The Weakly Tribune Vol. 1 Issue 6

THE WEAKLY TRIBUNE

Monday 7.25.22

Beach Day with Gwen and Karma and our kiddos! We were gonna do this so much this summer only to have this be our first time! Argh. How the days do fly by! Used Karma’s Ft. Pickins passes. I hadn’t been there in years! Set up the canopy and I constructed my Sand Free Zone. Enjoyed our packed lunches and the fact that the sun was shining on us while it was obviously raining on others to the north.  At one point, we thought we spied some folks we knew down the beach. After taking an investigatory walk, it was discovered to be the Ronnie Schneider extended family and friends! We packed up around 2:00. Stopped at Chick-fil-A for frosted coffees, nuggets, etc. Made hamburger steak with ground venison for supper. 

Simple Satisfaction: Being on the edge of the earth where the water meets the shore. 

Tuesday 7.26.22

Covid Tested again since I felt somewhat achy and congested. Negative for the 4th time. Picked up Miss Smith and dropped Danielle at Mel’s while we shopped groceries at Atmore Walmart. Got Danielle again and went through the McDonalds drive-thru on the way home. Did Payroll. Mr. Melvin came by to check a couple soft spots on the floor (probably just the plywood beneath the flooring coming unglued) and to scope out our upcoming shower project. Worked on Nette & Magen’s Housewarming registry and piddled with the remaining Morning Routine. Picked up Larisa around 5:00 so she could spend the evening with us. Made cheese dip and venison tacos for supper. 

Simple Satisfaction: Signing my name with a flourish on payroll checks. I think signing checks is the most fun part of my job! 

Wednesday 7.27.22

The last day of STEM class at the Atmore Library! Was wonderful to be there since we missed going last week. It’s hard to beat our little local library! This time they went all out with supplies for building marshmallow guns out of PVC pipe that worked really well! From there I dropped my car at Novus to get the windshield and front side windows retinted. Karma picked me up and we went to her house. Had pizza delivered for lunch, the kids swam and played, and we sewed. Well, I sewed a little while Karma sewed a lot. I spent a good portion of the afternoon shopping for and adding things to Nette and Magen’s registry and then getting it posted on the Ladies' Chat. Let the fun begin! Shane wasn’t able to retint my windshield since Mel was so sick with Covid that he went home to help out. Sierra got the side windows done though! Danielle was so tuckered out she fell asleep for an hour or so after we got home. Danl was super late getting home from work. I grilled 3 pizzas topped with our favorite toppings! Cheese and more cheese on one, and thinly sliced tomatoes, fresh spinach, and mushrooms on the other two. 

Simple Satisfaction: Receiving and reading the most delightful letter from Loralee telling all about Unit Life.

Thursday 7.28.22

Time to get school supplies! Rhonda and I had planned last week to go together like we did last year. Now it’s a Tradition lol. But Neil only has one more year of school after this one! Found out that Banesa Fernandez had been kidnapped! Daniel went right away to help in the local search, while we started praying for her safe return. Left my car at Wade’s, and we headed first to Target. Managed to get everything needed for school but shoes, which I’ll order on Amazon. Danielle has some picked out that look FAST, which is Very Important to her. Next was La Hacienda for lunch so we could eat near the Neat Fountain, then to Derrels for a new light bulb for my sewing machine. Felt surreal to see someone we knew on the Amber Alert billboards all about Pensacola! Next stop was Hobby Lobby for supplies for decorating the library door like a Hobbit Hole. I’m super excited about our Magical World of Reading theme! Then Rhonda had an eye exam at Dr. Gupta’s office. Dropped her off and Neil, Danielle, and I went across the street to experience the SkyZone trampoline park! Which ended up being an affordable experience instead of an expensive one since the girl checking me in felt sorry for me having to redo all the paperwork/waivers due to a computer malfunction. The kids had a blast while I relaxed in the lounge area. Received the wonderful news that Banesa had been safely located! PTL. Rhonda still was waiting to see Dr. Gupta, so I got Neil and Danielle snacks at SkyZone before going to Petland to pet puppies and look at all the animals! On to Petsmart, but they didn’t have much to see. Rhonda finally got checked out! Picked up my Target Drive-Up order, then scooted over to Crumbl to redeem my Free Birthday Cookie! Wow! I chose the delicious coconut one and Danielle got her standard chocolate chip. Cooked a late supper of shrimp pasta and garlic bread. 

Simple Satisfaction: Seeing things getting marked PURCHASED on Nette & Magen’s Housewarming Registry. 

Friday 7.29.22

First H💖ME Day of the week! So pleased that I didn’t have to leave the premises all day! Repotted the money tree, watered all my plants, cleaned the bugs out of the kitchen light fixture, (Danielle said she felt sorry for the bugs who had flown in never to fly out!) and dusted the living room ceiling fan, in addition to finally tackling the Thursday Cleaning which had been rolled over from last week! Danielle was delighted to clean the toilets and proclaimed she wants to have 50 in our new house! Spare me. Shane came and picked up the Audi to re-tint the windshield. Cycled indoors and enjoyed the last of the mango sorbetto I found buried in the freezer. Finished the cleaning with a smile on my face for a change since I took Tara’s advice of popping in my earbuds and listening to something uplifting during the drudgery! Thank you! Y’all are gonna solve all my Pain Points through the Weakly Tribune! Danl and Danielle picked up Larisa around 5. I scooped all the poop in the backyard jungle, weeded the rosebed, and dead-headed the roses. Danl fried bream and lots of tater tots to go with cheese grits for supper. I proceeded to push mow, dumping bag after bag of clippings. Then Danielle wanted ice cream so she made a little freezer of homemade vanilla basically by herself! She, Larisa, and I played Go Fish. It ended up being a late night, but it was a good day! 

Simple Satisfaction: a shower so hot it’s just under scalding. 

Saturday 7.30.22

Danl fixed a delicious breakfast hash with the leftover tater tots that we enjoyed in fresh tortillas. Dinked around doing my Morning Routine, played Dino Junior Monopoly with Danielle, and purchased Danl’s deer tag for Nebraska. FaceTimed with Nana. Cannot wait to soon see her and Pops again! Danl had to meet some customers, then took Danielle with him to Tractor Supply and Piggly. I went to get our weekly milk and my box of peaches from Kathleen. They look so pretty! Danl concocted a scrumptious buffalo chicken dip which we devoured with tortilla chips! Danielle wanted a bowl of ramen. She was super “eggcited” to discover the first tiny pullet egg from one of her Rhode Island Red hens! We will never know which “Mrs. Hen” laid the first egg! Danielle can’t tell them apart so she just named both of them “Mrs. Hen.” I worked at my desk, filing and paying Second Quarter Stuff. Then I decided to tackle cleaning up and decluttering my Sewing Nook area. You know how they say, “It won’t take as long as you think!” Well, for me it always takes even longer! Started at 4:40 and by 6:30 I was finally sort of done. Now hopefully I’ll sit down daily on Home Days to mend and/or sew! Danielle got in the pool with our new $4 raft from Target. I helped Danl make a tasty supper of marinated peach wood smoked porkchops, grilled baby butter potatoes with onions and freshly snipped rosemary, and canned asparagus. Helped Danielle get some “Corn Pops” aka canned corn frozen in muffin tins with a little water, ready for a summer treat for her chickens! Sat on the couch eating rainbow sherbet with diet ginger ale while playing Fishdom with Danielle on her IPad. Danl had a bad headache and went to bed before we did. Another late night by the time I had a venison roast in the crockpot and the house tidied up. 

Simple Satisfaction: Pushing my 6 year old on the swing, because I know it won’t be long before she will no longer ask me to do this…

Sunday 7.31.22

A truly sunny “Sun”day! I fixed Danl the leftover breakfast hash burritos, before making myself a most amazing breakfast of Coconut French Toast! I used Cynthia’s recipe in the Schneider Cookbook, added coconut and vanilla extracts to the cream mixture, then dipped each dredged slice in shredded coconut before frying them in butter. Toasted the extra coconut in the pan as well, then topped the whole mess with homemade caramel syrup and a big blob of Cool Whip! Soaked up some sun outside in the backyard while listening to Galen preach on The Privilege & Power of Prayer. “Lord, teach us to pray...” And sometimes He chooses to teach us to pray by sending us adversity. Wow. What a thought. Cooked a box of seasoned wild rice to go with our venison crockpot roast. Helped Danielle tidy up her room. Again. I am glad she does truly play with her toys though! Assisted Danl in making pan-fried “butter burgers” for supper. Went to Walnut Hill to take in the Girl’s Class Program. It was inspiring to see how close these girls got in just one week!

Simple Satisfaction: Seeing the Toenail Moon hanging in the sky over the dark silhouetted pine trees. 

The Weakly Tribune Vol. 1 Issue 5

THE WEAKLY TRIBUNE

Monday 7.18.22

Finished the last of the Crumbl cookies for breakfast. Hard to say which was my favorite, but the Pop-tart one won hands down for presentation! Faried all the freezer food out to the lean-to freezer, and wiped the Baber’s freezer out before they came and picked it up. Sure was ready to see it go, but it definitely saved the day(s)! My phone completely froze up; I couldn’t make or take calls. Thankfully I was able to do a hard reboot and get it working again. I MUST prioritize getting a new one ASAP. Right after lunch, Gwen picked up Danielle to go swim at Kevin’s Pond. I had too much Work to do to go along. Got the last of the pink-eye peas from Mr. Byrd simmering on the stove with lots of fatback. Our peaches from Steve’s Farm are ripe and delicious! Ready to be put up, but alas, I have no FruitFresh. Worked at my desk, edited, posted, and mailed The Weakly. Commenced to make kombucha again! Enjoyed the peas, country-fried steak, instant mashed taters, and white gravy for supper. Danl had to run to the barn and to check a job. Danielle and I did a thorough clean out and refill on the pool. Lit the torches filled with mosquito repellent fuel and sat in the firelight while Danielle splashed and slid and swam! The fresh hose water was too cold for me. Once Danl got back home, he took a turn on Antics Watching, and I made us a batch of fresh peach/orange smoothies. Yummm. Then fed my very first sourdough starter from Karma! I named her Susie. Really feeling like a homesteader today with two things brewing and bubbling. Got to bed quite late with my Evening Routine not even touched. 

Simple Satisfaction: Seeing the bubbling activity in Susie; life exists everywhere. 

Tuesday 7.19.22

Woke up to the discovery that Diesel had had an accident in the night. He has always been such a dignified dog and was so embarrassed and ashamed. Bless his heart! Cancer is not for the faint hearted. Cleaned up the mess. Discovered I did not have enough flour to make sourdough bread. Ugh. Mel brought Ellie and Zach over to swim in our little pool. So good to get in some long overdue sister time again! And to soak up some sun! Scrounged up some lunch together. Gave the house a much-needed tidying. The rain couldn’t stay away for long, but it felt cozy to hear it pittering again, so I lit the tapers and put some cold orange juice in my strawberry mug since it’s too hot for afternoon tea. Sipped and read in The Secret Life of Bees. Finished Morning Routine and was just gonna start putting up peaches when Danl came home. Made cheese dip and served leftover fajitas from last week with fresh flour tortillas. The meat didn’t quite stretch, but I was not in the mood to cook, so I had an avocado “fajita!” Delicious. Cleaned up the kitchen and put up 6 bags of freezer peaches. Danl was feeling off and went to bed early. Danielle and I grabbed some snacks, blankets, and pillows and had a fun stargazing session. Nothing like hearing little girl giggles and crickets chirping under a starry summer night sky. Life is good. I opted to sleep on the couch to be able to let Diesel out if needed. Stayed up too late adding things to my Walmart Pickup for tomorrow. 

Simple Satisfaction: Slipping the skin right off a fresh Georgia peach. 

Wednesday 7.20.22

The Day of Ramen! Daniel is for sure ill. I should’ve been more thankful for these two last weeks of wellness! Fried the rest of the rind-on bacon for everybody, then made myself a most decadent pile of French toast topped with a fresh peach and lots of Cool Whip since I was the only one interested. Highly Recommend! Use Cynthia’s recipe in the Schneider cookbook and add a small splash of both almond and vanilla extracts. Worked on clearing up storage space on my phone. Made Danl some ramen. Ate lunch on the back porch before hoping to swim, but those plans were dashed with a tremendous summer thunderstorm!  At one point, lightning struck so close and so fiercely that it blew our front door open and made the fire alarm shriek out! Felt sad that I wasn’t sewing as I worked at my desk all afternoon. Good thing I put some hours in, because I was about to fire myself! Danl wanted another bowl of ramen; then Danielle asked for a bowl! Kept on working like a good secretary should. Danielle has a huge Play-doh production ongoing. Got really off-schedule as the evening went on. Push-mowed the backyard, then swam with Danielle to cool off as the sunset glimmered pink and gold. Got her some supper, and finally made myself some Public Goods ramen around 10:00! Eating ramen at home has been leveled up with the awesome authentic ramen bowl with wooden chopsticks Gwen gave me for my birthday! Read No Girls Allowed to Danielle before settling myself in for another night on the couch. 

Simple Satisfaction: Seeing the mounds of bagged grass clippings outside the fence. 

Thursday 7.21.22

Danl had ramen for breakfast. I had peach French toast again. Danielle actually wanted to scramble herself a couple eggs! Puttered around majorly; it’s so hard for me to stay on schedule when life isn’t normal and sickness hovers heavy. Swam with Danielle in the backyard. Headed for Pensacola around 2:00 for a quick stop at Dollar General, Hobby Lobby, and Walmart for Pickup. Kinda neat when they substitute 11 containers of fresh raspberries for the 6 bags of frozen ones they didn’t have! Ate a whole container for a snack on the way home. Danl was feeling good enough to help with supper and grilled the chicken while I put away mounds of groceries and made mac ‘n cheese and green beans. Listened to Russell Spence give a lecture at the Care Meeting in Texas while pedaling. I really love my new little contraption for exercising! Bounced around with Danielle pretending we were dodo birds before going to bed. 

Simple Satisfaction: Hearing Danielle shriek with laughter while we play-acted. Goal: More Grinning, Less Griping!

Friday 7.22.22

Right away, clouds of doom and gloom wanted to settle heavy on my shoulders like a crocheted shawl from the 1960s. I really tried to shake it off, but like I’ve learned from the past, sometimes you just need to accept it and wear it for a while. Then later, you realize that it slipped off somehow when you weren’t even aware of it happening. Danl went to the barn for a bit, but was soon home and back in bed.  After making sausage biscuits for breakfast, I read for too long in The Secret Life of Bees. Such a great book! Worked at my desk. Danielle pretended to be a puppy. She has the boxes that contain the storage cabinets I ordered on Prime Day arranged into a “pen.” She even goes outside, then taps on the back door with her “paw” like Diesel does, and barks. Danl suggested I get a pizza since I had to run to town to deliver an invoice and pick up a check. Did more desk work, then Danielle and I were gonna swim only to be halted by the sky starting to cry. Danl drummed up enough energy to help me make Philly cheesesteaks for supper. Danielle helped me put together a 3 layer cart on wheels that is really gonna improve the hall bathroom organization! Finished my book and went to bed. 

Simple Satisfaction: When a book ends well; not “happily ever after” but just realistically “good.”

Saturday 7.23.22

Slept in again. Our schedule has gone to pot with Danl being ill. Discovered my oven has decided it no longer wants to heat! Conveniently right when I needed to bake the crust for my Raspberry Pretzel Dessert for the wedding too! Thankfully Katie saved the day by offering to switch her already baked crust for mine when borrowing my glass jars for girl’s class decor. Phew. Finished the dessert, wrapped wedding and birthday presents, picked up milk, and Danielle and I went to Paige’s 7th Birthday Party! It was a festive fun event held in their spacious new shed. Gwen had one corner all decorated up with an adorable kitty theme, and Nes had made a stunning cake. After a delicious feast of hamburgers, beans, pasta salad, watermelon, cake and ice cream, the kids (and some adults) had a blast tie-dying T-shirts!

Simple Satisfaction: Fixing the skirt on a dress from shein.com so I would have something newish to wear to the wedding. 

Sunday 7.24.22

Happy Wedding Day, Landon 💛 Rachelle! Left around 9:40 to pick up Miss Smith, thinking we would be plenty early! We weren’t, but were thankfully early enough to snag Sanctuary Seats! It was a lovely wedding! Particular highlights to me were hearing It is Well sung so serenely after the vows, and seeing all the whimsical bouquets of greenery with splashes of white. The meal of Smoked Turkey, Wedding Salad, (the bbq frito twist one) Baked Mac ‘n Cheese, and Orange Fluffy Salad, with a dessert choice of either Lime Chiffon or Raspberry Pretzel did not disappoint either! Kristi and were the ones privileged to wash the Bride’s Table Dishes. At first, I was very dubious of my capabilities for this task, but Rachelle had not chosen dainty dishes and the kitchen company was most pleasant. Next time I’m asked to do this job, I will say Yes with less hesitation! Connecting with old friends was wonderful but felt cut short. The new Mr. & Mrs. left in the rain driving Ronnie’s old green van! Took Miss Smith home and then took myself home. Soon everyone at our house was hungry but no one felt like cooking, so I volunteered to run up to Popeyes for a box of chicken, biscuits, and Cajun rice. Did lots of WhatsApp chatting reporting on the wedding etc. 

Simple Satisfaction: Knowing that love will never end. There will always be new vows vowed and old ones renewed.

The Weakly Tribune Vol. 1 Issue 4

 

THE WEAKLY TRIBUNE

Monday 7.11.22

Awoke a little after midnight to Danielle telling me she had to throw up. Some ended up on the floor, some in her bed, but thankfully most in the sink! I think Danl telling her last night that she could eat gelato until she couldn’t eat anymore was not the best idea since she downed copious amounts before reaching that point. Ugh. Back to bed. Danielle was totally fine the rest of the day! Got a late start with my Morning Routine. Helped Danielle refill the birdbath and bird feeder. Worked at my desk. Did Payroll. Heard about little Betsy Dyck gaining her angel wings. And other children too! Beyond tragic. My head and heart cannot comprehend all this pain. Finished typing and posting The Weakly Tribune; feeling that our Normal Days are more precious than ever. I’m so pleased with my compact pedal exerciser! Pedaled over 30 minutes while catching up on my phone. Danl got home early and ran to the bank and vet for me. Danielle went with him. Thought again about last week’s Thursday Cleaning and actually dusted the ceiling a little. It gets so buggy and dusty. But decided since it’s getting so close to Thursday now that it’ll just roll over! Waaah. Why don’t I love to clean?! Wanted to clean out our little pool and mow the backyard, but a small hurricane blew in and dashed that idea. Danl and Danielle went to Piggly too and brought home hamburger and tater tots. Pan-fried the burgers and fries the tots in the house due the rain. Sat out on the back porch and watched the sky while Danielle “roosted” with her chicken inside the coop. It looked like the flaming golden doors of Heaven were so close, just beyond the treetops. Even the air seemed to be an odd golden hue that wrapped around the Earth like a hug. Celebration in Heaven; heartbreak on Earth. Life is a juxtaposition. 

 Tuesday 7.12.22

Another day of Birthday Celebration! Turning 36 has proved to be a Very Good Thing! Met Erica Lynn and Summer at the teacher’s house for a walkthrough before heading for Pensacola. Stopped at the Ministry Village thrift store where I scored a little wooden deer. Lost Pizza for lunch. I highly recommend The Lucille on thin crust! Then to the mall for pedicures where I proceeded to drop my phone into my foot bath! Thankfully it was unharmed after a speedy towel off. Ross Dress for Less afterwards. Sweet Cone Alabama for ice cream was next on our agenda. The girls loved playing in the sprinkle pit and swinging on the indoor swings! I loved my waffle cone with a scoop of Dark Chocolate and a scoop of Roadrunner Raspberry! Ended our outing with Walmart Pickup before heading home. Ate venison fajitas together at our house since it was Taco Tuesday. Birthday Days are the Best! I still have one more celebration on the books before it’s over for this year though! 

 

Wednesday 7.13.22

Woke up ready for a Home Day that was not to be. Hate feeling behind even before the day gets started! Barely made it in time to the STEM (I had to look it up; it’s an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) class I had enrolled Danielle in at the Atmore Library. Was a really cool balloon car project! Danielle went home with Ms. Karma and her kids, while I ran to the Pig, then to Southern Harbor to get my freezer food I’d been storing there. After some readjustments and decluttering of older food, I was able to cram everything into our rented freezer. Made an Oreo ice cream dessert for Tracey’s bake day. Karma followed me over there and we delivered our food before going on to Gloria’s. I did her payroll again, before joining the rest at the pool. Sun actually shone a little bit right before it was time to leave! The Lotus icee Karma had made for me hit the spot too. Yum. The kitchen was a wreck and I was not inspired to cook. Danl suggested trying Rocky’s Pizza again, but after getting quoted $34 for what would be their equivalent of one Meat Lovers pizza, I said No Thanks! Proceeded to order a large ML, cheese breadsticks, extra marinara, and a medium cheese pizza all for only $27 from Pizza Hut! Sorry, Rockys! Felt so good to go to bed; I was more than ready for my “Low on Patience; High on Spunk” day to be over so I could try again tomorrow. Quickly put in a Prime Day order before that countdown ended. Also noticed that it had been a “High on Screen Time” day… no wonder I felt so Blah. 

 

7.14.22

Danl and David got our freezer moved under the mancave lean-to first thing! I know we’re gonna love having it there instead of way out in the barn. Helped Danielle get going with the crystal making kit she picked out for her One Thing on Tuesday. Got all the poop scooped and was gonna mow the jungle in the back but it started up raining again. Ordered an arrangement to be delivered for Matt & Kelli. Finally finished my Morning Routine and had a late lunch. Danl came home early since he was rained out, bringing delicious meats and treats from Costello's Butcher Shop & Deli. Oversaw another batch of hydro-marble painting. Then I announced to my family that Thursday Cleaning was about to be underway! Danl fled to the mancave and Danielle to her room. I did the basic cleaning plus deep cleaned the shower, vacuumed the dust off the dog fan and the AC closet door, and washed the curtains in the dogs’ area. So pleased to finally have a fresh house again! But somehow Cleaning always makes me feel grouchy and I want to be a Different Person! Someone who isn’t a Slob and has Much Less Stuff all over the place. I assisted Danl in cooking World’s Best Philly Cheesesteaks. I made us a tiny Oreo ice cream dessert since I have “had a taste for it” ever since making them for others lately. Danl mowed and I did a thorough wipeout inside and out on the freezer before plugging it in. Pedaled and enjoyed some Oreo dessert in one of my green glass dessert dishes from Leona Peters. 

 

7.15.22

Roosty’s Morning Crow is sounding more polished! Danielle has taught Rocket how to Sit and Stay like a dog lol. Did Morning Routine, listened to most of little Betsy's funeral, helped Danielle on the next step of Crystal Making, and worked at my desk. FaceTimed with Aunt Sue while I got my lunch around and ate it on the back porch to enjoy the sunny day! Ran to WeCare where we saw Carmela, Rosalie, and Karma and kiddos all unplanned. Scored a Hearth & Hand mug for the teacher’s house, a copper ladle, a whisk, a book, and a shallow clay pot perfect for succulents. So annoyed to see a pedal exerciser for only $2.99! Of course I would find one just after ordering. Argh. Went to Waves for a much-needed wash and vacuum, then to Walmart for watermelon. I can’t pick out a good watermelon to save my life, but I thumped them soundly just for looks before just putting 2 in my cart. Got our weekly milk from the Landis cows. Made baked beans and went to Summer’s 2nd birthday party! Such a fun feast of Italian fried chicken, tater salad, beans, pasta salad, watermelon, and Oreo and fried ice cream desserts! 

 

7.16.22

School Cleaning! And exactly 1 month until the First Day of School! Should’ve journeyed to Steve’s for watermelon because the first one I cut was inedible; the 2nd one was somewhat better. Wanted to be there by at least 9:00, but it was 9:30 when we arrived. When I told Danielle she could wipe the baseboards in the room we were working in, she replied, “What’s a baseboard?!” Be sure your lack of cleaning shall find you out! But now she knows! And maybe she’ll clean ours. Karma, Kinsley, Danielle and I headed for Pensacola shortly before lunch was served, since local Pensacola author Emily Ley had rescheduled her book signing at Barnes & Noble. Lunched at Panda Express. Weren’t fortunate enough to be given fortune cookies. Joined the small semi-circle of women and children gathered around Emily! She was every bit the epitome of southern elegance in her white eyelet dress with her 3 adorable kids around her. She read her new children’s book You're Always Enough, interjecting interesting comments here and there as she went along. Then we got to speak with her and she signed ALL my books. Only 5 copies of When Less Becomes More and 3 copies of You’re Always Enough. From there we went to Crazy Cazboys, only to be disappointed to learn that they are closing next Wednesday. Didn’t seem like they had gotten a new shipment on Thursday either. Next stop was Hobby Lobby. Wall Decor was not 50% off this week, so I just Idea Shopped for the teacher’s house. Crumbl Cookie was up next! Tried Lemon, PB&J, Pop-Tart, and Danielle wanted a Chocolate Chip. Then to Ever'man Coop for vitamins and Lemon Zinger fresh pressed juice drinks. Last stop was Ministry Village thrift shop before heading home. Grilled sausage, a packet of squash, onions, and bacon, and steaks for supper. Jace’s stopped by and chatted since they were bebopping around in Bonnie. 

 

7.17.22

Breakfast was super thick sliced bacon with the rind still on from Costellos; along with Crumbl cookies and coffee for me. Felt so good to be back in Southern Harbor for Sunday School and church! Went to David and Tara’s for delicious burgers, leftover beans from Summer’s party, and Brazilian potato salad created by David. The sun amazingly shone all day! Tara, Danielle, and I went down to the creek for several hours to enjoy the sunshine there. Danielle had a blast making friends and playing with two little boys named Ezra and Chip. Snacked around some more (had my first taste of Brazilian cheese bread! Yum!) before heading back home. A very good relaxing day. I’m trying to have Sunday’s be a Mostly Screen-Free Day like the Wade Kaufmann family does. Pretty pleased with 2 hours 3 minutes. Could be better, could be worse!

 

Simple Satisfaction of the Week: Realizing in Sunday School that if I knew tomorrow was my last day on earth, that I would simply want to be on my phone less, while praying, hugging, and laughing more! 

Rueful Regret of the Week: Not starting to sew new frocks for Rachelle’s wedding.

THE WEAKLY TRIBUNE Vol. 1 Issue 3

THE WEAKLY TRIBUNE

Monday 7.4.22

Happy Birthday, America! The fourth day in a row that Danl was home happened to be the Fourth of July! We started celebrating by attending a fabulous breakfast cookout at Gene and Karma’s. Was great to meet Aaron and Kyla, and to be with Drew and Anna again! We had a feast! Everything was cooked on the back patio on the Blackstone except Aaron cooked the crepes inside. Blackened snapper and spade fish, bacon, sausage, hash browns, fried eggs. Freshly whipped cream, cut up mixed fruit, peanut butter, butter syrup, sugared raspberries to put on the crepes. Assorted juices. Sparkling lemonade from Aldi. Oh and a 7-up pound cake too! The guys were hot from cooking and ate inside, but we girls enjoyed our brunch on the patio and the kids swam even though it was raining part of the time. Stopped at Tractor Supply for chicken feed on the way home. I worked on finishing writing last week’s Weakly; editing, and posting it. Read a bit, and piddled. Ordered this pedal exerciser! I’m convinced I will be able to easily close my Apple exercise ring with this contraption handy to pedal under my desk or here or there or while lazing in a chair! Danielle played in the sandbox, made rubber band bracelets, and reorganized her fishing tackle box. Danl napped. Once he awoke, we commenced cooking. Yellow summer squash casserole, cucumber slaw, watermelon, and Jones drinks. I cannot drink a blue Berry Lemonade Jones drink without remembering drinking them with Wade and Rhonda while taking shelter in the old Fort Pickens ruins during an epic boating trip that got interrupted by a severe summer storm one birthday years ago! Grilled ribeyes and Realtree link sausage provided our protein. Shortly after 8:00 we headed for Poarch to watch fireworks, but opted for the privacy of the private property of some of our customers instead of joining friends behind Taco Bell like usual. I missed the camaraderie, but it was nice to watch them in seclusion sitting together on my old quilt on the tailgate of our new work truck. Also nice to be able to get home good time instead of waiting and waiting in congested traffic. We then had a back porch sparkler session before calling it a day! But not before enjoying some ice cream in bed. 

Tuesday 7.5.22

A happy Home Day. Tested my blood sugar again on Mom’s glucose meter, proving once again that my blood sugar is PERFECT! Not low in the least! I guess I just have The Morning Grumpies. Danl asked me to please just keep eating my chocolate anyway, so like a good submissive little wife, I’m gonna obey! This experiment has proved that dark chocolate definitely does improve one's mood! Danielle got inspired to make tiny colorful bracelets for a couple of her chicken’s legs. But she decided maybe it wasn’t the best idea after becoming worried that perhaps Roosty had eaten his since it was no longer on his leg and removed Chubby Chick’s herself. Since I had not completed Morning nor Evening routines on July 4, it took me all morning to get back on track with the daily duties. Concocted an essential oil blend that I’m calling Summertime Dill Pickle! Bergamot and Lime with a splash of Dill. Worked at my desk and push-mowed the backyard before supper. Once a week is barely enough with all the rain we’ve been getting. Taco Tuesday was steak stack-ups and cheese dip and chips this time. 

Wednesday 7.6.22

Started the day with such a satisfying Morning Sit from when Danl left shortly before 6:00 through 7:00 when Danielle woke up. Lit the four taper candles in the living room and soaked in the solitude of the hour with my coffee and the last of the cobbler. Read some poetry, Sandwich Journaled, which is my term for doing a brain dump in my journal, then reading my Bible, then journaling again about whatever impressed me. This method has worked so well for me. Wordled and Waffled, then moved on to the less glamorous parts of my MR. Danielle got weepy due to having trials trying to get dressed for the day. We ended up sitting on the couch reading Bible stories and library books and singing VBS songs for a while. I need to do this more with her. Worked at my desk. Danl popped home for lunch between jobs. Then Danielle and I bebopped over to Gloria’s so I could process payroll for her due to her Remote PC not cooperating in London. That done, we soaked up some sun and fun in their pool since the weather decided to give a small rain break for once! Karma and kiddos joined us. Ran them home to Atmore since their Durango tire sprang a serious leak. Rain break over, I proceeded to grill pizzas in the drizzle. The rain spritzing down in the sunlight made the drops look like sparkling diamonds! Two rainbows emerged as well. FYI, a fix’n’mix Tupperware bowl turned upside down works superbly for transporting pizzas to and from the grill to keep them dry! Karma stopped by with an unexpected but most delectable loaf of freshly baked sourdough bread on their way to get their Durango. Life doesn’t get much better than a warm slice of homemade buttered bread with a glass of cold dairy milk. Mmmmmm. #realfood

Thursday 7.7.22

10 years have passed since Uncle Kale passed…We all still miss him so much. Took the last garden tomato from Steve Byrd to my folks for them to enjoy. Then dropped Danielle off to spend the day with Lainey before joining Rhonda and Anne at the Circle E office to go together on an outing that Anne had instigated for my birthday way back in June! Sadly, Karma was not able to join us since they were headed to Leland for a funeral. Katie was supposed to join us for lunch before her Dr. apt, but that also got canceled due to Noah being under the weather. First stop was T.J.Maxx or “P.J.Masks” as Danielle insists upon calling it! Purchased most of Rachelle’s wedding present. Then to Hobby Lobby where I proceeded to purchase a pile of fabric! Totally UNEXPECTED! But it just felt like the fabric wanted to come home with me! 4 pieces for me and 2 for Danielle. JoAnn’s was next. Thankfully I walked out of there bagless. We lunched at Jo's as always, which felt like going on a field trip! Years ago I had been to DUH with Jill, but this exquisite French bistro-style cafe had not been a part of the experience back then. Even in our Florida heat and humidity, we thoroughly enjoyed our lunch in the shade of the outdoor courtyard. I had rosemary water with a splash of raspberry flavor, garden salad with bleu cheese dressing, fresh mixed fruit with a poppyseed sauce, chicken salad sandwich on house-made French bread, and bread pudding with lemon sauce! All utterly elegant. Then we browsed about in the companion stores, looking at plants, patio decor, and housewares, wondering how it would feel to be able to purchase $150 pottery mugs and horsehair ceiling dusters that cost $91.50! Somehow the whole place just gives European vibes; making me feel like maybe I could be an elegant southern woman who stands up straight and glides about gracefully. Although my small incident with the horsehair duster would bely that idea! From there we put our passports away, figuratively, and like normal Americans went to Target. Danielle was delighted with her day with the Koehn’s, even proclaiming that Ms. Roxie had made “The best lunch she had ever had away from home!” That’s a high compliment coming from Little Miss Picky! I fried venison backstrap and reheated squash casserole. Danl went back out to work, doing some discing. Still got to bed before 9:00!

Friday 7.8.22

Cock-doodle-do! What is that garbled, scratchy noise that sounds like something is dying?! Oh, it’s Roosty! Proudly crowing his first feeble crows! I piddled around with my Morning Routine and did not even start Thursday Cleaning. Started reading a little gem of a book by Dana K. White called Organizing for the Rest of Us. Helped Danielle with the terrarium kit Nana sent her in the mail. After lunch, I printed off four copies of the previous issues of The Weakly Tribune, mailed them from the post office, (why didn’t I remember to use Pirate Ship?!) and went over to my folks! It’d been way too long since Danielle and I had been there when we could stay awhile and not rush off! I helped Mom prepare her food for the Schneider Italian potluck and visited with Dad. I’m so lucky to have my parents close by! From there, we stopped by and got a couple scobies from Sharla, (so ready for summer kombucha!) then drove on to the Landis farm for our fresh milk. Sat on the back porch and listened to the mesmerizing music from my new birthday wind chimes. Got some congos baking, made supper which was fried catfish from Steve’sFarm, cheese grits, and some of last year’s frozen peaches. My left eye was really bothering me; figured I must’ve gotten something in it. Danielle and I headed to school to say hey to Uncle Lyle and Aunt Polly! Also to get in on dessert and some good belly laughs! I love my family! 

Saturday 7.9.22

Woke up with my eye crusted shut. Deduced that I most likely had Pink Eye since all my symptoms pointed in that direction. Decided to treat it with the ointment the vet had given me for Leroy a couple months ago. Helped Danielle create four marble paintings. Hydro-coating is fun! Thought about Thursday Cleaning and even dusted a few rooms, before deciding to roll it over to next week! Did a bit of desk work. Since I should probably quarantine for a few days, Danl and I agreed that it would be an excellent opportunity to “Airbnb” at his mom’s place for the weekend since they are out West. Packed our bags and our dogs and away we went in the rain! Diesel was beyond delighted to be going on a little Road Trip! Ordered in our favorite Socio's Pizza for supper. It never stopped storming enough to swim. Popped popcorn and relaxed the evening away.

Sunday 7.10.22

The dogs and Danielle slept well in their beds away from beds! Danl and I have reached that Middle Aged point in life where we sleep best in Our Own Bed. But it was still a delight to wake up in different surroundings! Also a delight to see the sun! And to feel that my eye condition was greatly improved! Yay for vet meds! I cooked some waffles and sausage for breakfast, before hitting the pool with Danielle. I was enlisted to score points for various acrobatic movements/jumps. Listened to Mr. B’s good sermon on Choices. It was deemed that I was well enough for a quick grocery run to Publix for More Food. Enjoyed some salmon on crackers for starters, then Daniel grilled some delicious steaks, feta-stuffed mushrooms, and garlic sourdough bread. Jace, Erica, and Summer joined us for a couple hours. The sun continued to shine and we continued to swim. Frozen gelato and San Pellegrino sparkling limonatas cooled us off mid afternoon. Snacked around, trying to eat up the remaining food. All too soon it was time to Clean Up. Got Rosie the Roomba going and proceeded to pack up. From rain we came, and into rain we returned. A mighty deluge that almost drowned us since we don’t have a carport or garage. All in all though, it was a wonderful weekend. Danl even admitted that he had been able to relax enough to stop thinking about Work for awhile. #score

Farewell from the Faircloths!

Simple Satisfaction of the Week: Reading books with colorful satin bookmarks built into the spine is such a delight! Dana White’s little book that I’m reading now has a deep orange ribbon that compliments the cover so well!

Rueful Regret of the Week: I didn’t always keep to my S.I.M.P.L.E life plan in regards to eating only one dessert per day! My life seems to be filled with Special Occasions. 

The Weakly Tribune Vol. 1 Issue 2

THE WEAKLY TRIBUNE

Monday 6-27-22

Formatted the first issue of The Weakly Tribune and posted it on my blog. Will this be a weekly thing? Who knows?! Danielle complained of not feeling well. I worked most of the day at my desk, doing payroll and odds and ends that pile up. Considered making a prescription and grocery pickup run, but canned that idea around 3:00pm. Made mushroom meatballs and cooked rice. I push-mowed the backyard. Danielle was registering fever so she slept with me and Danl opted for the couch. I always feel so off-center when someone in my family is ill. I wish I was more nurturing; but I always want them to “just get better already!” 

Tuesday 6-28-22

I was glad Danielle was close to me since her fever spiked during the night. After a dose of ibuprofen, she stopped moaning and talking in her sleep and rested much better. Breaking News! I got the Wordle in two guesses my first time ever since playing daily ever since when I began in January!! The word was DROLL. I started with DREAM since I had just read Sean Dietrich's amazing article titled Dreamers. Danielle ate some ramen mid morning and said she felt good enough to ride along on the imperative journey for meds and groceries. I made her a bed in the backseat of the Audi, which pleased her so much that she almost forgot how bad she felt. Publix Pharmacy and Target Drive-Up both went smoothly. Ate a late lunch, then quickly made a huge batch of cornbread muffins and an Oreo ice cream dessert to go along with the chicken jambalaya Karma was making for the Goetter’s for moving day supper. Ran our food over to Kim’s. Taco Tuesday so I made us carne asada tacos with packaged and prepped meat from Aldi. Definitely will be buying it again! Danielle had perked up considerably after supper, so she and I tackled our first Chicken Wing Trimming. With much fluttering, flapping, escaping, and capturing, Danielle clutched each chicken firmly and covered its eyes while I fanned a wing and snipped off the flight feathers with my trusty kitchen scissors! Now instead of flying out of the backyard, they just run along at top speed, their outspread unbalanced wings never lifting them off the ground! #success

Wednesday 6-29-22

Thankful this virus was a short-lived one! Danielle enjoyed playing with Bruce while I helped clean at Morgan’s old house. Brought back memories of cleaning with Rhonda years ago after Wade had done some work in it long before Morgan’s bought it. From there we went to The Dixie Hearts Mercantile. Danielle still was in love with the package of gold star buttons she had wanted last time. I also had her pick out a piece of fabric to use them on. She chose a dark aqua that I think will make a lovely Christmas dress! Got notions for the 4 pieces of school fabric I already had for her. I’m feeling quite accomplished to be doing this in June. Ask me in August if they are sewed and hanging in her closet though! Danl was rained out and feeling a bit off. Oh no. Hope he isn’t getting this mess that’s going around now too. He wanted peace and quiet and a nap in the mancave which went well until Danielle went out and rode her 4-wheeler which of course woke him up! Facepalm. I never thought to tell her not to; it’s such a part of her daily life! Supper was leftover meatballs, instant mashed potatoes, made-from-mix brown gravy, a fresh baked Aldi French baguette, sweet corn, and jalapeño poppers. 

Thursday 6-30-22

I made myself the breakfast which I probably rate as Top Favorite Breakfast! Dark chocolate pudding, not too sweet, eaten warm with a hunk of crusty baguette along with sliced havarti cheese. And of course coffee. This was supposed to be my Weekly Cleaning Day, inspired by Marnita. But somehow it seemed more important to do a Litter Walk/Bikeride first after I finished my Morning Routine. We collected a black trash bag full of litter! So despicable for such a short dead-end road! Danielle and I felt triumphant as we each erected a “Please Don’t Litter” sign along the freshly de-littered roadside. Fingers crossed this helps the issue! The two culprits that we “think” are the litterers, saw us out there cleaning up the trash too. I hope if it is them, that they felt smitten. We got rained out on the way back to the house, which called for dry clothes, hot cocoa, and cookie baking to warm up. After lunch, I worked at my desk, doing End of Month Analysis etc. Then we needed to make a Walmart run to get some greenery for the memorial book stand. And a few other things, that somehow came to $217.61! Danl had come home early not feeling well and running fever, so he was gonna attempt a nap again. I decided we would pick blueberries to prolong his chances of actually getting a snooze. Came home with almost a bucket full again. Definitely smaller berries and harder to pick, but still so delicious! Supper was country-fried steak, white gravy, and fresh blueberries. Somehow Thursday Cleaning never happened. If I had to choose a poem that best describes my personality, it would be Dust If You Must by Rose Milligan. Too many “cakes to bake and letters to write” today I guess! 

Friday 7-1-22

First day of July! Even though he was fever-free, Danl still didn’t feel like Superman and opted not to go deep sea fishing with Cody and David. Since he was home, I left Danielle with him while I went to Ms. Doherty’s viewing and funeral. When I had asked her earlier if she wanted to come with me, she had replied, “Not really, but I kinda do like to look at dead people.” She is my child. Mom went with me. We got there early since I wanted the book stand memorial arrangement from the Book Club there prior to the viewing. Ms. Judy looked so pretty and peaceful, surrounded by yellow flowers. It was a nice service, but sad to me for various reasons. I didn’t expect to cry as much as I did. It felt different and reverent to be in the funeral procession instead of being one of the cars pulled over to the side. During the sunny graveside service, I was wishing for a Duchess Kate-style parasol for some shade. We didn’t stay for lunch. I needed to get home, get lunch around, and do my Thursday Cleaning. I made ramen and grilled cheese for Danl, the standard comfort food at our house. Byrdman, aka Mr. Steve Byrd, stopped by with garden tomatoes, freshly shelled pink-eye purple hull peas, cucumbers, and squash! Supper was so fun! Having Cody & Erica and girlies, MomDenise, and Mylan & Shawna over for fried snapper, cheese grits, salad, and rolls felt like a privilege. Fresh blueberry cobbler, ice cream, and GW decaf completed the menu. We women hung out on the back porch while the guys lounged inside. Late, but lovely night! 

Saturday 7-2-22

We slept in, which is a rare thing for us. Felt good. Daniel was still feeling fatigued. We each had our breakfast of preference! Danl had steak and eggs, I had blueberry cobbler, cheese, and coffee, and Danielle had chocolate milk. I think we just dinked around piddling most of the morning. Lunch was leftover fish, made into po’boys. We thought of going fishing at Uncle Kevin’s, but of course it started raining. I lit a candle, made a cup of tea, and tried to read my book club book. Shopped online but never got farther than “add to cart.” Decisions, decisions. Played two games of Candyland with Danielle. Later in the afternoon, I went and picked up our weekly gallon of fresh Jersey milk from the Landis farm. Felt good to get out of the house! Then we decided on Chinese takeout for supper. So I went out again and got that. My dumplings in ponzu sauce were so good! Danielle requested popcorn not long after supper. It seems someone is always hungry. Another late night! 

Sunday 7-3-22

Sadly did not get around in time to make it to Sunday School, but Danielle and I both really enjoyed being in Walnut Hill for church! Brian preached on Having the Proper Foundation and challenged everyone to give 3 compliments per day during the coming week! Sabrina was bored so we picked her up and picked up a pizza and breadsticks for lunch. Danielle and I played a couple games of Go Fish. I tidied the house and did dishes. I’m trying to convince myself that like Marie Kondo, there’s nothing I’d rather do than continually TIDY. Katrina came over once she was off work, and we had blueberry cobbler and ice cream. Soon everyone was hungry again, so I fired up the fryer for fried pork chops and made an instant pot of pink-eye purple hull peas. Later, a batch of Orange Julius was requested and honored. This is feeling like the World’s Longest Weekend, and tomorrow is a holiday which will prolong that feeling! We have slipped into the abyss of Going To Bed Late. 

Farewell from the Faircloths!

Regret of the Week - We never swam anywhere! I think our opportunities swam away with sickness or washed away with rain though! 

Simple Satisfaction of the Week - The potatoes we planted in a 5 gallon bucket are up! We know it’s not the right season, but one can always plant seedy potatoes instead of composting them.  

The Weakly Tribune

 

(Disclaimer: My sister Rhonda has been penning a "Mundane Daily" that she posts for us weekly, which inspired me to feebly try to do the same for a week. Hence this post.)

Weakly Tribune

 

Monday 6-20-22
Woke up feeling “like a hunk ‘a junk” as Danielle would say. Laid around and slept more until I felt like I could manage to get up and get going! Worked around the house and at my desk all morning. Ordered a clock and shower curtain from society6.com with some of my birthday money. Then Danielle and I drove to Canoe Creek to hang out with Tara and Marnita and Peyton. That was like swimming down Memory Lane! I hadn’t been there since being a little girl when Mom would take us to there to meet Aunt Donna and Cheryl! Heated up leftover venison roast and made fresh gravy and instant mashed potatoes. Went out and push-mowed the backyard. Daniel suggested Orange Julius. Enjoyed those before going to bed with the house a wreck and dishes undone.
 
Tuesday 6-21-22
Woke up feeling fatigued and grumpy again. Researched about low blood sugar in the mornings. Spent lots of time on my phone, lacking energy to tackle the house and looming office work. While doing my long Morning Sit, I wrote up a new Life Plan that I dubbed SIMPLE. Then roused myself up off the couch, took all my vitamins and supplements, drank a bunch of water, ate a nectarine, put my phone up, and hustled.  Played a round of the Wild Kratts board game with Danielle. It’s so hot, she only goes out briefly to spend quality time with her chickens or to ride a few rounds on her 4-wheeler. We let the chickens free-range in the backyard all day now. The pet gate has come out of storage to block them from roosting and pooping on the back porch. Danielle set up a nail salon in the living room and gave me a mani-pedi. Snacks were provided and it only cost $90! (of play paper money she had created) Taco Tuesday, so we had ground beef tacos with these amazing flour tortillas, along with cheese dip and chips. Quickly cleaned up the kitchen before going to pick blueberries for the second time this season. Together, Danielle and I gleaned one ice cream bucket full. (It was no longer full by the time we got home.)Then we ran on to Piggly for a few groceries. Got to bed shortly after 10 o’clock AGAIN. Too LATE.
 
Wednesday 6-22-22
A nice even-numbered day! Immediately upon awakening shortly after 6 o’clock, I ate a square of Ghirardelli dark chocolate with sea salt, and voila! I got up and felt happy instead of foggy; ready to get with it instead of to puke it! Probably just all in my head, but after reading yesterday that people with low blood sugar in the morning should eat something that would hit their bloodstream fast with around 15 grams of sugar, definitely made me want to try it! Proceeded to get my Morning Routine done before 9 o’clock! Did Second Quarter Cleanup in Danielle’s bedroom and some desk work before the Goetter kids arrived around noon. I’d offered to Gwen that I could either keep the kids or help her box stuff up for moving this week, and she took me up on keeping the kids since she had an appointment. The afternoon went swimmingly literally! Most of the day was spent at the Garrett Road Water Park which consisted of a blowup pool, a slip’n’slide, and a water hose gorilla-taped to run water down the play set slide into an old plastic pool! Snacks of pop ice, watermelon wedges, and popcorn were included with admission. Aunt Clarissa picked up the kiddos around 5, and I attempted to make grilled pizza on my own. Usually, this meal is a collaboration of mine and Daniel’s efforts. The egg grill took Exceedingly Long to reach the correct temp, I somehow dumped one pizza that was ready to go out onto the washing machine, and we finally finished eating around 7 o’clock. #fail. But the pizza was delicious! Then Daniel wanted us to ride with him to check a job for dryness. I guess this is the week for going down Memory Lane! It was the property on Morgan Road behind Trent and Kristi’s place. He is working for the timber buyer who is having it logged. They are building up the roads up so the log trucks can get in and out. Being in those woods brought back memories of exploring while pulling a 3 yr old Anthony behind us in the little red wagon, coming out near the Arthur Brown curve during a members meeting tramping session with Monica, and feeling sort of like paleontologists when we would “discover” the old bones of the dead cows Kendall Hiebert had dragged off to lie in peace. Back home, Daniel suggested that we take a quick dip in the pool. Danielle got glow sticks ready and I got us cups of rainbow sherbet with ginger ale. And the mosquitoes got us! Next time I’m gonna have my new tiki torches from Mel with bug repelling fuel just a smoking away before we get in! To bed around 9:30. Much Better!
 
Thursday 6-23-22
Another happy chocolate morning! Had fun wrapping Roxie’s gift in a Popshelf gift bag with purple ombré tissue paper. Helped Danielle do a thorough Snake Scan before going out back to tend to her chickens. Our neighbors across the road have killed 2 rattlesnakes out their back door this summer already. Daniel definitely put the fear in Danielle to Pay Attention last night. Packed a lunch and met Roxie and kiddos at Kristi’s house. Elena and Lainey rode with us and we were on the road towards Pace at 11:00. So awesome of Mom and Bill to let us have our birthday swim party at their house while they are traveling for the summer! I’m so in love with my green apple wristlet Roxie had Cynthia create for me! Headed home around 4:00 instead of around 3:00. Fired up the fryer and fixed fried deer steak and fried okra for supper along with chilled watermelon and the last of the fresh blueberries. Gotta love a Southern Summer Supper! Danl relaxed while Danielle played with her wooden train set which has been the favorite toy since Jake and Rhett were here. I read some in my book club book and did my Evening Routine. Enjoyed reading the bios on the “Poetry & Whatnot” group I agreed to join today. It’s a mixed group of 15, and has already sparked joy and creativity in my life. Snake Scanned and pushed Danielle on the swing in the dark after the chickens were put to bed. We got to bed decent time again too. #score
 
Friday 6-24-22
I think this new habit of chocolate in bed before rising is a keeper! Read that Ms. Doherty passed last night in the middle of a prayer. She will be so missed. Today was the last day of Summer Reading at Atmore Library. The young woman biologist who put on an amazing mostly snakes reptile show, was much more at ease with the 4 venomous vipers she brought in than those of us in the audience were! Danielle loved Banana Pudding, the enormous 80 lb. albino boa constrictor. It was also Awards Day, and Danielle was shocked to win one of the 31 prizes! She got a really cool colorful sand art set. Tucked into the Jeep doer handle was thee most adorable t-shirt from Erica Lynn with the saying “June Girls are Sunshine Mixed with a Little Hurricane!” Live Long, My Birthday Month! Lol. From there we met Gene & Karma and kiddos at Buster’s on their last day open. Gonna miss that place, and their pie and pork-chops! Then I ran the “Sweet Little Green Jeep” as Danielle calls her, through Waves for the last time, fueled her up, went through the bank drive through, and dashed in DG. Danielle had gone home with the Swarey’s since the kids were planning to run their profitable lemonade stand again. But alas, it was raining. They swam instead for awhile, and I cut out a dress. Once the rain stopped, the kids went out with their signs and sold like crazy! Living in town definitely has fun perks! Another rain storm, this one with crashing thunder, wind, and lightning brought them scurrying back inside. Karma took me to Atmore Tire to pick up the Audi. Left it at their place and got milk from the dairy on our way home. Dropped Danielle off at home and went to Steve’s Farm for fresh catfish and corn on the cob. Another night of fried food, buts who’s counting?! I read Danielle one of the reptile books she checked out this morning. Also read more bios and poetry that had come in on my poetry chat, while I plugged away at Mt. Dishmore. FaceTimed with Nana, and got to bed shortly after 9:00, since we opted out of going to the housewarming at Anthony and Katie’s. 
Doesn’t it just thrill you to know,
At what o’clock to bed we go?!
My brain is now inspired to compose prose.  
 
Saturday 6-25-22
Since the Sweet Jeep needed to go back to Enterprise, Danielle and I headed straight there and Karma and Kinsley drove my car and picked us up. And aggravatingly, I forgot the bottle of peppermint oil that Danielle sniffs when she’s carsick in one of the compartments. Next stop was La Hacienda for a delicious Mexican lunch. Then on to Barnes & Noble to meet local Pensacola author Emily Ley! But unexpectedly, shortly before the book signing was to begin at 1:00, she called to cancel due to testing positive for Covid! So disappointing, but surely she’ll reschedule this event soon. We went next door to Crazy Cazboys and each scored several items worth far more than $7 each! My first Aldi adventure was the next item on our agenda! Wow! This fresh and fun grocery store definitely exceeded my expectations! Culver’s custard with raspberries along with cheese curds hit the spot for a snack on the way home. Gene’s came for pizza, salad, and watermelon for supper. It was still wet from the afternoon rainstorm, but I dried the chairs off and the kids ate on the back porch. We adults relaxed inside and later Karma and I enjoyed cheesecake in the man-cave with the guys. I highly recommend Aldi’s 4th of July blueberry, raspberry, and New York style frozen cheesecake! Danl and Danielle wanted to Diesel to have the delight of sleeping with them in the king size bed, so I approved and moved to Danielle’s room. Stayed up til midnight pittering and puttering around, something I rarely ever do anymore. #yawn
 
Sunday 6-26-22
I’m still on the Morning Chocolate Train! Fried Aldi applewood smoked bacon and baked canned biscuits for bacon, egg, and cheese biscuits. We actually sat down before the Sunday School song only because I think the song started a freckle late. Taught my Junior class. They are such a joy. I was pleased that we finished the lesson in good time before starting our usual off-topic chatting session today. We declined going with David’s to Lambert’s Cafe in Foley. I don’t think Danl is yet recovered from taking me to Gator’s the night of my birthday! Lol. He’s still not ready to eat out again. Come home from church to a hearty lunch of a whole chicken surrounded by the world’s cutest petite potatoes that Danl had seasoned and baked for us. I typed up the poem that I had mostly composed during church this morning, (People just assume I’m diligently writing sermon notes!) and posted it on my poetry group chat. Around 4 o’clock we went over to Jace and Erica's so the guys could go check the pigs/crops. Since it was too wet to get back there, they went to Piggly and came back with pig to put on the grill! Aka porkchops. Erica and I made tea, fried green tomatoes, and warmed up canned asparagus. Enjoyed the evenings as always along with chocolate dipped ice cream cones from the freezer section.
Another good week has winged its way into the past!
Farewell from the Faircloths!

Some exercise every day

Input real foods

Make a day plan the day before

Pour in 8 glasses of water daily

Listen to my body, planned rest

Eat only one dessert a day 

An Evening You Will {not} Forget for the Rest of Your Life

 

Once upon a time, as in yesterday, the twenty-first of April 2022, the MRGA {Make Reading Great Again} book club girls minus one plus an honorary member,  attended Sean Dietrich's live one-man show at held at the historic venue of the Monroe County Museum Courthouse. But Mr. Sean did not keep his promise posted on Instagram that he would provide us with "an evening you will forget for the rest of your life!"

But let me back up a bit and give you the backstory preluding this event. Katie chose Will the Circle Be Unbroken which is the memoir of Sean's life for our February book. And we all absolutely loved it! I personally was not even able to read it in public as it made me either sob or guffaw intermittently! Very fittingly, we met at Jack's to discuss it over fried chicken! Anyway, a week or so after that, I was in our local Atmore library chatting with the librarians, mentioning how much we had loved this book, and asked if they would ever get him to come to Atmore for a book signing! "Well, you know he's gonna be in Monroeville in April, right?" "NO! I did not! All the deets PLEASE!" We found out we had to go in person to get these precious paper tickets; only two tickets per person. Three of us were able to get right on up to the Monroe County Library, whereas I, due to busyness, was not able to get up there for another two days. I was nervously praying that the Good Lowered {Lord} would see fit to bless me with two more tickets! And He did! I was able to get #s 160 and 161 of 175! 

Fast forward to the beautiful spring evening of last night. We wanted to be early as to be able to nab a good parking spot and enjoy a leisurely supper at the local hole in the wall haunt, The Courthouse Cafe. Can't beat a diner-style bacon cheeseburger with sweet tater "Finch" fries! Also, I think they could win an award for Best Fried Dill Pickles in Alabama! But not for Most Air-Conditioned Indoor Dining. The courthouse doors were set to open at 6:30pm, so we enjoyed watching the political rally that was taking place on the lawn while waiting in line basking in the balmy southern April evening. At last the old doors were jubilantly sprung aside and we were able to enter to meet Mrs. Sean, Jamie who is the CEO, and buy books if we wished. She was just as lovely and personable as I had imagined her to be! At her recommendation, I selected Whistling Dixie to add to my collection. 

Then we entered the courtroom and settled ourselves on the second bench back, nearly taking the entire row. The energy and excitement of the crowd was palpable! Chatting with the elderly ladies in front of us, it truly felt like a big family gathering! And more than a bit surreal that we would actually be seeing and hearing Sean of the South in the flesh in a few moments! As this event was in celebration of the 95th Anniversary of the Monroe County Library, that was duly recognized and Sean was introduced before he popped out on stage from one of the back doors.

I find it hard to describe with ordinary words what the next hour and a half held! Sean sang. Liltingly, beautifully, in his rich southern accent accompanied by the old guitar he writes about. Moving smoothly from one song to the next, he even threw in a fitting bout of yodeling! He sang old hymns, slow hymns, funny songs, and Vacation Bible School songs. And "You Are My Sunshine," which Jamie told us is the title of his next book set to be released in the fall. And we sang with him, and clapped, and laughed until we cried at the stories he told with gestures and facial expressions as much as with his voice. And we watched his eyebrows which told stories all on their own.

And then it was over. But not quite! Because then we got to speak with him; and he hugged our necks and signed our books, and seemed humbly pleased that we knew who he was and had chosen his book for our book club! And he and I shared a ginger moment when he told me he liked my hair and I replied that I liked his! 

Thus it ended, this night we will not forget for the rest of our lives.