{ A new range, and an old house issue }

A few weeks ago, I mentioned the issue I was having with my wall double oven, and how I needed to get a new one.  While trying to figure out what to do, we quickly learned that new double ovens are not only super expensive, but they wouldn't even fit the space we have in the kitchen.

See this house was built in 1969.

I won't say the double oven is from back then too, but it IS about 15 years old.  And little.  And they don't make these ovens anymore.  And they also don't make parts for these ovens anymore.  And they also don't make ovens with these dimensions anymore either.  So just an all around pain the behind.

I told hubby, I was fine with getting a range, with a new stove and a new oven.  My old cooktop was not working right either.  For about 2 years, I only really could use one of the burners, and it would turn on to the highest setting, burn really hot, and then never get any lower in heat.  I would have to turn it off completely to get it to turn down, but then it would turn completely off.

You get the picture.  

I don't know how I've managed to cook meals, and sometimes huge meals for get togethers and holidays, on that one single burner.  But I did it.

We went to pick the range, and both decided on the one we wanted.  It even has an air fryer function and a dehydrator function in the oven.  That got my attention.  

We bought it, they had to order it, and then yesterday it got delivered, first thing in the morning.  Before that though, we knew we would have to remove the old cooktop.  Cut into the counters, to make room for the new range.

No biggie, we have family and friends that are contractors and they looked at it and said it wouldn't be hard to do at all.  We were feeling mighty confident.

Until we removed the cooktop and saw what waited beneath.  First of all, hardwired in, no outlet, plug, whatever thingamabob you want to call it.  It meant we Curt would have to rewire it and put in a plug.  I'm thankful for a husband that knows how to do these things.

That was the easy part.  The hard part was cutting through the counters, and dealing with the slapped together pieces of wood that were underneath.

The cuts for the cooktop itself were all off, none were straight.  The wood board underneath was a mess, there were holes and I can't even begin to tell you.  

The feeling of wanting to run away and say "let's just forget the range", became overwhelming at some points.  But we pushed through.  Only to then realize that the plug we had put in wasn't the right plug anyway, because the range needs a 4 prong.  So that had to be rewired in, AGAIN.  During hubby's lunch hour, he zipped home and did it then zipped back to work.

We also need to cut off the bottom piece, because the range can't sit on that.  

Has that been done yet?  Well no, we need a new saw because cutting through the countertops broke off the blade.  So that has to be done this weekend.

I'm thankful and blessed with a huge kitchen, because I have a range (working one at that), just sitting against the counter, in the space it will eventually fit into.  Cooking has been joyful, being able to use an oven again, and having 4 burners at my disposal makes me feel like I'm a Queen in a Castle.  

But I will say, I can't wait to have that range in it's place.

It's quite comical in a way.  I had the air conditioning guys come this morning to switch the filter on the unit and do the usual 6 month maintenance, and their face was quite funny when they say a stove in a very awkward position.  Hahahah

In the meantime, life continues.  There are meal plans to be put together, bread to be baked, meals to be cooked, a home to be cleaned and so forth.

I wouldn't say I have had the best of days.  I am having one of those where I am just so done with everything around me.  Done with the chaos and nonsense of this world.  Done with high prices, and feeling like we're back pinching pennies.

I think we all go through these days, where everything seems to be coming at us, and we don't know which way we're facing anymore.  Tomorrow, will be a better day.

But for today, I'm just gonna let this pity party go on for a few more hours, before I fall asleep.

Mind you, I've had a good cry this afternoon.  Then told myself to stop it, chin up and push forward.  And that is what I'm doing.

Mama said there'd be days like this!

{ Happy Homemaker Monday - 08/01/2022 }

EDIT:  Ladies, I apologize profusely for the issue with the post today.  I ran into an html error code and couldn't for the life of me find it.  Thought I did, but thankfully our sweet friend Carrie, sent me an Instagram message, which prompted me to come back in and check.  Low and behold, the error was still here.  I think I FINALLY found it and it seems to be working now.  So sorry!!!

 

Good morning dear ladies, how are you all doing this Monday morning? I woke up to cloudy skies and a cool breeze, which I'm very thankful for. Even if we don't get rain, at least it cools things down a bit. 

I have a busy Monday, and I wish I could just spend it faffing around the house, but that's not going to happen, so we will try and get everything done as quick as possible, then maybe get some reading time in. 

Have a blessed week, and let's get right on with our post for today. 

 

 

 

 

♥♥ The Weather ♥♥ 

I have nothing to say, other than, I'm sick and tired of these temps.  Bring on Fall and bring it soon, because the no rain, and the constant hot weather is starting to get on my nerves. Last week the skies turned dark, we had a ton of loud thunder and not a drop of rain fell.  These are called Dry Thunderstorms, and it means that the rain droplets evaporate before even hitting the ground, that's how hot it's been here.  Crazy.

Monday -  Mostly cloudy, 103

Tuesday - Mostly Sunny, 105

Wednesday - Mostly Sunny 106

Thursday - Partly cloudy, 104

Friday - Partly cloudy, 102

Saturday - Mostly sunny, 102

Sunday - Mostly sunny, 101

♥♥  As I look outside my window ♥ 

Cloudy skies, and a slight breeze moving across the trees.  I do quite enjoy gloomy days, I don't know why, but I do.  

 

From my dining room table, I can see the field across the street and all the green trees forming a line.  I like to imagine that just beyond that line of trees, is a gorgeous forest, but that's not the case, it's just a small river (which is dry at the moment), and fields.

 

 

 

♥♥  Right now I am ♥♥ 

Working on this post, after paying bills. 

 

 

 

♥♥  Thinking and pondering ♥♥ 

On all I need doing.  Also, our new stove range arrives this morning, and we had to pull out the old counter cooktop, rewire everything to fit in a normal plug, and cut the actual countertop to make a space for the range.

 

It wasn't as bad as we thought, although as always, there were a few frustrating moments.  But in the end we got it ready and now just waiting for the stove. 

 

 

 

♥♥  How am I feeling ♥♥ 

Slightly frustrated with the weather, but nothing that would put a damper on the rest of my day.  I'm also quite excited for the new stove and oven, I have been wanting to make bread and haven't been able to.

 

 

 

♥♥  On the breakfast plate ♥♥ 

Cup of coffee with Donut Creamer, and an actual maple donut.  All the donut feelings this morning. 

 

 

 

♥♥   On the lunch plate ♥♥ 

I couldn't cook last night, since we had removed the old stove.  We picked up some Panda Express, and I still have half of mine left in the fridge, so I'll have that for lunch. 

 

 

 

♥♥  On the dinner plate ♥♥ 

Gnocchi Bolognese, Garlic Knots, Salad.

 

 

 

♥♥  What I'm wearing  ♥♥ 

Comfy summer dress, black with white stripes.   

 

 

 

 ♥♥  On my reading pile ♥♥ 

Reading through Isaiah in the Bible

Paul David Tripp New Morning Mercies devotional. 

Janette Oke's Women of the West, book two Julia's Last Hope 

This list really needs to change, I have so many books I want to read, and feel like not enough time in the day.

 

 

♥♥  On my TV this week  ♥♥ 

Mad About You 

Homemaking vlogs 

Becoming Elizabeth 

The Murder of Daniella Perez - Brazilian documentary on HBO Max

 

 

 

♥♥  On the menu  ♥♥ 

 

Monday - Gnocchi Bolognese, Garlic Knots, Salad

Tuesday - Smoked Kielbasa and Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts

Wednesday -  Tuna Spaghetti, Salad

Thursday - Pork Chops with Mustard Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Veggies

Friday - *Grocery Shopping*

Saturday - 

Sunday -

♥♥  Looking around the house  ♥♥ 

It is so quiet and quite dark as well.  Curt has left for work, Nick is working on his Permit Test, and Jasmine is still asleep as this is her day off.  Elliott is sleeping on a dining chair next to me, and Kaia is sleeping on the couch nearby. 

 

 

♥♥  To Do List ♥♥ 

- Happy Homemaker Monday post

- Pay bills

- Start new menu plan

- Laundry

- Take Jasmine for her driver's test

- Reorganize kitchen after stove is delivered

 

 

♥♥  From the camera  ♥♥ 

I love my little writing desk, computer area.  It is a place I can sit at, in the quiet, with everything I need nearby. 

 

 

 

 

♥♥  Devotional  ♥♥ 

You’ll never be perfect this side of heaven, but the Lord shows you how to think and act so you can “walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1).

{ Slow Saturday in Pictures }

{ What Will They Think by Grace Valentine - TLC Book Tour }

 

About What Will They Think?: Nine Women in the Bible Who Can Help You Live Your Life Boldly

 

Paperback: 240 Pages

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (July 12, 2022)

 

In this inspiring guide for young women, Grace Valentine shines a spotlight on nine courageous women in the Bible who lived their faith boldly. In a world that pressures you to seek validation from others, learn to focus on what truly matters.

“What will they think?” It’s a question that consumes many women and may even stop them from living the lives God has called them to live. Whether it’s don’t be too loud, don’t be too aggressive, or your role is to be a sidekick for men, women struggle to live a life that is about pleasing others—but Scripture describes women who actually did the opposite.

In this third release from popular blogger and podcaster Grace Valentine, What Will They Think? features the stories of nine incredible women in the Bible, including Esther, Deborah, Sarah, Mary Magdalene, and Tabitha. These women did not bend to peer pressure or seek to people-please but instead turned their focus on God.

What Will They Think? contains:

• Inspiring and motivating stories of strong women who lived courageously in their faith
• Practical steps on how to stop caring what others think and focus on what truly matters
• Personal stories from Grace’s life and her own struggle to stop focusing on the opinions of others

For inspiration found in the lives of these biblical heroes, What Will They Think? provides steps to finding freedom to live life boldly and to stop caring about what others might think.

 

About Grace Valentine

Grace Valentine is an author, blogger, podcast host, and speaker. Her readers love the fact that she is young, ordinary, and relatable; they say her fresh voice helps them navigate their own faith and life. Grace’s mission is to show others that Christianity is not lame–it is an adventure worth living.

Grace grew up near New Orleans, Louisiana, in a suburban town called Mandeville. She graduated from Baylor University in 2018 with a degree in journalism. She currently resides in Orlando, Florida, where she enjoys going on runs and eating lots of sushi. You can find Grace on Instagram @thegracevalentine; her podcast, I’m Tired; Twitter @GraceV96; or her website, GraceValentine.org. Grace loves connecting with her readers, so send her a message!

 

 

REVIEW:

This book was superb, from beginning to end.

 

Number one, it is a short book, short chapters, very easy to read but packs such a punch.  For one, it brings to light some of the most important women in the Bible, something I feel isn't done enough through books.

 

The theme of the book itself is about people pleasers, or those who always worry about what others will think.  I used to be one of those, I would say yes to things I didn't want to do, because I didn't want to be honest and say no for fear of what they would say or think.

 

It was so nerve wrecking living my life that way. 

 

Grace Valentine highlights women in the Bible who went against the grain, so to speak.  Women who decided to speak their minds, do what they wanted to, make their decisions, and not worry about what others' may say.

 

The very first chapter is about one of my favorite women, Esther.  Esther played a huge important part in the Bible.  She could have kept quiet, tried to just blend in and definitely not made waves, but she chose to stand up, say something, stand her ground, and in doing so puts a stop to an inevitable annihilation of the Jews.

 

Along with Esther, the book mentions many other well known names, such as Sarah, Mary Magdalene, Deborah and Tabitha.  Each women teaches us to speak up, to not shy away, and intermingled with the author's own experiences and her faith, we are given really interesting and informative advice to live life boldly and not worry about what other's are thinking or saying.

 

Loved this book so much!!!

 

Thank you to TLC Book Tours and Thomas Nelson for providing me with a review copy.

 

 

 

{ Who's ready for more Period Dramas to watch?}

 

 

Oh you guys, it's been a hot minute since I've done one of my upcoming Period Dramas posts.  I guess since I wasn't blogging as often, and I wasn't watching as much TV either, it kind of fell to side and I wasn't looking for what is coming up.

But, I've been wanting to get back into my Period Dramas, so went looking to see just what is already released that I have missed, what is releasing soon or towards the end of the year.  And, ohhhhhhh there are some pretty good ones that I am really looking forward to.

 

Downtown Abbey A New Era

The Crawley family goes on a grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the dowager countess's newly inherited villa.

 

Available now on:  Peacock TV,  Youtube, Google Play, Vudu, Apple TV, Amazon Prime

 

 

The Gilded Age

The American Gilded Age was a period of immense economic change, great conflict between the old ways and brand new systems, and huge fortunes were made and lost. In 1882, young Marian Brook moves from rural Pennsylvania to New York City after the death of her father to live with her aunts Agnes van Rhijn and Ada Brook. 

 

Accompanied by Peggy Scott, an aspiring writer seeking a fresh start, Marian inadvertently becomes enmeshed in a social war between one of her aunts, a scion of the old money set, and her stupendously rich neighbors, a ruthless railroad tycoon and his ambitious wife, George and Bertha Russell. Exposed to a world on the brink of the modern age, Marian must choose if she will follow the established rules of society or forge her own path.

 

Available now on:  HBO Max, Hulu, Youtube, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu, Amazon Prime

 

 

Persuasion (2022)

When Frederick Wentworth -- the one who got away -- crashes back into Anne Elliot's life, she must choose between putting the past behind her or listening to her heart when it comes to second chances.

 

Available now on:  Netflix

 

 

Mr. Malcolm's List

In 19th-century England, a wealthy, young lady named Julia engages in courtship with Mr. Malcolm, a mysterious, wealthy suitor, unaware that he has a list of qualities required of a future wife.

 

Available now on:  Youtube, Google Play, Apple TV, Amazon Prime

 

 

The Railway Children Return

Picking up nearly forty years after the events of the original film, THE RAILWAY CHILDREN RETURN will take audiences on an exciting and heart-warming journey, in which a new group of children are evacuated to a Yorkshire village during World War 2, where they encounter a young soldier, who like them, is far away from home…

 

Available now on:  Roku 

Becoming Elizabeth

Follow Elizabeth Tudor, an orphaned teenager, who becomes embroiled in the political and sexual politics of the English court on her journey to secure the crown.

 

Available now on:   STARZ, Hulu, Roku, Youtube TV

Florence Pugh's The Wonder

A tale of two strangers who transform each other's lives, a psychological thriller, and a story of love pitted against evil.

 

Set in Ireland c.1862, the story follows an English nurse called Lib Wright. She goes to a rural village to observe what locals consider it a miracle – an 11-year-old girl who has survived without food for months.

 

Available:  Netflix late 2022

 

 

Emily

 

Emily Brontë, a young woman, dares to form herself and to embrace her true nature, despite the consequences.

 

Available: October 14th, UK 

 

  

The Essex Serpent

Newly widowed Cora, having been released from an abusive marriage, relocates from Victorian London to a small village in Essex, intrigued by a local superstition that a mythical creature known as the Essex Serpent has returned to the area.

 

Available now on:  Apple TV

 

 

 

The Serpent Queen

 

The Serpent Queen is an upcoming American period drama television series revolving around the life of Catherine de' Medici. It was created by Justin Haythe and based on the 2004 non-fiction book Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France by Leonie Frieda.

 

Available:  STARZ late 2022

 

 

 

 

 

Leonardo

Exploring the secrets and drama behind the genius of Leonardo da Vinci -- his life, his work and his personal struggles set against the backdrop of Renaissance Italy. "Leonardo" follows da Vinci as he grows into an unparalleled genius and renowned polymath whose work overturns the established order. 

 

His restless curiosity about art, science and technology is driven by a profound quest for knowledge and he's determined to unfold the mysteries of the world around him. The series unlocks the enigma of this extraordinary man, through an untold story of mystery and passion.

 

Available now on:  Roku, and will release on The CW in August.