A Day Book

Well, here we are already 2 days into a new year. 2024...wow. Growing up the year 2000 seemed so impossibly far away and the age I'd be (36) sounded so ancient. Now we are 24 years past that. So many things that were science fiction then have, not only come to pass, but they are part of our daily lives. The three biggies my teachers promised that are missing are colonies on the moon, cities under the ocean, and flying cars like the Jetsons had. Though, I have to admit, when I see how my fellow humans behave on the highways...it's probably not a bad thing that they aren't flying around in the sky.

As always, I have high hopes for this new year. I always go into a new year being sure it will be MY year. So far, this year is not starting well, but I'm not going to hold present circumstances against it. 

If you're wondering what I'm talking about, I woke up sick on New Year's Day. In the afternoon my daughter brought me a covid test and, sure enough, positive. So I am home and already using my newly restocked PTO days. The good news is that I don't feel too bad, all things considered. I rank it at about the same level as a bad cold or a mild case of the flu. I don't have a fever, just body aches and congestion. Good thing because I can't see a doctor because I have covid and the new doctor I'm trying to get established with won't phone in a prescription without seeing me. I ended up calling my old doctor's office to see if they will phone something in. They'll get back to me. Sigh.

Anyway...

Outside My Window... It's gray and cold (34 degrees) with a few remnants of yesterday's snow on the ground. I think it was only our second dusting of snow this winter. Winters sure aren't what they used to be. Oh, we still get a nasty storm now and then, but we don't seem to have a solid winter season. When I was growing up it seemed to last from late November until April.

My One Word... I'm having trouble narrowing it down to one. I'm down to two, but both are big words for me. Can a person have two One Words? The words are "Action" and "Healthy." Healthy is kind of obvious. I've had some health challenges this past year and I've regained the weight I had lost. I'm tired of being in pain and being limited by that pain. Action also feels obvious because I need to take action to be healthy, but also because I am a terrible procrastinator in all things.

Books Waiting to Be Read... The 12 Books of Christmas, The Last Chance Library, Friends Lovers & the Big Terrible Thing, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek...and so many more! I surpassed my Goodreads reading goal for 2023 so I set my 2024 goal at the number of books I read in 2023. I'll aim to pass that number.

Worth Watching... We watched some new (to us) shows and movies through the holidays. Some were better than others, but all were worth watching. Among them were Reacher, Jack Ryan, Shrinking, and The Family Plan. 

A Gift I'm Giving Myself... A dear friend from high school took up painting as a way to get through her battle with cancer. She is in remission now, but she continues to paint. Some of her art is rather unique (she paints on autumn leaves, tin cans and many other things) but some is traditional and her talent continues to grow. She posted her latest painting on Facebook this morning and while I know it isn't the most skillful painting ever, it reminds me very vividly of my grandmother with whom I was very close. So I contacted my friend and she agreed to sell it to me! I think it's beautiful.

In the Kitchen... There isn't much happening in the kitchen at the moment, because...covid. At least there are lots of leftovers from the New Year's Eve party we had. When I am back to cooking there are going to be some changes. Aiming at that goal of getting healthier I'm going to be giving Weight Watchers a try and rethinking how and what I cook.

The Closest I'm Coming to a Resolution... This all goes back to the health issues and the procrastination. I had begun to make inroads into the clutter around here, but that has all stopped and I hate it. Oh, the main rooms aren't too bad, but our bedroom and my office make me cringe...and the rest could definitely benefit from some "tweaking." I want to bring order to it all. The clutter in those rooms just gets under my skin and keeps me from enjoying them.

Things that Give Me Joy... At the top of the list is my relationship with the Lord. After that, other things are: a snowy day; a cozy room with lots of books; spending time with my family and friends; my grandchildren's laughter; getting a job done; words...I love wordplay and a well turned phrase; quiet, alone times in nature; surprises; a delicious meal; a great song that makes me want to dance; memories of those who have passed; my pets. I'm sure the list could go on and on.

A Thought...

I've found this to be so true. Whatever tough things come our way they never seem to end until we learn from them.

A Giggle...

A Daybook

Outside my window...

It's currently dark at 9:45 p.m., but the temperature is still a balmy 66 degrees. The crew we hired to install the new pool liner finally came yesterday and they finished today. While it isn't completely filled yet, the pool looks soooo inviting. The grandchildren are anxious to jump in...let's hope the weather cooperates and they can do just that very soon.

We bought two rose bushes on Sunday. One a beautiful yellow climber that smells divine. The other has huge double petal blooms in a coral color. The double rose will go near the pool deck when Tim finishes working on it. The climber will be trained to trail along two sections of garden fence we also purchased just for that purpose.

On my mind...

I don't hate those who live as part of the LGBT+ community. Jesus commanded that we love our neighbors...meaning all of them, not just those who are just like us. That doesn't mean, however, that I have to agree with the lifestyle or just blindly accept everything. I'm sorry, but as the world gears up for Pride Month in June the rush of retailers to prove themselves accepting and inclusive has crossed a line. 

One major retailer has taken a lot of flack for its decision to sell LGBT+ clothing and items in its children's department...some even in the toddler section. I just can't agree with that. Children should be allowed to be children and innocent in that. They should not be bombarded with any kind of sexual message. 

My money will no longer go to the above retailer...and that stinks because they were one of my favorites. 

These children...

My two youngest grandchildren...(there is possibly one who is younger, but we were not told of the birth and can't confirm it...our daughter found out on Instagram)...just make my heart happy. They are what little kids should be...happy, carefree, loving, and a little bit ornery.

Country kids at heart!

Little Miss Sassy!

Just a boy and his truck helping with yard work.

I have a thing for...

Vintage figural planters...especially ones that depict dogs. My daughter thinks it's a weird collection. Pfffftt.

Wanting...

Either one (or both!) of these beautiful kitties from our local shelter. I've been watching and both have been there for a while now. Tim is totally against it, though. Sigh.

Looking forward to...

• Going out with a group of clients tomorrow to water the flower planters in the downtown area of the community the Blind Assoc. is located in...and then having lunch at a park.
• Getting my hair cut after work tomorrow.
• Getting my first pedicure since before Covid after work on Thursday.
• The 3-day holiday weekend, complete with great weather!

And now I really need to let Daisy out and then say goodnight or I am not going to want to get up in the morning. I hope you're all enjoying a wonderful week!

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Today

It is Tuesday. Afternoon is turning into evening. The sun is shining. The grands are racing their Power Wheels up and down the back alley...and being that it's Tuesday, I am inside, sitting in the recliner with my feet elevated. Tuesdays on the shredding floor are wicked hard on my feet and the troublesome ankle that has evolved from the worst foot. The pain makes me walk oddly, I suppose, and that strains the ankle.

I don't mind so much today. It's cold out. Winter's giving us one last little tease. We did not get the snow flurries and showers other areas reported. However,  frost is coming overnight, but sunshine will win out and the temperature will warm up to 65 degrees tomorrow, 82 degrees on Thursday, and 75 degrees on Friday. Not bad for Pennsylvania in April. I just hope the frost does not destroy the blossoms on the fruit trees or there will be no fruit this year.

Speaking of trees, we have yet to hear from the tree service we hired to take down the big Poplar that overshadows the pool. They are cheap and good, but we are coming to learn...notoriously hard to get in touch with and then get them to the job. We keep calling. The weather is getting nice and the pool company will be coming one of these days to put the new liner in the pool. It would be best if the tree came down first.

I'd also like to see the tree gone because just recently Tim has had to fish two squirrels out of the pool. It's never happened before and all we can figure out is that either they fell in when jumping from the tree to the shed or house...or someone in the neighborhood has put D-con out and the poor things have gotten into it and then are searching for water. 

Projects

Well, none of them are happening just yet, but...

Tim brings home leftover lumber or other building materials from work nearly every evening and unloads it. We have several substantial stacks of wood out in the yard at the moment. Some of it goes toward finishing the pool deck. Some goes for the new front porch. Some goes toward the roofed patio Tim plans to put at the end of the house. Some goes toward a potting bench for me.

I found a bathroom vanity I liked on Home Depot's website last week. It was drastically reduced because there was only one color left of the original 5 that it came in. The one color happened to be the one I've been looking for so I snapped it up. I had it shipped directly to the house. It arrives tomorrow. Unless we have a new delivery person, it will most likely be sitting in the middle of the driveway or on the sidewalk when I get home. The last time he brought something large he dropped it right in the opening for the step onto the deck. We couldn't get in or out till we moved it. 

Work

It took me until 9:00 last night to set up the new printer and then get a new resume written and printed out. I turned the resume in this morning. I am still hoping to get the Program Supervisor job at work. I guess. The woman who is leaving the job (health reasons) has really been pushing me and the powers that be at work. She wants me to get it. I am not overly hopeful. I do not have the educational requirements they want. 

There is one other person from work who has applied. She has a degree, though not in social work. She has, however, raised a special needs child so she has me beat when it comes to experience. I've heard the big boss would rather not hire in-house because that would leave us down one direct care worker when we are already short staffed and there have been no applications for those jobs. Rumor has it that he is trying now to convince the receptionist/personnel trainer to take the job. We will see. They have to make some decision soon. The woman's last day is next Friday and the new person will have to be trained.

I am good whatever happens. If I don't get it, I will still have my current position that I love and that's good enough for me.

Oh, and I am in the process of getting everything in order to be able to do some companion work. At the moment I am doing it specifically to be able to take one of the consumers to the special needs prom on the 29th of the month, but you never know. It's possible that I may take on more clients from time to time.

In the kitchen

As has become the habit on Tuesdays to give me a break, we'll be having take-out. Sometimes we call for delivery or Tim will pick up and order I call in. Sometimes, like tonight, we settle for fast food. We were in an Arby's mood tonight. I will have a beef and cheddar sandwich and he will probably have a Reuben. It's a nice respite from the last of the ham leftovers/remakes. I think there is one (maybe two) bowls of ham and beans left and then it's all officially gone.

Wednesday

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to finish my post yesterday. I am, however, up way before the alarm this morning so here we are. I have done everything I needed to do to be ready for work and even got online and printed out our new insurance cards.

Outside my window

It's still dark. Sunrise is about an hour away. Still, the birds are creating quite a ruckus with their singing. They are excited about a new day and the beautiful weather and warmer temperatures to come, I guess.

Shoes

In the never ending quest for comfortable shoes, I am trying a new pair today. Slip-ons from Orthofeet. They are really rather stylish and look a lot like Hey Dudes. I tried Hey Dudes a couple of months ago because my daughter (and everyone else who is on their feet all day) swore they were the most comfortable shoe ever. They were comfy, but not if you are on your feet and already have bad feet. Wearing them is what I think caused the tendonitis I now have in my ankle.

Anyway, the Orthofeet shoes seem to have a much better insole and good arch support (more like my Vionics but at a lower price) so I am hopeful. I will let you know how they work out.

Time to be on my way

I have to go make sure our son-in-law is awake to get the kiddos off to school this morning because our daughter is working today. Then it's off to work. It's going to be a good day. I hope your day is a blessed and happy one!

Mid-week Daybook

 Just for today...

Outside my window...day has given way to night. It was an overcast day and the skies remain cloudy so no moon or stars to see. A brisk wind has kicked up and at times there is rain...great, huge drops driven by the wind that strike the windows and roof like hail. The temperature has fallen from a high of 50 degrees to about 40 degrees. The overnight low temperature is predicted to be in the 20's. My sister-in-law living in Erie reports snow on the ground this evening.

I'm feeling...a bit sleepy at this point in the evening, but good, otherwise. 

I've given up the pricey diet plan. I lost weight the first few days, but then didn't lose any more...very discouraging when my coach was reporting that her brother, who began the same day I did, lost nearly 30 pounds in two weeks. I never lost the feeling of being hungry or the cravings for carbs. I never felt great and full of energy as I was told I would after 3-4 days of following the program. I did feel gassy and bloated. There was that whole scary episode where I passed out when I got up in the night.

After discussing it with my doctor, I decided to follow his advice and drop the plan. He felt that the 800-1100 calories/day allowed on the plan were not enough and he felt the only way anyone was losing 30 pounds in two weeks was that it was all fluid and basically a colon cleanse (makes sense since ALL the fuelings from the plan were chock full of fiber and probiotics).

Instead, I am eating 3 meals a day and concentrating on portion size and cutting way back on (not totally eliminating) carbs. After three days I'm feeling much better, the bloated feeling is gone, the cravings are under control, and I don't feel like I am starving. I've lost about 1.5 pounds.

I will continue to read the textbook that came with the program and glean what I can from it about changing my eating habits and lifestyle. I'll also continue to use the Lifebook, another large book that works through the mental and emotional aspects of weightloss and lifestyle.

I'm watching...Pawn Stars at the moment. I spent the weekend binging the first season of Three Pines on Amazon Prime. It's a unique detective/mystery show set in Canada. I really enjoyed it. I hope there is a season 2 in the works.

I'm thankful...for my job. Not only do I enjoy what I do, but it's so nice to work for people who appreciate me. I shared last week about my immediate supervisor. Today I can share that the person above him has noticed that I don't call off, I come in early, I do what they ask of me and often go beyond. She came to me today and said the CEO is taking a group of consumers out for lunch on Friday. When he does that a staff member has to drive the van and go along to help take care of those he takes. She asked if driving the van was something I'd be comfortable with. I said I would be so I am going on my first outing with the company. I'm excited because all the consumers going this time are high functioning and need little help or care so I get to have lunch and enjoy the time, too.

I'm enjoying...my latest read, The Little Wartime Library by Kate Thompson. It's based on the shelter communities that existed in the underground train tunnels after the blitz on London.

In the kitchen...not much is happening. I was under the weather all weekend with a combo of a cold and spring allergies. I did cook a small pork loin on Monday with cheesy mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts, but last night we went out for dinner and tonight Megan brought pizza since I kept Leah so she and Colton could have some time alone together. Tomorrow night will probably be a grab whatever night as I have to be at the church to fill plastic eggs for Saturday's Easter egg hunt before Tim will even be home.

I'm looking forward to...going to lunch on Friday with the consumers, taking Colton and Leah to the egg hunt on Saturday (Megan has to work and Cody won't go without her), having Good Friday off, and our family Easter celebration next Saturday. 

Megan is working midnight shift the night before Easter, so I decided Saturday would be better for dinner. That way she can come home Easter morning, watch the kiddos find their baskets, then go to bed and Cody can take the kids to his parents' home for the afternoon. I'll be free to go to church Easter morning and then relax the rest of the day with Tim and enjoy leftovers.

A life lesson...perspective and attitude are everything.

Simple Woman's Daybook & Thoughts About Pets

November. The leaves are nearly all gone now, the days are shorter, temperatures are cooler...though not cold through the day...and holidays are looming. I am in my glory. Today puts us right smack in the middle of my favorite two months of the year.

It puts me in a minority, but I love the early darkness. It's all so cozy. Families come together inside, meals are hearty and comforting, and homes look so happy with golden light showing through their windows. It's the season to start pulling out puzzles and boardgames and wonderfully written books and Hallmark's Christmas movies have begun to give us all the feels. It's a time of peace and calm before the hectic frenzy of the Christmas season begins. It is the season of giving thanks.

Gratitude can transform common days into Thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.  ~ William Arthur Ward

Just for today... 

Outside my window is a gray, rainy day. It is, however, relatively warm for November at 62 degrees. (he forecast says we will see 77 degrees on Saturday! I imagine many will take advantage of it to put up their Christmas lights.) The grass is still very green and I've heard neighbors mowing theirs as recently as this past Sunday. The trees are mostly bare, just a few holdouts here and there. Mom's enormous Catalpa has dropped its leaves and carpeted the yard ankle deep.

I'm thinking about my new job. As it turns out, I am only training on the computer and reading manuals this week, which isn't terribly exciting, but it's interesting and I got to meet some of the consumers (disabled adults) who work there. They have all been sweet and happy to meet me. Next week I will begin training on the floor, learning how to do my actual job...which is a combination of supervisor, customer service, and direct care worker. I'm really looking forward to it.

Also, our niece is on my mind. She is the mother of the boy I've shared about who has the disease that destroys brain matter. I can't tell you the whole, long, proper name of it. They refer to it as ALD. Getting back to our niece, she found out today that she is the carrier, so now her mom has to be tested to see if it came through her or our late brother-in-law. It is not as serious if it shows up in adulthood and not as serious for females as it is for males. In females it shows up as stiff legs, back pain, joint pain, bladder and bowel problems...which can sometimes result in incontinence. 

Because of the strong genetic factor our daughter is going to get tested because everything she has been experiencing are generally the female symptoms of ALD.

I'm enjoying the "new" furniture I bought at Saturday's auction. I love making the house cozier and as a bonus, the money went to a local church's mission fund.

I already shared a photo of the sectional yesterday, but I thought you'd like to see that it's pet approved.

Yesterday my daughter and I picked up the oak table, 2 boards, and 6 chairs. I didn't know it at the time, but it is a Tom Seely set. I have to clean some paint off the table, but I still got a great deal. Until I have time to work on it...a tablecloth will hide a multitude of sins.

In the kitchen I have been sort of missing in action the last few days. Life has been busy and we've grabbed meals on the go. I did cook tonight. Baked pork chops, sauteed asparagus with garlic and pepper, and cheesy mashed potatoes.

At work I am not yet "on the floor." I read manuals all day today and tomorrow I will be on the computer doing trainings and taking tests all day. Thursday and Friday will be more of the same. Next Monday should be my first day of training to actually do the job.

I'm looking forward to Saturday. The client I see from my old job is back from spending most of October in Texas and I am spending some time with her in the morning. A friend from high school is taking me to Crumpets, the local tea shop, in the afternoon. The weather promises to be beautiful with a high temperature of at least 75 degrees. It's going to be a great day!

I got wrangled into designing a turkey in disguise for our grandson. It's for school, though I'm not really clear what for beyond that. Our daughter claimed no crafty genes and said I had to save the day. I created, but I made her do the cutting and coloring. Here's what we came up with.

Now, even though I'm super late, here are my answers to the Tuesday 4 questions about pets.

1. Do you have pets?  I have two at the moment (my husband lays no claim to either one...he's not really a pet person). I posted the picture of them on the sofa above. Daisy is a 10 year old Toy Poodle and Jasper is a 1 year old Maine Coon Cat.

2. Did you have a pet growing up? Tell us about it, please.  I've ALWAYS had animals around. In my youngest days I lived with my grandparents. They had Fella, an English Springer Spaniel that had been my mom's, and Cokey, a mutt. Both of them were outside dogs. Fella could be a bit grumpy, but Cokey was a good dog except for being terrified of thunderstorms. I once had him in the house on a leash during a storm and he took off running, dragging me with him...right under my grandmother and her just poured cup of tea. I ended up with a big second degree burn on my arm.

Once Mom married and my dad adopted me we got a Collie named Prince. He was beautiful but really hyper and we never kept him in the house. Next we got a Miniature Poodle. She was a miserable, mean thing given to having seizures. She HATED kids, so she hated me until I was 17 or 18. We grew up together, though, and I was pretty sad when she died at 17 after I was married and living in Florida.

I had a tiny turtle for a while and lots of tropical fish. And of course when we lived in the wildlife preserve I made pets of lots of animals...white-tail deer, a Flicker, a chipmunk, and a ferret.

3. Are pets too much trouble, or, do you find neigbors' pets to be a problem?  Pets can be inconvenient if you travel and they can be irritating at times, but mostly I think they are worth the effort. A house doesn't feel like a home to me without at least one furry prowling around.

This is my view as I'm trying to type this.

Pretty much all of my neighbors have dogs. I'm surrounded by a giant Bernedoodle, a pair of pugs, a herd of Shih tzu mixes, a Golden Retriever, our daughter's mutt, and my mom's Schnauzer. Mom's dog is the only one that bugs me. It barks incessantly...and runs away every chance it gets so we all have to drop everything and chase her for hours.

4. Do you think dogs make good housemates, watchdogs? Do you think women living alone need a dog for security or companionship? If they are trained, dogs absolutely make good housemates and yes, they can warn you when someone is around, but in my opinion an actual watchdog is a working dog and may or may not make a good companion. I don't think a woman needs a dog for security. There are plenty of other options. Personally, I have guns and in a home invasion they would be way more helpful than my dog. If a woman is lonely, then sure, get a dog or a cat, either can be good company.

Just for Today...

The weather is a comfortable 75 degrees with on and off showers. Fall is in the air when I step outside. The leaves from the Poplar tree, always the first to burst forth in the spring, are drifting down and covering the lawn as they are also always the first to fall. Cicadas drone through the day and fall peepers chirp in the night air. Children drag their feet on the way to the school bus stop in the morning and race home in the afternoon like wolves are on their tails. The leaves are beginning to lose the deep emerald green of summer and are sporting a more washed out shade. It won't be long, a few weeks at most, until they paint the world with their vibrant palette of crimson, gold, orange, green and brown.

The bad news is that I didn't get the job at the library.

The good news is that they were impressed with my answers at the interview and while they chose another candidate this time (due to more knowledge and experience with computers and office machines) they are keeping my resume on file for consideration the next time a position opens. 

My days are filled with babysitting even though both Colton and Leah are now in school all day. With all the health problems our daughter is having she needs me to take them quite often because she is just not able. I also continue to work on organizing the house and paring down the clutter. I find what I've accomplished so far, pleasing and more open spaces translates to more relaxation for me. I'm learning that the chaos of too much stuff agitates and stresses me these days. I'm glad to see it go.

At church we are all working hard to have programs to minister to young families. Even if we aren't using them yet, it is better to be ready to go at a moment's notice when a family with children visits. We are getting everyone their clearances and training, and it has come in handy. We have a young mother who comes alone each Sunday with her 9 month old twins. So far, they are the only little ones, but Leah goes with me when I take my turn in the nursery and I am hoping she will start going with me even when I don't work in there. Colton is a harder sell. (Did I mention our daughter and her husband have finally given me the okay to take the kids to church with me if they want to go?)

Small groups, which meet in homes from September through May, are starting up again this week. A friend from the home Bible study I was part of for 12 years is going to go with me this year. We also have a meeting of women called At the Table once a month for a meal at a local restaurant. It's just a great time of fellowship and getting to know one another since so many in the church have just joined in the last year or so. Another group, Prime Time, begins this month. It's a group for seniors or those "in their prime." It's up to you if you think you are in your prime. Ha! That one will meet quarterly. 

Pastor is preaching on 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus on Sunday mornings to teach us about the God-ordained order of things within the church and what qualities the leadership (and really, all believers) should exhibit in their daily lives. I've studied it before, but I so appreciate Pastor Kirt's perspective and wisdom.

So, we are growing and active and I am happy to see the church thriving in these times.

Our grandnephew, Lucas has had a bit of a rough time since receiving the bone marrow and stem cell transplant. The chemo finally caught up to him and he was so sick all the time. He couldn't keep anything down and lost a good bit of weight...scary when he only weighed 67 pounds to begin with. It seems they finally got the nausea under control and today's blood work brought the best of news. His white blood cells have engrafted, that's a week or two ahead of schedule! Now to get those red blood cells and platelets to engraft. He is doing great considering and all that he is going through is considered normal. He even got weaned off oxygen today and they will begin to wean him off of some of his meds. He has been a real trooper with the only thing that bothered him being the loss of his hair. In every picture his mom sends out to family he is beaming a big smile.

In the kitchen and at the store creativity is the name of the game. In some cases it's because certain items have become ridiculously expensive and in others it's because some things are just not on the shelves or they are only available sporadically and you'd better catch them when they first get put out.

Some price increases are noticeable but not yet in the realm of the ridiculous, but this week I found two items that had me sputtering. First, Charmin toilet paper. I usually buy a big pack of at least 18 rolls and I also buy the jumbo or super jumbo sized rolls (what can I say, I hate to change the roll) but this week I found the 18-roll package priced at a little over $28! For something I'm literally going to flush down the toilet! Hello, Great Value semi-equivalent toilet paper, which is more than $10 less for the same number of rolls. The other thing that killed me was the case of Coke in cans that my husband likes to take in his lunches through the week. Those were $8 at the beginning of the summer. By July they were about $10 and this week they are $12. 

I used to be a big magazine reader. I still enjoy them, but am I the only one who has issues paying $15 for a magazine? They are going to be priced right out of existence. They already only come out quarterly and many that I used to enjoy are long gone or have drastically changed their format trying to stay in the game.

Meat continues to become ever more expensive and finding what you want is hit or miss, particularly with any kind of chicken. Creativity and flexibility are the name of the game. I'm doing a lot of crockpot cooking in order to make less expensive meats more tender and flavorful. I really should drag out the Instant Pot my husband bought me last year and master that, too, as I understand it does the same thing in a fraction of the time.

I'm reading just about everything these days. I've been tearing through books recently. I set my goal on Goodreads for 30 books this year to ease back into the swing of reading. I have two more to go to hit my goal. I just finished some local history books on our town and on Mr. Rogers, who is a local son, as well as Brit-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman. Backman is one of those writers who has such a rare gift with words. He manages to take the smallest, seemingly insignificant moment in a life and make it into something that takes your breath away. I've never read any other writer who can so capture the inner workings of the human mind.

I've decided to read The Replacement Wife by Darby Kane next. I haven't read a good thriller in a while.

I'm thankful for our grandnephew's good report; that our daughter and her family are getting away for a few days next week; that Tim and I are in a good spot in our marriage right now; I'm healthy enough and available to help out with the grandchildren; for my church family; for lovely weather; good books; hearty and savory meals; and pumpkin spice flavored everything!

Photos to share:

Colton's first bus ride!

Leah ready to take on the world...
or at least the first day of school.

Pappy talking to Leah and cousin, Sarah
as they enjoy their Happy Meals on
Labor Day.

Colton was in a bit of a mood on Labor
Day. He just took it all in.

Tim, the Grill Master.

We don't know what was up, but Colt 
got his daddy to take him home right
after we ate. The girls followed soon
after and Megan wasn't feeling well that
day stayed a little longer but went home
early, as well. We had a nice afternoon
visiting with Mom and John.

Just for Today...

Outside my window... It's hot and humid. Those in the "know" say the mercury is heading for 90 today. Of course, that means afternoon thunderstorms are a possibility.  

Also outside my window is the township's work crew. They have been digging at the corner of our lot, across our neighbor's back lot, and one side of our daughter's lot, for several days now. There's been flooding issues for a several years now and they are putting in new drainpipes, and inlets through much of this end of the neighborhood. It will all empty into a new retention pond.

I'm feeling... Pretty good. I saw the doctor yesterday. It was actually a follow up about the pain I had in my legs a couple of weeks ago, but we also talked about Covid. Everything looks good, but I can't shake the cough. My lungs are clear so it's not a huge concern. It's simply annoying. The cough hits off and on throughout the day, but in the evenings my chest tightens up...sort of like asthma, I guess. Dr. Porter prescribed two inhalers, but I have to call him today and ask about that since when I went to pick them up they were a ridiculous amount. 

I'm watching... Arrested Development and lots and lots of House Hunters.

I'm thankful... Tim didn't work this past Saturday. It was a beautiful summer day...sunny, blue skies, 78 degrees. Perfect. We took a drive up Route 30 to the site of the Quecreek Mine rescue. It's been 20 years and we'd never been there. They have a really nice visitor center and have an informative and entertaining program.

I'm also thankful that at the same time we were visiting Quecreek, Megan and her family were out enjoying the day at a fun center in the Laurel Highlands.

I'm enjoying... Summer's bounty. Not in my garden, but thank heavens there are others reaping wonderful harvests. I drove up Route 30 again on Monday to a very nice Mennonite market we've been to before. In the summer, they also have a big farm stand. I came home with a half bushel of green beans, cantaloupe, zucchini, onions, peaches, sweet corn, tomatoes bigger around than softballs (tomato sandwiches here I come!), lunchmeat, cheese, popcorn, wagon wheel pasta, and a variety of bulk seasonings.

I spent about 5 hours snapping beans Monday night. Colton and Leah were here for the last hour and helped me. They thought it was loads of fun!

In the kitchen... Yesterday Mom and I canned the beans. We did 14 quart jars and 2 pint jars.

At the store... In addition to what I mentioned above, Megan and I did a Sam's Club run on Friday. I found some great deals on meat and came home with large packages of center cut pork chops, round steak, chuck roast, ground beef, hot dogs, and chicken thighs. I also got grapes, ketchup, mushrooms, canned tuna, toilet paper, cat food and kitty litter, and the always "required" bite-size brownies and a big jar of Halloween (orange, purple, and green) M&M's (the kids like to have some when they get out of the pool). 

In the kitchen... Because it took until 5:00 to finish canning the beans (we didn't start until 12:30 or so) supper last night was KFC. A 3-piece meal for Tim and one of their Famous Bowls for me. It's funny, I'd never mix up all that food in one bowl at home, but I love those bowls. Such yummy comfort food!

Thinking about... Covid brain. It is real and it is annoying. I'm finding that quite often since having covid I draw a complete blank on names of people and things several times a day. They tell me it passes after a while, but when you've worked in memory care units it's hard not to be bothered by it.

I'm looking forward to... We're finally going to celebrate Leah's 3rd birthday this Saturday with cupcakes and pizza. We had to cancel this past weekend since Colt and I were so freshly over Covid. We didn't want to take any chances. We got Leah her first big girl bike. It's Frozen-themed, of course, but is a real 2-wheeler with training wheels. It's the smallest one we could find so I'm hoping she can make it go. She's been riding her trike and getting frustrated by how much pedaling it takes to get anywhere.

A trip down memory lane... Remember when the school was your pusher and we all got high sniffing mimeograph copies, glue, and permanent markers?

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Just for today...

Outside my window... Cloudy and humid with a high temp of 86 and thunderstorms predicted for this afternoon.

I'm thinking about... my new job and this next phase of life. My training begins today with classes on the computer at work. Megan is loving working there so I am hoping I feel the same way.

I'm listening to... the constant hum of the AC these days.

I'm reading... The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews

I'm watching... America's Got Talent, my favorite summer television.

I'm feeling... m'eh. I think maybe all this sitting around has done a number on the circulation in my leg. I'm having a hard time getting comfortable when sitting or lying down. 

I'm thinking... about my birth father's wife. I talked to him yesterday and he said she has been ill for 3 days with a low fever and doing nothing but sleeping. He said she doesn't have covid symptoms, but...um...aren't those covid symptoms? Anyway, she will be 90 next month so I am hoping he doesn't underestimate what's wrong and takes her to a doctor.

Also about the fact that I'll be missing the fun today when my sister-in-law comes to swim with our daughter and grandkids.

I'm grateful... I got to relax in the pool all by myself yesterday afternoon. I love playing in there with the kiddos, but gosh, it was so nice and relaxing just floating out there by myself, watching the clouds float by and listing to the leaves rustle in the breeze and the birds singing their songs. This was my view for much of the afternoon:

I'm cooking... easy things. On Saturday we had a meat lover's pizza from Aldi. We'd never had one before and we were pleasantly surprised by how good it was for a kit pizza. Sunday we grilled a seasoned and butterflied leg of lamb. Since the grands were here we had macaroni and cheese with it. We didn't really celebrate in any way on Monday as our daughter worked and my mom and stepdad chose to remain up on the ridge so we just picked at this and that until dinner. For that we grilled a couple of smaller Delmonicos and I did baked potatoes in the oven.

I'm annoyed with... Jasper. He has been on a tear lately. He gets into everything. Destroys quite a few things. Yesterday he tore into the case of bottled water I had just bought and bit holes in four of the bottles. Today he sunk his claws into Tim's foot when he walked by, which made Tim jerk his hand up and he hit it off the door jam. It might not have been so bad, but he banged it pretty hard at work the other day and it's been sore, then he hit it again working on his truck today, then the episode with Jasper. He rarely gives in to pain, but he said his hand hurt so bad it was making him sick to his stomach and he could barely move his fingers. Of course, it will have to get a lot worse or last longer or interfere with work before he will go get it checked. *sigh*

Dropping this right here... because way too many people spend way too much time telling everyone else what's wrong with them. Remove the plank from your own eye.

I'm not saying we can't evaluate the behavior of others or try to show them a better way, I'm just saying think about how you do it. Jesus never made anyone feel like garbage when he corrected them.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Just for today...

Outside my window...is a perfect summer day, sunny with a predicted high of 76 degrees. After yesterday's crushing humidity, it's very welcome. I'll be able to get Colton and Leah outside to play today.

Thinking about...having the kids all week again. My daughter is training for her new job again this week and today she and her husband have that hearing about their niece. (Pray for a good outcome there, please?) Since I am the main childcare for her until she starts her regular afternoon shift. So my own training is on hold. I'm hoping to begin on July 5 if my daughter is done with hers. My mom is stepping in while I have an appointment on Tuesday afternoon and our s-i-l's mother is taking them for a while on Wednesday for the same reason.

I am thankful...I missed church last Sunday because of Father's Day. Since then my phone has been blowing up with updates to the church's prayer chain about more and more people who have tested positive for Covid. Yesterday they cancelled Sunday school and I opted to stay home this week, too. Maybe it will feel safe next week.

I am remembering...my mom's home and yard as it was when my paternal grandmother lived there. The big trees in the yard that were brought down by the tornado in 1976. The old apple tree with the big branch that went straight out then straight up, that would hold 4 or 5 kids playing horse. My cousin's little clubhouse that was really an old tool shed and how much we girls always wanted in, but weren't allowed. Inside I remember Grandma's rocking chair with the arms carved like swans and my late grandfather's red leather chair and ottoman that opened to reveal small toys. The ever present scent of Camay soap and tomato soup and Ritz crackers from the cracker tin for lunch. The tin "monkey swing" hanging from the beam in the basement. The mattresses on the floor beside the iron twin beds in the kids' room upstairs...just in case any of us fell out of bed. It was a good house to grow up in.

In the kitchen...thanks to my grandson, lots of peanut butter sandwiches. He is on a kick right now. Also, lots of grilled meats and veggies...fried zucchini, "crack" zucchini, cabbage steaks, salads.

On this week's agenda...

• Monday: Babysitting
• Tuesday: Babysitting and an appointment with a breast surgeon. I had an abnormal mammogram a couple of months ago. A sonogram showed I have a complex cyst in each breast. The consensus was to just do a follow up in 6 months and keep an eye on it. Then I got a call to schedule this appointment. I'm not sure why.
• Wednesday: A gyno appointment and maybe our son-in-law's mother is going to keep the kids that day.
• Thursday: Babysitting
• Friday: Babysitting
• Saturday: I'm not sure, but it's 4th of July weekend.