A Routine Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. If you could sit beside and/or jump in any lake in the whole wide world today, which lake would you choose and why? 
It would have to be a very clean lake, like a pool. J

2. What's your favorite 'fruity' drink? 
I do enjoy a good daiquiri! Or Pina Colada!

3. I read a list here of thirteen things to do right now to simply your life. They were-

clean as you go, re-evaluate your relationships (cut toxic ties), unsubscribe (too many blogs and websites), de-clutter, write down your daily goals, reply to emails right away, forget multitasking, create a morning routine, re-evaluate your commitments (which hobbies and responsibilities are most important to you), say no, clean up your computer, and plan your day ahead

Which of the tasks listed do you currently find most helpful in keeping life simple? Which item on the list should you adopt in order to simplify your life this month?
I’m all about routine. It keeps me focused and keeps me from wasting time. That hasn’t been working so well for me so far this summer break; it would help if I would actually get a schedule!

4. What did you do the summer after you graduated from high school? 

A couple of weeks after graduating, I began my college adventure. The university was switching from the quarter system to semester, so they had a special program for freshman. It was the perfect segue into college life.

5. Are you a fan of podcasts? If so what's a favorite? 
I’ve never listened to a podcast. Weird, huh?

6. Do you think today's fathers have it harder, easier, or just different than fathers in the past?
I think it’s just different. It’s common to have moms working full time, so dads aren’t the only breadwinner of the family, so I would think that would make it a little easier. BUT, with all of the stress on extra-curricular activities, there’s a huge demand on their time.

7. Tell us one way you're like your father? Or not at all like your father if that's easier?
This is going to sound weird (so get ready!), but my thick wrists and “man hands” are like his. Daddy & I both like routine and we’re both stubborn. Yeah, I think that pretty much sums it up!

 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
Since it’s summer break, I get asked just about every day what I did that day. One of my sisters came by the other day, and she asked what I do all day. So, here’s a breakdown of what my day may be like:

Morning prayers followed by reading the Daily Readings for Mass.

I check my emails (which includes reflections on the readings), and do a quick look over of FB (If I have time)

On MWF, I meet Daddy at church for the Rosary and Daily Mass. On Tues/Thurs I sleep in a bit and go to Mass at noon. 

After Mass, I’ll either go to Panera with the old people (love this time to sit & chat with them!), or run errands, or just go home.

 I may write a blogpost or start reading some blogs, depending on how distracted I get!

I’ve been working on things to put in my online teacher store. I have a couple more things I want to finish, and then I’ll take a break from that. I’ve also done a day’s worth of professional development (we have to have 12 hours so we can have a couple of extra days off during the year).

I’ve done some house cleaning, and some sitting on the back porch and watching/listening to the birds.

To summarize: Mass, coffee, work, blogging, cleaning, and enjoying the birds.

Foto Friday {2}

Another Friday, another week in pictures!

Last weekend, CH decided we needed a wall in the basement to separate the laundry/storage area from the garage area. (Well, actually, he decided that a long time ago but decided it was time to get it done.)

I caught a butterfly on the butterfly bush & grabbed my camera:

 Pepper wasn't too impressed, though.

This is the cheese for the Carne Asada Nachos YS mentioned:

The woodpeckers had a friend join them:

The robins were dancing around: 

YS had an excellent idea for Monday's dessert:

Grilled pineapple with a bit of cinnamon sugar sprinkled on it with vanilla ice cream.

Sirius Radio had a deal I couldn't pass up, so I had it turned back on...but only until November:

The woodpeckers moved to the front porch. (See the holes in the wood? Stinkin' carpenter bees.)

This carpenter bee almost went in the trap...but then decided against it.

CH & I took advantage of a cool evening and tried out a new recipe on the porch.

YS used the leftover shrimp for lunch the next day:

I was on the porch reading, and looked up to see what looked like angel's wings in the clouds. (You may have to click on the picture see it.)

More lovebirds in the yard:

There was a rabbit in the yard so of course I took pictures!

Then I saw this: (the quality isn't that great; I didn't have time to change the setting.)

Another new recipe, another good one! Ranch Grilled Chicken Chopped Salad. Perfect for a summer dinner.

How was your week? 

Foto Friday: 1

There was a linky that I participated in a few times where you looked back over your instagram pictures and put them in a post. I decided to do something similar, only with any pictures that I took through the week; not just the ones that got posted on IG.  So, here we go with my favorite pictures from this week:

This was my favorite picture from the overnight camping trip:

 Pepper peaking over the porch step: 

 This was delivered in my email the other day:

 It seems like I get weekly reminders with that quote!

Sweet & Spicy Bourbon Broiled Salmon. I'm trying a new recipe a week from my new book by Father Leo. Even though CH isn't a big fish-eater, he said this was "okay" (followed by, "I'm just not a big fish-eater.) I thought it was excellent.

Early morning Mass with Daddy:

The butterfly bush is doing amazing:

 My Chinese balloon plant, not so great:

 I caught these 2 sneaking a snack from the hummingbird feeder. 

It was so sweet; the one on the feeder would get on the pole and feed the other bird. 

I don't know if 1 is a male and 1 is female, or if 1 is an adult and the other is young. If you know, please educate me on this!

 When he flew away, she decided to give a go by herself:

Crockpot Carne Asada Nachos for dinner:

Next time, I'm going to use a different kind of cheese that YS told me about. It doesn't get hard after it cools down, but it's not like the nacho cheese that you buy in a jar, either. He also suggested that I not put the nachos on the bottom; we'll put them on our plate and then scoop all that goodness on top. I think next time I'm going to add black beans and have shredded lettuce on the side. It was really good!

That does it for my recap from this week. Have a wonderful weekend!