*~*daybook*~*

FOR TODAY

May 10, 2015

Outside my window... it's dark, and cold, but it's not snowing heavily the way it was last night at this time. I'm happy for the calm weather and the promise of sun tomorrow.

I am thinking... about this next week, trying to prioritize what has to get done versus what would be nice to get done.

I am thankful... for my lovely Mother's Day, gifts, dinner out with almost the whole family (K is still in Ghana) and then some time to visit with B at home after dinner. It was such a nice day...

In the kitchen...no cooking today, for sure. I'll be starting a crock pot full of spaghetti sauce in the morning for tomorrow's dinner.

I am reading...I'm just finishing Alaska by James Michener (only 10 pages left!)... what a great read it's been!

I am hoping... the pain relief M's getting from the steroid injection he got last week continues, it's wonderful to see him comfortable and struggling with pain.

I am looking forward to... a concert the kids and I are going to on Sunday at the Pace Center... it should be very good. 

Around the house... I've been working on the back porch, which was sadly in need of attention. I cleaned and sanded the floor boards, then strained and treated them with wood preservative. Now I'm replacing the top rail on the south side of the porch... it was so old and weathered that I decided it was time for it to go.  

In the garden... everything is looking a bit battered and beat down. We had a wet heavy snow yesterday through this morning, and a good freeze last night. I haven't planted much, knowing we're still at risk for cold weather, but the fruit trees were all in bloom and my peonies were heavy with buds... I do hope they still open.

One of my favorite things...spending time with my "big" girls... they are all such lovely young women.

A few plans for the rest of the week... I need to finalize R's graduation ceremony and get the announcements out, and get all the paperwork ready for her transition into adult DD services, both she and M have volunteering commitments this week, and I really would like to get the back porch done. (I've been working on it for two weeks... the rain keeps interrupting me!)  

A peek into my day...

A baby bunny I found hiding in the garden shed...



...is there anything cuter?

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*~*daybook*~*

FOR TODAY

April 6, 2015

Outside my window... the sun is up and shining, there is a sweet spring breeze blowing, and the garden is calling me. 

I am thinking...about the focus for the week. I try to have a goal for the week, sometimes a project I'd like to get done, sometimes less interesting tasks (like doing the taxes!). This week's focus should probably be getting R's graduation planned and arranging for S to come and visit. I hope there is time for some outside work too, it's too beautiful to stay indoors!

I am thankful...for our time together as family yesterday. 

In the kitchen...after yesterday's rich food, we'll be eating simply today... 

I am creating... I really need to finish the potting bench, to get down to Home Depot and find some galvanized of the right thickness to cover the top.

I am going... to town later for a quick post office stop and a longer Home Depot stop. But mostly we'll be staying home today.

I am wondering... how cold the end of the week is going to be and if R and I should fill up the inside firewood rack again

I am reading...Alaska by James Mitchener

I am hoping... M settles down today. It's been a difficult month or two with him. 

I am learning... St Anne's Reel on the mandolin... I love that tune.

Around the house... things are fairly neglected, I've been working outside too much to keep up with much of anything inside!

A few plans for the rest of the week... besides my errands today, not much... R has karate and M will work at the thrift store, but I'm hoping we can spend the week close to home.

A peek into my day...

... a photo a took a few days ago. I could watch the clouds all day...

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*~*daybook*~*

FOR TODAY

March 16, 2015

Outside my window... the sun's gone down and the moon is such a tiny crescent that the night is very dark... the only lights I see are the reflections coming from inside the house.

I am thinking... that it's good Cody is eating his dinner, he didn't feel well last night and didn't eat.

I am thankful... for this quiet end-of-the-day time

In the kitchen...we had our St Patrick's Day dinner this evening: corned beef (turkey for M), potatoes colcannon and soda bread for dinner... yum

I am creating... (hopefully) a useful piece of furniture from that old cabinet I brought home last week. It's been a bit of a fight so far, but things seem to finally be coming together.

I am going... to bed shortly, I'm tired.

I am wondering... if M will be more settled tomorrow, he's had a rough couple of weeks... a good day would be lovely.

I am reading... Full Body Burden, by Kristen Iverson (again). Both Joe and I grew up in Arvada, during the same time she writes about, and her story of the cover-ups at Rocky Flats is both fascinating and frightening.  

I am looking forward to...dinner out with Joe tomorrow night while the kids are at a first aid class in town. 

Around the house... the mudroom is finished, and I should be painting the main bathroom (which has an interesting mix of sample paint colors on the walls right now) but instead I'm playing with the little cupboard... knowing the bathroom will still be there when I'm done playing.

In the garden... I raked the winter's worth of leaves and debris from the front and back yards over the weekend. I cleaned the leaves from the berry patch and the strawberry planters and have started cleaning out the flower beds. Everything looks so much better raked and cleaned out...

A favorite quote for today... "a glad heart is excellent medicine"

A few plans for the rest of the week... a busy week, especially for R. After the first aid class tomorrow, she has ukulele and karate lessons on Wednesday, Thursday is her volunteer day at the equine center, (and thrift store work for M) and Friday we're hoping to catch a movie with friends. 

A peek into my day...

We watched Waking Ned Devine this evening... the kids love the little naked man on the motorbike.

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*~*daybook*~*

FOR TODAY

February 2, 2015

Outside my window... the sun isn't up yet, so it's cold and dark. Yesterday's snow is thick on the ground, but the forecast has me looking forward to sun and warmth today.

I am thinking... about an email I just received from M's previous pdoc. It was unexpected, and thoughtful of her to send. It brings back memories of the many years she was part of his life.

I am thankful... for the warm spot in front of the fire where I'm sitting to write this, and a quiet house in which to gather my thoughts.

In the kitchen... cookies are king. I've been baking a lot lately, but the cookie jar just keeps emptying. This morning I'm going to make Joe's mom's favorite cookie recipe... I hope they taste like they do when she makes them.

I am creating... a little music on my mando when I get a chance. Last night I twisted my fingers up on some jigs and reels (always so fun) but I do love playing the old O'Carolan tunes as well. 

I am reading... Same Kind of Different As Me... a book my niece reviewed on her blog a while ago. After reading her review I wanted to read the book and she was nice enough to share... 

I am hoping... the steroid injection M is having in his back tomorrow goes well and he gets some pain relief.

I am looking forward to... a peaceful low-key day today. The weekend was a busy one, and it will be nice to have a quieter day today.

Around the house... I'm finishing up the last few odds and ends in my blue sky bathroom. I'd be done by now except I can't find my little jar of finishing nails, so can't finish up the toe kick on the vanity. All I need are four finishing nails, and I can't find them anywhere. Sigh, I guess I'm going to have to make another trip to Home Depot.

A few plans for the rest of the week...a quiet day today, but lots of doctor appointments later in the week, R's new martial arts class on Wednesday. Finishing the week is a poker party M is hosting, and a trip to the Pace Center to see "The Wizard of Oz". 

A photo to share:

I found these sunrise photos on my camera the other day, I can't remember when I took them but I'm so glad I found them again.

~Prairie Sunrise~

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*~*daybook*~*

FOR TODAY

December 9, 2014

Outside my window... I can see Christmas lights, on my neighbor's barn and on the hills in the distance, twinkling in the early morning darkness.

I am thinking... about my mom this morning. Today is the 11th anniversary of her death, and I wonder if I'll ever stop missing her... 

I am thankful... for this bit of quiet time in the morning before the kids get up.

In the kitchen... I've got a cookie jar full of Cowboy Cookies (M's request after his gastroparesis flare) and I think soup is on the menu for dinner.

I am creating... I actually pulled the sewing machine out (gasp, it's been years!) and have been working on a few little Christmas gifts. 

I am going... to stay home today... I think.... except for a quick trip to Costco later in the day. It's supposed to be beautiful weather, and I'm looking forward to working outside. 

I am reading... the second book of The Christmas Chronicles, How Mrs Claus Saved Christmas. The title sounds childish (and a bit lame) but it's an adult book full of the history of how Christmas has been celebrated throughout the centuries.  

I am hoping... M is settled today. He's been tough lately... holiday stress is having it's effect, in addition to the stress he's already feeling about his (still broken) back. I have this whole month carefully structured, trying to get him (and us) through as easily as possible... but he's edgy, and irritable, not sleeping well, and even had a psychotic episode a week or so ago. So settled would be very nice for today...

I am looking forward to... seeing K (dd#3) who gets home for a visit from Ghana on the 15th. They'll be plenty of happy tears, catching up, and eating out... that poor girl comes home HUNGRY.

I am learning... about focusing on what's truly important, and letting go of situations and relationships that are hurtful and have no resolution.

Around the house... the tree is up, the house is decorated... and there is still a pile of extra pine boughs on the front porch (oops!) that I should get rid of today. ;)

I am pondering... nothing... it's too early in the morning to ponder.

One of my favorite things... the sharp pop of the wood burning in the wood stove, and the lovely heat it puts out... warming up our (formerly) always cold and drafty house

A few plans for the rest of the week... the kids have an RCC service project on Wednesday, Thursday we're going to work at the thrift store and later, see A Christmas Carol at the arts center in town... Friday is a get-together with neighbors and our Christmas Movie Night (It's a Wonderful Life... my favorite!)

A peek into my day...

Our busy month...



...busy but good..

______________________________

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*~*daybook*~*

FOR TODAY

November 24, 2014

Outside my window... it's still dark with just a few lights twinkling on the horizon.

I am thinking... about my to-do list this week... it's a strange mix of medically related "tasks" (blood to draw, appointments to make) and holiday preparations... it's going to be a busy week.

I am thankful... for the turkey thawing in the frig. and a holiday devoted to thankfulness.

In the kitchen... I just found a recipe for white chicken enchiladas that sounds wonderful, I think it's on the menu for tonight.

I am going... to have to make yet another trip to the store today. I forgot to buy cheese when I did the month's shopping over the weekend. I have a craving for good Dubliner cheese, so I'll stop at Costco and pick some up... Yum!

I am wondering... if S will be here for Thanksgiving. She decided a few weeks ago to spend the day with her new foster family (now "host home providers" since she's transitioned into adult services) but as the holiday gets closer she seems to be changing her mind... Whatever she decides is fine with me, I don't blame her for wanting the spend the holiday someplace that feels a little more like "home", but I'll need to know soon so I can figure out how to get her here. (It was so much easier when she lived closer....) 

I am hoping... I can get M's CBC run through today. It's required, at least every 28 days (I usually do it every 14 days) for his main schizophrenia medication... His doc writes standing orders, good for a year, and I draw the blood for the CBC at home every two weeks. Because of a potentially fatal side effect, without a regular CBC the pharmacy can't fill his prescription. Unfortunately the standing orders expired 10 days ago, and despite my calls, emails, etc. the doc hasn't sent in new orders. I'm desperate enough (we're at day 26) that I'm going to draw the blood anyway, drop it at the hospital and hope they don't notice that the orders have expired. Keep your fingers crossed!

I am learning... a few tunes on the mando, I do love Turlough O'Carolan's tunes. 

Around the house... doing a little cleaning inside, and was happy it warmed up enough to get the chicken coop cleaned out too. 

One of my favorite things... the wood stove we recently had put in. I love the warmth it puts out, and how easy it is to use to keep the house warm... we should have done it years ago.

A few plans for the rest of the week... pin S down on her Thanksgiving plans, draw M's blood, hassle the doc (daily, at least...) about getting the standing orders sent in, make pies, make sure the turkey thaws, invite Mr G to Thanksgiving, squeeze in a uke lesson for R and a shift at the thrift store for M, make an appointment for M to see UCHSC spine doc he's been referred to; a surgeon.. shudder, shudder... (while waiting for his appointment at Comprehensive Spine Clinic), find out what E would like to bring to Thanksgiving.... 

A peek into my day...

This is my new friend, a fearless buck who's been hanging around eating the rotten pumpkins I tossed out by the pasture gate. He's so fearless I've walked within 6' of him (going from barn to house) and he doesn't even move... just looks at me and keeps eating. It's kind of cool and kind of scary... the antlers look really big and sharp from that close.

 

______________________________

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*~*daybook*~*

FOR TODAY

October 20, 2014

Outside my window... it's dark, the sun has set and the moon is just a tiny crescent, so it's very dark. I can hear the wind chimes being tossed about by the wind...

I am thinking... how it's nice to feel so peaceful and relaxed after a busy day, and unsettled (M) evening.

I am thankful... for a quiet house.

In the kitchen... I cooked up a big pot of beans today and made a batch of bean and cheese burritos to freeze for easy lunches. Mmmm....

I am creating... I've got a little project I'm playing around with, mostly just using up scraps of 2x4's left over from the garden fence. If it turns out to be anything, I'll tell you about it... (but for now it's just a bunch of carefully measured and cut pieces of 2x4 sitting in a wheelbarrow!)

I am wondering... if M is going to sleep tonight. He's been up off and on sick at night for the past week or so. (Gastroparesis flare...) I do hope he sleeps tonight....

I am reading... The Home Place by Carrie La Seur. It's probably a very good book, but I've only had time (and wakefulness) to read a page or two each day so it's taking me a while to get into it....

I am hoping... everything goes well at M's appointment at the spine clinic tomorrow. He's having an injection into his back to try and ease the pain of his (still!) fractured vertebra.

In the garden.... the kitchen garden is cleaned out and ready for winter. I picked the last of the pumpkins just today, and will leave the pumpkin patch gate open for the deer to clean up the last of the vines. The raspberries are still producing like crazy... ;)

Around the house... we've got exciting stuff going on... (there is a hint below, and I'll post all the details soon)

One of my favorite things... the tail end of the day, children asleep, dinner finished and cleaned up, nothing on the agenda but a nice cup of tea and a little read before bed.

A few plans for the rest of the week...M's appointment at the spine clinic tomorrow is the BIGGEST thing on the calendar, but we've also got a regular RCC meeting, RCC book club, and an RCC service project this week. Whew! R has a uke lesson on Wednesday, and Thursday we're working at the thrift store... busy week!

A peek into my day...

This is my living room last week, torn apart for a little upgrade... stay tuned for a "finished" shot of the same space!

______________________________

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*~*daybook*~*

So.... waaaaaay back this morning.... approximately 4 days ago (yes it seems that long ago) I typed out this post... but then had to wait to get a moment to add a photo and post it. It's now 13 hours later and I'm finally getting back to it. Yep... it's been one of those days...

FOR TODAY
October 6, 2014

Outside my window... the sun is just starting to coming up, I'll need to head outside soon to do the barn work.

I am thinking... about my neighbor, Mr G... He is so old, and so vulnerable, and the people he's paying to take care of him aren't doing a very good job. I'll be on the phone later, rattling cages at the agency he's working with, hoping to get things changing for the better.

I am thankful... that the other older people in our lives, Grandma, Grandpa and Granny are 1) so healthy, strong and capable and 2) have made sure they have good support in the areas they need it.

In the kitchen... I'm inundated with apples! I think a nice batch of applesauce might be on the agenda for today. 

I am creating... order. I've been working the past week cleaning out our little storage room. Before I started you couldn't even walk into the room without stepping over things.. between the extra dining room chairs, M's overly large board game collection, R's endless movies all over the floor, and my "stash" of odds and ends of wood too good to throw away or burn, it looked as though the room had been ransacked. But two trips to drop stuff off at the thrift store and a few hours cleaning and reorganizing, and it looks much better now.

I am going... to start taking a more active role in Mr G's care. Because he is so old, and his English can be halting, I don't think people (especially at the agency he's hired for his in-home support) take him seriously. He deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.... and I know how to advocate. This seems like a good time to put that knowledge to use. 

I am reading... North of Normal by Cea Sunrise Person... a very strange but interesting memoir. 

I am hoping... M's stomach settles down again. He's been up sick the past two nights, and R's birthday is coming up. I don't want her to stress about him being sick after her birthday dinner.

I am looking forward to... today, a nice day to just putter around the house. (Edited 13 hours later to add; hahaha.... what's that about "best laid plans"?)

I am learning... I'm working on some new (and old) mando tunes and have had to figure out a bit of ukulele so I can help R with a ukulele tune she's having a hard time learning.

Around the house... I'm having too much fun mentally planning the winter's projects. My bathroom is going to get a makeover (new baseboards etc. since I didn't update them when I did the rest of the house, and some "prairie shutters", similar to these but not full height, only half the window height ) and a barn door (similar to this) in the basement.

One of my favorite things... my mandolin, such a good friend (and good therapy!).

A few plans for the rest of the week... applesauce and Mr G's phone calls today, a Candidate Forum night tomorrow through our CCB where the kids can learn more about our Senatorial candidates, a meeting on Weds. at S's foster home (might be interesting, given the FB debacle) which is also K's birthday... I do hope we get to talk to her that day, a nice stay home day Thursday, and Friday I'm meeting the nurse up at Mr G's to help him navigate that visit. 

A photo to share..

the kids, M, R and S with Mr G... they were on their way to homecoming and stopped on the way to see him.

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*~*daybook*~*

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... the sun isn't up yet, but the sky is starting to lighten. I love seeing the back-lit silhouettes of the big pines on the horizon.

I am thinking... about what an exhausting weekend it was. M had his birthday party on Saturday, and yesterday I entertained some of daughter K's friends from Ghana who are visiting in the U.S.... and mixed in with all the company was an emergency at the neighbors that we had to help with. I was SO tired by last night...

I am thankful... that the weekend is over. I'm ready for some calm, low-key days.

In the kitchen... I cooked all day yesterday for my Ghanaian guests. When I asked K what I should cook for them, she said "anything, but lots of it" so I made sure I had a feast ready for them.

I am creating... I've got another little project connected to the chicken coop I'm hoping to get done this week... adding some siding to an area that was never finished. I can't wait to get started!

I am going... no where today if I can help it. I need some time at home... the grass needs cut, the gardens need attention, and I can't get anything done when I'm spending my days running around.

I am reading... nothing right now, I'm thinking we need to schedule a trip to the library.

I am hoping... M's stomach does well with all the rich food we had yesterday. Today will be a "simple" food kind of day for sure...

I am looking forward to... starting work on the chicken coop project I've put off for the past week. The wood for it is in the back of the van and it's been so hard to have to wait to get started.

One of my favorite things... watching the sun coming up, which I've been doing for the 20 minutes or so I've been typing this post.

A few plans for the rest of the week... R has a ukulele lesson, I'm having some repairs done on the car, both kids have an appointment with the pdoc, and I'll probably have to take M shopping to spend some of his birthday money.

A peek into my day...

The first thing I usually see each morning... Murphy at the fence, pawing the ground impatiently, waiting for me to come and feed him.

______________________________

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*~*daybook*~*

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... the sun isn't up yet... early mornings this week because Joe has had to be at work early (and I'm the backup alarm!).

I am thankful... for so many things... right now, especially, for my children and grandchildren's health.

In the kitchen... M's gut is doing well enough that I've been able to have a bit more freedom in terms of cooking. For the past few weeks every evening has been a dilemma of what can I make for dinner that he might be able to eat? He's enough better now that I have a little more leeway in what I serve...

I am creating... a bit of barn art, and a little mando music when I get the chance.

I am reading... Hen and the Art of Chicken Maintenance. I picked up a few books on chicken keeping the last time I was at the library... most were pretty dry, but this has been a fun read. 

I am hoping... M's gut continues to work well enough to get by. He hasn't been sick for several days which has been wonderful!

I am looking forward to... seeing S later this morning. Her foster mom is bringing her for an overnight visit. This is the first time I've seen her since she moved into her new foster home, and I miss her.

Around the house... I'm already making plans for fall/winter projects. I'm looking forward to fall and having more time for inside work.

In the garden... pumpkins are growing like crazy and the onions and carrots are doing great, the peppers are producing but not well and the tomatoes just aren't happy at all. I think I'm going to move them into the big garden (from the little kitchen garden) next year and see if they're happier. 

One of my favorite things... Irish dancing (my older girls danced for 10 years). I found this video taken at the wedding reception for two dancers from the "Lord of the Dance" show. It's awesome... and brings back so many memories. Enjoy...

A peek into my day...

a couple of chick pics...

This is M's hen... Sara Kane


Hazel and Lilly:
"Do you have any treats for us?"

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*~*daybook*~*

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... the sun is going down... the sky looks a lot like the new header photo I added the other day.

I am thinking... about not much... just enjoying the winding down part of the day.

I am thankful...for such a lovely cool evening, a nice thick blanket will feel good on the bed tonight.

In the kitchen... I've been cooking more now that the weather has cooled (and M's gastroparesis is flaring up again). Tonight was "summer chicken salad" a good summer dinner recipe.

I am creating... I'm working on an outdoor building project... I hope it turns out.

I am going... to bed early tonight, I didn't sleep well last night and I'm tired.

I am wondering... if S is still doing well in her new foster home. If I don't hear from her soon, I'll call. 

I am reading... I started reading the new Chris Bohjalian book, Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands but didn't like it, so I'm reading a Sandra Dallas book I've never read: The Chili Queen.

I am hoping...to get a fair amount done outside tomorrow, today was mostly planning.

Around the house... I'm not keeping up very well, I'm spending too much time outside to get much done... although I did finally refinish the dining room table leaf. I refinished the table months ago, but put off refinishing the leaf until just the other day. It's good to have it done...

A favorite quote:

My sister posted this and I thought it was lovely...

A few plans for the rest of the week... working outside on my little building project, working at the thrift store, and a Special Olympics fundraiser on Saturday.

A peek into my day...

Plans and notes... the first steps of a building project:

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*~*daybook*~*

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... I hear the rhythmic sound of the sprinkler watering the garden, the magpies (and their babies) making a racket over something, and the the teapot heating water for my first cup of tea. 

I am thinking... about S. She's still here... partially my decision... they would have moved her last week (in a hurried way, with no transition, to a home too far away to visit) but I told them it was ok to take a little more time to find the best fit possible.

I am thankful... for these few minutes of peace before everyone wakes up.

In the kitchen... after a super busy week last week (and not much cooking) I'm looking forward to being home more this week, and having more time to make good meals.

I am going... up to the Health Sciences Center later for M's appointment with the spine doc. Hopefully (HOPEFULLY!) he'll get the ok to stop wearing his back brace. Hopefully (HOPEFULLY!) it's good news, that his back is healing properly.

I am wondering... if there is a reason I wasn't able to sleep last night and felt so strongly that I needed to pray for a person I used to know.

I am reading... The Good House, and O Pioneers! (by Willa Cather). I picked up the first book at the library yesterday just for a light read, I started Willa Cather a few days ago... her books are "comfort" reads for me.

I am hoping... they find a good home for S soon.

I am learning... patience, and that M and R can be very resilient when they have to be.

In the garden... the pumpkins are really starting to take off, the onions, peppers and tomatoes look good... but have been slow. I think all our cool, wet weather has slowed them down.

One of my favorite things...

Peonies.... they remind me of my mom...



This was the best year yet for my peonies... we had so many blooms!

A few plans for the rest of the week... we need to get down to Castle Rock and get new glasses ordered for both M and R, work at the thrift store, M's doctor appointment and S's case in court both this morning (we aren't going to court) and maybe... if I'm lucky... a little time to get caught up on all the yard work that hasn't been getting done lately!!

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*~*daybook*~*

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... the sun is up, the sky is blue, it looks like another beautiful summer day.

I am thinking... or more specifically, I am trying not to think about the situation with S... her foster care placement is deteriorating and I worry where they will move her.

I am thankful... for my children's long finalized adoptions which spared them the miseries of foster care.

In the kitchen... I should probably cook something. I haven't done much cooking this weekend, we've been on the run a lot.

I am creating... right now, this minute? I'm trying to create a sense of belonging for S, of being loved and lovable. Not an easy task with a young person who has lived the life she's lived...

I am going... to have to get going on a mountain of laundry that's piled up. Surely we'll all run out of clothes soon if I don't get busy!

I am reading... 1776 by David McCullough... I love a good history book!

I am hoping... for a miracle for S... a good foster or group home, a dedicated case worker, and people in her life who love her.

I am looking forward to... a mostly stay home day today.

Around the house... no projects going on right now, I've been busy outside with our barn and garden work and have also been taking care of a neighbor's horses.


A favorite quote for today... "I shall offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving...." Psalm 116:17

A few plans for the rest of the week... So far the week looks fairly quiet... I'll probably take S back to her foster home today, tomorrow we have dentist appointments, and Thursday we'll be working at the thrift store. The rest of the week we'll probably be hanging pretty close to home...

A peek into my day evening....

Kids finally in bed, lights mostly off, tea pot (blue light) heating up water for a last cup of tea... the kitchen in the quiet of the evening.



...and the dining room with my reflection... doubled for some reason... in the window.

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*~*daybook*~*

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... the day is just waking up. The wispy clouds along the horizon are purple with the sunrise that hasn't yet cleared the horizon. A line of deer is silently walking, grazing, across the back pasture.

I am thinking... that it looks like it's going to be a beautiful day.

I am thankful... for a new day.

In the kitchen... lots of cooking for Father's Day yesterday, and Joe's birthday later in the week! Last night I made him blackened salmon (with baked potatoes and caesar salad), his birthday dinner will be lasagna with mud cake for dessert. 

I am creating... a little music, but not as much as I'd like since there is so much outside work to do this time of year. 

I am going... outside in a few minutes to continue the battle of the purple thistles. Each summer they grow, trying to take over my pasture... and each summer I cut them down trying to get rid of them. I'd like to say I've got them on the run... but I don't think so... maybe someday.  

I am reading... The Art of Racing in the Rain a book I missed reading when it first came out... It's been good, although sad, so far. 

I am hoping... today is a better day with M. He's been getting so stuck on things lately, my patience is wearing thin...

I am looking forward to... a nice quiet week... without (at this point!) a single, (a SINGLE!), doctor appointment! 

Around the house... no new house projects right now. I am painting a bed frame for E (dd#1) with some Annie Sloan paint, hopefully I can get it done today.

One of my favorite things... hearing the birds singing, squabbling, chirping, and squawking each morning. I love the busy bird community right outside my window... 

A few plans for the rest of the week... the kids have an RCC meeting on Tuesday, and Wednesday we see Granny, Joe's birthday is Thursday, and Friday is wide open! 

A peek into my day...

Purple thistle... my nemesis.

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*~*daybook*~*

FOR TODAY (tonight... written Sunday evening)

Outside my window... The sun is just going down, the mountains to the west are jagged silhouettes, back lit by the pink and orange of the evening's sunset.

I am thinking... how beautiful the sunset is, and how blessed I am to only have to look up to see it.

I am thankful... that the weekend is over, it was a busy, frustrating, emotional one. 

In the kitchen... plenty of fresh eggs! The chickens are laying like crazy, and we're overflowing with eggs! 

I am creating... I hope I am creating memories, a feeling of belonging, of being loved, of being valued... in S, who has grown up in foster care, and is aging out of the system with no family of her own. 

I am going... to sleep well tonight, it's been a looooong day.

I am reading... To Kill A Mockingbird... I hadn't read it in decades and decided it was past time. What an amazing book...

A favorite quote:

I am hoping... S had a good weekend. It was her graduation weekend, and I tried to make it special for her... I hope I succeeded.

I am looking forward to... spending time with my brother Loren next week!

Around the house... it's been kind of a mess lately because I've been spending so much time working outside. I did clean for S's graduation get-together today, it's nice to have it finally looking a little better around here again. 

One of my favorite things... the beginning of a new week, all the days spread out before us, full of possibilities and opportunities.

A few plans for the rest of the week... get a new windshield in my new (old) car, have a wonderful visit with Loren, and finish the week with a guided hike at the rec center: Botany of the Ute Native Americans

A peek into my day... E (dd#1) and her family were here today and after they left I noticed some of the tiny peg people hiding in my kitchen.





 I'm not sure how many are hidden, but I'm keeping my eyes open for more little hiding ninjas...




Here's a "ginger ninja"

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*~*daybook*~*

   

FOR TODAY

May 19, 2014

Outside my window... the sun is up and brilliant, the whole world seems to be glowing with early morning light.

I am thinking... about all the gardening I hope to get done this week.

I am thankful... for the beauty of spring, the flowers, the tiny fresh leaves on the trees, the baby animals everywhere.

In the kitchen... the oven stopped working, last night's dinner was french bread pizza cooked on the grill. The kitchen is probably a subject that is best left un-discussed right now.

I am creating... a garden.

I am wondering... about the results of the bone scan M had done last week, hopefully we'll hear today.

I am looking forward to... M's girlfriend Rach. visiting later this week. M really needs a pick me up right now!

I am learning... from some cool coursera courses I'm taking right now; Introduction to Human Behavioral Genetics, and Teaching Character.

Around the house...everything is a mess. We worked outside all weekend, and the inside of the house definitely shows the lack of attention.

A few plans for the rest of the week... M's appointment with the spine doctor, the appliance repair guy coming to fix the oven, getting the gardens in, and other things I know I'm forgetting right now. 

A peek into my day...

...bedding plants waiting to be planted.

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*~*daybook*~*

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... the sun is shining, the wind has finally stopped and it looks like it's going to be a beautiful day.

I am thinking... about the 101 things I need to do today.

I am thankful... that M's gastroparesis let him sleep last night.

In the kitchen... I just finished warming up a nice cup of chai... Mmmm.

I am creating... a fence (hopefully we can work on it again now that the wind has died down!), a little music, and I've got some small upcycling projects I'm working on.

I am going... to drop "Pumpkin", R's goldfish, off at M's thrift store this morning. This is not a bad thing...it's good. He's an old fish, and has gotten HUGE (4"+) and he's outgrown his tank. We don't have a tank big enough for him, but the store does and says he can live at the store with their other fish. R's happy to have found a good home for him, and it's perfect because we'll still get to see him at least once a week!

I am wondering... about the results of the evaluations R had done yesterday.

I am reading... nothing right now... I think it's time for a library trip.

I am hoping... M makes it through tonight's melodrama (and the food!) without getting sick(er).

I am looking forward to... my brother Loren's visit next month! :)

Around the house... it's messy... I need to be home, and inside, long enough to get it cleaned up

A few plans for the weekend... melodrama tonight, work on S's graduation announcements with her tomorrow,  and hopefully get something done on the fence this weekend as well.

A peek into my day...

Pumpkin the fish  (and a ghostly me in the background!)

______________________________

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*~*daybook*~*

   

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... the sun is up, the sky is crystal blue without a single cloud to be seen. It's a beautiful spring day...

I am thinking... about how to stop thinking about the results (not great) of M's recent CT scan.

I am thankful... for the blessing of an ordinary day.

In the kitchen... the produce at Sprouts looked so good yesterday I planned our dinner around it. I bought a lovely fresh loaf of French bread and some spring mix, tomato, cucumber, red pepper, and a bit of smoked turkey at the deli. Dinner was sub sandwiches... think salad in bread with a little turkey! Mmmm... it was good.

I am creating... a huge mess where my pumpkin patch used to be, this is definitely a "looks worse before it looks better" kind of project!

I am going... to E's tonight to help with a homeschool group co-op class she's doing. She asked me to do this months ago, but she's sure I'm going to forget (because I have at least once or twice already!), so my showing up will probably be a surprise to her. ;)

I am hoping... I can find M's orthopedist's number and can get him in quickly for an appointment.

I am looking forward to... the snow that's forecast for Sunday. The kids and I already have a "date" for a movie and popcorn filled afternoon. We're were talking about H.G. Well's books the other day and I think we're going to watch the 1960 "The Time Machine" movie.

In the garden... the kitchen garden is turned, raked and ready to go. The rhubarb is already growing like gangbusters, some of the herbs are up and growing, and I've planted carrots and a couple different types of lettuce. I should probably get the onions in soon too...

I am pondering... what M's doctor told me yesterday about his CT scan results...it's confusing though, I need more information from her... I hope she replies to my question filled email soon.

A few plans for the rest of the week... we'll be working in the pumpkin patch today, moving paving stones from the (former) border, and getting it ready to mark for the post holes. I need to replant the iris' that had been along the pumpkin patch fence as well. They never did very well there, and they have to be moved to make way for the fence so... I've dug them up, separated them, and am replanting them elsewhere. Tomorrow will be more outside work, and Sunday we'll be snuggled inside while the cold and maybe snow rolls through.

A favorite photo...

(K and the grandkids during her recent visit...)

______________________________

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*~* daybook *~*

   

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... the sun has just come up, the sky is the palest blue... almost white... and the tiny shoots of green grass coming up everywhere are covered with frost.

I am thinking... how quickly K's visit has gone. She leaves tomorrow to go back to Ghana. :(

I am thankful... to have had this time with her, and for her safe travel.

In the kitchen... it's been either feast or famine. Feast = making enough food for an army for the open house we had for K. Famine = eating nothing but leftovers for days afterward because they needed to be eaten, and after all the cooking I did for the party, I really didn't feel like cooking anyway!

I am creating... I'm working on a "secret" project... trying to repair an old family piece of furniture that has been in pieces for years.

I am going... to town later to visit an elderly neighbor who has taken a bad fall. I think I'll bring him some spring flowers...

I am reading... The Lewis and Clark Journals... again... still. I don't know why I am so intrigued by them, but I just keep coming back to them again and again.

I am hoping... M and R settle down again soon. K's visit has been wonderful, but also hard on them, too much emotion, too much lack of structure and routine, too much out to eat, too much everything... they are both pretty fried.

I am looking forward to... more time (and a little warmer temps) to work in the garden... I'm ready to get some seeds into the ground!

Around the house... I'm done with my big indoor projects for the year. If it didn't get done by now it's going to have to wait until next winter. The guy is coming in about 10 days to drill the postholes for the new fence around the pumpkin patch. The kids and I have a lot of work to do before he comes, and then we have a fence to build!

A few plans for the rest of the week... a few last things to buy today before K heads back to Africa tomorrow, one last family dinner tomorrow before she leaves, and then a bit of resting up and getting back to normal time.

A favorite quote for today...

My little dog—a heartbeat at my feet.

-- Edith Wharton

A peek into my day....

Cody, a dog that knows how to snuggle in, after sneaking into the room where K is sleeping and curling up in her covers.

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Visit Peggy's blog for more about The Simple Woman's Daybook