Monday Morning Coffee

Good Monday morning, my friends. I hope your weekend was all you planned and then some. We had a nice weekend at the condo, celebrating Father's Day. The kids planned a nice, relaxing day for him filled with some of his favorite things: time with his family, time by the beach, an Indy car race on TV, and some delicious food he didn't have to make. And a nice phone call with Peyton, too! 

It was a great day for a great guy. We went to evening mass, and then packed up and headed home. By eight o'clock, I was back in my spot on the couch in my cozy clothes, and Steve was out for his walk.  

This morning I went for my walk and was greeted by the beauty of the start of a brand-new day. It's funny, isn't it, how in different seasons of life, we notice things in an entirely different way. Years ago, on a random Monday morning in June, I would have looked outside to check if the weather was nice enough for the kids' swimming lessons before they woke, and I would have started breakfast before piling them into the van with towels, sunscreen, and goggles. Today, on this random Monday morning in June, I look out to check the weather to see if I can take my little Mocha on our daily walk. The kids are grown; thankfully, they all know how to swim. They no longer need me to make their breakfast before they venture out into the world. Although sometimes they humor me and let me do it, and I immediately grab the pans for French Toast or muffins! Anyway, here is a peek at our walk today.

Pretty, quiet, calm, and full of promise. Today, I am going to work on schoolwork, plan meals for the week, do some laundry, and maybe go for a swim. Since I haven't done a meal plan yet, tonight we are having a summer staple for dinner: hot dogs on the grill. I'll probably sauté some zucchini from the farmer's market and make a simple tossed salad. 

I hope you have a wonderful day, my friends. Thank you for visiting! I'll leave you with some things that made me smile. Ok. Maybe laugh out loud. Because. Monday.

Have a happy day!

Billie Jo

Friday

Good morning! I am sitting on the porch, finishing my coffee, listening to the rain, and thinking about my day. While this past week has not been technically busy, it has been filled with various people being here for one reason or another. On Monday, our awesome friend/handyman, Mike, came to install a sound bar and fix a few things. He is one of the first people we met here, and we have become friends with both him and his wife. Yesterday we had some people in to measure for some blinds we are putting on a few windows that face the afternoon sun. And also yesterday, the men came to service our air conditioner, replace the filters, and check all the things they check that are a complete mystery to me. In addition, Flynn worked two days, and so we worked on school after and are one week away from officially completing the year. Today we have no plans, no appointments. It will be an ordinary day: school, laundry, dinner. My favorite. 

My morning walks this week. Muggy. Humid and beautiful.

I fiddled with this area all week and finally think I have it where I like it. I tightened the photo display and added a few touches that can work all summer and serve as a good backdrop for autumn.  

Dinners this week have been simple, easy favorites. Monday we had hot sausage sandwiches. They were so good that apparently no one took a picture of them before eating. Which is a good thing, right? Wednesday we had a delicious chicken meal, and last night was hamburgers on the grill. I will post a recipe for the chicken down below. It was delicious. I also like to have some type of fresh fruit salad in the fridge this time of year. And a plate of muffins on the counter for a quick snack or breakfast for those heading out the door.

The pups are loving the screened-in porch.

And Christopher sent us this picture of Peyton from a fair they visited. I got her that sweater for her birthday because it combines two of her favorite things: Disney and Americana. We miss those two but are so thankful we keep in touch every single day.

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends. We are planning to spend some time at the condo and the beach this weekend, Steve's choice, to celebrate Father's Day! I hope you have a happy, cozy, fun-filled summer weekend too!

Happy Father's Day to the one I was blessed to be chosen for...

.

And to the one I was blessed to choose...

Oven Baked Chicken Recipe 

Billie Jo

Can You Believe...

...I love seeing, hearing, and studying all different types of birds, while at the same time I am completely terrified of them, all while The Birds is one of my favorite movies ever?

...I can still twirl the baton I had in high school and even remember some routines I learned as a majorette, yet I forget where I put my phone at least 3 times a day?

...I have never tried driving a stick-shift car? As in never even been close to attempting it. I just don't think it would go very well.

...I have no middle name? My name is Billie Jo. Not Billie_ Jo. And it has sometimes been a challenge to convince people that Jo is, in fact, not a middle name, nor is J a middle initial. Remember those tests in school where you had to fill in the bubbles for the answer, but first you had to write your name in those spaces? That was more stressful than the test!

...I have not parallel-parked a car since I took my driver's test in 1987. Trust me. It's better this way. 

Well, I am sure there is more, but I need another cup of coffee. Feel free to add your own!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Billie Jo

Monday Morning Coffee

Good morning!!! As I sit here typing, I hear lawnmowers humming, birds singing, and see small signs all around that this little piece of the world is waking up to another summer day. I am enjoying my first cup of coffee and am getting organized for the day. I hope you had a lovely weekend. Here are just a few pictures of our basically typical summer weekend.

 Yet another turtle, this time Steve saw it on his walk.

Madison baked two perfectly perfect loaves and was sure to share. Is it even summer without a slice of zucchini bread with a slather of melted butter now and then?

Not too long ago, a dear friend asked me where I shopped for clothes. Although shopping and posing are not two of my strong points, I took this selfie last night to text a picture to Madison. She suggested I share it here for anyone who may be looking for someplace to shop. I found both of these at Ann Taylor online. I did get the slacks in petite, and I am glad I did. I am 5'4, by the way. And if you want to see this outfit in a less awkward photo...  

             

Here we are when we stopped at the condo after Mass. We finished the night with dinner out at one of our favorite places, and ran into one of our very favorite managers there!

This morning's walk was beautiful.

          

And lastly, I had a couple of questions about how I make my iced coffee. I just brew extra in the morning, and then I pour it over ice. I top it with some cold foam creamer...I like International Delights... and then enjoy!

Have a wonderful Monday, my friends!

Billie Jo