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.

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.

A Full Rich Day

I love the M*A*S*H TV series, and watch the DVDs far more often than any sane person should/would. This post title is taken from one episode of the series.

But, it has indeed been a full, rich day for me. (Or rather yesterday was-- I can't sleep and am taking advantage of my insomnia to write this, but I can't keep my tenses straight, so bear with me.)

I got to church this morning, which was great. Moved to tears by the very first worship song-- a fast-paced old hymn. I can't even say why, but it really got to me (in a good way). First message from the new senior pastor too. I'm looking forward to having him; apparently he'll start officially at the beginning of June (after leaving the church where he presently ministers and moving his family up to Kentucky). Yay! The long search and wait is over.

A good friend shared some personal information with me privately on Facebook; I was glad she opened up and honored to have been trusted.

My brother and sister-in-law are moving to a new apartment. Their new duplex neighbors are people they go to church with, and they won't have to commute any more. So awesome.

I did lots of cooking and baking as well: granola, crustless pumpkin pie, and a pseudo-Thanksgiving meal of turkey meatloaf, scallion mashed potatoes, and green beans. I had so much fun playing in the kitchen. I was singing at the top of my lungs and doing my private "funky chicken" and booty-shaking dances between chopping and measuring and stirring. It was gray & raining outside, so it was the perfect way to spend a drippy day: celebrating life, life, life-- and that more abundant! The giving thanks of my pseudo-Thanksgiving was real. ;-)


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A Quiet Movie Day

I was awake for a couple of hours in the middle of the night and didn't feel well the whole morning, so this was a low-key sort of day. I did two loads of laundry (towels) but didn't fold them. I watched the following movies (and simultaneously played on my iPod): the rest of The Guns of Navarone, Westward the Women, In Harm's Way, and Jurassic Park.

My dad delivered leftover fried chicken and mashed potatoes with white gravy, so that made a good lunch. Thanks, Mom!

I did an evening garden check and discovered that one carrot seedling is showing which is remarkably rapid growth, but then we've had the weather for it!

Here's a picture of the mesclun which I'm growing in cut-and-come-again fashion (so I won't be thinning it).


I also took a picture of a wild corner of the yard (which technically doesn't belong to me, but since there's an empty lot next door, I'm claiming it for the time being).


I love the various greens and the contrast of the redbud branch. Plus, the area is tucked away so it seems like a secret garden.

God lifted my spirits this evening, and I am expecting and looking forward to a better day tomorrow.

"Love is right here, love is alive, love is the Way, the Truth, the Life, love is the river that flows through, love is the arms that are holding you... love never fails you."
-From the song performed by Brandon Heath entitled "Love Never Fails"

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More plantings...

I'm having a difficult time getting going today, but I have done a bit of gardening. I planted 8 each of two types of carrots, plus chard and mesclun. I gave up on the idea of a container for the mesclun and just used a square in the raised bed. It won't be as conveniently located, but at least I won't delay getting the seeds in the ground any longer.

I also watched a library-borrowed documentary on the Berlin Wall. Sort of a random topic, I suppose-- but having lived in West Germany for 3 years and poked my toe defiantly into No Man's Land somewhere on the German-German border during a school trip, it's a topic of interest to me. I remember writing to Helmut Kohl for an assignment in grade school and coloring in programs for a ceremony to which various dignitaries would be invited; we were erecting new flag poles so that both the American and West German flags could be displayed on our campus. Years later and back in the U.S., I remember being in Mr. Jordan's physics class when one of his former students dropped in and shared news about the Wall's dismantling-- the people were tearing it down! The documentary was filmed for the History Channel and shares the story of the Wall and of some of the people who successfully escaped from the GDR. I enjoyed hearing their stories (and the German language spoken-- I don't understand it, but it's familiar to my ear).

Quick Account of the Day

I should be going to bed right now but wanted to post something.

I woke up a trifle late this morning because I couldn't get to sleep last night-- I was starving, having forgotten to eat an evening snack. Oops! too busy recording song snippets to notice hunger. Overfocusing again.

Had a great laugh while drinking my morning tea and facebooking-- all about wascally wabbits in the garden and the Elmer Fudd solution. Sentimental memories of childhood's Saturday mornings to boot. And amazement at the quality of those old cartoons-- great facial expressions and vocal intonations. True art!

Once I was able to get going, I headed out to the garden and put up the second grid. A robin and a male cardinal oversaw the process. I planted 2 squares-- romaine in one and Brussels sprouts in the other. I suspect the weather is going to get too warm too soon to get good results from either plant, but I wanted to try.



I still need to plant some mesclun (but I want a free-standing container for that so I can keep it right by the back door) and some pansies. Also, I should trim the excess weed fabric from the beds and PLANT that blueberry bush-- no time today, but it needs to be outdoors ASAP.

Afterward, I showered off the garden and dressed to do errands. I had to get groceries TODAY since I was out of ALL the staples-- milk, eggs, bread, cheese, fruits & veggies. (I ate some odd meals today, making do.) So happy to have cooking ingredients on hand again. My pantry is usually stocked thanks to my parents, but I can't live on canned foods and dry goods alone!

I also picked up a device that allows me to transfer digital photos directly from the camera's memory card through the USB slot of my laptop. I've been using my printer as a "router", but this device eliminates the printer from the process. For $8, it seemed worth it!

I came home, unpacked groceries, ate, and caught up with my Facebook account, then took a short walk-- I saw at least 3 plant subjects I want to photograph, but I forgot to bring the camera along. Bummer. Hopefully tomorrow.

I'm amazed at how quickly the evening flew by. I had a DVD on, but simultaneously played on my iPod doing who knows what. Solitaire, Facebook, prioritizing for tomorrow, changing my wallpaper, etc. Day is done.

A good day. Not a lot of projects accomplished, but some significant ones. Got to turn in-- my brain is falling asleep. ;-)

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St. Patrick's Day

Had a good day yesterday. Did some errands-- checked in for 6-week unemployment review, paid vehicle tax and registration fee, and bought the last of the compost for the raised beds I plan to build today.

Celebrated St. Patrick's Day by making Martha Stewart's Irish Beef Hand Pies (okay-- not great) and watching The Quiet Man (a family tradition). The movie has some really funny and charming moments. Definitely enjoyed it!

This morning I've had my tea but need some breakfast and have a few things to attend to such as filling out & mailing my census form, loading the dishwasher, folding pajamas, etc. But AS SOON AS POSSIBLE I'm headed out to the back yard to build and fill my raised beds with the potting soil I will mix-- while enjoying the "abundant sunshine" forecast for today!!!

Image source (edited):Backgrounds app
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Sync Me

Today has been another of those times when I can't seem to get my rear in gear. The end of daylight savings doesn't help, and neither do the clouds; I feel like hibernating. I fought off the sluggishness yesterday, but today I caved-- watched movies and played solitaire.

The bite guard still needs work; it's helping my jaw, but it's making my molars hurt. Had to take one dose of Tylenol already today, with probably another in store at bedtime.

Craving SUNLIGHT-- strong, blinding, and hot. A beach sounds ideal, but alas, this is land-locked Kentucky. Got a vacation planned but it's a ways off.

I do have one chive stem making an appearance and my thyme is growing. I'll have to research thyme to learn more about its growth habits, because I'd swear I only planted 3-5 seeds, but I have tons of little leaves popping up. How does that work? Well, it's a good thing anyhow; I like to pet the thyme so that it's fragrance coats my hands.

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Chariots of Fire

I'd never seen this movie though I remember all the attention it drew when it was released. When I watched it last night, I expected it to be fantastic but thought it was only good. I would watch it again at some future time but don't feel the need to own it.

I couldn't identify with either of the main characters much.

I appreciate Eric Liddell's sticking to his principles, but in my view Saturday is the Sabbath and Sunday is the Lord's Day. His heart was to honor the Lord, but I don't share his beliefs about the holiness of a particular day or about not engaging in certain activities on particular days. I think Christians have greater liberty than that. But in his time and from his culture his views were understandable.

With similar intensity Harold Abrahams felt he had something to prove to the world. Personally, I think that is a battle no one can win. Better to stand confident in what you know to be true and be satisfied with that-- the world at large is too stubborn and bent on its own course to convince or turn. (Not that people can't influence each other, just that such a gargantuan battle is futile.)

The character I liked best was Lord Andrew Lindsay's (who is fictional, based quite loosely on an actual person). He advanced his friends' interests without needing or particularly gaining the world's acclaim. He persuaded Abrahams' girlfriend to stand by him, giving her insight into the character of the man she loved. Then he gave his place in the race to Liddell, understanding and supporting him. In the Bible, we have the example of Barnabas whose name means "one who encourages"-- in this movie, Lindsay seems somewhat like that; for him it wasn't so much about what he could achieve, but what he could assist others to achieve. To me that is selfless, and I admire that trait more than dogged determination or the will to win.

I also enjoyed Ian Holm's performance in the movie. He reminds me of a patron at the library in looks and personality-- knowledgable and a bit of a scalawag.


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Miscellaneous

I did a bit of everything today--

• errands--prescription pickup, library book returns
• chores-- fell UP hill after retrieving an errant wind-blown garbage can from the "valley" plot next door-- not painful but had to launder my mud-smeared coat
• knitting-- a lacy ear warmer headband using leftover yarn
• gardening-- the armchair planning variety-- thinking about building, filling, and planting raised beds
• movies including An Affair to Remember for Valentine's
• Olympics-- video snippets of yesterday's opening ceremony

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Super Bowl Sunday

As mentioned in my previous post, I'm not into sports-- I mean, I do know that the Super Bowl is today and that it's the Saints versus the Colts. That knowledge would be difficult to escape since it's everywhere-- radio, Facebook, grocery store, etc. However, I don't have any preference at all for either team.

I do like the food traditions surrounding the Super Bowl though. ;-) So, I made coleslaw, chili (vegetarian), and maple-corn biscuits for dinner. For a snack, I made 2-ingredient guacamole (avocado + salsa verde) with tortilla chips. And just for good measure, I watched a football movie (Remember the Titans). So there we have it-- a pseudo-Super Bowl event at home for yours truly. ;-)

Incidentally, by the time I finished editing this post, the Saints had won the game.

Image source:http://www.flickr.com/photos/rmtip21/4304932484/
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It's midnight but...

I'm awake and still grouchy. I'm watching I, Robot hoping that Will Smith's casual humor and smart aleck one-liners will have a good effect on my mood.

All day long I've been restless and easily put off any "project" if I encountered the slightest obstacle. I can't even read for entertainment because my attention span is atypically short right now.

When I went to bed, I was looking forward to putting this day behind me and starting fresh, but at this rate morning may be a while in arriving.

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Resume is updated!

As it turns out, it wasn't too difficult or time-consuming. One of my Master's assignments was to post a resume online. That was about two years ago, I guess. Luckily I had a vague memory of uploading it, so when I didn't see a copy on my laptop I was able to visit and download the online version, edit it a bit to get it current, and VOILA! I'm ready to job hunt-- or at least I'll be ready tomorrow morning.

Tonight my big plan is to watch Pride & Prejudice (with Greer Garson-- I'm a fan). If I can manage, I'll cook or bake something fitting for the occasion. "No, my dear, no, not turtle soup-- you mustn't expect turtle soup until after the engagement."



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Viewed Lots of New Movies Lately...

First, Star Trek-- I'm definitely adding this one to my collection. The plot doesn't seem entirely logical, but it's a fun movie for fans of the series (which I am). Casting is good with most characters staying true to the "original" movies. Traditions are largely upheld.

Second, The Blind Side-- I went to see this one with my mom tonight, her pick. I was afraid it was going to be just another schmaltzy sports movie, but it was great-- way better than I expected. Makes me curious about the book too. Sandra Bullock does a convincing Southern accent (only a few minor slips where the vowels weren't quite right). The boy who plays S.J. (Jae Head) is going to be a force to reckon with-- he's one energetic kid!

Two movies to add to my Amazon wishlist!

A Beginning

I got an early start, waking up ready to tackle the day, but I didn't get too far-- life's like that.

I made some calls & did some errands-- a stop at the bank, my parents' house, returned some unwanted purchases, grocery shopping-- but then ran out of steam; the insomnia is catching up with me in the daylight hours.

I did start applying for unemployment benefits last night, but there was a computer error, so I'll resume my efforts & try to get that finished today.

Other than that, my "big" plan is to watch the new Star Trek DVD which I had borrowed from the library yesterday before getting fired. It's due back tomorrow, and I've heard positive feedback about the movie.

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Watching Airport '77

Oh my gosh. I know this is naive (and rude), but imagine my distress at finding that Olivia de Haviland didn't remain eternally young!!! She's downright OLD in this movie (actually only in her early 60's and still attractive), but compared to Captain Blood or The Charge of the Light Brigade or Gone with the Wind-- YIKES!!! I wouldn't have recognized her if I hadn't been looking for her.

And then there's the young Christopher Lee. This is the first time I've seen him in any film other than The Lord of the Rings. Honestly, without the Saruman wig, I didn't recognize him right away either-- partly because I was busy trying to recall where I'd seen the actress who plays his wife. Thank goodness for IMDb. She's Lee Grant, and I recognize her from In the Heat of the Night-- a widow again!

And speaking of that movie, I recently watched Doctor Zhivago for the first time. Again, it took IMDb for me to make the connection between Rod Steiger as Komarovsky and as Gillespie alongside Sidney Poitier. Not to mention Steiger's role in Oklahoma!-- SINGING! That's pretty versatile!

Today's Chief Accomplishments

How many librarians does it take to change a light bulb? Just one BUT she has to get a stepstool, empty out dead ladybugs, and drop light fixture parts, so it's kind of complicated. ;-) In any case, I now have 60 more watts in my knitting room. (P.S.- Personal bias: ladybugs are NOT cute whether dead or alive.)

Image source (edited): 

www.howardedin.com/ articles/ladybugs/lb6176.jpg

I did two loads of dishes (yesterday's and today's), having cooked a so-so bean & pasta soup for dinner with 2 servings leftover for the next few days.

Tonight's entertainment = a screening of Ghosts of Girlfriends Past. Rather crude but also funny with a sweet ending. Enjoyed it but won't be buying it for my movie collection.