Hello Monday ~ March 30, 2026

 Hello & Happy Monday! 

How was your weekend?

I am backing up my weekend recap to last Thursday.  After a day at work, I went to see Nate Bargatze's comedy tour show.  I had seen him twice before and he was once again, so funny.  It is so good to see how he has done so well as a clean comedian that has been so well received. I loved spending the evening laughing!

Friday morning, I was at my sister's house bright and early to watch 5 of my great nieces.  I was scheduled to watch the 3 that are siblings and asked another one (their cousin) to join us.  The day before, I told my other niece to send her 1 year old too and I would watch her so she and her husband could have a brunch date while another one was at physical therapy.  There are always lots of moving parts with these kids schedules!  And, I found out my brother will have his 2nd grandchild arriving this fall.  That will make 14 great nieces and nephews for me :).

We went on a scooter walk later in the day.

They were really good, but my goodness, I was exhausted.  I think part of it was just the end of the week exhaustion and keeping 5 kids by myself.  I got home around 5:15, was in bed by 6:30 and turned off the lights by 9pm.

Saturday morning, I was up early because I was facilitating the women's retreat my church hosted.  I somehow was the one in charge of all the things that day, but we did have some others bring food.  We studied Psalm 63 and talked having Joy in the Desert. There have been some really difficult seasons in our church this year.  Particularly, one of our middle age moms husband died suddenly and completely unexpected last month.  She came to the retreat and we were so happy to see her and we all shared laughter and tears.

After the retreat time, a few of us walked to a nearby restaurant for lunch.  I had deviled eggs on a lettuce wrap.  It was tasty!

I ran a few errands, basically returns to Target and an Amazon return, a Facebook marketplace meet up and then got some yogurt.  This is my Saturday afternoon/evening by myself ritual to treat myself to yogurt.  I am getting re-adjusted to my time alone on weekends.  But, April looks to be a busier month, so I am thankful for some things to look forward to!

I later had chips for dinner, so I wasn't doing so great in the eating department later in the day.  Oh well.  Sometimes I lonely eat and it doesn't turn out so good.  Tomorrow is a new day though!

Saturday evening, I sat outside and made a fire.  I can't take my firepit to my apartment, which makes me a little sad, so I am going to try to have a few fires in the next few weeks, especially while the evenings are not too cold or hot.

Sunday, I was back at church and then I purchased some furniture from Facebook marketplace.  I am excited to put all my new things together in my new space!  I still have a few things to hopefully sell too before I move. Oh I keep thinking it will be so nice to have all my belongings paired down to a 2 bedroom apartment.  However, truth be told, I will probably keep most of my kids and my childhood bins stored at my parents for now.  Other than that, I hope to have most everything else under my own roof.  Maybe I am doing my kids a favor to not have a house to go though one day? I already save so many things that they may not even want.  One day, they will have their own house and I can send them their childhood things! Right now, they both rent a place, so they don't have room for the extra stuff.

It was fun to see Jenn again Sunday evening and we had an impromptu dinner out...Mexican, of course.  The sunset was beautiful at my house!

I am off to babysit today for a friend and then a normal week of work for me.  

Thanks for reading and for all your kind words and prayers!  

Monthly Musings ~ March 2026/Spring

 Hi friends. I am linking up today with Patty for Monthly Musings on a Spring theme!

1.  Does it feel like spring yet where you are?

Yes!  Since a cold front the first of last week has passed, it has been spring weather here.  I am in no hurry for heat yet.

2.  What spring holidays do you celebrate?

Officially, in the Spring season, I celebrate Easter and Memorial Day.

3. Any spring trips planned?

I have 3 trips planned for the spring season.  First, will be our 3rd annual bloggers trip.  I still remember going to Jenn saying, what do you think if I reached out to some bloggers for us to meet in real life?  It was a fun risk and I am so thankful for these friendships we have made! I have a work trip and then will travel for my daughter's college graduation.

4.  Favorite foods to eat share for spring holidays?

Two of my favorites are broccoli salad and salmon, both of which I made this week.

5. Are there any spring festivals in your area?

There is a spring festival in May & I have seen a few other things advertised, but my April is already pretty booked on weekends.

6. Best spring allergy relief tip?

An air purifier & over the counter medicine are the 2 things that come to mind, but I don't suffer too bad from allergies.

7.  What makes you think, "ok, now it is finally spring"?

When I see flowers in bloom and all the pastel colors, it says spring to me.

8. Spring rain....love or dislike?

I love a beautiful day, but I know we need the rain too to have the flowers in bloom.  It is nice to have a break from the rain though!

9. Special spring holiday dessert or treat?

My favorite Easter candy are robin eggs, but I try not to eat them because they are addicting for me!  I love a key lime pie or anything key lime.

10.  Favorite spring cocktail or mocktail?

I am always a fan of a frozen strawberry margarita!

Thanks for reading & enjoy your day!

Hodgepodge ~ March 25, 2026

 Happy Hodgepodge Day!

1. It's officially spring in the northern hemisphere. Does it feel like spring in your part of the world? If you're in the southern hemisphere it's officially autumn where you live. Does the weather say autumn? Which do you prefer-spring or autumn? Why? 

The first week of Spring has been beautiful, spring weather so far!  I like spring and autumn, but it seems like our autumn weather sticks around longer than the spring weather. 

2. What's your favorite thing about spring? 

I love seeing the flowers in bloom and use to love seeing when my plants would come up from the ground in my yard.  

3. Spring into action, spring in your step, spring to life, spring to one's feet...which spring idiom currently applies to your life in some way? Explain.  

Spring to life....I told a friend last weekend that I feel like the year is just beginning with the beginning of spring! I feel like it is easier in the spring to be productive so I also feel like I am springing into action with a little spring to my step.

4. Which spring food from this list is your favorite? What's a dish you like that includes your favorite spring ingredient? 

asparagus, strawberries, salad greens like mesclun, artichokes, spinach, eggs, peas, spring onions

strawberries

5. What's one task on your spring cleaning list? Do you actually have a list? 

I don't actually have a list, but I am currently packing up my house so I am going through things more so than cleaning. I have a stack of clothes to donate & need to  organize papers. I am going through a few more things before I move to decide if I really need these things anymore.  I am sure I will get rid of more things once I move into the apartment and see what I need and don't need. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

This week has me reflective. 3 years ago this week my best friend, my husband walked out on me.  It was devastating.  I've spent some nights this week crying and sitting alone once again. It is unbearable pain and loneliness even 3 years later.  My life would never be the same.  It was a situation I never thought would happen.  But sin creeps in and when repentance doesn't occur, destruction follows.  I have said the past few years have felt like having surgery awake, feeling every pain. Yes, I have so many benefits to being single, but single, living alone and not having a partner isn't what I want.  I guess I am being honest here, but it is weird to share this since my blog readers are all in a relationship. I am thankful in my tears, I was able to text a friend to ask for prayers. I am thankful I have some good things to look forward to this year.  I am thankful for the healing and how far I have come the past 3 years thanks to God's goodness.  Life is short.  And I hope Jesus comes back soon. 

Hello Monday ~ March 23, 2026

 Happy Monday morning to you!

My weekend began after I finished work Friday morning and met my parents for lunch at Newks.  Brook and her boyfriend also joined us. Do you have a Newks near you?  This is a salad/soup/sandwich counter restaurant.

We stopped by to see 5 of the greats and then went to a new to us coffee shop owned by the owners of Crew and Co.  Are you familiar with this company?  They have a large following and got their start by creating scripture cards and they also rebind bibles and have a good inventory of gifts.  The owners are good friends with my niece and her family.

Saturday morning, my girl made the 9 hour drive back to her university.  I don't do well when people leave, so I got out of the house for the day.  I went to an estate sale, furniture stores, and a few other random stores.

In case you can't read this, there was a 1994 Lincoln Towncar for sale for $4,000.00.

I went by Whole Foods for an Amazon return.  This lady literally rolled in a big suitcase, not check in size, with about 10 individual grocery sacks and inside of each sack were multiple items to return.  Thankfully they had 2 registers with employees so everyone didn't have wait on her.

They also had 2 ice cream bars that looked good....first, a London Fog.  Hmm...interesting since I began drinking these last fall.  PSI....they also sell Jeni's ice cream bars (in addition to their regular ice cream in pint sizes).  Jeni's is so good and worth the splurge in price and calories.  

Found me a friend since I was a solo shopper. 

I asked a friend if she wanted to meet me for yogurt Saturday afternoon, but they all have families with plans for Saturdays. I am recognizing unless I am out of town or have another event to attend, everyone has plans on weekends, so I am less and less asking people to join me to do something.  I still enjoyed me some yogurt for my snack/lunch & pressed on with my day though with a smile!

I did a drive by my of my new apartment.

I made nachos for dinner....chips, lettuce tomatoes, ground turkey and then I had some cheese dip I put on top.  It was so good!

Sunday, I went to church and spent the afternoon beginning to pack the rental house.  Packing will be a part of my routine for the next few weeks.  I won't have too much furniture to pack since I have sold some of mine and need to buy some more.  As of this past Friday, I don't own a table anymore.  I gave my dining room table to my niece last fall.  I sold my patio table and chairs the weekend prior and last weekend, I sold my kitchen table, chairs and rug.  I probably won't have room in my new apartment for a table.  See, I told y'all I am getting creative!  Even thought I don't have a lot of furniture anymore, I have plenty of boxes to pack and move.  I will get some new furniture and am excited about that.  

I went back to church later in the afternoon for an Easter Egg hunt and church potluck dinner.  It was a beautiful weather weekend here. 

 Hope your Monday is lovely and thanks for reading!

Hodgepodge ~ March 18, 2026

 Happy Hodgepodge and Wednesday!   

1. St. Patrick's Day lands on March 17th. Do you believe in luck? Are there things you do thinking they'll  bring good luck or  things you avoid because they're considered bad luck? 

I do think some people have better luck at things than others its seems with some areas in life.  However, I believe God has a different story for each of us and determines our steps and will provide for me, even though it doesn't look like luck is on my side. I don't necessarily avoid or do things for luck. I just lower my expectations in most areas of life these days :).

2. Forest-lime-sage-mint-olive-emerald...what's your favorite shade of green? 

Back in the 90's, hunter green was my favorite in the decorating realm.  I do like the deep, rich color of a forest green. But, I also like a sage and olive color in the world of decorating too.  If we are talking about fashion, a kelly green is my favorite.

3. In Ireland the meal on this day is often a hearty beef or lamb stew served with colcannon (mashed potato mixed with cabbage and leeks). In the US corned beef and cabbage is the more typical St. Patty's Day meal. Will you/did you mark the day with one of these dishes? Baked-fried-roasted-mashed...what's your favorite way to eat a potato?

I won't be eating a traditional Irish meal. However, maybe some potato soup would be the closest thing for an Irish meal for me!  I would make some Irish soda bread, but I feel like I have enough bread with my sourdough.

I like a potato any way you serve it. My favorite would be roasted potatoes.  I like to cut up potatoes, sometime a mixture of regular and sweet, add salt, pepper, garlic powder and drizzle with olive oil to bake.  If I have one on hand, I also like to cut up an onion and cook it with the potatoes too.

4. What color of the rainbow best represents your personality/mood today? Tell us why. 

Orange: Endurance, healing, and creativity - I am still enduring the single life, while enjoying the benefits, but missing having a partner in life too. I am healing from betrayal after a 27 year marriage.  I am feeling creative as I am working on decorating a new place soon.

Green: Nature, growth, and renewal - With the first day of spring coming up Friday, I am thankful for a time to be out in nature more.  I am growing in learning how to take care of myself first.  I am renewing who I am as a single person and being okay with being alone as much as I can.  As y'all know, I struggle with loneliness, but I am learning again how to combat that.  

5. Which 'lucky' quote resonates with you. Elaborate. 

 'Luck is not something you can mention in the presence of self-made men.' E.B. White 

'Diligence is the mother of good luck." Benjamin Franklin 

'Luck is where opportunity meets preparation.' Seneca 

'Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect.' Ralph Waldo Emerson 

I honestly didn't resonate with any of these phrases.  I probably need time to reflect on that about me!

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I have an exciting announcement....I have found a new place to live!

I move into an apartment next month & I am so excited!  I have been shopping online and a little bit in stores for some new things.  A few things have arrived in the last week that I have ordered online and I feel like I have some creativity in decorating a new place with new things!  I will keep you posted with pictures in the next 6-8 weeks once I get settled. 

Happy mid-week morning to you and thank you for reading!

Talking About it Tuesday/Grocery Haul ~ March 17, 2026

 Good morning.  Today is St. Patrick's Day and I am so lucky to have this sweet community!  I am thankful for each of you!  

Today, I am sharing some of my recent grocery haul. I know bloggers recently did this for a link up & I did a post like this at some point in the past, but it has been a while!

I keep protein powder and flax seed on hand to add to my smoothies. I also use the greek yogurt in my smoothies.

I really like the Simple Mills brand of crackers.  They have different varieties of their almond flour crackers, which are all good.

For fruit, I usually have apples and strawberries on hand.

For drinks, I like the sugar free sweet tea and I have both caffeine free diet coke and coke zero.

The bread flour is used for making sourdough bread :)

I am not a coffee drinker, but when Brook is home, I keep iced coffee and creamer on hand for her. 

 I also bought up bananas to have while she was home.  I don't have them often, but I do love a Sumo orange and found one on sale last week.

I bought a few bags of grated cheese and cheese sticks. I often eat the cheese sticks as a snack.

I love carrots and hummus as a snack!

For baking, I try to have zero sugar chocolate chips on hand and these were on sale recently.

I bought the applesauce to have on hand to use for baking in place of using oil.  I also use the unbleached all purpose flour when making sourdough.

An impulse buy was the package bag of Garrett's popcorn.  When I have visited Chicago, I always like to get some Garrett's popcorn.  This flavor is good enough to eat, but I wouldn't buy this same flavor again.  

I bought some cheese dip/queso and a bag of Siete chips.  Have you tried this brand?  These have a lime flavor to them, but they also have regular tortilla chips.  These are made in avocado oil and no seed oils. 

I also bought a salad kit and broccoli.  Typically when I buy a bag of salad, I make one really good salad, put the bag back in my fridge and throw the rest away 2 weeks later, ha!  I need to pre-assemble some salads all at the same time so it will be easier to grab and eat/go.  I have a few plastic/tupperware containers, but have just ordered some glass containers to use.  Hopefully having the right containers will help me portion out some meals.

I usually always have protein bars on hand, since I eat one most mornings.  I also have frozen strawberries in my freezer to use for smoothies.  I try to keep some cut up veggies and some cooked meats as well in my freezer. I always have eggs in the fridge too, as I try to cook those at least 2 days a week.

Well, there is my randomness for today's post and hope you enjoy your day!

Hello Monday ~ March 16, 2026/Tulip Edition

 Good morning!  I hope you all are well this Monday morning.  What was the highlight of your weekend?  I have a few highlights to share this Monday.  

Friday after work and some errands, I made bread and prepped some sliced strawberries and pecans for a salad for dinner because I had company joining me....my daughter!  I know a lot of you have dinner with your kids often, but this is a rare treat for me.  

I also got some fresh flowers for the house.

After dinner outside on the patio, we did our nails and started watching the Harry Styles special on Netflix. We only got half way through though because we were both ready for bed.

I cooked breakfast Saturday morning and then we went to a local art gallery/gardens to see the tulips in bloom.  An employee told us it was the best day of bloom and it had been a good week for their prime.  I am so glad we went when we did because last year, I went probably a week too late when they weren't in their prime. We met up with our dear friends there and enjoyed being with them.  This is the mother/daughter who I hosted the wedding shower for last weekend.

I took a lot of pictures of the tulips so to avoid photo overload, I did a collage of all the photos.  

Saturday evening, I made dinner....brisket, roasted potatoes and broccoli. I also made a Key Lime Pie....after all, it was Pie Day, 3.14! If we are keeping track, I made bread and salad Friday night, breakfast Saturday morning and now dinner Saturday night.  This is a lot of cooking for me, but it felt nice to do this!

 

Sunday was church & then I spent the day at home back by myself listening to the storms.  Brook stayed out late last night, so I won't see her until later this morning :).

Enjoy your day!