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Happy Homemaker Monday, Back To School Time

HappyHomemakerMonday 8 Comments

Last week simply got away from me as preschool started up and I spent the entire week helping out there. Somehow that list of things I was going to do at home (I mostly worked 1/2 days with only 2 full days on Monday and Tuesday) turned into doing nothing. 

Today marks the first day of his junior year in high school for J and the beginning of his 3rd year of college for G. J’s already at school but G’s class isn’t until 6 p.m. tonight. Time to adjust to new routines for everyone again.

Hoping and praying for a peaceful and positive school year for them both. I’m off work today and getting my hair permed later this morning.

Okay, now that we’re some what caught up with the chit chat, let’s get on with the post. Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom and the great bloggers who link up with her. Planning on getting in some overdue blog visiting this week!

The Weather

Perhaps it’s best described in song this week:

Yep, another week of heat advisory weather through Thursday around here. At least we had a good thunderstorm Friday night into Saturday that gave everything a good soaking. Break from watering this morning but I’m sure it’ll dry out quickly this week.

Right Now I Am

Listening to the song I posted above and singing along (be glad you can’t hear me!) while working on this post.

Thinking

So much on my mind but mostly I’m hoping for a great school year for J. Thinking about all the things I need to do this week, mostly trying to cram it in the beginning of the week as I’m likely working near the end of the week. Lots of other things on my mind as well  but that would make this post way too long.

On My Reading Pile

Currently, nothing. I read a silly “uplifting romance” called The Little Village of Happiness last week. I enjoyed it but it certainly wasn’t highbrow literature. Think I need to find a good thriller to read. Library was shut down for Covid exposure for a couple weeks but it’s open again so maybe I’ll try my luck there.

On My TV

Took a break from watching The Good Witch, though I was enjoying it, felt more like a fall show. Over the weekend, I watched the movie Reminiscence on HBO Max. It had Hugh Jackman and that saved it. Seemed like more of a Nicholas Cage kind of movie. The kind of movie that’s bad but not quite bad enough to stop watching.

Also started watching Westworld. It’s weird but it sucked me right into the story. I’m only on about the 5th episode and my summary would be it’s a bit like Jurassic Park with android people.

On The Menu For This Week 

Here we go again with no ideas. This is one area where I’m definitely more ready for fall than normal as I’m ready for fall flavors and cooking. However, those don’t exactly appeal when it’s 100+ degrees out there.

MONDAY: Waffles? Maybe spaghetti,  I really don’t know…*I have a hair appt at 9:30*

TUESDAY: Roast in the crock pot *J has early morning band practice at 6:30*

WEDNESDAY:  BLT’s, French Fries *J has early morning band practice at 6:30*

THURSDAY:    *J has evening band practice at 6:00* *I may work 8:15-4:45*

FRIDAY:  *I may work 8:15-4:45*

On My To Do List

  1. Get hair permed this morning
  2. Get car inspected and get updated tags (Why did I put this off until the end of the month?!)
  3. Call and make appointment to get stray kitty neutered (We have a family that will take him if we pay for this…also had a neighborhood site person interested but they’ve alas gone silent)
  4. Clear off kitchen table and sofa
  5. Pay bills
  6. Mail sympathy card to sister-in-law who just lost her mother to lung cancer
  7. Pick up camera, hoping to get picture of full moon tonight at least

In The Craft Basket

New raised garden bed to fill!

My outdoor garden area is kind of like a craft basket for me. I’ve been working on my petunias, for the first time ever, I cut them back. Supposedly, this helps them bloom again. We’ll see. In a couple weeks, I’ll know if I did it right or I’ll be replacing them with mums. I’ll also work on my garden journal while it’s too hot to do much outdoors.

Looking Forward To

purple asters returning

Having curly hair again, the flat, straight plastered to head look (caused by the humidity) doesn’t work for me. Enjoying a rare Monday night at home (J’s baritone instructor is on vacation this week).  Also, this year we get a marching band season! Hooray! I may or may not have been a little teary eyed at the parent preview on Saturday. So nice to see my kid doing what he loves to do (actually, he prefers concert season so let’s hope we get to go see some concerts this fall and winter as well!).

Looking Around The House

Time to do some serious “get ready for fall” type cleaning. Of course, first I need to get through the I’ve been busy but not busy doing any cleaning layers.

From The Camera

 

On My Prayer List

All the kids and teachers returning to school this week for a safe, happy, and healthy school year.  My sister-in-law and brother as she battles throat cancer. My other brother and sister-in-law as they are both currently ill with Covid-19 (and are the ones who just lost a mother/mother-in-law to lung cancer). Husband’s friend and his wife as he found out last week that his cancer is terminal. And my husband who’s been struggling with this (though he won’t say it) and is helping them as much as he can. That all those who’ve suffered recent losses find some peace and comfort. Healing and love for the entire world.

Quote For The Week

This was a verse in the Jesus Calling devotional today. I’m amazed at how it is sometimes so spot on.

The Lord replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14)

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Happy Homemaker Monday, What A Start!

HappyHomemakerMonday 4 Comments

Well, this week has certainly started on some interesting notes.  (NOTE: Oops, I forgot to hit the publish button on Monday! Better late than never?)

Yesterday, our resident stray cat rewarded us by leaving a “gift” of a poo scented variety on my front porch bench. So much for that cushion! Cushion is in the trash.

Chip’s not been getting along with Chelsey at all (our little gray cat). She stayed inside all day yesterday which made me sad as she loves to just lay on the front porch and can no longer do that. So, with tears, I called the shelter (note: it’s a no-kill animal shelter). They could only take my name and put me on a waiting list that was a month out! Not sure what people who really can’t keep animals do in that scenario? Ugh. So, I’ve posted on Facebook trying to find him a new home. He is a sweetie but not getting along with the rest of them around here (I did finally forgive him for his gift. Blech)

A nice little bee on my lavender

As if that wasn’t enough excitement, school started (new semester) up again at preschool and I helped out. Right before lunch, I had to switch classrooms for a bit to fill in so a teacher could deal with a situation. That class was outside and that turned into another less than ideal situation when one of the kids stumbled on a yellowjacket nest. Quite a few kids stung, thankfully no serious reactions. And I got stung as well. OUCH. Not a sweet start to things! They had someone out dealing with the nest shortly.

Moving on with the week ahead, joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

Mid to upper 80’s with slight chances of rain. Typical summer weather. Thankfully, no more of that excessive heat warning stuff so far.

How I’m Feeling Tonight

A little tired, bit annoyed with people (seriously, all those memes about the Next door site are correct!), thankful for the mostly good day today.

On The Breakfast Plate

Usual, key lime flip yogurt, vitamins, and coffee. However, would you believe I picked up some pumpkin spice English muffins at the grocery store on Saturday? They’re in the freezer waiting for a proper fall morning.

On My Reading Pile

Local library is closed again due to COVID (SIGH…not sure how that figures into the stack of books I needed to return). However, I’ve been mostly reading on my phone. Read a Daisy James one called Sunshine and Secrets (The Paradise Cookery School #1) that was okay but I wasn’t enchanted enough to buy the second book, I’ll read it if it becomes Kindle Unlimited but no rush. Tried out a new author, Jennifer Bohnet, with a book entitled Summer at the Chateau: Every End has a New Beginning. Liked it enough that I’m reading another one by her but I can’t recall the title this second. Her books seem to be set in France.

On My TV

Didn’t watch much last week. Need to finish The Good Witch sometime soon. Gave Black Summer season 2 a try and turned it off during the first episode. Just wasn’t appealing, even the dumbest zombie flick usually gives me at least one or two characters who are interesting. Also, even for me, a bit too violent.

On The Menu

I don’t care with a double side order of I don’t know…

MONDAY: We had fish and baked potatoes *I worked 8:15-4:45* *J had band practice 6:30-9*

TUESDAY: On their own? *I work 8:15-5:30 or maybe 6, hope not 6* *Bunco night again!*

WEDNESDAY: Steak on the grill, salad *I work 8:15-1:30, if they still need me, probably won’t know until tomorrow* *J has a baritone lesson at 5:30*

THURSDAY: No idea *I work 8:15-??? maybe 1 I’m covering a morning doctor’s appointment* *J has band practice 6-8:45*

FRIDAY: OUT *NOT WORKING*

From The Camera

 

Looking Around The House

Still playing in the gardens and not cleaning when I’m at home and not at work

To Relax This Week, I Will

See above!

On My Prayer List

Friends (especially friend of husband, who is battling cancer and back in the hospital with complications as well as his wife as she deals with all this), Family (sister in law in her battle with cancer and my brother as he takes care of her), and Strangers. The world. Selfish prayer that I can find this little stray cat a good home. All the kids starting school this week and in the weeks coming ahead.

Quote For The Week

Leave footprints of love and kindness wherever you go. (anonymous)

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Backyard Birds Spotted This Week

Birdwatching 8 Comments

Even though I did go on a brief nature hike Thursday morning, I’m going to just share the backyard birds I spotted this week. The ones we saw Thursday didn’t cooperate well for photos but my backyard birds like to at least give me a chance for a decent photo.

Downy woodpecker

The downy woodpeckers seem to always be happy to cooperate. They don’t mind us at all. backyard birdsbackyard birdsbackyard birds

House Finches

Another one of our backyard friends that don’t mind us at all are the resident house finches. I often hear them calling to each other as I’m filling the feeders. Usually, they’ll sit on the wire, fence, or trees waiting on me to finish.

Cardinals

I tend to see more cardinals in late fall and during the winter. The summer ones are a bit shy.

Hummingbirds

While I don’t have a huge crowd of hummingbirds that visit, each summer one or two do decide our feeder is for them. They don’t mind us too much either as long as we stay on the deck. I was watching this one yesterday with the camera and it seemed as if he turned so I could be sure to get his “good side.”

Not a bird

Along with our backyard birds, we get a variety of other creatures. Most are nocturnal coming to clean up the spillage at night or creeping by in passing: possums, skunks, raccoons (if we don’t keep our trash locked down, they feast on the roof leaving quite the mess!). However, the daytime creature who likes to share the bird feed is of course, the squirrel.

Usually, they annoy me to no end. However, last week was so hot (heat indexes of 106, a bit higher than normal for these parts) that I wasn’t paying a lot of attention to outside. Did look out the backdoor to spot this poor guy just lounging on the fence while waiting for his pal to finish a turn over at the suet feeder.

Other Birds Spotted This Week

We did see another set of indigo buntings on our Thursday morning nature hike but sadly, they were too far away for decent pictures. Other than a few turkey vultures and a hawk of some sort, that’s all we saw. Too hot perhaps.

Around here, in addition to the ones pictured, I’ve also seen a pair of nuthatches, the chickadees, sparrows, doves, the red-bellied woodpeckers, heard the bluejays (and our neighbor’s chickens and rooster-story for another day), and both heard and seen the Carolina wren.

What birds have you spotted this week?

(Linking up with the Bird Depot hosted by Anni at I’d Rather B Birdin’)

Weird and Thankful

Week in Review No Comments

Weird and thankful are the two words I’m using to describe this week. I have had more than a few weird happenings. And I’ve been thankful for quite a few blessings put in my path at just the right time as well.

Tiny Bits of Blessings

These small things (but they felt like big wonderful things at the time) made me offer up a few prayers of thankfulness this week.  weird and thankful

  • Called into work on early on Monday morning, time crunch. Barely got there and as I did, the other opening teacher let me know the time clock wasn’t working so I was able to be in the classroom right at the proper time. Whew!
  • In a rush to get home, mad dash into the grocery store. The chickens I wanted to grab for dinner were on sale and right in the front so I didn’t have to wander deep into the store for them. Time saver!
  • A rain shower on Tuesday morning to save me time watering the plants. And the plants and flowers prefer that rain water anyway. And another one Thursday afternoon, actually that one was a bigger thunderstorm which cooled us off. No more heat wave this morning.
  • J agreed to go on a walk at a nearby nature center with me on early on Thursday. We saw a few monarchs and a snake (!), neither of which posed readily for the camera. Honestly, I didn’t try very hard with the snake even if it was tiny.

    weird and thankful
    great spangled fritillary butterfly

Wee Bits of Weirdness

Here’s where the weird and thankful part of this post arrives. I’ve had some strange encounters this week.

weird and thankful

  • Had to stop for gas on the way home from work Tuesday. Had a fellow ask me to slap him. Something about a bet with his friends and $200. What?! I politely declined the offer as I was wearing one of my work t-shirts along with it being a bit strange.
  • Remembered one of my dreams. I hardly ever remember my dreams. I was in the living room of a lovely older couple I didn’t know and we were talking about fields of all things. My contribution to the conversation was to tell them about Hodge’s field down the road from where I grew up, it’s now a housing subdivision. Wonder who those people were. Maybe relatives I never met?
  • In the McDonald’s drive-thru with J. Splattering on the windshield like it’s raining. Except not one other car had water on it. Something dripping off the roof, just on us. We joked maybe it was Sprite but hoped it was simply water. From what? We have no idea…
  • Need more than a wee bit of weirdness? Post a found cat (or anything really) on the Next door neighborhood app. Yeah, I don’t think I’m calling the guy who someone else posted the two different numbers for him at different times (both in the middle of the night) regarding the cat. Scam alert senses tingling.

Ending With A Song

Overall, it’s been a pretty good week around here. However, this has definitely been the theme song for the week. (Early 2000’s Country Flashback Ahead)

In case you don’t want to watch the video/hear the song (full printed lyrics here), the main chorus is as follows:

God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy.

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More happened but I think there’s been enough said about my weird and thankful week.  How’s your week been?

Cleaning Day

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Happy Wednesday! Thought I’d check in here before I get started on what I’ve set aside to be a cleaning day around here.

cleaning day

My main focus today is J’s room as he’s off having a end of summer get together with friends. They compromised with a 10-10 type get together in lieu of an overnight. Too many schedule commitments already, more than a few of them in band so practices already in full swing. Works well for me as I need him up early tomorrow for the driver’s education course.

Cleaning Day Focus:

  • J’s room as stated above. It’s past time for a deep clean. And I’d like him to have a fresh start for school in another 2 weeks (I know, I should wait a week but this is when I have time and he’s out of the way).
  • Deep cleaning of the bathrooms. Much needed.
  • Usual chores: laundry (never ending), dishes in the kitchen, maybe straighten the living room
  • Down here still needs completed. I got overwhelmed with this project and left a bigger mess.

Other Things Happening Around Here:

cleaning day

  • At noon, someone from a kind of nearby neighborhood is coming to check and see if “Chip” is perhaps her missing “Webster” I really hope so. It would be nice to be able to reunite him with his family. I know that pain of missing a cat from the many years ago when Chelsea’s brother Chase disappeared.
  • We’re under an excessive heat warning today starting just after noon. There’s a pretty good breeze right now so it’s not too bad out but I can tell it’s going to be. Especially if the wind dies down.
  • Still going garden crazy around here. Stopped by Tractor Supply on my way home from dropping J off to pick up a few more seeds and potting soil. My grow bags on the deck drip down on it in a way that concerns me so I thought I’d make use of that water and plant some morning glory seeds (not sure if it’s too late) to make use of the excess water.
  • Vacation? Seems to be a no so I think perhaps I’m placating myself with the excessive flower planting and gardening stuff. It’s been taking me an average of 45 minutes to an hour to water each morning: Vegetable garden, front porch flowers, container herb garden, corner of driveway, raised beds on side of house (We finally have small and green tomatoes on the vines), citronella plant on deck, grow bags (new thing), and hydrangea that sprung to life in the spring. Turns out hydrangeas like to be watered. Who knew?

All my garden doings take place in the morning hours or later evenings. Especially with the current weather. That’s why I’m making today mostly an inside day.

What’s happening where you are today? Are you getting the crazy hot weather as well?

Happy Homemaker Monday, Busy Start

HappyHomemakerMonday 4 Comments

Called into work early this morning making a hectic start to this week. Early phone call, barely gave myself enough time to get there. Had to stop at the grocery store on the way home so J had something for dinner before band practice (Thankful for the ubiquitous rotisserie chicken today!). Feed our stray cat, help me, I’ve named him! Water the garden. And now it’s after 9!

Really need to find Chip a good home and soon!

 

Still didn’t want to miss posting today. Linking up later with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

HOT! Another round of heat advisory days for us. Car read 100 when I ran J to band practice. Phone said feel like temperature of 106. This current round is supposed to last until Thursday. Not sure what happens after that. Maybe rain?

 

 How I’m Feeling Tonight

Bit of a headache, probably from lack of caffeine on my regular schedule or not enough water or not really eating dinner (chicken didn’t appeal to me as that was basically lunch at school today).

On The Breakfast Plate

Whew! That was much earlier today. Grabbed a flip yogurt and ate it at school very quickly before any kids arrived (I opened the classroom today). Not nearly enough coffee. Forgot to take my vitamins. Oops.

On My Reading Pile

Needed a “light” escape so last week I finished 2 books in a new Daisy James series set on the Greek Island of Corfu, really enjoyed Escape to the Hummingbird Hotel and Summer at the Hummingbird Hotel. I love how characters from her other books sometimes show up briefly in different series. And the setting was enchanting enough, I found myself planning a dream vacation to Corfu after reading the first two books in the series. If only….maybe though because our fortune cookies from Saturday’s dinner did hint at a trip.

 

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On My TV

Still working through The Good Witch on Netflix. However, Saturday I stayed up way too late watching The Net. You know a movie from 1995?! Still pretty good, almost relevant still minus the floppy disk stuff.

On The Menu

Who wants to cook in heat advisory weather? Yeah, me either.

MONDAY: Rotisserie chicken, salad *I worked 7-3:30* *J had band practice 6-8:45*

TUESDAY: Turkey sausages, maybe on the grill or maybe just on the stovetop, chips, maybe fries *I work 11:30-3:45* *J has a baritone lesson at 6*

WEDNESDAY: Ribs, probably in the crock pot, yes has been on menu for a while, corn *J has some kind of friend hang out all day*

THURSDAY: Not sure. Maybe pork chops and potatoes?  *J has a driver’s education class 8-12* *And band practice 6-8:45*

FRIDAY: OUT! Or chicken on the grill. Or OUT.

On My To Do List

  1. E-mail school about J’s schedule, it’s not correct
  2. Laundry! Thought I just did this but somehow it’s all back…
  3. Work on finding a home for Chip (our stray cat that I’ve um, named)
  4. Yuck stuff: car inspected, tags, driver’s license renewal documents
  5. Make a vet appt for our cat and get her some flea stuff as well

From The Camera

Who could resist this sweet little face?

Apparently, everyone in this household except me. And her highness, the ruler of us all is certainly displeased with this development.

Looking Around The House

It’s better to look around the front porch and gardens!

To Relax I will

Take care of my flowers, read

 

Quote For The Week

More grows in the garden than the gardener sows. (Spanish proverb) Source: Pinterest

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Birds, Birds, Birds

Birdwatching 12 Comments

Haven’t shared a bird watching post since early July so thought I’d play a bit of catch up with this post.

First, Hummingbirds

Starting with the hummingbirds we spotted a couple of weeks ago when we visited my husband’s hunting lease land. These were all around the owners home.

The next photo is not great (took with my older camera, we were getting ready to hike and there was a decent rain chance so opted not to take my newer camera on that). However, it gives you a better idea of the number of feeders around the house (and the number of hummingbirds).

A few more photos of the hummingbirds.

 

Next, Park Birds

Finally, got around to going for a walk at one of my favorite parks. Been busy with work and we’ve had things going on here as well so I’d not been in quite a while. You can click back to this post to see a chipping sparrow I spotted while there. Here are the two other birds I captured on camera.

Indigo bunting

I’d hoped to get a better photo of the indigo bunting but a fellow on a bicycle rode by and disturbed it (and me, like it was a public place or something!). So, only two not so great photos. Still glad I spotted it.

This bird below, I’ve not had a chance to look up in my bird books. House finch? Some sort of sparrow? Female purple finch?  Something else? I’m admittedly out of practice with my bird watching and identifying. Liked the photo though so I’m sharing it here.

Finally, Birds Around Here

Pretty much the same set of birds visit my feeders, house finches, house sparrows, cardinals, chickadees, and doves.

Red-bellied and downy woodpeckers take turns on the suet feeder when the squirrels aren’t hogging it. And lately, the nuthatches are back to visiting. They take turns at whatever feeder is available.

And lately, though no pictures to show, I’ve been seeing the Carolina Wrens again and hearing (oh can I hear them!) the blue jays. Plus, my little hummingbird is back after I switched to yet another feeder. Had bought a pretty stained glass one but could never tell when it was empty. So back to a plain hard plastic clear model for that.

Usually also see a few robins, crows, and sometimes the hawks or turkey vultures flying overhead.

What birds have you spotted lately?

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Joining in with The Bird Depot hosted by Anni over at I’d Rather B Birdin’

Five Things From This Week

Week in Review 2 Comments

Thought I’d share five things from this week in the style of a week in review post. Kind of a Five on Friday kind post with a twist, admittedly not much of one. When checking, I saw the last time I did a week in review post was back in March!

Oops. Didn’t think my week in review posts were going to be quite that sporadic. Maybe I’ll do better during the school year.

My Five Things From This Week

One: Speaking of Oops, I fed a stray kitten.

 

five things from this week

And now it’s adopted me. Except everyone in the household voted no to adding this sweet fellow to our family. Our current cat voted a very loud no on the matter.

However, in fairness to the family, we do take care when discussing adding another cat as our current cat is quite small (she weighs about 10 pounds) and we don’t want her overwhelmed by a larger cat. This little fellow is going to be fairly large if his ears and paws are any indication.

Why oh why did you feed the cat? Everyone knows not to do that. Except the poor guy was starving and seemed to be eyeing the all you can eat bird buffet at my feeders. Barely a baby and yes, I did go to Target yesterday and get some kitten food.

I do have his picture posted on the neighborhood site so hopefully, someone needs a cat and soon before I get any more attached.

Two: Front Porch Privacy

five things from this week

It’s not that I don’t like my neighbors. However, our houses are not that far apart and their porch is not big. While I’m glad they have their daughter staying with them while her mom recovers from some medical issues, she is outside all the time. Sitting on the bench which faces our front porch, it’s the only way it fits on their porch. While she is very kind, I find it hard to grasp my peace when she is out there because:

Direct line of sight is how my husband put it. And sometimes when I’m sitting on my front porch, I just want the solitude of my porch, the cat laying there, and the gentle scent of my flowers. Hard to obtain with someone a few yards away, constantly on the phone and (ugh) smoking. Case you ever wondered, cigarette smoke overpowers the scent of flowers.

Not the best picture but this is our neighbors direct view of our porch

So, I’ve been attempting to construct a living privacy wall of sorts. Tall lemongrass, lavender, sage. I need a plant stand as well. It helps a bit with the direct line of sight at least. Trying to give us both a bit of privacy, I’m sure they’d prefer a little bit as well.

Might be time to focus on making the back deck an oasis instead. Except, it’s all shady and I like my sun loving flowers that do good only around the front of the house.

Three: Feeling Summer Cozy With Books and TV Shows

The Netflix laundry folding show I’ve been watching, The Good Witch, has a real fall feel to it. And it’s just kind of a happy, settle in kind of show.

And I’ve escaped (via a kindle book) to The Hummingbird Hotel, thanks to Daisy James and her new series.

The two characters start off with that strong dislike of each other that we all know leads to love and romance in the end (well, if it doesn’t I’ll be both surprised and disappointed!).

Four: Haunted By The Ghosts of My Farming Grandparents, Apparently

five things from this week

The only reason I can think to explain this self-proclaimed city girl (okay, suburban girl) suddenly having this desire to plant a fall garden. Or even actually work in our current (albeit small) vegetable garden pulling weeds.

Yesterday, I planted a second set of bean seeds (after tearing out the current bean plants because they were tangling on all the other plants and the beans from them tasted awful!). And pulled weeds plus pulled up my poor zucchini plant that had seen better days. Does look we may have a bumper crop of cucumbers in a few weeks. Plan to get a few more things going today.

My fall garden plans include: one okra seed (This is just a to see if it will work kind of thing, I found one lonely seed in a packet from spring. The okra we planted in the spring didn’t make it), green beans, lettuce, carrots, and sweet corn. My idea is to grow most of it in pots around the front porch area as that’s honestly the place with the best light.

Five: Random Tidbits

 

Aside from my crazy idea to try fall gardening, I might need to ban myself from the garden centers for a bit. Can’t resist those bargain flowers that they mark down this time of year.

Huge container of petunias marked down more than 50%, yes, please!

 

Especially when I’m convinced by fluttering sales agents in the form of hummingbirds visiting the sage and monarchs showing me the sombrero salsa coneflowers (yes, I think that’s a weird name as well).

J had two band practices and a baritone lesson this week. G had car trouble and we had to go jump start his car the one evening J didn’t have an activity. My husband’s been mostly busy with work and visiting his friend in the hospital (things weren’t looking great on Tuesday).

Oddly, I’ve not worked all week but I don’t mind. I’m enjoying my time at home while things are slow. Of course, I should be making better use of it and doing the “boring” stuff like getting the car inspected, tags renewed, actually finishing this basement project, etc.

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Well for a summary of the week, this post got rather long. Better end it here. How has your week been?

 

Park Sightings

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Went for a walk with my camera at one of my favorite parks on Tuesday morning. Founding it very soothing. Here are some of the images that caught my eye. It’s late (oh dear, when did 9:30 pm become late?) so I’m only sharing photos with an occasional caption. Enjoy!

park sightings

park sightings
Chicory, my favorite blue flower, happy to grow anywhere and everywhere except in my garden.

I’m listening…

park sightings

Chipping sparrow

 

Until next time!

 

Happy Homemaker Monday, Hello August

HappyHomemakerMonday 10 Comments

Hello, August! And where did you come from exactly? Wasn’t May/June/July just here?

August is always my reminder of a few things, some good and some sad (our wedding anniversary is the 29th, however, my father passed away 17 years ago on August 1) but mostly I use it as a reminder to make sure I embrace and enjoy the rest of my summer days before the crazy pace of fall starts.

However, can I tell you a secret? This year, I’m kind of looking forward to fall. Mostly, I think because I missed that crazy pace of fall during the pandemic. J’s school  year was so rough on us especially him but this year, I’m hoping and praying we get that much desired normality. Or at least a touch of it. Marching band practices start back up this week so at least we have that (even if it does mean lots of running around for us).

Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom as always. Go check out her blog!

The Weather

Strange, true dog days of summer last week with crazy heat and advisories. Woke up most days last week to 80 degrees by 7:00a.m. with it feeling warmer. This morning it was 63 degrees out there! Highs in the mid-80’s most of this week but I did hear on the radio as I was out running errands they’re predicting a high of 95 for Saturday. So who knows?

How I Am Feeling This Morning

A little tired but also a need to do ALL the things. Lots to do today that I didn’t do last week/over the weekend.

On The Breakfast Plate

Flip yogurt (key lime pie flavor), coffee, vitamins. More coffee (an iced caramel macchiato at Starbucks in the grocery store, seems to be my go-to “fancy” coffee drink lately).

On My Reading Pile

Finished Unrestricted Access, the collection of short stories from James Rollins. A library hold came up for me, The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave. A good suspenseful mystery. Read it in about a day. And I’ve started Walking: One Step At a Time by Erling Kagge (note: I know it sounds like an exercise book but it’s not, more of a philosophical type writing). 

 

On My TV

Needed something light and happy that didn’t require a lot of concentration so I settled on The Good Witch over on Netflix. Not my typical style of show but I’m enjoying it. Not much else, a bit of the Olympics here and there. Whatever random thing my husband happens to be watching (so think Storage Wars, Yukon Gold, or old westerns…)

On The Menu

Seems early to already have this busy of a schedule for J but here we are…

MONDAY: ham steaks, potatoes (on grill), green beans from garden (we’ll all get 2 beans, ha!), salad *J has band practice 6-8:45*

TUESDAY: roast in crock pot *J has a baritone lesson time TBD*

WEDNESDAY: ribs, probably in the crock pot/maybe on grill, corn, salad *I have a hair appt at 11*

THURSDAY: Chicken (grilled, lately I’ve just been marinating it in a bit of balsamic vinegar, oil, and Italian seasoning/dressing mix), salad. Something simple and easy.  *J has band practice 6-8:45*

FRIDAY: Leftovers or OUT or cereal. I’m not cooking it whatever we have.

On My To Do List 

All the things!

  1. Mow the lawn (Husband didn’t want me to do this during the extreme heat)
  2. Plan out fall gardens (vegetable and flowers)
  3. Finish cleaning basement (basement camp didn’t go so well)
  4. Grocery store
  5. Laundry (mostly just need to fold)
  6. Sort out what is in the fridge and freezers
  7. Maybe make a master list of ALL the things
  8. Clean the house (always)
  9. Start cooking a little extra when we have easy meals to put in freezer for busy fall days/nights
  10. Blog at least 3x a week on here (I think I managed this last week)
  11. Go for walk at park with my camera while the weather is nice

From The Camera

My flowers have been bringing me lots of peace and happiness lately. Hope you enjoy the photos here and sprinkled throughout the post.

My bargain zinnias really bounced back!
The black-eyed Susan flowers are taking over but I don’t mind, they’ll bloom straight through fall

To Relax This Week, I Will

Clean the house (It will help to relax later), sit on the front porch and pet the cat while enjoying my flowers, read, take that walk at the park

On My Prayer List

My blogging friend Rebecca, who recently lost her husband followed shortly by one of her oldest and dearest friends, my husband’s good friend who is battling cancer around his jaw and once again in the hospital with low calcium and possible more cancer, my sister-in-law by love who I just found out is hospitalized with throat cancer. Too much illness in this world. A normal school year for J with actual marching band performances. My family that recently moved to Florida (no reason just felt the pull to pray for them). Peace, kindness, and healing graces for us all.

Quote For The Week

I know I’ve shared this quote before regarding August but it rings so true, I’m sharing it again:

August is like the Sunday of summer. (unknown)

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How are you spending your August days?

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