Fall arrives officially on Friday! I’d be a bit more excited if I weren’t so tired.

It’s yet another week of working a full-time schedule around here. Next week is more of the same. Then, I may sleep for an entire day just because I can!

The computer monitor broke over the weekend so my planning was mostly on bits of paper until tonight.  Glad to join in with Sandra’s Happy Homemaker Monday even if I am posting a bit later than usual.

The Weather

It feels a bit like fall right now and it was a rainy day.  However, all the rain is going to add to the humidity and it’s going to be muggy and in the high 80s later in the week. Right now it’s 71 outside and we have the windows open.

Right Now I Am

Working on this post to try to get a handle on what I need to do this week.  Trying to figure out what I still need to do for Bunco since I am hosting tomorrow night.

On My Reading Pile

Currently abandoned.  Weekend project perhaps?

Movies Or Shows I Watched This Weekend

G introduced me to Parks and Recreation on Netflix.  I’m loving it.  Just the kind of humor I need after some rather long days.  I think my husband and I watched episode 7? of Game of Thrones. It’s slow-going 2 episodes at a time.

My Menu For This Week

This is the part of my post that needs the most work.  First our menu for the week:

MONDAY: We ate at Sam’s Club while buying a new computer monitor. *I worked 7:45-4:15*

TUESDAY: hamburgers and hot dogs *G has early morning band practice* *J has an after school robotics club meeting* *I host Bunco* *I also work 7:45-4:15*

WEDNESDAY: Chicken legs, salad *G has early morning band practice* *I work 7:45-4:15*

THURSDAY: No idea, scrounge through the fridge and freezer/leftovers…*I work 7:45-4:15* *G has evening band practice*

FRIDAY: Subway *Football game night tradition* *I work 7:45-4:15*

****

BUNCO MENU:

I thought about making a separate post but I’m just going to throw it on this one instead.

Appetizers: Summer sausage, crackers, hummus, pita crackers

Main Dish: hamburgers and hot dogs (my husband has agreed to cook these for me and we’ll just have the same dinner) with buns and fixings.

Side Dishes: Chips, Pasta Salad, Broccoli Salad (maybe I’m kind of out of steam tonight)

Desserts: Cheesecake Dip, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles or brownies

Drinks: Lemonade, Coke

Table Snacks: Cheese/Caramel Popcorn mix, M&M’s, and one more I haven’t decided on yet.

That’s me trying to keep it simple.

To-Do List

Ha. Ha. HA!

1. Host Bunco
2. Reschedule next week’s hair appointment
3. Attempt to hang on to sanity
4. Pay bills
5. Try practice with camera at some point

What I Am Creating

A September Bunco Menu? See above. Not much else although I want to try to make one of these picture walls if things ever settle down.

Looking Around The House

Surprisingly, decent.

From The Camera

This is from a few weeks ago. Sadly, didn’t get a chance to do much with the camera last week.  First one is from J. On the same day he took the photo of the geese in flight, he also took this photo.  The second one is mine of interesting park bench graffiti.

Simple Pleasure

When the recycle bin has more in it than the trash bin.

Quote For The Week

All I can think of at the moment is “just keep swimming” from Finding Nemo.

************

It’s just been a Monday is all and not a terrible one at that.  The week will improve.  What do you have planned for the week ahead?

 

 

I’m putting my post together on Sunday night as I have another full-time work week on the horizon.  This is usually a slower month for my work as sub but not this year.

I’ve found it’s quite helpful especially on my busier weeks to have a weekly plan. So, I’m happy to be joining in with our host, Sandra from Diary of a Stay At Home Mom, for another Happy Homemaker Monday post.

Lots to do tonight to be ready for tomorrow so on to the post…

The Weather 

While the weather is wrecking havoc in the coastal states, we actually are set to have a really nice week here.  Highs in the upper 70s to mid 80s all week and lots of sunshine.  Seems almost wrong to say we could actually use a little rain.  One benefit of working at a preschool all week is that I know I’ll get to spend lots of time outside enjoying it. The Labor Day sunset was a cloudless, strange, beautiful red orb. We enjoyed it a lot less once we learned the smokey haze from the wildfires burning in the west caused the bizarre red sunset.  The photos don’t really capture the essence of it well enough.

Right Now I Am

Wondering when I started working full-time?  Half-listening to the football coverage on the television.  Trying to figure out how to make my part-time wardrobe work this week and thinking I need to probably do a load of laundry.  Thinking that J didn’t bring his P.E. clothes home. Wondering what else is going on this week. Lots of thoughts bouncing around in my brain…

On My Reading Pile

I’ve decided to set aside the Game of Thrones book for a bit.  Will probably look in a bit and see what the Amazon Prime free book selections were for September 1 and choose one of those to read.

Movies Or Shows I Watched This Weekend

Netflix finally added season 7 of The Walking Dead so I watched 2 episodes of that.  I already knew who was going to be at the end of Lucille but I was still a bit sad.  My husband watched about 15 minutes of the second episode of season 7 with me before deciding nope. He’s never been interested in the show & the teenager makes fun of me for watching.

Needed something light later so I sat and watched the musical, Bye Bye Birdie.  I’d surprisingly never seen it but it turned out my 7th grader had watched it in elementary school.  I really enjoyed it!

Oh, and my husband and I watched one episode off our two episode disc of Game of Thrones.  He’s almost done with the show…says he’ll give it 2-3 more episodes before he decides.  I’ll probably keep watching it.

On My TV

Maybe the Master Chef finale if I remember. I watched the semi final last week so I’m sort of hoping Karma catches a chef I thought was incredibly rude and disrespectful to another contestant.  Haven’t been watching the whole season just bits and pieces of the shows so I don’t really care who wins.

My Menu For This Week

The word for the menu this week is SIMPLE.  Of course, I’m still working my way through the great pantry, fridge, freezer clean out and on a Spend Less September so it will be interesting.

MONDAY:  Tacos  *I work 8-4*

TUESDAY:  BLT’s *I work 8:30-3:45* *G has early morning band practice*

WEDNESDAY:  Chicken of some sort*I work 7:45-4:14* *G has early morning band practice*

THURSDAY:  Ham Steaks *I work 9:30-6:00* *class ring order night for G* *G has evening band practice*

FRIDAY: No idea, spaghetti?  *I work 9:30-6:00*

To-Do List

1. Any of the stuff from last week that I can didn’t do and can fit in to this week
2. Set out fruit fly traps. It’s that season!
3. Laundry, pick out clothes to wear this week
4. Make a “I am not available” work date list
5. Confirm some of my current work schedule since I’m a bit confused by it

What I Am Creating

Well, I did organize the fridge back on Labor Day.  Does that count? And bonus, it still looks pretty good a week later!  These photos are from last week.

Looking Around The House

I think I missed the party!

From The Camera

Super excited to have spotted this monarch caterpillar on some milkweed in our backyard on Saturday afternoon. Simple Pleasure

Watching the little biographical shorts a local movie station airs before it’s Saturday afternoon selections. I don’t make an effort to tune into them so it’s always a pleasant surprise when I come across one.

Quote For The Week

In remembrance of today:

United We Stand.  

*****

And in true busy week fashion (yes, I’m aware it’s only Monday), I’m finishing the post I started on Sunday night at 5:00p.m. on Monday.  What’s on your agenda for the week?

 

Somehow, I didn’t accomplish as much on my less busy week last week.  Funny how that works, I always seem to accomplish a bit more when busy.  Am I the only one who struggles with it?

This week ranks medium on the busy wheel so it will be interesting to see what happens.

Since the boys are all home today, I am going to move right along to the categories.  Don’t forget to check out our host, Sandra’s Happy Homemaker Post and all the great bloggers linked to it.

The Weather

Summer is planning a final hurrah today with sunny skies and a predicted high of 90 degrees with only a slight chance of a pop up thunderstorm or two. Then, the sunny skies remain but the highs are all predicted to be in the mid to upper 70s.

Right Now I Am

Just finishing up breakfast (chocolate chip muffins and bacon, it’s a holiday!) and trying to complete this post before someone decides to ask for a turn at the computer.

On My Reading Pile

Still wrangling through the George R.R. Martin Game of Thrones book on my Kindle app. I’ve read 35% of it and still not sure I’ll finish it. Need to look at the free book selections for September on Amazon prime and maybe visit the library sometime next weekend.

Movies Or Shows I Watched This Weekend

Since Netflix added a few shows, I found The Good Place and ended up watching the entire first season.

If you’re looking for high brow intellectual entertainment, skip it.  My husband’s take after 5 minutes was “This is stupid.”  He wasn’t really wrong.

However, if you are in the mood to just watch something a bit light and silly that is slightly obnoxious and stupid at times, this is your show.  It did have a few really smart twists as the season went along.  I was happy to see they gave it a season 2 over on CBS.

On My TV

I’m not really sure.

My Menu For This Week

One of my goals for this month is a “Spend-Less September” and so I’m going to try to plan as many meals as I can from our fridge, freezer, and pantry.

I also finally got around to clearing out the mess of our freezer this morning.  Most our meals this week come from those discoveries.

Monday:  No idea.  Hoping to talk my husband into either making hamburgers or frying fish…

Tuesday:  Ribs in the crock pot, corn on the cob, salad (yes, this makes more sense as a Labor Day meal but someone forgot to thaw the ribs…) *G has early morning band practice*

Wednesday:  Either bacon wrapped chicken or Chicken Manicotti.  *I work 7:45-4:15* *G has early morning band practice*

Thursday: French Toast and sausage, orange juice *I work 7:45-4:15* *G has evening band practice

Friday:  Frozen pizza or Subway, I’ll let the boys decide so probably the Subway tradition will continue *I work 8:30-3:45* *Football game night*

To Do List

1. Go to grocery store for boys’ lunch stuff
2. Clean off desk, file papers
3. Make new computer file for G with his important numbers (social security, etc)
4. Take G driving!
5. Spend some time today and tomorrow working on blog posts
6. Clean out downstairs freezer plus upstairs fridge, maybe rearrange shelves
7. Still need to add photos to the flash drive
8. Still need to make a master to-do list and schedule
9. Still need to have husband add those dates to the calendar
10. Mail package to a friend (should do this tomorrow)

Hoping to wipe some of the procrastination projects off the list today!

What I Am Creating

Same as last week.  I find myself in the mood to organize the entire house so hopefully I’ll be sharing some small organizing projects in the future weeks.

Looking Around The House

Considering J stayed home sick from school last Thursday and Friday, then G was down on Friday, it’s not too terrible.  I am ready for it to take on a more clean and organized “fall clean” feel though.

From The Camera

Sadly, I didn’t pick up my camera too much last week…except to snap a few pictures of some flowers around the yard.

My hydrangea bloomed a second time?? So did the Fox Glove… And the Geraniums finally came back to life after the bud worm attacks… AND….my lavender finally gave me a few tiny blooms!

Simple Pleasure

When my husband makes coffee in the morning. We just use plain Folgers most the time but his always comes out way better than mine.  Good thing most mornings he is up way before me and makes it.

Quote For The Week

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.  (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

****

As much as I love summer, I Can’t believe I’m saying this:  I do think I’m actually ready for it to be fall this year.  And then, winter.  After fighting off too many bugs all summer, I am even hoping for a hard freeze and a bit more snow (although not necessarily in September or October!).

Which seasons are you glad to see leaving and arriving?

 

 

 

Last week was busy.  This week is slightly less so.  Perhaps a different kind of busy?  Anyway, here it is the last Monday of August.  Can you believe it?

Even though I’m not working today, I already feel behind in my to-do list.  Better get to planning and linking up my post to the Happy Homemaker Monday hosted by Sandra from Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.

The Weather This Week

We had a good unnecessary rain yesterday that made me think of those in Texas, scary stuff down there!

However, the weather here for the rest of the week is going to be fantastic! Sunny and highs in the low to mid 80s all week-long.

It’s very mild around here for the end of August! A lot of my flowers are blooming for a second time including the hydrangea, my foxglove, and my snapdragon.  All things I’d written off as done for this year.

Right Now I Am

Enjoying a quiet house while I gather my thoughts about all I need to get done today and this week.

On My Reading Pile

Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin on the Kindle app on my phone. I’m still not sure about it.  I read fast and my app is telling me I’m only 11% into this one.   We’re getting Time magazine now so I enjoyed reading a few of those articles.

Movies Or Shows I Watched This Weekend

We watched the next two episodes of the first season of Game of Thrones but that was about it.

On My TV

I finished up The Great British Baking show other than the master class so I may watch that depending on how the week goes.

My Menu For The Week

MONDAY:  Roast in the crock pot  *I need to spend the day doing DMV errands, yuck!* *There’s an open house at the high school, I may or may not attend that one*

TUESDAY:  Our 19th Wedding Anniversary *G has evening band practice*

WEDNESDAY: Tacos *I work 9-3*

THURSDAY: Pork Chops *G has early morning band practice* *I’m keeping the day open in case I need to finish my DMV errands*

FRIDAY:  Something From The Freezer or OUT *G had early morning band practice* *I work 12-6*

To Do List:

1. Car Tags, which shouldn’t be a big deal except they messed up our property tax receipt & I have take care of that one first. Did I mention we’ve misplaced our car paperwork? I’ve set aside 2 days for this fiasco, just in case.  Wish me luck!
2. Organize and create new filing system for paperwork (big paper purge coming, may or may not be related to #1 on this list)
3. Clean out fridge and freezer, continue search for pantry baskets/can organizer that will fit
4. Remind husband to put his hunting trip dates in calendar
5. Add photos to flash drive, I’m worried about this computer crashing and losing my photos
6. Clean off desk!
7. Make master to-do list & routine schedule for days I’m not working

What I Am Creating

Still working (although I ignored it last week) in J’s room.  Plus I need to create a new space for filing all our papers…

Looking Around The House

It’s sparkling clean with everything in its place.  No wait, that house belongs to someone else.  Mine’s a mess and needs a good cleaning.

From The Camera

Can’t take credit for this one.  J took it.  I love how he was able to capture the geese in flight.

What I’m Wearing Today

Black shorts and a floral tee-shirt, currently sandals.  May change after I shower and get officially ready for the day.

Simple Pleasure

Getting a chance to visit with friends.

Quote For The Week

August is like the Sunday of Summer. (Unknown)

***************

I finished this post up while waiting for my husband to text a couple of documents to me so I can make my second trip over to the courthouse this morning and from there it’s on to the DMV. On a pleasant note, the worker at the courthouse was unexpectedly quite nice this morning. Hoping that trend continues for the rest of the day!

And yes, I’ve been putting this stuff all month-long, what have you been ignoring on your to-do list?

 

Just looked at the calendar for the week and realized there is something on it for every single day this week. Busy is back in season.

Thought I better put this post together today (Sunday) instead of trying to rush and squeeze it out tomorrow morning.  Plus that means I can call this Happy Homemaker Monday post the Eclipse Eve Edition which is kind of fun.

Be sure to pop over and visit our host, Sandra at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.  And now for a bit of weekly planning.

The Weather This Week 

This is what we’re all watching isn’t it? We woke up to a brief thunderstorm this Sunday morning with talk of a heat advisory.  Eclipse day currently calls for a 40% chance of rain but mostly overnight and into tomorrow morning. The rest of the week, assuming the world carries on, is supposed to be pretty nice. *Update: so far it’s partly cloudy today but still a strong chance of thunderstorms this afternoon…hopefully, after the eclipse*

Right Now I Am

Working on this post, hoping the cold I managed to catch goes away by tomorrow, and trying to keep the Sunday afternoon evening anxiety at bay.  Planning my week and writing this post will help with that, I think.

On My Reading Pile

Sadly, I only managed to glance at a few magazines last week. However, I was just glancing at the Kindle app on my phone and checking out the first of the Game Of Thrones titles.  Anyone read it?

Movies Or Shows I Watched This Weekend

I’ve been finding The Great British Baking Show rather relaxing and was quite excited when Netflix decided to add season 3! Of course, I only have one maybe two episodes to go of that.

My husband also ordered the discs (yes, we are that one Netflix home left who still has discs mailed to us) for the first two episodes of Game Of Thrones.  We’re a bit late to the party with it and I really didn’t expect to enjoy it but I actually liked it.  The nice thing about it not being an instant show is it will actually take a while to watch this one.

On My TV

Going to be busy but I’ll probably find a way to finish The Great British Baking Show and maybe watch the master class.

My Menu For The Week

After hearing a few cracks about watching a baking show versus baking anything I did attempt this French Grandmother’s Lemon Yogurt Cake.  It was okay.  Not a huge hit but I didn’t follow the recipe exact, made some of my “famous” substitutions and think I didn’t get enough lemon flavor going on in it.

Our actual dinner menu is bit on the dull side once again.  Of course, I imagine it will change a lot during the course of the week as well.

Monday: Ham steaks and baked sweet potatoes or French Toast from the freezer *I work until 6*

Tuesday: BLT’s *Early morning band practice for G* *I work until 5 plus it’s Bunco night!*

Wednesday: Chicken Manicotti *Early morning band practice for G* *I work in the morning*

Thursday: Ham steaks and baked sweet potatoes or French Toast from the freezer *G has evening band practice**J’s school has their open house*

Friday: Subway/leftovers/or eat at the game *Friday night football game*

To-Do List

1. Get through the week
2. Still need to renew driver’s permits and car tags (husband is going to do driver permit part)
3. Remember to get G to a driver’s education class on Saturday
4. Pantry Purge or at least a serious rearranging (later in the week)
5. Find time to go get the music book for J’s 7th grade band class, you know the one I asked him about last week and received a blank stare as answer that of course, he needed this morning. SIGH

What I Am Creating

Nothing…still working in J’s room although I didn’t do anything in there last week and will be surprised if I accomplish anything this week.

Looking Around The House

It’s not too bad.  My husband actually did a lot while I rested and downed Zicam water and green tea.

From The Camera

We found this little fellow on the green bean plants in the garden on Saturday morning: Marigolds in the front yard: And I’m still working on getting a good sunset photo…not quite there yet: What I’m Wearing Today

Have no idea what I’ll wear tomorrow (Monday), debating the professionalism of wearing the high school band tee-shirt from G’s freshman year since it has a moon on the front.  I’ll probably just wear my school tee-shirt instead. I wore a flowered shirt, black shorts, and right now sandals on Sunday.

Simple Pleasure

I mentioned it in my Friday post but I really do enjoy just talking with my boys.  Always interesting to hear the things they are thinking.

Quote For The Week

It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.  (Henry David Thoreau)

*****

What are your plans for Eclipse day and the rest of the week?