Thursday, November 10, 2022

Morning Journal - Thursday, November 10, 2022

Photo Credit

 ~ I Awoke...


... to a warm stuffy bedroom. Even with the fan running it was still stuffy. I opened the south bedroom window and the front door to get a cross breeze going. It's 71 degrees right now. After a high of 75 this afternoon temperatures are expected to tumble into the 30s by morning. After that, afternoon highs in the 30s and 40s are expected with lows in the teens and 20s. 

~ I Am Hearing...

... the fridge and the fan in my kitchen running...that is all.

~ I Am Thankful For...

... the forthcoming cooler weather.

~ Something That Makes Me Smile...

... receiving letters from my grandchildren in the mail.

~ I Am Thinking...

... about the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Today marks the 47th anniversary of it's sinking in Lake Superior. I'll never forget that day. We had just returned from our latest trip up there in September of that year. Mom and I were in the kitchen when the news report came over the radio. She was doing dishes; I was sweeping the floor. Upon hearing the news, we both immediately stopped what we were doing and looked at each other horrified. Then, we began crying, hugging, and praying. It was awful! My heart still aches for the families of captain and crew.


The annual Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Beacon Lighting ceremony will be held this afternoon at Split Rock Lighthouse near Two Harbors, Minnesota where the names of the crew will be read to the tolling of a ship's bell. It is a solomn occasion that will be broadcast live online. The event starts at 4:30 p.m. Central time today. 

~ My Plans For Today...

... I didn't get to go shopping yesterday, as planned, so will be doing it today on the way to a doctor appointment in Lockwood. I need a few grocery items at Walmart, but am mostly looking for Christmas cards and some Christmas craft items needed to start working on a gift idea. I'm thinking Dollar Tree might have just what I'm looking for. Will have lunch with Amber and the children and plan on paying my property taxes at the courthouse while we're in town.

~ What's For Supper...

... chili or soup with crackers.

Well, that's it for today! What's your day ahead look like? Feel free to share!

Until next time...
~Rebecca

Recent and related posts that you might enjoy reading...

Morning Journal - Tuesday, November 8, 2022

 

Posted by at 2 comments:
Labels:

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Morning Journal - Tuesday, November 8, 2022



~ I Awoke...

... at daybreak with thoughts of the day.

~ I Am Hearing...

... the morning news on VCY America and the washer running.

~ I Am Thankful For...

... the Lord's protection, health, and healing in my body.

~ Things That Made Me Smile Within The Last 24 Hours...

... Christmas lights! Tony outlined the front porch in them for me yesterday afternoon, which is good because cold weather is supposed to arrive by the weekend. 🥶

~ I Am Thinking...

... about the upcoming holiday season. I found a really good deal online for something yesterday that I was hoping to do for some of the grands, so I took advantage of it and ordered. I need to get myself together, though., see what's done and see what's still needs doing. Christmas with the fam is celebrated two weeks before the actual holiday, so time is short to get it all together!

~ My Plans For Today...

... vote, go to the bank, pick up a couple of things at Dollar General, watch America Stands on The Victory Channel tonight, and attend a watch party at Patrick and Amber's.

~ What's For Supper...

... am eating supper at the watch party, so, not sure, but am absolutely possitive that, whatever it is, it will be good! 😁

That's it for me today on this end. What's your day look like? If you haven't already done so, be sure to get out and vote. Ask the Lord for  His wisdom, direction, and guidance before doing so. 

Until next time...
~Rebecca

Recent and related posts that you might enjoy reading...

Master To-Do List and Menu Plan Monday - November 7, 2022

 

Posted by at 4 comments:
Labels:

Monday, November 7, 2022

Master To-Do List and Menu Plan Monday - November 7, 2022

Good morning! Happy First Full Day After Daylight Savings Time Ended! 

Photo Credit

I understand that a lot of people like it light later in the evening, but, me? I prefer the natural rythm of things...early sunrises and long evenings...especially in the winter. Honestly, I'd be happy either way if they'd just pick one way or the other and keep it that way!

It's also the first Monday of November and the holiday season is officially under way! Have you started making Thanksgiving plans or preparations yet? 

Thanksgiving 2020

Amber and I went shopping last Tuesday and found turkeys on sale for a good price, so we went ahead and got one. We also picked up fresh cranberries to be thrown in the freezer and plenty of canned pumpkin, as well as, other items that were on sale, so Thanksgiving preparations are well in hand here. 

This past Saturday we clebrated National Bison Day at work. On Friday my co-worker and I got everything set up for the event; on Saturday nearly a hundred people turned out to enjoy the festivities. 



There were naturalist-led hikes out to see the bison, crafts and activies of all kinds, and bison chili for anyone who chose to partake of it. 




It was a good day and the first National Bison Day that we've been able to enjoy (at least in the manner to which we were accustomed to) since before COVID. I think everyone had a pretty good time! 



Yesterday afternoon I got a sweet surprise when friends from Brazil messaged that they were going to be in the area and wanted to meet up at the park. It was a short visit, but it was so good to see them! 


Natalia and I on One of Our Many
Adventures Back in the Day

Natalia and I hadn't seen each other for four years (which is really hard to believe), but it didn't seem like it had been that long at all. We picked right back up right where we left off. I hope to see her and Fabio again very soon!

Raccoon @ the Low-Water Bridge

This week's master to-do list...

- clean house
- do laundry 
- vote in tomorrow's mid-term election
- get together with Carla
- pay property taxes
- go shopping with my cousin
- work
- get together with family back home for an early holiday celebration

Great Blue Heron @ the Low-Water Bridge

This week's menu plan...

I have a variety of leftovers from last week...broccoli, cheese, and rice casserole, butter and garlic pasta, stir fry, taco soup, and bison chili. I will probably freeze everything I can (especially the chili) and focus on using the other bits and pieces up as I can. I also have a variety of fresh vegetables that need used, so will probably make a stir fry or freeze what I can of those, too. 

Autumn Salt and Pepper Shakers

Well, that's it for today. I hope that your day is going well and that your week is off to a great start!

Until next time...
~Rebecca

Recent and related posts that you might enjoy reading...


Posted by at 2 comments:
Labels:

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Afternoon Journal - Thursday, November 3, 2022

Leaves in the Backyard

~ What Time It Is...

... 2:06 p.m.

~ What I'm Doing...

... taking an afternoon break and enjoying a cup of hot tea.

~ I Am Praising The LORD For...

... a beautiful autumn day! It's very windy here on the tallgrass prairie of southwest Missouri today, but the sun is shining and the temperature is in the mid-70's. I am thankful for each and every nice day that we get because no a/c and no heat equals $$$ in my pocket, and we can all use extra $$$ in our pockets these days, can't we?

~ Something Beautiful...

... the sight and sound of brown crunchy leaves skiddering down the street and dancing their way across the lawn.

~ From Today's Scripture Reading...

... "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy path. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to they navel and marrow to thy bones." (Proverbs 3:5-8)

~ What I've Accomplished So Far Today...

... made bed, straightened house, went to the bank, dropped out-going mail off at the post office, paid utilities, picked up a couple of things at Dollar General, got my health care plan for 2023 fixed and finalized, made and ate lunch.

~ What I Have Left To Do...

... work in the Van Gogh room (it's a mess ALWAYS!), make supper, get ready for work tomorrow.

~ What's For Supper...

... taco soup served with cheese, sour cream, and corn chips.

What does your day look like? And what's on the supper menu at your house?

Posted by at 2 comments:
Labels:

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Evening Journal - Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Good evening! It's been a long time since I've done one of these 'Keeping It Simple' Daily Journal Entries. Perhaps it's time to get back to them, even if it's only on one or two days per week.

The View Across The Way

~ What Time It Is...

... 6:22 p.m.

~ What I'm Doing...

... taking a break before supper and getting ready to watch Meet Me In St. Louis with Judy Garland

~ I Am Praising The LORD For...

... His love, mercy, grace, and protection in every area...even when I can't feel it and am unaware of it. 

~ Things That Made Me Smile Today...

... the Carolina wren that flew through my house and my friend, Roxanne.

~ What I Did Today...

... organized and put away canned and dry goods purchased yesterday, weatherized the north bedroom window, covered the under-house vents, took down the birdfeeders, cleaned, and refurbished them in preparation for winter bird feeding, 

~ My Evening Prayer...

... that the Lord would continue to lead, guide, and direct me in the battles that take place in my mind and give me victory over them.

~ What's For Supper...

... broccoli, cheese, and rice casserole with a wheat bran muffin

How was your day? What did you accomplish? And what was on the supper plate?

Until next time...
~Rebecca

Recent and related posts that you might enjoy reading...


Posted by at 2 comments:
Labels:

Monday, October 31, 2022

Master To-Do List and Menu Plan Monday - October 31, 2022

Good morning! October is very nearly over and the holiday season is upon us! Can you believe it? 

What are you celebrating today? Halloween? Reformation Day? You can read my thoughts about (and our family's experience with) both by clicking HERE and reading this post from 2017.

Pecans
(Photo Credit)

The first thing I saw this morning, when I stuck my head out the door, was a shower of golden leaves cascading from the pecan trees in the backyard. It was so beautiful! 

Great Blue Heron

We finally got some rain. It rained all day Monday and part of the day Tuesday. We got a bit more over the weekend. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor our county has been upgraded from a D4 rating (exceptional drought) to a D3 (extreme drought). That means that we're not quite as dry this week as we were last, but we still need much more rain. I'm praying for some cool and rainy days come November.

 American Bald Eagle

Let's go ahead and take a look at the week ahead...shall we?

National Bison Day is Celebrated Annually 
on the First Saturday in November

This week's master to-do list...

- clean house
- do laundry
- turn the calendar page
- figure October budget and bills
- go grocery shopping 
- add to my winter stock up
- write (cards, letters, articles, posts)
- finish weatherizing (I didn't get to it last week)
- work
- make chili for National Bison Day @ work
- celebrate and help host National Bison Day @ work
- get together with family and friends
- set the clock back (Saturday night)

It's Time to Fall Back
(Photo Credit)

This week's menu plan...

I stopped at Walmart yesterday afternoon to pick up fresh items and stuff that I was out of, but plan to go to Aldi's with Amber tomorrow to add a few stock-up items to my pantry...black beans, chili beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, garlic powder, chili powder, oregano, pan spray, and tea are all on my list at this point, and I'm sure I'll add a few more items before the trip is over. 

This morning for breakfast I'm having a turkey sausage patty, egg, and cheese on sprouted bread with a cup of hot tea; for lunch I plan on having leftover chicken and rice soup. 

I will focus meals this week around fresh items on-hand. I have an abundance of apples and carrots, a head or two of garlic, a yellow onion, some green onions, a few Yukon Gold potatoes, and small box of mixed salad greens that all need used up before going bad. 

A couple of meal ideas that immediately come to mind are a good stir-fry over rice and butter and garlic pasta served with a side salad. 

The apples can be fried, turned into apple-cinnamon toast for breakfast, eaten fresh as snacks, or made into a cake that can be cut, packaged in individual portion sizes, and frozen to be eaten later.

Some of the carrots will be used in the stir-fry, of course, but the rest of them can be oven-roasted and served, along with the potatoes, as a side to chicken, turkey, or fish. 

The rest of the week's lunch and supper menus will revolve around soups that are sealed and waiting in the fridge and chili. 

Milkweed Pods

Well, that's it for today! I hope that your week is off to a lovely start and the week ahead is a great one!

Until next time...
~Rebecca

Recent and related posts that you might enjoy reading...

















Posted by at 1 comment:
Labels:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)