My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  Everyone knows that Fall and Winter are my favorite seasons, but I also feel the beauty and joys of Spring and Summer.  I've always been the type of person who lives according to the seasons because it provides a solid rhythm to my life along with marking time in a gentler way than just ticking days off the calendar.  It's a comfort to me to know I can look in my backyard to know exactly what month it is.  Or to plan seasonal meals by what's growing or not or what the temperature is.  Comfort food for Fall and Winter and lighter meals for Spring and Summer.  I think it does our mind and body a lot of good to live in harmony with the season.

Where I've been:  I made one trip to Kroger to pick up a bit of dairy and fresh veggies and fruit. I also stopped by Rural King to stock up on food for Binx and a few things for the garden.  I went to lunch with TBG one afternoon.  Other than that, I have blissfully been at home piddling around the house or yard.  One of my favorite things to do.

Where I'm going:  I have no appointments or commitments so far this week which always thrills me.  Wednesday I'm off work and I'm not sure yet how I'll spend that day but a midweek break from work is always something to look forward to.

What I'm watching:  Today is a marathon of Housewives of New Jersey and I have it on in the background.  Modern Family is my weeknight go to for background noise.  I can't really remember watching anything else.

What I'm reading:  One day last week I thought about the fact that I have never read or even watched the movie Gone With The Wind.  It was one of my mother's favorite books so much so that my brother is named after the character Ashley.  That was long before it became a popular name for girls.  I knew I had a copy so I decided to finally read it.  I also have The Covenant of Water on my Summer reading list.  I watched an interview with the author last week and decided to buy it. 

What I'm listening to:  Every day as I'm walking from my car to the hospital, I am serenaded by all of the birds waking up and starting their day.  It's one of the small joys of it being Spring.

What I'm eating:

Left over roasted chicken with pinto beans and rice and a cheese roll up.

Stuffed shells and salad

Fried chicken sandwich with oven fries and slaw

Stir fry veggies and beef sausage bowls. When I make any stir fry the veg portion to the meat portion is double.  I think I had 7 different veggies in this one and it was delicious.

BIG salad

Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and carrots

Who needs a good slap:  No one comes to mind.

What is making me smile:  The new Medical Director has made a HUGE difference in my responsibilities at work this month and I couldn't be happier about that.  I'm glad I toughed it out while we were without one.  

Also as always Binx.  He still has a very HIGH level of energy and needs to have physical and mental stimulation frequently.  One of the latest toys I found to help with this are these fish.  You just drop them in water, and they very realistically are swimming around.  Before I have anyone saying "You let your cat on the counter?"  Typically, no he has no desire to get up there, but he quickly learned he can get up there to see his fish in the sink.  I'm so anal about cleaning my kitchen counters dozens of times a day I'm not worried about it.  Plus, if we ever get a mouse in the house, I want him to know he can go anywhere he needs to, to kill it.  😍

Enjoy this last Sunda of April!!

You Tube Channels

I love when Erika at The 'Make Do' Homemaker posts and this post did not disappoint at all.  I don't watch You Tube very often but these all sound like something I will enjoy.  I'm sharing the link here to have quick access to it and thought some of you might like to check these out also.

The "Make Do" Homemaker: When Life Gives You Lemons...: Some of My Favorite YouTube Channels (makedohomemaker.blogspot.com)

Have a Wonderful Wednesday!!

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  Gardening.  This morning I went out and planted basil, arugula, two different lettuce mixes, wasabi radishes, and a local wildflower mix.  The mint and thyme are coming back well.  I bought a new rosemary plant because I'm not sure if the one from last year is going to make it.  It's either partially or totally dead.  Next month I'll plant sunflowers and a few other veggies and herbs but I'm doing like I did last year and keeping it all minimal.  I can find everything else from the local farmer at the market.  My gardening time is a bit more limited than it used to be.

Where I've been:  Went to Rural King for a few things we wanted.  I had a mani-pedi on Wednesday.  I do the same thing at home once a week, but it sure feels SO good to have them done for you.  That was a very relaxing hour.  

Where I'm going:  TBG has a cardiologist appointment tomorrow that I will go to with him.  A friend of ours who is a very good doctor but no longer lives in Illinois went over all of his tests and records and told him not to wait for anymore testing but get the surgery for a defibrillator set up.  TBG was dragging his feet on it but got the push he really needed and I'm so thankful.  

What I'm watching:  I watched a few cooking shows but other than that, nothing much.

What I'm reading:  I didn't read much this week either.

What I'm eating:

BIG salad x2

Spaghetti with beef meatballs and a salad

Calzones and a salad

Chicken, baked potato and asparagus

Beef burger with oven fries and coleslaw.

Tonight, we're having a new recipe stovetop mac and cheese, beef sausage links with onions, peppers and broccoli.

I'm making Jordan Marsh blueberry muffins later today.  

Who needs a good slap:  I deserve a slap or two to get me in gear.  I've been making the new recipes for my 52 in 52 weeks goal but haven't made the time to type them up.  I'll give myself two slaps and try to set some computer time for this week.

What I'm planning:  This week will be more sprucing around the inside and outside of the house.  We've checked a number of items off of our to do list but there is always more to do.  I also want to start planning what I want to do next month for my birthday.  I'm thinking back yard BBQ.  

What's making me smile:  This Uniroyal Gal was brought to our town in 1966 and has been standing strong ever since.  They dress her up for the different holidays and seasons.  In honor of the total eclipse last week, they gave her a pair of glasses.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday and a nice week.

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  Yesterday was TBG and I's 34th wedding anniversary and we celebrated with family at our favorite restaurant.  After 3 pretty cold and windy days the weather couldn't have been more perfect.  The sun was out, it was perfectly warm (60's) and not a cloud in the sky.  Everything was delicious and the conversations and time together were exactly what I needed.  The creme Brule was the perfect ending to a perfect time.  

Where I've been:  It was a pretty productive week at work which is always nice.  I ran to Kroger for a little fresh veg and fruit.  I hit a good sale on a few staples and stocked up.  The best one was Bob's Red Mill flour which is usually 4.39 each on sale for 2.69 each when you buy three.  That's the first time I've seen that kind of savings on it.  

Where I'm going:  I have no appointments, commitments or plans yet.  It always makes me feel good to go into a week wide open.  

What I'm watching:  In 2017 we were in the 80% totality area for the eclipse, and it was a really neat experience, so we'll be watching the one tomorrow and this time, we're in the 100% totality.  I'm excited to feel that shift that I felt last time when the air changed, the birds became quiet, squirrels were looking confused.  It makes you remember that you are one very small part of a fascinating, complex universe.

What I'm reading:  I went through Jaimie Olivers Food Revolution because I noticed how many recipes I had flagged to try.  I had forgotten what a great cookbook that is. 

What I'm eating:

Lamb empanadas and salad

Penne pasta with chicken sausage, salad and garlic knots

BIG salad x2

Bison chili and cornbread 

Dinner out

I found gorgeous and delicious Florida strawberries, so I made a batch of jam this morning.  TBG took a piece of bread and cleaned out the pot so I'm hearing it's really good.  😍

Things that make me smile:

Every single time I see this sweet little face I smile.

I haven't given up on my recipe challenge.  I have 4 more that I need to get posted and hope to do that this week if time allows.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday!!