stuck with it because parts of her life took place in St. Louis and Kansas City so it interested me a bit more from that standpoint. I’m coming to the conclusion that while I love autobiographies, memoirs are very hit and miss for me. Currently, I just started The Last to Vanish by Megan Miranda, promising so far as a good suspenseful novel.

On My TV

KC Chiefs, SIGH. We need our kicker to return ASAP. In happier news, The Masked Singer is back! I don’t know why but I just love that silly little show. I also re-watched all the Lord of the Rings movies at some point last week. And heard on the radio, that Netflix released a trailer for the next season of Emily in Paris. Excited for that as well.

On The Menu This Week

Trying to strike a balance between what we have on hand, not overdoing the standby’s, and new things on the menu. (Not much new this week)

MONDAY: hot dogs on grill, chips, maybe coleslaw *I work 2-5:45* *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: chicken spinach skillet *Plans with a friend, need to confirm*

WEDNESDAY: Breakfast for dinner, maybe waffles or maybe super simple French Toast sticks and scrambled eggs

THURSDAY:  Stuffed peppers

FRIDAY: No idea…leftovers or OUT *I work 11-4:30*

Looking Around The House

Time to start fall cleaning for sure!

On My To Do List

1. Grocery store *DONE*
2. This post *In progress*
3. Pay bills
4. Bit of Laundry
5. Figure out the school stuff
6. Garden Chores (separate list, big things this week: getting houseplants indoors)
7. Start fall cleaning schedule
8. Clean out pantry (this got moved when G needed kitchen table to build his computer)
9. Water indoor plants

From The Camera

Still practicing with the purple asters. These are the ones from the corner of the driveway.

Quote For The Week

Leaning heavy into this verse lately:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.  (Proverbs 3:5-6)