Happy Homemaker Monday: April 17, 2023

 My last Monday house-sitting! This time next week, I shall be home! 

The Weather: If Spring drags its feet any more, it'll be summer by the time it gets here. Most days are decent, but I freeze during my early morning runs, oof. It's more of the same this week, but at least we aren't due for snow like my home state (IL) is. 

As I look outside my window: The willow outside is greening up, and there are shadows on the red farmhouse. Pretty soon (if Spring actually decides to arrive, ha) you won't be able to see the farmhouse because of all the leaves. 

Right now, I am: Making a weird face. How did my coffee cool off so quickly? Oh, right. I took a break to oversee my youngest's math lesson. 

Thinking and pondering: Well, actually, answering the youngest kiddo's questions about everything from how a toaster works to oak trees. I suppose if I think about it, I'm thinking about everything that needs done before Thursday, when I actually go home. 

On the bedside table: Less and less. I'm packing up to go homeeeee!!!!

On my TV this week: School Spirits, Will Trent, CSI...I need to finish Chambers, but it's getting more and more ridiculous. I'm also in the last season of The Killing and what is even happening there right now? 

Listening to: Very, very soft music in the background. Josie shuffling papers. She's looking at a book about butterflies. We currently have ladybugs pupating and our caterpillars are all in their cocoons. 

On the lunch plate: Technically, it's breakfast. But I'm going to have some Lipton Extra Noodle Soup. Maybe a little ham sandwich. 

On the dinner plate: Rotini with meat sauce. 

On the menu for this week: Survival mode, ha. I swear, I just feel so much more comfortable in  my own kitchen. Taking it day by day until Thursday/Friday. I may take the weekend off of work (but likely not) and we're back to our usual OCD-style meal planning next week. 

On my reading pile: If you guessed Shallow Graves, you are absolutely correct. I'm further in now, and I aim to finish it before Thursday. My to-be-read pile is insanely large, I need to get it together. 

On my to do list: The last of the orders. The last of the potting-up. A ton of emails. I'm also trading dahlias with a few other growers, and I need to figure out what I want to do.  I have to transfer the chrysalids to their tent. Check in on the ladybugs, see if I need to drop in some raisin halves (it's what new ladybugs eat before their release!) Vacuum. 

Plans for this week: To go HOME. And then likely to do a bunch of housework when I get there. It's almost a ritual. Anytime I go into a space, I have to deep clean it. 

What I am creating: The beginnings of a garden. A love of reading in my youngest. A mental health plan for myself. The last three years have been a learning experience. 

My simple pleasure: Early morning walks/runs. I bought a pair of discounted wireless headphones a while back and man, have they ever gotten a ton of use. 

Looking around the house: I've started to gather stuff up to pack to go home. I need to clean that crazy kitchen window over the sink. The garden stuff is still all over the place, but this is where I garden from professionally, so don't expect that to be in order until June or so. 

From the camera: 

Just a tomao, right? Well. No. I grew this little babe from seed in my aerogarden. The aerogarden, which I didn't take with me to work, has been thriving on a diet of benevolent neglect. Gabe means well but it's honestly Ella who cares for it on the weekends. I went back yesterday to pick up the kids and there was a tomato!!!

Bible verse, Devotional, Quote: 

"The assumed appearance of superior sanctity frequently accompanies a total absence of all vital godliness."

--Charles Spurgeon

Have a beautiful week!!!

Happy Homemaker Monday: April 10, 2023

I promise that one day, I'll have a post up here that isn't HHM. I swear. One day. Just not today. 

The weather: Listen, y'all. I know full well that Spring in the mountains is hinky as heck, but I've had just about enough of this crazy bipolar weather. Temperatures this week range from the 70's to the 30's...can we just PLEASE level out? 

As I look outside of my window: After today, I have ONE MORE MONDAY of house-sitting and then I can go hoooooooome. So, only one more Monday of the red farmhouse and the church steeple behind it. It's a fine view, but I miss home. 

Right now, I am: Typing up this post, and waiting on the kids to come back. They've been with Gabe all weekend, and they've had a great time from everything I'm hearing. Debating moving the cat off my Bible but he is deeply asleep. 

Thinking and pondering: I should pour some coffee. I need to wash the dog today, but I'll wait on the kids before I start that chore. I took some time to myself this weekend, which isn't my typical Easter style at all, but I've had so much going on and it's honestly time to put my mental health at the forefront of things. 

On my bedside table: Books. Books. Books. Probably pens, pens, pens. 

On my TV this week: All my usuals and Season 3 of The Killing (Hulu). Um, why didn't anyone warn me that Joel Kinnaman (plays Detective Holder) was so darn pretty and could make a drug addict detective look so good? I wasn't going to even watch it this week, hahah. I also started Chambers (on Netflix) and what on earth am I even watching? When the kids come back, Ella and I have to catch up on School Spirits, Animal Control, Next Level Chef and CSI: Vegas. 

Listening to: The washer going, birdsong, a song called "Alabama Haint". Myself sighing as I fix my schedule for the week, oof. 

On the lunch plate: I'm gonna make a salad. 

On the dinner plate: Hamburger Helper, and I don't care who judges me. It's a family favorite. It's honestly easier to cook at my house in my kitchen. My kitchen creativity has taken a nose-dive lately. Part of it is house sitting. Part of it is just life stuff I've been dealing with. Part is my ridiculous schedule and having to take care of fifty things all at once. I'll be glad when life slows down. 

On the menu for this week: I have absolutely no idea. I'm going to consult Ella and Josie and we are gonna put our heads together and figure it out. 

On my reading pile: Shallow Graves. I refuse to start another book until I finish it. The Bible. 

On my to-do list: Potting more dahlias. Four orders that need to go out today. Some clean up at the B&B. But time to sit and read my book too. Starting the packup process for home. 

Plans for this week: Get more ahead of dahlia season. Put plastic down in one of the gardens to solarize the soil. GO HIKING. 

What I am creating: A better headspace for myself. A more efficient schedule. A garden chart. Hopefully, a healthy meal plan. Maybe art. 

My simple pleasure: Writing down my thoughts. I used to journal in college, and it got me through a really awful time. I started again at the end of last year. It's been therapeutic. 

Looking around the house: The garden and all its reminders are absolutely everywhere. We have caterpillars and ladybug larvae on a back counter. We're raising butterflies and ladybugs this year. 

From the camera: 

The gardens at the B&B are the perfect place for an Easter Egg Hunt and that's where we had it this year. This is one of my favorite photos. Kudos to Walmart for an awesome Easter dress for under 15 dollars. 

Bible Verse, Devotional, Quote: There's so much...I'm studying the symbolism of water in the Bible and it's been fascinating.

Prayer List: My little family. My mentor, as he travels back from Europe next week. My sanity this dahlia season? 

Have a good week! 

 

Happy Homemaker Monday: April 3, 2023

 Good Morning. I am crazy busy but determined not to let it get  me down. Let's do this! 

The Weather: We had some scary high winds this weekend, but things look to be finally evening out here, though our nights are a bit cool, things are still mainly decent, with temperatures ranging from the upper 50's to the 70's. 

As I look outside my window: It's not my window...I'm still house sitting. It's gray, but I did see the sun for a little bit when I dropped by the Bed and Breakfast to drop off milk in one of the cottages for the guests checking in today. 

Right now, I am: Finishing my cup of coffee and typing up this post, while making adjustments to my schedule. This week is set to be a bit wild/busy. 

Thinking and pondering: The best ways to make use of my time this week. Time management is a big priority right now. 

On my bedside table: Books. That heater which I swore I wouldn't need. ha. 

On my TV this week: I just finished "Safe" (on Netflix) and goodness, that was a ride. Ella watched the last 1.5 episodes with me and it left us both wide-eyed and just...whoa. 

Otherwise, it's the usual Will Trent (Hulu), CSI: Vegas (Paramount Plus), Animal Control (Hulu/Fox), Next Level Chef (Hulu/Fox). I had debated starting something new, but my schedule won't allow it this week, I don't think. 

Listening to: Daniel Tiger from the next room. Pye the cat rustling a bag. A song called "Innkeepers" by Penny and Sparrow. Something about the way he sings "nailgun" like it's one word has me tickled today. Some things just catch me off guard and this is definitely one of them.

On the lunch plate: I honestly have no idea. I may make a bowl of soup. So, probably soup, a slice of english muffin bread, and my medicine. 

On the dinner plate: Taco soup. I could have soup for every meal and be okay. 

On the menu for this week: In no particular order, taco soup, beef stew, Chicken a la king (I stole the idea from Sandra). maybe throw pizza in there. 

On my reading pile: I'm still making my way through "Shallow Graves" and man...it's a tough read because of the way things unfold. I'm not going to give away the events, they are all public knowledge anyway but if you are aware of the case at all, then you know how frustrating it is even to this day. 

On my to-do list: Everything dahlias. I have to call some people in the society and finalize some things, but otherwise it's planting and picking and shipping. A trip to the post office is definitely in order for this afternoon. 

Plans for this week: Ship as many orders as possible. Get ahead of dahlia season. Egg hunt for Josie. 

What I am creating: A beautiful reality. Good meals. Better mental health. 

My simple pleasure: Right now, it's a good night's sleep. I feel so much better for it. 

Looking around the house: Pretty tidy and quiet. This kitchen counter/office situation has gotta change, ha. 

From the camera: 

One of my monstera leaves in the sunlight. 

Bible study, Devotional, Quote:

I read something this morning about when someone's heart is too full and busy with every day things, there is not much room for God and that resonated with me. 

Have a beautiful week! 

Welcome back, I guess...and also Happy Homemaker Monday, March 27 2023

 Hiiii. Again. It's been over two years since I've touched this blog, and I'll touch on that in the future. Three years ago today, my life changed. I found out my husband had been unfaithful with a coworker...in the midst of the pandemic. The last three years, I've struggled with the fallout of his infidelity in a town the size of a postage stamp where EVERYBODY knows everything. 

All of that said, I built a business the last three years. Realized my dream of becoming a flower farmer. Learned to not take guff from anybody. Learned to love myself fiercely. Navigated raising my daughters when all I wanted to do was disappear off the face of the earth. Cut so many ties. Freed myself from so much. 

Maybe one day, I'll tell the full story. Probably not though, because it doesn't define who I am anymore. I'm no longer "that lady whose husband cheated on her with his coworker". I'm a completely different person, in nearly every way. 

Should I have combined this terribly personal life update with a Happy Homemaker Post? Probably not. But we're rebels around here. so here goes. 

 

The Weather: Um, Spring? Is that you? We've had gorgeous temperatures, and our lowest low at night is in the 30's...all stuff I can deal with. 

         As I look outside my window: I'm currently house sitting, so it's not my window...but I can see the red farmhouse across the street and so much sunshine. 

        Right now, I am: Listening to music and typing up this post. Debating breakfast. 

        Thinking and pondering: I need to get my nails done. I need to plant some tubers. I need to...take a deep breath and relax. I'm slowly learning that breakneck speed doesn't need to be my normal. It's actually super damaging. 

        On my bedside table: "Shallow Graves", which I started last year and WILL finish before end of April, when I go home. A heater, which I don't reckon I'll need much now. Some other books. Pens. 

        On my TV this week: Late to the party as usual, I just started "The Killing". I loved Billy Campbell in "Cardinal" so it's interesting to watch him in something else. 

        Listening to: Right this second? "Honest Wage", a song by Penny and Sparrow. Andy Baxter's voice reduces me to tears at least once a week. Overall? The Bratterstein crime podcast. 

        On the lunch plate: I haven't even had breakfast yet. I'm doing intermittent fasting and I haven't broken fast yet. Probably a bagel sandwich and some fresh strawberries I got from a client this weekend. 

        On the dinner plate: Italian Sausage and Tortellini soup

        On the menu this week: Today we're doing that soup, tomorrow I'm making some variation of chicken and rice. It's always kind of weird cooking when I'm house sitting. Instacart has been a blessing though for sure. Beyond tomorrow, I haven't planned much yet. Maybe breakfast for dinner? 

        On my reading pile: Shallow Graves by Maureen Boyle. It's about the New Bedford Highway serial killings which took place in the 1980's. It's a heavy read, because the town reminds me so much of the town I live in, right down to the drug problem. I'm also reading a bunch of educational materials for work, because I'm forever learning about running a flower farm. 

        On my to-do list: Call in a nail appointment, wash floors, check in on the potted root dahlias. Start throwing some tubers in soil. Continue to pick and pack orders. Get some more flower pots out of storage. Move the plants back into the sun room. Move the rabbit and his house into the sunroom. Mail out bills. 

        Plans for the week: My nails. Getting out as many orders as I can. Spring cleaning!

        What I am creating: A watercolor piece entitled "Pigeon Party", of all things. Also, beautiiful flowers. 

        My simple pleasure: After years, I dragged my camera, Johnny Reb, out of storage. Taking pictures is my simple pleasure right now. I've realized how much I've missed it all while I was in survival mode. 

        Looking around the house: Pretty quiet. The girls are both busy with various school stuff. I need to clean this kitchen counter, which somehow has become my office space. 

        From the camera: 

A picture of Josie I took blowing bubbles. One of my favorites. 

        Bible Verse, Devotional, Quote:

"Your identity was established before the world began, in the heart and mind of God." --Mary Southerland.

I've recently gone back to reading morning devotions on the Girlfriends in God site. 

        On my prayer list: My friend who is looking for a new place to live, a sick neighbor, and my little family as usual. 

Have a beautiful week! 

        

Happy Homemaker Monday: January 18, 2021

 How on earth has it been that long since I last posted? Yikes. One of my New Year's Resolutions is to get better at regular posting. Life though, you guys. LIFE.

The Weather Outside Is: Frightful, literally. It's snowing. It's slippery. It does look like it's going to taper off a bit for the rest of the week, thank goodness.

On the breakfast plate this morning: A proper breakfast: coffee, avocado toast and scrambled eggs. Who IS this person? I don't recognize her, lol. 

As I look outside my window: Did I mention it snowed? Like, a lot? It looks like it is trying to brighten up a little bit though. 

As I look around the house: It's pretty sparse. The dishwasher is going. Josie is playing with her dollhouse. Gabe is catching up on his sleep before work. 

What I'm wearing today: Flowery leggings, a shirt I got at Big Lots that has flowers on it, and my gray fox slippers. 

Currently Reading: 2 Kings in the Bible. A book called The Bone Jar (another resolutio is to read 52 books this year, Bone Jar is book 3) 

On the TV for this week: I have no idea. Ella and I watched The Wrong Real Estate Agent on Lifetime yesterday and it was ridiculous, like every good Lifetime movie should be. 

On the menu for this week:

Monday: My Grandmother's Vegetable Soup

Tuesday: Breakfast Casserole

Wednesday: Chicken Tacos

Thursday: Hamburger Soup

Friday: Deep Dish Pizza

Saturday: Cube Steak, Mashed Potatoes

Sunday: Drunken Noodles, Italian Style 

Something fun to share: I started the Motivated Moms app to help me get the housework more streamlined and under control. I. LOVE.IT. There's a short to do list each day with specific days having specific tasks and it is so easy. 

Favorite photo from the camera: 

An oldie but a goodie. Josie's first dahlia show, in 2017. She was just about 4 months old. No shows in the future (thanks, COVID), but I'm trying to master the art of gardening and crossbreeding first. 

Prayers, Inspirational Quotes, Devotionals

Happy Homemaker Monday: November 9, 2020

 Sooo...it's been a month since I was last on here. Life's been crazy, for sure, and thankfully, the great majority of that craziness has been a good thing. I need to get better about blogging, but I swear, most days, I don't even watch television and the laptop never gets switched on. 

Without further ado...

The weather outside is: pretty much perfect. I need to wrap up this post and get outta there again. It's supposed to get rainy and windy and COLD in the next ten days or so, but then again it IS November. 

On the breakfast plate this morning: A Subway mini pizza and a cup of tea. I'm not even sorry. 

As I look outside my window: Sunny and breezy. I love it. 

As I look around the house: We're all home for once, and right now, little clutter reigns supreme. I'm okay with that. Ella and I are reading "Being Dead is no Excuse: The Official Southern Ladies Guide to Hosting the Perfect Funeral" out loud and howling with laughter. I bought it and four other books in a bundle for a dollar. Josie is hanging out with us, as is Ren the cat. Gabe and his best friend Mike are talking about Native American culture in the living room. Sphinx is laying under the porch swing. 

What I'm wearing today: A printed dress that I got at Sam's Club, and my requisite black leggings. 

To do today/This week: Gabe and Ella took the letters to be mailed to my pen pals. (I have a pen pal in the Netherlands, and another one in the state of Michigan.) I have the propane company coming here on Friday to install a propane tank for the house. I'm going to try to get some rest this week, last week absolutely killed me. It's sad that I have to schedule rest, but here we are. 

Currently Reading: Nothing really. I did read The Other Wife and The Last Thing She Ever Did...two books in one week! I'm going to page through these cookbooks...and the Encyclopedia of Cats (impulse purchase at the thrift store with Ella) 

On the TV for this week: Ella and I are on a King of the Hill kick. I have no idea why. I lived in Texas for a while...and sometimes I felt like I was living it...I didn't find it so funny then, but I do now. That and it's one of the things my father in law and I have in common. 

On the menu this week: 

Monday: Deep Dish Taco Pie (Stolen from Sandra!) 

Tuesday: Breakfast Casserole 

Wednesday: Chicken LoMein 

Thursday: Grandma Aniela's Vegetable Soup 

Friday: Pot Roast and Potatoes 

Saturday: Chicken Stew 

Sunday: Lasagna Roll-ups 

Something Fun to Share: Did you know you can root mint and even marigolds in just plain water? I knew about mint, but not the marigolds. 

From the camera: 

The fall cactus at work!

Prayers, Inspirational Quotes, Devotionals: I'm currently in the book of Exodus (I finished my Bible through the year in October, and immediately started again). There is SO much going on in Exodus...but there's a message of such hope. 

Have a great week! 

Happy Homemaker Monday: October 5, 2020

 I've been absent because life is crazy, and I pretty much work nonstop. It is what it is, moving on!

The weather: The week starts off nice enough, but I'm pretty sure we have a tropical system move through later. Ugh. Glad all of the dahlias are cut down, otherwise I'd be working in the rain/wind and I'm not about that life, lol. 

How I am feeling this morning: A touch tired, I need coffee. Like, NEED COFFEE. I feel like I need to start a diet NOW. This weekend was my birthday and between cake and birthday takeout, I feel...ugh. 

On my mind: The ridiculous amount of work I have to get accomplished this week, what I'm going to purchase for my best friend's grandmother's birthday. 

On the breakfast plate: Nothing yet, but coffee will happen soon. I'll probably grab brunch/lunch at work today. 

On my reading pile: I just finished "The Secrets of Lost Stones" this weekend. I cried so much,but it was beautiful. 

I'm currently reading "The Strangler's Daughter" by Amy Cross, and it's weird. I'm pretty sure there's more going on than meets the eye, and I don't like the situation (not the book) one bit 

On my T.V.: Ella and I just discovered "Bride Killa" on Hulu. It's from Investigation Discovery, and it's true crime, about married (or about to be married) couples who murder their partner. Yikes. 

On the menu for this week: 

Monday: Greek Hamburger Casserole

Tuesday: Pulled Pork Tacos

Wednesday: Fully Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Thursday: Hungarian Goulash

Friday: Sausage, Couscous and Peppers

Saturday: Chicken Stew

Sunday: Spaghetti Bake 

From the camera: 

My birthday was Saturday, but I ended up celebrating with my best friends yesterday, too. When I was a young girl, my Dad would always buy me these ridiculously beautiful birthday cakes...so my best friend made me one. I cried, it is so beautiful!!

Looking around the house: It's quiet and warm. The cat is asleep next to Josie and part of me wishes I could go to bed, too. Alas, it is not to be. 

New recipe that I tried last week: I got nothing...we stuck to tried and true favorites last week. 

To relax this week, I will: Go to bed earlier. Take a long drive into the mountains to watch the leaves change color. Collect leaves with Josie, and marvel at their beauty. Pick the last of the Autumn roses. Take a long bath with the homemade lavender and lemon bath salts I got for my birthday. 

On my prayer list: Several pregnant friends, a lady bravely fighting cancer, this country 

Have a great week!