Happy Homemaker Monday: August 3, 2026

 It's every other Monday today, so I'm home between farm shifts, so of course this post is later than I wanted it to be. Also, I'm still recovering from that horrible head cold (I'm about 90% better) and I chose sleep over posting. Anyway, without further ado...

The weather: Rainy and cooler this week, and then a warm up next week. I have to keep reminding myself that it's still very much summer. Yesterday felt almost like October, rainy and dark. I wasn't mad about it. 

Right now, I am: Typing up this post, listening to music (the little soundtrack from "You and I Are Polar Opposites", an anime that Goose and I have been watching) and taking bites of lunch. 

Thinking and pondering: "Where is my overnight bag?" "The couch cover needs straightening" "What should I pack as work snacks?" 

How I am feeling: Human again, which after last week being so horrible has been so nice. I was able to get some work done on the farm this morning, and was able to come home and do some things instead of falling into bed tired. The kids are feeling better too, but Ella still has this cough, bleh. 

On the breakfast plate: I had leftover Ham Alfredo, which is how I know I'm feeling better. I typically like leftovers for breakfast, that fuels me for a day on the farm. 

On the lunch plate: More leftovers. Sue me, hehe. 

On the dinner plate: Pork roast with seasonal veggies and roasted potatoes

On the menu this week: 

Monday:  Pork roast, seasonal veggies, potatoes 

Tuesday: Beef vegetable soup

Wednesday:  Pizza 

Thursday: TBA

Friday: TBA 

Saturday: Pizza soup 

Sunday:  Bowtie pasta, red sauce, salad 

What I am wearing: Black shorts, and a gray shirt with the phases of the moon on it. 

On my reading pile: The same stuff I was reading last week, except I've moved on to Psalms in the Bible. I'm hoping to get some reading done on my overnight at work. I can't work ALL the time I'm there, am I right? 

On my TV this week: The second Ivy and Bean movie (we missed movie night last week, as we were all super sick). I finished Mr. Hiiragi's Homeroom and it was super good. Ella came for the last four episodes with zero context and stayed glued to the TV with me. I started "Neighborhood Watch" on Hulu and The Greatest Teacher (our new undubbed Japanese show). I think part of me wants to go to Japan and start over there, haha. Both my kids are on board, and I wonder what that would be like. The language shock would be insane. 

Looking around the house: The couch cover needs straightening. Goose is having a sandwich for lunch. Ella's sitting in here with me, discussing Tokyo Revengers (See? I need to be in Japan). Gypsy is in Ella's room, watching the birds out the window. I need to do some cleaning and some laundry before I leave today. 

To do list: Laundry, still have to go through those shoes (we were sick, cut me a break!) I still have to pack my overnight bag, throw the dinner in the instapot. 

What I am creating: A happier, cleaner space. 

From the camera: 

My sweet elderly neighbor sent us a bouquet in a yogurt glass after we sent her one when her sweet kitty Oscar died. 

Devotionals, Prayers, Bible Verses: 

Have a lovely week!

The Past Week In Pictures (2)

 We're all finally getting over this stupid cold. So, here are some pictures from this past week. 

I bought Goose her first Manga ("You and I Are Polar Opposites"), our Regal Moth caterpillars finally hatched from their eggs (a gift from a friend!) Stay tuned for moth updates!!!

Happy Homemaker Monday: July 27, 2026

 Happy start of the week, y'all. Also, we're sick in my household. Goose got some awful head cold thing last week, so it was only a matter of time before Ella and I went down, too. Bleh. It wouldn't be too bad except for me having to do a shift at the Bed and Breakfast yesterday, which definitely cut into whatever rest time I had planned. So, I'm  making up for it today. Lots of rest, punctuated by bursts of activity or whatever, right?

Without further ado, here we go. 

The weather: Once again, a hot start to the week, and then a cool-down. Not that it matters because I don't think I'll be doing much outside today. 

Right now, I am: Laying in bed, lamenting the fact that I am sick when there's an entire farm that needs me, and trying to figure out if my scratchy throat is from this cold or from the rust-remover I had to use at the B&B on a sink yesterday. Either way, UGH. 

Thinking and pondering: If I have any pineapple juice in the house. Should I Instacart some? When will I feel better? Trying not to catastrophize this entire dahlia season, but it seems like everything is so slow. 

How I am feeling: Like I have a cold, because I do. I'm tired, but I'm not TIRED. Everything in me wants to go do a million things, but I'm not dumb enough to fall for that. This is exactly how I am every time I get sick. I swear, I have "sickness imposter syndrome" because I look at my kids and I think "Oh, you poor sick babies", but I will get the same cold/whatever and think "Suck it up, buttercup" and it's not a healthy way of thinking at all (literally). 

On my breakfast plate: I had a cup of coffee and an Oreo. Y'all, I gotta do better. 

On the lunch plate: I'll probably make a salad, or some soup. Or leftover spaghetti. Hmm. 

On the dinner plate: Apparently Hamburger Helper makes a Breakfast Helper now. I saw it at the store last week, and picked up a box. Please don't judge me, it's flower season. 

On the menu: That Hamburger Breakfast Helper thing tonight, Cabbage Roll Casserole tomorrow, and Ham and Potato Chowder on Wednesday, Chicken and Rice on Thursday, and Quesadillas on Friday. I'll have to hit the grocery store before the weekend, so Saturday and Sunday are kind of up in the air right now. 

What I'm wearing: A black tank top and black legging shorts. I didn't want to be in pajamas all day, even though I reckon I could 

On my reading pile: I finished "She is a Haunting" (it was really good and really weird), currently in "Don't Go to Sleep" (I love scary stuff) and also "National Dish" by Anya Von Bremzen for my nonfiction kick. 

Finishing up Proverbs in the Bible. 

On my TV: The girls and I finished Project Hail Mary and it was so incredibly good. This week, Goose is picking the movie and she's chosen the second Ivy and Bean movie (she and I watched the first one together, and it was super cute). Ella and I watched Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter on Netflix over the weekend and we were alternately crying, or laughing, or angry. I'll let y'all look that one up, it's so hard to explain. 

I need to get back into Mr. Hiiragi's Homeroom (my next undubbed Japanese show, Hell for You was gooooood). 

Looking around the house: Goose is reading a book, Gypsy is asleep on the couch and Goose's cat, Perla, is lounging in a laundry basket. Ella is making a cup of coffee. 

To do list:  Put the ham in the crockpot (it's not for tonight), wash dishes, fold laundry. I have to go through our shoes (and boy do we have a lot of shoes) and donate what's too small, etc. Later, I have to go to Lowe's hardware and buy ferns and mums for a garden I'm doing for a local hotel. The good thing about working there is I don't have to see anybody if I don't want to. 

What I am creating: That garden at the hotel. 

From the camera: 

These are some of the sunflowers I planted at the hotel in town. They're finally all starting to bloom! 

Bible Verses, Devotionals, Prayers: If y'all can spare a prayer for me? I hate being sick so much. Thanks so much, and have a lovely week ahead!

The Past Week In Pictures

 In a further effort to do better here, I've assigned myself a Sunday post that wraps up this week in pictures. So, here goes. 

Happy Homemaker Monday: July 20, 2026

 I am forever endeavoring to do better here. Two days in a row, which is small potatoes, but a pretty good start. I'm in between farm shifts, as this is the hottest part of the day, so here we go. 

The Weather: It's supposed to reach 80 degrees today, which I realize is nothing compared to, say, Texas, or even my home state of Illinois, but my little mountain heart is no longer cut out for 80 degrees. Gross. Thankfully, it's supposed to cool down to the high 60's by Friday. 

Right now, I am: Resting from farm shift #1, getting ready for farm shift #2. I kicked it off in high gear today, and I am SORE. But it shall all be worth it, I am sure. 

Thinking and pondering: Everything (and everybody) is behind this year. Every farmer I've spoken to is behind in flower production, so I don't feel quite so bad. I'm wondering how much work I have to do tomorrow (it's a lot) and where the heck my small pitchfork went to (it's probably somewhere between flower rows if I know me) 

How I am feeling: Sore, but accomplished and productive, which is a far cry from how I felt last week. 

On the breakfast plate: I had coffee, and a piece of sourdough bread at work. 

On the lunch plate: I went to the deli in town and got a BLT. 

On the dinner plate: Fried eggs, toast, and in-season peaches. I may reheat some soup. At this point, eating is mainly for fuel. It's so hot. 

On the menu: Tonight, we're having eggs and toast. Tomorrow, I"m  making beef stew and rice, and Wednesday is egg roll in a bowl. It's an off week so I'm only planning til Wednesday. I'll plan the rest of the week later. I do have a ham chilling out in my freezer, and will likely cook that and piece it out for things like soup and ham fried rice. 

What I am wearing: my farm uniform: the ratty shorts I've had for years and a t-shirt. 

On my reading pile: "She is a Haunting" and "Don't Go to Sleep". 

We're having a spooky summer here. 

On my TV this week: The girls and I are watching "Project Hail Mary" for Wednesday movie night. I'm also watching "Hell for You" on Netflix...in an attempt to learn some Japanese, I'm watching it without dubbing. Do I know much? Nah, but the Tokyo Revengers movie taught me how to yell "in a row!" which has been an endless source of amusement for me and my kids. 

Looking around the house: Goose is playing with her Barbies (I love that she still enjoys them). Ella is in her room, talking to her best friend (who lives in Ohio) on the phone. Gypsy the black cat is sacked out on the couch in the living room. I should be finishing up this post like NOW so I can make dinner before I have to go back and hit the farm again. 

To do list: Pack up my stuff for my overnight at work/the farm. 

                  Take care of things for my mentor

                 Make dinner before I leave

                Go for a run 

                Mini laundry run at work 

What I am creating: Beautiful gardens. At this point in the year, tis all I can do. 

From the camera: 

My youngest wanted a haircut. A really short haircut. She has curly hair, and it's hard to cut, but I think I've done it justice and she loves it. Also, she got a camera for her birthday and takes it everywhere. I snapped this picture when she came to work with me last week and we took the work dog for a walk. 

Bible Verse, Devotional, Prayers: I mentioned in yesterday's post that besides God, nobody is coming to save me. I need to be praying for my sanity and remember where my obligations actually are (God, my kids, my work). I have no specific verses, but I've been slowly making my way through the book of Proverbs. 

Have a lovely week! 

I'm Terrible At Blogging.

 It's been over a year. 

So much has changed. Ella is 20 (WHAT), and Goose is 9 (DOUBLE WHAT)

I miss my littler corner or the blogosphere. I miss writing, and drawing and taking pictures and living. 

Let me tell you guys, finding out you're being cheated on in your marriage sucks. Letting other people into your life, even on a friend level, then finding out they're completely awful also sucks. Add to it a hurricane, having to become a home-health aide (not really, I'm still a farmer, but my mentor is 93 and so much stuff is dumped off on me) overnight, while keeping up all responsibilities...oof. 

It's been downright depressing, and to be honest, I've been depressed. I was in church today, and the realization was this: other than God, NOBODY IS COMING TO SAVE ME. I have to pray, yes, but I also have to kick myself in the butt and pick myself up. 

For two decades, I made excuses for my daughters' Dad, but the fact is, he is who he is, and I'm done protecting him, on social media and in real life. It is what it is, he is who he is. I have to be better than that, and since I've always been the stability in the girls' lives, it's not that hard. 

But, full disclosure, I had to apologize to my daughters tonight. I haven't been the Mom they've deserved, and that's not okay. I'm adult enough to realize when I have to make amends. Ella, at 20, has always been my stoic and quiet kid, and she just said, "It's not your fault, Mom." Goose, at 9, my wild child, said, "I know I haven't always been the best daughter." 

And guys, I don't deserve these kids. I lucked out so hard. Because when all of this was said and done, we went on the swings and hooted and hollered and played "Cowboy, Take Me Away" and laughed way too much. I had a moment of pure unfiltered JOY on that dumb swing. It's all still out there. It may have gotten lost somewhere between infidelity and emotional abuse and manipulation and just straight up despression, but it's still there. 

And my kids need their Mom. 

At the end of the day, I'm all they've got. 

Happy Homemaker Monday: May 12, 2025

 Holy heck, you guys. I blinked and it's May! Ella turns 19 (what?!) at the end of this week, and Goose will be 8 not quite two weeks after that. How is my baby going to be 8? And Ella's an adult, what the heck is going on. I'm not ready for my kids to grow up, but I recognize that they are gonna, and I want to enjoy every stage. 

Without further ado though, let's get on with this post. 

The weather in my neck of the woods: So much rain, y'all. I think we have a short break from it right this minute, but it's gonna rain more and there's already a flash flood watch. It's really messing with my anxiety, as I have a lot of that left over from Helene. I think most everybody in my county does. 

As I look outside my window: It's all gray and cloudy. Most of the railings on my porch have plant pots on them, welcome to Spring in my little house in the mountains. If it would stop pouring, I'd get more planting done. 

Right now, I am: Typing up this post, and planning a last minute lunch outing with my friend Angela. Bopping along to Noah Kahan, and watching the breeze ruffle my poppy plants. Admiring the striped blanket I got at Sam's Club a few summers ago. I canceled my work day today because flooding is not conducive to planting or gardening or anything work-y.

Thinking and pondering: Seriously considering going low(er) carb. I did a few years ago and it was great. And then I found out I was being cheated on and it threw my diet all the way off. Ugh. I think it's definitely time. That means adjusting meals and such, but I'm more than ready. 

On my bedside table: My phone, a lot of books, a wavy-noodle guy pen, an Amazon package that has the components of one of Ella's birthday presents. 

On my TV: Will Trent (I have to catch up), Dance Moms (Season 6 is insane). I watched the Ruby Franke Lifetime movie yesterday (Lifetime movies are awful but they are a comfort watch to me). I fell down the Ruby Franke rabbit hole last year and oh my goodness, yikes. 

Listening to: Noah Kahan, the cars going by. Rain falling. 

On the menu for this week: I'm making Chicken Gnocchi soup today. Tomorrow is Cube Steak and Rice, Wednesday is Ramen Stir Fry and I'm making a Beef Veggie Soup on Thursday. I go grocery shopping on Thursday this week. My schedule is thrown off some, but oh well. 

On my to-do list: Wash a load of towels. Organize books. Clean the bathroom. Maybe go to the gym. 

What I am sewing/creating; Something for Ella's birthday. 

My simple pleasure: Planting herbs on my front porch. I went to the plant nursery last week as a mother's day present, and I just really like gardening. (I better, it's what I chose to do for a living). 

Looking around the house: Definitely needs some TLC, Why do I always have things for Goodwill? (Because my youngest is growing too fast, and I'm decluttering like a madwoman) 

From the camera: 

Carolina All-spice. It smells like a starburst

Have a great week!