The Weekend & Currently

What a glorious morning it is here in western Pennsylvania! I am so happy to be off work today to enjoy it. The sun is shining and the temperature is in the 40s and expected to reach the 50s today. Even though cold temperatures and snow are coming later this week, it's a little taste of Spring and a reminder that it isn't far off now.

It was a pretty good weekend here. Saturday morning found me hitting the thrift stores. I enjoy the hunt and it's so much fun when I actually find a "treasure." Even though I only went to 2 local shops I did pretty well. These are some of my finds...

Aren't these pretty? I think I'm going to use them on my desk

to hold paper clips, rubber bands, and things like that.

I usually only collect figural dog planters, but you

know me and Poodles. I couldn't leave this cutie behind.

I picked these DVDs up for the dementia unit.

The residents will enjoy them.

I found these sweet, absolutely perfect Fire King

cups for only 99 cents each. Love them!

It was a good day for books!

I also found some books for the grandkids and a handful of CDs for the car. I could have gone nuts on the CDs because someone had donated a DJs entire collection...but I restrained myself.

I also stopped by the garden center and bought some house plants for all the pretty pots I've been collecting. Well, for a few of them. 

The afternoon found me doing some chores around the house until Megan called and asked me to come sit with Leah while she did some work outside. It was beautiful and sunny, but too cold for the baby to be outside. Colton, on the other hand, had a great time riding his Little Tikes roller coaster and driving his John Deere Power Wheels tractor.

Tim worked all day and stayed later so he wouldn't have to go back in on Sunday, so I ordered dinner from Racer's (fish for him and a big salad for me) and he picked it up on his way home. He went to bed as soon as he was done eating and I spent the evening with Columbo.

Sunday was another beautiful day but it never felt quite as warm as it was due to the wind. At 53 degrees it was nice, but man, when the wind blew (which was every few seconds) it cut like a knife. At least it was another sunny day...can't get nearly enough of them after all the gray winter days.

Tim was going to work on the bathroom redo, but he finally admitted he is just not motivated to work on the tile and said he will see about finding someone to finish that part. Once that's done all that's left is setting the sink and toilet and the hardware, which he says he's fine with. (I deserve an award for patience and biting my tongue because this bathroom has been out of commission and a work in progress for over 3 years! And for not pointing out that doing the entire room in tile was HIS idea.)

With the bathroom off the table for the day, Tim worked on putting together the coffee table I ordered from Amazon. I love it and he was actually impressed with how well made it was.

Pretty isn't it?

Then it does this! Colton thought this was the

greatest thing ever. He kept saying over and over,

"Me like this table."

While Tim was assembling the table, I finally went through all my clothes and organized them (or donated them) and potted my new plants. I grew up in a family that always has plants in the house and I love the look. I was down to only 2 and the house was feeling incomplete to me. It's much better now, though I am still nowhere near close to my grandmother, who had over 100 plants in the house!

Aren't they pretty? The one in the back on the right is called Dragonbreath.

I couldn't get a picture that captures the colors, but the very center stripe 

of the leaves is a bluish color. It is really different and beautiful.

We did run out to get a couple of things at Lowe's and ended up having Sunday Brunch at a restaurant right down the road from home. It was...okay. Not really worth the price unless you're more interested in quantity than quality. They did, however, have absolutely amazing halupki (stuffed cabbage rolls)...the best I've had since the old Polish/Hungarian/Slav ladies in my neighborhood passed away.

Colton was here for the latter part of the afternoon and a bit of the evening. We always enjoy our time with him (and Leah, too) and want them to know this is their home, too.

After Colt left we just relaxed and watched TV. It was a good weekend.




CURRENTLY

I am...

Reading...Head Over Heels. Sometimes you just need some "junk food" for your mind.

Watching...the sun play off the pretties in my kitchen window to throw rainbows (or woody woos as my aunt called them) on the wall.

Loving...this sunshine!

Thinking...about all I want to do today. Laundry, dusting/vacuuming, groceries, clean out the frig, and spend some time writing.

Feeling...10 feet tall and bulletproof. Don't you love those days?

Celebrating...Tim wanting to hire someone to finish the tile in the bathroom.

Grateful...to God for his love, forgiveness, and faithfulness.

Weather...sunny and in the 50s!

Enjoying...the heck out of all this sunshine!

A thought to share...

Currently

Outside my window...30 degrees with a heavy frost, but some sunshine and temps in the mid 40's is today's forecast.

I am thinking...about work. Today is one of those two days that couldn't be changed when I reverted to working part-time. It will be the first time I've had to be around my boss in over a month. 

I am reading...I just finished Finding Dorothy and haven't yet picked my next read.

I am watching...the morning news.

I am thankful...this has been a very mild winter for us so far.

I am wearing...my pajamas and robe. I wanted to see the weather forecast before getting dressed.

I am celebrating...nothing in particular and everything in general. Every day of life we are given is a gift and worth celebrating!

I am listening to...a lot of Randy Travis hymns at work. I've found that the residents like his deep voice and it soothes them.

I am creating...a list of things to do in the garden. It will soon be that time and there are things to be done even before the growing season.

I am feeling...content.

I am hoping...to get a lot done during my days off this week.

In my kitchen...nothing is going on. It was a work weekend and we ate out and then ate leftovers. I'll have to make something tonight. Maybe Belgian waffles and sausage?

I am grateful...that our children's lives are going well, with good work,  and thriving families.

A quote to share...actually, there are two. They go together.

Have a beautiful Monday, friends!

Currently

Outside my window...it's another gray day of rain. *sigh* At least the temperature is in the 40's and the snow continues to melt away, but what a soggy, muddy mess is left behind.

I am thinking...if we don't get some sunshine soon I'm going to lose my mind!

I am reading...(I kind of hate to tell you after what I said last week) but I just downloaded book 3 in the Nun of Your Business series by Dakota Cassidy. I know I said the whole ex-nun possessed by a demon, with a demon best friend, and an owl possessed by a demon for a pet wasn't my thing and it really wouldn't be if was a big deal. As I read through the first book, it turned out to be more of an little thing they kept mentioning, but it didn't really have much of a part in the story. It ended up being funny and light and an entertaining, easy read. So I read the second one over the weekend and now I'll be starting the third. I'm also starting a more serious book, Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts.

I am watching...nothing. Tim had the TV on watching his true crime shows all weekend, but I don't pay much attention to that. I haven't really found another show to watch since I finished the only season out of Virgin River.

I am thankful...Tim and I had a nice day out on Saturday. We scouted around some antique stores, had lunch at a favorite restaurant, and ended up buying a new loveseat so I can finally get rid of the ugly, smelly, and incredibly sinking brown sofa we currently have. We've had it through the kids growing up and it is just shot, but Tim loves it and has been very resistant to parting with it. He now has 2 weeks to say goodbye!

I am wearing...I'm still in my jammies and robe.

I am celebrating...winning the battle of the sofa.

I am listening to...Ronnie Milsap with Alexa.

I am creating...a more organized atmosphere. I'm trying, anyway, to do some decluttering and reorganizing.

I am feeling...terribly lazy. Curse this gray weather!

I am hoping...to get a lot done this week.

In my kitchen...a lot of healthier foods in the hope of actually eating healthier.

I am grateful...the debates and primaries have begun. That means we are that much closer to the whole sordid mess being over and done with.

A quote to share...

Currently...

Outside my window...it's in the 40's and SUNNY! I'm pretty sure there is a long walk coming up today. I've got to soak in some of that precious vitamin D! These winter months are so gray and dreary that a sunny day is a real gift.

I am thinking...about the things I want to get done in the next three days (the number of days I am off before I have to work again) and about getting really, REALLY serious about eating healthier and exercising. I did a bit of the Body Groove dvd this morning. My knee wasn't too happy, but I just plugged along doing what I could without stressing it too much. Later I think I'll do the next segment.

I am reading...a cozy mystery called Then There Were Nun by Dakota Cassidy. It was a freebie on my Kindle. Good thing, because I'd be mad if I had paid money. It's not really my thing. The nun in the story is an ex-nun who is now and then possessed by a demon. Her companion is a demon who escaped from hell and is actually pretty nice and trying to learn her way in the world. They are trying to open a tattoo shop because the demon has a gift for it, having been the demon who tattooed everyone as they arrived in hell. Yeah....not really my thing at all, but it's written well enough so I'm giving it a chance.

I am watching...I had binged the first season of Virgin River on Netflix only to find out it was the only season. So far. There was a little message at the end of the last episode that there would be another season. When???? I really liked it.

I am thankful...my friend found a time slot to fit me in to get my hair done tomorrow. I need a trim desperately and the gray is starting to get pretty noticeable.

I am wearing...still in my sleep wear...leggings, t-shirt, and robe. 

I am celebrating...that one friend got moved safely out of her home and left a bad marriage behind and that two other friends (a long-time married couple) were able to get away for a few days and rest and recharge.

I am listening to...Casting Crowns on the Echo Dot. Thank you, Alexa.

I am creating...new habits and a new way of doing my life.

I am feeling...blessed and very, very happy with life.

I am hoping...to get a lot done today.

In my kitchen...there's a new "toy." A Ninja 8-in-1 toaster/air fryer. You can bake, broil, toast, fry, roast, dehydrate, and warm in it. It will cook up to 4lbs. of food at a time. I just have to figure out how to use it.

I am grateful...for all the things I've been blessed with in my life. 

A quote to share...

Yes, yes, yes! I believe this with all of my being. 

If life is hard or empty or lonely or sad or overwhelming...make the effort every day to look for the good things. Count your blessings. Not just the big obvious one, but the little ones, too. Really look at the people who are vexing you and find something good in them. Imagine what God sees in them. Look in wonder at the world around you, at the diversity of creation and let the mind-blowing complexity and creativity of it wash over you. Did someone wrong you, did you mess up? Forgive them, forgive yourself. Move on. 

If you always focus on the negative you will train your mind to go there first and that's a crappy place to live. Make looking for the good something you intentionally do every single day and soon enough it will be what you do naturally. Your heart will be lighter and your life will be happier.

The Weekend and Currently

Good morning! We had a pretty good weekend. It was my weekend off and my first off since my part-time schedule kicked in. I have to say I am loving the extra time to get things done and be with the family. I feel more relaxed than I have in ages. People are telling me it shows.

Tim didn't go to work on Saturday, either, because the rain made it too muddy to do whatever it was he was going to do. I had plans with my mom so he was on his own.

Mom and I checked out the Habitat for Humanity store and hit several thrift shops. We also had lunch at Primanti Brothers. Mom made quite a big deal out of how nice it was to spend the day together and shared how her friend (who lost her daughter to cancer) told her to enjoy our time together.

Mom invited Tim and I to share supper with her and John. It was simple barbecue pork sliders and chips, but it was nice to spend the time with them. After that Megan and Cody dropped the grandkids off so they could go out with friends for a couple of hours. We had a good time playing with them and watching Minion movies. Again.

Sunday was supposed to be a day of running errands and getting work done around here. We got the errands done, but we made a stop at Dunham Sports and ended up buying a big gun safe. We had to move stuff in the house to make room for it and rearrange stuff and well...it ended up taking all afternoon. And today I have to put the house back together.

Currently

I am...

Reading...Finding Home by Jackie Weger.

Watching...The Ranch on Netflix.

Loving...being part-time and having time and energy to do things I want to do.

Thinking...about a friend who is ending her marriage today. It's one of those cases where it's the best thing, the only thing, really...but still so sad. Also praying for her safety as the movers were coming this morning after her husband left for work and her daughter left for school. The situation is such that she needs to do it this way without them knowing until it's over. (The daughter is 14 and sides with her father because he buys her whatever she wants.)

Feeling...pretty darn good!

Celebrating...life and family. The death of Kobe Bryant and his young daughter is another powerful reminder that every day is a gift and we are not promised tomorrow so, we'd better make the most of the day we are living.

Grateful...as I see people around me getting sick for the second or third time this winter that I am still continuing to miss all the "fun."

Weather...it's snowing a bit this morning, but it's to turn to a mix of snow and rain as the day goes on with a high temp of 37.

Enjoying...my new Body Groove dvd. It looks silly but it's a lot of fun.

A thought to share...

Currently

I am...

Reading...I just finished Murder in the Manor (A Lacey Doyle Cozy Mystery-Book 1) on my new Kindle. It was an easy read, but I enjoyed it and will most likely be downloading the rest of the series at some point.

Listening to...the morning news at the moment. In general, I've been on 70's kick at work and it doesn't matter what genre. From country to disco, if it was new in the 70's I'm listening.

Loving...the art work I bought on Friday to hang on the wall in the spare bedroom. It's a huge Italian street scene in the golds, reds, greens, and oranges the room is decorated with. I actually thought it was 4 separate panels when I bought it, but it turned out to be one 5 ft. long painting. I'll take a picture to post later this week.

Thinking...about all the things I want to do with all the free time I'm going to be having beginning this week.

Feeling...a bit better. After two days in the dementia unit my sore leg is feeling a good bit better. I didn't have to lift my leg into and out of the car with my hands last night...something I have been doing lately because of how much my knee hurt. My friend might be right about a lot of the problem being tight, inflamed IT bands (the muscles/tendons that stabilize the knee).

Celebrating...going part-time at work. Even though I have to work 4 days this week because my boss was unable to clear today off my schedule, I will be off Tuesday and Wednesday and then have the weekend off! I am so excited about having more time to spend at home and with Colton and Leah.

Grateful...that as the cold/virus that has been at the nursing home since before Christmas moves into the dementia unit, I am, so far, still avoiding it. A small miracle since the residents are always coughing or sneezing on me.

Weather...COLD. The temperature this morning is 15 degrees with the windchill making it feel like 9 degrees. It's going to stay cold today and be really cold again tonight before beginning a bit of a warm up...nearly 50 on Friday...and a run of sunny days. It's supposed to start raining on Saturday and cool us back into the 30's on Sunday. Still not all that bad for January in the mountains of southwestern PA. All of the storms, so far, have seemed to go right around us this year.

Enjoying...my new Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumizer. It makes straightening my hair so easy. It does such a good job of drying it straight, that it doesn't take long with the straightening iron at all. It's a game changer!

A thought to share...

Currently

I am...

Reading...just finished Trophy Life by Lea Geller, the story of a trophy wife and what follows when her husband's ponzi schemes close in on him and her world collapses. I'm starting Murder in the Manor: A Seaside Harbor Mystery by Fiona Grace.

Listening to...a lot of older country music from the 60's and 70's. I have to listen to music the residents like at work, but they are a little bit bound by what of their music I like.

Loving...that the warm weather is still going on this week. Winter isn't coming back until Thursday.

Thinking...I need to hurry up and get this posted because I have to get ready for work.

Feeling...achy and sore. The arthritis seems to be flaring up today.

Celebrating...my last week as a full-time employee. Beginning next week I will only be working part-time. Actually, next week and once more in February I have to work an extra day because my boss was short-handed, but I can deal with that. I'm really looking forward to having the extra time in my week, because while I love working with the residents something about this job has left me feeling like I'm running the rat race for the first time in my life.

Grateful...my boss was very nice when I asked and made the arrangements for the switch right away. I was afraid she might give me grief.

Weather...cloudy, but in the mid-50's today.

Enjoying...our Hello Fresh boxes. All of the meals have been amazing. We have 2 more boxes coming in that deal we got, but after that I think I'm going to cancel since I'm going part-time. I have the recipes for all the meals so I can always buy the ingredients and make them again.

A thought to share...

Currently: Family Christmas

I am...

Reading...still in holiday mode. With our Christmas celebration over, I will be choosing my next read tonight.

Listening to...the morning news. Another church shooting, but at least there were armed security people in place who reacted quickly and removed the danger. Still, so sad that our world has come to this. And no, I am not in favor of taking guns away. Those who are intent on doing such things will always find a way, be it with illegal guns, bombs, or something else. Innocent people need to be able to defend themselves...especially in this age when police forces are short on funding and therefore understaffed. The response to a 911 call is likely to come too late.

Loving...all this warm weather!

Thinking...about the year that is ending, the year that will be beginning, what I want to change or do differently in the new year, when I'm going to pack up the Christmas decorations since I work New Years Eve and Day, whether or not I want to put in for time off at Easter...

Feeling...blessed and content. We had a wonderful Christmas, even though a couple of the grands were not feeling well. The perfect gifts I stressed over for everyone went over big. For Tim there was a display case for the commemorative rifle someone gave him last year; Mom and John got the Copper Chef pots and pans they wanted; our son got the wood lathe and chisel set he was wanting; for our daughter-in-law there were concert tickets to a big concert this summer featuring her favorite band; our daughter got the weighted blanket she was hoping for and money to go shopping for clothes; her husband got the stand for his miter saw he wanted; our oldest granddaughter is very much into art and crafting things and she got a Dremel tool, a wood-burning kit, and a 3-D pen among other things; her brother got a new scooter made for doing tricks...something he is trying to learn to do; Colton got his kitchen; and little Leah got lots and lots of little things to stimulate her. I love being able to give them what they want....especially when they aren't expecting it. Oh, and I got a certificate to have my car detailed and new WeatherTech floor mats, gift cards, money, and the coolest thing...Mom framed some of the Barbie clothes my grandmother made for me in a shadowbox. 

Celebrating...family, friends, and faith.

Grateful...for all we have been blessed with...and I'm not just talking about "stuff."

Weather...warm again today with a high near 60 degrees, but it's raining off and on and a cold front is coming. It should be in the 40's by the time I come home this afternoon and in the 30's this evening. Snow is coming tomorrow.

Enjoying...life.

A thought to share...What if, just for today, you focus on the positive rather than the negative? What if, just for today, you gave thanks for the good things in your life rather than focusing on the things you don't have? What if, just for today, instead of criticizing and complaining you complimented and encouraged? What if we all did this every day?

Currently

I am...

Reading...nothing. No time at the moment. Unless you count the children's Christmas stories I've been reading the residents of the dementia unit. I read them Mary's First Christmas, which is Mary telling little boy Jesus the story of his birth. It is a really sweet story with beautiful illustrations and the residents seemed to appreciate the fresh way of telling the story. Yesterday I read them the original Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Listening to...the Holiday Favorites station on Amazon has become the season's soundtrack.

Loving...seeing all the pictures on everyone's blogs this morning of their Christmas decorating and get-togethers over the weekend. It makes me feel more festive.

Thinking...that as soon as I post this I have to start wrapping. Ever single time Tim and I planned to spend an evening wrapping this past week, something came up.

Feeling...excited. Even though our family Christmas isn't until Saturday and I have to work on Christmas Day, the season fills me with anticipation. I can't wait to see family, of course, but I also can't wait to wish Jesus a happy birthday! I just love what this season is really all about.

Celebrating...our new microwave. Ours had been acting up and doing odd things (like turning on when you opened the door) for a couple of months. Last week it finally rolled over and died completely. We use the microwave a lot so it was a tough couple of days until Tim could go shopping for one yesterday. All I told him was I wanted a stainless one. He did a great job picking one out. It is so big inside I think you could cook a 20lb. turkey in it (if you really wanted to). It has all this room because the panel is on the bottom instead of the side. Smart! Anyway, love it!

Grateful...that my boss scheduled me off on Christmas Eve even though I took a vacation day on Friday to give myself a 3-day weekend.

Weather...unbelievable for this time of year! It is sunny and while cold this morning, the temperature will be in the mid 50's this afternoon. Christmas Day could see temperatures in the 60's!

Enjoying...that Colton is so into Christmas this year. It makes it so much more fun!

A thought to share...

Currently

I am...

Reading...not a lot of time for reading right now with work, birthdays and getting ready for Christmas so I am still working on The Four Seasons by Mary Alice Monroe.

Listening to...a lot of Christmas carols, particularly by the group Home Free.

Loving...waking up to an inch or so of snow this morning (pretty but not enough to be a problem).

Thinking...about what gifts I still need to get and about getting serious about wrapping those I already have.

Feeling...blessed and content.

Celebrating...nothing in particular right now...just the birth of my Savior and the increased peace and good will among men.

Grateful...that God loved all of us so much that he still would have sent Jesus to Earth had it been for only one of us...if it was only for me. That is some serious love.

Weather...it's about 25* this morning with snow coming down, but by this afternoon it's going to warm up and turn to rain. Lots and lots of rain. By evening it may turn back to an icy mix.

Enjoying...my new hair style and color now that I've got the hang of straightening it.

A thought to share...

Currently

I am...

Reading...The Four Seasons by Mary Alice Monroe.

Listening to...Amazon Prime's holiday station.

Loving...that I am in the dementia unit all week. I don't have to deal with my snarky boss. 

Thinking...that I need to start wrapping presents.

Feeling...kind of blah. I'm doing the prep tonight for a colonoscopy first thing in the morning. 

Celebrating...Colton's birthday. He will be three on Friday and his party is on Saturday. Also celebrating that it's my weekend off so I can be there.

Grateful...to be snuggled up with my pup and the laptop and enjoying the Christmas lights while it POURS outside.

Weather...today was rainy, but 56*. Tomorrow the rain is supposed to continue, but the temp will drop and the rain will turn to a wintry mix. 

Enjoying...the holidays and everyone's good cheer.

A thought to share...

Currently

I am...

Reading...the book of Luke. I've been inspired by Rebecca Jo's post to read one chapter a day, finishing on Christmas.

Listening to...the Beatles' Abbey Road album thanks to those Alexa commercials.

Loving...my new hair style and color. I'm still learning to style it and it takes a lot longer than just letting the curls go natural, but I absolutely love it. My stylist is a genius! She made my brown color a bit darker, toned the gray that's growing in naturally, and added silver highlights. It doesn't look very gray, but the gray should be a little less noticeable as it grows in and we'll add more silver as we go until I get to my natural color.

Thinking...about my Christmas shopping list and who is crossed off and who I still need to shop for.

Feeling...happy and content.

Celebrating...the great day we had on Saturday for our Thanksgiving. Everyone was here but our son's wife and it was just a great day. We are celebrating why our daughter-in-law wasn't here, too. She got a job that she likes. It has worse hours than mine, though, so we are hoping that gets worked out to what she wants.

Grateful...for a good day at work.

Weather...cold, rainy, and 32*. The rain will be turning to snow over the next few days and by Thursday afternoon we should have 3-4 inches of snow on the ground. 

Enjoying...the Christmas season. I have a LOT of Christmas spirit this year!

A thought to share...

Currently & Tuesday 4

I didn't do this yesterday so thought I'd do it quickly this morning before I get started on making my shopping list, shopping, cleaning, and decorating.

I am...

Reading...The White Christmas Inn. It's nice, seasonal fluff.

Listening to...the constantly playing loop in my mind of all I have to do this week.

Loving...this mild weather before the big storm hits tomorrow.

Thinking...about my hair appointment this afternoon and wondering what color and cut will ultimately prevail.

Feeling...ambitious...lots and lots to do today.

Celebrating...what else? Thanksgiving!

Grateful...to have made a big dent in my Christmas shopping already. And that I did it all from the sofa.

Weather...mild today with a high close to 60. Tomorrow we should wake up to wind gusts over 50 mph with rain moving in after lunch and temps falling until the rain becomes snow.

Enjoying...the season. The day. The moment.

A thought to share...

And now on to the Tuesday 4, which you can join in on here.

1.   What is your favorite Thanksgiving show/animated show?: When I was a little girl I waited every year for the Wizard of Oz to air during the Thanksgiving holiday. Now I like to relax and laugh my way through Home for the Holidays with Holly Hunter and Robert Downey, Jr.

2.   What is there about Thanksgiving you like the best:  The gathering of family and just spending time together before the Christmas craziness begins.

3.   Favorite Thanksgiving/holiday song?:  I don't know that I have a favorite, but Adam Sandler's Thanksgiving Song cracks me up.

4.   If you have an all holiday music radio station when do you start listening to it?:  Not knowing that they'd already made the switch, I actually listened to it for the first time on Sunday. Normally, though, I do restrain myself until at least after dinner on Thanksgiving. Ha!