Month: July 2025

Day #36 – Unexpected Project

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I actually slept in until 9:30. It was much needed because lately I’ve only been getting about 5 hours sleep a night. Donny had been up for a while and was outside starting to bring all of our bulk pickup trash to the curb. We’ve just been piling it up in the back because it took 2 weeks to get a time slot. It’s tomorrow and we didn’t want to have it out for two weeks because that annoys our neighbors. While he did that I decided to weed the front beds. That didn’t take long so I started on the edge of the patio because it had gotten so weedy. Donny suggested putting pavers and I thought that was a fabulous idea. We needed to go get some gravel for this strip around the front stoop. When I started digging up the weeds so I could put the pavers down I noticed that there was SO much gravel under the weeds and dirt. I started separating the gravel by hand, but that was taking forever so I got out a colander and started sifting. 100 degree weather be damned.

Next thing I know I have been out there for almost 5 hours. One thing about me is I love rocks. LOVE them! Ever since I was a little kid and my family and I went to Concan to go camping and I filled the trunk with river rocks. So many that my parents had to remove so many of them because we had no room for our stuff. I’m only about halfway through but I filled 3 buckets with the rocks and have another big bucket full of beautiful sifted dirt.

Luckily I was at a stopping point when this started blowing through. The wind was wicked.

It came out of nowhere. I mean stuff was BLOWING around. Donny and I stood outside for a while watch the clouds swirl around. All of that and it probably only rained about 20 drops.

If anyone ever wonders why Donny doesn’t really help me do my weird projects it’s because he hates being hot and sweaty, where I love it. I would rather be outside than inside any day. But, he went to the grocery because he said since I was doing all of this he was going to make dinner. He did not disappoint.

P.S.

We asked all of the neighbors if they had any bulk items they needed to throw away and if they did, just add them to the pile.

It was unfortunately the dog abusers haven’t been home all day so I didn’t get to ask them, but they need to call and make their own appointment because if I look out my side bedroom window I’m greeted by this.

Maybe I’ll see if they’re home in the morning.

Day #35 – Reuse, Repurpose

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Today was a hot one. It’s the first time this summer that the actual temperature hit 100 degrees. Of course, I decided that it would be the perfect day to rearrange my metal flowers. Because of this I had a big blank space that really needed something there. When we were in Dollar Tree I had seen this hanging shelf (awful quality so I didn’t get it) but it gave me an idea.

I have had this sign for what seems like forever. I guess at one time many, many moons ago I went through my live, laugh, love stage. I liked the shape of the sign and always though I could repurpose it. I sanded off the words, stained it with dark walnut and drilled holes in the corners. I already had some rope so I just threaded it through and added some jump rings.

It works perfectly for what I was wanting and I already had everything to make it so it was basically free. I was going to take the metal hanger things off, but I have plans for hanging somethings from them.

I think it turned out pretty good.

Day #34 – Dollar Tree Finds

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The kids and I needed to get out of the house today. The only problem was I didn’t really need anything and It was hitting 100 degrees. So to Dollar Tree we went. I did need to pick up some floss and new toothbrushes also Hannah wanted some canvases to start painting again so it wasn’t a wasted trip. Because we haven’t been out of the house much since the car issues we ended up walking all of the aisles. I found this cute little wooden sun.

I love anything celestial. I thought I might be able to do something cute with it. So with some yellow, orange and red markers, plus a little stain, I turned it into this.

I think it looks like it cost more than the buck twenty five I paid for it. I still have no idea where it’s going to go but bet your butt I’ll find a place.

I also found some hair mists. I love hair mists and the one I got last Christmas is almost gone. They are so good in the summer when you’re outside for 15 minutes and are already pouring sweat.

I gave Hannah the Amber Rouge because that scent is more suited for her. It’s light and smells so fresh. I took the Santal Woods because it’s much more earthy and I love sandalwood and cedar wood. The scent lasts too. I sprayed some on when I got home and I can still smell it. Huge plus is that it’s cruelty free.

Day #33 – New Ride + Baked Ziti

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It’s time to say goodbye to Markie Mark, my car. I named it Markie Mark because ever since I got it it’s had a vibration. No one could ever figure out what caused it. Then the driver’s window wouldn’t go up or down. Got that fixed for a pretty penny. Now it’s not accelerating. Donny and I talked it over and decided that because my car was the one that was most driven it just made sense to get rid of it and get a much new car. I’m not picky when it comes to what I drive. I just need a good a/c and for it to get from point A to point B. Today we got a 2025 Buick Encore.

I will say that it DOES accelerate and it does NOT vibrate. I will be losing my beloved CD collection that I love, but I feel much safer in this car.

It’s much fancier than my little GT.

I digging this blue trim. Anyway, I think it’s a wise investment that will serve us well. Especially if I need to pick something up that would otherwise not have fit in my trunk. I’m also so ready to just be able to leave the house and drive further than a mile without worrying I might get run over.

For dinner I made the baked ziti from my 1987 cookbook.

Changes I made were adding sausage and spices because apparently we ate very bland food in the 80’s. I added salt, garlic powder and Italian seasoning. I also grated the mozzarella. Oh, and Aldi didn’t have ziti so I used penne. Same difference. Everyone liked it, even Hannah who doesn’t like pasta. It’s also super cheap to make.

Bone Apple Teeth 😉

Day #32 – Eclectic Decor

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My second oldest and I were on the phone the other day and the topic turned to how we would never have the latest trends in our homes. We would never stand in line at Home Goods or TJMaxx to fight over the newest and shiniest mass produced item that every other person decorates with. That’s okay if you like that because I’m very sure there are people out there that think my idea of decorating is just plain weird. I’m good with that and would actually take it as a compliment.

Here’s a few things that are a little quirky that we have in our home.

Our ceramic clown bust. We all love him.

The clown puppet that dances when you pull his string.

A couple of more clowns. The bean bag one is almost exactly like one I had as a child. I found this one at an estate sale.

Jackson took art appreciation and that’s his Picasso rendition that I framed. The brass bunny is from my childhood and the rock family is just something silly that Donny made for me many years ago. The little log the bunny is on is from a Christmas tree we had a few years ago.

The top left postcard is one that was sent to my parents. The address simply said their name and Marfa, TX. No street address whatsoever, but they received it just the same. Times were simpler then. The photo below that was given to me in a box of very old family pictures. Everyone said to give them to me since I love old things. This my grandmother and my dad. The yellow picture is one I found at the thrift store. I felt so sad for it because someone took the time to paint it and, well, yellow is my favorite color. I just found the giant head in a book and liked it so I cut it out and framed it. My bongo hangs beneath them because who doesn’t like a good bongo session.

Our hallway is just a hodgepodge of things I like.

I love his picture of my dad. He played football at Sul Ross University. Little know fact is that he was best friends with Dan Blocker who played Hoss on Bonanza. Dan even came to visit us one time when we lived in Corpus.

My homage to New Orleans and Southern Louisiana. I have been going to New Orleans since I was a child . My aunt lived in Mandeville and I would spend summers there and my favorite part was going into New Orleans. I was also very sad when we moved from Baton Rouge because there is just something about the southern part of that state. My actual dream is to live in New Orleans although most people think I’m crazy for that. There is just something so mystical and magical about that city and they people who call it home.

This vintage box holds are litter box. The frog heads hanging from the mirror are from fireworks we shot off one year. I just thought they were cute.

I hope that when people visit our home they find a lot of funky little treasures or they could be freaked out by all the clowns. I think it’s interesting either way.

Day #33 – So Much Easier + Comfort Food

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The other day when Donny and I were cleaning out the shed I found this attachment that I was pretty sure went to the lawn mower. I had no idea what it was and Donny was ready to throw it away. I looked a little closer and realized it said what it was right on the side.

I knew we had the ability to mulch our grass, but I had no idea how to do it. Now I do. I didn’t know when I was going to be able to mow again due to my back and not being able to lift the grass bag, but this was a game changer. You can still kind of see the mow lines, but not nearly as bad as if I’d used the chute.

I got the mowing done just before a little storm blew through. It was a welcome respite from the very hot and humid weather. I actually love a good rain shower. The house darkens and it feels so cozy.

Tonight I decided to make Green Chili Enchiladas. I loved when my mother used to make this when I was younger. Anytime she had to bring a dish to an engagement this is what she would bring. To be perfectly honest, it was the only meal she really cooked since my dad did all of the cooking. There are a few things I would change in the recipe though.

This is what I used.

I would use Rotel instead of the diced tomatoes. I would also add chili powder and cumin to the meat while I was browning it. I used Colby jack for the cheese.

It actually turned out just like I remembered it. There’s enough left over to freeze and to also have for a few of Donny’s lunches.

For a side I just cooked some black beans in the instant pot. So easy! just add your dry beans, water, the caldo chicken power and badia seasoning. Really just add whatever seasonings you like. I cook on manual for 85 minutes with a natural release.

The leftovers are great on breakfast tacos or actually by themselves with some purple onion and cheese.

I snapped this picture this evening because we have been getting the prettiest sunsets lately.

Now I’m going to go check on Donny. When he was getting the eggs from the coop he got attacked by yellowjackets and they stung him 6 times. Even one right on the nose. We’re just going to load him up on antihistamines. Hopefully he wont’ swell up too bad.

Day #32 – Meal Planning

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Lately I have been in such a cooking slump. In fact yesterday I just told everyone to figure out what they wanted on their own because I wasn’t making dinner. Yeah, it had gotten that bad. I just felt like we aimlessly went to the grocery, not really planning what I was going to cook. Today I decided that that was enough. Donny had an appointment at the DMV, so while he was gone I leafed through some cookbooks for inspiration. The two that I pulled recipes from were these.

The Altar Society is from 1980 and the vp-49 is one that we did when I was in the Officer’s Wives Club in 1987. I made a list of the 10 meals I wanted to make.

It helped that I cleaned out the fridge and freezer before making my list of what we needed to buy. I already had some chicken breasts for the fried rice and a pork tenderloin for the stromboli. We headed to Aldi to do some damage.

I was actually shocked that our total came out to right at $100. I think it helps that we don’t buy soda or many processed foods. Here’s what we bought.

This actually includes all of Donny’s lunches that he takes to work. I already had staples such as dried beans, rice and frozen vegetables. I’m sure we will have to buy more milk because we got through it like crazy. But just think about it. For, a little over since I had some meat already, $100 I can make over 10 family meals. That’s what we spend on ONE meal eating out for the 4 of us. It really does pay to eat at home.

Tonight I had already thawed out some pork that I was planning on cooking last night before I had my meltdown. I did feel bad so I made a Sunday dinner. I know it’s not Sunday, but it is for us because of Donny’s days off.

Pork cooked in the instant pot.

Potato wedges in the air fryer. So easy and good, Peel and wedge you potatoes. mix up oil, garlic power, onion powder, kosher salt and hot sauce. Coat the potatoes and cook at 375 for 20 minutes.

Cabbage because we had half a head left in the veg bin and I didn’t want it to go bad. I don’t know why the pic looks so overexposed.

Yeast rolls. These are a labor of love because they are time intensive with the double rise, but oh so worth it. I don’t eat bread so Hannah is always my guinea pig with anything gluten. She loved them and she worked at Texas Roadhouse which is the recipe I used.

I will say I feel better about cooking now that I have a plan. I’ll let ya know how each recipe turns out especially with my pickier eater son.

Day #31 – Getting Closer

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One thing about me is that I hate asking for help, especially if I don’t know the person very well or at all. The day that my car started its deceleration problem I took it immediately to get an oil change thinking that could be what it was. The guy who checked me out mentioned that he had the same style car as I have and that he bought it as a part out car but changed or replaced everything in it. He was telling me all the things he had done to it, which I found pretty amazing.

After we changed the spark plugs and that didn’t work, we called the Hyundai dealership but the soonest they could get me in was almost a month away. Last Friday I asked Donny if he wanted to run up to the oil change place to see if that guy was there so I could just pick his brain for a few minutes. This was completely stepping outside of my comfort zone. Not only was he there (his name is Christian) but he told us to just bring the car up to his work and he’d take a look at it. I honestly wasn’t sure about asking him to do this, but he seemed like he really wanted to help.

He called us a few hours later and said that the car threw a code and it looks like it’s the knock sensor. When I googled what that was the symptoms were the exact same problems that I’m having. We went to pick up the car and he said that if we didn’t feel like we were getting good service at Hyundai that he could replace it for us. What a super nice person. Yes, we did pay him and will continue if he does any more work. His boss was even okay with him tinkering while he was working. We’ve always gone to get our oil changed at this place because they’ve always been so nice and have never tried to sell us anything more than what we ask them to do. So now we are one step closer to figuring out what is wrong with my little car. If we don’t feel like we are going to be able to fix it 100 percent then we will be getting another vehicle, even though I do love my little ride. I’m just so skeptical about mechanics in general, especially dealerships. Anyone else?

And Hannah’s boyfriend Gavin’s brother had birthday today and Gavin brought us cupcakes.

Everybody needs a little Jesus

Day #30 – A Little Snack Prep

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Today is our Friday since Donny’s weekends are Thursdays and Fridays. I decided to prep some easy go to snacks so if we get hungry we can just dish some out. I hate being hungry and not having something I can just grab. I made carrot salad.

It’s just grated carrots with a little mayo, Dijon and honey mixed together. I didn’t have any raisins so I added chopped pecans.

I love this cucumber salad. Finely sliced cucumbers with rice vinegar, a splash of sesame oil, soy sauce, grated ginger, grated garlic, salt and pepper. It’s so good especially on a hot day.

I also roasted some sweet potatoes. I just add some olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, cinnamon and maple syrup.

These are just some quick snacks I like to keep on hand. I feel that when you have healthier snacks on hand you’re not tempted to grab some junk food.

I’m going to be harvesting some of our basil tomorrow because I want to make some pesto. I can’t believe how big it’s gotten. I wish my tomatoes would have produced more because I love having pasta sauce put up, but with two tomatoes (that’s all that we’ve produced so far) that doesn’t make much sauce. Looks like I’m going to have to actually buy some tomatoes this year. Those darn aphids.

And Baby Ruth is getting so much bigger. Her and her dad (they have the same distinct meow and look so much alike. She was created when he was a stray and not yet neutered) decided to snuggle up while I folded laundry.

Day #29 – Plant Shelf Day

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I cannot tell you how long I have needed to tend to the plants and the plant shelf we have hanging in our kitchen window. The pothos had gone crazy. I also needed to tend to the hanging one over the sink. It had gotten so ropey and unmanageable.

The vines had wrapped themselves around the chains and took a while to untangle.

I ended up cutting a lot of it off. It’s still a bit ropey, but much better than it was.

The biggest problem I had was the very large pathos on the top shelf. It had actually grown through the lampshade.

The vines alone were each about 12 feet long. It was a mess with the vines just going everywhere.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the vines, just in a more controlled was. I ended up planting the plants that I had been proprogating and then cut off more to start. Such a weight off to know that this task is done.

The basket on the wall is my dirty rag hamper for the kitchen. We keep our recycling in the metal tub.

I found this little pot at the thrift store a while back and just love it. It’s from the 70’s and is signed and numbered. I love little treasures.