Afternoon Coffee And Evening Tea

January 15, 2025

January 13, 2025

Monday Morning Coffee

Good Monday morning, my friends. I hope you had a lovely January weekend and are ready for a brand-new week.

I was up earlier than usual today. Random fact about me: I cannot be awake in bed. When I wake up, I'm up. Today, I was up and cozy on the couch with my coffee before the sun woke. It was quiet and comfy. I sipped my hot coffee, said my prayers, and read the news. Just a bit because while I think it is the responsible adult thing to be familiar with current events, I also know too much of the negative is too much for me. So there's that.

I went through some pictures from the weekend and this is what I found. Peyton and Christopher had fun sledding and skiing this weekend. I am so happy for the outdoorsy people. Last winter, they could not do all the snow stuff because there was no snow!

Rhett and Kyrstin shared this picture from their date night last week. My boy looks so grown up all of a sudden. Wasn't he just watching movies on a portable DVD player and riding his Green Machine up and down the driveway?

All three pups had a trip to the Puppy Spa last week. We don't say Groomer because Spa sounds less traumatic for them...and they all came out fresh and clean with glowing reports!

Perhaps the most exciting and happy thing that happened was this!

Nicolas' father, Peter, came for a visit! Nicolas is from the beautiful country of Denmark, and his father was in the States on business, so they worked out some flights, and Peter was able to spend some time visiting. I was so happy for them both and for Madison as well. We all went to dinner Saturday night and had the most wonderful time.

Today, we will homeschool, light candles, fix a cozy dinner, and sip coffee and tea. We will make beds, fold laundry, and call loved ones. We will wipe kitchen counters, turn off the lights, and settle down together for an episode or two of Seinfeld. It will be a typical, beautiful January day. Enjoy your January day, my friends!

Billie Jo

Google for the cozy.

January 10, 2025

Snow On The Beach And Other Stuff

Good Friday morning, friends. So, it's cold and snowy. The wintry weather appears to have followed us down from Pennsylvania because it knows how much I miss it. How considerate, considering it has been years since this area has seen measurable snow. That and the lack of snow shovels and plow trucks. While the roads are icy and the air is cold, the beach sure is beautiful. Rhett and Kyrstin sent us these pictures, and I applaud them for braving the frigid air and sharing their beauty with us.

Meanwhile, this week was back to homeschooling for my student and me. Flynn and I are currently studying Emily Dickinson's poetry, algebric equations and expressions, World and American history during the 1800's, cell division, and the works of William Shakespeare. We enjoy our time together, and her love of science balances my love of literature. We get extra students casually joining us occasionally, especially Flynn's dog, Marty. Who sometimes reminds me of Fozzie Bear.

Between homeschooling and fixing dinner, you can find me with my afternoon coffee and a few of my friends.

( Note the classy black sweatpants, oversized crewneck, and Halloween socks. I make it a point to put myself together every day, regardless of my plans. Clearly, this day was a smashing success. )

A favorite meal this week was ground Beef and Rice Tacos. They came together quickly and were so good. Just brown some ground beef, drain it, and add taco seasoning and salsa. Make some rice—get a rice cooker if you don't already have one—and then add any toppings you want. Cilantro and lime are my favorites.

We are expecting more snow this weekend. On Saturday night, we plan on going to mass and dinner out, and on Sunday, we will spend the day cozy inside. I will be praying for all those affected by the horrible wildfires, the victims of the recent hurricanes, and any homeless people during this frigid time of year.

Have a cozy weekend, my friends. Thank you for visiting.

Billie Jo