the WEAKLY TRIBUNE Vol. 2 Issue 4

 

the WEAKLY TRIBUNE

Monday - 2.20.23

    Happy Anniversary to us! We have thrived/survived for 18 years! Danl went to work as usual. I did housework/deskwork per usual as well. It was a gorgeous day! We decided to cook a good supper at home, so I went to Piggly to peruse the aisles to see what sparked hunger! Came home with a great haul; I was particularly delighted to have found Klondike Goldust potatoes! After school, I asked Danielle if she wanted to have a picnic snack outside on the quilt with me, but she declined. She doesn't like change. So I enjoyed a wooden bowl of party mix all by myself while listening to the wind blow in the pine trees. I prepped the green bean bacon-wrapped bundles, made tea brew, and stuck the oiled and seasoned potatoes in to bake before taking Danielle to her jiujitsu class. Daniel had the Puerto Rican blade steaks underway when we got home. I stuck in the garlic cheese bread, and we soon sat down to feast! Finished up with an Edward's frozen whipped cheesecake topped with blueberry sauce! Cheers to 18 years!

Tuesday - 2.21.23

    Strayed from my morning routine with Too Much Phone Time. Stopped by the accountants office, then to my 11:00 tire rotation appointment at Atmore Tire and Alignment. Danl was close to home and hungry, so I stopped at Arby's for their $12 Family Pack meal. After lunch, the next right thing was to finish my book club book which I highly recommend for humor and enlightenment about the entertaining yet exasperating life of a doctor! Daniel came home early to take Larisa and Danielle fishing. Most of us met at Walnut Hill Church to carpool down to Jaco's for our Book Club Meeting. This was a new restaurant for me; I adored it and the fact that we were ALL able to make it this time! Even though it was sort of chilly out near the water, we were toasty in our outdoor seating under the overhead heater. After running our mouths nonstop eating and talking away delightfully, we moved over to Jefferson Street for dessert. Some got Cinnaholic rolls, and some got ice cream from AJ's. We ate together in the back of AJ's. I was most gratified by my choice of a King Cake Shake which had large chunks of banana and toasted pecans.  

Wednesday - 2.22.23

   Happy Golden Birthday, Brina! Today I did well sticking to my Downtimed Phone Schedule, which enabled me to get through my MR, devotions, exercise, and deskwork in a timely manner. After picking Danielle up from school, we stopped by the DG for stuff for supper. And we might have eaten straight out of two half gallon tubs of ice cream for "snack" on the way home. And I just might keep plastic spoons in my car on purpose for times like these. It's highly possible. A quick bank run, before beginning to cook a birthday supper for Brina with Danl. We made hamburger steak with caramelized onions and brown gravy, Klondike Goldust mashed potatoes, applesauce, and pickles. Dessert was ice cream and fresh hot fudge sauce. We had Kristin come for supper too, so it was a fun evening!

Thursday - 2.23.23

    After dropping the kids at school, Rhonda and I ended up chatting for awhile in our vehicles in the school circle drive. Just what I needed. Whacked down the rosebushes. Two of them are bone dead! Why?! I thought my thumb wasn't as black anymore. Too harsh of a winter?! Who knows. Along with doing other things at my desk, I finally prioritized typing up a Headlines edition of the Weakly Tribune. Phew! So glad to not have that hanging over my head, even though it wasn't nearly as much fun to write sans all the deets and feelings that I usually insert. And I know that I don't even HAVE to do this! But I'm always glad when I do; it makes me appreciate our little life more than ever, and it gives Grandma, Aunt Sue, and Ms. Broox some much-deserved mail! With that blog-posted, printed, and USPS posted, I went out for a quick walk and phone chat with Grandma Smith. In an effort to avoid a supper scramble, I put Chicken Taco Bowl ingredients in the crockpot. I'm loving trying new recipes from Karma's family cookbook! Mom & Bill came up to see the Dyck property, so after having a snack here of frozen chocolate chip cookies, we all piled over there to explore on the side by side. Daniel's been mulching/clearing and it's looking so good and already feels like home. It got too late to get Danielle to jiujitsu. Somehow we were out of milk even though I'm constantly at the grocery store, so I ran to Piggly for that. The chicken taco bowls were a hit! Score.

Friday - 2.24.23

    Happy Birthday, Larisa & Tara! Per a brainchild I had awhile back, all of us on the "Challenge Your Zone" chat that could "meet" for a virtual coffee/conversation did so at 9 am. I loved it and came away with clarity and a renewed mindset! Next item on my day's agenda was cleaning my portion at church. I think I vacuumed and dusted as cheerfully as I ever have lol. On to Atmore to Dollar Tree for things they didn't have, to WeCare to drop off a bag of books and to do a dashabout, (I left behind the little copper tea kettle that I can't forget. Nothing haunts us like the things we didn't buy.) and to Waves for a much-needed wash. Karma brought Danielle home since I wanted her to leave her kids here so they could experience an adult dinner out at Gather. She also brought me a huge slice of the lavender cake she had made for Emily's birthday party! Thanks so much for sending it, Roz! Made my day. I sat on the porches, first the front, then the back, and watched the kids play while reading my book. Fried tater tots and grilled some venison bacon burgers for supper. Gene's hung out and visited for awhile since their supper was early. This was just a really good day. 

Saturday - 2.25.23

    Sleep-in Saturday! Poor Danl didn't get to, but he usually can't anyway due to his hardwired internal alarm! I'm so thankful I don't have one of those. Danielle and I languished around; I made her normal "weekend waffles" and finished my book while enjoying the last of the lavender cake for breakfast. We took down and put away the Valentines décor before getting out and putting up some Springy things. Finally rallied and readied ourselves to attend the Ruritan Auction. It's hard to beat the camaraderie and comics provided by this annual rural event! I even scored the old wooden game that my dad had made 40 some years ago off Anthony's pallet before it was auctioned off! Phew. That was a close one! Later in the day, Danielle and I had the best time playing "Lemons & Blueberries" which was what Rhonda and I called this game when we were little. Back to the auction, it was fun hearing Gene take his turn at the mic. #professional. I got hotdogs for Danielle and I along with a couple burgers to go for Danl. We ran them over to his job on Pine Barren Road and were privileged to meet the couple he's working for. Wow! They are the nicest people and have done a phenomenal job on renovating the old southern house on their property for a second home. They said it was a nightmare; that a llama even used to live in it! You would never guess that now with its Southern Living charm. Once home, I baked the red velvet layers for Brina's birthday cake. Danielle wanted the sprinkler out since it was in the 80s. Floki did not know what to think; biting and barking at the water! Needless to say, a happy but muddy dog and daughter duo resulted. I cleaned chicken poop and dirt off the back porch. Supper was simple; two fresh and hot thin crust pizzas from the Davisville gas station. 

Sunday - 2.26.23

    Revivals started for us at Southern Harbor. It was good to see Mr. Tim and Mr. Roger again! Danielle agreed to wear her adorable blush dress from the Monroeville WeCare for the last time. She despises it because she thinks the sleeves make her look like a soldier! Oh dear, the days of her not having many opinions on her clothing are nearly over. Sunday School was so good as usual. Love my SH sisters! We picked up our weekly raw milk from the Landis Dairy on the way home. Heated up leftovers for lunch. Then stuffed the piñata with grownup things like Motrin packets, pens, and under eye masks in addition to candy and key chains. Decorated the cake with lots of golden candy coins and sprinkles, stuck in 22 candles and sparkler candles, and filled the center with gold nugget bubblegum. It was a fun fiesta! Katrina did a great job organizing it. David's had friends out and Brina's Gather friends were there too! Steak tacos, beans, rice, guacamole, chips 'n salsa, cake, and Oreo ice cream dessert completed the menu. Yummers. 

    

    

     

    

Weakly Tribune (Headlines Edition)

WEAKLY TRIBUNE

(HEADLINES Edition)

1-30-23    Cancelled on taking Miss Smith to Pensacola on her birthday. Stayed home. Tried to recover. Ham & Beans and cornbread.

1-31-23    Clarity Planner Planning Sesh at Rhonda's with Karma. Home Day rest of day. Planned Heart Sister Reveal Party. Chicken Tacos.

2-1-23    Welcome February! Desk work. Kristin here. Finished Danielle's Room Redo! Atmore to take Audi back to Tedder's. Hunt Brother's gas station pizza.

2-2-23    Set up for Heart Sister Party at church. Pace Publix for adderall. 100th Day Pizza Party at School. Fried ham steaks, box mac n cheese, canned corn.

2-3-23    Lovely Heart Sister Reveal Party! Floki to K9 Kleaners for boarding. Packed for MS. Hopped in with Rhonda and Neil. Wearhouse Market & Bakery for food and snacks for the road. Great traveling. Taco Bell/KFC. Met a blog reader! 

2-4-23    Wonderful haze of a day of coffee and sweets at Oakwood. Listened to Zach's funeral in Aunt Sue's room. Magnolia Market. Met another blog reader! (I feel famous! Not really, but it's fun to meet readers I don't personally know.) Lunch at Ole Country Bakery.  Breves from the Front Porch Coffee House located inside the bakery. Words of wisdom from Grandma Smith. Pizza Party with Grandma and Aunt Sue in the Country Kitchen.

2-5-23    Inspiring Sunday School and church at Oakwood. Doctrine Dinner. Road trip home. Left all our coats at the Oasis. On pins and needles over the Ordination at Walnut Hill. At last, alerted of breaking news of Anthony's for deacon and Ben's for minister!

2-6-23    Made comforting congos. Lunch at church with other family of the ordinees. (that should be a word! IMO) Ordination Service at Walnut Hill.

2-7-23    Desk work. Lunch to Danl at Morgan Road SFF job. Housework & laundry. Felt like Monday. Grilled London broil.

2-8-23    Desk work till noon.  Kristin here to Home Edit the Living Room bookcase. Atmore to get Audi. Piggly for food. Larisa here for supper too. Baked chicken, cooked carrots, gourmet taters.

2-9-23    Took Miss Smith to Pensacola. Stopped at upholstery shop in Cantonment. Bed, Bath & Beyond. Olde East Hill Grille. (HIGHLY recommend!)  Sam's Club. Walmart Pickup. McD's iced coffees. No record of supper. Certain something was consumed.

2-10-23   Edited and typed Ordination Service Impressions. Attacked book pile and bedroom book case. Tara brought King Cake by. Chicken gravy over biscuits. King cake. YUM. Did not discover the baby.

2-11-23    Raining. Started chocolate mousse dessert. Lunch at David's Catfish with DaddyWayne. Wave's closed. Finished chocolate dessert, started cheesecake bars. Ran to chocolate dessert to school. Sadly skipped the Supper. Steak and box mac n cheese at home.

2-12-23   Eat (King) Cake for Breakfast! Danielle discovered the baby. Peace & Prosperity to follow! Morgan & Leah! Loveliest wedding. Recorded impressions from 1C. Delicious lunch. Watched over Annabelle and Noah at the kid's table. Afternoon & evening at David and Tara's. Food>Football. LOL

2-13-23    9:00 apt. with NP Connie in Pace. Returned Honda to Mamalisa. Set up for Sewing. Venison gravy over rice. 

2-14-23    Happy Valentine's Day! Attended to 3 FLS duties before Sewing. Festive fellowship with the ladies. Made chocolate chip cookies with heart sprinkles with Danielle. Daniel surprised his girls with red roses and chocolates! Jace's here for fried crappie, cheese grits, pickles, tater tots, and curly fries. And cookies.

2-15-23    Desk work. Housework. DG after school for birthday gifts. Bank, gas, Wave's, Chen's. 

2-16-23    Half Day of school. Nerf Gun birthday lunch for Dillon at Karma's with Roz and her kiddos. Altitude Trampoline Park next for birthday/Winter Break celebration. Cold Snap Frozen Yogurt next. Great Yogurt, not great service. (Do not recommend due to not being allowed to self-serve due to humans being regarded as dirty beings.) New Yorker pizza from the Hut. 

2-17-23    Floki to vet for another round of shots. 35#!!!! Stopped by Mel's. Housework, deskwork, bank, Wave's. Danl ill with unknown illness. IBS flareup? Food poisoning? Just Danielle and I to Pensacola to meet Glendon's for sushi at Sake. DELICIOUS. Becca with us for ride home. Coffee Guy. Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy a breve and brownies! 

2-18-23    Made double batch of party mix. Met Danl at the Dyck property. Hiked and rode side-by-side. Packed Danielle for staying overnight at Nana's. Attended 50th Anniversary Celebration of Durwin & Shirley Unruh. Delightful. Jalisco's with David and Tara. 

2-19-23    Inspiring Sunday School and church service, although I was spunky. Blackened Grouper and Shrimp Tacos, cheese grits, coleslaw, and smoked tri-tip at Durwin's. Great laughs over the good ole days. Pace to pick up Danielle. Socio's Pizza.

the Weakly Tribune Vol. 2 Issue 2

 Monday - 1.23

    Did not type up the Weakly for last week. (Therefore it never made it to print.) Danl made his famous English muffin breakfast sandwiches for David and I. I struggled to feel motivated but tried to remember that most people don't feel super motivated to do the things they need/want to do. You just have to power through and DO THE NEXT THING and then the thing after that. Neither Danielle nor I remembered to make sure she had her "Show-n-Tell" for school, so I ran that to school and stayed for the Presentation. It was well worth it and added good humor to my day! Then I got some groceries from our local Walnut Hill Dollar General. Love that place. Back home to put things away and get Floki before picking Danielle up and meeting Karma and her kids for an impromptu romp at the Ruritan Park. Floki loved his first park walk and I loved walking & talking with Karma. We wore him out though; he finally just flopped down on the path DONE. Danl got home good time and took Danielle squirrel hunting. They are trying to get 6 which would be enough for Squirrel Stew! I decided to light the back porch fire table and enjoy a hot mocha before the hunters returned. We had air-fried prebattered Tyson chickens strips (meh) fresh white gravy and green beans for supper. Early to bed. Yay. 

Tuesday - 1.24

    It had been too long since I stayed for Tuesday Morning Singing at school. So that was fun! Stuck to my schedule quite well and did Monday and Tuesday Cleaning. This week I'm spending less time per room which is the goal. I want our house to be clean enough, but I don't want to ever fall in the ditch of OverCleaning! Horror of Horrors! (Insert the poem which I identify as my "Spirit Poem," Dust if You Must.) Worked at my desk. After school, Danielle and I went to ride around at the property where Danl was mulching. I had a taste for popcorn balls like Mom used to make. Yummers! Took me back to my childhood. Danielle was not impressed and much preferred her usual plain salted popcorn. She and I made a batch of snickerdoodles together. Erica Lynn invited us to eat with them, so we were happy about that! Added the big pot of refried beans I had made from dry beans to their delicious fajitas. Enjoyed visiting while sipping some amazing double cream Earl Grey tea. 

Wednesday 1.25

    Worked at my desk until Kristin arrived around 10:30. We got to work in Danielle's room again. Since y'all never got to read last week's Weakly that never got written, you don't know that we started the tremendous project of going through everything, rearranging, and organizing ALL. THE. STUFF. last week! Having a creative, crafty child who receives lots of presents yet lives with her parents in a small house has become a major issue. I am attempting to implement Dana K. White's Container Concept. Anyway, Kristin and I made terrific progress! The Home Edit gals would be as pleased as we are with the newly ROYGBIVed book nook! I'm also immensely pleased with the growing pile in Campy of which Danielle has not yet missed anything. Fingers crossed. She is loving having more space to play with the labeled bins of toys! After school, we stopped by to see Noah and Annabelle's new puppy Bailey. She's a fat little cutie pie! Black Lab and St. Bernard mix. Worked more in Danielle's room. In a cooking slump, so decided to order pizza from the Hut. Also, I started feeling very under the weather in short order! A sore throat, headache, congestion, and low grade fever hit me with a wham! I soon went to bed while the rest hung out. Kristin slept over since she had tomorrow off work as well.

Thursday - 1.26

    So thankful for Kristin here to help with Floki and Danielle. She did the morning school run and I relaxed in bed, trying to get to feeling better! Since I was just taking it easy, I wrote and posted the HUMOR blog post that had been brewing in my head all month. Got up around noon and we both had ramen noodles. I felt good enough that we went back at it in the bedroom! Revamped the art desk corner; Kristin put out tons of elbow grease and scraped off years' worth of paint, glue, and tape! Wow. Doesn't even look like the same desk! Following my SMART goals, I amazingly filed all the annual and quarterly tax filings that were due BEFORE the deadline of the 31st! Kristin picked Danielle up from school and got stuff for Frito Pie for supper from DG to go along with her famous Cinnamon Red Hot Baked Apples. Super yum. David ate supper here too since he and Daniel went back up and worked at Johnson Ford after business hours, which makes that job a whole lot easier. Kristin and I talked and read before she headed home and I headed to bed. 

Friday - 1.27

    Thankful for a "normal day" of feeling good again! Tackle my MR, and deskwork before heading to Atmore to drop stuff at WeCare. Of course I had to do a quick dashabout. (Why is dashabout not a word?!) I decided not to buy the cute fox sweater and denim shirt I found for Danielle and walked out with nothing! Got gas, groceries at Piggly, and ice for the wild pig we ended up with and a cookbook for Leah at Southern Harbor Church. Picked up Danielle. Painted with watercolors together; she a heart display for her Art Wall in the Hall and I the "Miss to Mrs." coffee cup sketch I had drawn on a card for Leah's shower. Got my gift wrapped and ready to go. I've decided my Decide Once gift for bridal showers for 2023 will be a copy of The Five Love Languages, a cookbook, and a set of bookends! Picked up Mom and Miss Smith, and attended Leah's shower which Katie hosted. It was the most laidback and lovely coffeeshop-themed shower! We all had the best time chatting over lattes, playing "Find the Guest" bingo, listening to Leah's love story, and of course eating sandwiches and pastries.

Saturday - 1.28

    Sleep-In Saturday! Danielle's proclaimed favorite day of the week! Danl was working, so she and I puttered around the house all morning. I was on my phone way too much, so decided to have an Old-Fashioned Afternoon and put my phone up for hours. It was blissful. Danielle and I made another batch of snickerdoodle cookies. We still aren't totally satisfied with how they are turning out. Then we rode with Daniel to pick up a load of freshly milled lumber from Vernon Hiebert's place. I helped Danl stack it in the haybarn to dry while Danielle dinked around in the woods nearby. After our backs were almost done in from toting heavy green pine and red oak slabs, we all walked down to the creek for a bit. It was running pretty good; the bright green moss covered rocks are so stunning against the bleak brown background of January woods. Anthony's invited the Royce Schneider Family over for an impromptu hamburger fry which amazingly we were all able to attend! Usually we have so much stress trying to find an open evening when we try to plan ahead! As usual, life is a juxtaposition of pain and happiness as we found out almost simultaneously of the tragic death of our cousin Zachary and the happy engagement of our cousin Rebecca! What an evening. 

Sunday - 1.29

    Danielle and I were happy to be in Sunday School again. But my head wasn't happy as it had started hurting again with lots of congestion! Ugh. I thought I was well and over my illness. Danielle told me in the bathroom before the service that she was going to find us a seat in the sanctuary and I was to come find HER this time! LOL. She selected the soft pink chair in the back corner. Which I was pleased about, because by then I was feeling like I shouldn't be breathing on anyone. I always love a wedding announcement; it was wonderful to hear, "Rebecca Schneider has promised to marry Dylan Yost!" Danl was cooking the wild pig over at David's; so we took applesauce and snickerdoodles and headed over there to enjoy that, David's brisket, and delicious Georgia salad, green bean casserole, artisan sourdough bread, and best fudgy sourdough brownies! I was feeling pretty raunchy and even fell asleep in the chair! NOT my normal. Everyone seems to have or to have had this bug though. I Covid tested earlier in the week and it was negative. Feels like a bad sinus infection; I hardly ever get them since having had allergy shots! Oh well, we aren't promised life without sickness on this side of Heaven! 

    

WOTY 2023! & Unexpected Reflections

"A little humor makes all things possible." - Mom

After a year of UNEXPECTED things, some delightful and others not so much, I was ready for a WOTY (Word Of The Year) that had more of a Grin to it, with less Grim undertones! I know that 2023 will be just as UNEXPECTED as 2022 was, but I want to be able to face it with HUMOR! So with a smile on my face, I happily selected this wise word for my 2023 WOTY. I grew up hearing my mom quote the phrase above, but I didn't fully grasp its great meaning until becoming an adult. And I'm still trying to grasp it, honestly! The choice we have to react to life with grace and humor or with a bad case of the grumpies is up to us! The admonition to choose HUMOR goes way back to the Bible times!

Proverbs 17:22 KJV

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: But a broken spirit drieth the bones. 

Who wants to have a broken spirit and dry bones?! Not I! So I am purposing to consciously choose to have some humor and laugh! At myself, at life, and with others! People ask me all the time, "How do you remember your WOTY?" or "Why bother choosing one? What is the point?"  It's like John F. Kennedy's famous inaugural words, "Ask not what what your country (WOTY) can do for you - ask what you can do for your country (WOTY)." Choosing the word HUMOR won't suddenly make me a jolly, relaxed, sunny person! I will have to give purpose to the word and incorporate it into my daily life! You have to match the energy you are willing to give to the expectations you are willing to get. I've been asking Danielle to tell me funny things that happened at school. Kids are the best for belly laughs! I've been seeking humor on statuses and commenting my thanks to the poster if I chortled. I signed up for a daily dose of humor from The New Yorker in addition to my page-a-day calendar from them. I put the words HAVE A LITTLE HUMOR on the lightbox in the kitchen. I married someone who makes me laugh. This is so important! I've been trying to laugh more easily at things Daniel finds funny. I have these pics on my iPhone homescreen and Watch lockscreen.

 Honing HUMOR skills is medically proven to reduce stress, pain, and muscle tension while improving the immune system, mood, and personal satisfaction.

Life is too real to go around constantly chuckling, but choosing to look through a more lighthearted lens is definitely doing me good! So here's to HUMOR in 2023! Want to join me?! LOL

the WEAKLY TRIBUNE Vol. 2 Issue 1

THE WEAKLY TRIBUNE

Monday - Jan. 9

    Danielle was home from school, ill AGAIN. But it's not Covid this time either. Poor thing, she's pretty good at swabbing her own nose. I guess that's what she's in for with a mom who is too curious and a government that mails out free tests. Daniel was home over lunch and brought me "lunch at my desk" which for me is even better than "breakfast in bed." It was more of the duck gumbo he made on Sunday. Yum. In an effort to reclaim my life from Floki domination, I finally hauled the pet gate back inside from where it had been temporarily resting in Campy, and gleefully installed it. No more trying to keep our rowdy pup behind the kitchen barricades! I finalized an elaborate rainbow ordered Daily Cleaning Schedule on my Reminders App. The Home Edit would be proud of me! I didn't actually start cleaning today or anything that drastic. Took Floki out on a long walk to burn off some energy. Danielle walked a bit, but was too draggy to go far. Talked to Aunt Sue a long time on the phone. Made fried rice, hibachi venison, and canned peaches for supper. Larisa and Kristin popped in for a surprise mini visit. 

Today I give thanks for: My "new to me" Super Secretary mug from Mel!

Tuesday - Jan. 10

    Danielle woke up with 100.7 fever, so another home day for her. I researched kid's vitamins for picky eaters. Worked at my desk, got Danielle's schoolwork and oversaw her working on it, played hide & seek for "recess," (Floki was great at giving away our hiding spots!) but we forgave him since it was his first day "Accident Free!" Housebreaking a Giant Schnauzer should come with lots of Gold Stars. I lit a fire in the backyard fire pit and started to burn the boxes that were piled on the back porch. Supper was Venison Street Tacos with Gator Drool dribbled on them. "Put that on a cracker!" You can't go wrong with anything made by or recommended by Stalekracker. 

Today I give thanks for: My olive green felt tipped pen from Rhonda.

Wednesday - Jan. 11

    Danielle was delighted to go back to school. I was delighted to take her. I got right into burning more boxes in the backyard. Which gave me pandemic flashbacks for some reason! The weather, the smell of smoke... I'm not sure what all invoked it. I was sort of wishing for Safer at Home again. But that wish passed quickly! I flipped the porch rug and sprayed everything down; the chickens like the back porch too. I'm so pumped to be able to enjoy it again, and to be able to let Floki out the sliding door. Washed and washed and washed 3 bundles of fresh greens from Steve's Farm. Danl didn't get home early enough to cook them, so at his suggestion I went up and got Chinese takeout for supper. My fortune cookie read, "Unnecessary possessions are unnecessary burdens." Is Marie Kondo writing fortune cookies now?! It felt like an omen, so I tucked it into my planner. 

Today I give thanks for: My Clarity Planner

Thursday - Jan. 12

    Due to Danielle's sickness, our planned planner planning session was moved from Monday at Rhonda's house to Wednesday at Karma's house. This is Rhonda's 3rd year using a Clarity Planner and the first year for Karma and me. Going through the prompts for reflection and goal setting together is a huge help! This planner goes so deep it feels like therapy. But I think I will have a year that's closer to the year I dream of! Just the fact that I'm doing the Weakly Tribune again is proof. We spent all morning making S.M.A.R.T. goals and more, while drinking lattes and laughing. Came home to let Floki out, ran back up to the bank, washed and vacuumed my rental, grabbed a bowl of duck gumbo to eat on the way, picked up Danielle from school, and drove to Enterprise on 9 Mile Road to return my rental. Phew. Mamalisa picked us up and took us to her place so we could borrow her extra Honda. Hopefully my Audi will be able to go into Tedder's soon to have some wear parts replaced. It looks great with its new grill from Lee's Collision. Fingers crossed I won't have to frequent Lee's or Enterprise in 2023! Stopped at DG for art supplies; popsicle sticks for Danielle and watercolors and blank cards for me. Danl had made vension gravy in the crockpot, and a big pot of greens on the stove. I whipped up some instant taters and popped Mary B's biscuits in the oven. Sabrina ate with us too since Katrina is in KY. 

Today I give thanks for: having something to drive

Friday - Jan. 13

    I had to do a bank run again for a cashiers check for buying another dozer. It was a 1/2 day of school due to 2nd quarter ending. I pittered the morning away due to being on my phone way too much. Restarted the day after lunch. Tackled a bunch of desk work, then moved the couch after cleaning under it, and moved the table after cleaning paint and clay off it. The house feels so much more open back to this arrangement! But somehow like usual, I ended up with a bad case of the grumpies from cleaning and seeing so much grime and filth. Had leftover gumbo with fresh rice for supper. Drank some homemade eggnog I had frozen from our family Christmas on Jan. 6 to cheer myself up! I'm getting more and more ready to actually start my daily cleaning schedule! Got to bed pretty early.

Today I give thanks for: the humor found in my The New Yorker page-a-day calendar

Saturday - Jan. 14

    Sleep-In Saturday! Danielle proclaimed this the best day of the week because, "You don't have to go to school or to church, just stay home and do nuthin!" LOL. Danl left early for work as usual. We cuddled in bed awhile, then did our Morning Routines and got ready to meet Trent, Heidi, and Malaya Penner at David's Catfish for lunch. It was so fun to hang out again! Then the guys went to Danl's current job at Johnson Ford and to the property on 97. We girls went to Piggly and Family Dollar. Trent's hung out here at our house for a bit. I drew and watercolored 2 wedding cards. Danl made jazzed up mashed red potatoes and I heated up the leftover venison gravy and greens. Made the meringue for the Cherry Berries on a Cloud dessert for Kaylee's wedding.

Today I give thanks for: new memories with old friends

Sunday - Jan. 15

    Happy Wedding Day, Kaylee & Carson! I got up good time to finish my dessert. Danl went to work at Johnson Ford since working when they are closed is the prime opportunity. Danielle went with me to the wedding and sat with Aunt Rhonda. Wow! What a traffic jam to even get pulled into the WH church parking lot! I heard they served 490 but I don't think everyone even stayed for lunch. It was a lovely wedding; I felt most privileged to observe and write impressions from a front side bench seat. Danielle expired long before I did; she was pulling on my arm and pleading to go home. So we said a few last hellos/goodbyes and headed to the house. Mom and Bill stopped by with Seafood Corn Chowder. Yummers. Tara and Kristin stopped by with milk from the dairy, and Trent's stopped by to change clothes. We lazed around eating chowder and sourdough toast and leftovers from David's Catfish and being on our devices. We had plenty of evening, but somehow didn't even get to bed on time.

Today I give thanks for: weddings! I love a love story with a happily-ever-after!

    

    

    

 

The BEAUTITUDES (Christmas Edition)

Blessed are the poor in dollars: for theirs is a simpler and fuller life, with less time spent wrangling tape and wrapping paper.

Blessed are they that mourn for Christmas Past: for they shall be comforted with the knowledge that God knows every current stressful situation.

Blessed are the meek: for they shall not mind when possible tornadoes change popcorn popping plans.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after carrots and water along with fruitcake and Cranberry Sprite: for they shall be filled with balance.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall realize that not everyone looks forward with FOMO to the nonstop holiday social events.

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see the love in the crudely-crafted handmade gift of a child.

Blessed are the old-fashioned candy makers: for they shall be called the Keepers of the Ancient Recipes.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for a secret's sake: for theirs is the reward of a true surprise gift!

Blessed are ye, when young children shall ask repeatedly "How many more days until Christmas?!" and when you shall persuade yourself to bake more things than you have bandwidth for, and yet you are able to reply with patience to your child and with grace for yourself, for Christmas's sake.

Merry Christmas to one and all! 

Thank you for reading my blog; we wish for you the best of life in 2023! 

Our love, Daniel, Sharon, Danielle, & Floki

Nebraska News Vol. 1 Issue 2

 

Nebraska News

11-14 Monday

It hovered happily in the 20’s for most of the day! We tidied up and Jill made thee most delicious Dutch babies ever with sourdough starter and blueberries in prep for Ro (Rosalyn) and kiddos coming over for coffee. We had the best time chatting and snacking over coffee around the fire. Max and Ken both filled their buck tags! Yay! The guys had been teasing Ken that we weren’t gonna make cheesecake until he got his buck! I made some raspberry topping for the cheesecake before Danielle and I went with Danl to North Loup on an errand and then truck hunted with him on the Schudel property overlooking the Loup River. So pretty watching the sun setting and the golden eagles flying while munching snacks from Trotters. No deer ever appeared, but it was good to get some quality family time in. And to cover more chapters in my book. Supper was a very satisfying affair! Grilled ribeyes, fluffy baked Yukon gold potatoes, oven-roasted carrots, and cheesecake with homemade blueberry and/or raspberry sauces.

11-15 Tuesday 

Happy 60th, Jan! (Jill’s sweet mama) The guys and Max headed out early for pheasant hunting in South Dakota. I enjoyed my morning coffee and another of Ro’s espresso-frosted cinnamon rolls even though we were going out for coffee at Ollie’s in a little town called Sargent. We dropped Mason and Danielle off at Grandma Virginia’s. (Jethro’s mom) Picked up Jan, Janelle, and Jenny after a quick tour of Hilltop Gardens. Got some cool cards! Then we stopped at the Secondhand Rose in Ord. Jill and I went there last year and I wanted to go again! I got a pretty Westernish belt and a dinosaur book for Danielle. After a scenic drive, we arrived at Ollie’s. No lunch on Tuesdays, so we all just got coffees and shopped the huge variety of stuff. I loved my PSL and the adorable soaps I got for Mason and Danielle. Back to Ord for a delicious lunch at The Something’s Brewing Cafe. I got the hamburger vegetable soup special with coleslaw and a breve. Definitely keeping up with my caffeine intake today! Dollar General for necessities which included more craft supplies for our busy creative kiddos. We all chilled and rested once we were back home. The guys were getting a hotel so no need to virtuously have supper ready! We relished nachos by the fire along with all sorts of other yummy eats. Tried to listen to the Conference lecture. Then bravely went out in the swirling wind with a few snowflakes to get into the swim spa! So pretty with the colored lights at night. Well worth the cold dash to and from it! Stayed up late just because we could for once. 

11-16 Wednesday

Grand Island Adventure Day! First we went to the Lambdins to do chores since they were gone to Conference. Their pet deer is such a fascination! I could get used to Bambi kisses! I drove since Jill needed to do some design work. First stop was Hobby Lobby. Goodness, it was like Black Friday in there! Annie (or Anna as she’s known here) and Becca were shopping as well! Freddy's for a fine lunch; then over to the trampoline park! All of us moms decided to jump too since we had the whole place to ourselves! I even climbed my first “rock” wall with much effort and exertion! Phew. I am SO out of shape! I mean I do have a shape, but it’s not a fit one! Hanging out with Kristen, Shawna, and Annie was so good. I think this moms/kids outing needs to be a yearly Nebraska thing! Next stop was Homegoods. Danielle got a speech that “asking for things” was indeed a form of begging. The “one thing” had already been purchased prior at Hobby Lobby! I’m realizing that I no longer shop with her in tow much now that she’s in school 5 days a week. Sonic drive-thru for hotdogs and tater tots; then Scooters for breves so we could brave the way home lol. Tried in vain to listen to the youth singing at Conference. Actually got a bit of the lecture once we were back in range of Wifi. The guys got home after 9:00, exhausted from fun and pheasants. 

11-17 Thursday

Started the day as usual with coffee and cuddles upstairs before moving down for more relaxation. Sourdough toast and lemon meringues for breakfast. I’m getting so relaxed and spoiled; how am I ever gonna settle back into normal life in Florida?! Jill decided to whip up homemade kolaches since “Eat a kolache” was on my long list of “Things I Want to Do in NE.” Bless her heart! I hadn’t known that these delicacies were such a part of Nebraska cuisine until Shirley Unruh told me that Annie had been making them! Speaking of Annie, Danielle and I went down the hill into town for our annual visit/playtime at their house around 2:30 in the afternoon. The girls did lots of girly things while giggling and shrieking about. Annie and I yakked and yakked like old times; Bailey (or Glendon as he’s mostly known here) came home right before I was going to leave, so of course my leaving was further delayed in order to finalize the catching up of bygone people and places. I left Danielle there to play for “just a little bit longer!” while I came home to load up with Jill and the boys to go see Jenny’s four story mansion in Greeley! Picked up Danielle, then soon Jenny was leading us about on the most delightful tour of her historic home! Another super fun item checked off my list lol. The kolaches were definitely a hit; the guys had put a major dent in the supply while we were gone. Jethro grilled burgers and baked cherry and apple pies on the grill while we were gone. Ken’s last supper during “Eating Season” as he famously calls it, since he rebooked his ticket to fly home in the morning.

11-18 Friday

I had an elderberry kolache and part of a caramel walnut roll for breakfast. Sat down by the fire until it was past time to dash about getting ready to run to North Loup and Ord. We dropped Max, Mason, and Danielle off at Grandma Virginia’s again since they are generally miserable little shoppers. First stop was Popcorn County USA for local red, blue, and white kernels for ourselves and for gifts. Then we stopped on a whim at Hey Honey Boutique and were so delighted with the fun “Pink Friday” sale going on! We popped pink balloons to find out what our individual discount was and partook of pink lemonade. She also had darling frosted sugar cookies up for grabs, so we took some home for the kids. Then we went to Anderson’s Pharmacy. I had so much fun picking out stocking stuffers for my family’s Christmas celebration. They were also celebrating Pink Friday, and had everyone choose an ornament off a tree with a hidden discount. Jill and I both scored 25% off! Next we popped over to the cafe, but since it was almost 2:00, we happily settled for sundaes instead of soup for lunch since they were no longer serving traditional lunch options. Both of us had breves as well. Grocery Kart and the feed store finished our shopping day. Took our daily downtime once we were home. Then I put pheasant gumbo in the instant pot. Rice, potato salad, cornbread made with freshly milled corn flour/cornmeal, and lettuce salad rounded out our “Southern” supper. Leftover pie and new tubs of ice cream by the fire for dessert ended a perfectly lovely day

11-19 Saturday

I’m gonna miss these easy mornings of vacation… A slice of cherry pie and coffee in my favorite “DonHeim” vintage mug for starters. Cleaned up the main areas and sat by the fire. It’s stayed nice and chilly, mostly in the 20s the whole time we’ve been here which has been FANTASTIC. Getting in on a bit of real winter just makes my heart happy. Fixed my “usual” for lunch at Jill’s Café.  Homemade sourdough turkey sandwich, fresh refrigerator pickles, a bowl of homemade thick Greek style yogurt topped with homemade granola and fresh fruit, with kombucha to drink! Now how’s that for a nutritious and delicious probiotic-happy meal?! The kids had pizza lunchables today. Annie brought Becca over to play for a couple hours. She, Danielle, Mason, and I got in the swim spa for a last blissful swim. Then I got more laundry done up, and started packing everything up. Daniel brought in some beautiful venison tomahawk steaks and put them in marinade to be grilled for supper. Jill made finger jello, and I cut up some carrot sticks to dip in ranch. We also had corn and leftover Yukon gold potatoes. More pie and ice cream for dessert. Such a good supper; everyone was in a jolly mood too. Ended up hanging out rather late, enjoying the fire and friendship.

11-20 Sunday

Happy Birthday, Kate Ryan! Sad to miss her party which was yesterday. I hope no more kids in our family end up with “Hunting Season” birthdays! My alarm rang at 5:00 to get up and packed up. We said our sad goodbyes and were on the road, watching the sunrise shortly after 6:00. Felt almost surreal to arrive at Justin and Tommi’s place around noon instead of to just share locations as we went SO closely right on by! So so good to be with them and their kiddos and eat lunch together! Tommi had made a feast! Delicious Chicken, mashed taters, green bean casserole, garlic knots, lettuce salad, apple Snickers salad, and pumpkin crumble with whipped cream! They guys went driving around, while the rest of us enjoyed hanging out at home. Danielle was so pumped with all of Ashley’s toys and the thick layer of ice on the pool! Reluctantly, we got on the road again around 3:30, but with another fun destination in the gps! Pulled into Drew’s after dark, and after hello hugs, we got right to eating just like old times! Pulled pork nachos, sliced apples, orange julius, and our famous Key lime pie! The years have passed, but some things never change! After lots of laughing and reminiscing, we crawled into bed, more than happy we were stopping to make more memories instead of doggedly driving straight through!