The Simple Woman's Daybook, Monday, September 26, 2016, and Gardein Meatless Chicken

For today...Monday, September 26, 2016


Outside my window... it is a beautiful day, sunshiny and cool, just the way I like fall days!

I am thinking... that it's been a long time since I wrote a Daybook.

I am thankful... for God's mercy. He is so patient with us.

From the kitchen... frozen diced potatoes and Gardein crispy "meatless chicken" tenders - yummy! This is my favorite meal lately. We've been eating plant-based foods with no added oil and occasional vegan items that do contain some oil. Gardein also makes wonderful meatless meatballs (great for spaghetti meals and meatball subs!) and ground meatless 'meat' that is just right for tacos, taco salad, and sloppy joes. :)

I am wearing... a red t-shirt and denim shorts.

I am creating... this blog post. :)

I am going to... get up right now and turn on the oven so I can make lunch before it gets any later!

I am wondering... what birthday presents we will choose for our grandsons. They will turn 6 and 10 in early October. :)

I am hoping... and praying that my husband is chosen for the math teacher job he went on his second interview for this morning.

I am hearing... the banging of the workers on our apartment building roof as they replace it before winter.

I am looking forward to... possibly seeing our grandchildren for our grandsons' birthday party in October.

Around the house... it's quiet with just me in the house. Our youngest has returned to her job as an elementary school teacher, and my husband has been going on interviews and to job fairs quite often lately. I'm glad he has, since we are eager to see him get a full-time job. We're also thanking God for the part-time job he has had all these months that has helped a great deal.

A favorite quote for today...

One of my favorite things... is having a quiet, peaceful evening at home. 

A few plans for the rest of the week...we'll be going with our youngest to the car dealership when she picks up her brand-new car! Thanking God everything worked out for her to get her car before the car we leased for her to use goes back later in October.

A picture thought I am sharing...

A Rose of Sharon bush - I found the photo on the internet.
The church we attend has a beautiful Rose of Sharon bush,
more the size of a tree!
It has lovely blooms, even this late in September!

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

To read more Daybooks or to participate,
visit
The Simple Woman's Daybook.

The Simple Woman's Daybook, Monday, December 28, 2015, and Quorn Turk'y Roast

For today...Monday, December 28, 2015


Outside my window... the sky is getting lighter as dawn nears.

I am thinking... that I'm glad I remembered to do this Daybook! I like writing them and reading other people's Daybooks.

I am thankful... for God's mercy. He loves us more than I could ever imagine, and I'm grateful.

From the kitchen... leftover Christmas pies. :)

I am wearing... a pink shirt and denim shorts.

I am creating... this blog post. :)

I am going to... get some rest this week before our trip on Friday to see our oldest daughter and our four beautiful grandchildren! We haven't seen them for a long time, and we're very, very excited!

I am wondering... what kind of new job my husband will get. He's working now but wants to find something else.

I am hoping... we continue to recover from this 'bug' that's been going around.

I am hearing... the morning network news program.

I am looking forward to... seeing those precious grandchildren this weekend!

Around the house... it's very quiet. I like quiet. :)

A favorite quote for today... "Happy is the man who finds a true friend, and far happier is he who finds that true friend in his wife." -- Franz Schubert

One of my favorite things... is having something very easy for lunch or dinner. I don't like to cook, so an easy meal is great, like leftover pie for breakfast! :)

A few plans for the rest of the week... washing the dishes, making an important phone call, going to a follow-up doctor's appointment, doing laundry, and getting things together for the trip. Thanking God even now that the weather forecasts for here and there look great - no snow, ice, or freezing rain!

A picture thought I am sharing...

Our family tried a Quorn Turk'y Roast for Thanksgiving this year
and really liked it, so we had it again for Christmas!
It's meat-free and gluten-free. Easy to cook and
paired well with stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and potatoes.
You can learn more about Quorn products here.

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

To read more Daybooks or to participate,
visit
The Simple Woman's Daybook.

The Simple Woman's Daybook, Monday, September 30, 2013

For today...Monday, September 30, 2013


Outside my window...it is a beautiful afternoon! Sunny with a light, cool breeze! I love this kind of weather!

I am thinking...that it's going to be October tomorrow. Time goes by so quickly!

I am thankful...for God's mercy. He loves us more than I could ever imagine, and I'm grateful.

From the kitchen...leftover take-out pizza! :)

I am wearing...a short-sleeved coral top and a pair of shorts.

I am creating...this blog post. :)

I am going...to attempt to go without my daily fast-food restaurant sweet tea starting tomorrow. I'm sure I don't need all that caffeine and sugar.

I am wondering...what's wrong with my camera or camera card that it won't let me take or review photos on the camera. I don't want to lose all those photos! I'm going to see if I can upload them to my husband's laptop later tonight.

I am hoping...I really will eat healthier in October.

I am hearing...cars going by and some sounds from a nearby business.

I am looking forward to...spending the night and doing some shopping in a larger city a couple of hours away in about two weeks. The selection is much better there, and there are certain things I'm looking for, including a new kitchen wall clock. Ours is very old, and even with new batteries, it won't work anymore.

Around the house...it's so quiet and comfortable with the breeze blowing in.

A favorite quote for today..."Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile." -- William Cullen Bryant

One of my favorite things...is when a good breeze makes the leaves fall. I love watching the leaves falling like snow!

A few plans for the rest of the week...work and a regular week. There will be a huge, annual rummage sale in town that I always go to. I go to look; sometimes I find a few things. :)

A picture thought I am sharing...

:)

 You can see the original Pinterest pin here. 

I hope you have a wonderful week!

To read more Daybooks or to participate,
visit The Simple Woman's Daybook.

The Simple Woman's Daybook, Monday, September 9, 2013

For today...Monday, September 9, 2013


Outside my window...it is evening, dark and cold. We always know the weather will turn cold - and quickly - but it always seems to surprise us. It's early this year, too.

I am thinking...that I need to clean the heating vents to get the dust (and cat hair!) off of them before we turn on the furnace. I hope it's soon!

I am thankful...for God's faithfulness in so many things, large and small.

From the kitchen...black bean burgers for dinner!

I am wearing...a pink, floral top and a pair of shorts.

I am creating...a little more order in my pantry. :) I used an extra-large plastic magazine holder to hold the boxes of foil, plastic wrap, parchment paper, baggies, etc. I saw the idea on Pinterest and knew that it was just what I needed! You can see the Pinterest pin here.

I am going...to try to remember not to have anything but water tonight since I have to fast for a blood test tomorrow morning to check my cholesterol level.

I am wondering...how to better balance what I need to do around the house and the need to rest and not over-do because of the fibromyalgia.

I am hoping...and praying that my husband gets through his yearly 'first few weeks of both jobs' well. He is usually very tired for a while and then gets used to it. So far, so good this year.

I am hearing...times of quiet with an occasional car going by.

I am looking forward to...doing something else in the house this week. Yesterday was a hard day for me regarding fibromyalgia because of two meals I made. Then I did some housework this afternoon and made dinner tonight. I shouldn't plan on repeating that tomorrow. I will try to do more housework on Wednesday.

Around the house...it's not too cool yet. I'm comfortable on the recliner with a light blanket over my legs and feet. :)

A favorite quote for today..."Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." ~unknown. We can't tell what someone is going through just by looking at him or her. Be kind! Be kind to yourself, too! :)

One of my favorite things...is when a good breeze makes the fall leaves drop from the trees like snow! I love watching it!

A few plans for the rest of the week...work and a regular week. Hoping to rest *and* be able to do some housework.

A picture thought I am sharing...

A pretty way to decorate with fall leaves!

You can see the original Pinterest pin here.

I hope you have a wonderful week!

To read more Daybooks or to participate,
visit The Simple Woman's Daybook.

The Simple Woman's Daybook, Monday, August 26, 2013

For today...Monday, August 26, 2013


Outside my window...it's cloudy and cool. There is a slight breeze gently moving the dandelions. A car goes by occasionally, but overall, it's very quiet, just like I like it. :)

I am thinking...that I'm glad I'm planning on blogging on a more regular basis.

I am thankful...for God's mercy! He keeps us safe from things we don't even realize could hurt us. I'm also thankful for our children, grown now, who are such blessings! Our oldest daughter and her husband are raising a family of four beautiful children, our middle daughter has started Master's classes and is holding down a job, and our youngest (who I took back to college about ten days ago) is starting her junior year.

In the kitchen...there isn't any sweet tea! I didn't buy any at the supermarket because I intended to stop drinking it starting this Wednesday, but I thought I had some at home until then.

I am wearing...a pink, floral top and a pair of shorts.

I am creating...ideas about how to successfully manage this next school year considering that my husband is a high school teacher and also works at a factory. He has started taking Master's degree classes online, too. Time will be at more of a premium than the last three years of his two jobs have been. I'm hoping to find some good time management tips for him and for me. With fibromyalgia, I find it challenging enough to accomplish anything other than my part-time job.

I am going...to try to remember to do my Daybook more often!

I am wondering...how this next year will go and praying that it will go well for everyone in the family.

I am hoping...and praying that my husband's trip this week to the dermatologist (two hours away) will go well. He had a melanoma removed from his arm about 12 years ago. Recently, his regular doctor found a suspicious-looking mole. I want to go with him to the appointment, but I have to work. Trusting God that all will be well. [Update: The doctor said my husband is cancer-free! Praising God! Thanks for praying.]

I am hearing...the quiet. :)

I am looking forward to...using my own version of the FlyLady home organization system. I try it every now and then, but this time, I really need to see consistent improvement, even though I'm going to have to go slower than her 15 minutes at a time. I want to feel a sense of accomplishment in my homemaking.

Around the house...it is quiet, just me and the cats. :)

A favorite quote for today..."You can do anything for 15 minutes!" ~FlyLady

One of my favorite things...is the sense of relief at having the edge come off the pain during a fibromyalgia flare. This morning was my first day back at work after two weeks off for vacation, and it was a very busy three hours. I'm in pain from the fibromyalgia every day, but I came home in great pain. I did take some medicine that I only use occasionally, and right now, even though I still hurt, I can tell that the edge is gone. So grateful!

A few plans for the rest of the week...work, trying to cook more healthfully, and looking forward to the long Labor Day weekend. :)

A picture thought I am sharing...

Thinking about getting a timer...

FlyLady's timer

To read more Daybooks or to participate,
visit The Simple Woman's Daybook.

The Simple Woman's Daybook, December 3, 2012

For today...Monday, December 3, 2012

Outside my window...it's been dark for a while now and dry. The temperature was milder today than last week. It could have been an April day.

I am thinking...about how grateful I am that a potential banking problem was avoided!

I am thankful...for the electric space heater in our living room that keeps us comfortable.

In the kitchen...there was leftover pizza that is now on my plate as I type this. :)

I am wearing...a fleece cardigan-type jacket. Soft and warm.

I am creating...ideas about how to be consistently on task. For me, that doesn't mean the same number of tasks per day, etc., but I'm looking for ways to be productive on the majority of days even when energy levels change due to the fibromyalgia. I'm thinking about boundaries and margin and making sure I take the occasional day(s) of rest as needed.

I am going...to try to remember to do my Daybook more often!

I am wondering...what gifts to buy for Christmas.

I am hoping...the weather will be good next week for our trip to pick up our two college students from the airport -- *next week*! I can't wait!

I am hearing...the space heater cranking out warmth while our two cats are sleeping all curled up on the couch beside me.

I am looking forward to...everyone being together for the Christmas break.

Around the house...it is quiet. Time for relaxation.

A favorite quote for today...(I love this one!) "Always kiss your children goodnight, even if they're already asleep" -  H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

One of my favorite things...is leftover pizza!

A few plans for the rest of the week...work, mailing packages, laundry, a doctor's appointment for a recheck after bronchitis last week.

A picture thought I am sharing...

       This picture of our cats was taken six years ago!

Enjoy these early December days!

To read more Daybooks or to participate, visit The Simple Woman's Daybook.

                                                    

The Simple Woman's Daybook, July 16, 2012

                               

Outside my window...sunny, humid, and hot!

I am thinking...about how warm it was in my office this morning.

I am thankful...for the air conditioner in our living room!

In the kitchen...there are leftover grilled veggies my husband cooked yesterday. They'll go on fake 'chicken' burgers and whole wheat buns for dinner tonight. Yum!

I am wearing...my hair up in a clip. Trying to stay cool!

I am creating...nothing at the moment. It's good to take a rest. [Update: Today (Tuesday), I created a blog post sharing some excellent resources that we've been using lately as we eat healthier. You can see that post here.]

I am going...to poke about on the computer. :)

I am wondering...what to make for dinner this week.

I am hoping...that the over the counter meds I took for the fibromyalgia pain will help soon.

I am hearing...the whirr of the ceiling fan, the fan in front of the air conditioner, and the small fan cooling off my laptop!

I am looking forward to...cooler weather later this week.

Around the house...the cats are sleeping.

A favorite quote for today...(here are two!) "Don't waste another day being bitter. Each day is a gift from God; use it wisely" - Joyce Meyer; "It's never too late - never too late to start over, never too late to be happy." - Unknown

One of my favorite things...is having a quick, easy dinner to make!

A few plans for the rest of the week...phone calls, hotel reservations for our trip next month, laundry...

A picture thought I am sharing...

One of my first pictures with my camera phone!

Enjoy your summer days!

                                                To read more Daybooks or to participate,

                                                     visit The Simple Woman's Daybook.

The Simple Woman's Daybook, July 9, 2012

                                                    

Outside my window...it is a beautiful day! Sunny, a little breezy, and not too warm.

I am thinking...that the summer is going by too fast!

I am thankful...for our daughters being home from college for the summer.

In the kitchen...there are lots of dishes from a lot of cooking this weekend.

I am wearing...new shorts and a new top. :)

I am creating...this blog post. :)

I am going...to be in and out of the house a lot today. Four people with jobs and one car means a lot of driving! I'm grateful that we have those jobs.

I am wondering...how to do some things on my inexpensive new cell phone, a $19.99 special from tracfone, double minutes!

I am hoping...that the fibromyalgia pain that has increased so much today will calm down.

I am hearing...the whirr of the small fan I have to run near my laptop (the fan in the laptop doesn't work).

I am looking forward to...learning how to take a picture on my cell phone.

Around the house...it is quiet and cool. I like that.

A favorite quote for today..."God can use an ordinary life to bring extraordinary blessings into the world." - Max Lucado

One of my favorite things...is reading.

A few plans for the rest of the week...getting everyone (and myself) to and from work. It's a busy time.

A picture thought I am sharing...

                   

       Yum! Fried clams with whole bellies. So good!

       Photo from Hampton Beach (NH) Seafood Festival facebook page.

    To read more Daybooks or to participate, visit The Simple Woman's Daybook.

The Simple Woman's Daybook, March 20, 2012

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FOR TODAY

Outside my window... the sun is out, and it's supposed to be in the seventies today! I will be looking for my flip flops. :)

I am thinking... about the unexpected, current lack of money to move to another state like we'd wanted to and wondering if there are any other options.

I am thankful... for salvation, for Jesus, for my family.

In the kitchen... are dishes waiting for me.

I am wearing... a pink short-sleeved top and black slacks.

I am creating... this blog post! :)

I am going... to hopefully hear God speak about the moving situation.

I am wondering... about things that I feel I cannot do anything about, but the reality is that I can still pray about those things.

I am reading... books on my Kindle 4 (the basic Kindle). I've had it for almost a month now.

I am hoping... that God will prepare the hearts and minds of all of us in our family to adapt to whatever the final outcome will be as far as moving this summer or having to wait one more year.

I am looking forward to... moving to another state one day, hopefully sooner than later.

I am learning... and relearning how impatient and selfish I feel sometimes.

Around the house... there is so much to be done!

I am pondering... options for what happens if we stay here one more year before moving. I don't like thinking about such things because it feels very much like I've given up hope of moving this summer, and I don't want to do that. Yet I do find myself thinking about those things. And praying.

A favorite quote for today... For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

One of my favorite things... beautiful spring days like this!

A few plans for the rest of the week... nothing out of the ordinary, just working, etc. Maybe we'll book airfare for when our youngest comes home from college in May. :)

A peek into my day...



I found my flip flops! :)

The Simple Woman's Daybook, May 3, 2011

For today...

Outside my window...it’s gray and cool with occasional sprinkles.

I am thinking...how amazing it is that the years have flown by and my youngest will be graduating high school in a little over one month.

I am thankful for...God's mercy and grace as we have raised our girls and have seen them grow into women after God's heart.

From the kitchen...came spaghetti with sweet sausages for dinner tonight.

I am wearing...a blue top and navy blue shorts.

I am creating...memories of these upcoming three and a half months of having our two youngest at home over the summer before they go off to college.

I am going...to hold them close during those months and praise God for His love, protection, provision, and more for them as they leave the nest for the next thing He has for them.

I am reading...some scriptures, a library book, and blogs. :)

I am hoping...my middle daughter's flight comes in on time next week. I'm very happy that she will be home soon!

I am hearing...the hum of the computer and the sound of cars driving by.

Around the house...it's cool and quiet.

One of my favorite things...a lap cat and a good book.

A few plans for the rest of the week: getting together some scholarship paperwork that must be mailed tomorrow; a new fibromyalgia support group meeting to attend; my daughter's "flour sack baby" project for school will begin; and a children's musical presentation at church this weekend.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Enjoy your week!

If you would like to read more daybooks or post one of your own, visit Peggy’s linky here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook, April 26, 2011

For today...

Outside my window...it’s gray, cool, and rainy. April showers bring May flowers! :)

I am thinking...about a phone call I need to remember to make this morning.

I am thankful for...God's people and the comfort He brings through them when they say, "I'm praying for you." I'm thankful that people are praying for us.

From the kitchen...is going to have to come something made with an ingredient other than ham. It's practically gone! (Yummy ham.)

I am wearing...clothes ready to go to work.

I am creating...a decluttered home, a few items at a time. I did a lot of decluttering last week, but this week, I really need to pace myself more - do less, but more often.

I am going...to hopefully get my to-do list done this week.

I am reading...some scriptures, a library book, and blogs. :)

I am hoping...to remember to do what's on my list. I am hoping to remember to look at the list!

I am hearing...the hum of the computer and the sound of cars driving by on the wet pavement.

Around the house...it's cool and quiet.

One of my favorite things...a cup of tea on a cool morning.

A few plans for the rest of the week: important paperwork to do; lots of phone calls to make; information to get so I can start planning some summer trips; and a dessert auction/talent show to attend on Saturday. It's going to be a lot of fun! I'm going to bring a pineapple upside-down cake. It's a fundraiser for a college girl in our church who is going to Australia on a medical missions trip this summer.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Yummy Cadbury eggs! I think I have one more left...

Enjoy your week!

If you would like to read more daybooks or post one of your own, visit Peggy’s linky here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook, April 19, 2011

For today...

Outside my window...it’s dark, 10:30 p.m.

I am thinking...how surprised I am that it is supposed to snow tomorrow!

I am thankful for...the grace of God and the strength and courage He gives. Praising Him for helping me to do so much work around the house over the past couple of days.

From the kitchen...came an English muffin with one scrambled egg and some ham to feed my teen just home from work.

I am wearing...comfortable clothing.

I am creating...this post.

I am going...to get a lot done this week. I’ve already done lots of housecleaning over the past two days.

I am reading...some scriptures here and there, but I haven’t had time in the last two days to do any reading.

I am hoping...to get necessary things done in the next couple of days so I can relax over the Easter weekend.

I am hearing...the sound of the electric heater warming the room.

Around the house...things are quiet, and the rooms are looking better after the cleaning.

One of my favorite things...relaxing after all that housecleaning!

A few plans for the rest of the week: important paperwork to do tomorrow; my birthday; grocery shopping for the Easter meal; church Easter brunch and service. Praising God for the resurrection of Jesus!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

picture by sxc.hu

Enjoy your week!

If you would like to read more daybooks or post one of your own, visit Peggy’s linky here.