Happy Homemaker Monday: March 31, 2025

 I wish this was a happier Homemaker Monday. Yesterday, my nearly 12 year old cat Renfield, passed away. We're all heartbroken, understandably. I took the day off work and have been wandering the house, doing chores, puffy-eyed. The house feels strangely empty even though I have other pets. Ren was my constant companion and I won't say he was my favorite, but...he was. We got him when Goose was just a baby and even though everybody told me not to get a cat with a new baby in the house, I knew better. He loved Goose from the moment he laid eyes on her. It's Goose's first huge animal heartbreak. We lost Ghost a bit over a year ago, but she's matured so much since then. It's been a lot of tears in our house the last 24 hours. I need to get my mind straight though, so here we go with this post. 

The weather in my neck of the woods: So much rain...not flood level, and we are grateful for all of it, as there have been a lot of forest fires/wildfires here in the mountains. It's pouring down quite a bit right now, and while I have a headache from the air pressure changes, I'm so incredibly grateful. I read somewhere that next week, we have a chance for more snow, which is honestly not unexpected here in April...or even May.

As I look outside my window: It's pouring the rain, and the sky is grey. The pond is almost at the level it's supposed to be. The mated pair of Canada Geese has returned for another year, and I've heard them honking intermittently throughout the day. 

Right now, I am: Laying on my bed, typing up this post. Goose just showed me a drawing she did of some very cute cats. 

Something fun to share (A blog, a video, tip) Watch out for salamanders!!! Ella and I couldn't sleep last night so we walked over by the pond and ran across four salamanders and a cool frog. The rainy season and the dark of night are two of their favorite things. 

ALSO...There was a lunar eclipse earlier this month and Ella and I stayed up to watch it...which may have been a mistake because I dragged the entire next day, but. 

lol that last one is rough, but it was the only one where I caught the red. 

Thinking and Pondering: I miss my cat. My bed seems too big. I have a headache. I don't think I ate enough today. But I'm so incredibly grateful for the time that we did have with him. He grew up with both my girls and he was so incredibly loyal to me. 

On my bedside table: BOOOOOOOOOOOKS. And lotion and linen spray and a doctor pepper and a ton of pens. 

On my TV: Will Trent, Next Level Chef, and Happy's Place (Because I love Reba McEntire). I think I'll rewatch Reba, too...though I've been watching Dance Moms (I love me a good train wreck). 

On the menu for this week: Heaven only knows, ha. I have planned til Wednesday (Creamy Comfort Chicken, Cube Steak and Potatoes, and Chicken Orzo Soup, in that order.). I haven't thought past Wednesday, and I likely won't until I am at the grocery store. 

On my to-do list: Tonight? Make dinner and survive. This week? Clear space on the plant shelves for Ren's urn when we get it back. He loved the houseplants but wasn't allowed to touch them and spent many moments staring at them longingly. Spring cleaning. Clearing out donatables. Planting dahlias. 

What I am sewing, knitting, crocheting, creating: I honestly don't know yet. But lovely gardens on paper. Soon to be translated to the ground. 

My simple pleasure: Resting and sunlight and sleep. Also, good books. 

From the camera: 

The most amazing cat that ever did live, and ever did love. But I say this about all of them. Renfield Fenwick, April 17, 2013-March 30, 2025

Bible Verse, Devotional: 

Have a beautiful week!

Happy Homemaker Monday: March 10, 2025

 Look, look! I'm here on a Monday. Honestly, it's only because I've taken this whole week off work to reset my nervous system, body and mind before hands-on flower season starts. I need to spend some time just relaxing, and quality time with my kids before everything is school/work for a while. That said, I'll be far more lenient with myself than I have been in past years. Some years ago, during planting season, I went back to work right after a miscarriage. I'll never do that again...not that more kids are in my future. 

Whew, that was so far off track. Here we go. As you were. 

The weather in my neck of the woods: UNREAL. Every day above 50 degrees. Pinch me, I must be dreaming. My Dad used to tell me that the more we complain about weather, the worse it seems, so I make it a real point not to complain. But I am really really really happy to see some Spring temperatures. 

As I look outside my window: It's cloudy, but it's warm outside...I know because I went outside to get the mail. The sun is supposed to come out later, but I'm okay if it doesn't. It's not below freezing, there's no high winds, so I am one happy girl. Speaking of my window, I GOT NEW CURTAINS. It's such a little thing, I know, but they're silver and they're breezy and they make me so very happy. 

Right now, I am: Sitting in my usual writing spot, resting, and not doing a whole lot else. Just cleaned the screen on my poor laptop, after realizing how badly it needed it. 

Tip, Video, etc: I actually have something this week. This is the time of year we start to see Henbit, Deadnettle, and Ground Ivy (Creeping Charlie), For years, I couldn't tell the difference between the three, but I did research last year and now I can. So, here's a picture. (I swiped the pic off facebook in a plant group)

Thinking and pondering: How much our pets mean to us. We've had a full zoo over the years, and losing pets is never easy. All of my current critters are doing well, but I know Ren is getting older and we had a scare with him about a month or so ago...he also has a condition that makes his skin itchy (white cats sometimes come with their own host of health issues)...I just worry about all of my furry friends, especially Ren, as he is the oldest in my current crew. (Ted is about to be 3, and Haroldeen about to be 4. Ren's 11, nearly 12). 

On my bedside table: Planners, a bottle of sweet tea, headphones, my Kindle, a pair of nail clippers, pillow mist. 

On my TV: Will Trent, Next Level Chef. Whatever else I decide to spend my time watching on my days off. 

Listening to: "Bon Temps" by Penny and Sparrow. I forgot this song existed and Facebook memories reminded me of it today. Andy Baxter's voice is amazing. I'm sure I've said this. My youngest daughter shouting excitedly because she took a photo on her new (to her) camera. When I got my new camera, I gave my old Canon to Ella, and my point-and-shoot to Goose. My new camera is a plum-colored Nikon and I love it so much. 

On the menu for this week: I'm making Hamburger Soup today, and tomorrow Ella is cooking breakfast for dinner. Wednesday is Smoked Sausage and a pasta side (because we have choir practice at 6 and need something easy). I haven't planned beyond that yet, but I will. I have nothing but time this week hehehe

On my to-do list: Precious little. I have to make dinner and do some general cleaning. I have to wash towels. Nothing really serious. I do have a shelving unit to put together at some point. 

What I am sewing, knitting, or creating: I don't know.I'm going to let this week progress as it progresses. I haven't allotted myself this much freedom in I don't know how long. 

My simple pleasure: Cucumbers with yum-yum sauce and a sprinkle of salt. Sometimes giving in to the little cravings isn't the worst. 

Looking around the house: If I look right out my bedroom door, I go straight through Goose's room, the living room, our kitchen and land on my giant monstera plant, Doris, and my disco ball. I also have poppies taking up residence in my kitchen. I went to an organic plant nursery this weekend and had a ball...and brought back a bunch of plants. We've had Doris for years though and her leaves are bigger than a newborn babe. 

From the camera: 

Last night's sunset. It was so cloudy and on my way back toward my house, I looked back and there was this pink-purple strip and it honestly made me gasp out loud. 

Prayer list: This country. Politics keeps us so divided, which is wild because at the end of the day, I fully believe we all want the same things and all basically want to be good to others. 

Have a beautiful week!!!

Time, Can You Please Slow Down?

 I find myself every week with such good intentions, to do the Happy Homemaker Monday thing and keep some kind of a semblance of regular blogging. And then time gets away from me and things get all crazy rushed and then I'm doing the second, third, fourth load of laundry...and...and...and.

I wish time would slow down. But honestly, time's doing what it's always done. Maybe time's not the problem. Maybe I am. 

I need to slow down. It's been my mantra for YEARS. It's what my Dad yelled at me about until his dying day. Slow. Down. Take care of yourself. 

I do slow down. I do notice things. More than I used to, for sure, but still not as much as I probably should. Goose helps me to slow down. I'm actively forcing myself. I looked at her face the other day. Gone is the chubby-cheeked cherub toddler girl. She looks so grown up. Were her eyes always that wise? Did she always know those words? 

Time marches on, for sure. And the seasons are changing. There are buds on the alder trees. 

I can wear light sweaters most days and not freeze my tail off.  I dress like an elderly hippie, and I'm loving that. 

The other day I stopped long enough to appreciate the green curtain lights over my bed, so y'all can see them too. 

And the tiniest sliver of a new moon the other day. 

I think this is why I take so many pictures. (Besides trying to get used to this camera I just bought). So that time slows down (or I do) for even just a few minutes. 

Take care of yourselves y'all. 

Mental health and what the sunset has to do with it.

 On December 2nd, right as it was getting ridiculously cold, I decided that for the sake of my mental health, I was going to get out every evening at sunset and photograph the sky, even if there was nothing to photograph. 

I read somewhere that getting outside, getting out of the house, just standing outside...it's good for you. 

I'm proud to say that I have kept to my promise, even if there were days where I stood on my front porch with a camera, and didn't venture out. Below zero temps are no joke, folks. 

I will say that I've noticed a difference, and that I look forward to my sunset walks. Sometimes, one or both of my girls will come. Sometimes, it's just me. Sometimes, Haroldeen (the cat who showed up at my house a few years back) will join me. 

Anyway, all of this to say that some evenings there is no sunset. Some evenings it's so foggy I can't see my hand in front of my face. Sometimes I gasp and gawk. But I'm out there every evening...and I love every evening. 

Please enjoy these pictures that I've taken here and there. 

This isn't the sunset but it's from tonight's sunset walk. Goose and Haroldeen. 

This is the beginning of sunset, this evening. 

This is the other day. The sky was the color of cotton candy. 

Late January

Also January. Pretty sure that was the day we were heading for below zero temps. What on earth I was doing on the running trail I'll never know. 

December. There wasn't much of a sunset that day, but the sky was so, so pretty. 

Also December. Just a little hint of pink. 

I guess what I'm trying to say is please find whatever little shred or scrap of joy you can, and hang on to it. I feel like we're all struggling right now, for one reason or another. Maybe it's always been that way, and I never noticed it before. But I can see how tired people's eyes are, whether it's in line at the grocery or while I'm out on the running trail. Life is hard, folks...and we should treat ourselves and each other kindly. 

Take care of yourselves 

Happy Homemaker Monday: Monday February 17, 2025

 This will be my second blog post of the day...I know, I know. I don't post for a year and a half and then TWO posts in one day? I'm trying, folks. I really am. So here we go. 

The weather in my neck of the woods: Well, it's definitely still Winter here in the mountains, and we've been given a stark reminder of that. I woke up to 14 degrees and snow. We have lows in the single digits for two nights this week, and then back up to almost 50 degrees in ten days. This is all honestly pretty typical of February, so I'm glad for that. 

As I look outside my window: My side yard is covered in snow, but it's sunny outside. The wind is still blowing, but not howling like it was last night. My neighborhood is blanketed and mostly quiet. 

Right now, I am: Typing up this post from the comfort of my bedroom and singing (badly) along with Noah Kahan to "Bury Me." Watching Ren the cat sleep at the edge of the bed. 

Something fun to share: Target has a whole fun batch of scents from a brand called Finery, and the Magnetic Candy scent is pretty darn great. Sorry, that's all I have. Ella and I hit up Target last week and I found this body mist and I am pretty excited about it. 

Thinking and Pondering: A lot, especially how we carry our childhood trauma around, and how we have to be so careful not to let it spill over onto our children. I had to have a very difficult discussion with my youngest daughter about her Dad and it cut my heart to the core because what the heck, man. We need to be trying so much harder for our kids. 

Also, I'm excited to be heading out with a friend today. I needed a break from work and all things house-y, and work-y. (Last week was a real long week, y'all).

On my bedside table: Journals, planners, post-its and paperclips I had to buy last week for work. 

On my TV: Degrassi High, School Spirits, Will Trent, Scamanda (what am I WATCHING?!!!), Next Level Chef. 

Listening to: The hum of the heat, Goose turning pages in a book, my Noah Kahan playlist on Spotify. 

On the menu for this week: Tonight, we're having Hamburger Soup. Tomorrow is Chicken Ramen Stir Fry. I haven't planned beyond that, as I go grocery shopping tomorrow (Wednesday we're supposed to get real bad weather and I don't much feel like going shopping in real bad weather)

On my to-do list: Make dinner, change some light bulbs, tidy up the living room. 

Happening this week: Thankfully, not much. I'm grocery shopping tomorrow, and some of the local crafty ladies are meeting up on Friday, so I'm looking forward to that. 

What I am sewing, knitting, creating, etc: My favorite ancient skirt (it was given to me a bunch of years ago and it was old then) needs mending so I'll be doing that. Also! I have a macrame kit that I'm going to make with the kids. 

My simple pleasure: Reading, you guys. Holy heck. I read two books in the last week and I've forgotten how much I love it. Also sunset walks. 

Lesson learned this past week: I go hard for my kids. Do not mess with them, even if you are "family" to them. Having grown up the way I did, it makes me extra protective of my girls, and heaven help whoever hurts their feelings or upsets them. 

Looking around the house: It's bright and cheerful, and I'm glad for that because it's disgusting outside. I love how our homes become our little sanctuaries from the outside world. 

From the camera: 

I have suncatchers in both of my kitchen windows and they make me SO HAPPY. 

Prayer list: My friend (God knows who she is), this country, the whole entire planet. 

Bible verse, devotional: At church, the pastor talked about giving love away, if you're hoping to receive it. It made a lot of sense...and then brought me to the verses in 1 Corinthians chapter 13...we're not really anything without love. 

Well, my dears, have an amazing day and an amazing week! 

Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Skillet

 I've decided to resurrect the recipe part of my blog/writing, if only so I have a written record of these things...because otherwise I never write down recipes. Ella's forever asking me how to make (insert food here) and I can never give her even a basic recipe. (Because, as I've said, I never write these things down)

I made this yesterday evening, and while attempting to photograph food I realized two things. 

1) I'm out of practice. My food photography has suffered in my blogging absence. 

2) The kitchen chandelier had 2 burn out bulbs that I hadn't noticed. Whomp. 

But here we go. 

Chicken Gnocchi Skillet. 

Disclaimer: All of my recipes are written with zero measurements, and I eyeball literally everything. If you're looking for scientific, super specific recipes, this unfortunately is not the blog for you. 

What you'll need: 

**Butter and Olive Oil

**Chicken (I use the pre-cut stir fry stuff)

**Mushrooms (either canned or fresh, we just happened to have fresh on hand)

**Frozen veggies (we use the frozen mixed vegetables from Aldi for this one, because it's what we had on hand) 

**Chicken broth (or water and chicken bouillion powder)

**Shredded parmesan cheese (not grated)

**Half n half (or heavy whipping cream, or milk, all of these work just fine)

**salt, pepper, your favorite spices

**pre-packaged gnocchi (pasta aisle at your local grocery)

What you gotta do: 

**Heat up your oil and butter in a pan and use it to saute the chicken. Add your favorite spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc) 

**Add your mushrooms and your veggies, and enough chicken broth to allow things to start steaming through  

**Meanwhile boil water for your gnocchi

*Add in the gnocchi into the boiling water. It's ready when it floats to the top. Meanwhile, add in the parmesan cheese to your skillet with the chicken and veggies. 

**Stir that around and add the milk/cream/half n half, to make a lovely little sauce

**Your gnocchi should be ready by now, so go ahead and add that into your skillet

**Stir everything around until it's all incorporated. Top with parsley, or dill, or basil, or whatever you like. 

This was delicious, and well received by everybody, so that makes it a success in my book. 

Happy Homemaker Monday: February 10, 2025

 Good...afternoon. Today's been all kinds of weird, because of scheduling and such, but I'm doing my best to keep it all together, and so far it's working-ish. Some days, that's the best we can do. 

The Weather in My Neck of the Woods: We're back to seasonable temperatures, and rain. Thankfully, not a lot, but there's still potential for flooding and our infrastructure honestly doesn't need more flooding. Not after Helene. We have temperatures in the teens overnight next week, and honestly, that's still not the negatives we saw a few weeks back, so I'm happy enough. 

As I look outside my window: The sun is out, but it's that winter-bleary sunshine, and not bright like it was last week. There's clouds out there and I know they mean rain/seasonal weather, and that's actually pretty comforting to me. 

Right now, I am: Typing this post, debating lunch, lamenting having to finish some pretty heavy-duty paperwork for the dahlias. Basically cycling through my to-do list. Also watching Renfield the giant white cat at the end of the bed who looks annoyed that I'm not paying him all the attention. 

Someting fun to share (a blog, a video, a tip) This is totally not a tip, or anything, but last week, I tried the Starbucks Blackberry Sage Lemonade because it sounded really weird. It ended up actually being really good, so I guess your tip/advice is to try the weird things, they may turn out pretty dang good. 

Thinking and pondering: I want to find an excuse to go outside today, other than just my usual run/walk/whatever. Maybe I'll stop by the thrift store with Goose later. Hmm. I think I need to buy bread, as we are on our last loaf.  And there's my excuse. 

On my bedside table: Books, my planner, my Kindle, a random clip of Goose's that she left here and I'll be returning to her room shortly. My tiny mug of coffee with the mushrooms on it. 

On my T.V: Scamanda, Found (I need to catch up!), School Spirits (anybody else watching, what in the actual heck is going ON?) , Animal Control (if it's back) . Also I found Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High, and I've already seen every episode of Degrassi: TNG and Degrassi: Next Class so I guess I'm gonna start from the beginning, hehe. 

Listening to: The clack of the keyboard, Goose in the next room, and myself whistling. My Dad whistled all the time and it drove my mother nuts. I find myself whistling a lot and it makes me happy because it reminds me of Dad. 

On the menu for this week: Today, we're having Winter Soup (like potato soup, but add a bunch of extra veggies), Tomorrow is Oregano Chicken with Rice, Wednesday we're having Cube Steak and Egg noodles, Thursday is Chicken Quesadilas, and Friday is Broccoli Cheddar Soup (in the crockpot because I'm grocery shopping that day)

On my to-do list: Buy bread, finish up that paperwork, make that soup, read my book. I'm so used to burning the candle at both ends that I've had to schedule time to do things like read books and basically lay around and laze about. 

Happening this week: I'm meeting with a client on Thursday, grocery shopping on Friday...I'm also going thrifting with the girls on Thursday afternoon. I'm also de-stuffing clothes for the girls and for myself. 

What I am sewing/knitting/crocheting/creating: I'll be designing some client gardens and I'm going to try and make suncatchers with Goose. 

My simple pleasure: My little sunset walks which I do solely for the purpose of my mental health. I didn't realize that getting out of the house (usually alone) for even five minutes was going to have such a positive effect on my mental state. 

Lesson learned this past week: We literally have no idea what people are going through, so just please be kind. Some people do a really good job of hiding when they are having a hard time and don't often speak about what's bothering them, and there are always various reasons for that. For everybody's sake, it's better to be kind. 

Looking around the house: Does anybody else have *THE CHAIR* where laundry and/or coats congregate? We do and it's driving me nuts. Not nuts enough to do anything about it...just yet, but that time is fast approaching. 

From the camera: Goose asked me for a haircut this weekend, and here are the results

Prayer List: The friend I mentioned last week, Gabe (may he learn to take better care of himself), this whole entire country, and the planet. 

Bible Verse, Devotional: I don't really have a specific verse in mind, but we were in the 24th Chapter of Luke in church yesterday, and I noticed that on the walk to Emmaus, when Jesus walked with the disciples (and they had no idea who he was), in hindsight, they realized He was there the whole time, and that gave me a lot to think about, in the times where I've felt "alone."

Until next time...maybe I'll even get a recipe up here!