End of January 2024

January is ending way too quickly, and we (I) figured we'd have the brunt of the home repairs done by the end of February.

Did you know that the hardware stores sell smaller pieces of drywall to patch walls with?  About 2 x 2 feet or so?  I didn't measure them, but we have successfully cut out the damaged drywall section(s), and doing the repairs ourselves.  The cost alone for supplies is over the top.  

Over the years the kids all had one or more pets (one had 3 at one time), and the pets ruined two areas of the hallway drywall.  I'm really re-thinking if we'll ever have pets after all these repairs now (just because of the cost and time to repair).

More trim was taken down for cleaning, priming and painting.  We replaced one door hinge on the door that leads into the garage.  I was surprised the cost for the hinge was less than $3.00.  

The hallway ceiling has been painted, and one light fixture removed and a new one installed.  The second fixture is on order.  I absolutely love the new fixture, so we plan to replace one in the master bath with the same one too.  Each has a "night light" feature.  Talk about being giddy with an upgrade.  The actual light is much brighter than our old one.

We will purchase a new smoke detector as well.

It is taking me more than one day to wash down all the walls in the hallway (it's wider and longer and part of it has a taller ceiling).  I have gone through several buckets of hot soapy water.  I'm more mindful about swatting any bug/spider on the wall now, or putting my hands on the door trim to take off my muck boots.

It's going to be all worth it, but time consuming over all.  Everything has to be washed first - doors/trims/walls.  I needed to prime everything other than the walls.  It's not an over night job for anyone.  

We have come to a small halt.  My husband is seeing a doctor about his back.  My elbow needs a break (it's still sore from my fall).  

We do need to eat, and have clean linens and laundry, so I'm catching up on that.  I have library books to pick up, that I have ignored, and one that I have not even looked at yet.  Bathrooms need cleaned, rugs washed, and windows cleaned in the kitchen.

In the process of putting total focus on the hallway renovations/repairs, I am slowing preparing for the master bath repairs/renovations.  I'll need to remove all the old ones from the bathroom cabinets and replace them with new.  Eventually. I eye-spied them while out for other supplies, and picked them up to be ahead of the game.

On the brighter side of all of this work, is that I have organized all of our painting supplies into one tote (and labeled the tote).  Aside from paint cans themselves, our supplies are all in one organized space (as it should be).

I hope your January of 2024 was successful, happy, memorable, and filled with living life (and not just work).

End of January © Jan 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Little of This ~ Little of That

Brief post today.  

Busy, busy, busy. . . . 

Here is the next lap afghan on the hook.  My husband is calling it "Coffee and Cream" ha ha!  He said the "buff" color reminds him of his Dad's coffee when we would add cream.  I'm not in a hurry to finish this one.  

Colors:  Buff, (have no idea on the light blue as I have no label for the scrap yarn), Blue, Royal (Red Heart yarn).

Trips to buy supplies typically take away most of the hours we/I need for working on the winter project list.

We are finding it difficult to find supplies we need, and have yet to pick a paint color for the hallway.  We have more to do anyway.

Little of this ~ Little of That © Jan 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Happy Homemaker Monday

Weekend weather was not too bad on Saturday, but boy it turned nasty on Sunday.  Wind, rain, and cold air moved in.  

I can't believe January 2024 is already coming to an end.  Where in the world did this month go?  I know I was/and still am consumed with painting, repairing drywall, and other winter work.

My husband insisted on getting out to put my books in the little free library for me.  It was pouring down rain and snow (sleet).

I spent one morning sorting garden seeds, making a plan, and sent out orders.  Shipping is free with Baker Creek in the USA, but High Mowing is a whopping $11.95 and Territorial is $8.95!  My plan is to save more seeds this season.

I spent one day running errands, and delivered 3 crocheted lap afghans and 3 jar openers to the senior center.  The folks that receive "meals on wheels" are offered a trivia contest, and one person/couple wins each month.  A basket of sorts is donated, and given to the winner(s).  Last year I donated one blanket, and this year I was able to get 3 finished.  It will provide for the trivia winners for 3 months.

I also took two bags of books to the thrift store.  

Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

The weather . . .

High of 37° and low of 31°F, very little possibility of rain (thankful for that after several days of rain).

Right now I am . . .

Writing up this post, brewing more coffee

Thinking and pondering . . .

What color to paint the hallway.

How I am feeling . . .

Tired.  More like just can't wait to get this hallway done.

On the breakfast plate . . .

Not sure yet.

On the lunch plate . . .

Smoked pulled pork, baked beans 

On the dinner plate . . .

Chicken, side veggie 

On the menu . . .

-Healthy Casserole with Beef and Lentils

-Sheet pan pork loin, brussel sprouts and apples

-Leftovers

-Snack, no bake energy bites

-Breakfast: Einkorn Ricotta Pancakes, Sausage patties, Scrambled eggs

What I am wearing . . .

Still in jammies, running late this morning.

On the reading pile . . .

On the TV . . .

Youtube videos on how to repair/replace larger drywall areas. 

Movies on either Netflix or Amazon.

Looking around the house . . .

Everything is looking good.  Other than I need to wash and clean the kitchen blinds (adding it to the winter project list).

To-do list . . .

-laundry
-make a breakfast that will last a few days
-sweep and mop floors

-run dishwasher

-clean bathrooms, wash a rug in one

For the week:

-work on the upstairs flooring 

-continue priming/painting in the hallway (doors/windows)

-whittle away at blog drafts:  I apparently had grand intentions on some things that are not going to happen, ha ha!

From the camera . . .

Two ingredient waffle - 2 Tbsp. peanut butter and one egg.  Mix and pour into a mini waffle maker.  Pretty good, but not low in calories or fat.  I just made us one each to try.  These would be good for a camping trip with some hiking involved.

Devotional, prayers, Bible Verses . . . 

Happy Homemaker Monday © Jan 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

This and That

 

A beautiful sunrise from Monday morning.  The rain moved in, and so did the freezing rain.  Now the fog has rolled in.

I put my big girl bloomers on, and watched YouTube and read a few "how to drywall patch" a hole.  One job done, but two more drywall patches need done (from moving a light switch and moving a ceiling light fixture.   Add this to my "what did I learn new" this year list.

I finished painting one more entire door and two door frames, including trim inside each room and outside.  The door to the garage has been primed.  I'm making progress, but feels like it's taking forever to finish.

I finished the pink/white lap afghan. They will all be donated to a cause, and soon I hope.  

Low-carb egg, ham and cheese breakfast quesadillas.  I used to make my own tortillas (so many varieties), but my husband brought home carb friendly ones from the store.  I am using the ham we were given at Christmas, that we diced up and froze.  I also freeze the cheese, so I have it on hand, with less trips to town.

I have been pretty successful at planning meals based on what is in the freezer/pantry.  I had to laugh the other day, when I cooked meatballs for our dinner.  My husband asked, "these aren't those meatballs from the store are they?"  Ha!  Nope.  I make a big batch, and freeze them for several quick meals.  I make them using oats vs. bread crumbs too.  

Sharing the recipe again:

Meatballs
3 pounds ground chuck (see notes)
2 cups oatmeal 
2 eggs
1 cup chopped onion
13 oz. can evaporated milk (see notes)
2 teaspoons salt
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. garlic powder 
1 tsp. black pepper

Mix well.  Shape into balls (I use a large cookie scoop), place on cookie sheet and freeze until firm, package and freeze until needed (or bake).

Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes.

Notes:  I use half ground beef and half ground pork.  

Lamb could be used if you like lamb.  As for the milk, I used fresh goat's milk when I had dairy goats, so if you have raw milk that works too.  I use all organic ingredients.  

These freeze well, and come in handy all winter long - meatball subs, spaghetti and meatballs, topped with BBQ or Hot pepper mustard sauce, etc.  I have also used 2 lbs. ground beef and mixed with 2 lbs. pork and it still tasted great (getting about 72 meatballs or so).

I sometimes cook them frozen, then toss them in the crockpot with a sauce for 3-4 hours, so I can whip up a quick dinner with a rice blend or quinoa and a vegetable.

Enjoy!

This and That © Jan 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

This and That ~ Something I Learned

Just when I was getting the scissors to cut my under-the-sink mat, I opened the cupboard to eye-spy another leak on the other side of the sink. 

I'm awaiting a new gasket for that side, before I can clean up my kitchen floor (again). 

I am starting to bring my craft totes downstairs.  The inventory is being packaged and priced.  There is a lot to sort, so this is taking over the living room, while I try and take advantage of the outdoor weather for those projects.  Anxiety at is best, ha ha!

Not sure if I mentioned this, but the store on the island that sold my crocheted camper Christmas ornaments closed it's business recently.  The museum that was selling my dish scrubbies, jar openers and soap saver bags had a major flood last Christmas, closed for repairs, and asked me to pick up my items.   I have called local market stores where you rent a space, and they are no longer taking new vendors.  The general store about 20 minutes away also told me they are not taking new vendors.

Anyway, I had purchased the packaging for said stores, so I am packaging these ornaments, but I do have a question.  I am packing up make up washcloths, face scrubbies and such, but would you buy packaged hot pad sets, or should I just price them and not package them?  I'm thinking people will want to feel the thickness of them, and same with the knitted dishcloths.  

Something I learned:

Homemade Buttermilk (preparedness item):

-4 1/2 oz. dry powdered milk

-2 Tbsp. Cream of Tartar

Whisk well.

To make:

-4 Tbsp. of dry mixture with 1 cup of water = 1 cup of buttermilk

If the power goes out, you can make buttermilk, but you will need a way to cook via a generator, wood cook stove or camper propane stove.

Purge this week:

-crocheted cat blanket donated to a daughter

-donated a cookbook to a daughter

-donating 3 more fiction books

-one decoration from a bathroom went in the donation box

Coop Door Set Back ~ Winter Projects ~ Container Storage Fixed

 Busy, but frustrated with progress around here.  I sort of feel like my chickens look like right now.  They are molting, and don't look so pretty right now.

The chicken solar run door has already stopped working, and we were just testing it out prior to actually installing it.  Instead of just sending and replacing the solar box with cord, they are asking us to return the entire door/parts.   We will look for another brand, and read reviews over, as no one I know could give us advice on any brand to buy.  One more frustration to deal with.

My husband is being yanked back and forth between here and there, so good luck with me getting his help.  He was asked to stop at a co-workers house to install something, he was asked to look at something at anther house, he's car shopping for a daughter, after car shopping for us (deer season is terrible this year), so one AC unit is still in a window.  Like a said, so much going on, and so many interruptions on making any progress.

My kitchen sink still leaks, and I have not put a thing in that cupboard yet.  I was drying it all out, and then "poof" it's leaking again.  He needs a day to look at it, and I think we'll need to replace some of, or most of the drain pipes.  Until I can get his complete attention, the cupboard's innards are on the kitchen floor, and I have cut the top off of a plastic water jug, and put it under the drain pipes (where I believe it's leaking).

I took one week to get things put back where they belong.  Like I said, so many interruptions, so things were (some still are) a hot mess round here.  

Camper stuff was all put in storage, or back in the camper finally.  Empty totes found a temporary home until the garage is cleaned.  Any yarn not being used, was put away.  I have stacked my "binder" purging project for a rainy/snowy day.  I'm not ready to revisit that project yet.

Washed and folded bed quilts were finally put in storage, and I have tossed more stuff into the current donation box.  The covered Christmas tree (yes, still in the master bath since last Christmas due to renovations) was moved to the living room.  I have started a deep clean on the master bath.

What I envisioned being done by this time of year, definitely didn't happen.  With that being said, we are not equipped to hold holiday gatherings are our place this winter. I am okay with that however.  We have already joked with each other, that we will not run out of "projects" this fall/winter and next spring.

If you are still with me, ha ha (sorry for the long post), this was the before photo of my food container drawer.  Our kitchen has more drawers than actual cupboards with doors.  I bought dividers and a unit for the lids, but over time it becomes a hot mess.  The dividers would easily slide out of place, and we both just got frustrated with it.

I took everything out, and put two inexpensive tension rods in up towards the front, stacking one above the other with a bit of space between the drawer front and the rods.  The lids store perfectly in the space at the front, and the containers behind it.  Why I never thought of this before is crazy.  Easy, inexpensive, and it works!  I keep toss away containers, in case the kids come over and take food home, so this was genius.  I can even put my two small cutting boards in that space with the lids, and not get them lost.

This and That ~ Score at the Store

The heat continues.  We had a high of 92°F, so I was out pretty early to water the gardens.  My sprinkler decided to work when it wanted, so it has to be replaced now.  It will not rotate all the time, and handling the hose to water everything is a 2 hour job.

I let the chickens out pretty early now as well, put frozen water bottles in their watering units and then later re-do it again when the heat hits the worst.  Let's just say, there is no porch time going on right now.  We could use a nice breeze.

We had some excitement in our parts.  Two inmates escaped the jail in my hometown.  I was on alert, and yesterday they caught them in a town I go to often.  Anyway......

I'm finally all caught up with dental appointments.  It took them a month to get my permanent crown done.  Glad that is all over with.  I went in for a cleaning, and they found I had chipped a tooth, which ended with 4 total visits.  I went ahead and booked my next cleaning, as they are booking almost a year out.  I'm not kidding either.  

I went into town to get new hand weights, and a few other things, and came home with these beauties.  I bought three for the flower beds (perennials). I may go back for at least one more.  I have always wanted to add "blue" to the flower beds.

I also scored some good deals I was not looking for.   First, 2# organic ground turkey for $3.49.  I cooked them up, and froze them for this next week.  I also got 3# organic baby bella mushrooms - all dehydrated.  I paid $1.34/a pound for the mushrooms.  

I finally got my eggs boiled.  I have a dinner dish to use them with, and I wanted them on hand for snacking.  Now I need to start stashing more fresh eggs in the carton for the next time, but they are not all laying in this heat.  One is slacking out there.

It looks like we will have to replace our main AC.  We are hoping it will last this summer, but the buttons on the front will not work anymore.  Thankfully, I found the remote that went to it, so I can at least change the settings from that.

I found a recipe book with Mom's notes on it.  There are a few strange ones that I will try soon.  By strange, I mean different.

Happy Homemaker Monday

 

I hope you all had a nice Easter.  We spent it with my husband's family, but there were so many people, it's hard to talk to every single person. 

I can't say I had the day off.  I got books back on a bookshelf and towels put on the clothesline to dry, before heading out to see friends and family.

Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

I'll link up later when she posts.

The weather . . .

Gorgeous!  In the 60's and sunny, and we will hit the high 70's this weekend.  

As I look outside my window . . .

The sunrise is beautiful.  There is no wind, and the day should be great for laundry on the clothesline.

Right now I am  . . .

Waking up with coffee, and about to start a load of laundry.

Thinking and pondering . . .

Working on a plan to get two doors painted, closet carpet removed, and new flooring installed in there.  The garden needs weeded, tilled, compost added etc.  This week is perfect, but we'll see, as it will be only me doing the work.  My husband is too tired to do much after work during the week days.

On my beside table. . .

Water, a cell charger, a crochet hook and yarn needle.

On my TV . . .

Netflix, whatever looks good when I am watching TV.

Listening to . . .

70's Rock

On the lunch plate . . .

-have no idea

On the dinner plate . . .

-see menu plan

On the menu . . .

-Sheet pan chicken sausage/carrot/potato

-Pasta casserole with ground beef, home canned tomato sauce, asparagus/onion etc.

-Crockpot chops, quinoa and roasted brussel sprouts

On my reading pile . . .

....because I cannot locate my current book due to the work being done, I bought these two, recommended by a cousin.  I am reading the one on the right, but only a few pages a day.

On the to-do list . . . 

-dishes
-laundry, put out on the line to dry
-sweep and mop floors
-dust

Plans for the week . . .

Extreme Clean:  

-Start cleaning front porch

-Clean out fridge

-Continue cleaning bedroom closet/purge

What I am creating . . .

Honestly, I had to frog my current blanket, and I may table it until I have the porch cleaned up, and have a cool weather day.

My simple pleasure . . .

Porch time.  Some days it's reading, some days crochet, some playing cards....hence cleaning it up.

Looking around the house . . .

Its somewhat coming back together, but I have a bunch of craft supplies to look at before I lug them upstairs (or get rid of some).

From the camera . . .

Bible Verse, Prayers . . .

-prayers for a friend Tina, her husband is in the hospital on a ventilator.  I do not know the details.

I'm starting to think. . .

 

Old ceiling fan.  The room has two of these, so this one still needs to come down.  It will be sent to scrap as it does not work correctly.  The other will be donated.

One ceiling fan went up, but after we painted the ceiling, so we'll need to pull the top metal piece down and touch up the paint.   The old ceiling fans were both about 16-17 years old, and they were used (not new) when the builders installed them.  The newer ones now have a hook on them, making it much much easier to wire in.  The new fans have reversible blades, so if we decide we don't like them this color, we can flip the blades to make them all white.

Although we got one completely installed, we got no where after that. He got the painted trim up around one door, and the battery on the nail gun died.  Our handy man had borrowed 3 batteries and a saw on Friday, and they were not returned until later yesterday.

We ran to town to beat the storm, and to get a few items we needed.  After that nothing got done.

My husband is putting the cart before the horse again.  He wants to move furniture back to the bedroom before the floor trim is installed, closet door installed, and other things that need finished first.

He's also expecting me to entertain a meal (today of all days), and my kitchen is completely full of donations, boxes of stuff from the bedroom, our suitcase we are still living out of, a bookshelf that needs to go upstairs......I can't.  I just can't do it.  The table is covered with "stuff" once again with the gutting of the bedroom etc.  I suggested we meet somewhere, and that was rejected.  I honestly want to work on the bedroom and stay home and get ahead on this project.

I'm starting to think that participating in a craft show this month was a bad idea.  I do not have room in the living room to bring all my completed inventory downstairs.  

Happy Homemaker Monday

 

Everything is at a stand still today.  I cannot do anything, other than paint the door trim, and I'm even limited to that due to space and the amount of saw horses.  I'm okay with that, as my back is very sore.

Rain is in the forecast today, and we'll see much more of it this week sadly.  It's warmer, but the rain is keeping us out of the garden to prep it for a new garden season.  The ground is soaked.

The new closet door was cut and framed.  We do need to install the door yet.

Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

I'll link up when she posts.

The weather. . .

46°F/29°F for today, and rain.  Rain about every other day this week.

As I look outside my window. . .

Dreary and cloudy.

Right now I am . . .

Brewing coffee, because I forgot to pre-set it last night.

Thinking and pondering . . .

Going to town for one errand or adding it to a list.  Hm.

On my bedside table . . .

Nothing!  It's still in the master bathroom, while we continue to paint and renovate the master bedroom.  It has been a whirlwind of work, because we continue to run into issues with the terrible work the past builders did.

On my TV . . .

Whatever grabs our attention.  We are too tired by evening to even really care.

Listening to . . .

Rock

On the lunch plate . . .

Probably a ham and cheese sandwich.  

On the dinner plate . . .

Have no idea.

On the menu . . .

It's on the to-do list. 

On the reading pile . . .

Not sure yet, as the bookshelf has been boxed up for the bedroom re-do.  However, I finished this book on our last road trip.

On my to-do list . . .

-write out a menu plan
-write out lists for errand day
-laundry (still living out of a suitcase)
-sweep and mop master bedroom (where I can)
-paint door trim for master bedroom
-pay a few bills, and open remaining mail
-Spray urine treatment on spots on upstairs flooring (got behind on this job)

-mail in rebates

-move a bookshelf upstairs and worry about painting it next year

Plans for the week . . .

Honestly, I have no plan.  The master bedroom has been so nerve wrecking due to the disorganized decisions.  My husband is all over the board, so I never know what we are doing in there until the next weekend arrives.  Although is sounds like I am complaining, we have gotten some things done, but yesterday I had to empty a lot from the walk-in closet in order to cut and hang a new closet door (current center of the longest wall made no sense and difficult for furniture placement).  Also, we need someone to come help us move an electrical line in the attic, in order to move the closet light switch (access is smaller than normal to get up there).

I'm thankful for. . . 

-ceiling and walls are painted
-most electrical boxes have new covers, still need to install two boxes
-new closet door is cut and framed
-I primed about 4 pieces of door trim so far

-one piece of floor trim has been installed

What I am creating . . .

Old photo, but still working on our own blanket.  I got it out a few days ago and had to frog several rows.  I need to finish the gray color section and start back on the last color section of off white.  I may get time today, as my husband is at work, and the only thing I can do in the bedroom is paint those 4 pieces of trim (there is much more to paint, just limited to space where I paint).

My simple pleasure . . .

Amish cheese curds.

Looking around the house . . .

It's a hot mess!!!  Utility room stuff is in living room (explain that later), 1/2 my bedroom closet is in living room, air mattress is in living room, kitchen is full of stuff we need to donate and is where our suit case is, floor is covered with paint cans, hall has part of the bed, more tools, bookshelf, paint cans,....bedroom now has half the closet.....HOT MESS!  I cannot wait until it's done, but like I said, this room/closet has got to be the most head banging work we've dealt with right now.

From the camera. . .

Nothing exciting here today.  I bought this back when we first started with the kitchen floor repairs.  We are close to filling it in, as we find which goes to what with repairs.  I'm losing one electrical box, but gaining one in a new spot on one wall.  It's been a challenge for sure.  The new circuit directory actually comes with a plastic pocket, so I can start filling it out now, and slip it into the pocket vs. a sticker to the breaker box.

Bible Verse, Prayers . . .

Prayers for Tiger.  His blood work reports are due to come in today (Daughter E's cat).

Happy Homemaker Monday

 

I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

I will link up when she posts.

The weather . . .

Today high is 54 degrees, but all week we'll mostly be in the 40's and more rain possibly today.

As I look outside my window . . .

Somewhat cloudy.

Right now I am. . .

Making coffee.

Thinking and pondering . . .

Trying to make plans on when and what we need from the hardware store - flooring, trim, supplies for the chicken coop, hallway flooring etc.

On my TV today . . .

Nothing.

Listening to . . .

Possibly country later today.

On my lunch plate . . .

Have no idea yet.

On my dinner plate . . .

Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Home canned tomato basil soup.

On the menu . . .

I will be working on this early today.  The only down fall on going away for the weekend, but I did wash the bedding and had the bed made before we left, so that is off the to-do list this week.

What I have so far:

Breakfast:  Fritatta, Sweet potato egg cups

Dinners:

-crock pot pork chops, oven roasted veggies
-Enchilada soup
-leftovers

On my reading pile . . .

Honestly, nothing this week.

On the to-do list . . .

-dust
-laundry
-bake a breakfast

-purge bedroom/bedroom walk-in closet

-unload dishwasher

-take trash out to the road

-spray flooring upstairs

-meal plan for the week

Plans for this week . . .

Purge walk-in closet/master bedroom and move items off the carpet.

What I am creating . . .

Still crocheting our blanket, and worked on a set of unfinished pot holders over the weekend.

My simple pleasure . . .

Taking a spontaneous road trip, which we did.

Looking around the house . . .

The living room is filling up with more yarn I need to store upstairs.

From the camera . . .

Pig butter dish at one antique store, that my husband insisted we get (ha ha!).

A few more mini hen and nest dishes.

My husband picked this out (oil lamp) at an antique store.

New trivet for one oil lamp, but I think I will get another one on our next road trip.  We came home pretty relaxed, and glad we spontaneously took off for the weekend.  It was opening day for the Amish flea market, and I wanted more cup coasters for the living room (forgot to show photos of that).

Bible Verse, Devotional . . .

Happy Homemaker Monday

 Our weather keeps going up and down, which is typical for our state.  We had snow a few days ago.  If you didn't see the post, my stove burner is working again.

It's a good thing I baked banana bread.  We had company on Sunday.  My freezer is out of home baked cookies right now.

We've taken a few short road trips lately, and I once again dropped my crochet hook in the truck.

Funny story.  I found a crochet hook necklace online (Etsy), but you can literally put one together yourself.

(Penn State Ind.)

It's a 35inch necklace with magnet, that hooks to a magnet on the interchangeable hook.   I read reviews.  Not sure it's ideal, so I didn't waste my money, but still funny it exists.  I think I will just keep a spare hook in the glove compartment for now.  Fun gift idea for the crocheter who has everything ha ha!

Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

The weather . . .

We are having sunny weather in the 50's, but will dip again mid-week, and then rain moves in.

As I look outside my window . . .

Sun is out.  I slept in for once.  Like really slept in. 

Right now I am . . .

Brewing coffee.

Thinking and pondering. . .

...about the next breakfast bake, a possibly road trip to Amish country.

On my bedside table . . .

Same as last week.

Listening to . . .

Nothing right now, but possibly country later.

On the lunch plate . . .

Ham sandwich maybe, not sure.

On the dinner plate . . .

Sloppy Joes, Sweet Potato Fries

On the menu. . .

-Sloppy Joes, Sweet Potato Fries
-Barbacoa Beef Tacos with toppings, leftovers for nachos

-Pasta bake using ground beef, asparagus from the freezer, and home canned tomato sauce from the pantry, home canned spiced beets

-Chickpea crust pizza, home canned pizza sauce, bell peppers from the freezer, and possible homemade sage sausage for it
-Breakfast:  Sweet potato hash and eggs

On my reading pile . . .

working on this pile of magazines.

On my to-do list . . .

In no particular order

-prime kitchen entrance way trim

-laundry

-sweep/mop hallway

-clean roosts

-make a breakfast dish

-scrub/sanitize bathtub

Plans for the week . . .

Gosh, golly, have no idea.  My husband's work schedule is not the normal routine, so it's day by day really.  They are doing what's called "start up" and all machines are going "on" at the refinery.

What I am sewing, knitting, crocheting or creating . . .

Still working on the crocheted blanket for us.

My current road trip project  - finishing a crocheted scarf.  Plus, I also some times take a set of unfinished pot holders. Oh, and the owner of the Health store wants a red set of pot holders, so I hope to deliver those this next weekend.

(will get a photo soon)

Started a new blanket (gulp), because I ran out of one color of yarn on my own, until I make a strip to town.  It is a new pattern, and I am playing around, using up yarn in my stash.  I thought popped into my head too.  I may enter one in the fair this year.  Just for fun.  Using this pattern, and different colors.

My simple pleasure. . .

Sleeping in, ha ha!  I hardly ever do this.

Looking around the house . . .

Our living room has just last minute touch ups and lamps.  We bought one for the corner, so I now have light to crochet at the couch.

From the camera . . .

We need a few more of these cup coasters.  I wanted to put crocheted ones in the living room, but we decided these matched perfectly, and I had an extra two.  Hence, thinking of a road trip soon.

Bible Verse, Devotional, Prayers . . .

Prayers for the residents in and around East Palestine, Ohio.  A large train accident involving hazardous chemicals is causing fish and animals to die and get sick, and cause sickness for the residents in and around the surrounding area.