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My Morning Walk Yesterday

Just Photos 6 Comments

Today is J’s birthday and I’ve been running most the morning, getting things ready for dinner. He picked pepper steak of all things for his birthday dinner. Well, at least, it’s easy and saving us on a hefty dinner out bill somewhere. J does prefer to eat at home over going out so it is what he wants. And pepper steak is crazy easy.

And of course, I also made a chocolate cake as well. Almost time to add the white frosting. Ran down here…and, look a squirrel!

Oh yeah, I was grabbing some wrapping paper and decided to take a minute for a very quick post. The birthday boy is sleeping in this morning (early afternoon). Not too many photos of my walk. Had an issue with the camera so wandered into the woods with only my cell phone. 

We’re enjoying some beautiful warm weather this week. It’s been really warm in the afternoons, right now at not quite 12:30, it’s already 69 degrees.

Once I finished my walk and returned home, I calmed down enough to figure out the issue with the camera.

Whew! Still have a minor issue that needs attention but it’s once again useable. Now, what, was I doing down here again?

Happy Homemaker Monday, A Birthday Week

HappyHomemakerMonday 10 Comments

This week is J’s birthday on Wednesday so that’s the excitement around here. Not sure how I can possibly have a kid getting ready to turn 19 (J) and one who is 22 (G). However, I’m proud of the kind young adults they’ve become.

Let’s get on with joining Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom to plan the week ahead.

The Weather

The petunias are still blooming and the leaves are falling…

Well, it’s currently 61 degrees and sunny! And supposed to hit almost 70 on J’s birthday this coming Wednesday. Then, by Saturday, another cold front and highs in the 50’s (more normal). It seems to alternate cold and hot (well, warm) this fall. I would not be disappointed to see some rain which we very much still need.

Right Now

I’ve just returned from the grocery store, eaten a very late breakfast, and sat down to write up this post.

Thinking And Pondering

Pick a tab, any tab of the million open in my mind right now! J’s birthday, what we’re going to do. He still hasn’t decided. This area, the crime seems to be on a bit of an uptick…is it related the homeless? I don’t know. I feel as though I’m walking a fine line between compassion and common sense. Watched a homeless man biking up the road as I left for the store so had to drive around the block to see where he went. Then, he was just gone. So, back in the driveway for me, check the backyard, double check the door locks. SIGH. Remind myself everything is cyclical while being a bit frustrated with myself for not agreeing to move to a different area many years ago. Well, that took a dark, melancholy turn. Let’s try a different tab.  Oh, Thanksgiving. We have plans! Hooray. My older brother is hosting and my other older brother who moved to Texas a few years ago is coming into town for it. Haven’t seen him in way too long.

On The Breakfast Plate

A French Toast Bagel, vitamins, coffee.

On The Lunch Plate

Not sure I’ll eat lunch, we ate dinner late last night so I wasn’t hungry this morning and just now at about 11:00 ate breakfast.

On The Dinner Plate

Korean meatballs, rice

What I Am Wearing Today

Purple v-neck Tee shirt, jeggings, socks and tennis shoes

On My Reading Pile

I lucked out at the library and was able to pick up a copy of If You Would Have Told Me by John Stamos. I’m really enjoying it and it’s not making me like him any less. Finally finished Tides of Fire by James Rollins, I usually love his books but this one just didn’t work for me. Over the weekend, I read a quick thriller by Mary Kubica called Just the Nicest Couple, found it interesting. And I’ve started The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth (another thriller). I like to read the kindle books at bedtime so I don’t have to turn on the lamp (or worry about turning it off when I fall asleep reading).

On My TV

I was happy last week to discover The Holiday Baking Championship had started up for this year, I love that show. Also, watched The Mario Movie (don’t ask me why but it wasn’t bad), Fear The Walking Dead, the finale of Loki (sigh), and a few random episodes of Doctor Who. Oh, and The Masked Singer. Football games here and there.

On My Menu

My minestrone from last week.

My slow cooker is certainly getting a bit of a work out these days with J’s current schedule.

MONDAY: korean meatballs in the slow cooker, rice

TUESDAY: copycat Chik-Fil-A sandwiches and fries *subject to change depending on birthday plans*

WEDNESDAY: J’s Birthday. Maybe OUT? No idea. Chocolate cake and white frosting. Plus ice cream.

THURSDAY: pork schnitzel (carry over) , fried apples maybe? My basic grocery store didn’t carry the celeriac called for in the accompanying sauce. It is apparently not the the same as celery and cannot be used interchangeable. Thank you, Internet.

FRIDAY: Mexican lasagna in the crock pot (This is a new one I’m trying out)

Looking Around The House

The laundry is done, that has to count for something, right? It needs cleaning.

On My To Do List

I’ve gone back to just listing items, the who/what/where method was fun but it’s easier to just make a list.

  1. Clean the house
  2. Figure out J’s birthday plans plus get him something small to go with the big present (symphony tickets, also a present for my upcoming birthday)
  3. Return my broken candle to Bath and Body Works (I didn’t go over the weekend)
  4. Clean this desktop, both the physical and virtual one
  5. Do a little (more) early Christmas planning

From The Camera

From my walk yesterday afternoon.

Thanksgiving Tips, DIY, Ideas or recipes

I usually always make these pumpkin muffins around October/November. The recipe makes A LOT, even halved, I ended up with 12 muffins plus 3 mini loaves this time. The muffins do freeze well.  I’ve shared it before with pictures that no longer show on my old so not organized blog but here it is again:

Pumpkin Muffins

 These are my favorite pumpkin muffins. I usually add chocolate chips but they stand well on their own.

 

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 3/4 cups sugar (you can get away with slightly less sugar)
  • 1 1/4 cups raisins (I always either leave these out or substitute chocolate chips in place of the raisins)
  • 3/4 cup chopped walnuts (I leave out completely)
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon ground cloves
  • 4 large eggs, slightly beaten
  • 2 1/2 cups canned pumpkin
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup water
  1. Combine first 10 ingredients (list up to the eggs) in a large mixing bowl, make a well in the center. Combine eggs and remaining 3 ingredients; add to dry ingredients. Mix just until moistened. Add muffin mix to paper-lined cups using a metal ice-cream scoop (fill tins 2/3 full). Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove from pans immediately.

I like to substitute chocolate chips for the raisins. You can substitute pumpkin pie spice for the cloves and  or/nutmeg but they’re much better if you don’t do that.

Important: This recipe makes 3/12 dozen muffins! Cut it in half unless you are planning to feed a crowd or have room in your freezer.

Quote For The Week

(Found on Pinterest)

 

 

Another Week Almost Gone

Week in Review 2 Comments

It’s Friday once again! And I must ask, did your week fly by like mine did?

Or did your week flow with a more leisurely pace giving you time to bask in the autumn sun?

I ended up working Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday this week. Only Monday was a full day but it sure made the week go by quick. Happily, I still managed to get my walks in this week. Once again, I think I’ll just share 5 things from this week.

ONE: WEIRD WEATHER

Our weather is always a bit up and down and sideways around here. However, I can’t recall the last time I ran the a/c on a Wednesday and by Thursday evening bumped on the heat! In fairness to our lovely Midwest fall weather, at our house, opening the windows isn’t a current option. Hello, hackberry gnats! UGH. What’s a hackberry gnat you ask? A tiny gnat that comes from the hackberry tree. Their super power? They can fit through the window screens and there are millions of them right now.

TWO: A WONDERFUL AND FREE WEDNESDAY

J had no class on Wednesday and oddly enough I wasn’t called into work. Really, probably should’ve bought myself a lottery ticket over that one.

I spent the day bringing all my houseplants inside (again) and reconfiguring the plant stand. A few plants I thought might spend winter indoors just weren’t working. Bye, beautiful begonias! So long lemon balm (see you again in the spring I hope!).

And I also had time to run a few plant-related errands. Dollar Tree for some little rocks to go under the plants requiring more humidity. G thought they were candy! Glad he asked about them before chomping down on handful.  More soil to replant a couple asparagus ferns (sorry rolly pollies, you can’t spend winter inside with us). And a trip to Menards to walk through their Christmas aisle before buying the plastic things to go under the plants (drip trays? not sure what we to call them). Did I buy more spring bulbs? No comment. And another perennial? Again, no comment.

THREE: CROCKPOT DELIGHTS AND OTHER THINGS

Wednesday for dinner we had our French Dip sandwiches using this recipe and oh, they were so good! The recipe is definitely going into the rotation. Funnily enough, this coming Sunday is National French Dip day.  Guess we were a bit ahead of things, I didn’t even know the sandwich had its own day. And by the way, they aren’t French at all.

Yesterday, after getting called into work, I scrambled to make my favorite minestrone soup and throw it in the crockpot (minus the pasta which I added after getting home).  The only change I make to the recipe linked here is that I use smaller pasta (soup shells) as I think the elbow macaroni is too big. And leave out the beans (picky eaters club around here). You probably can’t convince me there’s a better soup than minestrone.

And this morning, I made a batch of pumpkin chocolate chip muffins from scratch. I’ve not made completely homemade muffins in a while so they hit the spot. I’ll likely share that recipe as my Thanksgiving Tip/Recipe on Monday.

FOUR: NEW TRAIL ROUTE

Not expecting to work yesterday, I walked two trails in the morning. Thankfully, the new one was a short loop. Funny I’d been avoiding it as I worried it would be too long and you know different can be scary. It turned out to be much shorter than my normal trail! And gave way to some very pretty views.

FIVE: TURKEY STEW

Yesterday, at work, I “made” turkey stew with the kids. It’s a group activity/chant: Turkey Stew, Turkey Stew, What should we put in our turkey stew? Then, you ask each kid what they’d like to add. Once they tell you their ingredient, you chop, chop, chop and drop, drop, drop. Then, stir and stir and sip, sip, sip. (We change the words seasonally, so pumpkin stew for October, maybe Christmas soup for next month, etc.)

These might be a kind of mushroom called turkey tails though I’m not sure

 

Not sure I’d really want to sip turkey stew made from the following (from what I can remember): M&M’s, mushrooms, water (interesting, we poured and poured and poured some more for that), turkey, carrots, bread, lollipops, chicken, chocolate, a whole bucket of Halloween candy, milk…I think someone said broccoli. There were things I’ve forgotten and some repeats, of course. However, YUCK, glad that stew isn’t real. Ha!

**************

Later today, I have to go Bath and Body Works because my replacement candle also arrived broken! I’m just taking this one back to the store instead of messing with online things (I think this particular style of candle must be defective) and exchanging it there, have a few errands to run over that way so I might as well. 

Our weekend is oddly open once again and no KC Chiefs game on Sunday either. I’m undecided on how I’ll spend it. Cleaning, baking, finding a new place to hike, planting the new bulbs I just bought all comes to mind. As well as maybe just being a lazy and reading my books or watching a movie.

What are your plans for this weekend?

 

Leaves

Just Photos 6 Comments

The leaves are really starting to fall from the trees now.

I wonder how many more days until the trees are bare on my morning (or afternoon) walks.

The unpaved path yesterday was completely covered with leaves. I had to be careful not to trip as there are quite a few tree roots I could no longer see.

They are starting to cover the paved path as well though the wind clears it a bit better. Big leaves, as well.

Each time I go out on my walks I usually take some photos of leaves that catch my eye. So, I thought I’d just share a few (probably too many) in this post. 

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. (Albert Camus)

I almost thought these little green leaves were fake the way they stood out against all the brown.

Hope you’ve enjoyed this post of a little leaf love.

 

Tuesday Talk

Chitchat 2 Comments

A post 2 days in a row? What? Yesterday, I had some photos that I didn’t get a chance to edit and include in my post. So, when Aritha from Moments, frozen in time wondered about how my day went…I thought well, what a great idea for a post. A Monday follow up post if you will.

My morning was a bit hectic once I arrived a work. To say the kids were a bit crazy might be understating it. Were they crazier than seeing a dragonfly in November?

Maybe. I worked in the classroom that’s a bit more rough around the edges and had forgot what the time change does to young kids. Overtired. Off their routine. And off their routine at school with having different teachers in the classroom. We opted to go outside a bit early yesterday.

Let those kids run off a bit of the crazy. And run they did! Of course, you’d think that would lead to good naps at rest time? Yes. Uh, no. SIGH.

Robin

However, we made it through the insane afternoon of kids not sleeping. And, then it was time for me to race home to get J to his class. Imagine a chorus of sweet preschool voices: Bye, Ms. Jean!!!  (about 8 times in a row)

White throated sparrow

Once home, I quickly switched out my “green bean” dress for a shorts and a tee-shirt, packed a few snacks, and away J and I went to his class. It’s at a different college, a solid 30 minutes from here. I usually just read my book, eat a snack, and wait in the car for his hour class.

Once his class was over, we drove home, now in the dark! He shared with me the titles of a few of the pieces they’ll play at the December concert. And we both marveled at how my husband says he’s never seen The Nightmare Before Christmas. Speaking of nightmares, I also saw 2 of these spiders on my walk Sunday. (Look away if spiders scare you!)

Rapid wolf spider

Finally, we arrived home. My husband opted to heat up some brisket (he smoked one on Sunday) and make corn on the cob. I just ate a quick sandwich.  Then, next up on my list, the grocery store. They do a deal where you get a gas discount equivalent to the points the Chiefs score so I didn’t want to miss out on my 21 cents off a gallon of gas.

Of course, with the high prices, I bought a lot less than usual. We’re going to have some freezer/pantry cleanout meals in the coming weeks. Once, home with the groceries put away, I watched a bit of TV, stated I was not going to bed at 8:30 at night and made it until about 9:15. (Oh, I might or might not have had a small bowl of ice cream with nutella on top after getting home from the store).

And today, I’m moving a bit like this:

Of course, I need to get moving a bit faster as I’m working once again today, and have yet to hop in the shower. (This morning I went to vote, then on a nice long walk at the nature center after dropping J off for his class closer to home).

goldfinch

How did your Monday go?

 

Happy Homemaker Monday, Workday

HappyHomemakerMonday 10 Comments

Happy Standard Time! I know I’m in the minority here but I absolutely love when the mornings go back to being light at a reasonable hour. Waiting until almost 8a.m. for the sunrise just wasn’t working for me. And saying it like I do every year: The days get naturally longer and shorter!

Okay, my leave my time alone sales pitch is over. It’s a work day here so I’m trying to get my Happy Homemaker Monday (hosted by Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom) up super early before I leave. Of course, like a petulant child, the computer slows down as I need it to hurry. SIGH. We’ll see if I can finish this post.

The Weather

Gorgeous! It’s 59 degrees right now and going to be another beautiful sunny day. All my plants are outside for one last hurrah before I’ll go get them again on Wednesday when the temps change back to normal with cold overnights and highs in the 50’s.

As I Look Outside My Window

No time this morning but I did see the sunrise when letting the cat out (sorry no picture). Ah, have I mentioned how much I love daylight before 7:00AM?

Right Now

Trying to get this post done before my timer. I have to leave for work at 8AM and it’s 7:20. I’m ready except for breakfast and packing my lunch/water bag.

Thinking And Pondering

 

Thinking about a few work related things (nothing bad just wondering how the day’s going to be), the holidays (I am so sick of black Friday ads already…way too early!), and what we’re going to do for J’s birthday next week.

How I’m Feeling 

I can love standard time and still feel tired from all the time switching.

On The Breakfast Plate

Coffee, vitamins, and probably a bagel. Or yogurt. Maybe both.

On The Lunch Plate

No idea, forgot to grab a November lunch menu from work. I’ll take a granola bar and some grapes in case it’s yucky.

On The Dinner Plate

Husband’s choice

What I’m Wearing Today

My “green bean” dress and tennis shoes. I wore this dress one day over the summer and one of my favorite kids (graduated now) told me I looked like a giant green bean. We were having green beans for lunch that day and I did match. Ha! So, this shall forever be my “green bean” dress. It’s a short-sleeved, long dress.

On My Reading Pile

Still working my way through Tides of Fire by James Rollins though I have a wonderful stack of new library books waiting.

On My TV

Football…how ’bout them…CHIEFS! Of course, that game was a bit anxiety inducing but they won in the end. More football. Tried to watch the soccer game but we didn’t have any access (our local soccer team is in the MLS playoffs and won their match last night). Probably the usual stuff during the course of the week.

On The Menu This Week

Hunting season starts soon so we’re without my husband for part…and I’ll be going to the store later tonight so….no idea yet really.

MONDAY: husband’s choice

TUESDAY: French Dip sandwiches (carryover)

WEDNESDAY: Maybe minestrone? (Craving veggies)

THURSDAY: No idea

FRIDAY: No idea

Looking Around The House

I cleaned a little yesterday so there are pockets of clean but still places where you’d ruin your white gloves.

On My To Do List

  • Enjoy this beautiful weather!
  • This post
  • Grocery store
  • Make an actual menu for the week
  • Mail birthday card to SIL
  • Still need to write pen pal letter (I know…)
  • Target trip

From The Camera

Took advantage of the beautiful weather yesterday to go for a nice long walk so all pictures in the post are from that. Am I the only one who sees a fairy dress here? 

Quote For The Week

Better to light a candle, than curse the darkness. (Chinese Proverb)

(Found on Pinterest, really wish I had a candle picture to go here but no time to search for one. Please forgive any typo/grammar errors in my post, typing in a hurry this morning.)

Slow Saturday

Chitchat 4 Comments

I thought I’d spend this morning checking out the last farmer’s market of the season or doing a little shopping. However, I just wasn’t in the mood.

The day was kind of dreary and cold (though not cold like last week) and just felt right for staying at home.

The cleaning bug was biting a bit this morning so I decided to do a bit of computer work until that passed! Actually, I did a bit of digital cleaning. My email inbox was overflowing. So, it was time for the delete button. And I cleared out another email account I used for a few things…oh my, I’m glad those emails were digital and not paper! So many. I need to get better about deleting things after I read them.

As you can see from the photos, my supervisor opted for a slow Saturday as well.

slow saturday

Even the digital world was in the slow mood as I took these photos this morning and then, they didn’t show up in a shareable form until 6:30 tonight.

I spent the rest of the afternoon doing nothing but a bit of TV watching (Loki, college football) and reading my current book (Tides of Fire by James Rollins) along with doing the never ending laundry.

We just finished up a lazy (super lazy for me as I didn’t cook!) dinner of homemade waffles and bacon. And I came down here to switch the laundry, finish up this post, and contact Bath and Body Works customer service. My order arrived with a broken candle. However, I now have a replacement candle on the way!

No plans for tonight and I’m perfectly okay with that. Hope you’ve had a wonderful Saturday whether it’s been busy or slow.

 

Welcome November

Chitchat 4 Comments

Disclosure: With the exception of the first photo, I took all the photos in this post during a walk yesterday morning. Yes, it was freezing out but I bundled up and it felt great to be out walking again.

I love this little sign and its message. A good reminder when Christmas tries to upstage our moments of thankfulness this month.

That said, I do like Christmas and if you are putting up your Christmas tree today, no judgement here. I just don’t like to rush it too much as I have a kiddo with a birthday in a couple weeks and then, my own birthday in early December.

I guess I’ll back track for a minute and talk about…

Our Halloween

    The moon at about 9:30 yesterday morning!

It was cold and windy on Halloween so I felt for the kids. And I was glad I bought Halloween candy we all like here. We have lots leftover! Both boys still had college classes to attend. G decided at the last minute to skip his plans and just stay home (he’d already gone to a Halloween party over the weekend).

I did have a few good Halloween scares: First I couldn’t find my car keys anywhere! Had to take the husband’s spare keys. Thankfully, I found them later in my sunglasses case (a trick?). And these geese, if you are walking alone on the trail and can’t see the water. A solo goose landing sounds like a small boat launching!

Finally, I also slipped a bit on one of the bridges while on my walk. Thankfully, it was at the end and I didn’t fall but it was slippery on the bridges! Probably because there was frost on the ground!

After my morning walk, I didn’t do much except catch up on some tv watching. For Halloween night, my husband and I had taco soup but the boys had other things. Everyone’s schedule being different makes dinner times on Tuesdays (and Thursdays) a bit chaotic.

And I was super brave watching Five Nights At Freddy’s. I enjoyed it! It had a surprisingly interesting story and wasn’t overly scary. Plus who couldn’t love the Chuck E. Cheese from the ’80’s type nostalgia! Fun fact: G used to be terrified of those kinds of characters! Wouldn’t even go in the room where they were “singing”. Actually, you could forget about being anywhere near any type of mascot type character with him.

Today

The sun is shining but it is still super cold! It was in the 30’s the last time I checked but I woke up to 23 degrees. I’ve switched out the indoor Halloween decor for Thanksgiving themed items but the outdoor stuff is going to stay for a bit longer.

Later tonight, J has his first college band concert so hopefully, the weather warms up a bit this afternoon. I’m excited to go to it but also a little worried about the parking situation. Making my husband drive so he’ll get to deal with that, ha!

Plans For The Weekend

We’re supposed to go out to dinner with friends on Friday night. I’m thinking it’s going to be nice enough this weekend for some more yard “work” on Saturday. I already miss being out there watering my plants and checking on the garden. Watering indoor plants just isn’t the same for me. I need to repot a plant (if it survived the cold) that had to go back outside because it was full of pill bugs (Or do you call them rolly pollies like me?), oops. And I’m debating making some sort of special breakfast for our early morning Chiefs game viewing on Sunday.

Thoughts About The Rest Of November

It’s hunting season around here which means my husband will be in and out of town. He’ll come home of course for J’s birthday on the 15th. J’s wanting to go to the symphony so I think that’s going to be his birthday present, tickets for a December concert. Our Thanksgiving plans aren’t set yet and that’s okay. I do miss going to Oklahoma each year but being home is nice as well. And of course, I do think of Christmas a bit just like everyone else.

I just read this article and it really resonated. I think the prompt within the article could easily apply to any holiday: What brings you joy during the holidays?  Definitely going to be thinking on that in the coming weeks.

Well, I’ve rambled on enough here and now it’s time to do something that definitely doesn’t bring me joy…pay the bills. (However, I am grateful we can indeed pay our bills and afford the things they bring us like electricity).

What’s on your mind as the new month and holiday season approaches?

Happy Homemaker Monday, Halloween Time

HappyHomemakerMonday 8 Comments

I know I’m not alone (hopefully) over here looking around going wait, it’s Halloween tomorrow and then, it’s November 1st. What happened? Does anyone else feel like you’ve just awoken from some sleeping spell? 

Bit of a busy week around here already with Halloween, a college band concert for J, and us having dinner plans on Friday night instead of our usual first of the month Saturday night. Time to join up with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom and plan this week!

The Weather

Not my favorite. Um, COLD. It’s 26 degrees out there right now. And it’s supposed to be colder for trick or treating tomorrow. Those poor kiddos, coats over costumes! I’m happy to be at home on door duty this year. Rest of the week gradually warms us back up to the low 60’s for the weekend.

As I Look Outside My Window

The sun is shining brightly at least. Not outside my window but I took this photo of downtown off the tv, I was trying to catch the weather chart but was too late. You can see the 26 degrees in the lower left corner, brrr!

Right Now

I’m cold! And stalling on my Monday morning trip to the store. I should go early as I know everyone else is doing the same.

Thinking And Pondering

All the things! My massive to do list though none of it is critical (yet).

How I Am Feeling This Morning

Did I mention I’m cold? Ugh. Actually, thankfully, I’m in a nice, warm home with fresh hot coffee and plenty of blankets. Still freezing but grateful.

On The Breakfast Plate

Coffee (lots), vitamins, and a croissant.

On The Lunch Plate

Undecided, maybe some sort of pasta or just a sandwich

On The Dinner Plate

chicken and noodles

What I’m Wearing Today

a black marled long-sleeved t-shirt, olive green pants, and tennis shoes. However, my alter ego game person is dressed like this: 

On My Reading Pile

Read a great one called Zero Days by Ruth Ware last week, super interesting murder mystery. And a trainwreck of a book by David Baldacci called The 6:20 Man. For this week, I’ve started one called The Measure by Nikki Erlick that has me intrigued so far.

On My TV This Week

I don’t think I want to talk about the Chiefs game or the local news reporter saying they needed to “shake it off” this morning. Ugh. Just ugh. Why to Denver? Okay, done whining. I also watched some Halloween movies.

Thank you to Billie Jo over at Afternoon Coffee And Evening Tea for introducing me to Halloweentown last year. I’d never heard of it but it’s now one of my Halloween must watch movies, perfect for someone who doesn’t like scary. I ended up watching all of them except Return to Halloweentown (They changed the main actor and it just didn’t work for me, I tried and turned it off). And since the weather was cold and rainy (sometimes ice fell from the sky, too early!), lots of tv watching. I also watched Twitches and Twitches Too. Go Twitches, go twitches! Loved those movies as well. Finally, I also watched Dr. Who episodes (I’m to the season 4 specials), Fear the Walking Dead, The Voice, and The Masked Singer.

On The Menu This Week

Well, at least cold weather puts us in the mood for fall foods a bit. And can I just say how happy I was to wake up to additions to my grocery list? G has decided to cook a couple meals this week! Hooray. Less planning for me though I need to discuss the days with him.

MONDAY: Chicken and noodles

TUESDAY: *HALLOWEEN* taco soup, cornbread, sugar cookies, and of course, too much candy! Depending on plans, I might see if G would rather cook this day (he’s not a big taco soup fan and I feel like we just had it anyway). French Dip Sandwiches

WEDNESDAY: likely OUT as this is the day of J’s concert

THURSDAY: Garlic Butter Chicken Tenderloin with Lo Mein

FRIDAY: OUT

Looking Around The House

Well, at least my pretend dressing room is nice and tidy and ready for a Halloween party.

Need a Halloween Scare? Here’s the real view of the living room:

I did get a new plant stand for all the plants I had to bring inside. Still trying to make things fit though.

On My To Do List

WHO: Still need to write my pen pal that letter, J’s birthday is coming up fast, need to figure out what we’re going to do, SIL, need to get her a birthday card and mail it as well.

WHAT: Figure out bills for the next couple of months (insurance and taxes due right around the holidays, why?!), Clean the house and laundry, and a bit (a lot) of decluttering needs to happen, clean out email

WHERE/WHEN: J’s concert on Wednesday evening (still need to figure out where we’re going and if he has class prior), Dinner plans on Friday night (need time and place)

So while it feels busy, there’s really not all that much going on this week. Might be a good week to try and get things cleaned and organized. Of course, everything is subject to change around here.

From The Camera

The weather messed with my walking plans last week. Only got a brief walk in on Tuesday and then, too much rain during my other chances so the photos in the post are pretty much all from today.

Quote For The Week

(found on pinterest)

 

 

 

Friday Five

Chitchat Week in Review 6 Comments

Hey, another 2 posts week! Hooray. Thought I’d just do this post in the Five on Friday style.

ONE: RAIN DELAY

I barely got a quick walk in on Tuesday morning before the rain started. We finally had a few days of decent rainfall. It rained all day on Tuesday and Wednesday. Much needed. Speaking of delays, I am sharing this picture I didn’t get a chance to share in my Monday post. It’s just a random zinnia picture from our yard and I really like it. Maybe you’ll like it as well.

TWO: HAPPY LITTLE SURPRISES

Am I channeling Bob Ross?  Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday were work days for me. It’s nice being home more. However, it’s such a joy to go into work and see the kids as well. Tuesday was just a few hours in the pre-primary classroom, just slightly crazy because of the rainy day. And thankfully, we did get to go outside for a few minutes while I was there.

Wednesday, I worked in the kitchen. Ugh, not my thing. At home or at work. I’d even given one of my shifts away to another sub who was in need of more hours. However, upon arrival, I learned that they’d fixed the dishwasher. It’d been broken for a long time. If you’ve worked in any sort of commercial kitchen, you’ll relate to the “joy” of the three part handwashing sinks…wash, rinse, sanitize. Kills the hands. So hooray for commercial sanitizing dishwashers that are quick and efficient!

The regular cook had left the two of us who were supposed to be in there the most a little gift as well! These lemon wafer cookies might be my new favorites! 

And of course, spending some time in the primary classroom areas was such a joy. The kids asking me: when was I going to be back in their classroom made my day. Along with the hugs, overhearing little conversations (and on occasion stepping away from my kitchen duties to offer a bit of input–no, you should not hide from your teacher! ).

THREE: OUTDOOR CHORES

Another surprise yesterday, my husband had a day off work. We mainly did outdoor things. And frankly, I prefer to bring my plants in for the season when he’s not home. There is not such a thing as too many plants is there?  Funny, I never used to be a plant person as far as indoors. However, I can’t bear to let my plants go for the winter. Especially the clearance bargains I “rescued” from the garden center.

The weather people predict a hard freeze for us over the weekend so I spent all day yesterday (thankfully, it was a warm day with the rain leaving) bringing in my plants. Did you know that if you vacation your houseplants outside over the summer, they grow?!

This monstera (a bargain from Sam’s Club two years ago, husband says it’s the worst $8 he ever spent) is getting so big…not sure if you can see the top of the rocking chair back there. Basically, this thing is halfway covering the window in height.

I also made this little pot of begonias for our bedroom. The ladies at one of my favorite flower stores told me they would keep over the winter. Worth a try. I neglected them all summer, never even taking them out of their garden center containers. And they just continued to bloom. 

I also harvested up the rest of our garden “bounty” ha. More herb drying in my future.

FOUR: INDOOR DECOR

I woke up to a quiet dark house so I plugged in my little ghost lights.

My leaf lights finally gave out and I’ve struggled to find new ones so this year for fun, I hung up the little ghost lights. We’ve had these since the boys were little. Usually, I put them around the window frame but was in the mood for something different.  Also, lit my pumpkin clove candle for a bit. And yes, it smells as good as you think it might. 

Here’s my fun basket filler found at Target that doesn’t really work because I didn’t buy enough but I still like it.

FIVE: WEEKEND PLANS

So, I bought bulbs a couple weeks ago. And while I was in Menards, our yard grew! Oops. Does that happen to anyone else?

My weekend plans include:

  • watching a Halloween movie (or two), the boys think it’s funny that I’d like to see Five Nights At Freddy’s. I’ve been told “it’s a generational thing” and I’m not sure how to take that.
  • Finding homes for all the plants I moved indoors yesterday
  • Visiting some of the last Farmer’s Markets of the season. Last week I went to one a bit further out and had the best honey lavender latte, hoping the mobile coffee place is there again. Might be worth the drive!
  • Planting 114 flower bulbs (maybe not that many but that’s apparently how many I bought) if it’s not raining
  • Cheering on the Chiefs!

We still aren’t sure if we’re going to a bonfire tomorrow night, thinking my husband isn’t overly enthused. Do you have any fun weekend plans?

 

 

 

 

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