The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today... Tuesday, 30 January 2024

Outside my window... Beautiful and sunny! 

I am thinking... How fast Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of Lent, is coming up on us.

I am thankful... to be alive, after my near death just over a year ago.  I was very sick, with so many symptoms that all seemed unrelated, and finally got to the point that my husband was extremely worried and was taking me to the hospital.  He had trouble getting me into the car, so called for the ambulance.  I fell into a diabetic coma in the EMS, and the ER doctors told my husband that another hour or so and I probably wouldn't have made it.  This is the extreme edited version, as the unedited version would be horrendously long.

I am wearing... green polka dot shirt and maroon pants.

I am creating... I'm trying to declutter our home, and make it more cozy.  

I am wondering... if we will continue to be blessed with a fairly mild winter.

I am reading... The Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek

I am hoping... that our sweet dog will be able to walk again without assistance.  She hurt herself somehow, and has been needing us to help her walk with a sling under her, or with her wheelchair.  

I am learning... I need to let go of a lot of things.

Our sweet ol' girl...

She misses her walks out to our mailbox and back, and going on car rides.  We take her out to the mailbox with her wheelchair, but we cannot do it often, as it wears her out.  It is very difficult to get her in and out of the car, without risking her re-injuring herself, so those rides are reserved for only going to the veterinarian.

In my kitchen... King Ranch Chicken, prepared as low-carb as I could get it.  Dessert was a small portion of the low-carb King Cake our daughter found for me. 

In the homeschool room... Watching the grandchildren grow and learn nowadays.  It's so fun to see them on their journey of learning.  I do hope they acquire a love of reading, as their grandparents all have.

A favorite quote for today... "A loving heart is the truest wisdom." - Charles Dickens

A peek into one of my days... right now, pretty much staying at home, keeping a watchful eye on our old pup.  As she gets better, she's getting a bit rambunctious, and the worry is that she'll re-injure herself.

One of my favorite things... the sun shining bright, filtering in through the windows.

Postscript... 
I hope to try to keep coming back here to write, even if it's not much, just to take a break from the craziness of our typical social media these days. May you all have a blessed week.

Sweet and amazing thing a friend at church did for us

A wonderful lady at our parish started this fundraiser for our family.  If you feel led, we would be so grateful for any contribution you could spare.  If you cannot donate, we would be extremely thankful for your prayers on our behalf.  Also, whether you can donate or not, could you please take a moment and visit the GoFundMe page and click share, sharing on whatever social media platform you use.  Thank you so much, and God Bless!  

The Simple Woman's Daybook - April 12th Edition

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today... Sunday, April 12th (early morning hours)

Outside my window... Overcast and humid. 

I am thinking... How very different this Lent and Easter have been this year.

I am thankful... our health during this COVID-19 pandemic.

I am wearing... pink polka dot shirt and black knit shorts.

I am creating... I'm trying to create a nice place to sit and read.  

I am wondering... how much longer we all will be under orders to stay at home during this pandemic.

I am reading... The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.

I am hoping... we all make it through this pandemic.  I pray for all those who have already lost loved ones, and for those who have to be possibly exposed due to their jobs.

I am learning... I need to let go of a lot of things.

My sweet Basset boys...

I miss my sweet Bassets "the boys" so very much.  I had last posted that the oldest one was still with us, but he has since passed.  One day when he was spending a bit of time outside, which he loved, I went to check on him, and I found him laying in the exact spot where his beloved cousin had laid-down and died.  Both look like they had just laid-down to take a nap.

In my kitchen... cooked some small eye of round steaks, black-eyed peas for the guys, roasted broccoli for me.  I made a super-low carb carrot cake for Easter and we ate a bit of that for dessert.

In the homeschool room... we are finished with our homeschool journey.  Our son graduated in May 2018.  I may post from time-to-time about my grandchildren, who are about to start their homeschool journey.

A favorite quote for today... "God loves each of us as if there were only one of us." - St. Augustine

A peek into one of my days... right now, going stir crazy due to stay at home orders with the pandemic.  I tried to go to the store for the first time since this all started (have been having hubby or son stop on their way home), and that's the last time I'll go until this is all over.  Insane.  That's all you can say about it. 

One of my favorite things... having time to read my books, spending time with family, and playing with my dogs.

Postscript...

Catholic Easter Prayer Lord, the resurrection of Your Son has given us new life and renewed hope. Help us to live as new people in pursuit of the Christian ideal. Grant us wisdom to know what we must do, the will to want to do it, the courage to undertake it, the perseverance to continue to do it, and the strength to complete it. 

source: New Saint Joseph People's Prayer Book

The Simple Woman's Daybook - July 3rd Edition

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today... Monday, July 3rd

Outside my window... Sunny, hot, and humid. 

I am thinking... How very hot it is outside.

I am thankful... for air-conditioning.

I am wearing... denim shorts and a light green shirt with dark green and black polka-dots.

I am creating... I'm trying to create a nice place to sit and read.  

I am wondering... how much hotter it will get this summer.

I am reading... two books!  Actually, I just finished News of the World: A Novel by Paulette Jiles, and I'm about to start reading Lilac Girls: A Novel by Martha Hall Kelly.

I am hoping... my Dad's health continues to improve, so that when he goes back to have his numbers checked in September for his prostate cancer treatment they're all good.

I am learning... I need to let go of a lot of things.

My sweet Basset boys...

I miss my sweet Bassets "the boys" so very much.  One of them is still with us, but I miss his cousin so very much, and watching the two of them play together around our place.  The cousin left is very old, and it's heartbreaking to watch him wander around the place, going to all their favorite spots, and start whining and barking.

In my kitchen... made kind of a goulash type thing tonight.  Hamburger, petite and fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and small pasta shells.  It always makes a lot, so we'll have leftovers.

In the homeschool room... continuing plugging-away into senior year.

A favorite quote for today... There are only two ways to live your life.  One is as though nothing is a miracle.  The other is as if everything is.  ~Albert Einstein

A peek into one of my days... they are all a blur at this time.  I am so busy, whenever I finally get time at home, I'm usually so tired that I get nothing done.  

One of my favorite things... having time to read my books, spending time with family, and playing with my dogs.

Postscript...

The Lake Isle Of Innisfree
by William Butler Yeats (1865-1939)

I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made:
Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honey-bee;
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.

And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight's all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evening full of the linnet's wings.

I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,
I hear it in the deep heart's core.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - May 29th Edition

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today... Memorial Day.  A day we remember those who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms.

Outside my window... a bit overcast, and muggy. 

I am thinking... how nice it is to sit hear and listen to all the birds singing outside .

I am thankful... for the birth of my beautiful granddaughter back at the end of March.

I am wearing... denim shorts and a red, white, and blue striped short-sleeved shirt, and barefoot.

I am creating... still need to work on that address book.  

I am wondering... how long it will take me to heal from my knee injury I had in April (not the same as the one in March).  This one was really bad, necessitating an ER trip, a wheelchair, and now a cane.  I can walk without it, but it gives me extra stability.

I am reading... still nothing.  I really need to change this.  I absolutely love reading and miss it.

I am hoping... my Dad's last treatment for prostate cancer goes well tomorrow.  Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers, that he won't need any further treatment.

I am learning... to try not to stress about things so much, which isn't working too well yet.

In my kitchen... most likely very thin cut chicken breasts, cooked in an iron skillet with some coconut oil and Penzey's Sunny Paris seasoning.  Our favorite seasoning is Penzey's Fox Point, but we're out at the moment.

In the homeschool room... winding-down to a slower pace for the summer.

A favorite quote for today... “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~Maya Angelou

A peek into one of my days... this week is the usual busy and hectic running around, but we add in my son serving with His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo at the Confirmation Mass at our parish this week.  

One of my favorite things... the return of so many birds, and flowers and trees trying to bloom.  I think we have left winter behind at this point.

Postscript...

Poetictouch

O flower-de-luce, bloom on, and let the river

Linger to kiss thy feet!

O flower of song, bloom on, and make forever

The world more fair and sweet.

~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

He finally has a name!

Chanticleer

He finally has a name! Chanticleer, but Chanty (pronounced SHON-ti) for short. I know it took me forever to decide, but I had received so many great suggestions for names. The bibliophile in me took over though, and that's how I decided. Here's a great description of him:

Chanticleer comes from Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. More specifically, he comes from the Nun's Priest Tale, a story within Canterbury Tales. The Chanticleer is a proud and fierce rooster who dominates the barnyard. For the best description of Chanticleer, we turn to Chaucer's words. "For crowing there was not his equal in all the land. His voice was merrier than the merry organ that plays in church, and his crowing from his resting place was more trustworthy than a clock. His comb was redder than fine coral and turreted like a castle wall, his bill was black and shone like a jet, and his legs and toes were like azure. His nails were whiter than the lily and his feathers were like burnished gold." With all of his splendor and great looks, Chanticleer is also greatly feared and mightily respected by all.

Rooster needs a name!

I just received this handsome rooster as a gift this evening. <I had been looking at him for quite a while. But... he needs a name. Could y'all give me your ideas? Please keep the names rated "G", child friendly. Thanks! 

The Simple Woman's Daybook - March 20th Edition

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today... First day of Spring and the Feast of St. Joseph!

Outside my window... sunny and beautiful, with so many birds chirping! 

I am thinking... when our sweet grand-daughter will be born (she is due 03/30).

I am thankful... for this beautiful weather.  I needed the sunshine.

I am wearing... denim shorts and a light green w/ polka-dots short-sleeved shirt.

I am creating... a new address book.  I hate that practically no one sends actual mail to friends and family anymore.  I want to change that.  

I am wondering... how long the bruising and pain from my fall will last.  Kneeling during Mass yesterday really hurt.

I am reading... sadly, nothing at the moment, but am hoping to change that very soon.

I am hoping... my Dad's treatment for prostate cancer goes well.  If you all could please pray for him, that all goes well, and also for my Mom, as she helps my Dad along this journey.  Please also pray for a dear friend of mine's mother, who is 91 and has Alzheimer's.  She fell and broke her femur, and as you can imagine, is in a lot of pain.  Pray while they try to make the best decisions for her care and recovery.

I am learning... let stressful things go (not to successful thus far).

Our 30th Anniversary...

We were given the gift of a dinner out to Fogo de Chão for our 30th Anniversary, and this was the dessert they brought out to us to celebrate.  

In my kitchen... I made an delicious dinner the other night, using a free jar of alfredo sauce I had received (and which my daughter said tasted horrible).  I didn't want to waste it, so I made a shrimp scampi sauce, with fresh garlic, shallots, and cultured butter.  I then combined it with the alfredo sauce, then added pasta.  It was amazing!

In the homeschool room... in our usual, busy routine now.

A favorite quote for today... Just be yourself.  Let people see the real, imperfect, flawed, quirky, weird, beautiful, magical person that you are.  ~Mandy Hale

A peek into one of my days... this week I will be going all day everyday, running teen son to all his commitments.  It's hectic, and tiring, but I know this season will soon end.

One of my favorite things... the return of so many birds, and flowers and trees trying to bloom.  I think we have left winter behind at this point.

Postscript...

Poetictouch

Love is a springtime plant that perfumes everything with its hope, even the ruins to which it clings.

~ Gustave Flaubert

The Simple Woman's Daybook - February 15th Edition

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today... Wednesday, February 15

Outside my window... dark and cold. 

I am thinking... how much I miss seeing my family (parents, etc.).

I am thankful... being able to make a quick, one-day trip to see my parents, and them finally getting to meet their only great-grandchild.

I am wearing... denim shorts and a teal green shirt.

I am creating... I'm trying to create a more comfy, welcoming, less cluttered home.  

I am wondering... when true spring will get here.

I am reading... sadly, nothing at the moment.

I am hoping... my Dad's treatment for prostate cancer goes well.  If you all could please pray for him, that all goes well, and also for my Mom, as she helps my Dad along this journey.

I am learning... let stressful things go (not to successful thus far).

On our property...

I love this picture, taken several years ago, of part of our property.  So many things have changed, and so many of my beloved animals lost, but I do love it when it looks like this.

In my kitchen... hubby made sausage, mac n' cheese, and veggies for dinner when my son and I got home.

In the homeschool room... off to a slow, late winter start after the holidays.

A favorite quote for today... Peace begins with a smile. ~Saint Teresa of Calcutta

A peek into one of my days... today started with severe thunderstorms, and though the weather cleared-up, I was just plain tired all day and didn't feel all that great, but got all the errands and getting son to activities all taken care of.

One of my favorite things... the return of so many birds, and flowers and trees trying to bloom.  I just hope we don't get any hard winter at this point.

Postscript...

Poetictouch

What sweet delight a quiet life affords,
And what it is to be of bondage free,
Far from the maddening worldlings' hoarse discords;
Sweet flowery place, I first did learn of thee.

~ William Drummond of Hawthornden

The Simple Woman's Daybook - January 2, 2017 Edition

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today... Monday, January 2nd

Outside my window... thunder, rain, and then finally a bit of sunshine. 

I am thinking... how badly I need to get back to exercising and eating right, after all the stress and bad eating over Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.

I am thankful... for the time I got to spend with my immediate family.

I am wearing... denim shorts and a lime green shirt with green and black polka dots.

I am creating... a less cluttered home.  

I am wondering... if we will even have winter this year.

I am reading... sadly, nothing at the moment.

I am hoping... all my family and friends have a most blessed new year, full of love and beauty.  

I am learning... let stressful things go.

On our property...

In my kitchen... leftover ham, greens, and black-eyed peas.

In the homeschool room... about to get started again now that the holidays are over.

A favorite quote for today... Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier. ~Saint Teresa of Calcutta

A peek into one of my days... a good number of my days are spending running errands and being a taxi.  It can be exhausting, but I know that one of these days, I won't be needed for those things, and I will miss that.  Or worse yet, I won't be able to do it.  So, I treasure it while I can.

One of my favorite things... watching the cardinals flit and fly around the yard.  They're so beautiful.

Postscript...

Poetictouch

True poesy is not in words,
But images that thoughts express,
By which the simplest hearts are stirred
To elevated happiness.


~ John Clare

The Simple Woman's Daybook - August 22nd Edition

The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today... Monday, August 22nd

Outside my window... thunder, rain, and then finally a bit of sunshine. 

I am thinking... how badly I need to get back to exercising and eating right.

I am thankful... I have my car back from being repaired.  I had taken it in to get new front tires and one of the workers apparently didn't have it on the jacks properly and it fell, severely damaging the door and frame of the driver's side.  Thankfully the employee wasn't in the way!

I am wearing... denim shorts and a lime green shirt with green and black polka dots.

I am creating... "catio" for a cat that was dumped on our property about a month ago.  I still haven't been able to make it a reality yet.  

I am wondering... how long it will be until the lovely days of Autumn appear.

I am reading... The Creed: Professing the Faith Through the Ages by Scott Hahn.

I am hoping... all this rain stops soon, especially for those in the areas affected by all the flooding.  

I am learning... to try and find the joy in each day.

On our property...

In my kitchen... soft tacos and black refried beans.

In the homeschool room... 16 year old son still working away on his high school subjects.  His favourites are History, Logic, and Religion.  He is attending a Bible Study, one night a week, and an Apologetics class one night a month.  He also goes to Eucharistic Adoration for an hour each week with other students in our Catholic homeschool group.  He is now also trained as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, in addition to being an Altar Server and Usher.  He is also involved with the Columbian Squires at our parish.

A favorite quote for today... Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting - a wayside sacrament.  Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower , and thank God for it as a cup of blessing.  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

A peek into one of my days... Today was an odd day.  It's my son's first day of his Junior year of high school.  He is feeling quite melancholy.  One of his dearest and closest friends has gone off to university this year.  I knew he was sad about it (though happy for his friend), but I had no idea how much it was affecting him.  Please pray for him.

One of my favorite things... being able to sit here and look out my window and watch the birds and animals, and see all the glory of each season.

Postscript...

Poetictouch
Now Nature hangs her mantle green
On every blooming tree,
And spreads her sheets o' daisies white
Out o'er the grassy lea.

~ Robert Burns