Friday, January 31, 2025

{ Friday's Letters - 31/01/2025 }

 
 
Dear Friday....Thank God you're here!!!  It's been a difficult week as we've said goodbye to our uncle.  The hardest part about not living in the same continent as family, is that when someone passes on, we can't be there to help, to give a hug, or to even attend the funeral.  It's hard! 
 
Dear 50 year old body....you have been so great to me this past year.  I have worked hard, but so have you, and together we have joined hands, determined to go into our old age healthy and strong.  
 
Dear chocolate....I love you but I hate you.  We have this obsessive relationship that I need to cut off at the root.  Why is so hard to give you up?

Dear weather....can you please make up your mind?  Are you cold, are you hot, are you freezing, are you rushing into spring, what is going on?  My osteoarthritis would love you to pick one temperature and stick with it.

Dear Books....Oh I love you, so very very much.  You take me on adventures, you help me pull away from the craziness around our world, and you teach me new things with each page I read.  Thank you! 
 
Dear God....I know I must drive you crazy at times, and you probably sit and shake your head at my constant need to control every aspect of my life.  But, I have been trying so hard, and the more I press into you and allow you to guide my steps in every day, the easier life is becoming.  Please don't let me stray, remind me to stay close, to let go and to trust your every word. 

Dear World.....You are having a hard time aren't you?  It seems that things are going crazy, falling apart, and moving very fast towards destruction.  But I have faith in you, and I know you'll pull out of this darkness, and very soon, we will all be living our lives, with huge smiles on our faces again.  Hang in there, you are ruled by a father who loves you and treasures you. 

Thursday, January 30, 2025

{ Slow Cooking Thursday - Butternut Squash and Lentil Soup }

 
 
Slow Cooker 
Butternut Squash and Lentil Soup



1 Butternut Squash
1 Large Onion, diced
2 to 3 Garlic cloves, chopped
Salt & Pepper to taste
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 cup lentils
1 vegetable stock cube
3.5/4 cups of boiling water ( I used a box of Garden Vegetable Broth, 32 oz. )


 Peel butternut squash, cut in half and remove all seeds.  Cut into chunks and place in a slow cooker.  Add the diced onion, garlic and season well with salt and pepper and paprika.  Add in the cup of lentils, and the vegetable broth.  Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 7 hours.

Once done, use an immersion blender to puree the soup.  Check the seasonings and adjust accordingly.  Enjoy!!!
 
 

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

{ Musical Throwback Tuesday }

I was trying to figure out what to post today, I haven't taken many pictures the past few days, to be honest I've been busy trying to help my stepmom with my uncle's passing, and with the time difference between here and South Africa, it makes it hard.

As I was sitting in bed thinking about it, this idea popped into my head.

Why not take every Tuesday to put up a music video, but not from nowadays.  I mean going back in time, reliving some of the best music that was made.  Music from my childhood, music that brings back memories.  

This came about I think because I was talking to my stepmom about one of my Uncle Tony's favorite songs.  I remember being around 11 years old, and he was over for dinner and this song came on and he started dancing.  He couldn't dance, let me just say that, so it looked so funny and to this day, my brothers and I will laugh about it.

Anyway, it's a good memory.  So, in his honor today's video is for him.

I love you Uncle Tony, rest in peace 💖


Monday, January 27, 2025

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 01/27/2025 }

 
 
Good morning dear friends!!!

I haven't posted since Thursday.  I was doing so well, and then things kind of got a bit crazy around here.  Friday I didn't have a chance at all to post, but I will be putting a post up backdated, just because I don't want to miss any daily blogs.  
 
Saturday, I had just arrived to the gym with my husband, and as I got on the treadmill, I received a phone call from one of my brothers to tell me that our uncle had passed away.  Needless to say, I immediately got off and we came home.  My uncle Tony is my mom's brother, and he was 76 years old.  He lived alone in a little apartment in Johannesburg.  My stepmom, his sister.....I know, I know, maybe one day I will tell the story, it's a bit confusing, but my stepmom, my mom and my uncle Tony are siblings.  
 
Anyway, he texted her all the time, and Saturday morning he failed to contact her, when she tried to call him there was no answer.  She asked the next door neighbor to check on him but he said he wasn't answering the door.  She of course panicked and immediately drove over, where my older brother met her.  They had to break into the apartment by breaking a window, and sadly found him on the ground, dead.  We don't know for sure what happened, but we believe it may have been a massive heart attack.
 
Needless to say, I haven't had the brain to do much of anything, I've been on the phone with my stepmom constantly, trying to keep her company and help her through this.  Her mom and dad have passed on, my mom is in a nursing home with dementia and her brother was all she had left, and now he's gone.  It's sad and difficult, and it all falls on her to go clean out his apartment and deal with everything from memorial, to the red tape and paperwork.  Anyway, please pray for Nela, if you could, I would appreciate it very much.

Now, let's get on with our post, sorry for babbling so much.  Have a blessed week friends! 

 
*** The weather in my neck of the woods*** 
It's been really cold the past few days, and it looks like we have a rainy week ahead, which I am very happy for, you know I love rainy weather.
 
Monday - Mainly sunny,  51
Tuesday - Cloudy, 58
Wednesday - Thunderstorms, 56
Thursday - Rain, 64
Friday - Sunny, 65 
Saturday - Sunny, 71 
Sunday - Sunny, 70
 
 
 *** Things that make me happy ***
Reading old letters.  I was cleaning out some old paperwork last week and found two letters that my mom had written me, about 30 years ago or so.  Just love having memories like that.
 
 
*** Book I'm reading *** 
Currently doing The Bible Recap.
 
 Women of the West series, by Janette Oke. I am currently reading the second book, Julia's Last Hope.
 
I started the new Portuguese book I got, but I decided to maybe leave it for another time because it's a huge book, 600 and so pages.  I need something smaller to read right now, so going back to the Women of the West series which I can read quicker.     
 

*** What's on my tv today *** 
YouTube
Homemaking vlogs  
 
Hallmark
When Calls the Heart
 
 
*** On the breakfast plate *** 
I had a cup of coffee at 4am, then at 6 had my breakfast which was 2 eggs and 2 pieces of multigrain toast with Irish butter.  I also had the leftover coffee that was brewed which was about half a cup, but this time I had it black with some sweetener. 
 
 
*** On the lunch plate *** 
Salad   
 
 
*** On the dinner plate *** 
I got some Sam's club rotisserie chicken this weekend, for a quick lunch, and I have a lot leftover, so I'll be using that to make dinner.  I'm thinking either some chicken curry, or a Greek Inspired Chicken Bowl.  Probably the Greek Bowl. 
 
 
*** On the menu *** 
Have to work on the new meal plan.  I don't know what I'm making on Tuesday and Wednesday.  I will have to raid my freezer to see what kind of meats we have.

Monday
Greek Inspired Chicken Bowl
Tuesday 
 
Wednesday 

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday



*** On my to do list *** 
Today:
Get my 10k steps in
Do my workout
Iron laundry
Post a blog for Friday and maybe a roundup for the weekend or individual days
 
This week:
Clear out and reorganize the pantry
Grocery shopping
 

*** New Recipe I tried or want to try *** 
Almond Flour German Pancake  
    
 
*** What I am creating ***
Nordic Winter Afghan
Garden plan
 
 
*** No words needed (favorite photo or picture) *** 
If one image could encapsulate my idea of the perfect home, it would be this one.  I love absolutely everything about it, the house itself, the garden, the sweet wooden fence laying crookedly, and the huge trees hugging the home.  ♥  
 

 
*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 
 Matthew 5:14 says, "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden"


Sunday, January 26, 2025

{ Weekend in review }

SATURDAY::::
 
Started my day with the horrible news that my uncle Tony passed away.  It kind of set the tone for the day, I spent the whole of Saturday on the phone, talking and trying to calm down my stepmom, talked to my oldest brother for 2 and half hours too.  
 
It's so difficult when your family is in another country and so far that you can't just hop on a plane to go and be there.  I mean, I could but the tickets are very expensive, and it's 3 flights and flying for 20 something hours.  
 
It means I have to do my best from far, even if just calling and being there as much as I can as emotional support.
 
 

I also received my blood test results and was absolutely thrilled to see how much everything has improved.  The only issue I had was the high triglycerides, but by dropping those by a whopping 74 points, everything else dropped too.  I'm so thankful to God for this blessing and I'm more than determined now to continue doing what I've been doing.
 
My overall Cholesterol dropped from 191 to 168.
My HDL continues high which is what you want.
My LDL (the bad cholesterol) also dropped to 50.
My Triglycerides went from 168 to 94.
My glucose also dropped.
 

 
SUNDAY::::
 
Gym time with Curt.  I have grown to love working out and look forward to every weekend, when I know I can be there, working on my body, being healthy.



Friday, January 24, 2025

{ Show and Tell Friday }


Good morning my friends, here we are, Friday!!!

I haven't done a show and tell Friday for many years.  It's something we used to do back in the early days of blogging.  Many of us would take this day to show something we treasured, or something we found interesting.  
 
I was recently going through some old medical records, and came upon the hospital paperwork from when my children were born.
 
The specifics we know, like the day and time and so on, but there are other things that I didn't know, that I found written in the doctors notes.  And as I read through them, memories of those days flooded back.
 
We were stationed at Mountain Home AFB, in Idaho.  We were newly married, still trying to figure things out, trying to start this family and both still young.  But, I loved those days, I miss them so much, and seeing those hospital records flooded me with this sense of homesickness, in a way.
 
Anyway, here is Jasmine's....
 

 
I vividly remember Jasmine's birth because it was a difficult birth with no pain meds, seemed like it lasted forever, needed forceps and oxygen and it was just chaotic.  

However, I didn't know how long each stage had lasted, so it was neat seeing it in writing.  

First stage 7 hours and 40 mins, and second stage 1 hour and 39 mins.  Nuts!!!!

And here is Nick's, which was way faster, thankfully and didn't involve as much craziness.  


First stage 3 hours and second stage 1 hour.  So 4 hours in all.  That boy was not waiting in there.  Hahahah

These little things, these memories, mean so much to me.  I have both mine, and my kids medical records.  When we moved from base to base, we had to request our records and they would print it all out and hand it to us.  I will be placing theirs in their folders and will had it to them at some time.  

Anyway, that is my show and tell for today.  May not mean anything to you all, obviously, but I love having this recorded for prosperity.

A true treasure indeed.

Thursday, January 23, 2025

{ Cooking Thursday - Crockpot Lasagna Soup }

 
 
Good morning ladies!  

It is a cold morning, with real feel having us sitting at 15 degrees F.  Brrr!  I've had my cup of coffee and am now enjoying a bowl of Weetabix, with some of my homemade granola sprinkled on.  It's one of my go to breakfasts that I actually really enjoy.

It is Thursday, and I thought I would bring in some Slow Cooking Thursday.  It's been a while.  I remember when I first started this feature back in I think, 2009.  I had so many wonderful ladies joining in every week and sharing the best recipes with us all.  

A few years ago, I took the time to sit down and make a post with all the slow cooking recipes, along with other recipes shared in the Cooking Thursday posts.  So, before I share a recipe with you today, I'm going to link that for you in case you want to go back and get some cooking inspiration.
 
 
It is the time of year for comforting stews and soups, and this one sounds delicious.  
 
 

Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Source:  Slimming Violet
 

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain the fat. Transfer it to the Crockpot.
  2. Add onion, broth, crushed tomatoes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  4. Stir in the lasagna noodles and cook for another 20-30 minutes until the noodles are tender.
  5. Serve topped with a dollop of ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and fresh basil.
 


Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

{ Workout for this week }

 
I'm often asked what workouts I do, or how I've been achieving the results I have over the past year.  It's been a challenge at times, and I've explained some of it already, there really isn't a magic word or action to make it all happen, but it's also not this unattainable, super difficult thing to do.

Biggest thing, cut out soda, cut out junk food and take out, cut out cakes and donuts and tons of sugar.  That's it.  And move, move your body every day.  10 000 steps a day is a huge one, I find that if I don't get to do my exercise for that day, for whatever reason, as long as I make sure to get 10k steps in, I'm good.  

But, I wanted to share Lucy Wyndham-Read again because without a doubt, she has been the biggest help for me, and the reason I was able to get off the couch and start moving.  It was so hard at first, I started with her 5 minute workouts a day, and now I do a 20 minute workout every day, and then 1 hour at the gym on Saturday and Sunday.

Lucy's workouts are amazing, they're easy, but they work.  Please check her out.

She usually releases a new workout each week but her playlist on YouTube is full of easy ones.  Walking, cardio, lower cholesterol, lower diabetes, arthritis, menopause, joints, sitting.  You name it, she has it.

I thought today I would share her workout for this week, it's the one I've been doing since Monday.  It's fun, it's only 20 minutes but it works.

Hope you enjoy, and if you want me to keep sharing the weekly workouts, let me know.


Monday, January 20, 2025

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 01/20/2025 }

 
Good morning dear friends and Happy Inauguration Day!!!

I am so thrilled to be here, to have been able to have voted for the first time this year, and to witness this miracle from God, take place.  We have had a very difficult past four years, we've had so much loss, so much grief, so many trials thrown our way.  There were times that I walked around with my Bible in hand, crying, not knowing how to move from one obstacle to the next.  It just felt like we were being bombarded by the enemy.

But, through it, God held our hand, and for me at least, he taught me how to pull closer, how to grow in my relationship with Him and how to become a bigger warrior for the Kingdom.  It makes everything we went through, worth it.

So Happy Inauguration Day to all!!!

Now, let's get on with our post for today.  I have to say, I am really enjoying posting daily.  Although, there will be days that the posts will be a day late, but that's because as I've done in the past, I prefer to live that day, document and take pictures, and then the next day I sit and put it all together and post it for the previous day.  It's still daily, and there will be a post every day on the blog, some on the actual day, some a day late.  I'm just thrilled that I have a post each and every day.  Feels like old blogging days.

Alright, enough babbling, have a blessed week my friends!
 

 
*** The weather in my neck of the woods*** 
Crazy, again.  On Friday we were in the 70s, then back down to 40s and yesterday, when we went to the gym in the morning, it was 4.  Hahaha  I don't even know what to say.  They are calling for some snow later this afternoon, so we will see. 
 
Monday - Cloudy,  34
Tuesday - Sunny, 37
Wednesday - Sunny, 52
Thursday - Sunny, 50
Friday - Sunny, 60 
Saturday - Partly cloudy, 62 
Sunday - Partly cloudy, 47
 
 
 *** Things that make me happy ***
Crocheted doilies.  They just make me smile.  Some people find them tacky or old fashioned, but I find that they remind me of my childhood, my great grandma and my grandmothers. 
 
 
*** Book I'm reading *** 
Currently doing The Bible Recap.
 
 Women of the West series, by Janette Oke. I am currently reading the second book, Julia's Last Hope.  Although, I am setting it aside to start my newer book which I've been waiting on to arrive from Portugal.
   
 

*** What's on my tv today *** 
YouTube
Homemaking vlogs, history documentaries.  
 
Hallmark
When Calls the Heart
 
Presidential Inauguration

 
*** On the breakfast plate *** 
Cup of coffee with almond and coconut milk, a bowl of weetabix with some of my homemade granola sprinkled over the top. 
 
 
*** On the lunch plate *** 
Not sure yet, probably a salad with a leftover burger.   
 
 
*** On the dinner plate *** 
Portuguese Steaks with Mashed Potatoes and Salad. 
 
 
*** On the menu *** 

Monday
Portuguese Steaks with Mashed Potatoes and Salad
Tuesday 
Charred Chicken Legs, Zucchini in Tomato Sauce, Rice for the boys
Wednesday 
Cilantro Lime Tilapia, Couscous, Broccoli and Cauliflower
Thursday
Spicy Three Pepper Turkey Fettucine, Garlic knots, Salad
Friday
Santa Fe Grilled Veggie Pizzas
Saturday
Fend for yourself
Sunday
Spaghetti Pie, Cheesy Garlic Bread, Salad


*** On my to do list *** 
Today:
Change bed linens
Get my 10k steps in
Laundry
 
This week:
Routine blood work on Tuesday
Start planning my garden for this year and gathering seeds
Start planning my new chickies, and get ready to order in a few weeks
 

*** New Recipe I tried or want to try *** 
Charred Chicken Legs....it's a new recipe for us. 
    
 
*** What I am creating ***
Nordic Winter Afghan, I really need to get this one finished and off the hook.
 
 
*** No words needed (favorite photo or picture) *** 
I love deer and have recently started bringing in more deer related decorations into the house. ♥  
 
 January 9, 2025
 

 
*** Devotional, Prayers, Bible Verses *** 
  Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor - Romans 12:10


Sunday, January 19, 2025

{ Weekend in Review }

2013_01150016

I don't have much to share, I had a very quiet weekend, the usual gym time with Curt, and then just time spent at home, doing housework, watching tv, reading, and spending time with the family.
 
Some weekends we are on the go and feel like we didn't get a rest, and some weekends we are homebodies (well most weekends we are homebodies), just doing whatever we wish, no commitments, no place to go, no need to be anywhere.  Those are by far my favorites.

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2013_01240020
 
Moments spent at home are just the best, aren't they?
 
Read:
Bible - Genesis and Job
Proverbs 18 and 19
 
Watched:
Youtube homemaking vlogs (I'll be sharing some of my newer favorites this coming week)
 
Ate:
Sonic - for the first time in over a year, and it did not go down well.  Never again lol
Shrimp Fajitas
Barbecue burgers and hotdogs (no buns, made a burger and brat bowl which was delicious)
 
 

Friday, January 17, 2025

{ New book - D. Teresa }

 
I love history, everything and anything about it, but especially England with all the kings and queens and so forth.

However, I almost always forget that Portugal has a very rich history also with royalty, and very close to England's.  I don't know why I never delved more into it's past, but it's something I want to do this year.
 
Did you know that the two nations have maintained the oldest continuously active diplomatic alliance in the world?  The Anglo-Portuguese Alliance, dates all the way back to 1373 when a treaty was signed between King Edward III of England and the Portuguese royal family.
 
They've cooperate in military missions and commercially for many centuries, seeing many royal marriages between the two.  
 
So, I had a book sent over from Portugal, written by Isabel Stilwell, a Portuguese journalist and writer who focuses on historic novels, short stories and children's books.

She has quite a few books on the Portuguese royalty, and the one I picked is called D. Teresa.  A great Queen of Portugal who ruled with a fist of iron.

From Wikipedia:

Theresa (Portuguese: Teresa; Galician-Portuguese: Tareja or Tareixa; Latin: Tarasia) (c. 1080 – 11 November 1130) was Countess of Portugal, and for a time claimant to be its independent Queen. She rebelled against her half-sister Queen Urraca of León. She was recognised as Queen by Pope Paschal II in 1116, but was captured and forced to accept Portugal's vassalage to León in 1121, being allowed to keep her royal title.[2] Her political alliance and amorous liaison with Galician nobleman Fernando Pérez de Traba led to her being ousted by her son, Afonso Henriques, who with the support of the Portuguese nobility and clergy, defeated her at the Battle of São Mamede in 1128. 
 
I am so excited to read this one.

Thursday, January 16, 2025

{ Cooking Thursday - Keto Pizza }

 



4 Ingredient Keto Pizza Crust

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
  • 2 tbsp cream cheese
  • 3/4 cup almond flour
  • 1 egg (beaten)
  • sauce & pizza toppings of your choice

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
  • In a large bowl, microwave the cream cheese and mozzarella together for 90 seconds, stirring half way through.
  • Stir in the almond flour and beaten egg to combine (if your dough appears to be too sticky, add in a little more almond flour). Knead with your hands until a dough forms.
  • Place the dough in between two large pieces of parchment paper and roll the dough out into a 10" circle, or until it's about 1/3 inch thick. (*See tips in the recipe notes below for keeping the dough from sticking to the paper).
  • Remove the top piece of parchment paper, and place the bottom sheet with the dough on it onto a pizza pan or upside down sheet pan.
  • Use a fork to pierce lots of holes throughout the dough to help it cook evenly and prevent bubbling.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes or until slightly golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and top it with sauce, cheese, and the toppings of your choice.
Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Gobble up. :-)
 

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

{ Finding comfort in simple homemaking chores }

January 14, 2025

Do you know what the best thing is about being a homemaker?

Being a homemaker!  

Having the privilege to take care of our homes, being able to do that, and to make an impact on our children's lives and our husband's well being too.  We are the keeper of the home, the one that creates a warm, cozy and safe environment for our families.

It is a blessing from God to be able to do this very important job.  If you don't see yourself as blessed as a homemaker, I encourage you to rethink and start appreciating just how lucky we are.

January 14, 2025

I find the most comfort when I'm busy in my home, doing the normal daily chores that may seem trivial and mundane to some.  I don't think it's just because of the routine it creates in knowing basically what you will be doing each day.  The familiarity of  it all, but I also think it is the fact that I actually do enjoy these tasks that face me.

Just wanted to bring you along on a pretty normal day for me. 

January 14, 2025
 
Laundry - there is always a constant flow of laundry to wash and dry and fold.

January 14, 2025
 
Plants - I have so many around the house, and every morning I check on them, see if any need water or pruning.  Above, I am actually checking on my Passion Fruit Tree, she doesn't not do well outside in the winter so we brought her in, and as you can tell she's a climber.  When spring comes around, she will go back outside.

January 14, 2025

January 14, 2025

January 14, 2025
 
Tidying up - I usually walk past the living room and den on my way to the kitchen, and tidy the couches, pillows, fold blankets etc.  The furry babies also get lots of kisses and hugs, just because. 

January 14, 2025

January 14, 2025

January 14, 2025
 
Kitchen - put away clean dishes and wash breakfast dishes, wipe down counters and cabinets. Take out meat for dinner.

January 14, 2025
 
January 14, 2025
 
Bible reading - when the house is pretty much set to order, I usually come back to my bedroom and sit on my bed to read my Bible.  The babies usually come back and take their naps too.

January 14, 2025

January 14, 2025
 
Computer work - I'll usually take this time to pay bills, check email, check the blog, and do anything else that needs doing.  Today it was meal planning.

January 14, 2025

January 14, 2025

January 14, 2025
 
Dinner and prepping for next day - Dinner time is always a busy time.  I make dinner, set the table, feed the family, then wash dishes, put away leftovers, prepare hubby's lunch for work the next day, set the coffee machine for the morning, wipe down counters, sweep the floors and make sure Elliott has food and water for overnight.

January 14, 2025

After shower, I get in bed and either read or watch something on the TV and am usually asleep by 9pm the latest.  

I've often been asked what I do during the day, or how I go about my usual homemaking days, so I hope this gives you an idea. 

Monday, January 13, 2025

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 01/13/2025 }

 
Good morning dear friends.
 
It is so cold right now, come on in out of the cold and have a cup of coffee with me.  
 
It is Monday morning, and if you didn't know this, aside from the weekend, I actually love Mondays.  I know, I know, you're probably thinking I've lost my marbles or need another cup of coffee.  Truth is, I do love Mondays, I love the start to a new week, I love a blank slate, I love setting the house to order after a slow relaxed weekend.  
 
I don't have much planned this week, other than some organizing I need to do, my routine blood test and grocery shopping.  
 
I wish you all a very good week ahead, hope it is a blessed one, and let's just really hope for a quiet and calm week, news wise.  January of 2025 has decided to come in with a huge bang, and I don't know about you, but I'm over it already.  Can we not have disasters and terror attacks and nonsense for a while, please?


 
*** The weather in my neck of the woods*** 
Quite cold right now.  We did have two days of snow last week Thursday and Friday, everything shut down in our city, and everyone was working from home.  Thankfully, the temperatures aren't too bad the next few days, upper 50s and 60s. 
 
Monday - Clear,  50
Tuesday - Sunny, 56
Wednesday - Mostly sunny, 57
Thursday - Sunny, 63
Friday - Partly cloudy, 71  (don't even know what to say to that lol)
Saturday - Partly cloudy, 45 
Sunday - Partly cloudy, 34
 
 
 *** Things that make me happy ***
Watching old shows I used to love as a child.  It's like you're immediately transported back in time, to simpler, happier days.        
 
 
*** Book I'm reading *** 
Currently doing The Bible Recap with Tara-Leigh Cobble, reading the Bible chronologically.  Am really enjoying it, but, I don't enjoy the podcast videos, and don't really agree with a lot of what Tara-Leigh has to say and her interpretation of the scripture reading for that day.  I just don't, so I continue to read the Bible and follow the plan, but will no longer be watching the daily videos. 
 
 Women of the West series, by Janette Oke. I am currently reading the second book, Julia's Last Hope.
   
 
 

*** What's on my tv today *** 
YouTube
Homemaking vlogs, history documentaries.  
 
Hallmark
When Calls the Heart

 
*** On the breakfast plate *** 
Had a cup of coffee, 2 scrambled eggs and 2 pieces of multigrain toast.  I find that when I have eggs for breakfast, it keeps me filled well beyond lunch, whereas when I have oatmeal or something else, it doesn't keep me as full.  
 
 
*** On the lunch plate *** 
Yogurt with granola and fruit.  
 
 
*** On the dinner plate *** 
Galinha no forno com arroz (Portuguese Chicken and Rice), mixed veggies. 
 
 Galinha no forno com arroz
 
 
*** On the menu *** 
New meal plan is in the works, so meals are only until Wednesday.

Monday
Galinha no forno com arroz (Portuguese Chicken and Rice), mixed veggies
Tuesday 
Fettucine Alfredo, Salad
Wednesday 
Homemade Pizza
Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday



*** On my to do list *** 
Today:
Change bed linens
Get my 10k steps in
Meal plan and grocery list
 
This week:
Workout and 10k steps every day
Clean out and organize hallway closet
Gym workout Saturday and Sunday
Routine blood work on Thursday morning
Grocery shopping

 
*** New Recipe I tried or want to try *** 
The Turkish Pasta last week was a hit, it will definitely go on rotation here at home.  I also made a Mexican Rice with Chorizo and Bacon, and that was a hit as well. 
    
 
*** What I am creating ***
Slowly plodding around with the Nordic Winter Afghan. 
 
 
*** No words needed (favorite photo or picture) *** 
Snow.  I always love a snow picture ♥ 
 
 

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