Life Right Now #6

As I look outside my window: Sunny, a bit breezy, but almost 70 degrees! The kids will be going outside after brunch.

Right now I am: Finishing a plum cake for brunch, letting it cool, before I make the sausage and eggs.

Thinking and pondering: How to structure out summer/fall for homeschooling? I think we’ve decided to keep doing this for at least another year, but I want to change things up for July and beyond. We are hoping to add in more outside of the house activities (hoping the pandemic lessens by the fall) and connect with other homeschooling families in the area.

On my bedside table: Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman; Walkable City by Jeff Speck

On my tv this week: J and I finished WandaVision last night. So good! We also watched a few movies and caught up with Last Week Tonight.

Listening to: The new Architects album is very very good! They’ve been loving it on Octane and I had to download as soon as it was relaesed last week.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Roasted Lemon Chicken Thighs and Potatoes

• Tuesday - Mang Cua (Crab and Asparagus Soup)

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Grilled Cheese Night

• Friday - Cajun Chicken and Sausage Alfredo

• Saturday - Indian Takeout

• Sunday - Mac n Cheese Casserole with Cheddar and Gruyere

On my to do list: I want to spend next week cleaning out my to-do list, focusing on the all the little tiny tasks cluttering it up. I would like to have a clear list to then do a big brain dump for spring by Friday.

Happening this week: It’s our Spring Break week for homeschooling. Instead of doing no school, we are going to spend a lot of time outside, take a few field trips, and focus on games. We’ll still be doing a read-aloud and some math and finishing our space unit. But the idea is to mix everything up this week. For our field trip, we are going to drive to Lincoln to visit Morrill Hall on the UNL campus. We love their dinosaur fossils and it’s been two years since we went. Hopefully we can get some lunch and eat at a park. And of course we will be going to the museum.

What I am creating: I’m starting work on my December Daily album today. Need to pick my photos and do a basic layout. I’m also starting to plan our next family road trip. It probably won’t happen this summer, but I’m shooting for fall (before it gets really cold, so like September or October).

My simple pleasures: Honey Tea Bread with butter and cup of Irish Breakfast Tea, Puzzle time, a good book.

Looking around the house: Things are okay, but I want to clear out laundry room and foyer.

From the camera: My birthday cake! Apparently the bakery was very confused by the message. Definitely not Schitt’s Creek fans.

Life Right Now #5

As I look outside my window: It’s bright and sunny now after a very cloudy morning.

Right now I am: Sorting through all of the library books I just picked up. I got a ton of math books to supplement during our Spring Break.

Thinking and pondering: I have a towering pile of random stuff on my side tablet. I wonder where I should put all this crap?

On my bedside table: I was Told It Would Get Easier by Abbi Waxman; Walkable City by Jeff Speck

On my tv this week: Continuing our movie month… One more movie tonight before we return to our regular television shows.

Listening to: Catching up on Dungeons and Daddies podcast.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Chicken n Noodles

• Tuesday - Black Bean Soup, Chicken Ranch Tacos

• Wednesday - Cajun Chicken and Sausage Alfredo Pasta

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Takeout

• Saturday - Mang Cua

• Sunday - Smothered Pork Chops

On my to do list: I need to make eye appointments…

Happening this week: Nothing much beyond a grocery and library visit.

What I am creating: I finished my 2020 Memory Planner and have started working on my 2020 December Daily album. Here’s hoping that I get some time this coming week.

My simple pleasures: Smoothies, fun mail

Looking around the house: Always in a state of disarray. This is what happens when you don’t meaningfully leave the house for a year.

From the camera: The elephants are always my favorite at the zoo.

Life Right Now #4

As I look outside my window: Ummm… it started snowing again. Another winter storm warning for today.

Right now I am: Prepping to make brunch

Watching: J and I have added a few more movies to our movie month total. And I have been working my way through Bridgerton S1 finally. Only three more episodes to go!

Listening to: A lot of metal. I’ve had A Day to Remember, Ice Nine Kills, Asking Alexandria, and Black Veil Brides on repeat this week.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Beef Tips with Noodles

• Tuesday - Homemade Pizza (Fig and Prosciutto for adults; Pepperoni for kids)

• Wednesday - Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup

• Thursday - Waffles and Breakfast Potatoes

• Friday - Maafe

• Saturday - Leftovers

• Sunday - Chicken Pad Thai Nachos

On my to do list: I really want to work on some of my projects today before the hustle of the homeschooling work starts tomorrow. I’ve also got a hankering to do a puzzle this week as well as finish two books.

Happening this week: We’ll go to the library like we do every week. I’m also thinking about a trip to the zoo on Tuesday or Wednesday. We couldn’t go the last two weeks as the actual temperatures were below zero. This week it should be in the 30s, which we can totally handle for a morning at the zoo.

What I am creating: Lesson plans, per usual. And I’m hoping to work on my November 2020 Memory Planner today.

My simple pleasures: I’m all about the historical romances this month. I don’t want to read any other genre of books, but I should.

Looking around the house: I spent 3 hours yesterday cleaning and reorganizing the kitchen. I feel so much better. Things are in their places. Now to get the other people in this house to not leave things lying around the kitchen…

From the camera: There’s more now, but this was taken this morning around 9am. Things had been melting a bit previous to this morning’s snowfall.

Life Right Now #3

As I look outside my window: The snow is so sparkly! But I just now that the temperatures are below zero. But I want to go to the library later. Guess I better wear all the layers.

Right now I am: Maybe breakfast. Contemplating doing a Valentine’s day craft with the boys. Or maybe a puzzle.

On my bedside table: The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides and Darling Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt

On my tv this week: We kept at our movie month and managed to watch 6 this past week.

Listening to: Just podcasts this week. Thinking I might need to put on some soothing background music for our afternoon school sessions.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Ham and Potato Soup

• Tuesday - Belgian Waffles and Breakfast Potatoes

• Wednesday - BBQ Cheddar Meatloaf

• Thursday - Charcuterie Board

• Friday - Blackened Salmon

• Saturday - Roasted Lemon Chicken Thighs with Potatoes

• Sunday - Homemade Pizza Night

On my to do list: I really need to go to the DMV this week. My biggest to-do!

Happening this week: It’s grocery week, but I think I’m going to push it to Wednesday as the temperature highs for Monday and Tuesday are going to be around -15 degrees. I imagine that we will go to the library Thursday or Friday. Otherwise, it’s a normal week.

What I am creating: I finish my October Memory Planner pages yesterday so I hope to find some time to start November’s pages today.

My simple pleasures: Fuzzy blankets, Quentin snuggles, a new friend to text, hot tea

Looking around the house: The boys have destroyed the playroom. They really need to clean that today. I need to put away all the clean laundry and wash the sheets. Fun times over here.

From the camera: Arthur’s current art gallery about his bunk bed.

Life Right Now #2

As I look outside my window: It’s lightly snowing (again). Guess I might need to shovel the driveway if I want to go to the library this afternoon.

Right now I am: In a lull between meal prepping and brunch prepping.

Thinking and pondering: Should we do color for a kitchen backsplash? Dreaming of our kitchen renovation in 3-4 years.

On my bedside table: Scythe by Neal Shusterman; The Warmth of other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson

On my tv this week: We’re one week into New-To-Us Movie Month and we have watched some interesting things. Last night was The Boy Band Con, fascinating documetnary.

Listening to: A lot of rock featuring Ice Nine Kills, A Day to Remember, Asking Alexandria, 10 Years, and AFI.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Cajun Stuffed Chicken

• Tuesday - Ham and Potato Soup

• Wednesday - Salsa Chicken

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Breakfast for Dinner

• Saturday - Chili

• Sunday - Buffalo Chicken Dip

On my to do list: All the usuals, plus I need to make a few appointments this week and work on podcast prep.

Happening this week: Hopefully we can get to the library on Thursday or Friday. I was hoping to go to the zoo, but the highs are going to be in single digits, so maybe not.

What I am creating: Working very slowly on my October Memory Planner pages. I might be able to finish today. And powering through our 52 Desserts and Snacks food project. I made two recipes this week to catch up.

My simple pleasures: Berry smoothies, a good soothing historical romance, watching the slow fall (so pretty!), requests for jazz dance parties.

Looking around the house: Arthur has created an entire Valentine’s Day shop in my living. Points for creativity, but please clean it up now…

From the camera: Very creepy smiles, but fun was had during Saturday morning’s craft time.

Life Right Now #1

As I look outside my window: It’s bright and clear outside, but pretty cold (30 degrees or so). I’m loving the light, but I would have liked another snow fall.

Right now I am: Deciding whether to make some tea bread for tomorrow for wait to make it tomorrow…

On my bedside table: The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham; The Duke and I by Julia Quinn

On my tv this week: We’ve been enjoying S3-4 of Schitt’s Creek and S1 of Lupin.

Listening to: Mostly podcasts. I think I need to cue up The Emo Project or some other kind of music for this afternoon. Over the talk right now.

On the menu for this week: We were noticing that I tend to make at least one Tex Mex inspired recipe every week. So true! This week it’s out Friday meal.

• Monday - Sega Wat from Ethiopia (this was pushed from last week)

• Tuesday - Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

• Wednesday - Avocado, Bruschetta Chicken

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Pork and Green Chile Stew

• Saturday - Parmesan Tilapia

• Sunday - Stuffed Pesto Shells

On my to do list: It’s appointment week! Meaning I need to make all the various appointments for myself and the kids. I seriously hate talking on the phone… I also need to get this school tuition bill straightened out. They are currently wanting to charge us for the spring semester even though that child graduated in December. Blergh! More talking on the phone.

Happening this week: Not much at all. Tuesday I need to do our grocery run and we’ll probably go to the library on Thursday.

What I am creating: Not much, although I am plugging away at my 2020 Memory Planner. I’m currently working on September’s pages. Hoping to finish through November by the end of January. Then I guess I need to work on my 2020 December Daily album so I can really start on 2021’s Memory Planner.

My simple pleasures: A good Regency romance, fun new-to-us TV shows, snuggly blankets, natural sunlight in my craft room.

Looking around the house: Like every week, there are random piles that need to be put away. I also have clothes everywhere drying as our dryer keeps tripping the breaker. Not sure if it’s an electrical problem or a dryer problem. SO clothes are everywhere drying.

From the camera: Grateful that our backyard has a slight rise to it. The boys can sled without leaving the yard!

Life Right Now #43

As I look outside my window: The sun has set and it’s oh so dark out there…

Right now I am: Watching Muppet Christmas Carol with the boys.

Thinking and pondering: What am I missing from the grocery list? There’s always something…

On my bedside table: Murder on Cold Street by Sherry Thomas; Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

On my tv this week: We wrapped up this season of The Mandalorian and S1 of Lovecraft Country. We also kept up with His Dark Materials S2 and watched a few movies/documentaries. I finally started Below Deck: Sailing Yacht S1.

Listening to: All the podcasts and The Emo Project on Sirius XM Radio.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Orechchiette with Sausage, Sun-dried Tomatoes, and Broccoli

• Tuesday - Spicy Thai Noodles

• Wednesday - Mosterdsoep (Netherlands): Our last Soups and Stews from Around the World for 2020!

• Thursday - Seafood Feast for Christmas Eve

• Friday - Epic Charcuterie Board for Christmas Day

• Saturday - Ham and Cheese Croissant Sandwiches

• Sunday - Maple Balsamic Pork Chops

On my to do list: Final prep for Christmas! I really just need to put random things away and clear some space. I also need to stage out my kitchen endeavors for the week. And I should do a bit of curriculum planning for January in my down time.

Happening this week: Obviously it’s Christmas week! After Christmas, I hope to get to Target and Michaels for any after-Christmas deals. Plus my mom got me a gift card to Michaels. Hoping they have some gems.

What I am creating: I’m turning my attention to organizing the Christmas crafting supplies to make a December Daily box and put the rest away. I also should start organizing my Project Life supplies so I can do a craft room tour in January.

My simple pleasures: Irish Cream Cold Brew at Starbucks! Oh so good. And all the gingerbread cookies.

Looking around the house: Arthur is sad that we don’t have many Christmas decorations, but we’re usually not here for Christmas. I promised him that I would look for more during the after Christmas sales.

From the camera: Arthur made a bus out of a big box and of course he had to add the Pigeon on the outside!

Life Right Now #42

As I look outside my window: There’s still a layer of snow on the ground, although it’s been all messed up by the kids running around yesterday. The snow should stick around for a bit.

Right now I am: Eating breakfast and looking over my to-do list for the day.

On my bedside table: The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampries by Grady Hendrix; Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam

On my tv this week: Lovecraft Country, His Dark Materials, Below Deck: Mediterranean

Listening to: The Emo Project on Sirius XM. This channel has given me life this past week.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Pizza Casserole

• Tuesday - Seychelles Fish Curry

• Wednesday - Sloppy Joes

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Baked Potato Soup

• Saturday - Honey Lime Jalapeno Chicken

• Sunday - Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken

On my to do list: Lots of random little odds and ends. I also need to finish our curriculum for the week.

Happening this week: Quiet week… Other than a library run, we are probably just sticking close to home.

What I am creating: Christmas cards! I need to make about 20 more to be finished for the year. If I get some time today, I can knock out at least 12 of them.

My simple pleasures: Gingerbread, tequila sours, The Emo Project on Sirius XM (seriously, so excited I found this), fun Christmas romances.

Looking around the house: I should probably put away clothes today. And I need to vacuum upstairs.

From the camera: Snow day yesterday! It was the first time this year that the boys got to get out and play in the snow. They stayed out for almost 30 minutes.

Life Right Now #41

As I look outside my window: It looks very white out there. The cloud cover is complete, but also just white. Very dreary today.

Right now I am: Eating a bagel and trying to get my to-dos in order.

On my bedside table: Exhalation by Ted Chiang; lots of Christmas romances

On my tv this week: We’ve continued with Lovecraft Country and it’s just oh so good! We also watched a few movies this week.

Listening to: Just podcasts this week.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Cambodian Creamy Pineapple Soup

• Tuesday - Chili Verde

• Wednesday - Teriyaki Chicken

• Thursday - Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken, Bacon, and Broccoli

• Friday - Leftovers

• Saturday - Honey and Lime Jalapeno Chicken

• Sunday - Buffalo Chicken Nachos

On my to do list: I have some housework to do today, but also I need to finish wrapping some presents and complete blog posts.

Happening this week: We’re planning a few Christmas activities this week.

• Monday - Grocery store

• Tuesday - Werner Park Lights

• Wednesday - MUD Inspection, Lots of work time

• Thursday - Probably more work time; Library Visit; Container Store Pickup

• Friday - Zorinsky Lights

• Saturday - Playroom Cleanout

• Sunday - Lazy Day

What I am creating: Hoping to get some Christmas card crafting time in today. I have almost 40 completed. Most years I make and send or give out almost 100. I’m very behind this year.

My simple pleasures: New clean planner, silly Christmas romance stories, Marble races

Looking around the house: I pulled out our meager Christmas decorations (usually we’re not home for Christmas, so not much in the bin), and did what I could. I’m thinking I need some garland and maybe a few other things just to brighten up the living room. We’re not going to buy a tree, but I can get some other things.

From the camera: After seeing Santa, we visited the aquarium at Cabela’s.

Life Right Now #40

As I look outside my window: Clear and bright, but very windy this morning…

Right now I am: Enjoying some of my cranberry sauce on toast. I didn’t eat enough of it on Thanksgiving.

On my bedside table: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins; North American Lake Monsters by Nathan Ballingrud

On my tv this week: We started watching Lovecraft Country and it is delightful. I’m so excited about this series!

Listening to: J had me listen to a fascinating 99 PI episode about the New York Public Library and Anne Carroll Moore.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Firecracker Chicken

• Tuesday - Garlic Shrimp Pasta

• Wednesday - French Onion Soup

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - Singapore Laksa Soup

• Saturday - Italian Beef Sandwiches

• Sunday - Cambodian Pineapple Soup

On my to do list: Today I need to finish sorting curriculum for December, printing curriculum for December, wrapping the December books, and organizing the advent calendar. I should also update my planner and pull my books for December.

Happening this week: We’re back to normal this week, thank goodness. Beyond homeschooling, we aren’t planning on leaving the house except to go to the library.

What I am creating: I’m putting the finishing touches on the advent calendar and working on Christmas cards this weekend.

My simple pleasures: Cranberry sauce! Greek pasta salad, Christmas music, a great book to sink into.

Looking around the house: We need to do a big pickup this afternoon, especially the boys. Their toys have migrated out of the playroom.

From the camera: A tower of appetizers from Thanksgiving. Oh so good!

Life Right Now #39

As I look outside my window: Clear skies today, much better than the gray skies yesterday. Although it’s only supposed to get up to 50 degrees today. I’ll take it.

Right now I am: Finishing up the grocery list. We’re having just our household Thanksgiving and decided to do all appetizers. Lots of things to make, but the food will last us Thursday and Friday.

Thinking and pondering: Wondering if the twins will ever respond to my questions about next semester…

On my bedside table: Lumberjanes Volumes; The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

On my tv this week: We caught up on our currently airing shows like The Mandolorian and His Dark Materials. We also watched a few more episodes of Happy.

Listening to: Binging on some good bookish podcasts.

On the menu for this week: Potentially four soups and stews from around the world this week! Getting closer to 52 for the year.

• Monday - Irish Scallop Bisque

• Tuesday - French Onion Soup

• Wednesday - Leftovers or Singapore Laksa Soup

• Thursday - Thanksgiving!!!!

• Friday - Leftovers

• Saturday - Baked Firecracker Chicken

• Sunday - Russian Mushroom and Potato Soup

On my to do list: Lots of organizing and prepping for December. I need to finish doing the boys’s advent calendar and 24 book plan. I need to get the pantry in order.

Happening this week: Other than food, nothing much.

What I am creating: Hoping to make some Christmas cards today! I’m been trying to get in there for a month now. I really need some quiet crafting time.

My simple pleasures: Hazelnut coffee, Quentin snuggles, interesting picture books

Looking around the house: J went out yesterday and picked up a new vacuum! Our old one has been dying for awhile now (almost 20 years old and moved across country twice). He bought a Shark on Black Friday sale. I’m going to test it out today.

From the camera: Dovi (peanut stew) from Zimbabwe was so good! Definitely making this one again.

Life Right Now #38

As I look outside my window: Windy and cold day, but bright and sunny.

Right now I am: Updating my giant to-do list. Lots of little things I need to knock out this week.

Thinking and pondering: What is our Thanksgiving going to look like? I think we are just going to do our household and make it an appetizer day instead of turkey, etc. J doesn’t really like turkey, and we love appetizers but they are a lot of work. SO maybe an appetizer buffet and movie marathon with the kids.

On my bedside table: The Troop by Nick Cutter; The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson

On my tv this week: We finally finished Battlestar Galactica and it was such a disappointment. J did warn me, but I was still disappointed.

Listening to: Black Veil Brides dropped a new song, loving it!

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Green Chile Pepper Jack Enchiladas

• Tuesday - Icelandic Lamb Soup

• Wednesday - Zimbabwean Peanut Stew

• Thursday - Mongolian Beef

• Friday - Balsamic Pork Roast

• Saturday - Leftovers

• Sunday - Blackened Salmon

On my to do list: Just to name a few things I need to do:

• Change van fob battery

• Organize entry bench (lots of random coats, hats, gloves, door hangings, etc)

• Update homeschooling forms

• Prep and/or finish probably 20 blog posts

• Send the extra trash can form

• Schedule my work times for the week

• Vacuum and dust downstairs

• Meal plan for rest of November and into December

• Do a pantry inventory

• Clear the deck (need to move the grill into the garage)

• Start working on advent ideas

Happening this week: I’ve got a few work commitments to schedule in along with our usual homeschooling. We are going to try to hit the library on Wednesday or Thursday, but they have just lowered capacity to 25%. If we go in the morning around 9:30am, we should be fine.

What I am creating: I’m hoping to make some Christmas cards today. I finally got my storage system sorta organized (at least 70% done) and want to pause to actually make some cards.

My simple pleasures: Warm cookies from the oven, good scary books, snuggly blankets

Looking around the house: Argh! There is crap everywhere. I swear I am the only person in this house that ever picks anything up.. I need to go room by room and just pick up everything that doesn’t belong.

From the camera: Finally gather the leaves so we could jump into them. Really to clean them up, but the boys too advantage.

Life Right Now #37

As I look outside my window: Our big backyard tree finally dropped all it’s leaves. Guess I’ll be raking leaves today…

Right now I am: Finishing my bagel and coffee before I head outside.

On my bedside table: There’s Someone in Your House by Stephanie Perkins; Lumberjanes comics

On my tv this week: We finished the first season of Truth Seekers (delightful and strange). We’re almost finished with Battlestar Galactica. We have only four more episodes to go. Afterward, I think we are going to return to Star Trek (Voyager or DS9).

Listening to: All the politics and book podcasts in my feed. I’ve been alternating between the two categories all week.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Leftovers

• Tuesday -

• Wednesday -

• Thursday -

• Friday -

• Saturday

• Sunday -

On my to do list: A mile long list of things… One of the first things is to mail the extra trash can form and pop into the library tomorrow.

Happening this week: Hopefully back to some semblance of a normal schedule this week. I still have some work to finish up for J’s company, but the bulk is done. Otherwise I need to grocery shop this week.

What I am creating: Nothing this week unless you count blog posts not for personal use.

My simple pleasures: Working HVAC system. The guys came back to finish hooking up the AC unit. so now we have a complete and working HVAC system. Already, we can tell a difference with more equal temperatures throughout the house and better air quality. So excited!

Looking around the house: My Ikea order finally arrived and J put together my craft storage unit yesterday! I’m hoping to get most of my supplies put away this week so I can make tons of Christmas cards this weekend.

From the camera: Before the tree dropped all its leaves, it was this beautiful fire red color!

Life Right Now #36

As I look outside my window: It’s very lightly snowing. More of a mix of rain and snow really.

Right now I am: Finishing our meal plan for November and December. One of my least favorite home tasks, but it’s got to be done. Also trying to add in more lunches as we’re trying to cut our eating out budget.

On my bedside table: Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson; Well Played by Jen DeLuca

On my tv this week: We’re slowly working through the last season of Battlestar Galactica. It’s not great, but darn it we are in it until the end.

Listening to: All the usual podcasts. I’m feeling like I need to add more music in rotation.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Leftovers

• Tuesday - Chilean Ajiaco

• Wednesday - Zurek (Polish Rye Soup)

• Thursday - Black Bean Chicken

• Friday - Beef Tips

• Saturday - Monaco Vegetable Soup

• Sunday -

On my to do list: I did a huge brain dump on Friday. I’m hoping to knock out at least 5 items today and another 5-10 next week. On the list are a variety of small and some much larger tasks.

Happening this week: This week is going to be bonkers! We have so much going on.

• Monday - Regular Day

• Tuesday - HVAC install; Ikea delivery; Grocery store visit; Durham Halloween Drive-thru

• Wednesday - HVAC install; Nature Play Day

• Thursday - Library visit

• Friday - Regular Day

• Saturday - Halloween Party!

• Sunday - Regular Day

What I am creating: Long-term and short-term curriculum plans. We’re reaching the end of the semester and I’m trying to wrap it up and start planning for next semester.

My simple pleasures: Nightly Calm hot tea, cozy socks, spooky books

Looking around the house: It’s vacuum day! Lots of rooms were picked up yesterday, so today I get to vacuum all of them. Also excited to vacuum my craft room in anticipation of my new craft storage arriving on Tuesday.

From the camera: Shenanigans during the Book Drive Thru at the mall.

Life Right Now #35

Thinking and pondering: What should I do with the play room? It’s a mess right now.

On my bedside table: The Dead Girls of Hysteria Hall by Katie Alender; The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

On my tv this week: We’re slowly working through Battlestar Galactica S4 and jumped back into Happy S2. I’m watching GBBO and Below Deck.

Listening to: All the podcast like usual.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Curried Coconut and Lime Gourd Soup

• Tuesday - Chili

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Polish Rye Soup

• Friday - Chicken and Dumplings

• Saturday - Chicken Ranch Tacos

• Sunday - Cheesy Artichoke Pasta

On my to do list: My big task is to figure out eye appointments for myself and the kids.

Happening this week: Nothing much. I’m sure we’ll go to the library later this week, but that’s it so far. Maybe a zoo visit? Or at least a trip to a park?

What I am creating: Nothing much. I really do want to make some Christmas cards this week.

My simple pleasures: Hot tea, a good book

Looking around the house: Thinking about what to do with my craft room once my furniture arrives right before Halloween.

From the camera: We went trick-or-treating at Lauritzen Gardens today. It was cold, but lots of fun!

Life Right Now #34

As I look outside my window: The sun is out, the wind is blowing, and the leaves are changing colors.

Right now I am: Trying to make a darn to-do/brain dump list. Too many little things rattling around my brain; I need to get them all out!

Thinking and pondering: What is more important right now - going to the dentist or going to the eye doctor? My anxiety can only handle one this month. I’m leaning towards eye doctor as my glasses are pretty scratched up.

On my bedside table: Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner; The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Clune

On my tv this week: We ended up watching very little tv this past week. I was exhausted most nights. But we did watch Enola Holmes and Aladdin (2019). Both were entertaining if nothing else.

Listening to: The usual podcasts. Although today calls for music.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Swahili Fish with Coconut Rice

• Tuesday - Chicken Shawarma Fries

• Wednesday - Broccoli Beef

• Thursday - Leftovers

• Friday - BBQ Chicken, Apple, Bacon, Cheddar Quesdaillas

• Saturday - Zurek (Polish Rye Soup)

• Sunday - Coffee Rubbed Pork Loin

On my to do list: See above for brain dump problem…

Happening this week: It’s grocery week once again. Off to finish my giant grocery list and hopefully not forget anything too important. We also have nature play day on Wednesday, a library visit sometime (Friday?), and maybe a park visit as the temperatures will be cooler.

What I am creating: Finally getting back into card making. I ended up making 6 cards using a borrowed stamp set yesterday. Hoping to start organizing my Christmas card supplies today.

My simple pleasures: Sleep, that’s all this week, just sleep

Looking around the house: Blergh! I think I’m the only one in this house that picks up random crap that accumulates. There’s crap everywhere right now.

From the camera: Quentin peeking out from behind one of our unit theme books.

Life Right Now #33

As I look outside my window: Leaves are falling from the trees! I love fall so much!

Right now I am: Pumping myself up to clean the kitchen. I am not excited, but it needs to be done.

On my bedside table: Lovely War by Julie Berry; Lumberjanes Vol. 12-13

On my tv this week: I can’t even remember what we watched this week. Man, I am tired today.

Listening to: Lots of depressing podcasts. I need to switch to something more uplifting.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Apple Grilled Cheese

• Tuesday - Beef Stew

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Swahili Fish with Coconut Rice

• Friday - Chicken Tortilla Soup

• Saturday - Broccoli Beef

• Sunday - Chicken Shawarma

On my to do list: I think I need to do a brain dump today. I have no idea what I need to do right now.

Happening this week: Nothing big. We’ll probably go to the library and maybe a park visit.

What I am creating: Argh! I really need to get started on my Christmas cards.

My simple pleasures: Coffee cake and coffee, pumpkin patches, snuggly sweaters

Looking around the house: I cleaned the bathrooms yesterday! Woot! They look so clean now!

From the camera: Apple picking and flower fields at Vala’s this week.

Life Right Now #32

Right now I am: Getting ready to head to bed, but before that, I’m going to read more of my current historical romance novel.

Thinking and pondering: I should probably do a brain dump pretty soon.

On my bedside table: The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones, Lovely War by Julie Berry

On my tv this week: After returning, we catch up on the released episodes of The Boys, Lower Decks, and Archer.

Listening to: On the way back from Indiana, I listened to the rest of The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner read by Richard Armitage. Very good listen. I also snuck in a few episodes of Presidential, Pod Save America, and Currently Reading.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Chicken parmesan

• Tuesday - Swahili Fish with coconut rice

• Wednesday - Leftovers

• Thursday - Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice

• Friday - Lebanese Green Stew

• Saturday - Apple Grilled Cheese

• Sunday - Chicken Tortilla Soup

On my to do list: I need tp pay a few bills, organize W9 resources, and probably a million other little things.

Happening this week: Hopefully this coming week, we will be back to normal for a schedule… I do need to go to the grocery store and we’ll probably make a library stop. Otherwise, I’m hoping to stay home and get back to normal and clean my darn house.

What I am creating: Not much at all. I do hope to get to creating Christmas cards this coming. I need to get moving if I want to make my own cards like I do every year.

My simple pleasures: A cool breeze, warm cinnamon rolls, pumpkin patches, Quentin snuggles and laughs.

Looking around the house: Things are still very trashed right now… I really need to just go room by room this week and get things straightened out.

From the camera: Happy Birthday Quentin! He turned 4 on Saturday.

Life Right Now #31

As I look outside my window: It’s still pretty overcast and a bit rainy today. I love the cooler weather this past week, especially since our AC is broken.

Right now I am: Sitting in limbo for the coming week.

Thinking and pondering: About grief, processing, and what to do next…

On my bedside table: Love and Death Among the Cheetahs by Rhys Bowen; Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

On my tv this week: We’ve watched a few episodes of The Orville, Battlestar Galactica, and The Boys. Other than that, I haven’t watched much of anything.

Listening to: Just the usual podcasts.

On the menu for this week: Dependent on travel plans, this is what I think we will eat.

• Monday - Bangkok Coconut Curry Noodles

• Tuesday - Baked Fish with Lemon Butter and Capers

• Wednesday - Broccoli Beef

• Thursday - Chicken and Noodles

• Friday - Leftovers

• Saturday - Baked Chicken Parmesan

• Sunday - Swahili Fish with Coconut Rice

On my to do list: So many little things, but I can’t do anything until I get more infromation.

Happening this week: Possibly…

• Monday - Zoo Visit

• Tuesday - Grocery store visit

• Wednesday - Apple Orchard Visit

• Thursday -

• Friday -

• Saturday -

• Sunday -

What I am creating: Nothing right now, but I want to make some Christmas cards soon.

My simple pleasures: Chocolate cookies, iced tea, smell of the rain, snuggling under my covers in bed

Looking around the house: Things are pretty situated right now, but I’m certain I have tons of things I could clean.

From the camera:

Life Right Now #30

As I look outside my window: It’s overcast and cool. Thank goodness!

Right now I am: Prepping to go outside and weed the yard. Then it’s time to meal plan and get our grocery list made.

On my bedside table: Thief of Shadows by Elizabeth Hoyt (loving the Maiden Lane series!) and Uprooted by Naomi Novik

On my tv this week: We watched a fair amount of The Orville and a few episodes of Battlestar. Last night we watched Bill and Ted Face the Music. It was okay; a very earnest movie.

Listening to: Mostly podcasts, although I did have a heavy metal evening when going to and from bookclub. I sped through some Asking Alexandria, Palaye Royale, Black Veil Brides, 10 Years, and A Day to Remember.

On the menu for this week:

• Monday - Ranch Cheddar Chicken

• Tuesday - Leftovers

• Wednesday - Chicken Pad Thai Nachoes

• Thursday - Fish and Chips

• Friday - Chorba Frik

• Saturday - Blackened Salmon with Blue Cheese Sauce

• Sunday - BBQ Ribs

On my to do list: I need to find a notary for our stupid trash cans… The city is switching services and giving everyone a trash can and a recycling can. If you want another trash can, you have to get the large family form (5+ people in a household) notarized. Tricky with all the COVID restrictions right now.

Happening this week: We have our usual nature play day on Wednesday and library pickup on Saturday. I do need to grocery shop on Tuesday, but that’s about it for plans. Otherwise, it’s homeschooling like usual. We’re going to study the beginning of Mesopotamia and Sumer plus a separate lesson on the native tribes of the Northeast in what is now the United States.

What I am creating: Just lesson plans really. J has turned me onto a new note-taking, organization app called Roam. He had me watch the intro video last night and I am intrigued. Hoping to be able to play around with it later today.

My simple pleasures: A good soft baked chocolate chip cookie, breezes at nighttime, a good romance book.

Looking around the house: I need to tackle the kitchen today. Everything needs a good wipe down and the sweep the floor.

From the camera: Meeting Omar, the troll under the bridge