And probably a bit more than a dollar short. After planning to take this entire week off (to help J with school), I ended up working a full day yesterday in answer to a flurry of late night texts. A tiring but quick moving Monday that left me no time for blogging.

Let’s get right to the plan for the rest of the week. Joining in as always with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom. 

The Weather

Weather last week looked like the photo above. Sunny, clear skies. Also, warm and windy. Most days, no need for a jacket by afternoon. Yesterday was still warm but mostly cloudy and windy. Today, a gentle rain is falling. It’s supposed to be rainy today and cooling with off with slight chances of rain again later in the week.

On The Breakfast Plate

I’m home working on this post at 6:45 in the morning (up early for no reason) so I’ve not yet eaten breakfast. Yesterday, I had the regular of a flip yogurt, coffee, and two vitamins.

As I Look Outside My Window

Back and front doors really. It’s a dreary, rainy day. A good one for staying in, lighting a candle or two, and settling down with a good book.

As I Look Around The House

Husband plans to go hunting and so all  his gear is piled on the sofa. Of course, now they might delay their plans because of the rain. I’m a bit aggravated as I won’t light my candles with the stuff all over (don’t want to hear about my pumpkin chai candle making his stuff smell). Kitchen table also covered. Some clean up plans on today’s agenda.

What I’m Wearing Today

A light aqua t-shirt (another Duluth one!), jeggings, purple socks (no, they don’t match), and a pair of brown slip on shoes. I’ll need to change shoes to drag out the trash as my husband forgot it was Tuesday (He went to work for a bit this morning).

On My To Do List

1. Clean off kitchen table
2. Fold some laundry
3. Put away shorts (think I can safely at least put away the shorts, pulled out some light sweaters but it’s been too hot to wear them lately)
4. Get J organized with his online school week (a bit of a challenge)
5. Write some letters/send some cards
6. Make some phone calls
7. On-line Christmas shopping?
8. Need to go get cat food
9. Make some cookie dough for the freezer?

On My Reading Pile

Last week, I read two novels by Catherine Lacey. Enjoyed both quite a bit except the ending of each left me just the tiniest bit frustrated as she doesn’t exactly tie up her novels with a pretty red bow. Of the two I read, Pew and The Answers, Pew reminded me a bit of all those random short stories literature class requires (a good thing from me). Meanwhile, The Answers had a bit of a Ray Bradbury vibe to it making it my favorite of the two though it was the older work from her.

I’m also just less than midway through one that’s been on my Kindle app for a while now: The Future of Feeling: Building Empathy in a Tech-Obsessed World by Kaitlin Ugolik Phillips. It’s non-fiction and a bit of a slower read. So far, though not intended as it predates the documentary, it seems a counterpoint to The Social Dilemma.

And finally, just for fun, last night I started reading Christmas at the Cornish Confetti Agency by Daisy James.  Something about the quirky characters and fun antics of them in this series really appeals to me.

On My TV

It was much too nice outside to do a lot of TV watching last week. We did watch some random Netflix movie called The Hostiles over the weekend. After a bit of a disturbingly violent start, not a bad little movie. About Indians and land settlers. Probably watch Next tonight. And my husband told me one of my favorites, The Bourne Identity, is on Hulu so I’ll definitely be watching that (again) soon.

On The Menu This Week

It’s a bit up in the air as I wait to see what my husband does regarding his hunting plans.

MONDAY: I don’t think I ate dinner. J had chips and cheese dip. My husband and G ate grilled turkey hot dogs. *I worked 8-4:30* *J had a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Planned a roast in the crock pot but forgot to thaw it. Maybe breakfast for dinner?

WEDNESDAY: Chicken strips (from a bag), broccoli, ? *I have a hair appointment at 9:30* *Mom’s Night Out, might be weather dependent…*

THURSDAY: Roast in the Crock pot

FRIDAY: No idea.

Something Fun To Share

I’m sure you’re as sick of election talk as I am. However, I saw on the news here that a decent number of people in the KC area wrote in Patrick Mahomes for president.

A little upset I didn’t think of doing that one!

Frankly, I’d be okay with the KC Chiefs organization running the country. I can just picture “President Mahomes” with VP, Travis Kelce and Andy Reid as Chief of Staff. Cutting certain congress people and trading others across the country.

“Pelosi, pack your stuff” and “McConnel, we’re going to trade you to California” Ha! I do think, serious moment, maybe the senators and congress people should work out some kind of “exchange” and spend some time in other jurisdictions to gain better understanding of our country. I’m only sharing my silly thoughts for fun.

Let’s move on to the next category.

From The Camera 

Quote For The Week

“We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory will swell when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.” (Abraham Lincoln) 

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What are your plans for the week ahead?

 

 

A quick post today. Another working day for me. Went from working 7:30 to 4 to not working back to working 8:30 to 5. And now in the preprimary class. Blah!

Time to just quickly plan the week. As always, joining up with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom. See she added new categories for our new month. Second to last month of the year. Let’s hang in there.

The Weather

Just more Midwestern weirdness really. Cold this morning but supposed to warm up to low 70’s by the afternoon. A warm week with no rain. Above average temps in the mid 70’s predicted for the whole week. Hoping I get to soak in some sunshine!

On My Breakfast Plate

The usual. Flip yogurt, only kind left was a kid flavor of S’mores but I wanted the protein. Coffee. Vitamins.

Outside My Window

DAYLIGHT! I know I’m in the minority but I love when Daylight Savings turns off and we go back to normal light in the mornings. Let me just say this, listening in the back? The days get naturally shorter and longer.

Looking Around The House

Not even going to worry with this until Wednesday when I have a day off work (hopefully).

What I’m Wearing Today

Yellow work tee shirt, elephant pants, tennis shoes. I’ll add a green cardigan when I go to work (and a big coat for morning outdoor time).

To Do Today or This Week

Work today and tomorrow

Vote

Grocery store

Clean the house

Whatever I’m forgetting

Currently Reading

The Deepest South of All: True Stories From Natchez, Mississippi by Richard Grant. It’s very interesting and complex. Glad to be reading something with a bit of substance after a flurry of cozy mysteries. I enjoy them but sometimes I need some depth in my reading.

On My TV

Hooked on The Masked Singer. Watched a few movies over the weekend. Poltergeist still scares me though not as much since times have changed quite a bit. We watched an old, dumb and inappropriate but funny one on Halloween called Lone Star State of Mind. And I was pleasantly surprised to find Terminator: Dark Fate wasn’t all that bad.

On The Menu This Week

No idea.

MONDAY: Probably leftovers *I work 8:30-5* *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Maybe Homemade Chik-Fil-A depends on how long it takes me to vote. *I work 7:45-4:15* *Election Day!*

WEDNESDAY: Roast in the crock pot for BBQ sandwiches

THURSDAY: Pork chops?

FRIDAY: Pizza

Something Fun To Share

Not sure if it counts as “fun” but I’m making a second try at a wildflower garden. Some of you may remember my well intentioned neighbor weed eating all those “weeds” the last time I tried. This time I have some fencing up around the area.

From The Camera 

Did you see the full “blue” moon on Halloween night? A real treat!

Quote For The Week

Forgive the repeat of last week but I think it’s important enough of a thought to share twice (especially in an election week).

We don’t have to agree on anything to be kind to one another. (Unknown).

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I’m off to work. What kind of week do you have lined up?

So did everyone have a nice Christmas? What? Oh, it is still October (for one more week). Well, I’m a bit confused over here as it’s 28 degrees and snowing this morning.

Can’t say it really puts me in the mood for Christmas though it does have me thinking about the holidays. Wondering (like everyone else, I’m sure) how different they’ll look this year.

Let’s move on to planning the week by joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom and the other lovely bloggers who link up with her over there.

The Weather

Already discussed the weather this morning. Winter weather advisory (why not a fall weather advisory?) with snow giving way to rain for the rest of the week. Then, Halloween is supposed to be sunny and almost 60 degrees. I guess I’ll just wait my 5 minutes until the weekend for better weather.

How I’m Feeling This Morning 

A bit scattered. Woke up early but not working, feeling a bit off from not working all last week. Plenty to keep me busy around here.

On My Mind

The rest of this year. J’s school. His wonderfully kind and compassionate teachers. Met them during conferences via zoom last week. Interrupted only once by the little gray cat. Trying to come up with a plan to better structure his online weeks (current one is not working so well).

On My Breakfast Plate

Back to the boring usual breakfast: Chobani flip yogurt (key lime) and coffee. Plus two vitamins.

Right Now I Am

Sitting in the basement, working on this post, listening to the wonderful sound of the heat kicking on for us. Watching to see where the little gray cat decides to nap for a bit (We’ve already discussed that she’s a cat and shouldn’t want out on a 28 degree, snowy day.).

On My Reading Pile

Read some good ones over the weekend. Finished Boundless Ambition and found it probably the most engaging of the 5 books in the series. Looking forward to book 6 when it arrives. Also, read a spooky one. The Haunting of Brynn Wilder by Wendy Webb contained just enough spookiness for me. Realized I’d previously read and enjoyed another of her books, Daughters of the Lake about two years ago.

And now, in a complete turn around, I’m working my way through a set of cozy mysteries by Kate Bell. All very short, I’m on the third book after starting the series on Saturday afternoon. Decided I wanted to read Halloween books to lead up to the holiday and these fit (I don’t do scary much). Current one is Chocolate Covered Murder: A Pumpkin Hollow Mystery. Pass the crackers because these stories are cheesy! Still enjoyable enough.

On Today’s To Do List

1. Clean the house!
2. Sort the bills, might even pay them!
3. Finish this post
4. Plan for upcoming holidays (and J’s birthday)
5. Start making Halloween treat bags for Saturday

On My TV

Started watching Fargo last week. Husband says it’s too slow but I’m enjoying it. Already on season 3.

On The Menu This Week

Went grocery shopping yesterday. However, still stumped on my menu. Should note we didn’t follow the plan last week at all.

MONDAY: Probably leftovers. We (meaning my husband) grilled pork chops yesterday. *J has a baritone lesson at 6:30*

TUESDAY: Spaghetti for them. However, I’d like to try this recipe from our local morning news.

WEDNESDAY: Maybe bacon wrapped chicken? Sweet potatoes. *I have a hair appointment at 10:00*

THURSDAY: Cabbage roll soup (recipe clipped from magazine). Keeping a frozen pizza on standby just in case.

FRIDAY: Chicken tacos

From The Camera

Looking Around The House  

Perhaps there is a reason clean the house is number one on today’s to do list. Kitchen table tells the story. 

New Recipe I Tried Last Week Or One That We Really Enjoyed 

Made this banana cake last night. Used a white cake mix instead of yellow and didn’t frost it (husband isn’t a fan of cream cheese.). Still undecided, J and I are the only ones who tried it so far. Seems like it’ll be a good cake to go along with a cup of tea in the afternoon.

To Relax This Week I Will

Read my books and magazines, start a “Netflix” fire, pick up my camera, make myself spend some more time outside (I didn’t get outside nearly enough last week). 

Something I Want To Share

Counting down to the election and the end of those obnoxious ads (mostly that) with me? J came down here and found me fussing at Facebook over the weekend. While discussing things, I showed him Ballotpedia (one of my favorite sources for election stuff, lets you preview the ballot) and we stumbled on this site: PredictIt.

It’s basically a market for shares on future events. Interesting stuff. Basically, the higher the share price for that event, the more likely it happens.

Can’t wait to check back on this after the election. Interesting to see no matter how your politics run. Also, a tab for world events so not just limited to U.S. stuff.

On My Prayer List

Family, friends, strangers. A return to civility. A healing of the world from this virus. A happy and healthy holiday season for everyone.

Quote For The Week  

We don’t have to agree on anything to be kind to one another. (Unknown)

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What’s happening in your world on this last week in October?

We were out of town all weekend and driving home yesterday. Missed a few days of posting but sometimes that happens. We had a much needed relaxing weekend with friends at a cabin deep in the Ozark mountains of Arkansas.

Such a beautiful place. We came back to our bustling city (and a broken heater!) yesterday afternoon. Ready to take on the week, sort of. Thankfully, my husband fixed the heater issue. Good thing as it was 41 degrees this morning. The poor kids froze Sunday night into Monday though (we left them at home this time).

Even though I’m a day late, still joining in with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for this weekly planning post.

The Weather

Typical fall roller coaster ride. Cold and misty this morning. Supposed to hit 84 degrees on Wednesday, then cool back down for the weekend. Heard ugly rumors about snowflakes sometime next week. One week at a time though.

How I’m Feeling This Morning

Fairly relaxed at the moment as I tackle the days of laundry. We weren’t gone that long but somehow the amount of laundry is always double to amount of time spent away.

On My Mind

Everyone should be lucky enough to experience Southern hospitality at least once in their lifetime. It is a very real thing. Our guides to the area of Arkansas truly exhibited it.

Made me realize how much I missed going to Oklahoma each year (we lost the relatives we always stayed with and visited there last year).

On My Breakfast Plate

Made a breakfast sandwich with an everything bagel and a couple of sausage patties. Plus coffee. Still eating like I’m on vacation.

Right Now I Am

Taking a minute to work on this post while listening to the hum of the dryer.

On My Reading Pile

Started the 5th book in the Kyle Achilles series by Tim Tigner, Boundless Ambition. By the way, gold star for me, I’ve read 72 of the 72 books, my reading goal for 2020. Doubt I’d been done with it this early except for the pandemic. Still exciting to meet a goal.

On Today’s To Do List

1. La La La Laundry!
2. Pay bills
3. Parent Teacher Conferences Via Zoom (hope they send more info about this)
4. Plan the week
5. General household cleaning
6. E-mail two teachers who had full conference time slots

On My TV

Four days with no TV watching = amazing! Ah. However, I’ll probably watch Next tonight and The Masked Singer tomorrow night. Maybe I’ll finally catch up on Fuller House as I fold laundry later. And of course, we watched the Chiefs play yesterday. Another win. Hooray!

On The Menu This Week

Should be interesting, not planning to go to the store (or work, being cautious just in case although my husband pointed out he sees more people in Home Depot around here than we probably saw all weekend). We also have plenty of food leftover from our trip.

MONDAY: We had Backyard Burger (OUT)

TUESDAY: Leaning toward spaghetti or chili *Parent teacher conferences start at 3:50 and go until 7ish*

WEDNESDAY: Some type of chicken? Or Fish?

THURSDAY: Whatever I don’t make today, so either chili or spaghetti

FRIDAY: Maybe pizza?

From The Camera

Buffalo National River in Arkansas. Scenery was beautiful enough to almost turn me into a fall person.

(Should probably note we didn’t go canoeing, just thought they added interest to my photos)

Looking Around The House

It’s not a wreck, the kids did pretty good left on their own.

New Recipe I Tried Last Week or One That We Really Enjoyed

Nothing exciting to report here but the whole family always enjoys when I make chicken strips using The Pioneer Woman recipe. Did that instead of taco stuff last Monday.

To Relax This Week, I Will

Spend time in the yard, take advantage of the 84 degree day to go on a hike at a park, do a little baking, read my book, enjoy being at home

Something I Want To Share 

All I have to share this week are photos.

On My Prayer List

Family, Friends, Strangers, Our country to heal both from the virus and the bitterness dividing so many otherwise kind and wonderful people. Peace and good health for the world.

Quote For The Week

I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in tune once more. (John Burroughs)

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