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...

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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

Friday Is All About The Food

And a few other things too! But food is always fun, so let's see what we ate around here this past week. 

Tuesday, we ate at Madison's, and she and Nicolas made a delicious meal of Buffalo Zucchini Chicken Burgers, and they were amazing! Peyton made them and shared the recipe with us. We had a family favorite of creamed lettuce over fried potatoes. I will link the recipes below. 

Madison makes the most delicious desserts, and she was thrilled to find rhubarb during strawberry season! She made Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble bars and served them with fresh whipped cream. I am so benefiting from spending time with my girls in the kitchen when they were little!

I brought Mocha over to their house for a playdate with Draper. 

Wednesday, we had the chicken zucchini burgers for lunch with some fresh sauteed vegetables I gathered from the veggie drawer in my fridge. I had zucchini, broccoli, snap peas, and cherry tomatoes. I added some salt and pepper and a dash of garlic. So good!

Wednesday night is the one night I know Rhett is home for dinner, so I planned his favorite...tacos! I made mine a taco bowl, and it was good! I had rice, to which Madison added fresh cilantro, ground beef, lettuce, tomato, corn, fresh shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt tastes as good as, if not better than, sour cream on tacos. Just a little FYI for you! And do you have a rice cooker? I absolutely love mine. 

And last night, Madison and Steve made his mom's lasagna. It was his mom's birthday, and she used to make it for him on his birthday. She was a wonderful cook, and her lasagna was one of my favorites. 

Other excitement around here? Well, I am loving my early morning walks, and am in awe each day by the different types of friends I see. Here are a few pictures from the past few days.

Now, I am not going to lie. This last one creeped me out. He was literally walking right towards me, like he was on a mission! I was frozen in place, clutching Mocha, trying to think if I had ever heard of a person being attacked by an opossum. At the last minute, he turned and rambled into the woods. I was never so relieved in my life!

Ok. Then. Moving on. To a cute little animal I love to spend time with, especially on these beautiful summer afternoons.

And I got a cut and color yesterday. I always feel good after someone else washes my hair. 

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends! Stay cool and hydrated and wear your sunscreen. And enjoy. Do what makes you happy. I'll see you back here on Monday.

Here are the links to the recipes.

Buffalo Zucchini Chicken Burgers

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble

Grandma Flo's Lasagna

Creamed Lettuce and Potatoes

Billie Jo