Sam Squared

  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. The C at distribution story over at Two Men made me smile and I will follow the kitten saga. I think they r maybe three new pets.  This is a punch in the gut positive, but happy news. My nephew and wife are expecting a baby. I hate having such a small immediate family that looks like it's going to stay small. Yet, I'm so happy for this part of my family. Both parents to be had loss at very young ages and this little one will have a lot of guardian angels. The snow was enough to cover the ugly. The dogs had a ball- even pup with his new dose of arthritis pills. Sorry it's so dark, was quite early in the morning last Thursday when they were playing.  I

               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...

                                        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 6 to Thursday, February, 12 . I just sort of list things as they come up, then edit before publishing. I'm adding a subcategory, technically part of avoid spending and saving on needs, but with an emphasis on being more intentional- Use It Up/Prevent Waste. Use it Up/Avoid Waste  We had a very simple, but delicious little Super Bowl spread with loss leader pizzas, using the last of the Christmas brie with pears, some sausage my son received at Christmas in a charcuterie box, plus various chips and dip. I had these fun napkins from years ago.  Made four mini loaves of banana bread from bananas that ripened oddly My weekly b...