Peace and Quiet

Outside my window... the sun is shining now; the thunderstorm has ceased for the present.


I am thinking... that the mail should be here soon. It’s usually delivered between 3:30 and 5:00 pm.


I am thankful... for the chance to take it slow today. I slept tons yesterday due to a headache and slept again overnight, but I still feel drowsy and lame-brained.


In the kitchen... I made Cherry-Almond Oatmeal for breakfast and tuna salad to eat on saltines for lunch. For dinner, I’m thinking Lentil Salad using a cucumber from my garden.


I am wearing... my pajamas. I haven’t dressed for the day yet, and since it’s nearly 3 pm already, it’s doubtful that I will. I love pajamas; they are the comfiest clothes.


I am creating... an awesome recipe collection and perhaps a cookbook someday. At this moment I have almost 1,900 recipes on my ZipList account, a portion of which I’ve tried and approved and others that seem worth making at some point. On my Delicious account, I keep a record of and tag the “keepers” although only the ones from public sources may be viewed. (I have also typed up some of my favorite recipes from my cookbooks to have on hand in digital format, but I don’t share those out of respect for the authors’ labor.)


I am going... to push my errands back a day: the fingerprinting and the TB test. It mightn’t be wise, but the delay better fits my energy level.


I am wondering... if other people have watched the movie or read the book Under the Tuscan Sun and how they would rate them. I just watched the movie and though some of the values did not line up with mine, I enjoyed the gentleness and the humor of the movie. And of course, the vistas of the region. Florence was my favorite of Italy’s cities that we visited during my childhood. Good memories.


I am reading... I finished Carved in Bone and will go on to the next in the series, Flesh and Bone, as soon as I can stop by the library again to borrow it. In the meantime, here’s a list of the nonfiction I’m skimming through:

1. Southern Living The Half-Hour Hostess
2. Christmas with Southern Living 2010
3. Doodle Stitching
4. Magazines: Knit ‘n Style, Taste of Home, Family Circle, Southern Living

I am hoping... to be more energetic and productive tomorrow.


I am looking forward to... fall, my second favorite of the seasons. I love when the weather gets chilly and windy and seeing all the glorious colors of the leaves against blue skies.


I am hearing... the end credit music of In Harm’s Way, the ticking of a clock, and the a/c running.


Around the house... I ran the “hand wash” pans through the dishwasher without soap after giving them a cursory scrubbing by hand. Now I need to empty and reload the dishwasher to get all the dishes clean.


I am pondering... what movie to put on next for background noise. I think I’ll go for Rio Bravo.


One of my favorite things... is peace and quiet. Luckily, I’m stocking up on both today. ;-)


A few plans for the rest of the week: Back to errands. I should also plan some meals so I know what produce to shop for at the grocery store.


This journal entry is part of The Simple Woman's Daybook project.

A LONG Day

Outside my window... The blinds are closed, but today I saw a four-legged creature sitting in the middle of one of my garden plots eating the chard. I’d been wondering about the culprit; I didn’t think it was caterpillars because there was no evidence of any hiding among the leaves. And then the carrot tops were eaten nearly to nubs. That destruction happened so quickly, I felt sure it wasn’t insects. When I raised my voice the critter waddled off into the shrubbery before I could identify it. Its coat was roughly the same gray-brown as an Eastern cottontail’s, but the creature was larger, moved differently, and seemed less skittish than rabbits ordinarily are. So, I only know that caterpillars don’t deserve the blame.

I am thinking... that it has been a L-O-N-G day—it felt like three days rather than one. I woke just before 3 am after a mere 2.5 hours of sleep. Despite the insane hour, I truly was awake. I emptied the fridge of leftover ingredients and ran the dishwasher, watered the seeds I recently planted in the garden, and breakfasted on two fresh homemade blueberry muffins and some tea before doing errands. I did crash for a 3-hour nap afterwards but, whew… man. A 24-hour day that’s somehow been 72 hours long.

I am thankful... that I have loving parents who bless me. I appreciate their financial help without which I’d already have had to default on my mortgage loan due to this lengthy period of unemployment.

In the kitchen... For lunch (and dinner) I made Tomato and Mozzarella Pasta al Forno to use up the mozzarella cheese I had on hand. It wasn’t amazing, but it was filling and substantial food which was satisfying enough.

I am wearing... the same pajamas I had on last night, but I DID get dressed today—khaki Dockers and a yellow, tan, and khaki print knit shirt. I even put on gold earrings. So there. I do own real clothes. ;-)

I am creating... an enjoyable Saturday evening. I purposely set aside other pursuits in order to have time to read.

I am going... Actually, I already went. I headed to the library, the pharmacy, my parents’ house, and the bank. I also stopped by the Dollar Tree just to browse. I only bought black ink pens which I need for the substitute teaching paperwork and some gift wrap for my dad’s upcoming birthday. $2.12—not bad. If I actually sleep (or if I at least rest tonight so that I’m not utterly wrecked), I’d like to get to church tomorrow morning. More errands coming up on Monday.

I am wondering... what I can come up with to celebrate my dad’s birthday.

I am reading... Carved in Bone. This time, the library did have it in stock just as the catalog promised. So far, I like it better than Jeffrey Deaver’s Lincoln Rhyme series though both deal with forensics. Bass’s writing flows. The story is set in and around Knoxville, Tennessee, and the main character, a professor, uses words such as “reckon” in addition to more scholarly vocabulary. I declare, he makes me feel right at home with those Southern phrases!

I am hoping... to sleep tonight—an oft repeated wish.

I am looking forward to... reading more of my book. My preference is to read an entire book in a single sitting, but it’s really not practical; my muscles stiffen, my eyes tire, I stay up too late, and important tasks are left unfinished. I really am trying to show some restraint—really.

I am hearing... blessed quiet—only the a/c at work and the ticking of a clock. I live near a speedway, but thankfully they’ve wrapped up a bit earlier than sometimes. There is a noise ordinance in place so the races are supposed to cease at 11pm. However, in the past, they have not been good neighbors, always pushing up to and past the deadline. The events last for hours so by the end of a race day, I am usually ready to pull some hair out—preferably theirs! Not really, but it does get wearying. I am appreciative of the greater respect that they seem to be showing this season.

Around the house... I haven’t emptied or reloaded the dishwasher or done any laundry today. I ran out of steam and opted to rest—my nap wasn’t enough to energize me. A break is well and fine, but I need to stay on top of things so that work doesn’t pile up and overwhelm me.

I am pondering... who might be calling me at nearly midnight. A wrong number? I elected not to answer since it didn’t seem to be someone I know.

One of my favorite things... toddlers and preschoolers. An out-of-state friend posted pictures on Facebook of her three-year-old daughter performing a song with her VBS class on stage at their church. Funny and sweet but it makes me miss that precious girl!

A few plans for the rest of the week: fingerprints, TB test, and I really need to get my hair trimmed. I can’t recall when I last had it cut, but the ends are splitting and it needs to be neatened up. I usually go to Fantastic Sam’s or some other inexpensive walk-in place—it’s just a trim, not rocket science. But I always put it off because I hate waiting and twiddling my thumbs in the salon. It’s got to be done though so I need to just get it over with. School has resumed in our area, so maybe the wait will be short…

Butternut Squash Blossom in My Garden

This journal entry is part of The Simple Woman's Daybook project.

Here's to Health and Productivity!

Outside my window... about an hour or so ago I saw a bunny—an Eastern cottontail specifically. Judging by the size, it was a young one. I often spot them noshing on clover & weeds in the evening hours. Today it was just one lone rabbit.

I am thinking... that I am happy. It has been a good day.

I am thankful... to be feeling better and to have accomplished some things today.

In the kitchen... there’s nothing cooking. I’m still eating light—not really hungry. I had a cucumber from my garden with homemade dressing for breakfast followed shortly by toasted raisin bread for some staying power. For lunch, it was a bowl of Oriental ramen & some bittersweet chocolate chips. I think I’ll have a sour cream, chive, and cheddar potato for dinner but that’s a tentative plan.

I am wearing... pajamas—again! But I just showered and this is a fresh set, my second favorite: blue knit cropped pants with a geometric pattern of circles (the smaller ones navy) and a loose navy T-shirt.

I am creating... a cleaner house. Got some loads of laundry done so my walk-in closet is tidier. Plus, I took out the trash so the house smells a little fresher too.

I am going... to the library tomorrow. I completed as much of my substitute teaching paperwork as possible, but I need to photocopy some documents (Social Security card, driver’s license, teaching certification, and transcript request forms) so I’ll do that at the library tomorrow as well as browsing for fresh reading material.

I am wondering... if it will be easy to find work as a CNA (certified nursing assistant) and if I’ll enjoy the work. When I went into teaching, I assumed it would suit me. It didn’t. With the nursing, I am aware that I don’t know if I’ll like it. On the other hand, I think I’ll like it better than teaching. We’ll see.

I am reading... nothing lengthy. I did skim an article posted by friend on Facebook that debunked the myth of confined taste areas on the tongue (sweet, salty, sour, bitter). Sensors for the various flavors are found throughout the tongue. The trivia I learn... LOL.

I am hoping... that the checks I ordered today arrive quickly so I can finish up the substitute teaching packet. A voided check is needed so that the district can direct deposit my earnings.

I am looking forward to... getting the twin bed frame, box springs, and mattress out of my living room. I had posted the furniture to Craigslist but no sale, so now I need to submit an ad to the local paper. Another Facebook friend just sold a washer and drier through a virtual yard sale site, so I should ask her about that as well. I’m not willing to take rock bottom price for the bed though because it is quality furniture. I upgraded to a queen so no longer need it.

I am hearing... a motorcycle revving on the highway in back of my house, the air conditioner running, a cacophony of noisy insects outdoors, and the movie I am half-watching (Space Cowboys).

Around the house... it is dark and I haven’t closed the blinds yet, though it is time. The only light on is in the knitting room/den where I am presently.

I am pondering... when it will get cooler. The mornings are already a smidgeon cooler, but the afternoons are still toasty.

One of my favorite things... is my garden. It’s mostly vegetables and herbs. I’d like to plant more flowers (including some from bulbs) and also fruit—blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and maybe raspberries. Oh yeah, and asparagus and rhubarb! And shrubs—forsythia and burning bushes. And…so it goes—I do love plants. Besides the seasonal timing, there’s the issue of money. I need an income to keep the house. I also need money to invest in the garden. I won’t try to garden in the existing soil—way too much work—so I need raised beds. I can build rudimentary ones but need money for the lumber and the soil to fill them. Then there’s the cost of the plants and/or seeds. I may make a produce “profit” in the long run, but the initial cost is inescapable even if I’m frugal.

A few plans for the rest of the week: the library and hopefully church. On Monday it’s fingerprinting time and a TB test, both to qualify for subbing. 

This journal entry is part of The Simple Woman's Daybook project.

The Struggle to Stay Awake

Outside my window... Once again the blinds are closed since the sun has gone down. Eastern cottontails and song birds (especially robins) frequent my yard, but today my attention was directed indoors.

I am thinking... that it has been an uneventful day.


I am thankful... for meals that are quickly & easily prepared. I ate blueberry-hazelnut oatmeal (my impromptu variation of Quinoa Porridge with Blueberries and Pecans) this morning (3 minutes in a very large bowl in the microwave using old-fashioned oats) & a sardine sandwich and an apple for dinner. Despite their reputation, sardines really do taste good! No lunch-- a handful of Ghiradelli bittersweet chocolate chips instead. Bad decision, I know, but I was too tired to care.

In the kitchen... Despite last night's grand plans, the kitchen is in roughly the same condition as yesterday. The trash is a little fuller and will be rather aromatic by tomorrow morning thanks to the empty sardine can.

I am wearing... the same pajamas I wore last night. In fact, I wore them all day. Too little sleep triggered a headache and difficulty keeping my eyes open. I spent most of the day sitting in my recliner in my knitting room with my DVD player and laptop going. I did launder a load of towels.

I am creating... a mansion, composed of Pinterest photos. When I was a teenager I thought would grow up to be wealthy. Now I know better! I've been recording my likes and preferences for design and decor in images with captions as if the collection would actually matter. My mansion has a conservatory and lush, well-tended gardens and grounds (porch, fire pit, fountain, a tunnel of wisteria-covered arches, etc.). The kitchen has a separate pantry stocked with the additional cooking and baking ingredients I need. Everything is beautiful, including the laundry room-- and magically clean! Such are my fantasies. ;-)

I am going... to bed soon, and I'm very happy about that!!!

I am wondering... when I'll get around to watching Under the Tuscan Sun, my current Netflix DVD. I'm usually very prompt about watching so that I'll have the opportunity to mail the disc back and receive the next item in my queue.I am reading... nothing still. If I'd had the energy, I could have stopped by the library; it's only a couple minutes drive from my house.


I am hoping... to feel better tomorrow after a good night's sleep.


I am looking forward to... getting some tasks crossed off my to do list. I hate when the unfinished hangs over my head.


I am hearing... insects' bodies clicking against the window. The moths are drawn to the indoor light even with the blinds closed. Sometimes I sing a fragment of song to them, "You keep on knockin' but you can't come in..." I am also half-watching The Guns of Navarone as I type. I love Gregory Peck and Anthony Quinn. Actually, David Niven is great too. (As actors-- I don't know anything about their personal lives.)


Around the house... all is about the same as yesterday since I did little.I am pondering... which pictures to share today.


One of my favorite things... is waking up refreshed though it doesn't happen nearly as often as I'd like.


A few plans for the rest of the week: chores and errands and paperwork... but I will try to get to the library shortly. I'd like to pick up Carved in Bone by Jefferson Bass. It's the first in the Body Farm series. I've never read any of the author's works and might not like them, but I'd like to find out. The trouble is that the library's catalog says there's a copy though in person, there isn't. I should opt for Interlibrary Loan to avoid the expense of purchasing. That's what I'll do-- good idea! ;-)

This journal entry is part of The Simple Woman's Daybook project.

Just Beginning

Outside my window... The blinds are closed because it's late at night/early morning (3rd shift). I should be in bed, but I'm excited about writing to these prompts on a daily basis and sharing the results with others.

I am thinking... about journaling. There are so many different approaches, and some are wonderfully creative. I want to find what works for me. I have used Blogger in the past and currently post to Facebook throughout the day, sometimes via GetGlue. I want something cohesive that encourages my creativity and allows me to look back to remember and reflect.

I am thankful... for Pinterest. Users there have shared links to journaling ideas and that is how I learned about The Simple Woman's Daybook. 

In the kitchen... For dinner I made Pecan-Crusted Chicken Tenders and Indiana Succotash. Dessert was brown sugared strawberries. The succotash was a new-to-me recipe which I would make again-- it's flavored with celery seeds and paprika. I used green beans fresh from my garden. Yum!

I am wearing... my favorite pajamas: 100% cotton black cropped pajama pants and a ratty hot pink knit tank.

I am creating... a card journal. There will be 365 index cards, one for each date of the year. A single line is added to one card per day with the result that I can look back at what I was doing on the same date in previous years. Four months of cards are ready and two entries are complete.

I am going... to bed soon I suppose. However, I slept 9 hours overnight then napped for another 3.5 during the day to combat a bad headache and fatigue (hormonal fluctuations). As usual, I'm out of sync with the rest of the world's time table.

I am wondering... if I'll be able to settle down and sleep.

I am reading... nothing right now-- between books. I renewed my four magazines and two library books on Tuesday, but truthfully it's time for me to stop by the library for something new instead. Not too interested in my current selections.

I am hoping... to be very productive tomorrow. I need to complete a job application for substitute teaching including ordering transcripts. Also, I want to get my kitchen cleaned up: empty the fridge of "science experiments," scrape and polish the stovetop clean, and "hose down" the microwave's interior. Lots of laundry needs doing too (towels, clothes, pajamas).

I am looking forward to... starting a CNA (certified nursing assistant) course soon. I'm hoping to get an entry level position in the medical field and then maybe move up from there.

I am hearing... the ticking of the clock in my knitting room/den (where I am at present), the soundtrack and dialog of Jurassic Park (not really watching it, but I like a little background noise), and the a/c kicking on to keep the house cool.

Around the house... the fabric squares of my first potential quilting project are on the dining room table, there are dish towels to fold in a living room chair, and my knitting room is a disaster of paper, books, yarn, etc.

I am pondering... why I am so long-winded. I do love details! ;-)

One of my favorite things... is beginning new projects. My mom calls me a "dabbler," and I admit it's true. Finishing is the challenge!

A few plans for the rest of the week: There's not much of the week left at this point, and if I'm unable to accomplish some of the things I hope to do tomorrow, I'll just roll those tasks over to the following day. No particularly exciting plans. I need to run by my parents' to pick up a check, to the bank to deposit it, to the pharmacy to grab a prescription refill, and on Monday, I have my bi-yearly appointment with the pulmonologist (sleep specialist). All routine stuff.

Today's picture is of my dinner. I do love to cook.