No Rush Here

Good morning, my friends! Thank you for the get-well wishes, and I must tell you, they appear to be helping. I was thinking today that this chest cold has really helped me keep things in perspective. It is no secret that I am organized and work best on a schedule. The past few days have reminded me that we can plan all we want and schedule to our heart's content, but life may have other plans. And that is ok! Let's take a look at what I had planned for this week, shall we?

1. Decorate for Easter

2. Update my planner

3. Write out Easter cards

4. Attend Adoration at church

5. Take Flynn to the orthodontist

6. Attend the penance service at church

7. Go to my eye doctor's appointment

8. Keep the laundry up

9. Organize lesson plans for make-up work

Here is what I have actually done so far this week.

1. Drank so much water

2. Acquired a taste for bone broth

3. Tried unsuccessfully not to laugh with Rhett because it led to coughing, and coughing hurts too much

4. Became way too invested in the Gwyneth Paltrow ski collision trial on tv

5. Slept for three days in an unmade bed with rumpled sheets

6. Called and rescheduled the above appointments

7. Realized how blessed I really am

I used to have a much harder time with these changes in our routines. I couldn't wait to throw open the windows and Lysol the sheets and get things "Back to Normal." Getting older has made me realize that these sick days of crumpled tissues, dirty dishes, and cups with straws scattered everywhere are our normal too. There is no rush. And that my list of things will always be there for me when I'm ready. But for now, I have to run. The trial is just about to start for the day, and I really need to see what will happen!

Stay hydrated and healthy, my friends!

Have a cozy day!

Billie Jo

Monday Morning Coffee

 

Good Monday morning, my friends! I hope your coffee (or tea) is extra hot today! We are still hacking like crazy dealing with a beast of a chest cold here, and of course, it has been kind enough to give each of us a few days in the spotlight before moving on to the next victim person. At times like these, I am thankful for many things, among them, readily available hot water and Vicks Shower Soothers, my comfy set of The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown flannel sheets, puppies who like to snuggle, plastic cups with straws, and family members who deliver food and medicine at a moment's notice. I have cleared our calendar for this week, calling and rescheduling appointments and plans because I would not want to expose anyone to sickness if I can avoid it. 

The weekend was not all coughing and sleeping, though. I witnessed a true feat of determination from my very own couch. This little guy was not giving up, I tell you!

I was also treated to this most beautiful reminder that God is always with us...

Beautiful, right???

Finally, I must share this surprisingly delicious little coffee cake I found. 

It is a peanut butter coffee cake. Want a closer look?

There you are! And it is delicious!

I, of course, want to share the recipe with you. 

Reese's Peanut Butter Coffee Cake

Yep! I found it at Walmart and was skeptical. But it is actually very easy and very good! I did add a few mini chocolate chips myself, but otherwise, I followed the directions on the box. And now I am going to have a little piece with another cup of coffee.

Have a wonderful day, my friends. Stay safe and cozy, happy and healthy. And if you watch The Bachelor, enjoy the finale tonight! I am going to watch it with my friend Heather, and she isn't free until Thursday, so I am going to avoid all info until then!

Thanks for visiting!

Billie Jo

(Google for the images)

Start Of Spring. Outside And Inside.

Spring has arrived here in Pennsylvania, and the outside world is beginning to awaken from the long winter slumber. The lake, which never entirely froze this year, is calm and quiet. The birds have returned to my feeder, especially the jackals, who tend to bully the tiny little guys, and the buds are appearing on the branches. When I step outside, the smell of spring takes me back to the days when my kids were little, and we ventured out to play after months of being indoors. I remember pulling out the bikes and big wheels, wiping off the swings on the swingset, and reminding the kids to stay on the driveway because the grass was muddy and wet. If I try really hard, I can still hear their shouts and giggles of joy. Early spring has a distinct smell and feel, and I will forever associate it with the pure happiness of being outside with my little ones.

Inside, I am beginning to set out my Easter and spring things. So far, I have this on my windowsill. One of my favorite spring scents from Yankee Candle is Jellybeans, and I have had it forever. A dear friend sent me this beautiful flower and I enjoy watching it come to life. 

And that is all I have today, my friends. The weekend will be quiet, with things to do around the house, laundry, grocery lists, mass, and phone calls. Steve and I are watching a fascinating documentary on Netflix called The Staircase, and it is very good. I started one on Netflix called MH370, The Plane that Disappeared, which is also really good. Just in case you are looking for something to watch this weekend!

Have a wonderful weekend, whatever you have planned. 

Thank you for visiting!

Billie Jo

Lazy Wednesday Morning

 

Good morning! I usually enjoy my morning time downstairs, but today I am coming to you from my cozy bed. No reason, except I am feeling a bit lazier than usual! I am just starting this book, so I cannot give any recommendations, but if it is good, I will let you know. Thank you for all the well wishes for Flynn. She is feeling better every day. I forgot how long colds can hang on. Vicks Shower Soothers are a staple in my cupboard now!

I was thinking about things that are a staple in my home, and I realized I always keep certain things on hand. For instance, some of the items you will always find somewhere in my house are extra packs of toothbrushes, assorted sizes of batteries, cans of Cream of Mushroom Soup, Vicks VapoRub, corn syrup, sunscreen, and brownie mix. On the other hand, things I cannot keep enough of are things like Tylenol, dog food, paper towels, toothpaste, stamps, scotch tape, and fresh bread. Oh, and cold medicine! Because I buy it when we need it, and then we use it, and it is gone. Note to self: Stock up on cold medicine for the next round. 

Well, I should get up and get moving. Only a little on the schedule for today, which makes me very happy. I have a few things to do around the house and some phone calls to make. Otherwise, I plan on visiting my blog friends this afternoon and having a hot cup of coffee! Have a cozy day, my friends!

Billie Jo