Happy Homemaker Monday - September 30, 2019

Happy Monday!  It's time again to join Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom's Happy Homemaker Monday  Where did September go?

The weather:::

Mon

61°

40°

Tue

63°

43°

Wed

57°

47°

Thu

59°

46°

Fri

62°

48°

Sat

60°

49°

Sun

62°

49°

On the breakfast plate this morning:::
Giving intermittent fasting a try by skipping breakfast.  It used to be that breakfast was the most important meal of the day but now fasting has shown to be beneficial to your health - sixteen hours is recommended so I'm trying 6:00pm in the evening to noon the following day.  My sister recommended The Science of Fasting on Netflix. 

Right now I am:::
Finishing this post so I can add it to the link and then go back to bed for a little while.

On my bedside table:::
My water, diffuser, Renew lotion, and a coconut/jasmine candle, not to burn, just for the scent.    

On my reading pile:::
Finished both of my library books and I have another waiting to be picked up so in the meantime, I'm shopping my bookshelves and found another Sisterchicks book that I appear not to have read, Sisterchicks in Sombreros by Robin Jones Gunn.

Movies or Shows I watched this weekend:::
Poldark, Season 4 in preparation for the final season, Episode 5 of Season 10 of the Great British Baking Show - 1920s - very interesting to see what foods/food trends began in the 1920s.

On my TV this week:::

TV: 
Great British Baking Show, Season 10, Episode 6
Call the Midwife (looks like a new season on Netflix but I haven't investigated it yet)

You Tube:
December Daily
Caroline (Mrs. M)
Pretty Neat Living

On the menu for this week:::
Starting the Whole 30 with my sister and brother-in-law.  Made shepherd's pie for lunches - yes, I know it was on the menu for last week but I never get tired of it.  Need to go through my Whole 30 collection of cookbooks to try something new but didn't decide to take the plunge until I talked to my sister early Sunday morning.

On my to do list:::
Housework:::It's the master bathroom this week on the Holiday Grand Plan.
Bedroom:::Still doing well on making the bed.  With the drop in temperatures, just the blanket wasn't enough so it's time for the flannel sheets - so cozy!
Kitchen:::Wipe counters, top up the Brita - did my weekly dishwasher load, run, and unload on Friday night/Saturday morning.
Still working on budgeting - finally got all of our unpaid housing allowance so it's time to replenish funds and amend the income/expenses going forward.

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
Zero accomplished although more December supplies arrived.

Looking forward to:::
A successful Whole 30 - we can do it, we can do it, we can do it!

Looking around the house:::
Looks good, keeping up every day helps so much.  I call it my Tackle It in 20 - 20 minutes dedicated to one task.   

From the camera:::

Saw these colored loops out of the corner of my eye at Joann and thought "They look like Fruit Loops" - I guess the manufacturer thought the same when they gave the yarn its name.  No needles, no hooks, all hands sounded intriguing but there weren't any instructions on the package.

What I'm wearing today:::
Nightgown and fleece robe.  Woke up with a terrible headache and called in sick to work.  This may or may not be what I wear all day and perhaps that's just what I need (see below). 

Thinking about:::
Life after Okinawa.  It's not looking good for Vic to get orders to Washington and I'm just sick about another separation.  I know it's still quite some time away but these things are planned so far in advance.  It was suggested that he go to Guam next - uh no, just no, absolutely NO.  Somewhere in the continental United States other than Washington it will be then but since he turned down Guam, it will more than likely be a "you will go here" option rather than a choice.  No doubt all of this has contributed to my massive headaches over the last week.  

Bible verse, Devotional, prayers::: 
Don't panic.  I'm with you.  There's no need to fear for I'm your God.  I'll give you strength.  I'll help you.  I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you. - Isaiah 41:10 from The Message

Praying for something to change in the scheduling for Vic's next orders.  Continuing to pray for Sophia as she enters the second month of her student teaching and for family members and friends coping with illness.

Friday Favorites

Another royal wedding!

The Duke and Duchess of York are delighted to announce the engagement of Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice of York to Mr. Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.

I was going to save this until Tuesday but I just couldn't wait - a royal wedding tops my list of favorite occasions.

Thankful, Grateful, Blessed #5

I am thankful for the rain.  Contrary to popular belief, it does not rain ALL the time in Washington and it hasn't rained for quite some time hence all the brown yards around here.  Yes, we do get more than our fair share of rain but we're used to it and it makes everything so green and lush.  People don't carry umbrellas in Washington because with rain comes a bit of wind at times so investing in a good rain jacket with a hood is a better option.

We've had some rain in the past few days and I love it.  I love waking up to the sound of it on the window, smelling how fresh everything seems after it rains, and I still love a good puddle.

You'll never hear me say rain, rain, go away.  My Mum loved the rain as well and her brother always used to tease us and say that we must have been ducks in a prior life!  Rainy days always make me think of Mum and I can hear her say, "Isn't it lovely?  Put the kettle on, love, and we'll have a pot of tea."

If this is Tuesday, it must be England #111

Happy Birthday to one of my favorite British actresses, Felicity Kendal.

The 1975 television series, The Good Life, is one of her best known works.  It's the hilarious tale of a suburban couple, Tom and Barbara Good, who give up the rat race in favor of self-sufficiency, much to the chagrin of their snooty but lovable next-door neighbors, Margo and Jerry Leadbetter.

Felicity Kendal, Richard Briers, Penelope Keith, and Paul Eddington as Barbara and Tom Good, and Margo and Jerry Leadbetter.

A more recent work, Rosemary and Thyme, is another favorite - Pam Ferris as Laura Thyme and Felicity Kendal as Rosemary Boxer are a sleuthing gardening team.

Rosemary and Thyme is available on DVD as is The Good Life although it is a little harder to find.   Rosemary and Thyme is also available on some streaming services.  I highly recommend both.

Happy Homemaker Monday - September 23, 2019

Happy Monday!  It's time again to join Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom's Happy Homemaker Monday  Happy First Day of Autumn!

The weather:::

Mon

62°

56°

Tue

68°

52°

Wed

67°

51°

Thu

63°

48°

Fri

58°

47°

Sat

60°

47°

Sun

59°

44°

On the breakfast plate this morning:::
I found the most amazing bacon at my local grocery store this weekend - Hempler's European (Center Cut) Bacon.  If you've ever had English bacon, this is it!  It was pricey ($8.99) but there are 15 slices so if you use it sparingly, it's a lovely treat.  The smell of it cooking took me right back to every English breakfast I've ever eaten - at home, at a hotel, at my aunt's and grandmother's house - lovely memories.  This is a long-winded way to say I cooked up an extra piece to take to work - love a bacon butty!  

Right now I am:::
Heading off to work, the mornings are chilly and getting chillier but I would never complain about that!

On my bedside table:::
My water, diffuser, Renew lotion, and a coconut/jasmine candle, not to burn, just for the scent.    

On my reading pile:::
The Gown:  A Novel of the Royal Wedding by Jennifer Robson.  It's a wonderful book, I have to force myself to put it down so I don't read it all in one sitting.

Movies or Shows I watched this weekend:::
The Last Czars on Netflix, Episode 4 of Season 10 of the Great British Baking Show - Dairy.

On my TV this week:::

TV: 
Great British Baking Show, Season 10, Episode 5
Agatha Raisin 

You Tube:
December Daily
Caroline (Mrs. M)
Pretty Neat Living

On the menu for this week:::
I tried two potentials for a Christmas Afternoon Tea, Seafood Quiches and Beef Fillet Canapes with Mushroom-Caper Butter.  Both didn't require very many ingredients because they are so small (2 tablespoons each of shrimp, scallops, and lump crabmeat for the quiches which I can buy in those small quantities at the fish counter in my local supermarket) but the quiche recipe made six and the fillet canapes made twelve so that was more than enough to last just me for the week.  Both were delicious.  I was very disappointed not to be able to find thin-sliced bread anywhere around here.  I used to love Pepperidge Farm's thin white and thin wheat but they are not available in Washington.  What was labeled thin-sliced bread from another brand was not really thin.

This week I'm moving back to a more autumn comfort food menu with shepherd's pie, teriyaki chicken, and Classic Shrimp Scampi (as I found an unopened bag of shrimp when I was reorganizing the freezer).

On my to do list:::
Housework:::It's the master bedroom this week on the Holiday Grand Plan or as it is called in a book about organization I recently read, the haven of serenity, the  sanctuary.  Rule #1, no electronics in the bedroom.  
Bedroom:::Still doing well on making the bed.  With the drop in temperatures, it's time to add a blanket.
Kitchen:::Wipe counters, top up the Brita - did my weekly dishwasher load, run, and unload on Friday night/Saturday morning.
Still working on budgeting for Christmas - planning a weekend away and my usual craft fair excursions.

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
Didn't touch Week 46 of Project Life as I got a little addicted to watching old December Daily videos on You Tube as inspiration for this year.

Looking forward to:::
Receiving a personalized Christmas ornament I ordered - it's designed for a family as there are six people standing on the stairs but I put the names of the six of us in our admin office on the Santa hats.  This is the last year two of my co-workers will be with us so I thought it would be a nice memento of our time together.

Looking around the house:::
Definitely putting a Roomba vacuum and the Braava jet mop on my Christmas list.  Well, one can dream!    

From the camera:::
Mastered the drill and hung up the quilt rack in the bedroom.  I bought this blanket when I was in Minnesota two years ago - we toured the Faribault Woolen Mill which was just amazing, it's one of the last vertical woolen mills in America, and celebrated their 150th anniversary in 2015.  My blanket was 40% off because it had a defect, it was TOO soft.  Not sure what I'm going to put on the top shelf and excuse the color of the walls - I moved in so quickly and with all the chaos of our household goods delivery fiasco and Vic's short time at home, there was no time to repaint.  It's on the to-do list.  I need to iron the wrinkle out of the blanket as well and the shelf is not crooked, that's my photography skills (or lack of!).

What I'm wearing today:::
Standard work uniform - black pants, top, and cardigan - blue top, blue cardigan.  My work clothes are SO boring.  

Thinking about:::
A reconnection with a former classmate.  He responded to a group text and had a link to his business so I clicked over and read what sounded like a really charmed life - a successful military career, his own business, lots of travel.  I sent off a quick "What have you been doing all these years?" only to get an answer that all of the above came to an abrupt halt when he and his wife were involved in a dreadful car accident that has left both of them, over a year later, still dealing with the after-effects.  Things can look rosy but the reality can be much different.  Sounds like they are both on the road to recovery but it's been an uphill battle.  

Bible verse, Devotional, prayers::: 
Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall - F. Scott Fitzgerald

Praying for my classmate and his wife mentioned above; for Sophia as she continues her student teaching, for safety on the road, in the school, and that things calm down a little for her now that she has left her part-time job; for Vic as it is typhoon season in the Western Pacific; for my friends over on the Magical Holiday Home forums who are dealing with health issues and stressful situations, and for me to find the work-life balance I am seeking.

Praying for all of you and a very special thank you for all of your lovely comments.  I LOVE this group, we each have so much to share on our homemaking (full or part-time) journey and I am blessed to be a part of Happy Homemaker Monday.  

September Rudolph Day is coming!

Here's the three-day Rudolph Day warning.

What's Rudolph Day? Here is the definition according to Organized Christmas:

A few years ago, members of our Christmas community began to observe "Rudolph Day" on the 25th of each month.

On that day, we take a few moments to plan some simple tasks for the month ahead, in order to get ready for Christmas Day with plenty of time to spare. By starting early--and working a bit at a time on each month's Rudolph Day--it's easy to prepare for Christmas, save money on gifts, and cut holiday stress.

Here's the annual line-up with the sub-theme in parentheses:

January - Tie Up Loose Ends (gather ideas and organize your Christmas notebook)

February - Begin a Holiday Letter

March - Birthday Gift-Buying Strategy (party planning for the holiday season)

April - Plan Holiday Crafts 

May - Catalog Shopping Tips

June - Recipe Round Up

July - Choose a Holiday Plan (Christmas in July celebration)

August - Craft Control (thinking ahead to Elf on the Shelf)

September - Prepare for Holiday Gifts and Giving

October - Plan Holiday Meals

November - Write Holiday Letter

The bottom line is...prepare for Christmas by doing something every month and make the 25th of each month a Rudolph Day by doing something Christmas-y!  This month, it's time to prepare for holiday gifts and giving and that means getting a handle on the time and budget needed for a fun-filled, stress-free Christmas.

There's still time to jump in to one of the holiday countdowns:

Holiday Grand Plan (started August 26)

House & Holidays Plan (started September 2)

Christmas Countdown (starts October 21)

This month's movie is anything from Hallmark, so make your selection, make some hot chocolate, and think all things Christmas for the day.  Check back on the evening of September 25th to see how I celebrated Rudolph Day.

way back when...Wednesday #2

September 20 is National Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Recognition Day

The President of the United States issues an annual proclamation commemorating this national day of observance.  Americans are to offer remembrance, honor, and reverence to those who were a prisoner of war and to those who remain missing in action from our nation's wars.  It is also a day we remember the families of POW/MIA and the sacrifices they have endured.

When I saw this pop up on a news bulletin at the office, it reminded me of the POW bracelet that I wore during the Vietnam War.  All of my friends wore them, metal bracelets that we slipped on our wrists, inscribed with the name and date of a service member who had been captured or was missing in action.

The bracelets were first created in May 1970 by a California student group called Voices in Vital America (VIVA), with the intention that American Prisoners Of War in Vietnam not be forgotten.

The bracelets sold for $2.50 or $3.00.

Those who wore the bracelets vowed to leave them on until the soldier named on the bracelet, or their remains, were returned to America.

Between 1970 and 1976, approximately 5 million bracelets were distributed. - Source:  Wikipedia

 I can remember a group of us gathering at our house one day after school in 1973 as Mum read a list of prisoners of war who were returned by North Vietnam.  Several of my friends were able to remove their bracelets but most of us could not.  I continued to wear my bracelet until it broke and then I think I kept it in my jewelry box but it is gone now.  I don't remember the name of my soldier; I wish I knew then what I know now about memory-keeping and had written his name down somewhere to maybe one day find out what happened to him.

Did any of you wear a POW bracelet?

If this is Tuesday, it must be England #110

One of my favorite British authors is Gervase Phinn.  His series about his life as a school inspector in the Yorkshire Dales is so wonderful and now he has expanded his offerings with the Little Village School books.

Known for his colorful characters and laugh-out-loud moments, these books will not disappoint.

Happy Homemaker Monday - September 16, 2019

Happy Monday!  It's time again to join Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom's Happy Homemaker Monday.

The weather:::

Mon

67°

54°

Tue

61°

53°

Wed

67°

49°

Thu

70°

54°

Fri

67°

54°

Sat

69°

52°

Sun

68°

54

On the breakfast plate this morning:::
Coffee and a chocolate chip cookie - I completely forgot to make muffins this weekend.

Right now I am:::
Off to work in the pitch black - it seems like daylight early in the morning just disappeared about a week ago.  Thankful for the super powerful mini-flashlight Vic picked up for me, wouldn't want to trip over a rabbit on my way to the bus stop!

On my bedside table:::
My water, diffuser, and Renew lotion.    

On my reading pile:::
Waiting for my trip to the library on Wednesday to pick up whatever hold books have come in.

Movies or Shows I watched this weekend:::
Falling Inn Love (so cute!), Episode 3 of Season 10 of the Great British Baking Show - Bread, and a couple of episodes of Murder, She Wrote.

On my TV this week:::

TV: 
Great British Baking Show, Season 10, Episode 4
The Last Czars (I think I've watched it before but I can't remember)
Added Britbox and Acorn to my Amazon channels so I'm sure I'll be watching something British 

You Tube:
December Daily
Caroline (Mrs. M)
Pretty Neat Living

On the menu for this week:::
After a Downton Abbey loaded week, I'm toying with the idea of having a Christmas Afternoon Tea and Ornament Exchange with friends so I'm going to experiment with a variety of mini-quiches and teatime delicacies.  They'll make great dinners.  Haven't picked out the contenders for this week so I'll let you know next week what I tried.

On my to do list:::
Housework:::It's the entryway/foyer this week on the Holiday Grand Plan.
Bedroom:::5 out of 7 for making the bed, slept later than usual two mornings last week so I was racing to get out the door.
Kitchen:::Wipe counters, top up the Brita - my kitchen is very low-maintenance during the week since I use the weekend to load and then unload the dishwasher and keep everything tidy.
Budgeting for Christmas - planning a weekend away and my usual craft fair excursions.

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
Finished up Project Life 2018 Week 45 - on to Week 46 which was the first part of our trip from Virginia to Washington.

Looking forward to:::
Organizing the garage is on the agenda for the upcoming weekend.  All the excess furniture is gone so it's time to get busy with what's left.  When I unpacked the boxes from the move, everything went onto shelving units as a temporary measure.  Now those shelving units need to be decluttered and organized.  Really looking forward to being able to put the car in the garage.

Looking around the house:::
My soy Pumpkin Spice candles arrived in the mail as well as my soy wax for my warmer.  I added some drops of Autumn Harvest essential oil and it smells lovely.    

From the camera:::
Lots of lovely Downton Abbey tea tins to add to my collection.  There was a fun event at World Market this weekend with lots of new items.

What I'm wearing today:::
Standard work uniform - black pants, top, and cardigan.  Today it's a black top and grey cardigan.  It's time to break out the rain jacket too.  

Thinking about:::
Christmas.  There are lots of events popping up on Facebook already - craft fairs, tree lighting ceremonies, community activities.  This is our first year in our new town so I'm anxious to see what seasonal events there will be.  

Bible verse, Devotional, prayers::: 
Take time to sit and watch the leaves turn - Elizabeth Lawrence

Praying for charitable organizations that help those in need during the holidays with food baskets and shelter options.  As the holiday decorations come out and people begin to think about shopping and gathering with family, it's a difficult time for those who are unemployed or disconnected from their families not to mention those who live on the streets.  Give and give generously to organizations that you know will help those in need.