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!!!