I took most of these photos on Sunday. The temperature dropped and it was quite cold out there. (We thought, I think it was maybe 10 degrees. This morning, it’s negative 2 degrees with a minus 22 degree wind chill. Trying to recall when we moved to Siberia.)

Just prior to the storm arriving, I snapped this white-throated sparrow taking shelter under the deck furniture. Not much shelter but there he sat as if he knew the weather was about to turn.

Waiting for the Storm

Our robin continues to visit daily. I don’t think he’s a fan of winter either.

The Groundhog said what now? How many more weeks of winter?

The Kansas City Chiefs lost the Super bowl *and* we have 6 more weeks of this nonsense weather? It’s going to get colder? You’re kidding, right? Afraid not.

A new bird joined the backyard crew. Not exactly excited about its appearance.

It’s a Starling, darling!

While not a fan of the starlings, nice to see a different bird in the backyard. And I’m not going to begrudge any bird looking for food in this crazy cold weather.

Of course, my regulars are still out back as well. The downy woodpeckers continue to visit the suet feeder, sometimes waiting patiently for me to clap my hands and shoo away the ever present squirrels.

Is Winter Over Yet?

Finally, one last bird photo to share this week. My blue jays also continue to visit. They’re fairly shy but I do hear them squawking when the feeders are empty or I’ve not thrown some seed on the deck.

The Cold Never Bothered Me, Anyway.

This morning, I’m hoping the freshly filled feeders don’t empty overnight. Not in a hurry to go freeze filling them up again soon. Since I found some suet blocks on clearance, I threw them out in solid clumps on the ground to maybe keep the squirrels busy. Wish me luck!

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Time to list other birds spotted this week: Cardinals, nuthatches, house sparrows, and house finches, the red-bellied woodpecker, dark-eyed juncos, crows, and Carolina wrens. Also, spotted some type of white bird of prey flying in the sky while driving to week. Couldn’t even begin to guess but I do hope I see it again when I can note more details. What birds did you spot this week?

*Joining in with the Bird D’Pot hosted by Anni over at I’d Rather B Birdin’.

Thursday Things

February 11, 2021

jehdld

Chitchat No Comments

Remember about a week ago when I said I watched Frozen on Disney Plus? My thought was I’d watch the sequel soon after. Turns out I don’t need to do that as we’re living it! Well, not the princess part. Or the cool castle part. No grand adventures or talking snowmen either.

However, it’s definitely as if Elsa had a finger pointing tantrum directed at the Midwest.

Twelve degrees out there right now and that’s warm for this week! Saw a meme that ordered the northerners to come get their “drunk weather” out of our backyards. I concur. And please, hurry!

It’s one thing to embrace winter but I’m not quite enjoying frigid cold just to drop a kid off at school yet. We’ve also had snow and ice mixed in with it. Road conditions were still poor enough Monday evening, that J’s baritone instructor called early to make sure we weren’t attempting the trip (He gives lessons out of his home). And on Tuesday morning, my husband returned home and waited a bit longer to leave for work as the roads were solid ice.

Yesterday, we had a bit of a heat wave or at least improved road conditions, so I did a bit of running around after dropping J off at school.

Grocery Store

Thankfully, the store is back to somewhat normal hours so I didn’t have to worry about waiting for the “senior hours” to end. Normally, I don’t shop on Wednesdays (sale day, always busy!) but made an exception.

Colder weather is supposed to arrive this weekend so I wanted to be prepared. Flower prices always go up around Valentine’s Day but they had these Meyer Lemon Trees in a sale cart:

A lot cheaper than a dozen roses! And (hopefully, keep reading though) longer lasting so I treated myself. Or rather I told my husband that he bought me a lemon tree for my Valentine’s flowers.

Also, treated myself to a Chai Tea Latte. A medium. Am I the only one can never remember the size names? A tall is a small but the Venti vs. Grande thing confuses me. Appreciated the barista’s graciousness in just saying so you want a medium? It was nice to have a warm beverage in hand going back out into the freezing cold.

Now, back to my plant. I took the photo above soon after I arrived home. Made sure to put it in the car/house first to limit its cold exposure. However, it still started this curling craziness last night:

It happened after I watered it. The soil seemed dry to me but apparently, over watering is a thing with these plants. Hopefully, I’ve not set a new plant killing record. I’m going to let the soil dry out for at least a solid week and see what happens. Wish me luck!

Tractor Supply and The Dollar Tree

Tractor Supply Stories

After driving to the grocery store, I decided the roads were decent enough that I should run a couple more errands.

Poor birds were completely out of seed (Minus a small bag I bought at the grocery store in case I ran out of steam before running more errands).

Lots of people were in Tractor Supply stocking up on bird seed, most likely for the upcoming frigid weekend. This surprised me as I’m not used to waiting to get into the bird seed aisle.

On another note, guess what happens when you down a medium Chai Tea Latte and then, go off on another shopping adventure? I don’t enjoy using retail restrooms in normal times let alone pandemic ones. However, sometimes when you’ve got to go; you’ve got to go.

Found the bathroom, way back in the far corner of the store. Walked to the ladies room to see this lovely sign:

For key, please see cashier.

What? Asked another associate walking by. Oh, the cashier has the key. SIGH. Did I mention it was busy? Thought about just paying and simply going home but again, when you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go.

Back to the front I walk, park my cart, get the key from the cashier. It’s attached to a stick wrapped with pink duct tape. Visions of gas station restrooms floating through my head. Whew, just a normal bathroom with stalls. No idea if it’s a normal thing or a Covid thing that they keep them locked (Target’s bathrooms are still “normal”).

Relieved, in more ways than one, I returned to the front and waited in line to pay for my birdseed and return the key. Strange times aren’t they?

The Dollar Tree

Braving the restroom at Tractor Supply meant I could run an additional errand so I made my way over to the Dollar Tree. Turns out the particular store I frequent is moving. Quick Trip bought the whole corner or something. Thankfully, they’re just moving across the parking lot and next to another grocery store in our area. Hopefully, the new store’s a bit better maintained.

The moving date listed said mid-February so the store was quite empty. Nice to have a bit of space to shop although not much to look at in the mostly empty aisles. Bought some Fairy garden doors. Then, picked up my project idea paper boxes.

Since this post is getting a little lengthy, I think I’ll end it here and make you return tomorrow to see what’s stashed inside these boxes. I’ll share a few other recent projects I’ve been meaning to show you as well.

How’s your weather? If it’s warm, can we borrow some, please?

My Thoughts On Magnolia Journal

February 9, 2021

jehdld

Reviews No Comments

I decided to purchase and savor one quality magazine each quarter. It’s an item on my 21 for 2021 list.

My choice for the winter quarter: Magnolia Journal.

magnolia journal

Thought it might be fun to share my thoughts about my “fancy” magazines. First, let me say I love magazines. However, I typically only subscribe when I find a free on-line deal. Mostly that means doing surveys and sometimes limited choices. Of all the magazines arriving, I think I’d probably be willing to pay for perhaps one subscription and that’s a maybe.

Basically, I’m telling you it’s hard for me justify shelling out money for a magazine. However, I do love flipping through their pages.

So, is Magnolia Journal worth it?

The Basics

Price: $7.99

Seems a bit steep to me. By comparison, the cover of Better Homes and Gardens list price is $3.99.

I justified the expense by using a grocery store gift card I had in my purse.

The current subscription rate is $20/year so discounted to $5 an issue. (Better Homes and Gardens arrives in my mailbox for free from some long ago forgotten deal)

First Impressions

The first thing I noticed about the magazine was the pages. Not the content of the pages but rather the quality of the pages themselves. The pages are a heavier weighted paper than your typical magazine. Gave it a bit of a more luxurious feel.

The Good

Don’t you hate when you pick up a magazine and read more ads than content? I was impressed with how the ads seemingly flowed without interrupting the content. And I do think the magazine contained more content than ads.

The articles lacked the redundancy many magazines suffer from when all relate to a singular theme.

Many articles and pages had spaces for journaling your own thoughts within the magazine.

magnolia journal

The interviews were interesting and engaging.

The recipe section contained appetizing food that called for regular ingredients.

magnolia journal

Complaint Section

Before I share my limited gripe about this issue, I want to give a slight pass since as a winter issue, Christmas pretty much had to be addressed. I mostly enjoyed the Christmas articles even in February.

However, the one way the magazine did stay cliche? The ubiquitous in all magazines published around a holiday, an over-priced gift guide. While the gifts were at least varied in price, the cheapest women’s gift: $25 for a set of 3 loose-leaf teas. However, most of the gifts averaged out to about $50.

magnolia journal

And perhaps it’s because I have teenagers that I noticed, they were completely overlooked in the gift guide section. I can forgive this as I know their kids aren’t at that stage yet but I can’t advise buying any child a $70 backpack. Certainly, didn’t see any affordable ideas if you were gift shopping for more than one child on a limited budget. Perhaps, I’m not the gift-guide target audience. Happens a lot these days, realizing I’m not the target audience of shows, games, and now apparently magazine gift guides.

Overall Impression

Actually, impressed.

magnolia journal

Have you read this magazine? What are your thoughts?

Happy Homemaker Monday, Cold and Busy Week

February 8, 2021

jehdld

HappyHomemakerMonday 2 Comments

Happy Monday from cold, snowy, and sad after a Super Bowl loss KC. It’s a balmy 7 degrees with snow out there this morning.

Most schools are either having on-line or snow days. Grateful J’s school still opts in for the idea of snow days.

I was supposed to work for just a few hours this morning but did something my younger self probably would never consider. I called and asked if they actually needed me. Thankfully, the answer was no, stay home and be safe. Hooray! A snow day for me as well.

Time to join in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather

As I told my husband, we tend to forget that February is the coldest and snowiest month around here. It’s certainly not letting us down as we move into the 2nd week of the month. I mentioned it earlier but we’re in single digits (weekend wind chills were below zero and we had a bit of snow then as well) and snowing. Winter advisory until this afternoon. We are supposed to reach the teens later this week with slight chances for snow most days. It’s the Midwestern Winter version of just wait 5 minutes…

How I Am Feeling This Morning

A little tired with a slight headache (probably from lack of sleep, nothing serious) so relieved they didn’t need me at work today. Sad that my team lost the Super Bowl (grudgingly says congratulations, Tampa Bay!) but still (like most fans) super proud they made it there 2 years in a row. Shocked to hear last night that it’s the first time in his professional career that Patrick Mahomes lost a game by double digits. He’ll be back (with the rest of the team).

On My Mind

Trying to figure out what to do with my unexpected free time today. While J’s school called an official snow day they encouraged the kids to work on late/missing work. I certainly have more than a few procrastinated projects and phone calls. Maybe I’ll do the adult version of working on late/missing work. Or clean the house.

On The Breakfast Plate

I had apple cinnamon oatmeal, 2 sausages, coffee, and vitamins

On My Reading Pile

In keeping with my word of the year, I decided to spend less time trying to force myself to read books that weren’t holding my attention. Hamilton by Ron Chernow returned to the library as did The Little Book of Cottagecore by Emily Kent.

I started Infinite by Brian Freeman last Monday and finished it well before the week ended. His books seldom disappoint me and this one stayed true to that form. I really enjoyed this story of multiple realities intertwining though the ending left me on the fence.

Another of my holds popped up and I surprised myself by reading Rising Out of Hatred: The Awakening of a Former White Nationalist by Eli Saslow in 2 days. Interesting from a sociological perspective, hopeful, and sobering all at the same time. Well worth reading.

And now, I’ve changed reading direction yet again and am reading another library hold that popped up for me, Playing Nice by J.P. Delaney. Infants switched at birth because of a hospital mistake (maybe)? Parents meeting to discuss what to do about it. Really curious to see where this story is going.

On My TV

With the weather, I imagine I’ll watch a bit of TV this week. Last week I did a little better but Saturday I needed a day. So I sat and watched too many episodes of Fear The Walking Dead. Back to that for some reason. Might watch more today. And of course, I’ll watch Prodigal Son on Tuesday evening. And the new WandaVision (that one is getting good!) on Friday.

Speaking of on the TV, what did you think of the Super Bowl halftime show? I saw where quite a few thought it was boring but I enjoyed it. My sons actually came out and watched that with us (they aren’t football fans). I appreciated the simplicity of it.

On The Menu This Week

MONDAY: Minestrone (I’ll brown some hamburger on the side for my husband to add to his soup) ~~*I work 9:45-2*~~ *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30* *It’s my husband’s birthday so this may change, we celebrated some yesterday with the cake already*

Parchment paper is a nice thing to have, I was out so my cakes stuck.

TUESDAY: Baked pork chops with oven roasted carrots and parsnips, stuffing

WEDNESDAY: Chili and cornbread *I have a hair appt at 9*

THURSDAY: Chicken strips and French Fries *I work 11-4*

FRIDAY: OUT maybe Panda Express? *Chinese New Year* *No school for J*

From The Camera

Sunnier days from long ago (last Wednesday)

New Recipe I Tried Last Week Or One That We Really Enjoyed

Sometimes the second time I make a new recipe they aren’t as big a hit as the first try. However, this spinach chicken skillet passed the second time test. I’ll need to add it into our regular rotation more often.

To Relax This Week, I Will

Read, work on this blog, and probably play the silly game I downloaded onto my phone: Project Makeover. It’s dumb but also kind of fun. Let’s call it a guilty pleasure. I also downloaded the game Go so that maybe I could understand it a bit better. (J is trying to teach me to play)

Something I Want To Share

Cottage Market is a blog I enjoy and she often offers free printables. I currently have the one pictured above on my fridge. Also, she donates to a pet rescue charity each week based on comments (I confess to being bad about commenting on Saturdays but I love the idea!).

Quote For The Week

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A Game Called Go, Some Geese, and Gulls

February 6, 2021

jehdld

Birdwatching 6 Comments

On Wednesday afternoon, my son came home from school asking if I’d ever heard of a game called Go. Thanks to my obsession with Animal Crossing on my phone for a few years, I could say yes. Although I had no idea how to play or anything about it other than it being an item I could get for pretend animals in my game.

I’m taking the long way around to say my walk in Wednesday’s beautiful weather was delayed. First, my son created a Go game board and then, we played. I lost. Badly.

The Geese

However, I still took my walk. I just left the house much later than planned. Wednesdays are odd days in that school gets out early so my whole day usually ends up a bit off anyway. Tonight (Saturday) the ground is covered with snow and there’s a feels like 5 degrees temperature.

Just 3 days ago, it was more of a feels like 50 degree temperature. And sunny. I ventured off to my favorite walking park. It’d been a while as we’d had snow and rain and it’s often slow to dry over there. The parking lot still had the large puddles and I passed a part of the park where a large grassy area remained flooded. There I saw an usual sight. I’ve never seen Canada geese at this particular park. Yet, Here they were flying in to enjoy the water. A few robins joined them.

I watched them for quite a while. The park was busy since super nice February days are relatively rare. The gentleman in the picture below appears closer to me than he is. The sidewalk to get over to that side is quite long.

I could have watched the geese for longer but I was on a time crunch (dinner time approaching fast). One last look.

Gulls

Yet another bird I’d never seen at this park. A group of gulls flying in the sky on the west side of the park. Couldn’t get the whole group in a decent photo but captured a few single gulls in flight.

I’ve often heard when you spot a gull, it means snow is on the way. Not sure if that’s just a local thing but it did get colder and then, snow today. Personally, I’ve noticed whenever the temperatures get unusually warm, snow tends to follow. Usually not this much cold air with it.

Other Birds Spotted This Week

Around the backyard, all the birds were happy that I finally got around to refilling the feeders on Friday morning. The squirrels were as well. I’ve been throwing extra seed out on the deck for our resident robin and the blue jays that like to visit. The tufted titmouse also seems to prefer coming up to the deck for seed.

The cardinals and house finches stick mostly to the feeders as do the chickadees though I’ve seen the first two visit the deck. The nuthatch also prefers the feeders. He takes no flack from the sparrows and is fun to watch when he spreads his wings to make them back off. The downy woodpeckers wait while I clap my hands at the greedy squirrels. Most the other birds also scatter with the squirrels but the downy woodpeckers wait patiently.

The white throated sparrows and dark-eyed juncos both make appearances on the deck and under all the bird feeders along with our mourning doves. The Carolina wrens and red-bellied woodpeckers also made appearances at the feeders.

My husband spotted the Cooper’s hawk on Tuesday but it was in the far neighbor’s tree and I only saw it fly over the yard.

What birds did you spot this week?

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Joining in with The Bird D’Pot hosted by Anni at I’d Rather B Birdin’.

Bad Mood on a Friday?

February 5, 2021

jehdld

Chitchat 4 Comments

Waking up in a bad mood on a Monday? Understandable. However, I woke up in a bad mood today.

Ever wake up in a bad mood? I’m sure most of it is sleep related. My husband added a *few* security measures around the outside of the house during the course of the week. After Monday’s madness, I get it and am attempting understanding.

However, his placement of said measures isn’t working well for me. Or at least not for my sleep.

First, he added a “doorbell” that dings any time a person passes it. It’s right next to the front door. I told him it was a bit much as I go in and out of the front door at least 4-5 times each morning. Add to it, the sound is just like the security sound at my work. No one, even those of us who love their job, wants to feel like they are at work when they are actually home.

Then, he added another to a tree in the backyard. It faces his trailer. It also faces my bird feeders. Last night, nocturnal animals or leaves (wind) set it off twice. I do not do well on interrupted sleep. At all. Put it ON the trailer I told him. Am I the only one with the husband who does not listen? UGH.

Add to that, the new trip lights around the deck and backyard. See above about nocturnal animals, leaves, and wind. Our backyard is now constantly lit up like it’s daytime. Again, it’s about the placement. And again, my ideas for more common sense placement of said lights? Mostly, ignored.

A Bit of Good News

Before I continue with my bad mood minutes, I’ll share a little good news. We did indeed get one of the stolen ATVs back. Turns out another neighbor caught someone trying to rob his shed. The thief? Riding our stolen older ATV. Not as hopeful about the newer one, however, insurance is covering it.

Not-backyard business related: After a comment from Tracy over at 4 D Farms, I took another look at how I could preserve So Not Organized without dragging it all over here or going through the posts each week. And I decided what to do. All of my content from the So Not Organized blog is now archived at:

SoNotOrganized.wordpress.com

It’s not super pretty and kind of a mess right now. There is a search bar though. The old paid site should still be there through year-end but now I don’t have to worry about it all disappearing.

We Now Return to Bad Mood on a Friday

Can I just tell you that I didn’t get enough alone time this week? Uh, this entire pandemic. I know I’m not alone on that one. As some sort of weird 50/51 (depends on the day of the week) Introvert/Extravert personality type (ESFP if you’re really into that stuff; or ISFP depending, today leans more I than E), I need my alone time. And don’t do well without it.

After my husband being home much of this week, J not going to school yesterday (anxiety), and G always here though in his room mostly, I’m like a bear awakened from hibernation much too early. Searching angrily for a tiny corner of our small home to carve out for a bit of uninterrupted time. Time for what? Want to know something funny? I don’t know. Just know I need some time to be alone for a bit. Maybe time for this mood to evolve into something a bit more positive.

Goal Not Met

As an emotional stress-eater, this probably wasn’t an ideal week to pick for going sugar-free. I did okay with it on Monday (surprisingly), Tuesday and Wednesday while not perfect, weren’t awful. I caved a tiny bit on Wednesday with my nemesis or “MY LOVE” pictured above.

Yesterday, however, complete and utter failure. The stress of many things caught up to me and I covered it in chalky sweet candy-hearted pieces. And a few cookies. And Chex Mix. Yes, also a few pieces of chocolate. Though it was 85% cocoa chocolate. *J, the other dark chocolate fan in our house, said 85% was a bit too bitter for him.

Managing My Mood

Still reading? Wow, thank you. Usually, I’m not quite so moody. Tend to be fairly stable in the mood department. Looking ahead to the rest of today and this weekend:

Today I work in the afternoon. Always a mood booster being around 3-6 year old kids. Even at their crankiest time of day.

Shouldn’t plan life around the TV but I’m looking forward to watching a new episode of WandaVision and the Super Bowl this weekend. (Wearing my red for red Friday, Go Chiefs!)

A new magazine to read (lots of those that arrive for free in the mail but I gave in and purchased a copy of Magnolia Home Journal and I’m excited to flip through the pages)

I know this mood is a passing thing and once I’ve had a little (real) food, water, sunshine, and more rest, the clouds of my bad mood will lift away.

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How do you chase away a bad mood?

Let’s Stop Rushing Everything

February 3, 2021

jehdld

On My Mind 4 Comments

One thing I think I learned from my word of the year back in 2018: Quit forcing things. My word way back then? (Okay, I know it was only 3 years ago but it seems way back doesn’t it?)

Embrace. It was a good word of the year. I learned to just take things as they arrived and (wait for it) embrace them. Mostly my mindset of doing just that has stuck.

I used to be a winter hater. Hated almost everything about it. Then, I started embracing it. Finding little things to enjoy about it. Like hot chocolate on snowy (or just freezing) day. Hot tea, blankets, books, and all of us safe at home (remember, this was 2018 when all of us safe at home wasn’t because of an annoying global pandemic).

Now, I’m not a winter hater anymore. However, I don’t exactly love it but I do find appreciation for each season. And I’m finding myself a bit annoyed at those wishing to skip right over this season.

Things it’s NOT time for right now

Dear blog world, Pinterest pin people, retail establishments, and whoever else needs to know this:

I understand you are tired of cold and snow. However, it’s time for those things if you live on the part of the Earth where it is indeed winter right now.

Please quit crowding my Internet space with Saint Patrick’s Day (That’s March 17 and February’s barely begun), Easter (HELLO, it’s in APRIL this year), and Spring planting (Unless you are forcing bulbs indoors, allowed).

It makes me feel rushed. Want to know one of my Pet Peeves? Feeling rushed.

Let’s all take a collective deep breath.

Things to enjoy RIGHT NOW

Instead of rushing through each season, let’s pause and enjoy a few of the February things, you know in February.

Today is Groundhog day! I know all of last year and for some, the start of this year, felt like Groundhog day but we can still enjoy this silly tradition. *UPDATE* I meant to publish this yesterday, 6 more weeks of winter. Remember, spring is always 6 weeks away from February 2.

The Superbowl (some of us may enjoy it more than others but the food usually doesn’t disappoint)

Valentine’s Day (Chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate)

Fat Tuesday (A day of feasting and usually on pancakes, I’ll embrace that!)

Chinese New Year (In case you need a fresh start on 2021, welcome in the year of the ox)

President’s Day (A joint birthday celebration for Washington and Lincoln.)

There’s pretty much a national day for each month, pick what you like and celebrate it.

Watching TV or reading when the weather is nasty outside (and some shows are back with new episodes)

Wrapping up in cozy blankets

Nothing makes me appreciate a sunny winter day more than it following a few cloudy, cold ones

Snow! Do you want to build a snowman? If it’s too cold outside, bring some snow inside (in a pan)

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I certainly get it if you’re looking forward to spring. Let’s just not forget to enjoy the now. What’s your favorite thing about February?

Happy Homemaker Monday, Welcome February!

February 1, 2021

jehdld

HappyHomemakerMonday 14 Comments

Not the best start to the new month around here. Someone stole not one but both of my husband’s ATVs out of the backyard over night. SIGH. I’ll probably be working on this post on and off this morning as we wait. Lots of waiting today.

I woke up early and waited for J to get up for school (clearly not early enough to hear the backyard heist)

~~He has to wait for the police to return his call.~~

Then, wait for an official police report so we can contact our home owner insurance company.

Plus, I’m waiting for G to wake up so we can ask if he heard anything (doubtful as he usually wears headphones while talking to friends at night). However, we do think the thieves rolled the vehicles out of the backyard away from the house so it’s not likely.

SIGH, not my plans for the first Monday of the month.

Let’s just try and get on with planning this first week of a new month. Joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.