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Happy Homemaker Monday, Labor Day

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Getting a bit of a later start on this holiday Monday. We’ve had a busy holiday weekend doing quite a bit of stuff.

As I drove home from work on Friday, I pondered if 4:30 would be too soon to switch into my pajamas. However, my husband and youngest actually had plans for us to go eat the junk at a local festival for dinner. So no clothes changing but no cooking either. Worked for me.

Saturday, we took Chip and delivered him to a sweet family that lives on acreage for him to be their outdoor cat. The kids were so excited. Unfortunately, he bolted into a wooded area behind their house. Hopefully, he’ll come back to them or their neighbors in a few days. (Pro tip: Don’t name the stray cats you aren’t planning to keep! Chelsey is back to being the happy queen of the castle around here once again. However, I admit to missing my little under the feet all the time outdoor guy.)

Yesterday, my husband and I got up early and borrowed my brother-in-law’s boat to go fishing at a conservation lake about an hour east of town. It was busy and the fishing wasn’t great but it was still fun.

A nice little weekend and an extra day today to relax or do all the things. Planning my week as always by joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for the Happy Homemaker Monday Link Up. And new categories for a new season!

Breakfast time…what is on the plate this morning

Cinnamon rolls from a tube, then I needed my usual protein so chocolate trifecta flip yogurt and vitamins

Looking around the house

I see so many spaces I want to clean and organize. The fall cleaning/organizing bug bit.

On today’s to do list

  1. Clean out and reorganize fridge (Labor day tradition, I’ve cleaned all of it but the doors. Plan to reorganize as well)
  2. Grocery store (Don’t want to go…SIGH)
  3. J’s baritone lesson tonight
  4. Outdoor stuff (moving a raised bed planter to the front porch to see how it works, replacing herb garden wall with mums. Finding a home for the herbs. Maybe trimming back lavendar)
  5. Dollar tree trip for stuff to organize fridge (Note: husband thinks this is nuts but I have ideas I want to try)

Currently reading

Too many books at once. An e-book, I’m almost finished, called The Clutter Connection: How Your Personality Type Determines Why You Organize The Way You Do by Cassandra Aarssen. Colletta from Colletta’s Kitchen Sink mentioned it one Monday and I was intrigued. I’m so glad she did as I’ve found the book so inspiring! It’s kind of like a five love languages book except for organizing. There’s even a quiz to find your organizing style. (I’m a ladybug and my husband’s a bee, polar opposites, unsurprising!)

Then for fun, I’m reading Heart of Junk by Luke Geddes as well as Electric City: The Lost History of Ford and Edison’s American Utopia by Thomas Hager.

On the tv this week

I need to do a serious evaluation of all our streaming services. That said, I downloaded a free 7 day trial of Discovery plus so I could check out Hot Mess House (tv show hosted by the author of the book mentioned above) and a few other home/garden/cooking shows. Hoping I have time. Watched the old Westworld movie but have sort of lost interest in the series. And also re-watched Dr. Strange with G. Not sure what else I’ll find if anything to watch.

The weather outside is 

Not so hot, thank goodness. Yes, this summer loving person just said that. It’s still warm though. Mostly mid to upper 80’s, cooler evenings. I can do that. We had a few good thunderstorms over the weekend Thursday into Friday and Friday into Saturday, so no need to water gardens for a few days.

On the menu this week

Honestly, still at a loss with this. It’s as if I’ve lost my menu planning ability!

MONDAY:  Pasta salad with odds and ends vegetables (see fridge clean out on to-do list) and grilled chicken *J has a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY:  Grilled pork chops, baked potatoes *I work 8:30-2 or 3?* *J has early morning band practice*

WEDNESDAY: Waffles, bacon *J has early morning band practice*

THURSDAY:  Chicken strips (from frozen if I work, homemade if not), Fries *J has evening band practice*

FRIDAY: OUT-Subway, tradition *First football game of the marching band season, hooray for a season!*

If I have a few minutes to myself, I will

Be outside messing around with the flower garden areas.

New recipe I tried, or want to try this week

Sadly, none of us were really a fan of the crunchy lemongrass chicken. I’ve never seen G spit any type of a chicken dish in the trash after one bite. He apparently hates all things lemon-chicken. The rest of us thought it was okay but not a keeper dish (especially for the work involved in chopping lemon grass sans a food processor).

One of my simple pleasures

Wandering around outside and seeing what I find in the flower/vegetable garden areas. Two things I discovered yesterday, a monarch caterpillar and a black-and-yellow garden spider!

Favorite photo from the camera

My sunflowers all fell over but they’re still blooming!

Praying for

The wife and family of my husband’s friend who recently passed away, a dear friend from high school and her husband as her father-in-law passed away last week, for a semi-normal if not completely normal and healthy school year for all the kids, Afghanistan, those dealing with the aftermath of hurricane Ida as well as those in the path of the wildfires out west. That Chip returns and finds out how much that sweet little family wanted him. For those in the world and this country to be kinder and gentler to each other, remembering the traits of respect and compassion.

Bible verse/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)

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Rainy Day Dreaming

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It’s raining, storming to be precise, this morning. Much welcomed and needed. Thought I’d pop on here and share a little bit of my rainy day dreaming with you all.

rainy day dreaming

Here are a couple of the things on my mind as I slowly clean the house. Taking my time with everything today.

Autumn?!

Dare I say I’m dreaming a bit of fall? Don’t worry fellow summer lovers, I’ve not abandoned my true summer love but I do believe like reaching the bottom of a too large bowl of ice cream, I’ve had my fill for this year. Looking forward to sitting on the front porch (of course, we need a new bench or at the least bench cushion first) and reading my books with a gentle breeze blowing.

rainy day dreaming

Those classic candles burning on a cool, cloudy, and rainy fall day. (Note: I still think August/September is a bit too soon for pumpkin spice anything but I do have my eye on trying the apple chip macchiato also offered up by Starbucks. And plan to make an apple chip cake very soon!)

A Giant Cottage Garden

Since I didn’t get out and water this morning or get a chance to wander around the flowers and vegetable garden, I’m also rainy day dreaming about next year’s garden already. Ordering away for some free flower and seed garden catalogs. Trying to solve the space problem. In my mind I have a big rambling area to create the perfect cottage garden complete with gravel paths. Maybe something that looks like this garden.

However, in reality…SIGH. I could take over the whole front yard and am tempted. I’ll just have to do it slowly so the husband won’t notice when it went from grass to a huge flower/vegetable garden. Back yard is still so shady, maybe some day I’ll get around to focusing more on it.

And since this is my only day off this week, I’m also dreaming of a slower paced schedule (hopefully) for next week. What’s on your mind today?

(Note: Here I go again with forgetting to hit the publish button on my posts! This was from yesterday. Our weather today is great & I’m off to work. Happy Wednesday!)

 

 

 

Happy Homemaker Monday, A New Week Already?

HappyHomemakerMonday 12 Comments

Last week and the weekend passed by in a blur. I can’t believe it’s another new week already. And almost the end of August! What? I’m not ready!

Though I didn’t work much last week, it seemed like a busy one. The weekend was also busy as we had the visitation for my husband’s late friend on Saturday, then went out for a sort of remembrance dinner after with his wife and a few close friends at Mexican restaurant. For our anniversary on Sunday, we just went out to eat at Chili’s. Nothing fancy, we needed low-key this time.  I also managed to do the typical weekend errands in between those things.

This week, I work a fair amount so it’s still going to be busy but a different kind of busy at least. We have no plans for the upcoming Labor Day weekend other than maybe getting Chip over to his new family. I might also push for a yard clean up day if the weather is not brutally hot or rainy.

First though, let’s see what this week ahead holds. Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom where her fabulous link up keeps us on track.

The Weather

Not as hot as last week but still hot and humid. Slight chances of isolated rain today and tomorrow. Can’t believe I’m actually saying this but I hope we get some rain! Temperatures in the mid to upper 80’s all week (Probably going to feel like the 90’s with the humidity.)

Right Now I Am

Sitting in the basement of a quiet house except for the cricket that was chirping earlier while working on this post. The cricket chirping reminds me I have a new to me laptop (my son gave me his old one when he bought a different one from a friend) to learn so I can do this stuff upstairs!

Thinking

When we went out for our anniversary last night, there was a family group seated across from us, grandparents, parents, young adults, and probably grandkids. Made me think of the times we would go out to eat with my husband’s family for different occasions when the boys were younger. I miss those times. And I was thinking about how when we all had just home phones, if you called for one person, you might still spend a few minutes chatting with whoever answered. Now, it feels like everyone even within a family unit is just so isolated. And viewpoints so divided. And yes, I do realize I sound like I’m a million years old here.

On My Reading Pile

Finished Good Company by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney. I enjoyed it as it was a little different from the “fluffy” romance stuff I’d been reading. For this week, my library hold of Electric City, The Lost History of Ford and Edison’s American Utopia by Thomas Hager arrived so I’ll be reading that. Or I’ll be reading the “staff pick” I grabbed when I went into the library, Heart of Junk by Luke Geddes.

On My TV

I fell asleep watching Westworld on Saturday night so I’ll need re-watch and figure out what episode. However, probably not a lot of TV watching time this week.

On The Menu

Still struggling to find things to cook in the hot weather when we’re kind of burned out on everything. In a rut perhaps. I did also check this book out of the library over the weekend:

Everyone has to pick one meal in it that appeals to them. The two bookmarks so far are for spicy pulled pork and enchilada chicken. Of course, that doesn’t help with this week does it?

MONDAY: OUT again probably or every one on their own *I work 1-5* *School open house 5:30-6, allotted time slot* *J has a lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY:  Pan-fried lemon grass chicken and rice using some of the lemon grass from the front porch!  *J has early morning band*

WEDNESDAY:  create your own salad with ham, bacon, vegetables *I work 830-5* *J has early morning band*

THURSDAY:  Husband’s choice for J, probably tacos later *I work 8:15-445* *J has evening band practice at 6*

FRIDAY:  Maybe breakfast for dinner? *I work 8:15-445*

On My To Do List

  1. Laundry, always laundry
  2. Deep clean bathrooms
  3. Get my fall cleaning list ready
  4. Deep clean fridge and freezers (over the Labor Day weekend)
  5. Mail a wedding card!
  6. Clean out purse
  7. Clean out e-mail (I was keeping up but then, SIGH)

In My Craft Basket

Not sure it counts but since I’m counting gardening as my crafting, I’ll list it. Try to make lavender and mint syrup for lemonade and tea. Also, dry out some lavender blooms.

Looking Forward To This Week

Is it to soon to say the weekend?  I’m actually sort of looking forward to tonight’s open house thing in person at the high school. Normally with a junior in high school, I’d skip it but planning to attend after all. A tiny bit of normal back though we’ll be wearing masks, walking through the temperature scanner thing, etc.

Looking Around The House

See above about getting a fall cleaning list ready!

From The Camera

 

On My Prayer List

The family of my husband’s late friend as they deal with his sudden and unexpected loss. My boss and her family as they just lost a family member to Covid-19, the family of one of Jason’s buddies from their elementary school days as his grandmother is in the hospital on a ventilator battling the virus, my sister-in-love (brother’s significant other) as she battles throat cancer (a bright bit of news, the pet scan showed it hadn’t spread and they think they can get it with surgery/radiation).  Those who were/are in the path of Hurricane Ida. And of course, the service members and families in Afghanistan. This country to find unity, peace, and healing.

Quote For The Week

A Bumpy Week

Week in Review 2 Comments

This has certainly been a bumpy week. It’s been a bit like a roller coaster, complete with the shaky feeling you get when you’re in the car going up the high hills or around the corners.

I started off amazed on Sunday, when opening the front door, a hummingbird appeared right on the front porch.

It even lingered in the air in front of the door a few moments for me. Hummingbirds always make me think a bit of my late mother-in-law as they were one of her favorites. The little bird certainly seemed like it wanted to share something with me. Here’s an interesting article on the meaning and symbolization of hummingbirds.

Or maybe it was just my local fellow saying thank you for keeping his feeder full.  bumpy week

Monday and Tuesday

These were the shaky days on the bumpy week crawl up the hill of things.

Monday, over all was a pretty good day. I went and had my hair permed along with that much needed therapy session with my hairdresser. Came home and made a wonderful discovery that I didn’t need the dreaded car inspection after all. Five minutes later, fees for car tags paid on line. No worries about that for another two years.  bumpy week

However, Monday evening we received very sad news that my husband’s friend passed away in early evening hours. Honestly, still haven’t quite wrapped my head around it.

Tuesday was yet another busy day as I took our stray cat “Chip” to the vet for his surgery. Bit of waiting around as well as figuring out what to do with him once he came home. The vet advised keeping him confined but our options of spaces for that were limited. However, we managed but it appears I’ve not found all the mess as my husband told me the room where we had him still stinks this morning. SIGH.

Wednesday

bumpy week

This day represented a bit of the highlight of my week. The one day I worked. Wasn’t overly excited about going to work in the preprimary classroom but wasn’t sure what the rest of the week would hold so agreed. An early day as well, meant getting up at 4:45 a.m. to get myself ready before J who had band practice at 6:30 a.m. so I could get to work by 7:00 a.m.

Turned out, sadly, many kids were out sick (Not with Covid-19 thank goodness though RSV seems to making some rounds.), so I did get a bit of a break. Offered my help in another class or to go home (numbers were that low) but was told I could stay and just have an easy day. So I spent most of it cleaning the classroom, giving some extra attention to a rather high energy kiddo (had a great time hanging out with just him on the “big” playground before it got too hot).

One of the teachers from the class I helped out with last week (and pretty much all summer) told me a few of their kids had been asking for me earlier in the week. That news (and of course, the hugs from a variety of kids) certainly filled my heart with joy.

Thursday and Today

Yesterday, I spent most of the day “eating those frogs” though not nearly enough. In addition, I spent some time watching Westworld or as I’m calling it now Weird World. Baked banana bread in the late afternoon. And last night, decided at the last minute, to go join for a bit of Mom’s Night Out time at a friend’s backyard pool. It was perfect weather for it though I couldn’t stay very long as I had to pick J up from band practice at 8:45. 

Today, I’m lacking a bit energy after sleeping a bit later than normal (5:45 a.m. as opposed to 5:00 a.m.) and not having showered yet.  Did get out and water all my flowers with Chip throwing himself in front of my feet every few minutes and his newest trick of nipping at my ankles (Working on breaking him of that habit even though he’s not biting me hard!). Took a few pictures with the camera as well. 

Probably just going to finish up the laundry unless I find some of that motivation from yesterday to deal with more frogs. This bumpy week  has me needing that minute to wait for the overhead harness to unlock as we arrive at the weekend.

(Fun fact: I used to work at Worlds of Fun, a local amusement park! And I loved the riding the roller coasters.)

Looking To Our Weekend

This is going to be a bit of a sad, strange weekend I think. Not much happening tonight but then, tomorrow we have the visitation for our friend.

And Sunday is our 23rd wedding anniversary! With everything going on, I’ve not so much as even picked up a card for my husband. I think the idea of buying a sympathy card and anniversary card at the same time was just too overwhelming for my brain. Not sure what we’ll do to celebrate. Maybe I can talk my husband into taking a day trip somewhere, probably do us both some good. 

Between the ups and downs of this week, the news (such sad and scary stuff), I’m truly yearning to get away for a bit. Or at least just take a long nap.

How has your week been. Any exciting weekend plans?

 

 

Eating Many Frogs Today

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Today I’m not working but rather eating many frogs.

eating many frogs

Working on this post between bites. Just finished one of the biggest frogs on the plate, cleaning the room where we had to keep Chip after his vet visit on Tuesday. Suffice it to say, he needs to be someone’s outdoor cat for sure. Also, cleaned out Chelsey’s litter box.  The joys of owning a cat! Hopefully, Chip will be with his new family soon and Chelsey can return to being queen of the front porch.

After that fun, I’m paying bills. Filling some paperwork. And trying to organize (yet again) this desk top area. Soon, I’m hoping to transition some of these tasks to upstairs once I get familiar with my new (to me) laptop computer.

Spending some time downstairs cleaning up the mess left by my basement camp week. Not sure where I’m going to put all the stuff but I’ll figure it out.

Sadly, ordering flowers for a funeral service. The classic, a peace lily. Don’t want to order as that will make things seem so real. However, it must be done.

Finally, opening and washing the extra masks I ordered. With both boys in school and wearing masks almost daily, I didn’t want to be washing masks twice a week. If you’re interested (I get no commissions or anything just sharing for the sake of sharing here), I ordered these masks from Amazon. Aside from the paper ones, we all agree these are the most comfortable as they are very light weight.  And can I just add that I very much hope/pray the only masks we’re discussing this time next year are of the Halloween variety?

And all throughout the eating of my many frogs today, a side serving of laundry. Of course!

Do you have any frogs to eat? Speaking of eating frogs, have you ever had frog legs? I have not but have heard they taste just like chicken. I think, however, I’ll continue to stick with simply the chicken.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

*********

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

Cleaning Day

Chitchat No Comments

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?

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