{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 02/26/2024 }

Good morning everyone, happy Monday.  Welcome back to my little blog!

 

I hope you had a wonderful weekend and a blessed week ahead.

 

I'm going to get this post up as quick as possible, because I'm using my phone's Hotspot to get on here, since our internet has been out since 11am yesterday morning.  We have some plumbing issues and backed up pipes etc., and while working on that and digging some trenches etc., the fiber cable for the internet was accidentally nicked.  Oh well, things happen right?

 

They are coming this morning to fix it, so no internet for the moment.

 

Anyway, let's get right on with our post for today. How was your weekend?  

 

 

 *** The Weather *** 

I think we are in early Spring....now I know I must just jinx it all with that statement, but all our trees are budding, there's green everywhere, and our temperatures have been amazing.  More of those nice temps this week.       

 

Monday - Mix of clouds, 93

Tuesday - Mostly cloudy, 88

Wednesday - Partly cloudy, 55

Thursday - AM showers, 58

Friday- Sunny, 80

Saturday - Sunny, 83

Sunday - Partly cloudy, 82

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

At my desk working on this post, and making a list of what I need to do today.  I'm listening to Danielle Kirsty on Youtube.  

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

I had my appointment on Friday and it went great, my doctor was very happy with the weight I have lost and told me to keep doing what I'm doing, and also suggested the Mediterranean Diet, which is something I've mentioned even here on the blog, a couple of times.  

 

We also talked about the pain in my finger joints and the swelling and cyst on my right index finger.  She thinks it may be Rheumatoid Arthritis so had me do an X Ray of both hands, and I'll have the results today.  It's either Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Do any of you have those?         

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Really good, I'm very happy with my health at the moment.  Also looking forward to knowing exactly what kind of arthritis I have in my hands so that I can start dealing with it.  

 

Also been very energetic lately, which means a ton of projects have been done around here.  Yesterday morning I was out back for a couple of hours, cleaning and getting the yard ready for Spring and Summer. 

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Cup of coffee and oatmeal.       

 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Salad with eggplant, chickpeas, tomato, onion and cucumber with grilled chicken.   

 

 

*** On the dinner plate ***

Torta de Frango sem massa {Chicken Pie with no crust}, Sauteed Squash.  (didn't make this one last week, so it's being pushed to today)

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

Will be working on the new menu plan this week, so meals as always are until Thursday when the new plan kicks in.

 

Monday

Dinner - Torta de Frango sem massa (Chicken Pie with no crust), Sauteed Squash 

Tuesday 

Dinner - Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry with Brown Rice, Salad  

Wednesday 

Dinner - Brazilian Hotdogs 

Thursday 

Dinner -

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Black Leggings and a long grey v-neck shirt.    

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

Book of John in the Bible 

Below Stairs by Margaret Powell 

 

*** On my TV this week ***

Youtube - Brazilian and Portuguese Homemaking Vlogs  

Turkish shows - Hudutsuz Sevda, Ruzgarli Tepe, Bir Sevdadir, Gelin, Uc Kiz Kardes 

Sic Portugal TV - Senhora do Mar

TVI Portugal - Cacau

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

Just needing the usual tidying up.      

 

 

*** To do list *** 

Call doctor to have prescriptions sent off base (I don't know if you heard but apparently there was a cyberattack last week, that affected pharmacies, I guess the base one was hit as well) 

Daily homemaking chores

Continue removing wallpaper 

Start meal planning

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

No caption needed.       

 

 

*** What I am crocheting ***

I am almost done with Part 3, which is the Nordic Snowflake.  Loving this blanket, can't say it enough. 

 

 

 

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

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;  keep watch over the door of my lips.

- Psalm 141:3 - 

{ Friday Catch-up }

 

It is a beautiful day here in North Texas.  The sun is shining, it is 60 degrees, the birds are all chirping and happily flying around and my chickens are playing in the run.

 

We have had the best winter in years, it's been very mild, only a few days of ice, no snow (at least yet, fingers crossed), and what seems to be an early spring.  You know I love snow, but I am not about to complain about this because my fingers are itching to get in the dirt, to plant, to start our garden, and work on the chicken area and fix my yard and create a wonderful space for outside dining and a little nook to just sit, with a cup of coffee and a book.

 

So, it's Friday morning, I have already been busy.  I seem to have been bit by the organizing and renovating bug, and for the past month I've worked on different projects around the house.  It keeps me busy, which has also really helped in my health journey because while I'm concentrated on projects, I am not thinking about snacks and food, or just sitting watching something on TV.

 

With that in mind, and because I've been working on so many things around here, I thought that I would bring back the Tackle it Tuesday posts.  If you're one of the old bloggers, like early 2000's bloggers, you may remember participating or seeing it around blogland.

 

I have to say, I feel that bloggers nowadays are not what they used to be.  That's not meant as an insult, in any way, shape or form.  They are just a different breed of bloggers that I don't quite relate to, whereas, when blogging first took off, we were a community of like minded moms, with little ones, homemaking and cooking, sharing tips, sharing advice, motivating each other, and all the blog posts seemed to be directed at just that.

 

Menu Plan Monday

Happy Homemaker Monday

Slow Cooking Thursday

Tackle it Tuesday

Show and Tell Friday

Works for me Wednesday

 

Just to name a few?  Do you remember those?   

Anyway, Tackle it Tuesday was a weekly feature (obviously lol), that focused on getting something done and sharing it to hopefully motivate others.  It was started by 5 Minutes for Mom, and in the beginning it was a huge hit, so many participants.  

 

 

So, starting next week I'm going to bring it back here on my blog.  I have been taking pictures of the areas I've been working on, so I will have a few to share, and as I go, I'll just continue taking pictures and sharing. 

 

You are more than welcome to join in, if you have a specific area in your home or a project you've been putting off, now is the time.

 

I've also been working on my new blanket.  I've mentioned it a few times here but I can't help showing you because it is the most beautiful thing ever.  I'm using colors that I don't typically go for, I tend to use pastels and very much Cath Kidston inspired colors, but since this is a Winter Blanket, I wanted to keep it a bit more darker and warmer, so I went with charcoal and cream.

I wasn't sure if I would like it, because again, very different to my usual colors, but I'm so happy with the way it is forming.  Next one however, I will be making in white and red to keep it typical Nordic and Scandinavian.  

 

In my health journey, I have also been trying out different recipes to enjoy my cravings, without going for the usual breads and carbs.  It's been very enlightening and educational for me.  Some I haven't liked, but most I have really enjoyed, like the Keto Avocado Bread which was just insanely good, and these egg muffins which are also really good.

I'll be sharing those recipes on the food blog soon.

My home has once again become my shelter, my haven and my pride and joy.  Not to say that it ever stopped, but if I must be honest with myself and with all of you, I did go through a few years where other things took priority.  Yes the home was here, and yes we lived in it, but I wasn't taking pride in it, I wasn't paying attention to detail or adding little touches here and there.

It's those little touches that make your home your own, you know what I mean?  When someone walks in and says "oh it's so cozy and so you".  That is such a compliment to me and brings me such joy that I can't even begin to describe.

I've also reached a point in my day to day, that I don't have so many chores to tackle and so many things to do.  The key is being organized and not letting things accumulate, and when we do this, it frees up time for the fun things we enjoy.

For me it's crochet, watching a period drama, and lately, getting my exercise in.  I have only been doing between 10 and 20 minutes each day, and that right now is enough for me.  Perimenopause, hormonal symptoms, some knee pain and getting older, has definitely showed me that I can't be doing the usual 45 minutes to an hour exercise that I used to be able to handle 10 years ago.

And that's ok, because I have also learned that you can get the same results in doing short, even 4 minute HIIT exercises a day, as if you were killing yourself for 30 minutes at the gym.  The point is to move, to keep moving, to do some sort of workout, no matter what it is.  Walking is amazing, and there are ton of videos on Youtube for Walking Workouts which are amazing for older ladies, and for those that have knee pain or joint pain or whatever pain you may have.  

 

So that's it, that's been the past few weeks, I wanted to come in and chat and get you all caught up on my life.  I am slowly (again) getting back into blogging and trying to post more, and I think as we go into Spring, I have more to show you and take pictures of.

 

Before I leave, just wanted to show you my bird seed wreath.  I first made one back when we were stationed at Luke AFB in Arizona.  The birds loved them, and the kids and I loved making them.  It's a great project to make with the kids.

 

I do have the recipe and how to already here on the blog, you can go to this post to read, if you want to give these a try.

 

Now I need to get off here and get ready for my doctor's appointment.  It's just a follow up on the Triglycerides results that showed up on my routine blood, work that my Gynecologist had me do.  Since she's not the family doctor, she obviously asked me to make a follow up appointment with the family care clinic on base to discuss the results and nutrition etc.  To be honest, I think it's a bit pointless going a month later, since I already know what to do and have been doing it for the past few weeks, but if they ask me to do something I do it.

Have a blessed day and if I don't see you before Monday, have a blessed weekend!

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 02/19/2024 }

 

Good morning everyone, happy Monday.  How was your weekend?  

 

You know I completely forgot today was a holiday?  I asked my husband why he wasn't going to bed early last night and he looked at me like I had grown two heads.  Hahahah   Perimenopause brain IS a thing!

 

Anyway, good morning, I hope you all have a wonderful President's Day and a blessed week ahead.

 

I'm not going to take up anymore time, let's just get right on with our post for today.  

 

 

 *** The Weather *** 

We've had pretty nice weather until this weekend, then we were hit with a cold front and temperatures in the 20's.  This week however it's going back up.  Crazy weather, I keep saying it but it bears repeating.     

 

Monday - Sunny, 66

Tuesday - Sunny, 77

Wednesday - Partly cloudy, 81

Thursday - Mostly sunny, 70

Friday- Mostly cloudy, 67

Saturday - Mostly sunny, 72

Sunday - Partly cloudy, 77

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

I was lying down on my bed, enjoying this slow morning, and watching some vlogs on Youtube.  Then I realized it was Monday morning and not Sunday, so I jumped up to get started on this post.          

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

Nothing in particular.  I do have a doctors appointment on Friday afternoon, to go discuss my Triglycerides and nutrition etc.  I'll also be talking to my doctor about my arthritis.       

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

Doing good still, my weight has paused now at 12 pounds, I did have a cheat day yesterday where I ate some homemade flatbread pizza and some blueberry cobbler.  I have been so good for a month, but you know we're all allowed a little cheat day right?  Today it's back at it, with no sugar and low carb etc.  

 

I will say, since cutting out all the processed, junk food, I have never slept better.  Isn't it crazy how food can affect your sleep?

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

I've only had a cup of coffee so far, I do need to eat something as my stomach is rumbling, but not  sure what.     

 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Keto Avocado Bread (will try to remember to take a picture so I can share it on the food blog, which needs serious updating), with ham and cheese. 

 

 

*** On the dinner plate ***

Torta de Frango sem massa (Chicken Pie with no crust), Sauteed Squash.     

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

 

Monday

Breakfast - Cup of coffee, Creamy oatmeal

Lunch - Keto Avocado Bread with ham and cheese

Dinner - Torta de Frango sem massa (Chicken Pie with no crust), Sauteed Squash 

Tuesday 

Breakfast - Wholewheat Toast with Cottage cheese

Lunch - Steamed Broccoli and tuna

Dinner - Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry with Brown Rice, Salad  

Wednesday 

Breakfast - Shredded Wheat

Lunch - Greek Yogurt with walnuts and blueberries

Dinner - Greek Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes, Sauteed Cabbage 

Thursday 

Breakfast - Creamy oatmeal

Lunch - Tuna Chickpea Salad with boiled egg, onion, tomato and olive oil

Dinner - Chicken Shawarma Bowls, Salad

Friday

Breakfast - Scrambled Egg with spinach

Lunch - Yogurt with fruit

Dinner - Homemade Pizza

Saturday 

Breakfast -Wholewheat Toast with Strawberry Jam

Lunch - Salad

Dinner - Seafood Curry

Sunday

Breakfast - oatmeal

Lunch - Turkey wrap

Dinner - Chicken Cacciatore, Brown pasta and lentil salad

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

As usual, still in my pajamas.  Not sure what I'll change into.   

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

The Tale of Hilltop Farm by Susan Wittig Albert 

Secrets of a Hutterite Kitchen by Mary-Ann Kirkby

 

*** On my TV this week ***

Youtube - Brazilian and Portuguese Homemaking Vlogs  

Turkish shows - Hudutsuz Sevda, Ruzgarli Tepe, Bir Sevdadir, Gelin, Uc Kiz Kardes 

Netflix - The Pacific

Amazon Prime - Belgravia

Amazon Firestick - Sisi Season 3

Sic Portugal TV - Senhora do Mar

TVI Portugal - Cacau

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

The house is clean and tidy because I gave it a good clean yesterday, so I don't really have much to do, other than the usual daily tasks that go with keeping a home running.      

 

 

*** To do list *** 

Daily homemaking chores

Iron some clothes

Continue removing wallpaper - I was so busy last week that I ended up not doing any

Workout

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

When we lived in Idaho, after Curt retired from the Air Force in 2012, he worked for a short time at a thrift store.  If you've followed me for a while, you'll remember that.  One of the purchases he made for me, was this electric slicer, it was $5 and oh my goodness, it has been one of the best purchases ever.  To this day I use it.     

 

 

*** What I am crocheting ***

I have finished part 2 of the Nordic Mosaic Blanket, and like I said last week, I am loving every row.  It's such a pleasure to work on, and it's amazing seeing it come together.  The first part were the Hygge crosses, and the second were angels.  How sweet is this looking already?

 

Today I'll be starting part 3 which is the Nordic Snowflake. 

 

 

 

 

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

When hardship comes your way, will you tell yourself it's a tool of God's grace and a sign of his love, or will you give in to doubting his goodness?     

- New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp -

Happy Homemaker Monday - 02/12/2024

 

Good morning ladies, and a very happy Monday to you.  welcome back to another Happy Homemaker Monday.  

 

We woke up to some snow on the ground, not much at all and definitely not sticking as it's already melting, but nonetheless, I did enjoy seeing it.  

 

I had a bit of a busy weekend, Saturday we helped Jasmine move into her new apartment, and Sunday we were over at my brother's house for his birthday.  Feels like we didn't get much time to relax at all, so next weekend, Curt already said we are doing nothing and going nowhere  Hahahah  

I have another week filled with projects and the never ending wallpaper removal, which seems to take forever, but it will be done.

Anyway, let's get going, I wish you all a very blessed week!

 

 *** The Weather *** 

Another week of mild temperatures, which I'm very happy about because our gas prices have gone up and I am keeping the central heating turned off as much as possible.   

 

Monday - Sunny, 52

Tuesday - Sunny, 64

Wednesday - Sunny, 69

Thursday - Partly cloudy, 63

Friday- Mostly cloudy, 56

Saturday - Partly cloudy, 49

Sunday - Mostly sunny, 59

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

Working on this post, while listening to Julie Green on the TV.        

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

That I need to write a to do list, so I can check it off as I go.  The closer I get to menopause, the more my memory is bugging out.  My doctor had told me about this, but I am now seeing it for myself and my goodness.     

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

I'm doing well, I am down 12 pounds and still going strong.        

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

Cup of coffee with milk and stevia.  Bowl of shredded wheat.    

 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Keto Avocado Bread (avocado, egg, cheese) with lettuce and egg salad

 

 

*** On the dinner plate ***

Sloppy Joes with Baked Potato Wedges for the family, and mixed veggies for me.  I'll make some homemade hamburger buns for the family, and I'll mine with a 90 second Microwave Low Carb Keto Bread.     

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

Will be working on the new meal plan throughout the week, so as always I have meals until Thursday.

 

Monday

Breakfast - Cup of coffee with milk and stevia.  Bowl of shredded wheat.

Lunch - Keto Avocado Bread (avocado, egg, cheese) with lettuce and egg salad

Dinner - Sloppy Joes with Baked Potato Wedges (mixed veggies and keto bun for me) 

Tuesday 

Breakfast - Oatmeal with cinnamon and honey

Lunch - Steamed Broccoli and tuna

Dinner - Slow Cooker Beef Ramen Noodles, Lentil Salad  

Wednesday 

Breakfast - Paleo Pumpkin Waffles

Lunch - Greek Yogurt with walnuts and blueberries

Dinner - Grilled Turmeric Chicken, Brown Rice and Black Beans 

Thursday 

Breakfast - Wholewheat toast with cottage cheese

Lunch - Chicken Salad with leftover chicken from dinner

Dinner - Wholewheat Linguine with Clam Sauce, Salad

Friday

Breakfast -

Lunch - 

Dinner -

Saturday 

Breakfast -

Lunch -

Dinner -

Sunday

Breakfast - 

Lunch -

Dinner -

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Pajamas right now, but will get dressed soon.  Most likely my usual homemaking uniform, leggins and a tshirt. 

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

The Tale of Hilltop Farm by Susan Wittig Albert 

Secrets of a Hutterite Kitchen by Mary-Ann Kirkby

Also have some books coming in from Thrift Books, so can't wait to get those.

 

*** On my TV this week ***

Youtube - Brazilian and Portuguese Homemaking Vlogs  

Turkish shows - Hudutsuz Sevda, Ruzgarli Tepe, Bir Sevdadir 

Netflix - The Pacific

Amazon Prime - Belgravia

Amazon Firestick - Sisi Season 3

Sic Portugal TV - Senhora do Mar

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

Just need to do the usual Monday morning clean and tidy.    

 

 

 *** To do list *** 

Start meal plan and grocery list

Daily homemaking chores

Iron a pile of clothes

Continue removing wallpaper

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

I've missed my period dramas and have really been enjoying catching back up.   

 

 

*** What I am crocheting ***

Currently making a Nordic Blanket and loving every row and every stitch.  I have never been eager to follow a patter with a graph, just found it easier to read the instructions or follow a youtube video, but I decided to just dive into it.  I love it, and every row I create brings forth a new design.

 

 

 

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

Faith isn't natural for us.  Doubt is, fear is, and pride is, but faith in the words and works of another isn't, and for that there's grace.   

- New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp -

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 02/05/2024

Good morning ladies, welcome back to another Happy Homemaker Monday.  

 

I hope you had a wonderful weekend, and I wish you a very blessed week ahead.

 

I have a ton of projects to get done around here, and I'm running a little behind today, so I'll jump right in and get going. 

 

 

 

 *** The Weather *** 

We're enjoying very nice temperatures, I would say just perfect actually.  But I know Texas, and we always get a bad storm at the end of February, so we will see. 

 

Monday - Cloudy, 61

Tuesday - Cloudy, 65

Wednesday - Cloudy, 66

Thursday - Sunny, 70

Friday- Partly cloudy, 68

Saturday - Partly cloudy, 66

Sunday - Partly cloudy, 54

 

 

*** Right now I am *** 

Sitting on my bed as always, while I work on this post.  I need to get up right after, get dressed and get started with my busy homemaking day.      

 

 

*** Thinking and pondering *** 

About the projects I need to do this week, or at least get started on.  One I will finish today, the other, which is the hallway wallpaper removal and painting, will take me the whole week.   

 

 

*** How I am feeling ***

I'm feeling good, I am now down 10 pounds.  I did have a cookie this weekend, and I will say I didn't enjoy it at all.      

 

 

*** On the breakfast plate *** 

I've had my cup of coffee this morning, with just milk and a splash of vanilla extract.  I will go have some oatmeal here soon.  

 

 

*** On the lunch plate *** 

Chickpea Tuna salad. 

 

 

*** On the dinner plate ***

Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs, Salad, Brown rice and Black Beans.     

 

 

*** On the menu *** 

 

 

Monday

Breakfast - Instant Pot Creamy Oatmeal with coconut and cinnamon

Lunch - Chickpea Tuna Salad

Dinner - Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs, Salad, Brown rice and Black Beans  

Tuesday 

Breakfast - Scrambled eggs with spinach and tomato

Lunch - Wholewheat Toast with half an avocado

Dinner - Turkey Cabbage Rolls, Steamed Broccoli  

Wednesday 

Breakfast - Paleo Pumpkin Waffles

Lunch - Greek Yogurt with walnuts and blueberries

Dinner - Sausages in Tomato Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Salad 

Thursday 

Breakfast - Instant Pot Creamy Oatmeal with coconut and cinnamon

Lunch - Wholewheat Toast with Sardines in Tomato Sauce

Dinner - Calamari Stew, Salad

Friday

Breakfast - Scrambled eggs

Lunch - 

Dinner -

Saturday 

Breakfast - Instant Pot Creamy Oatmeal with coconut and cinnamon

Lunch - Coffee, Wholewheat Crackers

Dinner - Sloppy Joes, Fries (Sweet Potato Fries for me)

Sunday

Breakfast -  2 Ingredient Waffles (Egg, peanut butter)

Lunch - Asian Beef Wraps

Dinner - Instant Pot Baked Ziti, Garlic Bread, Salad

 

*** What I am wearing *** 

Will put on some black leggins and a tshirt since I'm working in the pantry today.

 

 

*** On my reading pile *** 

The Tale of Hilltop Farm by Susan Wittig Albert 

Secrets of a Hutterite Kitchen by Mary-Ann Kirkby

 

*** On my TV this week ***

Youtube - Brazilian and Portuguese Homemaking Vlogs  

Turkish shows - Hudutsuz Sevda, Esaret, Ruzgarli Tepe, Bir Sevdadir 

Netflix - The Pacific

Period dramas 

Sisi Season 3

 

 

*** Looking around the house *** 

Just the usual need for tidying after a weekend. My niece, her husband and kids came over yesterday for a coffee, and her youngest Dalton is 2.  He always has a ton of fun playing without our Kaia, so he throws all her toys for her to catch.  I have quite a pile up in my hallway to clean up.   

 

 

 *** To do list *** 

Pantry floor has been replaced, will show pictures in tomorrow's post, but now I am putting down some paper on the shelves

Vacuum living spaces and wash living room carpet

 

 

*** From the camera *** 

Just to show you the problem we encountered under the hallway carpets.  We had to replace the sub floor damage before putting down the new flooring. 

 

 

 

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

God will not rest from his redemptive work until he has once and for all presided over the funeral of sin and death. 

- New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp -

 

Welcome February, where did January go?

This month has been a bit of a blur, it seemed to have come in quietly, quickly moved through the year and disappeared out the back door with nary a sound.

We always complain about time moving fast, but this month of this new year, may just take the cake, and the cherry and the whole shebang.  Anyway, it's February 1st and here we are, enjoying what seems like late Spring weather.  That's Texas for you though, gives us some temps in the 70s but as we move into the middle to end of February?  We will no doubt get our huge snow and cold temps.  It's always like this!

We've been receiving a lot of rain, which is always welcome and very much needed around here.  The minute it starts pouring down, my soul changes into a slower pace.  The candles are lit, blankets are pulled out of baskets to be snuggled with, and books are read.

You can see my current read above.  And speaking of reading, I want so much to make this year my comeback to reading.  I go through phases where I read a ton, then go years without picking up a book, just admiring them on my bookshelf and telling myself, "I really want to read that one" or "I can't wait to get into that book".

 

I'm hoping those thoughts manifest into actual reading, so I can then say that I've read it and not just admired it's beautiful cover.

On rainy days, the fur babies and I have spend a lot a time at the big windows, just looking out into the yard and watching the rain coming down.  There is such a soothing rhythm to the sound, it lulls you into peace, or at least it does for me, but then I am a rain lover, so maybe that's why.

 

A few days ago, I decided that I was going to take the day for myself.  I've been keeping busy the past two weeks, moving more, working out, cleaning and organizing and de cluttering the house.  Then that time of the month rolled around, and between the cramps and the muscle soreness from the workouts, I thought I deserved one day of rest.

So I did.  I made myself a sort of nest on the couch, with comfy pillows, warm blankets, my book, candles, coffee and I settled in to watch some period dramas on tv.  Oh my gosh, how I've missed those too.  Why do we tend to stop doing the things we enjoy?

I often sit and wonder why I can let go of some of my favorite hobbies, and then go months or even a year, where I don't touch them.  Photography, crochet, period dramas, those three in particular have been so neglected and for no real reason.  But, I am bringing them all back and have been loving getting reacquainted with each.

I'm enjoying the slower pace of life.  More days of pottering around, enjoying every nook and cranny from my home and just living life in a simpler, more subdued kind of way.

I've also picked up my crochet hook and have fallen in love with this beautiful form of art, all over again.  Why did I stop crocheting?  It brings me such joy.

I have purchased and started a new blanket.  Something new to me, or rather a technique new to me as crocheter, the Mosaic overlay.  I am currently working on a Nordic Blanket that is just too beautiful for words.  I can not wait to see it finished, and to know that I did it with my own, often sore, and arthritic hands.  Mind you, I must say that crocheting hasn't been exacerbating the pain in my joins, but rather relieving.  Weird!

Also got some girl scout cookies, which we do every year, although this year I am not eating them.  Ok I won't lie, I did have two, but one was a gluten free toffee that I bought specific with my new diet in mind.  Something to enjoy once in a while, as a little treat.

The rest have been enjoyed and devoured by the 3 men in the house. 

And finally, the beginning stages of our renovation in the hallway.  We suspected that there was some damage in the sub floor under the carpet, and when we pulled the carpet back, we confirmed those suspicions.  It took a while to get all the nail strips out and to clean this floor, we also replaced that spot of floor and now the new flooring will go on this weekend.  So exciting!

I am also going to be painting the walls, as you can probably see, they are this brown wallpaper.  I don't know why the previous owners ever picked that, but that's their taste and that's fine.  It doesn't work for us, and now with the new flooring going in, it will really not look good.  So I'm painting the walls white, which means that paper has to come down, which means it's going to take me a few days to do that.  

Even knowing that, I am so excited to finish this renovation.  Once that is done, I need to paint our bedroom white, and the living room I am wanting to paint a sage color.  It is currently mint green, and it's not a color I ever would have put on my walls, but it was already here when we bought the house and I've slowly gotten used to it, but it needs to go.

If you have recommendations on the best wall color, or know of a pretty sage, please let me know down below.

Anyway, just a quick update, even more for myself to register it here, but, I am now down 8 pounds and so happy.  I've been working out every day for 15 to 20 minutes.  I will eventually up that to at least 30 minutes, but slowly because my sciatica won't allow me to go all in right now.  Either way, the new way of eating and the workouts are showing results and I'm beyond thrilled with that.

Now, I am going to get off here.  I have a Walmart pickup between 10 and 11, but before that I need to go to the commissary on base to pickup the meats, as I find them to be much cheaper than anywhere else.

Then of course, come back home and put it all away.  The part I most dislike about grocery day, do you agree?

I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday, and I'll see you back here either tomorrow or Saturday.