Sam Squared

           Sorry for the early publish on Saturday. I was starting a running list to add and got a bit over zealous.  On Tuesdays I try and gather a list of things that have made me smile or brought a bit of cheer. Spring is in the air, but it's a bit false as anyone in Minnesota knows, we do not get through the highschool winter state tournament season with out one or two major snow falls. Still, I'll start with weather in my list. Long time readers know I'm a big sports fan, Minnesota teams in particular. I was pretty pumped that both the women and men won gold for the USA, with respectable Minnesota representation. Now, Go Frost! Go Wild.  Prior to Sunday we had spring thinking weather. It made it easier to get things done out and about.  The C at distribution story over at Two Men made me smile and I will follow the kitten saga. I think they have maybe three new pets.  This is a punch in the gut positive, but happy news. My nephew a...

                                          As a reminder in case you feel repetitiveness to my Friday posts, I copy the previous week, delete the old and update as I go along the week. This will help me add as the week goes on. Here's my recap of Friday, February 13 to Thursday, February, 19 . I just sort of list things as they come up, then edit before publishing.  Use it Up/Avoid Waste    Matched up three pairs of socks from the assorted sock bag. I noticed my supply had been dwindling. Turned two with big holes in the heel into Swifter duster covers. These were just Hanes socks but maybe I'll learn to darn, but, I can always use rags.  Avoiding Spending/Saving on needs Entertainment  continued to be  cheap this past week with a lot of Olympic watching. . Meals have all been from loss leaders and adapted to what fill in items are low cost but nutritious...

               I'm trying to use this gift of early retirement better than I feel I have been since my days became my own last April. Now granted, I have substitute taught a few days, took a 12 week part time contract, travelled  a total of 6 weeks (two short and a long) and then got into the holiday season which seems to have calendar of its own. My days vary depending on it the big dog is here and if he's being particularly clingy, antsy and we need to get outside more. But typically, while my days vary, typically each day is a  mix of life admin, housework, errands, meal preparation, personal care/exercise, and free time. Here was a glimpse from yesterday.      My daughter had stayed over the night before, so I didn't even get up with the big dog, but lazed in bed until after 7:00 when I then started coffee. I got showered and dressed and by then, could guzzle down cup number one before brushing my teeth and taking him ...

      Photo by Tara Clark On Tuesdays I try and gather a list of things that have made me smile or brought a bit of cheer. Spring is in the air, but it's a bit false as anyone in Minnesota knows, we do not get through the highschool winter state tournament season with out one or two major snow falls. Still, I'll start with weather in my list. I like that grocery stores carry simple bouquets.   Not my shop above but I enjoy seeing them and occasionally buying a bunch.  Weekend temperatures were crazy hitting the 50's° F. I watched the men's hockey game Saturday and took walks during both period breaks as it seemed silly to be inside for three hours straight. Lots of people were out and there was a cheery mood.  My sister's cat, plus the wanderer instantly greeted me by weeks end. Even the aloof one rubbed up against me and let me give him a little pet.  My sister had a great time, so glad, as she's going to have a rough time after her foot procedur...

      Valentine's Day is come and gone, and I I had not a hint of the day beyond stupid adverts popping up during the Olympics. My sister got home late Saturday night so I didn't have cat feeding duty today. We got along just fine and even the black and white one seemed to like me coming by weeks end. Of course, he knew I was good lady and he likes his food. I tried getting pup outside a lot with the warm temps, but as you can see from this little video, the melt freeze, melt, freeze makes for challenging walks with an old dog.       This week should be quiet and slow. My daughter has tomorrow off for Presidents Day so no big dog tomorrow. Friday is same sisters surgery. I asked for a few favorites from her for recuperation and lasagna and sloppy joes were instant requests so I'll make two separate pans of lasagna and a batch of sloppy joes. She likes goulash how my mom made it with leftover sloppy Joe meat. I'll make that too over the weekend but unli...

      Screen shot of a Jacquie Lawson Animated card      It's Valentines Day-not that I do much to celebrate it. If you do, I hope you enjoy. I liked it as a child and as a parent. The cheesy little cards bought in bundles, then carefully put together with a sucker or mini candy bar. One year I hit a great deal on the conversation heart boxes for both the older kids and those were their give away for the school Valentine's exchange, but we cut out assorted pink, red, and purple hearts to attach as the tag. With the youngest, I think we used fruit chews or fruit by the foot as the treat, though not at all healthier than candy but it felt like it was.       The grandmas got into Valentines action. My mom had a lot of grandchildren, but she'd buy the individually wrapped Russell Stover heart for each of them. The other grandma, not near the numbers of grandkids my mom had, but to this day sends a card with a $5 bill in it. Quite appreciated...