{ Cooking Thursday - Portuguese Coconut Cakes }

 

If you don't yet know, I am a huge lover of coconut.  I just absolutely love coconut anything.  I grew up eating fresh coconut, drinking fresh coconut juice straight out of the coconut, and really there's nothing like it.

 

 

So it goes without saying that since I was a child, one of my favorite cakes are these Portuguese coconut little bars, sometimes they are round cakes too.  If we went to a Pastelaria (cake shop), I would usually order one of these.  

 

I haven't made them in years, but was having a craving for them yesterday, and since I had everything I needed on hand, I whipped up a quick batch.  Needless to say, I have got to be good and stay away from them, or I will eat the whole thing.  They are so good, and I hope you enjoy them too.

 

Bolos de Coco (Portuguese Coconut Cakes)

 

  

2 cups shredded coconut 

1 cup sugar 4 eggs 

1/2 cup butter, melted 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

1/2 cup all-purpose flour 

 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 

 

 In a bowl, mix shredded coconut and sugar together. Add eggs and melted butter to the mixture and stir well. Mix in vanilla extract and flour until combined. 

 

Grease a baking pan and pour the batter into it. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool before cutting into squares.

{ Worldless Wednesday }

 

{ Books read in March }

 

I am usually not consistent in keeping track of the books I have read, but this year, I seem to be devouring books faster than I can open them.  I have always been an avid reader, since I was a child, but life sometimes gets strange and I will go months and sometimes a year, without picking up a book.  It's sad!

 

However, this year, I have renewed or maybe refound my love for reading and have been loving it.  I have read 13 books so far this year, which is phenomenal for me, and I am not slowing down.

 

A big part of is the current mood I am in to read everything and anything that is Christian Fiction, Christian non fiction and Christian Biblical Fiction and there are so many good and new to me authors, that I do believe I will be in this phase for a long time, possibly the rest of the year.

 

So, let me just show tell you about the books I read in March.  I never used to do this on the blog, but it helps me keep track of what I'm reading and have read.

 

Christian Fiction:

 

  

Martha by Diana Wallis Taylor 

 

Perhaps one of the most misunderstood and misrepresented characters of the New Testament is Martha. Often painted in the colors of reproach, Martha seems to be the poster child for how not to be a follower of Jesus. From the mind of Diana Wallis Taylor comes this touching, well-researched portrayal of Martha of Bethany, sister of Mary and Lazarus. Through Taylor's lush descriptions and inspired combination of imagined and recorded dialogue, Martha's world--her trials, triumphs, and loves--vibrantly comes to life. Follow Martha as she is jilted by her betrothed, falls in love with a Roman soldier, grieves the death of her father, cares for her siblings, and serves her Lord with dignity and grace. Readers will never read the biblical story of Martha the same way again.

 

 

Lisbon by Valerie Sherwood

 

 

As this sprawling, frothy romance set in 18th-century England and Portugal opens, orphaned 15-year-old Charlotte Vayle falls in love with dashing young adventurer Tom Westig. It is the day when "she first realized what it could be like between a man and a woman." When Charlotte learns that her profligate uncle plans to pay his debts by marrying her off to foppish Lord Pimmerston, she and Westig make a dash for Scotland (where they can be legally wed), but are intercepted by her uncle's men, who throw Tom off a cliff, presumably to his death. Charlotte is then tricked into marriage with the violent, mysterious but sexually charismatic Rowan Keynes and bears him two daughters, the elder closely resembling Tom Westig. Charlotte and Tom meet again in Lisbon but are found out by Keynes; Charlotte is abandoned and Tom, presumably, put to death again. After following the lives of Charlotte's daughters in England, the narrative brings the entire cast to Lisbon for the denouement.

 

 

 

 

A Lady of High Regard by Tracie Peterson

 

Born into affluence, Mia Stanley is a winsome socialite with a knack for matchmaking. She's also a writer for Godey's Lady's Book magazine, much to the disdain of her family--and their society friends. A proper young lady of her social standing isn't meant to labor in such a way, but Mia has always had a way with words...

When her writing draws her into the world of downtrodden seamen's wives on Philadelphia's docks, Mia uncovers a scheme that puts her in harm's way. But her heart ends up on the line as well...Has her determination to always make a match driven away the one man whose esteem she covets? 

 

 

 

Christian Non Fiction:

 

 

The Faith to Flourish by Christine Caine

 

Sometimes it feels like hardships and struggles are endless. Like a new storm is always brewing on the horizon. You face challenging circumstances, strained relationships, or shattered dreams. And the weight of it all can feel crushing. You simply long for rest. But how can you flourish when you feel like you can barely breathe from it all?

 

In The Faith to Flourish, Christine shows you that it's possible to thrive in every season of life—including the hardest ones—by grounding yourself in God's truth and activating the peace, resilience, and purpose he gives you. Using the biblical symbolism of the olive tree in Psalm 52:8, Christine unpacks how you can.

 

 

 

 

 And She Got Up by Courtney Pray Duke

 

Have you found yourself wondering, Will I ever be able to make sense of the disappointments and disasters I've endured? Can I trust God with my pain? Will my life ever be restored? Perhaps you've done everything you can to rebuild the ruins of your life, but true restoration still seems so far off, if not impossible. And She Got Up is a firsthand account of being knocked down by tragedy and loss while relying on the power and presence of Jesus to rise and heal.

After being widowed at twenty-nine, Courtney Pray Duke found herself lying next to her husband's grave feeling like she couldn't go on. But she had three young kids who needed her and a faithful God who she knew could do anything.

 

 

The Divine Counselor by Alex Seeley

 

At a time when many feel anxious and discouraged, the idea of living whole, healed, and empowered sounds wonderful--but often out of reach. Counseling, self-help books, and podcasts seem to offer temporary relief, but what about life-changing transformation?

 

In The Divine Counselor, Pastor Alex Seeley introduces readers to the best therapist they'll ever meet: the Holy Spirit.

 

 

 

I am usually not a huge non fiction book reader, I have to be in the mood for those, but I have enjoyed the three that I have read this past month of March.  

 

The Christian fiction ones were amazing, both the Martha biblical fiction and Tracie Peterson's book which is the first in her Ladies of High Regard trilogy.  

 

The third book however, is not Christian and certainly not a clean read, it doesn't have a lot of spice or smut, but it definitely had some kissing and other nonsense going on.  I did not know that it would have that, and while I am not a prude, it's something I am choosing not to read right now, so while the story itself was wonderful and it was the usual typical romance book, it's not something I would recommend if you are not into clean reading stories.

 

With that said, I don't regret reading it, I really enjoyed it, but yes, I am definitely sticking with the clean, no spice Christian fiction books and I am just loving all the new to me authors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 03/30/2026 }

 

 

Good morning friends.

 

Oh goodness, I just spent over and hour trying to fix my template and the blog posts.  There was an html error in my Happy Homemaker Monday post from last week, which was pushing all the sidebar items to the bottom of the blog.  Took me a while to find the error, and then I thought it was fixed and it wasn't.

 

I need to go back and fix the post from last week, but at least the template is fixed and I will work on the other post after I get this one up.  Apologies for the lateness in getting this one going.

 

Anyway, have a blessed week friends.  It is a beautiful week ahead of Easter our Resurrection day next week.  Make sure you're in the word and remembering what we celebrate.

 

Right, let's get going.

 

Sandra

♥♥♥♥

 

 

 *** The Weather *** 

Aside from the winds, it's been gorgeous weather.  I think we have rain coming this week which we do need as we're looking at droughts upcoming in the next few weeks.  

 

Monday - Mix of clouds, 89

Tuesday - Partly cloudy, 88

Wednesday - Thunderstorms, 84

Thursday - Partly cloudy, 84

Friday - Thunderstorms, 86

Saturday - Rain, 65

Sunday - Mostly sunny, 67

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

I just went and ran to do the dishes, got the washer going and got my breakfast, so that I can come and sit down and get this post up.   

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

Easter Sunday, I need to call my sister in law and figure out what we're making. 

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

I am doing good.  I have been crocheting and reading a ton and am so happy to be back doing the things I love.

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Second cup of coffee, of course, and I am currently eating a healthy banana pancake. 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Salad and fish sticks.       

 

 

*** On the dinner plate *** 

Pork chops in mustard sauce, basmati rice, sauteed squash    

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

 

Monday - Pork chops in mustard sauce, basmati rice, sauteed squash

Tuesday -  Strogonoff Chicken, egg noodles, brussel sprouts 

Wednesday - Smoked Sausage Pasta, Broccoli Salad 

Thursday -  Kofta, Chickpea Salad, roast potatoes

Friday - Pizza

Saturday -   Burgers and Fries

Sunday - Easter 

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

I am wearing a really cute summer dress.  

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

Oh I have read some good ones.  I posted two of them this week for a review, both non fiction.  I am also reading another non fiction Christian for review, called The Divine Counselor.  

 

In my fiction, I finished the first book in a series, called A Lady of High Regard by Tracie Peterson.  I have the other two in the trilogy to read, but I am opting to start Connilyn Cossette's Counted with the Stars, it is a biblical fiction and the first in the Out of Egypt series.  It is alsomy first of this author's books, but I have heard so many good things about her.

 

 

Sold into slavery by her father and forsaken by the man she was supposed to marry, young Egyptian Kiya must serve a mistress who takes pleasure in her humiliation. When terrifying plagues strike Egypt, Kiya is in the middle of it all.

Choosing to flee with the Hebrews, Kiya finds herself reliant on a strange God and drawn to a man who despises her people. With everything she's ever known swept away and now facing the trials of the desert, will she turn back toward Egypt or surrender her life and her future to Yahweh?

 

 

*** On my TV this week *** 

Turkish shows:

Guller Ve Gunahlar

Ayni Yagmur Altinda

Sevdigim Sensin

Yeralti

Abi

Cirkin 

 

YouTube homemaking and book videos, as well has some simple living and quiet vlogs.  

 

Hallmark - the Spring lineup is underway so I'm watching those. 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

I need to do the usual Monday cleaning, dusting and vacuuming, setting things in order after the weekend. 

 

 

*** To do list for today*** 

Water inside plants 

Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study

Get at least 10k steps in

Prepare a book for shipping out for Paperbackswap

 

*** What I am creating *** 

I am deciding whether I want to go all the way with the Solstice Star blanket, meaning finishing it completely, or stopping where I am.  The blanket is massive and practically done, but I am finishing off Part 6.  

 

I go back and forth because I feel that I can just end it now and it's fine, but then my brain goes "you are so close, you only have one more part, don't stop now." 

 

Decisions, decisions.  I will say, I am leaning towards finishing it completely for I fear I may regret not doing it later.  

 

 

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

I can't wrap my mind around the fact that these are Lego flowers.  Whoever came up with this is a genius ♥   

 

 

 

 

*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 

We have entered Holy week, so I will be focusing on that and reading the Bible reading up to Resurrection Sunday.

 

 

{ Book Feature - The Faith to Flourish by Christine Caine - TLC Book Tour }

 

About The Faith to Flourish: God’s Design for a Rooted, Resilient, and Fruitful Life 

Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publication date: February 10, 2026 

Print length: 240 pages 

 

AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! 

 

Discover how God has created you and called you to flourish even in the most difficult times. 

 

Join bestselling author Christine Caine as she shows you how God created you with a powerful purpose and destiny. He wants you to flourish. 

 

Sometimes it feels like hardships and struggles are endless. Like a new storm is always brewing on the horizon. You face challenging circumstances, strained relationships, or shattered dreams. And the weight of it all can feel crushing. You simply long for rest. But how can you flourish when you feel like you can barely breathe from it all? 

 

 In The Faith to Flourish, Christine shows you that it’s possible to thrive in every season of life—including the hardest ones—by grounding yourself in God’s truth and activating the peace, resilience, and purpose he gives you. Using the biblical symbolism of the olive tree in Psalm 52:8, Christine unpacks how you can: 

 

•  Develop deep spiritual roots that anchor you to withstand life’s storms 
•  Identify spiritual stagnation and experience renewed vitality and purpose 
• Behold the beauty of God and cultivate a heart of wonder 
•  Nourish inner peace and joy through intentional shifts in perspective 
•  Foster reconciliation and build stronger, more fulfilling relationships 
• Embrace God’s plans and purpose for your life, while bearing fruit that impacts others 

 

No matter the challenges you face, God’s design for your life has not changed—to have the faith to flourish and be fruitful. This book will equip you with the courage, resilience, and wisdom you need to thrive through every challenge, in every season. 

 

About the Author 

 

Christine and her husband, Nick, have two daughters, Catherine and Sophia. Together, Chris and Nick founded A21, a global anti-human trafficking organization that prevents exploitation, recovers victims, and empowers survivors to rebuild their lives. She also founded Propel Women, an initiative that activates women to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and live confidently in their God-given purpose. You can tune into Christine’s Equip & Empower podcast and Life and Leadership podcast for practical insights and encouragement, drawing hope from Jesus wherever you are. 

 

To learn more about Christine and her resources, visit www.christinecaine.com. 

 

 

 

My Impressions:

 

I have not yet finished reading this book but what I have read of it, is quite good and very informative. 

 

I have always struggled with my Faith, and I think it's a common thing for all Christians at one point or another through their lives, to struggle with it.  We say we are strong, we say we have faith and we know God is there, but when certain trials come our way, we tend to fall, to falter, to suddenly feel like there's no way out and there's no way to get through this.

 

 

Christine teaches us how to flourish through our faith by using the example of the olive tree in Psalm 52:8.  The has done extensive research on the olive trees and how hardy they are, withstanding oftentimes situations that could tear them apart and destroy them completely, yet they stand firm.

 

I can't wait to finish this one.  It is really interesting and I know that it will help me grow my faith.

 

 

 

{ Book Feature - And She Got Up by Courtney Pray Duke - TLC Book Tour }

About And She Got Up: Shattered by Loss, Restored by Jesus 

 

• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (March 3, 2026) 

• Paperback: 224 pages 

 

Faced with an unimaginable loss, Courtney Pray Duke invites you to discover that when life knocks you down, Jesus is nearer than ever, reaching out to help you get back up and stand strong. 

 

 Have you found yourself wondering, Will I ever be able to make sense of the disappointments and disasters I’ve endured? Can I trust God with my pain? Will my life ever be restored? Perhaps you’ve done everything you can to rebuild the ruins of your life, but true restoration still seems so far off, if not impossible. And She Got Up is a firsthand account of being knocked down by tragedy and loss while relying on the power and presence of Jesus to rise and heal. 

 

 After being widowed at twenty-nine, Courtney Pray Duke found herself lying next to her husband’s grave feeling like she couldn’t go on. But she had three young kids who needed her and a faithful God who she knew could do anything. 

 

Told in four sections—The Breaking, The Making, The Rising, and The Sending—Courtney walks readers through her decades long journey from devastation to the abundant life God had in store for her. 

 

And She Got Up will help readers find 

 

hope in their greatest devastation through an honest and vulnerable account of Courtney’s personal journey, coupled with the reality and the truth of who God is and what He is able to do. 

move forward amid pain that can be paralyzing, helping them to believe God for their own miracle, no matter how hopeless their circumstance may seem. 

gain confidence that God is available and able to help anyone get back up and live an abundant life of hope, purpose, and peace.

 

God sees you now, right where you are. His heart is for you. It’s time to rise, to heal, to find purpose and joy again. 

 

About the author 

 

Courtney Pray Duke is an author and speaker who tragically lost her husband in a cycling accident in 2012. Left with three young children and a broken heart, Courtney now lives to tell about the goodness and faithfulness of God to the brokenhearted, and is passionate about helping women encounter the hope and victory of Jesus. She is married to Jon and is a mother to her four children, elementary to college aged. They are planted in Passion City Church and reside in Atlanta, Georgia. And She Got Up is Courtney’s first book.

 

Courtney Pray Duke was a young mother of three, a worship leader along with her loving husband Andrew, at a big church in Arkansas.  A day before Thanksgiving in 2012, her whole life came crashing down when her dear husband was struck by a bus, and killed immediately.

 

This book was so touching and so hard to read as well.  It focuses on Courtney's journey through the loss of her husband but it can be applied to any kind of loss we suffer through life.  That sudden shock, that change that turns everything from comfortable and known to terrifying and unknown, and how she overcame it as a young mother, not yet thirty years old.

 

One of the scriptures she includes in the book is one that I love, which is Psalm 71:20 "Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again;  from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up." 

 

We have all suffered loss in our lives and it feels like you're drowning in that moment, that it will never be ok, that the pain will never cease.  But when you have Jesus with you, you quickly understand that you are not alone, that He guides you, holds you up and helps you to rise again and heal.

 

If you want to learn more about their story, and how to apply Courtney's wisdom and faith to your own battle, this book is definitely for you. 

 

 

 

Thank you to TLC Book Tours and Thomas Nelson for providing me with a copy.  My thoughts and opinions are my own. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

{ A cozy Spring Day }

 

One of my earliest memories, was of me at around 7 years old, when we lived in Povoa de Santa Iria in Portugal.

 

Across from the cul de sac we lived in, there was a huge field that had a bit of a hill, and we would go an sit on there at times and just look down, at the apartment buildings and the other little neighborhood that existed just below ours.

 

We did this quite often, and when I say we, I mean me and my brothers and some of the other neighborhood kids.  But, Spring time hit different.  The fields used to be littered with Poppies, beautiful deep red poppies that seemed to create a sea of red that would go on as far as the eye could see.  I would sit and pick up each flower, twirl them around my fingers, smell them, inspect them in detail and always gathered a few to take home to my great grandmother, who would them sit them in a glass jar by the kitchen window, for her and my amusement.

 

I already had a connection and strong love for the Spring season.  When everything starts coming alive, I feel as if I am re birthed too, as if I was hibernating for the Winter and now it's time to come out of my shell again, to walk in the green grass, to plant flowers and enjoy the warm weather before it becomes unbearable.

 

 

“By March, the worst of the winter would be over. The snow would thaw, the rivers begin to run and the world would wake into itself again.” — Neil Gaiman 

 

Everything around is waking up slowly as if out of a deep slumber, and that's how I feel too.  The change from the cold to the warm is not sudden or quick, I ease into it, allowing the change to arrive but not wanting to give my body and existence a shock, so to speak.

 

Slow spring days are a joy!

 

The windows are open, the breeze is coming in slightly waving the curtains back and forth.  The birds are very excitedly chirping outside and the trees are filled with green buds, little shoots here and there.  Some are fully grown into delicate flowers, some are still but little nubs firmly holding on to the branches.

 

On days like these, I like to sit on my chair in the corner of my bedroom.  Whether I am reading a book, crocheting, or simply looking out the window and just admiring nature in all it's glory, that is probably my favorite place to be in Spring.

 

Of course, always surrounded by beautiful things.  I truly in my heart, believe, that if we just add some beautiful to look at items, here and there through the house, it makes it much more enjoyable to live in.  Or maybe I just love pretty things, either way. 

 

This is my Lego Flower Bouquet that my brother in law got me for Christmas.  I mentioned here on the blog a few times but always forgot to share it.  How stunning are they?  It is incredible to me to think that these were made from time lego pieces, and yes, it did take a bit of time and there were very small pieces to put together......but I believe that everything that is worth it takes time.

 

They sit on my bedroom windowsill ♥

I have been elbow deep in book boxes, organizing and categorizing.  I also posted so many on Paperbackswap and got 10 book requests immediately, so I've been printing and packing and wrapping and getting ready to ship out on Saturday, when I finally make it to the post office.  Which reminds me, I do have my giveaway package to go out as well, my apologies to the winner for it being so late.

 

Once I got those done, I opened a box from Michael's with some yarn that I had gotten on sale.  It will be for my new crochet blanket, I just need to go through them, pick out the colors I will be using and get them in a project bag ready to go. 

In order to get started with that one though, I have to finish my current.  I really don't want to set it aside and add it to my ever growing works in progress.

 

I am very close to finishing, and I have found that if I take about 30 minutes to an hour each afternoon, after all my homemaking duties are taken care of, I can make quite a dent in it.

 

Again, I sit at my favorite spot, by the window and listen to life going about outside, and in the quietness of the house, I just let my fingers do the work.  It's rhythmic, it's calming, it's a blessing. 

And when my hands start hurting (thank you osteoarthritis), I set it down, and pick up a book.  I have been really enjoying reading through the Brambly Hedge Spring story.

 

I think that if there is ever a list of must reads for Spring or any season for that matter, it has to be the complete Brambly Hedge stories.  There is something so heartwarming, so homey about these sweet little critters going about their lives in these stunning tree houses.  I often wish I could transport myself right in and sit with them, planning a big get together, because there IS always some big event going on that the whole forest is working on.

The illustrations are just adorable, aren't they?

Yes, I do believe I could very happily live at Brambly Hedge.  

And so my friends, my spring coziness continues.  Not every day is the same, I don't get to sit and read or crochet daily, but for most days I do because I make it a part of my routine.  Like I've said before, I tell myself that if I get everything done that needs doing first, then I can enjoy the rest of the afternoon and do whatever I feel like, and whatever brings me joy.

  

{ Period Dramas I have watched this month }

Are you ready?

 

It has been a while since I've done a Period Drama post, and I know a lot of you enjoy these just as much as I do. 

 

Now, I haven't really watched many the past year or so, there haven't been any that I was enjoying or felt like it was worth mentioning, but I have watched two the past few weeks and thought maybe it's time.  It's time to do another one of these and at the least tell you which two I watched, what I thought, and what if any are coming up soon that I will also be watching or looking forward to.

 

As always, if you have watched any recently let me know down in the comments.  

 

 

Seeking Persephone

 

I went back and forth on watching this one, not because it didn't appeal to me, but the fact that I had to pay to watch it on Amazon.  I didn't quite understand why this was being charged, but I gave in and I can tell you that I am really happy that I did.  It was so good, so sweet and clean without sex scenes and morbid gruesome scenes.

 

What we got instead was beautiful scenery, stunning settings and a story that tugs at your heartstrings.  Now if you don't know Seeking Persephone is actually based on a book by Sarah M. Eden and is part of a series which I am no looking to buy and add to my collection.

 

Persephone is the older daughter in a family who is almost destitute.  Her mother has passed and she takes on the role of caretaker for their father and younger siblings.  When she receives a marriage proposal from a Duke, she is taken back at first but thinking about her siblings and the huge amount of money he is willing to give the family as a dowry, she accepts.

 

The story is one of two people who don't know each other, have gotten married and are now navigating this new life.  Persephone is very sweet and kind and sees the best in people, whereas Adam is a Duke in pursuit of an heir, not very friendly and very much self conscious of this scar he has on his face.  We don't know at first where the scar came from but later in the movie it is explained.

 

I don't want to say more because it would ruin the movie, but it's a sweet love story that slowly makes you fall in love with the two characters. 

 

 

Hope Valley: 1874 

 

Oh Hope Valley.  I think this one is going to be a favorite just like When Calls the Heart and When Hope Calls.  Obviously it is related because it's a prequel to When Calls the Heart.

 

There has only been one episode, with the next coming out on Thursday and every Thursday after that.  The story is about a woman called Rebecca who has lost her husband and takes off on a wagon with their 11 year old daughter, to head west.  She bought a boardinghouse and her plan is to live there and start a new life, but of course, there is a slight hiccup that brings her to Hope Valley and the handsome Tom.

 

Can I just say that I love both Bethany Joy Lenz and Benjamin Ayres, from all the Hallmark movies I have watched over the years.  To see them now playing the main characters in this series is just wonderful.

 

So, not much to say yet about the series, other than I loved the first episode, already am excited to see what comes next and knowing that I love the other two series so much, I am sure this one is going to be just as good.

 

Oh and Jill Hennessy from Crossing Jordan is also one of the main characters, another great actress, so there's that too.

 

 

Those are the two I have watched this month and as I go forward and watch others, I will of course come back and share.  I do plan on making a full post of more upcoming period dramas too.  

 

What have you watched lately?  Any good ones you want to share? 

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 03/23/2026}

 

Good morning everyone from a cold Texas.  

 

Y'all, this weekend we hit 102, this morning we are at 40.  I don't know what is going on, or who is messing with the weather, but my goodness, enough already, pick a temperature or season, and stick with it.   

 

Anyway, I'm coming to you from a cold morning with dew on the grass but the most stunning pink colored skies. So, good morning again, come on in, as you can see I have a new graphic up top.  I wanted something Spring like and a bit of a change, so that's the new one I'll be using for a while, and as always you are more than welcome to use it too.   

 

Now let's get on, as I have two fur babies staring at me wanting I don't know what.  The minute I sit at my computer desk, they suddenly need something, every time, without fail.  Hahah  

 

I wish you all a blessed week ahead.   

Sandra ♥♥♥♥ 

 

 

 *** The Weather *** 

 I debated saying anything but I've already said it above, so I'll just leave these confusing temperatures for your perusal.  No wonder people are constantly sick lately with the ever changing temperatures.  

 

Monday - Cloudy, 71  

Tuesday - Mostly sunny, 86  

Wednesday - Sunny, 93  

Thursday - Sunny, 94  

Friday - Partly cloudy, 62  

Saturday - Mostly cloudy, 59  

Sunday - Partly cloudy, 80 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

The animals won.  I took a break from from this post, got dressed for the day, did the dishes, got my breakfast, fed themTrying to get this post up, but both Kaia and Elliott keep bugging me, for God knows what.  

 

They are like toddlers when you pick up the phone and they start screaming for something.  Remember those days? Hahah  

 

 *** Thinking and pondering *** 

Honestly?  Crochet and crochet and books and sweet family tv shows.  

 

*** How I am feeling *** 

Speaking women to women, it's that time and I am inching very close to menopause and being done with perimenopause, so my cycles have been different, to say the least.   I am so quite tired and sore today, we have spent all weekend building a new shed to transform into a chicken coop, and this blasted thing has aggravated us so much.  

 

We still have to put the doors on, but gave up.  It was so hot and windy and like I said, the building of the shed itself was a lesson in patience.  Hahaha   

 

 *** On the breakfast plate *** 

Just had my second cup of coffee, two pieces of wholewheat toast with apple butter.  I did have a bowl of oatmeal at 6am but it did not fill me at all.  

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

I will be having some tuna salad with chickpeas.         

 

 *** On the dinner plate *** 

 Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese, Garlic Bread and Salad    

 

 *** On the menu ***  

 

Monday - Slow Cooker Spaghetti Bolognese, Garlic Bread and Salad

Tuesday -  Roast Chicken Quarters, Buttered Garlic Rice, Broccoli 

Wednesday - Sheet Pan Tomato Basil Gnocchi, Tomato Cucumber Salad

Thursday -  

Friday - 

Saturday -   

Sunday - 

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Don't laugh but, I got out of my pajamas and put on a clean fresh pair of pajamas.  I am not going anywhere today, I am not feeling great, and I plan on taking it easy all day, so I want to be comfortable.  

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

I finished the third book in the Francine Rivers Mark of the Lion series.  Yep, my absolutely favorite new series that will forever live on my bookshelves.  I encourage everyone to read these books if you haven't yet done so. 

 

 I have now started a trilogy by Tracie Peterson called Ladies of Liberty which is an Historical romance series.  It's giving me the same kind of vibes as the Harbor of Spies series that I read recently from Megan Soja.

 

*** On my TV this week ***  

 Turkish shows: 

Ayni Yagmur Altinda 

Sevdigim Sensin 

Yeralti 

Abi 

 

YouTube 

homemaking and book videos, as well has some simple living and quiet vlogs.   

 

 I also watched Seeking Persephone and LOVED it.  What a sweet period drama.   Also, on the Hallmark channel the new period drama series called Hope Valley: 1874.   It is the prequel to When Calls the Heart, so if you're a fan of that series, you will want to watch this one.  I loved the first episode and I can tell that I'm going to really enjoy watching this series.  I just wish there were more like these. 

 

 *** Looking around the house ***  

 I can say that my house does not need much attention today, and I'm very happy to report that because the energy and motivation I have today, are about zero.  See, even I the happy homemaker have my days where I just couldn't be bothered and that's ok, we are allowed a day like that.   

 

*** To do list for today*** 

Water inside plants  

Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study 

Get at least 10k steps in 

Watch tv, read my book, crochet.  That's it. 

 

*** What I am creating ***  

My gorgeous Solstice Star Blanket is just growing so much.  It sits heavily on my lap when I crochet, and I am loving every second and every row.   

 

*** From the camera ***  

My sweet Elliott ♥  He was sitting on my bed with the sunlight on him and I just had to snap this picture.  

 

*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 

I know a lot out there are feeling scared and frustrated with the uncertainty of the world we currently live in.  I know that I can say until I'm blue in the face, to let it go and put it in God's hands, but I also know it's always easy. 

 

So instead I will leave you some peace scriptures that you can say out loud and pray over yourself and your families.  I hope that helps 🙏