My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  My home project list for the year.  Every year I make a list of things I want to do around the house.  This year we did check off the new garage door this spring which turns out to be a really good thing since I was told they've gone way up in price and that it is taking 6 months or more to get them.  Most of the other projects involved painting.  I will get the three inside garage doors painted in the next week or two, but the painting inside will have to wait until after all of the holidays.  

Where I've been:  I stopped by the pet store to stock up on food for Binx.  He now has enough to last until January.  They had two kittens waiting for forever homes that I played with for a few minutes.  I hope someone rescues them.  Picked up a few groceries, got gas and other than work, I can't think of anywhere else I've been.

Where I'm going:  Tuesday evening I'm meeting two of my friends for our monthly dinner.  I'm looking forward to talking to them.  Either this Saturday or the next, we are going to Cedarhurst to see the photo exhibit Visions of Us: Southern Illinois Portraits by Paul Elledge. The big guy is one of them!   I'm excited to see all of the photos.  The photographer sent us one of the photos he isn't using and it is absolutely one of my favorite photos of him.

What I'm watching:  I watched Practical Magic this week and had Hocus Pocus on again while I was cleaning the kitchen.  I've been staying caught up on Southern Charms as well.  SO much drama.  

What I'm reading:  I finished A Cup of Silver Linings.  It is the second book of the Dove Pond series.  I have number three waiting for this week.  The Book Charmer is number one and they both are equally good reads, plus it is fun getting to carry on with the characters.  

What I'm eating:

Meatball sub and fries

BIG salad

LO chili and cornbread.

Thai beef and Udon noodle soup 

Chicken and salad

Lamburger and 'fries' (I miss zucchini already)

Tonight, I'm make a pan of Manicotti and we'll have salad and garlic knots with it.

Who needs a good slap:  I do.  It's been stressful the last few weeks at work and with my mom and this week I just came home and wanted to zone out.  I didn't do any of the normal things I do but just mindlessly watched TV.  I'll go easy on myself and just give one light slap but I will get back in the swing of things this week.

What's making me smile: The big guy.  When I don't get things done, he is amazing about just picking up where I left off and keeping things running smoothly.  He did all the laundry, cleaned the kitchen numerous times and kept life rolling.  That's what love is.

I hope everyone is staying safe and finding the joys in every day.  That is on the top of my list this week so I do not get caught up in everything that is wrong.  My problems are so small compared to others and I must never forget that.

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  I can't help but have all of the conflict that is going on all around the world on my mind.  The inhumane, barbaric treatment of civilians is unimaginable to me.  We have a whole new generation of children and young adults that are witnessing things no one ever should.  Their pain, lossand fear will cause a lot of anger.  Now Iran has stated that Americans will suffer if this continues.  There are no winners in situations like this.  And unfortunately, there are so many other conflicts all around the globe as well.  It's hard for me to wrap my mind around all of this.

Where I've been:  I ran a number of errands on Friday so I could spend the weekend at home.  Other than that, I haven't been anywhere but work and home. I'm oddly ok with that.

What I'm watching:  I've noticed the squirrels burying everything they can in our backyard.  The hummingbirds seem to be gone and the leaves are starting to turn a bit.  

What I'm reading:  I finished Savannah Breeze.  It was a good book, the story line kept me wondering what would happen next but it honestly wasn't one of the best books I've read.  Savannah is one of my favorite cities in the US so it was nice to think back on my visits there.  I also bought The World Central Cookbook this week and I'm looking forward to going through it.  I'm trying not to buy anymore cookbooks but I justified this by it being a donation to a wonderful organization.

What I'm listening to:  As much peace and quiet as possible.

What I'm eating:

LO sloppy joes and zucchini chips

Fried chicken, mashed potatoes and corn on the cob

BIG salad x2

Lamb burgers and zucchini fries.  This was the last zucchini, and I am going to miss them so much.  I love zucchini fries/chips more than potatoes.

Spaghetti, meatballs and salad.

What I'm planning:  I just picked the last of the basil, so I'll be making pesto and basil cubes this morning for the freezer.  I planted two rounds of basil this year so I'm lucky to have it this late in the year.

Who needs a good slap:  I don't even know how I could narrow this down with all that is going on all over.  I will tell you I had a phone call with payroll and they were all paid but it is still a huge mess.  

What's making me smile:  Binx as always.  Here's a picture of him on his window seat.  He spends hours here every day looking out into the yard.  This cat is so awesome.

I'm wishing everyone a safe, happy week ahead.  Remember to look for the small joys and the little things that make you smile.

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  The changing of the seasons.  In September our high humidity went away but it was still pretty warm.  Mornings were in the 50's and highs were in the 80's. I'm happy to say October has brought Fall weather in and I'm loving it.  This weekend brought us mornings in the 30's and highs in the 60's which to me is perfection.  The leaves are changing a bit, but it will still be another week or two before our area is at its peak color.  I hope the lack of rain doesn't affect the beautiful leaves.  To celebrate the season I made this cake which never disappoints.

Where I've been:  No where out of the ordinary.  Farmers market, library, work and home.  No complaints here.  I like a simple, uncomplicated day.

What I'm watching:  Binx and I snuggled up this week and watched Hocus Pocus. While he tended to nap through the movie he did pop his head up everytime someone in the movie said his name.  He kept looking at me like "was that you"?

What I'm reading:  I finished Starlight on Willow Lake and The Book Charmer.  I can highly recommend both books.

What I'm eating:  

Cod, baked potato and salad

Sloppy Joes and zucchini chips

Lamb chops and salad

BIG salad

Chili loaded with cheese, green onions and sour cream.  I used one of poblanos that I grilled and put up a few weeks ago and it was delicious.

Chicken fajita, rice and pinto bean bowl

Who needs a good slap:  The payroll "specialist" at work.   The doctors and NP's are all salaried so that is just automatic.  If they work any extra shifts or have reimbursements, I put in a payroll packet and download it to the finance partner to approve.  For over a month the specialist and finance partner are arguing over who should approve the extra expense packets for NP's.  Both say it should be the other.  Meanwhile I'm sitting here in limbo being told a new way to submit almost weekly. Friday I had to send a mass email to all involved telling them they needed to fix this prior to Mondays close at 10am.  All I received back was an email from the specialist saying I agree.  4 slaps, no 5 slaps.

What's making me smile:  This time of year we do not have to use the heat or the air and I just love it.  I opened all of the windows yesterday and gave the house a good sage.  It feels so fresh inside now and it just makes me smile.

I hope everyone is doing well and has a wonderful week.