Happy Homemaker Monday: October 26, 2026

 
Good evening! I'm doing my best to stay consistent. I spent every night on the farm last week (ugh, long story) but I'm finally back home at my house now, and I'm currently resting.  Without further ado...

The weather: Well, it frosted enough to kill back my flowers but now it's summer again? The heck?

Right now, I am: Sitting in bed with my laptop. Goose and I just got back from a walk through the neighborhood. I'm listening to the songs from the Windbreaker anime and typing up this post. 

Thinking and pondering: That maybe I've made life too easy for the people around me (not my kids,  not my kids, not my kids). I'm always the person people turn to for this and that and I'm always too willing to help. Maybe I shouldn't be. It's how I ended up getting sick last Fall, because I was taking care of everybody and everything but myself. It just hit me THIS YEAR that I do not exist to make other people's lives easier and boy, was that a wakeup call for me. 

How I am feeling: A little sore and tired, but given the physical nature of my job, tis par for the course. 

On the breakfast plate: I had a cup of coffee and then I had pasta salad ha.

On the lunch plate: Uhm...a second cup of coffee and more pasta salad. 

On the dinner plate: Leftover chicken gnocchi skillet from yesterday that I added extra veggies and parmesan to. 

On the menu: Having just come back from a full week on the farm, all I know is that tomorrow I am making beef stew and mashed potatoes. Otherwise? I have no idea. I will have to sit down tomorrow and plan. 

What I am wearing: Running shorts and a big ole t shirt that has pockets and says  "Good Vibes". I've been living in this t-shirt (because it has pockets). Pretty sure my farm neighbors think this is the only outfit I own. Whoops.

On my reading pile: Haaahahahaha, everything still. Ask me again in December. 

On my TV this week: "Dance Moms: A New Era", "The Ramparts of Ice" (Goose and I did start it and it's cute!), "Tokyo Revengers" (In English and in Japanese)

Looking around the house: It's quiet. It's peaceful. Gypsy is sleeping on the couch. Goose is getting ready for bed. Ella went for a run. 

To do list: Cut back plants at clients' houses, tuberrrrssssssssss, not lose my everlovin' mind. 

What I am creating: I'm actually writing a story. It's been a long time since I've felt inspired to write anything and it's cute and funny to hear both my kids excited about it and chiming in ideas for future stuff. 

From the camera: 

Najee the big white dog and I playing tourist and going leaf-looking in the county I've lived in for nearly two decades, hahaha. 

Prayers, devotionals, etc. 

Please continue to pray for my best friend as she faces some serious health issues. Pray for me this tuber season because I need my sanity. 

Have a beautiful week! 

Happy Homemaker Monday: October 19, 2026

 Good morning! Gosh, I'm tired. This week, my schedule is absolute trash, as we firmly hit tuber digging season and I am spending every night this week at the farm. I'm tired, but trying not to be grouchy. 
Good luck to me, ha. 

Without further ado...

The weather: Downright cold in the mornings. We've already had a killing frost, so I'm definitely hustling butt and digging things this week so that I can (maybe) focus on some other things I've got going on. 

Right now, I am: Fighting exhaustion and debating the merits of putting on eyeshadow. 

Thinking and pondering: About this week's mess of a schedule and trying to reconcile everything I am going to do with the possibility of rest. 

How I am feeling: Wiped out. Also, cramps are the  literal worst. 

On the breakfast plate: Half of a bacon, egg and cheese McGriddle. Half of a hashbrown and a cup of coffee. 

On the lunch plate: I have no earthly idea, but I think I have to go to Sam's club today so I may just grab a salad or something from there. 

On the dinner plate: Beefy Cabbage Soup in the Instapot. God bless the Instapot. 

On the menu: in no particular order: Breakfast for dinner, Hamburger Helper Night, Hungarian Goulash, Chicken Soup, One-Pot Spaghetti

What I am wearing; Jeans and a shirt that says "good vibes." It has pocketsssss

On my reading pile: Still everything, but my adoptive Momma gave me Theo of Golden to read, so add that too. 

On my TV this week: All the usual stuff. Ella and I started "Until the T-shirt Dries" and I'm really honestly not sure how I feel about it. I like it...but then I don't. It'll never be Mr. Hiiragi's Homeroom. 

Goose and I may start The Ramparts of Ice this week. 

To-do list: Go shopping, do some cleaning, visit one of my clients. 

What I am creating: The tuber master list. 

From the camera: 

We had our first frost yesterday! 

Prayers, Devotionals: Please continue to lift up my best friend in prayer. 

Happy Homemaker Monday: October 12, 2026

 Good morning, y'all. I'm actually on top of things this morning. 

The weather: Cool mornings, warm to hot afternoons. Typical Autumn in Appalachia. 

As I look outside my window: It's light out, but still cloudy and misty. I did see a bit of sun on my run earlier, but it's all hidden behind clouds now. 

Right now, I am: Answering a text from the bed and breakfast, typing up this post and listening to music. 

Thinking and pondering: About boundaries. For a very long time, I didn't have any, and let people walk all over me...now that I've put boundaries into place, a lot of people are upset their access to me is limited or gone completely. But, such is life. 

How I am feeling: Good. Sturdy. Hopeful.

On the breakfast plate: A ham sandwich and a cup of coffee. Breakfast of champions, hehe.

On the lunch plate: I think I'm going out with a friend for lunch, but I will be sure to make wise decisions. 

On the dinner plate: Potato soup. 

What I'm wearing: Running clothes, which for me consist of legging shorts and a scrubby hoodie. 

On my reading pile: Still everything, but I did manage to read some more in National Dish when I was at Veteran's Affairs last week. 

On my TV this week: Ella and I finished "Your Turn to Kill" (Netflix) and started "Below" (also Netflix) and also "Until the T-shirt Dries" (our current undubbed Japanese show, also Netflix). British Baking Show and Hell's Kitchen and Tokyo Revengers (all of which make me ridiculously happy) 

On the menu: The aforementioned potato soup, homemade pizza, cube steak, meatball stew. It's all written in my bullet journal, but there's not really an order to it. 

Looking around the house: We're switching seasonal clothes so things are in a bit of upheaval. 

To-do list for the week: Work, work, work. Buy tickets for Rob-Con. Attend Rob-Con (t's a comic convention, and this is Goose's first year going). Do some things for the bed and breakfast. Start digging tubers. 

What I am creating: A better me. A better body to house my soul. The tuber master list (which I am determined to finish before December so I can start my alleged off season) 

Something fun to share: I don't know that it's necessarily fun, but I've started writing down deep thoughts and realizing where I've been self-sabotaging and things I need to let go of...and I think it's done me a lot of good. I understand myself a lot more. 

From the camera: 

The text on the mug means "good morning" in Polish,  my native language. 

Devotional, etc: Can all you ladies please pray for my best friend Tina? God knows the need, but other than my kids, I love her more than anything in this world. Thank you all so much. Also, I underlined this verse in my Bible today. 

Have an amazing week!

Happy Homemaker Monday: September 28, 2026

 I'm late to the party, as usual. It's my "on" Monday, so I'm at an overnight on the farm. Today's been kind of a lot, so this is the first chance I've had to sit down with my computer. Here we go! 

The weather: It's finally starting to feel like Fall here! We've had nighttime temperatures in the low 50's. Daytime temps have been in the 60's and 70's. Bliss!

As I look outside my window: It's nighttime so it's dark, heheh. I can kind of see the shadow of the big willow tree if I look really hard. 

Right now, I am: Typing up this post, looking at the work cat next to me, hoping he doesn't chew up my phone charger. (He has this nasty  habit of eating phone chargers)

Thinking and pondering: That imposter syndrome is a very real thing. I was on the farm today, thinking "What if I have no idea what I'm actually doing?" (like I haven't grown flowers professionally for 11 years)....and then a client came through and gushed about the flowers and I had a wake-up moment of "Of course I know what the heck I'm doing, I've been doing it for years!" But that feeling of "What if I'm just a big ole fake?" is so overwhelming sometimes. 

How I am feeling: Tired and accomplished, which is a great feeling at the end of the day. 

On the breakfast plate: I had coffee and McBreakfast. Not the best, but what are you gonna do?

On the lunch plate: It's my birthday week and one of my friends took me out for muffins and chai and it was amazing. 

On the dinner plate: I made steak fajitas, and rice. 

What I'm wearing: pajamas and a zip-up hoodie. 

On my reading pile: Everything! *cries* Dahlia season doesn't lend itself to reading. 

On my TV this week: "Your turn to kill", rewatching "Mr. Hiiragi's Homeroom", British Baking Show and Hell's Kitchen and the final season of Tokyo Revengers is going to be out this week!

On the menu this week: The aforementioned fajitas, smoked sausage and rotini, and something involving cabbage because I was given a giant cabbage this week. 

Looking around the house: I'm at the farm house tonight, so all I see is my laptop bag and overnight bag and my purse on the dresser here. 

To-do list for the week: I actually wrote it all out yesterday and new stuff is always getting added, but I have to go to the bank, pay some bills, visit all my client gardens, visit a house I'm slowly cleaning, see various friends to celebrate my birthday (it's on Saturday). Whew. 

What I am creating: God-willing, two birthday cards. One belated one for a friend and I'm starting on my best friend's birthday card (her birthday is Christmas Eve, but she's my absolute best friend and I love her and she deserves the best)

From the camera: 

I got my first birthday presents! A friend crocheted me a bookmark and these three little pumpkins for my office. 

Prayers, Devotionals: Please be in prayer for a friend of mine. God knows who she is and what the needs are. 

Have a lovely week ahead! 

Happy Homemaker Monday: August 31, 2026

 I'm late, of course. Not as late as I was last week, but still late. I'm on my overnight at work, and I just finished watering the dahlias. I'm supposed to head out on an errand with a friend in a little bit, so hopefully I shall get this post done before then. 

Here we go! 

The weather: We're having a mini-heatwave. (Which means mid-80's in the mountains). Boooooo. That messes up my schedules because then I can only work early and late. 

As I look outside my window: The sun is setting on the farm. There's no movement in the willow tree branches because there's no breeze. The sky is orange and blue. Pure bliss. 

Right now, I am: Typing up this post and watching Jerk-cat (the work cat) sleep on my laptop bag. Watching the clock for when I have to leave. Taking all the deep breaths. 

Thinking and pondering: This week's work schedule. The fact that I am constantly mentally overwhelmed. Congratulating myself a little for holding it together (though yesterday was HARD). 

How I am feeling: Pretty well, considering the emotional mess I was yesterday. 

On the breakfast plate: Leftover Mexican chicken. 

On the lunch plate: I had a piece of Tiramisu. Suuuuper healthy, I know. 

On the dinner plate:  A friend delivered me a sandwich to work, and I had some Zuppa Toscana as well. 

What I'm wearing: Black shorts and a tank top with a picture of the sun on it. My ratty gray Converse which you can pry off my cold dead feet. 

On my reading pile: Literally everything, ha. Still in Psalms. Still not finished with anything. And  I borrowed "Imaginary Friend" by Stephen Chbosky from a friend. So, even more books I'm not reading. 

On my TV  this week: Uhhhh...not much of anything. Dahlia season is not a TV watching time of year. But Goose and Ella want to finish "Medalist" (it's an anime on Hulu) and Goose really wants to finish Mr. Hiiragi's Homeroom (which I will happily rewatch another 80 times, haha). 

On the menu: I made Zuppa Toscana tonight. Tomorrow is breakfast for dinner, Wednesday is Cabbage Roll Casserole. I have a surplus of rice and potatoes so I will be centering meals around that stuff. 

Looking around the house: It's the house at the farm, not my house, ha. It's quiet and the work cats and work dog are all asleep. It's dark because I prefer to keep my room here dark. There are a few things I'm going to tidy up first thing in the a.m 

To-do list for the week: I have to check in with clients, deliver some flowers, tie up some flowers at the farm, make sure the mums at the hotel don't die with this heatwave, go through Goose's clothes and decide what to keep and what to donate. 

What I am creating: A bunch of flower arrangements. 

From the camera: 

The goldenrod is blooming! Another way I know Autumn is coming soon!

Have a lovely week! 

Happy Homemaker Monday: August 24, 2026

 I'm late, dreadfully so. But, for an "off" Monday, nothing about today was really off. First of all, I feel a little like I've been hit by a bus (oh, the joys of being a woman, ha). Second, I'm feeling stretched really thin (par for the course during my busy season). Third, I have a lot of things thrown at me (see previous sentence). 

Anyway, if I plan to finish this post before Monday is over, here we go. 

The weather: Pretty typical of late August in the mountains. Warm, warm, warm, then a few cool days sprinkled in there for variety. I live for those cooler days. 

As I look outside my window: It's dark, y'all. But I can see the solar lights in my dahlia patch and the streetlight at the watershed across the street. 

Right now, I am: Typing up this post, and leaning my head on a Squishmallow that Goose gave me a few years back. It's become my favorite pillow. Trying to talk a friend through a breakup.

Thinking and pondering: About all of the things I have to do this week, how I'm going to squeeze in a month's of work into a week, ha. 

How I am feeling: Kind of grouchy and lousy, but also accomplished and super excited to see all the flowers in bloom. 

On the breakfast plate: Y'all will be so proud of me. I had a whole breakfast today, and I even took a picture of it. 

On the lunch plate: I had an adult lunchable, with salame, bread rounds and cheese. 

On the dinner plate: I made Hungarian Goulash with mashed potatoes. We had no leftovers. 

On the menu this week: I'm still working out the order, but Hamburger Helper, Butter Chicken, Apple-Puff Pancake are going to make appearances this week. 

What I'm wearing: Pajamas and a wrap on my toes because I have a runner's injury and literally the only thing that helps is taping two of my toes together. 

On my reading pile: I'm still in Psalms in the Bible, but I've done very little reading in the last week, and I need to get myself together. 

On my TV this week: I've made it ten minutes into the next episode of Dead or Love with Ella, but otherwise all I've seen is an episode or two of Dance Moms. Dahlia season does not lend itself to TV marathons. 

Looking around the house: It is pleasantly dark, hehehe. I've got a huge butterfly tent on my kitchen shelf where our caterpillars will live out their caterpillar lives...these guys pupate over the winter, and I've got a pupation station ready to go too. It's a lot of work raising these little guys, but we're learning all kinds of cool things. 

To-do list for the week: Clean at three different houses (and mine), keep my sanity, get some garden things in order, switch out sunflowers for mums at a client's garden, Neem oil the gardens. 

What I am creating: Lovely garden spaces. Flower arrangements for a client.

Something fun to share: 

These are the caterpillars we're keeping. They're Hickory Horned Devil caterpillars, and they will be Regal Moths when they finish their metamorphosis. 

From the camera: 

Of course it's a dahlia. It's Kelgai Ann, and it's a waterlily/peony dahlia type. My favorite flowers are peonies but their season is so short, these are the next best thing. 

Prayers, devotionals: Please continue to be in prayer for my best friend. 

Happy Homemaker Monday: August 17, 2026

 Good...afternoon. It's my "On" Monday, which means I am home between farm shifts, and tomorrow looks like a super busy day. But I've taken Wednesday completely off from everything. 

So, here we go. 

The Weather: I swear every time I open the weather app, it changes. No hurricanes for the foreseeable future, so I'm happy. But a lot of warm/cool/HOT/cool patterns. Is it any wonder the kids and I all got the cold? (We're recovered now) 

Right now, I am: Typing up this post, and texting a friend. I'm glad to be a source of comfort to friends who are going through hard times. 

Thinking and pondering: About various friends of mine going through various trials. Also, I received some really good news this morning and I'm excited about that. For about ten years, I had a nightmare neighbor (think drugs, bad people next door, a whole mess)...she's GONE! I feel like I can breathe again. 

How I am feeling: A touch overwhelmed, which is par for the course currently. It's my busy season...but at least I don't have a cold!

On the breakfast plate: I had coffee and a strawberry oatmeal bar. It's better than nothing!

On the lunch plate: Greek pasta salad. 

On the dinner plate: I typically make a spaghetti/pasta dish on Sundays, but we had leftovers from Saturday, so I didn't have to cook yesterday. I'm making said pasta tonight. 

On the menu: This week is kind of wild, but Ham and Cheddar chowder, Pizza and Sausage and Rice are on the menu, though I don't know the order of everything yet. 

What I am wearing: Farm wear for now. I'll be going from farm wear to PJ's today, then back to farm wear tomorrow. 

On my reading pile: I've read virtually nothing last week. Farm work and such. I'm still in Psalms in the Bible, which is the only book I've read consistently this week. 

On my TV this week: Dance Moms, and The Greatest Teacher. 

To do list: Make dinner, finish packing, go back to the farm.

What I am creating: Two separate garden spaces, and putting finishing touches on a school curriculum. 

From the camera: 

me and Emory Paul 

Prayers, Bible Verses, Devotionals: Please just continue to be in prayer for my best friend. 

Have a wonderful week! 

Happy Homemaker Monday: August 10, 2026

 I'm way late. It's my "off Monday" which means I'm not spending the night at the farm tonight. Of course it also meant my day was insanely busy as I had to visit client gardens, and I managed to squeeze in a coffee with a dear friend of mine.  Without further ado, here we go. 

The weather: Super warm with rain chances every day this week. Good gardening weather, provided I'm out before the sun comes out in full force. This means lots of work in the morning and the evening for me, and then house stuff in the afternoon. We're watching the Atlantic for tropical systems. I'm a little skittish when it comes to hurricanes after Helene. 

Right now, I am: Laying on my bed, typing up this post before I have to rush out to a client garden. My fall run of sunflowers is sprouting and I have to clean the bed up around them. 

Thinking and pondering: I'm so glad I'm feeling better. I'm fully recovered from that cold we all had, and just in time for super busy season. I have to see a client tomorrow and his garden is on a literal side of a mountain. I have so much to do this week, and I'm trying to equip myself physically, and mentally and emotionally for it. I'm feeling sturdy and hyping myself up.

On the breakfast plate: I had coffee and my medications. I had to rush out the door to get the gardening while the gardening was good. 

On the lunch plate: Leftover tomato basil pasta

On the dinner plate: Chicken and seasonal veggies, rice. 

On the menu: 

Monday: Chicken and seasonal veggies, rice

Tuesday: Zuppa Toscana

Wednesday: Cabbage Roll Casserole

Thursday: Angel Chicken, Egg Noodles

Friday: Broccoli Pasta, Salad

Saturday: Butter Chicken, Rice

Sunday: Bowtie Pasta, Meat Sauce

What I am wearing: Farm wear. Ratty leggings and a gray T-shirt. But! I do have makeup done (I've recently rediscovered how much I love eyeshadow) and my hair is cute (complete with glitter)

On my reading pile: Still all the same things. I've read very little in the last week, other than one day in the waiting room of Veterans Affairs, but I had Goose with me, so I was constantly involved in conversation with her. 

On my T.V.: We're still finishing Goose's movie choice (Ivy and Bean), as it was hard to focus when we were all sick. Ella and I started Dead or Love on Netflix, another undubbed Japanese show. I finally finished the first episode of The Greatest Teacher (also on Netflix, also an undubbed Japanese drama). Goose asked to watch Mr. Hiiragi's Homeroom, and I will happily rewatch it, ha. I'm impatiently waiting for the next season of Hell's Kitchen. 

Looking around the house: I have to clean off the mantel. Things just tend to get collected there, mail, etc. The same with my desk, ugh. Otherwise, it's business as usual. Goose is outside on the porch swing. Ella's in the kitchen, cleaning. Goose's cat Perla is asleep in my office chair. 

To Do List: I'm going to the hotel to check over their garden, then come home and do a load of towels. Maybe I will go through my makeup, and see if the girls want anything. We went through my earrings last week, and Goose made out like a bandit. Ella took maybe two pairs. Goose is definitely the more girly of my girls. I may go for a run this evening. 

What I'm creating this week: I got through some writers block and am writing a (long) short story, and I'm doing some flower arrangements for a friend. 

From the camera: I went to visit a client today and here are some of the dahlias I planted for her. 

Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses: I'm still in Psalms in my reading (and will be there for quite a while, I imagine). Can I ask y'all to pray for my very best friend in the world? She's dealing with some really scary health issues. I love this girl more than anything, other than my kids. We've been friends for forever and I can't and don't want to imagine life without her. 

Have an amazing week, ladies!

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!

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!

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! 

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! 

Happy Homemaker Monday: April 28, 2025

 Good morning! It's Monday and I've hit the ground running. My busy season is here, but I don't want to let this blog go by the wayside...too much. Last week was pretty rough. I'm just tired of being everybody's unpaid therapist/the fixer/the one EVERYBODY comes to...It's a lot and it's draining.  But I've had a few days to stew and cry and go on long walks/runs and I feel a lot better. 

Here we go!

The weather in my neck of the woods: It's absolutely beautiful outside. The mornings are still cool and the days are warm and the evenings are cool again. It's paradise, and I'd almost say I want this year round, but as I get older I appreciate the seasons so much more. 

As I look outside my window: Blue sky, green grass and all my weird little windchimes. It's all pretty great. 

Right now I am: Typing up this post, and getting ready for my work day, which looks super busy already. Not complaining, those are just the facts, Jack. 

Something fun to share: 

Every year, we release Painted Lady butterflies. We get our kits from Insect Lore! This year, we even donated a caterpillar kit to our local library and they had their own little release. 

Thinking and pondering: Life really is what you pour into it/into yourself/into your family. I'd had such a bad day on Friday, and I think it honestly reflected in everything and even affected the moods of my kids. Yesterday, I made it a point to be careful about what I did and what I said and even the music I was listening to. I chose peaceful piano for the background music of what I did in the house...and it made such a difference. Point taken, hehe. 

On my bedside table: A mess that I'm going to tackle when I get home from work. Just off the top of my head I see a brochure about snakes in Tennessee, an origami frog Ella made me, my Kindle in its cool cover (which we found while Spring cleaning). 

On my TV: Will Trent, Next Level Chef (Go Bobby!), Season 6 of Dance Moms (holy wow, Abby Lee Miller is insane). 

Listening to: Piano music, my windchimes, the clack of the keyboard as I type. I took Keyboarding in high school and I'm honestly pretty proud of my typing skills. 

On my to-do list: Work, shipping orders, breaking ground on a new client garden, tackling that mess of a bedside table. 

What I am sewing/knitting/crocheting/creating: I did the pencil sketch of my Gypsy Cowboy drawing, and it will likely still go through several incarnations before I put ink to it. 

My simple pleasure: Coffee on my porch swing in the mornings. Or looking out my kitchen window at the sunrise. I've been wrapped up in so many things I forgot to slow down and appreciate all the beauty I see every day. 

Looking around the house: Oi. We had a cleaning spree this weekend and there's stuff everywhere (so it doesn't seem as if we've cleaned at all) But after work, stuff will go to the Goodwill/the dump/wherever it belongs and things should look better this evening. 

From the camera: 

It's rare I'll put my face on here, but the other day I took a picture of me. Sometimes, I see my mother's features and it scares me. I don't want to be that woman. She was my first bully, and honestly, she's kind of a monster. But then...what if this is what she would have looked like if she hadn't let her demons win? What if she'd stayed sober, softer, and loved the hell out of her kids? What if she was soft sweaters instead of harsh words? What if her hands were used for holding and not hitting? Could this have been her? Gray hair and wrinkles but full of love? I don't know. 

Bible Verse, Devotional: I'm reading through my Bible in a year again, and I've nothing to offer except that I had missed reading like this. 

Have a great week? 

Happy Homemaker Monday: April 14, 2025

 Good...evening! I had to work today and that took up a lot of my day. I'm home now and dinner is made and most chores are done so I can finally sit down and make this post. 

The weather in my neck of the woods: Warmer than last week, thank heavens. 

As I look outside my window: My curtains are actually drawn because it's so sunny outside, it's glaring up on my laptop screen. But if my curtains were open, I'd see my side yard and Duke the cat that doesn't quite belong to my neighbors and doesn't quite belong to me lurking around. 

Right now, I am: Singing along (badly) to music, typing up this post and staring mournfully at the laundry I'm gonna have to start folding. 

Something fun to share: People who walk daily are less likely to be depressed. My WalkFit app tells me fun things like that daily. 

Thinking and pondering: I have tomorrow off, and I'm so very glad. I love what I do for work, but every once in a while I just need a break from it. I also get to see two friends I haven't seen in a long while tomorrow and that makes me so happy. On a more serious (maybe) note, I've noticed that the older I get, the less patience I have for people and their gossip. Having once been the piece of gossip in my town, I just want nothing to do with it. And people are so bent on dragging others into their negativity. I had to step away from a situation yesterday and take myself on a long hike because I just refuse to deal with it. 

On my bedside table: A lot of books. Nail polishes. The charger cord for my smart watch. A plastic Oscar the Grouch 

On my TMV: Will Trent, Dance Moms (Season 4!), The Black Swan (what am I watching, y'all?!)

Listening to: "Love Me More" by David Wimbish & The Collection. That band will always have a special place in my heart. Goose is humming while she plays with Gypsy...also, Gypsy is a clown! I've forgotten what it's like to have a young cat in the house. Ren was my grumpy old man and Gypsy is the complete opposite. 

On the menu for the week: I made beef stew today. Ella's in charge of dinner tomorrow and I think it's gonna be Breakfast for Dinner. Wednesday is Crockpot Taco Soup and Thursday I think we are having Chicken Nachos, but don't quote me on that. It's all interchangeable. 

On my to do list: I'm gonna help Goose change over her bedding for Spring, fold some laundry, and go for a run. 

What I am creating: A silly portrait of Gypsy. Stay tuned!!!

My simple pleasure: Solo hiking. I'd been afraid to hike alone for YEARS, but now that I've gone alone a few times, it makes me so happy. 

Looking around the house: THE LAUNDRY, YOU GUYS. My walls are dappled with little rainbows from the suncatchers, and there's sunshine in every corner of the house. But...the LAUNDRY. 

From the camera: 

top picture: Gypsy, the littlest vampire. 

bottom picture: Phacellia Fimbriata. The forest is full of it. 

Bible verse, Devotional: I don't have anything this week, but I'm just happy to pray for all those that need it. 

Happy Homemaker Monday: April 6, 2025

 Good...afternoon! I slept in way later than I wanted (I actually have the day off, and may continue my Monday off rule for the rest of time, it's always nice to have an allegedly long weekend, even though I work most every Saturday) We spent most of this previous week reeling from losing our cat. Some new developments took place, and much to nobody's surprise we ended up at our Humane Society after church yesterday...and ended up taking a cat home. Before you judge me too harshly, please know that this was not a decision that was made lightly and I am forever thinking in the best interests of my children. Here we goooo

The weather in my neck of the woods: Cool and rainy. Supposed to get cooler and more rainy, and we may even see snow before it eventually warms up. Typical April weather. They say that April is "the cruelest month" when it comes to temperatures and I wholeaheartedly believe that. 

As I look outside my window: It's stopped raining for now. Still cloudy. My street is quiet and there aren't cars speeding by. The lawn is green with a million dandelions that I will not be treating the grass for, because they are food for bees. Sue me, I actually love dandelions in all their forms. 

Right now, I am: Watching Goose draw faces in her sketchbook. Typing up this post. Mentally going over the rolodex of things I've gotta do today yet. Days off are so strange. I know I have to rest then I feel unproductive and guilty. 

Something fun to share: For future reference, April 5th was National Dandelion Day! Dandelions are medicinal and beneficial and edible and I cannot say enough nice things about them. They are also often one of the first foods available for our pollinators as they emerge after winter. 

Thinking and pondering: Go down this rabbit hole with  me for a bit, will you? I was putting on an earring this morning. (My earrings are always mis-matched, one is a tiny silver gravestone that reads "See Ya" that I never take off, and the other is always different, today it's a star)...and I was picking out whatever one I was going to wear and I thought to myself...such freedom. I was raised in a strict, scary environment with almost no freedom...so to have so many choices with something so simple is wild. It's mindblowing things that I don't think about now, I wouldn't have ever been allowed to do as a kid, or even a young adult. (Nose piercing? Nope. Wild nail polish? Absolutely not. I couldn't even pick out my own clothes) Looking at adult me in the mirror is crazy because my mother would (and has!) have so much to say about how I look or what I wear. but childhood me is secretly so happy because I had all these crazy ideas about clothes and now I can wear whatever I want. Watching Ella and Goose dress however the heck they want brings me such joy and I am all too happy to buy whatever articles of clothing they fancy. 

They have different styles, and I love it so much. Also, this was taken at the shelter yesterday hehe

On my bedside table: A rose quartz that I think Ella put there, butterfly stickers, my colored pencils, water, a portable nail dryer...it's a LOT. 

On my TV: I'm up to my eyeballs with Dance Moms. Also watching Will Trent and whatever else I wish. That freedom that I was talking about earlier? It also extends to things like TV and music, because that was another aspect closely controlled by my mother.

Listening to: Markers in a sketchbook, Ted the rabbit in his hutch, "Bread and Bleeding" by Penny and Sparrow on Spotify. In another universe, I'm married to Andy Baxter's voice. He could read the phone book and I would listen with all of my attention. 

On the menu for this week: Winter Soup today. Chicken Stir Fry tomorrow. I have some meal ideas for the rest of the week, but they are all interchangeable. I bought ingredients for Hungarian Goulash so that will be one of them. 

On my to-do list: Make dinner, fold laundry, sort through some clothes. 

What I am creating at the moment: A cleaner living space. Maybe a skirt if I get around to it. 

My simple pleasure: Ella and I started a walking workout last month. It's honestly been so nice to walk around with my oldest and laugh and joke and see wildlife, even if the wildlife is just worms and frogs. 

Looking around the house: It's in need of attention, especially my poor sink where I've been keeping plants and seedlings. Things kinda went south after Ren died and I'm excited to get the house into order. A clean sink is one of those weird things that makes or breaks the kitchen for me. 

From the camera: 

Meet Gypsy, with the one white whisker. He's one and a half, and we kept the shelter's name, as a nod to my heritage. (Before anybody judges, I am yet to meet one of us who thinks Gypsy is a slur) He's slowly adjusting to non-shelter life, but we are so happy to have him home. 

Bible Verse, Devotional: I'm reading in Genesis that it took 100 years to finish the Ark. Of course people lived a lot longer back then. Sometimes I feel like it will take me 100 years to finishe a project...

Have a beautiful week!

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!