Simple Woman's Daybook~Week of August 16, 2021

For The Week of August 16, 2021

Looking out my window... It has rained all day. I love the rain and how much cooler it is outside!

I am thinking... I feel like I am running in a hundred different directions lately. Usually when I start feeling this way, I do a "brain dump" where I take a notebook and write down everything on my mind that I need to do. 

A few of those things:  ~Finish removing wallpaper in my oldest son's bedroom. Prep walls for painting. My daughter will be moving into this room when we finish painting since it is larger than her current bedroom. My oldest son has moved into an apartment closer to his job. 

~Do a major declutter of the entire house. This may have to be conducted one room per week until finished. 

~Finish planning a weekend getaway for my husband and me. 

~Catch up on sewing projects. I have a list already made of these.

~Restart yoga practice to improve flexibility. 

I am thankful... That all three of my children have full time jobs that they love!

One of my favorite things... Time listening to podcasts while I clean or while at work. My favorite right now is The Bakery Bears Radio Show. They have such an inspiring marriage!

I am creating... Hand-knitted socks for my husband. 

I am wearing... Lavender slacks and a pink peplum top that I sewed. 

I am reading (read) /watching (watched) / listening to... 

Reading--The Cellist by Daniel Silva. I have read all of his books and anxiously await a new one each summer. 

Watching--Lego Masters with my 23 year old son. 

Listening to--Podcasts, "Gateway to Joy" by Elisabeth Elliot, and "Christian Classics" (both of these specific shows are on Bible Broadcasting Network that I have mentioned before). 

I am hoping... For a relaxing weekend!

I am learning... How to root cuttings of different plants. Some of these have been successful and others not so much. 

In my kitchen... Cleaning out the refrigerator--We are having a new one delivered Saturday morning. Our old one has been on its last leg for a while now. 

I need to work on a meal plan--I plan to start WW (Weight Watchers) again this week. I feel so much better when I am in control of my eating. 

Sunday lunch for August 15, 2021--This past Sunday for lunch I made Mississippi Pot Roast with carrots, Onion Soup Potatoes (I double this recipe except for the oil), and a yellow Duncan Hines cake with chocolate frosting. 

In the school room... My oldest son is in his first year teaching in a high needs school. He is LOVING it! My daughter (youngest child) is in her first year of graduate school online. 

In my garden... My cucumbers have produced enough for one batch of pickles, and I think they are finished. :-(  My tomatoes, however, have been super producers this year. My mom has canned salsa, I have canned tomatoes, and we have had plenty for tomato sandwiches. 

My succulents are not doing well. I think I give them too much attention and water since I read that they thrive on neglect. 

    My night blooming Cereus bloomed this week!

Post Script...One of my favorite blogs~ The Legacy of Home

Closing Notes...  I have a pretty calm weekend planned. I get my 2nd COVID vaccination tomorrow afternoon. After the 1st one I was extremely sleepy for about a day and a half.  I also do this after my flu vaccine every year. That is why always get them on Fridays, to have the weekend to recover. This time I plan to just rest and re-watch the Harry Potter movies. If I have enough energy, maybe I can knit and get caught up on some knitting YouTube channels I watch. 

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Sunday Lunch

     Several years ago, I decided to make a big deal about Sunday lunch after church.  Our family doesn't get to eat dinner together every night like we did when the children were younger and all at home. With everyone working different shifts and going to school, it just isn't feasible. Sunday lunch is the one time of the week when most of us can be present. My hope is that as my children get married and have children of their own, this will be a dependable time for them to come visit. 

    I try to make this meal the most special one of the week. I plan the meal ahead of time, keeping an eye out all the time for interesting Sunday lunch recipes. I especially love Bell's Best cookbooks, church cookbooks, and Southern Plate.  I want a home-cooked meal including dessert. This week my daughter requested herbed chicken. I found a delicious recipe on Downshiftology. I also cooked corn (one can of cream style corn plus one can of whole kernel), and butter peas. For dessert, I made my grandmother's lemon ice box pie (recipe below). 

    My daughter and I set the table with a nice tablecloth and dishes. When everyone gets to the table, we join hands and one of my sons or my husband will say the blessing before eating. We have really enjoyed this and look forward to it all week. 

Grandmother's Lemon Ice Box Pie

Ingredients: 

Graham cracker pie crust
8 oz. Philadelphia cream cheese
Eagle Brand milk
1/2 cup lemon juice
4 oz. Cool Whip

Mix the cream cheese, Eagle Brand milk, and lemon juice until smooth. Gently stir in the cool whip and pour into pie crust. Refrigerate overnight for the best flavor.