Today is the only day I’m home all day and not working this week. A pretty busy schedule for me the rest of the week. Hopefully, I’ll do better about popping on here and visiting. Sorry I missed visiting a few of you last week! Sometimes the weeks just get away from me.

However, look, I’m actually posting on time (sort of, it’s afternoon now) this week! Joining in with Sandra from Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom to plan my week.

The Weather

It’s definitely spring weather with temperatures all over the place. I’m hoping for a solid week of warm temps soon. However, this week is warm to start and then chilly to end. Kind of the same as last week. Decent chances of rain tomorrow and Wednesday as well. That’s okay because we all know that April showers bring those wonderful May flowers (and green grass on the ground and leaves on the trees!)

As I Look Out My Window

Today’s a warm one with pretty blue skies and not too much wind. Started chilly out there but did warm up quickly. These little fellows won’t be hanging out with us too much longer.

Right Now

Taking a few minutes to work on this post and trying to ignore a long list of things I *should* be doing.

Thinking and Pondering

Too much. Ants, a vacation, J’s issues, what to do with the yard, life in general.

Homemaking Tips

We were having a horrible time with one of bathroom drains stinking and nothing was working, the baking soda, hot water, etc. I found these things called Sanisticks at our local Bed, Bath, and Beyond and they solved the problem! (The link is Amazon but they are much cheaper in stores). Hmm, the reviews show they don’t work for everyone but they worked great for us.

How I Am Feeling This Morning (Afternoon)

Tired. Been a bit of a bumpy Monday morning.

On The Breakfast Plate

Strawberry and cream instant oatmeal, coffee. Just a note: I tried the protein added instant oatmeal packets and found it disgusting!

On My Reading Pile

Just working my way through a David Baldacci series, currently reading The Target (Will Robie, #3)

On My TV

My husband and I watched an awful Liam Neeson movie on Netflix Friday night, A Walk Among the Tombstones. I’d have rather just watched Taken again. Masked Singer, a bit of American Idol. A couple other movies: Shrek Forever After. Much better than the 3rd one. And finally, G and I watched a pretty funny movie called The Bubble, a movie about making a movie during the pandemic.

On The Menu

Struggling with the planning this week as I feel like I went through all our standby meals last week.

MONDAY: ham steaks, corn bread, and broccoli *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: BLT salads with turkey (from freezer) *I work 10-4:30* *J has an appt at 3*

WEDNESDAY: Hamburgers and French Fries (husband is cooking, he just doesn’t know it) *I work 10-4:30*

THURSDAY: Mozzarella Chicken with Tomato Sauce and Mushrooms (trying new recipe) *I work 10-4:30*

FRIDAY: French Toast, Fish, OUT? *I work 7:45-4:15*

From The Camera

 

Looking Around The House

I did that and had to clean up a bit before starting this post! It’s better but still needs attention.

On My To Do List

Really, just get through the week but I’m hoping I can cross a few other things off the list

1. Grocery store (DONE)
2. Clean up house a bit (In progress)
3. Laundry (Also, in progress)
4. Serious clean up of main bathroom (the ants found us, UGH)
5. Fix bricks by flower garden at end of the driveway
6. Forgot to call trash company about yard waste last week, still need to do it
7. Take pictures with camera
8. Gather stuff for junk drop off put on by city this weekend (check prices again)

On My Prayer List

Friends, Family, Strangers. Someone who unexpectedly lost her new kitten last week. The country, the world.

Quote For The Week

I must have flowers, always, and always. (Claude Monet)

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Talk about March madness. Where did this month go? It almost feels like an early April joke that it starts this Friday. Or is it just me?

As usual, I’m late again. I had good intentions (we all know where those lead) and had started this post briefly on Sunday but…now, it’s Wednesday. Let’s just get to it.

And as always,  I’m linking up with Sandra, our host, over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Might be the end of the month but we’re getting typical March weather. Hot, cold, sunny, rainy, and everything in between. Yesterday by late afternoon it was warm, partly cloudy, and windy. The day had started quite chilly, however. Last night overnight we had thunderstorms. And they’ve mentioned that bad “s” word for Thursday, just a bit though thank goodness. Today is cloudy, misting rain, and supposed to turn chilly again for the afternoon.  Coat on. Coat off.  SIGH. So very ready for continual no coat weather.

As I Look Out My Window

I see empty bird feeders as I’ve not had a chance (or the time and energy) to go get more birdseed. More patches of green on the wet ground, and cloudy skies.

Right Now

Doing a little laundry and trying to get this post up before I head into work later this morning.

Thinking And Pondering

The ups and downs of the week so far, my work schedule-what it will look like for the rest of the year and this summer.

Homemaking Tips

I use essential oils quite a bit for things like the laundry, making the bathroom smell better (I put a few drops in the toilet paper roll), and cleaning (I use them when cleaning our masks). Once the bottles appear empty, I’ve found I can stretch them a bit by taking the tops off and filling them with water, then giving them a shake. It won’t be as strong but you’ll still smell the oil.

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Tired. We had storms overnight and while they didn’t wake me up, I didn’t sleep well at all. Including dreaming we all overslept right as the alarm went off. And there was a talking cat in there as well, probably because our lovely cat was busy meowing at me to get up and do her bidding. SIGH.

On The Breakfast Plate

Still on the oatmeal kick, maple and brown sugar instant oatmeal and coffee. Also, water, apple cider vinegar tablets, and vitamins.

On My Reading Pile

My turn for The Winemaker’s Wife came up at the library so I read that last week. Really enjoyed it though as typical for Kristin Harmel books, the reviews were all loved it or hated it. I kind of understood the hate it reviews this time as some of the characters seemed pretty shallow although I thought that made it more interesting (it’s another WWII setting, this time in the Champagne region of France). A book I read and did not think was all that great was Ready Player Two by Ernest Cline. Game over as far as me reading any more if there’s another book in that series (I don’t see it but who knows). And finally, I read The Innocent by David Baldacci, another “I don’t have to think to much to read this” but it’s still enjoyable type thriller novel, first in a long series.

On My TV

Not too much, caught up on The Walking Dead. Watched the first episode of Daredevil. Masked Singer. Some of the NCAA tournament, disappointed the Peacocks lost, now I’ll have to cheer for KU. Oh and I did happen to watch some of The Oscars on Sunday night so I saw “the slap.”

On The Menu

Pretty full working week for me so keeping things pretty basic.

MONDAY: We had porkchops, baked potatoes, and asparagus *I worked 8:15-3:45*

TUESDAY: We had pepper steak and rice *I worked 8:15-4:30*

WEDNESDAY: Some type of chicken. Maybe chicken strips or depending on how the days goes I might just make tacos *I work 10-4:30*

THURSDAY: Roast in the crock pot *I work 10-4:30*

FRIDAY: Tacos or chicken, whatever I don’t make today or maybe OUT

From The Camera

Looking Around The House

Maybe I’ll get it cleaned properly over the weekend, not going to happen today.

On My To Do List

1. Get birdseed and refill bird feeders
2. Laundry (in progress)
3. Work
4. Take a nap?!
5. Call new trash company to find out their yard waste rates

On My Prayer List

Family, friends, strangers. Hope, healing, and peace for the world.

Quote For The Week

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)

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Happy Spring! I’m so happy it is finally here. I really do try my best to embrace fall and winter. Recently, I’ve even come to appreciate those seasons. However, spring and soon to follow summer just fill my spirits with such happiness.

I’ve already done a few chores and run a few errands this morning and now am taking a break to put up my post for Happy Homemaker Monday, hosted by Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom. These posts really do help me stay on track and I enjoy very much visiting all the other bloggers who join.

The Weather

After a beautiful and warm (!) sunny weekend, rain is supposed to start this afternoon and be here the next couple days. I don’t mind. We need the rain (Still a fire ban/red flag warning until March 23). It’s supposed to dip down into the 30’s a few days. Then, the sun and warm weather returns. Probably with a lot more green grass and flowers on the ground!

As I Look Outside My Window

Grackles taking over my bird feeders, squirrels chasing them away, tiny bits of green and spring flowers pushing through the ground. Also, a pretty sunrise this morning.

Right Now

Laundry in progress, wondering when the boys are going to get out of bed (soon, hopefully, as it’s noon), and working on this post.

Thinking and Pondering

Spring always puts me in get healthy mode. Probably because as I switch out clothing I realize it’s all a bit snug (understatement). Trying to figure out the best diet (ugh) to work with the family (making 2 meals at a time is not for me). Noticed there is a new gym going in about a mile down the road, might look into that when they open. Just need to do something. Have a few ideas that I’m “thinking and pondering” in my mind.

Homemaking Tips

Not sure it’s a practical tip but I found the best way to clean a ceiling fan. Two ways really. One: Just get rid of it! Two: take it down off the ceiling and clean it.  Also, the old adage of shop your house first goes in here as well. Spring cleaning the kitchen a tiny bit on Saturday led to us taking down the ceiling fan over the kitchen table, replacing it with another led light and then, taking down the rather dated ceiling fan in the living room replacing it with the white one from the kitchen. Made a huge difference. And the Dawn Spray Dish Soap is great for cleaning off the blades (if the fan is down off the ceiling).

How I Am Feeling This Morning/Afternoon

Optimistic and in the mood to get things done.

On The Breakfast Plate

Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal, coffee, apple cider vinegar tabs, vitamins, water.

On My Reading Pile

Mainly just reading through the David Baldacci series with Amos Decker, I’m on book 6 titled Walk the Wire. Though my library hold of The Winemaker’s Wife by Kristin Harmel just came through. Probably going to DNF (did not finish) most other books on my pile, the Joshua Becker one, the memoir of Hillary Clinton’s aide (just wasn’t holding my attention), and some other random library books included.

On My TV

Masked Singer, still trying Outlander but it’s losing me a bit in season 3, and for fun, I watched Highlander (you know have to go through all the “lander” shows) last night. I did enjoy it, probably more than the Outlander series to be honest. If I can get the AMC+ app to work, I might catch up a bit on Walking Dead while folding laundry.

On The Menu

Always a bit tricky to plan during spring break weeks. Just throwing ideas here and then, if I have to move them around, I’ll still have the stuff to make dinners another time.

MONDAY: Chicken sausage, broccoli, and orzo skillet (found this while browsing a magazine last week) *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Chili (By request), also planning to make a vegetarian chili and freeze in individual portions for my lunches *J has an appt at either 2 or 3pm*

WEDNESDAY: Pulled Pork in crock pot *I work 8:30-5*

THURSDAY: Hamburgers/hot dogs and French Fries

FRIDAY: Fish, coleslaw, asparagus

*Probably be some OUT meals in there somewhere since it is spring break*

From The Camera

 

Looking Around The House

I’m in spring cleaning mode so it’s a bit frustrating to look around the house as I keep seeing things I need to do. It needs cleaned before it can even be spring cleaned. Hard to do with people underfoot but eventually, it’ll get there.

On My To Do List

1. This post
2. Grocery Store *DONE*
3. Laundry *In progress*
4. Cut up fruits/veggies for week
5. Wash kitchen cabinets with Murphy’s Oil Soap (Floor as well if I have time)
6. Start the cat grass seeds I picked up yesterday
7. Take back library books (cringe, yes, the overdue ones from last week)
8. Send a couple letters

On My Prayer List

A good friend having knee replacement surgery this week, all the spring break people to have safe and fun ones, the people of Ukraine as well as those of Russia who oppose the war but are unable to speak out for fear of repercussions against their families, family, strangers.

Quote For The Week

Never underestimate the healing power of a moment in the garden

(Josephine Albert)

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Yesterday just wasn’t great. A lot of issues with J just left me a bit too emotionally drained to even put together a coherent post. Thankfully, this morning was better.

So, here I am again on a Tuesday. Better late than never? And it’s my Spring break at work! We’re actually celebrating 3 spring breaks in a row around here. Unfortunately, not much overlap. My break is this week. J’s is next week (though they also get Friday), and then G has the following week. My poor husband doesn’t get one.

Late to the party but still linking up with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Spring’s trying! Sunny days most of the week with highs near 60. Chilly start today as it’s currently 43 degrees but supposed to warm up quickly after lunch. Slight chance of rain on Thursday, still much needed as we’re in drought conditions. Okay with it as long as the wintry mix they hinted at on the news skips out on us.

As I Look Outside My Window

I see sunshine, a bunch of front porch plants and a yard in need of tending. Hoping to get out there later today.

Right Now

Working on this post in efforts to put off chores  (cleaning, paying bills, etc.)

Thinking and Pondering

Too much to share. Here I’ll share the lighter things on my mind:  I’d like to use my spring break to do some much needed spring cleaning and refreshing around here. Easter is also on my mind a bit. The garden areas of the front porch and yard.

Homemaking Tips

I’ve been adding a few drops of lemon and lavender oils to the washer when washing the bedding. Makes them smell so good!

How I Am Feeling

Tired. Trying to push through some depressing and defeatist thinking.

On The Breakfast Plate

I’ve switched over from yogurt to oatmeal each morning. I haven’t compared it officially to my flip yogurts but I noticed I feel a bit better with the oatmeal breakfast. Also, apple cider vinegar tablets, vitamins, water (as well as coffee!)

On My Reading Pile

I’ve slowed down on my reading a bit. Still working on The Fix (Amos Decker #3) by David Baldacci. Also, need to decide if I want to renew or return The Minimalist Home: A Room by Room Guide by Joshua Becker. (All my library books are a couple days overdue!)

On My TV

Sigh, no more Joe Millionaire. Read where one of the couples is already no more. It was a fun show though. And now, I’m more excited than I should be to see The Masked Singer is back. As are The Flash and DC Legends of Tomorrow, both of which I just watch on the CW app. Finally, I caved and started watching Outlander on Netflix after Carrie from Northwoods Scrapbook suggested it. Two episodes in and I wasn’t sure but another friend encouraged me to stick with it a bit longer. Now, I’m on season 3. Honestly, I still have mixed feelings as it’s not my usual type of show (Time travel stuff? Yes. Period drama? Not so much) but I do love the scenery and music of it!

On The Menu

Not overly exciting this week.

MONDAY: We had tacos and I baked a (store bought) apple pie for pi day

TUESDAY: Chicken and spinach skillet, rice

WEDNESDAY: OUT probably Subway *J has a school band concert*

THURSDAY: Irish Bacon and Cabbage Soup, homemade brown bread, Lucky Charms bars *St Patrick’s Day*

FRIDAY: Freezer Frenzy (Need to clean out some already cooked items in the freezer)

From The Camera

Still sorely lacking in this department. With the exception of the dove photo further below, all the pictures from this morning just for this post.

Looking Around The House

There’s a reason I want to spend my week spring cleaning, the entire house needs it!

To Do List

• pay bills
• Spring cleaning (might make a post with an outline of the tasks to keep me on track)
• E-mail J’s teachers (I’m skipping parent-teacher conferences this week as I didn’t think I could hold it together 7 times in a row with everything that’s been going on (some of them already know the anxiety info anyway), e-mail felt safer)
• Write/send a letter
• Yard work and enjoy the beautiful spring weather

On My Prayer List

The people of Ukraine, an end to the horrific war (I made the mistake of watching the world news one night and could not contain the tears as they told the stories of the millions of refugees, so many of them children!), family, friends, strangers. A kinder, peaceful, and healed world.

Quote For The Week

I need to end this post on a lighter note with thoughts back on spring flowers and green yards. I get a “Daily Moment of Happiness” e-mail from Gretchen Rubin and she shared this quote in it last Tuesday. It just spoke to me:

I shall never have the garden I have in my mind, but that for me is the joy of it; certain things can never be realized and so all the more reason to attempt them. (Jamaica Kincaid) 

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