By Sun and Candlelight

"February brings the rain ..."

Or, perhaps snow or sleet or sun or - if you're in my part of the world - a mild foggy mist! (Such odd weather we're having this winter ...)

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Anyhoo ~ Good Wednesday, my friends ... and Happy February! Did you remember to say "Rabbit, Rabbit" this morning? I did remember ... though it was not the first thing I said. I think the first words I (m)uttered were, "Why is he awake already?"

I did however, make sure to rouse the older boys at ten minutes to seven, with a whispered, "Rabbit, Rabbit!" To which, two sleepy (slightly disgruntled) voices responded in kind.

:)

And so now we're good to go ~ February can begin!

Today is also the Feast of St. Brigid, Patroness of Ireland (and dairy farmers). On this day we usually read this book and sometimes make these kinds of things but today's quite busy, so I'm not sure what we'll end up doing. And tomorrow brings Candlemas, so we're gathering up candles to be blessed at morning Mass. (Right after we find out what the groundhog has to say! Though honestly, I don't think it matters at this point ... I don't think Winter is bothering with us this year.)

Oh, and by the way ~ the soup last night was absolutely delicious! A real keeper for sure. So here's a link to the recipe in case anyone would like to try it. The soup was great all on its own, but Bookworm and I each added a dob of sour cream and a sprinkle of bacon. It was fantastic to dip our grilled cheese in ... and Bill (who was sent into work with a bowl of soup and a hunk of calzone) said it was just as good warmed over. (Note: Next time I will not pick the leaves off the rosemary branches - I will add the whole branches instead, and fish them out before pureeing. Also, since we were having panini, I didn't make the sage/parmesan croutons that the recipe calls for.)

Oh, and for those of us following Downton ... I know there was some question about whether or not we'd get to see the Christmas Special at some point. Well, my mum checked her 'GBH magazine (Boston's PBS channel) and it looks like the last episode of the season (to air 2/19) will be set at Christmastime. So that will be fun to see! I can't wait to see the set (and cast) all decked out in Christmas finery. :)

And, now for a couple of quick answers to recently posed questions: 

What time do I get up? I'm usually awake around - or just before - 5 (thanks to Earlybird), but I start my day at 5:30. (I doze/think/pray and fend off hungry cats before rising when the coffemaker beeps.) Bill usually gets up with EB first, and checks in with work/dozes on the couch/makes coffee ... then sometimes (when he has time) he returns to bed after I get up to catch a few more zzz's. I do like to get up early - even if EB didn't wake so early, I'd still be up before six. Six is kind of my "get the day going" point ... and I like to have time before that to adjust to the day ... and sufficiently caffeinate myself. ;)

What time do I go to bed? Well, EB goes to bed around 7, and we send the older two to bed by 8:30 (they're allowed to read for a while). Bill and I usually retire between 9:30 and 10, but we try to read for a bit before "lights out." I am currently reading this interesting book - just a chapter or two at a time. It apparently inspired both Upstairs, Downstairs and its descendent, our beloved Downton Abbey.

When do I work in my Daybook? This is a great question, and one I'm still answering myself! What I try to do is, over the weekend, fill in the daily pages as much as possible. Then, the evening before each day (sometimes before supper, sometimes after) I try to "work" in my daybook and really get a grip on the next day's agenda. What needs to be done? What about the boys' lessons? Any extra chores to catch up on? Any extra errands to squeeze in between activities? Those kinds of everyday challenges that are easier to face when considered beforehand.

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Well, my friends ... I hope you all had a nice first day of February! Thanks so much for stopping by and "listening" to my rambles. I'll be back here again sometime tomorrow - somewhere in between church and the orthodontist and the art class and the supermarket, etc., etc.!

So, have a good night ... see you again soon!

The Daybook Goes Live!

Good Thursday Morning, my friends!

It's snowing here at the moment, all light and lovely, so my day has started out on just the right foot. :) It's due to turn to rain any moment though, so I'm enjoying it while I can!

Now, Charlotte and Teresa asked to see what a page in my daybook looks like all filled out, and I'm happy to do that! So here we have today's page, which I mostly filled in last evening (hence the low lighting):

Please bear in mind, this daybook is only a few days old, so I'm sure I'll adjust how I use it as time goes by. But basically what I have here on my page are the following things:

At the very top of the page is a bit of clipart designating the month at hand, and directly below that, is a box where I "make note of" what makes this day special (i.e. birthdays/holidays/feast days/natural events like the Vernal Equinox, etc.). Both bits of clipart I found in this lovely little booklet of Victorian images.

In the top left corner of the page, I have a space for the day's agenda, which is divided into three time blocks (a.m./noon/p.m.). Here is where I write in appointments, activities, the boys' classes, etc. - as well as things like "lessons and chores" in the morning area, and "lunch: use up cold cuts, lettuce" at noontime. Seeing my time divided in this way helps me get a "fix" on how my day will go.

In the top right corner of the page I have a space for listing the day's housekeeping chores. Now, my weekly chore routine is mostly set in stone (i.e. bedrooms on Monday, bathrooms on Tuesday, etc.) so I contemplated pre-printing my chores in this space, but that would have made the printing process much more challenging and time consuming. So in today's chore box I've written out things I do on Thursdays, like "trash & recycling," "sweep and dust dining room," and "begin a new file folder for next week. 

Just beneath the chores box, there is a space for writing down any spending done on this day. (For today I noted "groceries" because I plan to "Stop 'N Shop" this afternoon, as well "dinner," because Bill's taking me out for dinner tonight! Later on, I'll fill in the amounts spent.)

In the middle section of the page there are three blocks for "learning & living" notes for my boys. This is pretty self-explanatory - here I write in what lessons they are working on and any other activities/projects to focus on.

The bottom left hand corner has a box for writing down things "to do and remember." This is where I'll write down just that - non-routine tasks and reminders. For today I have things like "look up info. on bake sales," "mail Globe tip," and "check Netflix queue."

In the middle of the bottom of the page is a tiny box for writing down the day's "supper." I try to have the week's dinner menus planned out in advance (makes shopping easier and less expensive!) but I like having a reminder of what I need to prepare at day's end. (And it's a nice record, too - that's a big part of this daybook for me, that it will serve as an annual household diary.)

The bottom right hand corner has a box for "notes" and this is just a place for anything else I need or want to jot down. So far I've written down a few weather notes this morning, regarding the rainstorm and its happy, snowy start. :)

*

So there you have a pretty detailed look at how I filled out today's daybook page. I hope it makes sense! If you would like further clarification on anything, please do not hesitate to ask. Remember, I'm still working out the kinks, so it does me good to have to explain it!

As for making these pages printable, should you wish to use them for yourself - I'm working on it! Actually, my dad is working on it. :) He took home copies of both the "weekly planning page" and the "daily worksheet" (with clipart removed, due to copyright issues) and he's trying to see if he can make it a jpeg I can share. I'll keep you posted on our progress! (And if you would like, I could try to fill in the missing clipart with something I've drawn up myself. Just let me know. :))

OK, so I'd best be off now because the morning is running late, and we're barely through breakfast. Time for one more cup of coffee and then I'll (hopefully) be firing on all cylinders!

Have a great day, my friends ... I'll be back here again very soon!

*❤*

A Look at My New Daybook

Well, my "2012 Daybook" is finally done and ready to use ... so I thought you might like to take a peek. :)

Very simply, this is a homemade, spiral-bound planner - with a page devoted to each week of the year, as well as a page for each day. It does not contain a month @ a glance calendar, because that's something I like to have out in view at all times, so it needs to be separate. (More on that later.)

Here's how it looks from the side ...

(I had the plastic "coil" binding done at Staples - it cost me $4.77.)

The daybook itself is made up of scrapbooking paper (cover page, dividers) and regular copy paper (planning pages). I used "ivory" copy paper (rather than standard white) because, to me, it looked softer, and more "vintage." I also used a firm cardboard "back" piece to give the daybook some solidity. (For this, I re-used a bit of cardboard that came inside a package of binder pages.)

The cover page is a collage of scrapbooking papers, in shades I love - soft reds and yellows. And I chose these lovely crocheted roses for the front cover ...

... but!

Unfortunately, they are too bumpy! When I go to work in my planner, the flowers make the writing surface unlevel - which will drive me crazy! The whole reason I prefer a spiral-bound planner over a three-hole binder is so I can lay my pages flat.

So - as much as I adore these pretty flowers - I decided to peel them off and do something different for the cover.

And here's what I came up with:

Not as pretty, but it will do the trick. :)

Ok, so now let's look inside the daybook ...

On the left I have a spot where I'll write my personal contact information (name, address, phone, etc.). On the right-hand side is the cover page for the January-February (Deep Winter) section ...

A pretty blue gingham check with little calendars ...

Then we have the meat of the planner ... the planning pages!

Each week of the year has four pages (so there are 208 pages in all). 

The order is this:

1. My Week @ a Glance.

I used a ruler and black pen for most of my page designs. I also used some pretty vintage clipart for embellishment.

So this page has space for planning "Special Days," "Dinners," "Nature Notes," "Shopping & Errands," "Home & Garden Tasks," "Correspondence," and the week's "Budget."

After the weekly planning page, I have:

2. A Daily Worksheet.

A page for each day of the week:

The daily planning page includes space for an agenda (divided into a.m./noon/p.m.), chores, spending, learning/living notes for each of my children, things "to-do and remember," the night's supper and random notes.

After Sunday's daily page, there is the next week's planning page - and so on!

Each season has its own divider - a piece of colored scrapbook paper with tiny calendars designating the time of year. 

March-April (Early Spring) is a soft aqua:

May-June (Late Spring) is a pretty grass green:

July-August (High Summer) is a sunny yellow:

September-October (Autumn) is a warm, chestnut brown:

November-December (Holiday) is a cheerful red:

And at the back I have a page for the New Year:

And here's that back cardboard piece I mentioned above:

The planner sits out on my counter next to my homekeeping binder. I like to keep the binder open to the month at hand, and the planner open to the current day.

Eventually, once my new desk arrives, I will have this all set up in my "home office" corner.

*

So, there you have it - my Daybook at-a-(long, detailed)-glance. :)

And yes, for those keeping track (because goodness knows, I go back and forth on these matters!), this planner does take place of the "MomAgenda" I had been using. It also incorporates the planning sheet I had stapled to the front of my weekly file folders. So far I'm really enjoying it - I love the look and feel of it, and the design seems to make sense. Because I thought long and hard about what I need to plan for (think of, attend to) in a given week and on a daily basis, I have a spot for writing out the tasks and reminders I truly need. I'll keep you posted on how it's working for me as we move through the year!

*

Now, as I've mentioned, I've recently had trouble leaving comments here at my blog. Well, I finally heard back from Typepad and the solution was very simple - and the issue was kind of embarrassing! I had somehow marked my own comments as "spam," lol!

So I got a couple of my comments out of "spam jail" and posted them - I will work through the rest of them as time allows this week.

Well, I hope you all enjoyed this peek at my new daybook, and I hope you are all having a nice week. Very bright and chilly here today ... but a storm's moving in late tonight. I have my fingers crossed for snow - it always snows on January 12th! ;) - but it sounds like it will mostly be rain.

Oh well ... the Winter's still very young!

So have a great Wednesday, my friends ... I will see you again very soon!

:)

National Clean Off Your Desk Day

Did you spiff up your workspace today?

As I mentioned last week, I have a new desk arriving sometime later this month, but for now I'm still using one end of the kitchen island as my primary workspace or "desk." And since today is "National Clean Off Your Desk Day," I figured I'd tackle this "hot spot" of mine.

Because as you can see, it really needed it:

(Yikes, that's bad!)

Now I call it my "hot spot" (a la FlyLady) because it does attract clutter like crazy - but it's not usually quite so messy! But I was so busy this weekend - just so caught up in my daybook project - that I really let everything pile up ... random papers, store receipts, coupons, bills, notes, etc. etc.!

So the first thing I did was to clear EVERYTHING of this counter space ... and boy, that felt good! And it looked so nice and open, I took a good look and thought, "Well, this is how it will look once I get that desk!" (In theory anyway.) Next I scrubbed down the counterop - first with Method Lavender Cleaning Spray and then a damp, clean cloth. Once the surface was dry, I started sifting through all that stuff - sorting/tossing/and putting things back in place - a little neater than before.

Much better, I'd say!

And as you can see above, I did finally get my "daybook" spiral-bound today! First I made sure I had it all in the correct order, then I stacked the pages as neatly as I could:

Then it was off to the Copy Center at Staples where I paid five dollars and waited five minutes for a binding, and then I was out the door and on my way home with my brand new daybook!

I love how it looks beside (or on top of) my homekeeping binder!

Now, I will definitely do a thorough post on the daybook itself - and I hope to get that up by mid-week. (Maybe tomorrow before my "Teatime" post, but most likely early Wednesday.)

But before I go I want to tell you two more things ...

One, I still can't leave comments here for some odd reason, so I apologize that I have not responded to the questions and comments left over the past few days. If I can't get this issue cleared up in another day or two I will write up separate posts addressing those queries.

The other thing I wanted to mention was something I just learned today ... this week is Universal Letter-Writing Week! (Thanks to Dana at Save Snail Mail for the tip. :)) I think a week devoted to the practice of letter-writing is pretty fantastic ... I don't (hand)write my correspondence as often as I used to, but I love the whole idea and institution of letter-writing. (Especially as I absorb all these beautiful movies and tv shows set in a slower, more genteel past - aka, Little Women, Emma, Sense and Sensibility ... and Downton Abbey of course.)

I think I might add a trip to the post office this weekend to pick up some new stamps and I'll assess my correspondence needs. (I used to have a whole basket devoted to letter writing but these days it all gets stored in that wire basket you see above on my counter.) Winter is the perfect time to consider (perhaps reconsider) our correspondence habits - in fact, I have a special spot in my daybook for planning just that!

So, my friends, I'll let you go now ... our night is upon us and the boys are awaiting my attention. Thank you so much for stopping by ... have a wonderful night ... and I will see you all again very soon.

:)

Happy Epiphany!

Many blessings to you and yours on this special feast day! I hope your Sunday's going well ... I'm just stopping by to say hi, and share a few pictures from our day.

First of all ... isn't this just lovely?

This beautiful creche is on display at our church; it extends all along the front of the altar. We've enjoyed watching the nativity story unfold all through Christmas (figures appear or move in a certain direction) ... and just this morning we spied the three magi, kneeling in adoration before the newborn king. I just had to take a picture today, since the creche will be put away soon, not to be seen again until next Advent.

(We had to retire our own nativity set early this year, because the cats - Oliver, mostly - just would not leave the poor figures alone! Hopefully he'll get over his little obsession, but I'm planning/hoping to make/build an outdoor creche next year ... something I've noted on my "Next Christmas" page.)

After Mass, we had Nana and Papa over for coffee and pastries:

Nothing homemade here - just a bunch of supermarket baked goods the boys picked out "special" for today. (It probably helped that I was famished while we shopped, allowing them to pick out just about one of everything, lol!)

A little later in the morning we performed our home blessing, using chalk distributed at church.

As for the balance of the day, I spent my time finishing up the daybook ...

And I was thisclose to being done - and I was really hoping to get this thing bound before the end of the day - but alas, on the first page of December, my black ink just completely gave out! 

{>.<}

So yes, I headed back to Staples.

{+_+}

Again.

Luckily there are different people working there on the weekend, so there were no eyebrows raised at my repeat visits. And you know, I just have to laugh at myself (and feel free to join in) because I'm putting all this time and energy into getting organized - but I'm being pretty disorganized about it!

***

Well, now it's a few hours later (I broke away from this post for a bit) and I'm happy to report that the printing is finally all done! Of course, now all the copy shops are closed ...

No worries, though ~ this actually gives me time to comb carefully through the daybook and make sure the pages are all in order and lined up just right. Had I finished this a smidge earlier, I would have surely foresaken proofreading for fast spiral-binding ...

Tomorrow, though - it's the copy shop for sure!

*knock on wood*

 Well, that's all for me, friends ... I do hope you all had a nice weekend. (Is it me, or did this weekend fly by especially fast?) I see I've had a few questions/comments left this weekend and I will get to those first thing tomorrow morning ... right now, though, it's suppertime for me and my brood!

So have a great night, everyone - you-know-what is on in just under three hours! - and I will see you all again very soon ...

:)

Q & A: Daily Stuff

First off, I SO appreciate all your comments about the file crate system! I feel so encouraged, and I'm so glad this system is a help to some folks. I am also grateful to hear about your troubles and issues with the FCS - this helps me figure out how to make it work better! (And hopefully it helps me explain it all better!) I am making note of each question left for me in yesterday's post, but I still have a few more to get to from previous posts. I don't want to forget anyone, so let me backtrack a little and see what I can address while I have a few minutes online ...

From Leslie:

I love reading your planning posts, too. I haven't yet implemented your FCS but I keep thinking I might have to start... I did have a question, though: A year or two back, around the first of the year, I remember that you made a planner of sorts that had lists of all your daily chores for each day of the week. You had a few months' worth (or a years' worth?) printed and bound at your local office supply store. I was wondering how that worked out and if you're still using that in conjunction with your FCS or if it didn't turn out to be as useful as you'd hoped?

Leslie, in a word, it was not as useful as I'd hoped ... and I was really rooting for it to work, too! It was so pretty ~ *sigh* ~ but it was just so big and unwieldy. I did like having a page devoted to each individual day reminding me of routine chores as well as any activities or additional tasks for that day. As much as I love the FCS, I find I do still need a spot for daily planning - I need to see my chores and what needs to happen on THIS DAY. 

For example, just this morning I heard about a neat show airing on the Discovery Channel tonight. I wrote it down in my planner with a note to set up the DVR. I haven't yet set that up, but because it's written in my planner, I should remember to get it to it sometime today.

I also realized a bag of dough I have in the fridge *must* be used today, so I wrote down "make calzones" to remind myself - or I should say, to remind Bill, as he's the pizza (and calzone) guy in our house. ;)

So currently I'm using a commercial (i.e. not homemade) spiral-bound daily planner (shown below) ...

... in conjunction with colored "routine" cards that I post daily to remind myself of where I'm at and what needs to be done. (I post them at eye level, next to my workspace and change them up daily.) That said, I may try making a daily planner again, but in a much more manageable size.

(In case you haven't guessed, I really enjoy making calendars, lol! Even the ones that fail I enjoy making and using - and remembering! - because they indulge my creativity and teach me something new about how I "work.")

Failed attempts aside, there are a few things I always stick with: the weekly file folders (the file crate system), my personal "hodgepodge" notebook (the clippings journal) and a large, two-page spread, month @ a glance planning calendar. These, along with a daily system of some sort are the cornerstones of my overall home/personal/family planning.

Must be off now, but there's much more to come ... thanks for caring and sharing, my friends!

I will be back again very soon!

:)

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ March 3rd

~ Do stop by Peggy's for all the Daybook links this week. ~

***

Outside My Window ... there's just a whole lotta WHITE - and the skies are a mottled blue. There are snowflakes in the air, but I can't tell if it's a passing flurry or just snow getting blown around out there. Birds at the feeders as I type: nuthatches, downy woodpeckers, Carolina wren, juncos, chickadees, female cardinal, blue jay.

***

I am thinking ... about end-of-the-year goals. We are just four months away from summer and I need to take stock and readjust our schedule (and maybe my expectations).

***

I am thankful ... for my nice warm home.

***

From the kitchen ... For supper tonight we'll have turkey kielbasa and sauteed apples served with rice, green salad and crusty bread.

***

I am wearing ... jeans, my penguin t-shirt and a black cardigan.

***

I am creating ... a new file system for organizing recipes. It's slow work but I think it will be a good thing in the end.

***

I am reading ... Finishing up The Secret Garden for Book Group on Thursday.

***

I am hoping .... our hot water heater holds out until we can get a new one in place this weekend! (The old one started leaking this weekend - yikes!)

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I am hearing ... Earlybird laughing as he runs through the kitchen, a pot of Annie's mac-and-cheese boiling on the stove, the older boys playing Lego City downstairs. (We're on lunch break, lol.)

***

Around the house ... laundry, vacuuming, fresh bathroom linens.

***

One of my favorite things ... Cape Cod "Honey Dijon" chips They're alarmingly addictive.

***

A few plans for this week ... our last Lego Engineering class, Book Group, EB's social skills group.

***

Here is a picture thought I am sharing ...

Ah yes, that's what the ground looks like.

***

Have a great week, everyone! I'll check back in again soon!

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ February's End

~ Do stop by Peggy's for all the Daybook links this week. ~

***

Outside My Window ... The birdfeeders are shamefully empty right now, so there's not a lot of traffic this morning. I do see a purple finch pair at the tray feeder, and a young female cardinal on the ground underneath. It's going to be a nice day, with temps nearing 60! More snow melt will occur, leaving us with very little if any white on the ground. Though there is that pesky forecast for snow coming early next week ... looks like March will definitely come in like a lion.

***

I am thinking ... about March, and the changes I'm going to make to the learning room this weekend. Hearts and snowflakes will come down - shamrocks and rainbows will go up. :)

***

I am thankful ... for quiet days at home.*

*Let me revise. I am especially thankful for days like this one ... when the sun is bright and the wind is wild and the air is cool (not cold) and fresh. My goodness, I have the windows open all over the house - so lovely!!

***

From the kitchen ... I'm going to try making my own fish nuggets for dinner this evening. I've never done this before, but it seems simple enough. I bought a pound of fresh fish last night at the market, and I plan to follow this recipe here. On the side I'll serve herb-roasted potatoes and peppers, and for dessert we'll have some Girl Scout cookies.

***

I am wearing ... jeans and a Celtics t-shirt. Friday is cleaning day. :)

***

I am creating ... a basket full of spring craft materials - for inspiration and convenience.

***

I am reading ... The Secret Garden - still and again. This coming Thursday brings Book Group and SG is the younger group's title of the month. And it's my turn to lead ...

***

I am hoping .... (and I know I sound like a broken record here) that the snow in the forecast for Sunday-Monday isn't much and doesn't last. Please, please Old Man Winter give us a break!

***

I am hearing ... the wind is picking up outside, and on the next steet I hear some roadwork going on. I also hear Earlybird crashing his monster trucks and Bookworm flipping the pages of The Hobbit.

***

Around the house ... I'm going to do my usual Friday "pre-weekend" cleaning, but today I'll focus on the learning room. I want to refresh the room for a new month starting next week. I'll clear and de-clutter the shelves and surfaces. I'll wipe the windows and tabletop, and tonight I'll have Bill shampoo the rug.

***

One of my favorite things ... The dull March landscape. Honestly! 

I really don't mind the scrubby hedgerow and lackuster lawn. To me it's like a blank canvas full of promise - and it's a welcome sight after so many months of snowcover. I also love looking for signs of spring once we round the horn of February. This weekend - before the snow starts on Sunday (grimace) - Bill and I will take the boys down the bike trail looking for subtle changes that mean winter is nearing its end. We'll look for that owl nest and I will cut some pussy willow and forsythia branches for the nature table.

***

A few plans for this week ... Well, this weekend we have several errands to run and Crackerjack has a birthday party to attend. On Sunday, for St. David's Day, I plan to make a daffodil cake. Yum!

***

Here is a picture thought I am sharing ...

Our Lenten cross that will slowly come to life over the next several weeks.

***

Have a great weekend, everyone! I'll check back in again soon!

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ February 18th

~ Do stop by Peggy's for all the Daybook links this week. ~

***

Outside My Window ... the snow cover is slowly receding - large patches of lawn are visible, the frosty grass sparkling in the morning sun. A nuthatch hangs upside down at the suet cage and a female goldfinch is perched at the tube feeder.

***

I am thinking ... about my Spring Cleaning, which I plan to accomplish during Lent.

***

I am thankful ... for my blog readers who take the time to stop by and see what we're up to each day. :)

***

From the kitchen ... Around 11 a.m., I'll start a beef stew in the crockpot. We'll have it for supper tonight, served over egg noodles, with popovers and a salad on the side.

***

I am wearing ...  aqua blue pajamas - it's still early here! I plan to change into my "cleaning clothes" after my shower - ripped jeans and an old college t-shirt of Bill's. Not pretty, but sturdy and comfortable!

***

I am creating ... a new (and hopefully more efficient) weekly marketing list on my new word processing software.

***

I am reading ... The Secret Garden. It's my turn to lead Crackerjack's Book Group next month, and this is the book I chose. It's one of my favorites and a perfect story for this time of year. :)

***

I am hoping .... the snow event this evening turns to rain before it can accumulate much. We're just seeing the grass for the first time in months!

***

I am hearing ... a Carolina Wren somewhere in the yard. He has an unbelievably loud song for such a tiny bird.

***

Around the house ... I've shaken up the housekeeping routines, and made Wednesday a mini-cleaning day. Today I'll empty trash bins and clean out the refrigerator (freezer/cabinets). I'll also scrub the kitchen sink and wash down the counters and stovetop. Later today I'll start a meal plan for next week and a shopping list for Saturday.

***

One of my favorite things ... a stack of new magazines, a cup of tea and a comfortable seat by the fireplace.

***

A few plans for this week ... Most of our outside classes/activities are cancelled this week due to public school vacation. We do have our Nature Club meeting tomorrow at a local wildlife refuge (this month's theme: owls). If the weather holds I will take lots of pictures!

***

Here is a picture thought I am sharing ...

Because this just cracks me up. That is one mean-looking minifig. ;)

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ February 10th

Wow, it's been a while since I've done one of these! I think my last daybook entry was waaaay back in November, roundabouts Election Day! Well, it's about time I got back to my Daybook ~ it really is a fun and creative journaling exercise!

~ Do stop by Peggy's for all the Daybook links this week. ~

***

Outside My Window ... the shadows are giving way to the light. It's going to be a bright sunny day, seasonable for February - around 40. Maybe some rain by evening. The birds are arriving at the feeders now; a sparrow is pecking around in the raspberry hedge.

***

I am thinking ... about my friend Beth, whose birthday is today:

Happy Birthday, Beth!

***

I am thankful ... my husband's job is safe after a recent bout of layoffs at his company.

***

From the kitchen ... Hmm, that's a good question! I don't have a menu plan in place this week - just kind of making things up as I go. I have Knitting Circle tonight, and a late afternoon haircut, so I will have to do something easy. I'm thinking leftovers, or possibly homemade pizza. (ETA: Ham and cheese panini it is!)

***

I am wearing ... my favorite Levis, a white cotton shirt, black mules.

***

I am creating ... a new spring scarf with some greenish-purpley yarn.

***

I am reading ... The pile of books on my bedside table is absolutely ridiculous but lately I haven't had much time to read. That didn't stop me from picking up this at the library today. (It's a retelling of the Scandinavian folk tale, "East of the Sun, West of the Moon.") Still plugging through Midnight Sun with Bill ... his copy of New Moon on audio won't be available anytime soon (he's like 15th on the waiting list at the library) so we'll probably move on to reading that out loud after MS. 

***

I am hoping .... the groundhog was wrong and we get an early spring after all.

***

I am hearing ... the soft strains of Martha Speaks from the family room, lol ~ Earlybird's new favorite show.

***

Around the house ... my new weekday motto: sweep, swipe, straighten.

***

One of my favorite things ... the earliest stirrings of spring - more daylight, active birds, milder air.

***

A few plans for this week ... EB's therapies, hairdresser appt., Knitting Circle, Tufts Lego Engineering class, Homeschool Group Valentine's Party, Abraham Lincoln Celebration at the library, EB's social skills group, neighbor's birthday party, 11-14 yo Activity Night at our house (we're showing National Treasure 2), Valentines breakfast this weekend with Mum, Dad and Damee.

***

Here is a picture thought I am sharing ...

My new tote bag. :)

Holds a lot, as you can see. (There's that new spring yarn.)

Well, thanks for taking a peek at my Daybook this week. I'm off now to start supper and get packed up for Knitting. (Yes, this post took me all day to complete, lol.)

Have a good night!

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ December 22nd

~ Do stop by Peggy's for all the Daybook links this week. ~

***

Outside My Window ... it is, quite literally, a winter wonderland. A pale crescent moon hangs in the southern sky, while the sun rises gently in the east. At the feeders just now we have many little snowbirds - slate-colored juncos, chickadees, titmice, sparrows, cardinals, a mourning dove or two.

***

I am thinking ... about a wonderful show we watched on PBS last night: Take Peace: A Corgi Cottage Christmas with Tasha Tudor. It was a memorable, mesmerizing program about my favorite artist's life in Vermont, focusing on her lifestyle, her artwork, and the way she spends Christmas every year. If only we could all live so simply and beautifully!

***

I am thankful ... we haven't lost power after all this stormy weather! The trees and power lines are heavy with snow now, so we'll keep our fingers crossed.

***

From the Christmas kitchen ... The boys and I will make gingerbread cut-outs today, and I will make a batch of lemon snowballs to bring to Earlybird's therapists tomorrow. If I have the time, I will start baking the Spiced Pumpkin breads we make for our neighbors. For supper, our usual Monday night fare ~ roasted kielbasa with peppers, potatoes, carrots and squash. A side of garlic bread and Christmas cookies for dessert.

***

I am wearing ... a cranberry cardigan, black pants, red slippers.

***

I am creating ... Well, I'm setting up our Winter Nature Corner and puttering over a BIG 2009 planner. :)

***

I am reading ... Inkheart by Cornelia Funke, our pick for the January Book Group meeting. It's my turn to lead the older kids, so I asked Bookworm to help me choose a book. Inkheart is the first title in his favorite trilogy, followed by Inkspell and Inkdeath. The movie version is coming out later in January and I am planning to organize a Book Group field trip to see it. 

***

I am hoping ... for a white Christmas - no scratch that, that's a done-deal! How about, I am hoping for Peace on Earth, Goodwill toward Men? :)

***

I am hearing ... the heat humming, a plow going down the road, birds chirping, ice crackling in the wind.

***

Around the house ... My Monday housekeeping entails running laundries and cleaning the bedrooms. I plan to put freshly laundered Christmas sheets on all the beds today.

***

One of my favorite things ... A brand new calendar for a brand new year. So much promise and so many plans!

***

A few plans for this week ... Homey, cozy, Christmas-y days - wrapping, baking, listening to carols, etc. NO MORE SHOPPING, lol! Christmas eve with Bill's family (Chinese food) and Christmas afternoon with mine, here at our house (baked ham dinner and lots of desserts).

***

Here is a picture thought I am sharing ...

 

The view from our deck ~ our Winter Wonderland.

***

I hope you all have a beautiful, blessed Christmas week!

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ November 4th

~ Do stop by Peggy's for all the Daybook links this week. ~

***

Outside My Window ... it's a beautful morning: weak sunlight filters through a pearly fog, and it's surprisingly warm for November.

***

I am thinking ... about the election, of course!!

***

I am thankful ... for my hard-working husband.

***

From the kitchen ... tonight for supper we'll have leftover grilled steak and vegetables, tossed with bow-tie pasta and sprinkled with parmesan cheese ... and "Election Night" cake for dessert (which will be basically a spice bundt cake with maple drizzle).

***

I am wearing ... a blue turtleneck sweater and blue jeans.

***

I am creating ... our Christmas cards on Shutterfly.

***

I am reading ... My mum loaned me a mystery but I have yet to get started on it. Right now I'm working through my "slush" pile which consists of sections of the Sunday paper and a few new magazines.

***

I am hoping ... (naturally) that my candidate wins. ;)

***

I am hearing ... the heat just turned on, the shower is running, the boys are making all kinds of noise downstairs in the playroom.

***

Around the house ... Tuesday housekeeping: clean the upstairs bathroom, continue laundries, put out fresh towels and bath mats, neaten the living room.

***

One of my favorite things ... the subtle beauty of the November landscape: muted shades, frosty lawns, burnished foliage, misty skies, milky sun.

***

A few plans for this week ... MIT class, EB's therapies, Book Group, Kindertheme: Stars and Light

***

Here is a picture thought I am sharing ...

My craft shelf.

***

I hope you all have a wonderful week!

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ October 17th

~ Do stop by Peggy's for all the Daybook links this week. ~

***

Outside My Window ... brilliant blue skies overhead, crunchy leaves underfoot, songbirds flock frantically at the feeders.

***

I am thinking ... about the lesson plan for next week. Kinder-theme: Seeds!

***

I am thankful ... that Bookworm's oral surgery went well this week. (Two teeth pulled!)

***

From the kitchen ... a hot cup of Holiday tea later today. For supper: homemade pizzas and cut-up vegetables with dip. (Friday is always pizza night - either homemade or, sometimes takeout.) This weekend I plan to make spaghetti sauce and a pan of lasagna.

***

I am wearing ... a maroon long sleeve tee, jeans, clogs.

***

I am creating ... a very detailed to-do list for the weekend. I can't even begin to hope to get it all done, but I feel better getting it all down on paper.

***

I am reading ... nothing, really, right now other than newspapers and magazines. I am going to look for something new to read this weekend. (Any recommendations?)

***

I am hoping ... the RED SOX will continue to WIN! :)

***

I am hearing ... this CD on my laptop. (I'm organizing my Christmas tote right now.)

***

Around the house ... Friday brings a pre-weekend tidy all through the house. I am going to concentrate on the learning spaces because they've been neglected lately.

***

One of my favorite things ... raking leaves on a crisp autumn weekend and coming inside to hot cider and grilled cheese sandwiches!

***

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: ... Since it's Friday, how about next week? Homeschool Games Day, Nature Club Meeting, our 15th wedding anniversary, a dinner date with Bill. :)

***

Here is a picture thought I am sharing ...

Football mums ~ my favorite autumn flowers!

***

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ October 7th

~ Do stop by Peggy's for all the Daybook links this week. ~

***

Outside My Window ... The sun is rising and golden light spreads across the neighborhood, a light frost touches the lawn in a few shallow spots, a chipmunk scoots up and down the spruce tree.

***

I am thinking ... about the (frightening) economy.

***

I am thankful ... for our home, for my husband's job - that I am able to spend my days at home with our boys.

***

From the kitchen ... For supper there will be sweet and sour (turkey) meatballs with peppers, pineapple and rice, Indian pudding for dessert, and if I have time (and that's a mighty big if) I will bake some banana breads this afternoon.

***

I am wearing ... Vermont sweatshirt, favorite jeans, keds.

***

I am creating ... a little nature story about Jack Frost to tell Earlybird.

***

I am reading ... the morning Boston Globe.

***

I am hoping ... to stay up to watch tonight's debate.

***

I am hearing ... the crackle of the family room fireplace, the pop of the toaster, the boys chattering in the next room.

***

Around the house ... Today, being Tuesday, I will clean the upstairs bathroom and continue the laundries.

***

One of my favorite things ... a new binder to play around with.

***

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: ... a quiet week with lots of catching up around the house, especially around my workspace.

***

Here is a picture thought I am sharing ...

***

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ September 26th

~ Do stop by Peggy's for all the Daybook links this week. ~

***

Outside My Window ... a gloomy, wet morning - puddles line the street, and the birds are all over the feeders. (And the feeders, I see, got ransacked last night.)

***

I am thinking ... about the weekend - TGIF! - and all the things I want/hope/need to get done ...

***

I am thankful ... for my new camera (that replaces the one that broke). I can't wait to take foliage pictures this weekend!

***

From the kitchen ... I have butter softening on the counter in hopes of making chocolate-chip pan cookies later today. Dinner will be chicken parmesan sandwiches with a side of roasted garlic potatoes.

***

I am wearing ... a black scoopneck tee, black pants, red slippers.

***

I am creating ... a handcraft basket for the fall.

***

I am reading ... the newest Spiderwick book with Crackerjack, one chapter a night before bed.

***

I am hoping ... I don't get the cold I feel coming on ...

***

I am hearing ... the CD I have playing in my laptop.

***

Around the house ... a big ole pre-weekend tidy.

***

One of my favorite things ... a dark rainy day with nowhere to be.

***

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: ... How about for next week: Michaelmas, apple picking, book group and my long-awaited haircut on Friday. :)

***

Here is a picture thought I am sharing ...

The culprit in action!

***

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ September 4th

~ Do stop by Peggy's for all the Daybook links this week. ~

***

Outside My Window ... a warm hazy day unfolds, a nuthatch pecks at the suet, morning glories climb all over the birdhouse.

***

I am thinking ... about our officially broken computer. Rats.

***

I am thankful ... I still have a laptop that works. 

***

From the kitchen ... homemade pizzas with salad, fresh raspberries and cream.

***

I am wearing ... sage green tee-shirt, black pants, slippers.

***

I am creating ... a weekly shopping list and fall menu plan.

***

I am reading ... the morning paper and the current issue of TIME.

***

I am hoping ... to have enough quiet time today to place the myriad phone calls I need to place.

***

I am hearing ... A cardinal chirping (over and over), a Carolina Wren in the distance, Earlybird bouncing on the couch.

***

Around the house ... I'm putting up little fall touches - mini pumpkins from the garden, silky garlands, tiny white lights.

***

One of my favorite things ... September days that begin cool and crisp, but finish warm and golden.

***

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: ... The older boys have Book Group today (theme: summer reading). This weekend we'll attend a family party celebrating the life of my uncle who recently passed away.

***

Here is a picture thought I am sharing ...

***

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ August 6th

~ Do stop by Peggy's for all the Daybook links this week. ~

***

Outside My Window ... a gray, wet morning: rain drips from the telephone wire, giant puddles form in the road, two seagulls soar overhead.

***

I am thinking ... about VBS this morning: how on earth are we going to do water games *inside* the church??? (ETA ~ We didn't; we had them outside - brrr!)

***

I am thankful ... for rainy days. Even if it cramps our style, the earth needs this tall, cool drink of water. 

***

From the kitchen ... Supper's still a mystery to me, but I think I'll make oatmeal-chocolate-chip cookies this afternoon.

***

I am wearing ... yellow cotton pajamas - it's still very early!

***

I am creating ... Still working on that weekly planner for the new academic year. Once I get that in order, I'll turn my attention back to the Christmas planbook.

***

I am reading ... Breaking Dawn for the second time since Saturday. The first time I rushed through - too eager to know the ending to absorb all the details.

***

I am hoping ... for a good mail day. I'm expecting a few favorite magazines this week. :)

***

I am hearing ... Dripping rain, a crow's cawing, Bill typing on his laptop, my cat's purring, a songbird in the shrubbery.

***

Around the house ... Wednesday is kitchen day: clean trash bin, wipe floor, scrub sink and counters, go through fridge and cabinets - make menu for next week and a shopping list for the weekend.

***

One of my favorite things ... the smell of a warm summer rain.

***

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: ... VBS, Bill's vacation days, a planning meeting with my homeschool support group, a night out with my friends to chat about Breaking Dawn.

***

Here is a picture thought I am sharing ...

From the August garden:

~Indian Blanket Daisies~

***

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ July 30th

~ Do stop by Peggy's for all the Daybook links this week. ~

***

Outside My Window ... soft morning light dapples the damp lawn, mourning doves line the telephone wire, a purple finch stops at the feeder, a red squirrel scampers up the tree, a man rides by on a bicycle.

***

I am thinking ... about the new Harry Potter trailer. (Thanks, Jenn, for the tip!)

***

I am thankful ... for my two kitties, Penny and Smokey. They're sticking close by me this week, wondering where their brother is and why I'm so sad. 

***

From the kitchen ... my breakfast this morning is egg salad on whole wheat toast, a sliced pear, low-fat milk and a cup of my new favorite coffee.

***

I am wearing ... my pale blue summer pj's, barefeet, hair in a clip.

***

I am creating ... ah, not much this week, I'm afraid.

***

I am going ... swimming this afternoon at a friend's house. :)

***

I am reading ... the final chapters of Eclipse; Breaking Dawn comes out on Saturday. After I digest BD, I'd like to check out this new book.

***

I am hoping ... to stop by the farmstand this afternoon ~ they're finally open for the season!

***

I am hearing ... the pop of the toaster, the coffeepot beeping, Crackerjack humming, a chickadee scolding, squirrels scrabbling, Earlybird laughing.

***

Around the house ... I've been useless the past couple of days and the house is showing it. A general tidy is in order - along with vacuuming, damp-dusting and fresh linens, etc.

***

One of my favorite things ... the way summer sounds: thunder rolling, birds singing, cicadas buzzing, crickets chirping.

***

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: ... quiet, homey days, and a weekend filled with reading, VBS set-up and keeping cool.

***

Here is a picture thought I am sharing ...

~Butter-and-Eggs or Toadflax, growing by the driveway.~

***

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ July 22nd

~ Do stop by Peggy's for all the Daybook links this week. ~

***

Outside My Window ... the sky is slowly clearing after a gray, cool start; everything is damp after yesterday's storms. A mourning dove is resting on the gatepost, dignified and serene - beside him, a dozen baby sparrows are lined up, squabling for their breakfast. A vee of geese just passed, honking, overhead.

***

I am thinking ... about the August calendar - and how quickly it's filling in!

***

I am thankful ... for the kind of friends who love you, quirks and all. :)

***

From the kitchen ... there are banana breads baking in the oven right now, and the house smells amazingly good. (Bill and Earlybird made them *early* this morning.)

***

I am wearing ... denim shorts, Red Sox shirt, keds.

***

I am creating ... a week-by-week "playbook" for the new year. I'm having a hard time deciding on the format - binder or notebook? And will it be exclusively academic, or will it address household activities, too?

***

I am going ... no where in particular. My friend Beth is taking our oldest boys to a computer class each day this week, while I watch the younger kids at home.

***

I am reading ... (re-reading, actually) the whole Twilight series, in preparation for the release of the final installment, Breaking Dawn, on August 2nd.

***

I am hoping ... to spend some time on holiday planning this weekend.

***

I am hearing ... baby birds chirping, a car driving down our street, the hum of my laptop.

***

Around the house ... the lawn needs to be mowed and the carpets need to be shampooed. (Both of those chores are Bill's department.) Lots of laundry to fold, and a refrigerator to clean out.

***

One of my favorite things ... the craft store at this time of year - all the fall goodies and Christmas stuff, too. I know this annoys most people to no end, but - planner I am - I love it all. :)

***

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: ... Bookworm's computer class, a VBS meeting, a trip to Whole Foods, a birthday pool party.

***

Here is a picture thought I am sharing ...

and another:

~How cute is this little guy?.~

***

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ July 16th

~ Do stop by Peggy's for all the Daybook links this week. ~

***

Outside My Window ... a sunny, super-hot day is unfolding ... a gray squirrel is seeking shade (and, I fear, breakfast) in the raspberry patch ... a chipmunk is stuffing his cheeks full of seed.

***

I am thinking ... about our plans for the learning room - new desks and a new set up.

***

I am thankful ... that I can be home with my children.

***

From the kitchen ... Something easy tonight: multi-grain pancakes with organic maple syrup and roasted kielbasa and new potatoes on the side. Lemon sorbet for dessert.

***

I am wearing ... a light white tee shirt, beige shorts, sandals, hair up in a clip.

***

I am creating ... a week-by-week planner for the new year.

***

I am going ... Well, I went to see Journey to the Center of the Earth in 3-D Monday night. It was really good!

***

I am reading ... various magazines and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire because that's all my tired brain can handle right now.

***

I am hoping ... my readers will forgive my spotty posting of late. My free-time (especially online-time) is scarce these days.

***

I am hearing ... the a/c humming, Crackerjack telling a story (to no one in particular), Earlybird bouncing on the couch.

***

Around the house ... a quick tidy before guests arrive today, a good watering of the garden before the day gets hot.

***

One of my favorite things ... that point in midsummmer when fall doesn't seem so far away.

***

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: ... Bookworm's computer class, Midget's echocardiogram, a VBS meeting, a weekend spent fleshing out ed. plans.

***

Here is a picture thought I am sharing ...

~My bedroom desk.~

***

I hope you all have a wonderful day!