Wednesday, August 12, 2026

{ Wordless Wednesday - Happy Anniversary }

 
 Wedding day - August 12, 1998
 
 
Today we are celebrating 28 years of marriage.    
 
We have been married for exactly 10,227 days.  A lifetime together, and it doesn't even seem like it's been that long.
 
I know this is a Wordless Wednesday, but it IS our anniversary so I can't let it go without wishing my amazing husband a happy anniversary and letting him know just how much I love him and adore him and am thrilled that we have been on this rollercoaster of life together.
 
There have been hard times, times of grief, times of loss, times of difficulty, but the good times far outweigh those.  One thing I am extremely thankful for, is that I have a husband who loves God just as much as I do, a husband who goes to church with me, who prays with me.
 
If I could give one piece of advice to newlyweds, it would be this exactly.....talk, don't hold things in even if it causes a disagreement or a little fight at the time, get it out of your system and don't ever hold it in.  Also, God.  Make Him the center of your marriage!
 
Happy Anniversary Curtis, here is to another 28 at least.  I love you ♥ 
 
 
 

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

{ Birthday gifts }

August 11, 2026

I am extremely blessed in that my family knows exactly what I love, and also know exactly what kind of phase I am in my life.  Some years I am into my crochet phase and everything around me involves yarn and hooks and patterns.
 
Then some years I am into baking, or photography and so forth.
 
This year I am clearly in my book phase, I'm inhaling books, grabbing books, sharing books, looking for books, watching book videos, and you know, all things books.  So, for my birthday most of the gifts were book related, except for my husband who knew that the rest of the family had the books covered and he wanted to spoil me with two big items that I have had my eye on for some time.   
 
When I was blogging more intently, back in the day, I always shared my birthday and Christmas gifts and then like so many other things that fell to the side, this was one of the things I stopped blogging about.  I don't know why, but I love looking back on these kind of posts, so here we go: 
 
 
 
A beautiful bed set from Laura Ashley, actually I got two, this blue and white floral and the green and white floral.  Love it so much ♥

August 11, 2026

August 11, 2026

One of the biggest gifts was this Shark Beauty CryoGlow Mask.  I've had my eye on it for a long time, and honestly did not think I would get it anytime soon, but my wonderful husband got it for me and I am loving it already.  
 
August 11, 2026

The second biggest gift from my husband was the Slush-Ease Max Slushy Machine.  This is going to be so handy especially for the holidays because it makes a lot of drink and keeps it cold for 12 hours.  I thought it was just slushies but it also makes shakes, juice, frappes, I mean, wow.  


From my beautiful daughter, I got a lot of things and I don't think I even took photos of everything, so I'll try to remember.
 
She gave me a gorgeous bouquet of pink roses because she knows I love fresh flowers.  She also got me a Blind date with a puzzle.  I should have taken a photo of it because it's so me, the puzzle features an old truck in a field of sunflowers.
 
She got me a beautiful necklace with the map of Portugal on it ♥ 
 
Then she got me another Blind date with a book, this time a cookbook.  And this is what was included in the package.....this sweet pouch with sardines, which I had a good laugh because as you know I'm Portuguese and we love our sardines. 
 
In this pouch were quite a few things, some crochet flower fridge magnets, some sprinkles, and a little pink sewing pouch.   

August 11, 2026

Also included were two butter bookmarks, a cute little pink pen, a peach notepad, an orange little notebook and some sweet clips holding the cutest stickers.

August 11, 2026

The cookbook that arrived in this package was Nigella Lawson which I was thrilled about.  I've always enjoyed her recipes but did not have any of her cookbooks yet.  I've already looked through it and there are quite a few recipes I want to make.
 
August 11, 2026 
 
Also included in the box was the cutest strawberry dish sponge and this little drying rack with a lemon scented lemon to place on it.  I guess it's to give a nice smell to the sink area.  Just the cutest little things.  I love the whole Blind date with a book idea. 
 
Oh and before I forget she also got me the cutest sweatshirt with the words Book Lover on it.  I'll have to remember to get a photo of that when I wear it.

August 11, 2026

August 11, 2026

I absolutely adore book sleeves and yes, I can make them, I have the pattern for it and they are not hard to make, I just haven't gotten around to do it, but I am actually thinking of making them for Christmas gifts for my sister in law, niece and my nephew's girlfriend because they love books as well.
 
Anyway, my girl picked this one for me, and again, just the perfect one with florals like I love. 

August 11, 2026

 
It can fit books, Kindle or a tablet, so it's perfect. 
 
The last gift from Jasmine was so sweet and I was beside myself with happiness when I opened it.  My very own embossed stamp for my books.  The books that I am never parting with will get embossed with my very own stamp including my name.  How adorable is that? 
 
August 11, 2026

 
From the library of Sandra Bourland.  Oh my, how adorable! ♥
 
August 11, 2026

And lastly, from my brother and sister in law, who also know me too well.  Everything book related.  The first piece my brother picked himself and it's this beautiful puzzle piece that brought me to tears ♥

August 11, 2026

August 11, 2026

August 11, 2026

The cutest tote and this pouch, that both say There is no such thing as too many books.  I 1000% agree.  Love it!
 
I also got a tumbler that says Just one more Chapter!  And this cutest lavender scented candle "Smells like she's Reading".  Hahahah  I love that!

August 11, 2026

The last thing from them was something I have also had my eye on for a while and really wanted to get.  Again, they all know me so well.
 
I am in love with this cute stand.  They chose a girl that they say looks like me, she is sitting on a window seat with a beautiful window behind her, a little sign that says Just a girl who loves books ♥, a kitty cat nearby, a blanket on her lap, a beautiful plant to her side, a stack of books and a cup of coffee or tea.  Yeah I think that pretty much describes me to a tee. 

August 11, 2026

August 11, 2026

It sits on my bookshelf and it keeps track of how many books I have read this year, which as you can see, is sitting at 41 at the moment.  
 
Oh and also included in their gift was this adorable bookmark.  I love metal bookmarks and this one not only has a funny saying but on the end of the bookmark is an open book.   

August 11, 2026

Honestly, I could have just handpicked all these for myself.  I just realized I completely forgot to get the gifts from my brother in law.  Oh jeeze Sandra!
 
Anyway, he got me a Cristiano Ronaldo lego set, a big one which I plan on putting together and displaying on my living room shelf.  
 

 
He also got me something I have also been talking about getting.  As you know we are a big gaming family, every night after dinner we sit at the table and play some sort of game, a card game, a board game, whatever it may be.  I have seen these really cute Vintage Bookshelf Board Games and thought it would be perfect to collect them over time and have them on the shelf, ready to be played but also looking like they fit in with all my books.
 
He got me the Trivial Pursuit edition. ♥ 
 

So, I have been spoiled rotten this year and I'm so thankful for my entire family, for knowing me so well, for picking such thoughtful gifts and making my 52nd birthday so special. 
 
 

Monday, August 10, 2026

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 08/10/2026 }


Good morning, happy Monday!
 
It is my birthday today, I turn 52 years old.  How?  I feel like I just turned 18 the other day, and even though I have lived more than half a century, time has flown so fast that I guess my mind is still stuck on the younger years, while my body for sure reminds me that is not the case.  LOL
 
I have had a wonderful weekend with family, was spoiled with some of the best birthday gifts I've ever received and I still have some to open today from my brother in law.  We had family over for cake and coffee, my husband picked up some of my favorite Greek Gyros for dinner on Saturday, we went to the gym both days, went to church yesterday and just had such a blessed weekend.
 
Today, while it is officially my birthday, I am alone and I honestly don't have an issue with that.  I will spend my day doing the things that I want to do, taking pictures of my gifts to show you in tomorrow's post, reading, napping, watching some great TV and just relaxing.
 
I plan on making a delicious pork roast for dinner with roast potatoes and veg. and I have a Tiramisu for dessert.  I also gave myself a gift this year, the gift of the monthly cycle starting right on my birthday, so there's that Hahahah
 
Anyway, let's see what is happening in our homes.  Have a wonderful blessed week my friends, and have drink for me today. 
 
God Bless,
Sandra
 
 
*** The Weather *** 
We're still boiling over here and are under a heat warning for today.  Our yards are dead, instead of lush green we have dried yellow grass, it makes me so sad.  I'm just over it at this point.  Might as well be back in Arizona with these temps. 




 
*** Right now I am *** 
I'm actually sitting on my bed using my laptop for this post.  Usually I sit at my desk but I'm so crampy that I just want to sit on my bed.  No worries, I will get up soon.    
 
 
*** Thinking and pondering *** 
With my stepmom arriving the second of September, I have a lot to get done before then, so I'm thinking about everything that needs to be done, I really should write it down on paper.
 
 
*** How I am feeling ***
It's that time, so you know how it is.  Also feeling very blessed that I am here and turning 52 years old.  Life is not promised to us, so every year that we stay here on this planet, is a blessing.  Getting old is a blessing, even if at times I look at myself in the mirror and think "Oh girl, you really are starting to look your age".
 
But overall, blessed and content.  
 
 
*** On the breakfast plate *** 
I just had my second cup of coffee, two scrambled eggs with a tablespoon of cottage cheese for extra protein, and a piece of sourdough toast. 


*** On the lunch plate ***
Probably a bowl of greek yogurt with granola and fruit. 
 
 
*** On the dinner plate *** 
Pork Tenderloin Roast, Roast potatoes and roast veg.   
 
 
*** On the menu *** 
Need to start working on the new meal plan today.  You know the drill when it comes to the end of the two week meal plan, I only have meals until Wednesday.
 
Monday -   Pork Tenderloin Roast, Roast potatoes and roast veg 
 
Tuesday -  Tacos al Pastor, Mexican Rice, Beans 
 
Wednesday -   
 
Thursday
 
Friday
 
Saturday
 
Sunday -    
 
 
 
*** What I am wearing *** 
In my nightgown and will change into a comfy summer dress soon. 
 
 
*** On my reading pile *** 
Still reading in 1 Samuel in the Bible.  I actually placed an order with Daily Grace yesterday, they are having a huge sale, so I picked up Stand Firm, Armor of God Bible Study, Abide Bible Study and When Fear meets Faith Bible Study (this one was free).

I just started Summerhaven by Tiffany Odekirk.  I am just 5 pages in and already so invested and loving it.  I think I'll be sitting with it today for an hour or so.  
 


 
*** On my TV this week *** 
YouTube:
Homemaking 
Christian book vloggers 
Quiet and simple living 
Homemaking  
 
Today, I am hoping to watch Feast of July on YouTube.
 
 
Turkish series:
Doganin Kanunu
 
Netflix:
I watch random crime documentaries when I'm on the treadmill.  This weekend I watched some episodes of The First 48 Hours.
 
Apple TV:
For all Mankind
 
Paramount Plus:
Star Trek Strange New Worlds 
 
 
*** Looking around the house *** 
I don't need to do much today, other than the daily chores.  I'm thankful for that because I do want to spend my birthday doing a bit of self care.  
 
 
*** To do list *** 
Today:
Water inside plants
Read
Take photos of my gifts to share with you all tomorrow
Water inside plants 
Water plants and veggies outside on the patio
Daily bible reading 
 
This week: 
Daily 15k steps
Homemaking chores
Pay bills
Meal plan and grocery shop
 
 
*** What I am creating ***
Nothing at the moment though I've been feeling the itch to grab my blanket again.  I've given it some time to rest and just want to get back into it and finish this part that has been frustrating me so much.  
 

*** From the camera *** 
My youngest brother is in Portugal right now.  He has been sending me photos and videos every day, places we once visited, one of the homes we lived in in 1988 and just everything and anything in between.  I am living vicariously through him because it's been 30 years plus since I've been to Portugal.  I am wanting to go next year with my stepmom and husband, but for the moment I live through the photos. ♥   
 



 
*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 
Our church message yesterday was about Grace, and we read in Titus 3.  It was quite interesting and the verse that stood out to me, and the one that the main focus was on, was Titus 3:5.
 
"He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" 
 
 

 


Thursday, August 06, 2026

{ Slow Cooking Thursday - Slow Cooked Irish Beef Stew with Cheddar Biscuits }

Beef Slow Cooker Irish Stew with Cheddar Irish Soda Biscuits

Beef Slow Cooker Irish Stew
 
Prep: 40 minutes • Cook: 7 hours 20 minutes • Serves: 8 
 
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2-1/2 pounds boneless sirloin tip roast, fat trimmed, cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
1-1/2 pounds baby red-skinned potatoes, scrubbed and quartered
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 garlic cloves, sliced
2 medium leeks, halved lengthwise and sliced 1/2-inch thick
1 bay leaf
1 medium yellow onion, cut into wedges
8 cups low-sodium beef broth
2 cups baby carrots
1/2 cup barley
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves plus additional for garnish
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup warm water
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups frozen peas
1-1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Chopped fresh chives for garnish

1. In large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. In 2 batches, add beef and cook each batch 3 to 5 minutes or until beef is browned, stirring occasionally. Transfer beef to 5- to 6-quart slow cooker.

2. Add potatoes, thyme, garlic, leeks, bay leaf, onion, broth, carrots, barley, parsley and Worcestershire sauce. Cover and cook on low 7 to 8 hours or until beef and potatoes are tender.

3. In medium bowl, whisk together water and flour; stir into slow cooker. Increase heat to high, cover and cook 15 minutes. Stir in peas and vinegar; cover and cook 3 minutes. Remove and discard bay leaf and thyme stems. Season with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with parsley and chives.


Approximate nutritional values per serving: 445 Calories, 9g Fat (2g Saturated), 68mg Cholesterol, 332mg Sodium, 48g Carbohydrates, 7g Fiber, 42g Protein


Cheddar Irish Soda Biscuits

Prep: 15 minutes • Bake: 22 minutes • Makes: 12 biscuits

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
3/4 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1-1/3 cups buttermilk
Nonstick cooking spray

1. Preheat oven to 350°. In large bowl, whisk together flour, salt and baking soda. With fingertips or pastry blender, cut in butter until pea-sized crumbs form; stir in cheese. Make a well in center of flour mixture. Pour buttermilk into well. With wooden spoon, gently stir to gradually draw flour mixture into buttermilk until a soft dough forms. Knead dough in bowl just until dough begins to stick together.

2. Spray cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Drop dough by 1⁄4 cupfuls, 2 inches apart, onto prepared cookie sheet. Bake 22 to 24 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

 

Tuesday, August 04, 2026

{ A homey day }

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The heat is blistering outside, and inside the air conditioning is struggling to keep up.   It is a daily fight between the two extremes and we are in the middle of this battle, just hoping it lets up.  Honestly, I am hoping the heat is the one to let go and leave.
 
Mornings are bearable, afternoons are horrid, making me stay indoors as much as possible.  I remember when I was younger, the minute the summer would come around I wanted to be outdoors in the sun, having fun, playing, enjoying life and soaking up the warmth.  I always had a nice tan going.  This year, and actually the past few years?  I don't really care about any of that.
 
The heat comes up and this lady hides indoors, forget about tanning, being outside, nope, none of that.  Maybe I really am getting old!  
 
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I spent a homey day, meaning, just pottering around.  It's actually funny that anytime family comes by, they tend to say the same thing "Oh....you've changed things.  AGAIN!".  LOL
 
Yes, I have and next time they come by it will probably be different once again.  I don't know about you, but I love changing rooms, moving things from room to room and trying to decorate here and there.
 
I am no expert, my home is kind of a mix of what I love and what I feel represents me and my feelings.  Funny enough though, anytime my family or even AI describes my home, the same terms come up "cozy, country, lodge, farmhouse".  I didn't even know I was achieving all that without even thinking, I guess our way of being really does project itself in our homes.  


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I worked on my dining room.  it is a work in progress, and never seems to be finished or to my liking, so I'm constantly moving and shifting things around.  I had a huge bookshelf in my hallway that I moved into the dining area, and it fit perfectly between the two black bookshelves.
 
You know one thing I have realized over the years?  I am not into minimalism.  It was all the rage, people getting rid of things, de cluttering,  living in spaces that had bare essentials.  I thought at first that it might be a good idea, but the more I looked into it and the more I debated hopping on that train, the more I realized that I much prefer rooms that hold all sorts of treasures and knick knacks.
 
I want to walk into a room and feel at home, feel like I'm being hugged, like I want to sit with a cup of tea or coffee and just relax.  Maybe it's just me and my constant need to go against the grain.  I'm the girl that if everyone is into something, I immediately hate it.  If the whole world says yellow is the new color, I will hate yellow and go for a different color altogether.  If everyone is doing viral food or drinks, I want nothing to do with it.
 
I don't know why I am like this, but I tend to march to the beat of my own drums.  Hence why my home is lived in, filled with coziness and warmth and lived in spaces. 

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After tackling those rooms, I sat down to start working on the new meal plan.  I have so many wonderful cookbooks that often sit collecting dust because I don't even touch them.  I stopped using most of them when I switched to healthy eating, though truth be told, I have not been very good at healthy eating the past two months.  
 
The carbs I was avoiding, have been consumed.  The sweets?  Have been consumed.  I need to get a hold of my nutrition again and get back on track, but that doesn't mean that I can't still use my cookbooks.  It's just a matter of adapting certain recipes to my needs.  Just because I make carbs for my boys doesn't mean I have to eat them, right?
 
So at the moment I am juggling going back to healthy, but also going back to making use of all my wonderful cookbooks. 

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Definitely a work in progress. We will get there though.  My mind is also starting to shift to Fall and I am fighting myself not to grab any decorations yet.  It's a battle I tell you.  We're still in the throes of summer yet my brain is saying "let's fight the heat with some Fall decorations, just a little pumpkin here and there."
 
So far, I have managed to keep these thoughts at bay, though I am very very tempted.
 
And so life goes on.  The usual hum drums of homemaking, sprinkled in with some decorating and painting here and there, lots of book reading, copious amounts of coffee, a cheeky naughty chocolate thrown here and there, and some enjoyable television watching.
 
Oh and for some reason I have had this idea going on around my mind, about having an old fashioned 80's kind of Christmas this year.  I want to go back to the basics, to the best years for the holidays.  Again I think that combative go against the grain girl, is rearing her head.
 
I just don't want to have a modern holiday like we do each year.  I find that the meaning of Christmas, and the spirit, and the whole vibe is so different nowadays.  So yes, that is going around in my mind and I'm already collecting ideas to see how I can recreate it.  Wish me luck!

Monday, August 03, 2026

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 08/03/2026 }


Good morning, happy Monday!
 
I have had a week of just stress and frustration and really wish my weekend had been longer, but alas, here we are.  Monday!!!  A start of a new week and hopefully a better week for us all.
 
Let's see what is happening around our homes.
 
Sandra
 
 
*** The Weather *** 
It's been disgusting, and I was all excited because on my phone it showed this coming week we would be in the 90s.  That happiness was short lived because it's now showing triple digits again.  Lord help us!    
 


 
*** Right now I am *** 
At my desk working on this post, also talking through Whatsapp with my stepmom and my niece.  
 
 
*** Thinking and pondering *** 
Just things that I want to get done this week, blog posts, sewing and crafting and getting ready for Fall.  I am just going to remove all thoughts of heat and summer and pretend it's cooler temperatures.  Fool that I am!  
 
 
*** How I am feeling ***
Tired.  Last week as I said, was a bit stressful for Jasmine.  She had a few things going on, it feels like the enemy is directing an onslaught against her and as parents, it's sad to see and know that we can't do anything.
 
She had a situation on Tuesday, and then Friday morning woke up with ear pain in her left ear, and a horrible vertigo attack that came and went for hours.  I ended up taking her to urgent care, and it turns out she has fluid in that ear.  She was prescribed some medication and is starting to feel better, the spinning and vertigo has stopped but she still feels a bit light headed and dizzy.  
 
 
*** On the breakfast plate *** 
I just had a cup of coffee and a bowl of oatmeal.  


*** On the lunch plate ***
Not sure yet, but will probably be a tuna salad.     
 
 
*** On the dinner plate *** 
Skillet Sausage and Potatoes, Salad  
 
 
*** On the menu *** 
 
Monday -   Skillet Sausage and Potatoes, Okra and Tomatoes 
 
Tuesday -  Cowboy Lasagna, Salad 
 
Wednesday - Shrimp Fajitas, Mexican Rice, Beans  
 
Thursday - Pork Tenderloin, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Broccoli
 
Friday - Homemade Pizza
 
Saturday - Baked Ziti with Sausage, Garlic Bread, Salad
 
Sunday -  Turkey Burgers, Potato Wedges, Sauteed Cabbage  
 
 
 
*** What I am wearing *** 
Still in my nightgown and will change into a dress later.  
 
 
*** On my reading pile *** 
I am reading in 1 samuel in the Bible.   

Finished Rachel Fordham's A Life Once Dreamed, last night.  I really enjoy Rachel Fordham.  
 
My next read will be All the Forgiveness by Elizabeth Hardinger. 
 

 
 
*** On my TV this week *** 
YouTube:
Homemaking 
Christian book vloggers 
Quiet and simple living 
Homemakers in Brazil, Portugal and Mexico  
 
Turkish series:
None at the moment
 
Netflix:
I watched the new Idaho Four Documentary.  I wasn't going to because I've seen so many already but decided to go ahead and it was quite good.  Lots of videos and interviews and bodycams that we hadn't seen before.  
 
Apple TV:
For all Manking
 
Paramount Plus:
Star Trek Strange New Worlds 
 
 
*** Looking around the house *** 
I have to do the usual Monday cleaning.  I would love to have my windows and patio door open but this heat does not allow that.  I just feel that the house is stuffy and needs some fresh air, so I'm going to open everything up this morning for at least 30 minutes.  
 
 
*** To do list *** 
Water inside plants 
Water plants and veggies outside on the patio 
Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study 
Daily 15k steps
Homemaking chores
Pay bills
Make bread for the week
Carpet clean  
 
 
*** What I am creating ***
I have been looking up some crochet fall potholders that I want to make.  Will start looking through my yarn and seeing if I have the colors I need.  Something like this below, and if you have any patterns or ideas for Fall inspired potholders please send them my way.  
 



*** From the camera *** 
Home ♥   
 

 
*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 
Isaiah 40:31: "Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."






Monday, July 27, 2026

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 07/27/2026 }


Good morning ladies, come on in.
 
It's another hot day here in Texas, but hopefully the last week of real hot weather.  *fingers crossed*  
 
Come on in everyone, have a cup of coffee with me and let's talk about our homes and everything that is happening this week.  Last week I was thrilled to have been able to post practically every day, I think the only day I missed was Sunday and that's because it was so busy, by the time I sat down at 7pm, I was dead on my feet and so tired.  But that's ok, the fact that I was able to get daily posts up made me extremely happy and gave me the motivation to continue on for as long as I can, or as time permits.
 
I was also quite thrilled to see some familiar faces popping back up in my comments, I've missed you ladies and it was nice seeing you here again.  I will be coming by to visit everyone later today.  So welcome back Jo, Carol, Katerina, Latane, Great-granny grandma.   
 
Now, let's get on with our post for today.  Have a blessed week everyone!
 
Sandra
 
 
*** The Weather *** 
Just ugh, ugh, and a big UGH!  
 


 
*** Right now I am *** 
I just sat down at my desk to quickly get this post up.  I have my cup of coffee which is going cold but can't waste coffee so I will sip on that, even if I pull a face.  
 
 
*** Thinking and pondering *** 
My brother in law bought a house and is waiting to close on it, so by August he will be gone.  As much as we love him and have loved having him here, I am quite excited to have a guest room again.  I do plan on using it as a guest room/craft room for me, so I'm thinking about how to make that work, what to put in there, how to organize it and all that fun stuff. 
 
 
*** How I am feeling ***
A bit tired, but I think that is my normal every day feeling, so not much to report there. 
 
 
*** On the breakfast plate *** 
I am having my second cup of coffee with half and half (my favorite).  I also had a 90 minute keto bread toasted sandwich with ham, egg and cheese.  Didn't finish it all though as I'm not very hungry. 


*** On the lunch plate ***
Salad and Fish Sticks     
 
 
*** On the dinner plate *** 
Hot Sesame Pork, Rice, Veggies (this has been on the menu for weeks but keeps being pushed out) 
 
 
*** On the menu *** 
I am starting to work on the new meal plan today, so as always only have meals until Wednesday.
 
Monday -   Hot Sesame Pork, Rice, Veggies 
 
 
Tuesday -  Brother in law's birthday, out to eat (got confused last week and thought it was his birthday but it's not until this Tuesday) 
 
 
Wednesday - Grocery shopping and new meal plan will kick in  
 
 
Thursday
 
 
Friday
  
 
Saturday
 
 
Sunday -    
 
 
 
*** What I am wearing *** 
Still in my nightgown, will change into shorts later. 
 
 
*** On my reading pile *** 
Am now in Ruth in the Bible. 

Reading Rachel Fordham's A Life Once Dreamed.
 
 
*** On my TV this week *** 
YouTube:
Homemaking 
Christian book vloggers 
Quiet and simple living 
Homemakers in Brazil, Portugal and Mexico  
 
Turkish series:
None at the moment
 
Netflix:
Crime Documentaries
 
 
*** Looking around the house *** 
Need to do the usual Monday morning clean.  I also have my clothes drying rack in the living room with some tablecloths drying, so need to take those down, and iron them.   
 
 
*** To do list *** 
Water inside plants 
Water plants and veggies outside on the patio 
Daily bible reading and devotional/bible study 
Daily 15k steps
Homemaking chores  
 
 
*** What I am creating ***
The blanket has been so frustrating to me.  I have now had to rip and pull apart and redo row after row.  I'm thinking of setting it aside for a month or so and then coming back to it. 
 
 
*** From the camera *** 
Was looking back at my old blog posts and had so many sweet pictures like this.  They brign such a smile to my face.   ♥   
 
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*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 
I am a worry wart by nature, so when I saw this graphic, I knew I had to share it for all my fellow worry warts.  Hope it helps someone.