Journaling my abundant life

Today is Monday April 29, 2024. The last Monday of April!

Outside today – It’s a cloudy morning after a very stormy night.

I’m thinking – about the near future… Things keep changing. Dan expressed he didn’t want me to move out so I am still in our tiny space making it work.

One of my favorite things – Talking to Jesus. He is my closest dearest friend.

I’m wearing – blue jeans, light sweater and hey dudes.

I’m reading(read)/Watching(watched)/Listening to – My Chronological Bible reading. That has been about it!

I’m praying – for a blogger friends, Uncle with cancer, coworkers with cancer in their families, aunt that eye surgery this past week, relationships that I need to cultivate, and as always me and Dan!

A moment from my day – After helping my sister unload the last POD at her new house on Saturday we went for pedicures. It felt so good after all those steps!

Closing notes – Dan and I are looking into a bigger condo in the complex where we currently have our condo. Our current condo is a one bedroom. It is bigger than our current tiny space living conditions but not a lot. We are also considering property in Mississippi. When he retires in January we are hoping to make a move… Praying for peace at which we should do.

Monica

Wednesday Hodgepodge

I love joining Joyce From This side of the pond to participate in the Wednesday Hodgepodge. It’s just list of random questions that we answer. It kind of helps us get to know each other a little better.

1. When did you last have cancelled plans? Were you happy about that or disappointed?  With Dan I never make plans because I never know what he may want to do at the last possible second. I feel like I live in a state of disappointment. I know that sound ridiculous but I am working on changing this situation.

2. On a scale of 1-10 how much of a planner are you? I would be a “1”. Whatever comes up that’s what I do.

1= I go where the wind takes me  

10=I’ve got a power point on it, no matter what it is

3. Do you have a menu plan for the week? If so tell us one or two things that are on it. If not, what’s your plan for not having a plan lol?  No, no menu plan here either. Dan doesn’t eat much because he is constantly dieting. I don’t cook or eat myself most nights.

4. The Hodgepodge lands on National Bucket List Day. Do you have a bucket list? Is it written down or just in your head? What is one thing on your bucket list? If you don’t have a list, what is one thing you’d add to a list if you did? Yes I’m going to make you think about it. Again, NO… no bucket list. I have always just done whatever “everyone else” wants to do. Never given much thought to doing anything different. I am an introvert so I am very content just staying home.

5. Rain buckets, a drop in the bucket, couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket, sweat buckets, cry buckets…which ‘bucket’ idiom applies to your life in some way currently? Probably cry buckets.  I cry at the drop of hat with all the things that I have to contemplate (Pray about).

6. Insert your own random thought here.  Dan and I have decided that we are going to try “being together but apart”. This tiny space living is not good on our relationship at the moment. I have put an offer on a new construction home in the town next to where we currently live. It is also where I have lived all my life, where one of my daughters lives, and closer to my work. I am praying now that this situation works for us or we just “figure it out”.

Journaling my abundant life

Today is Monday April 22, 2024

Outside today – It is a beautiful sunny day however the temperatures have taken a turn for the worse. I woke to 34 degrees! It will quickly warm up to 70 this today.

I’m thinking – about buying my own home. It will be a good arrangement for Dan and I. At least for this season we are in.

One of my favorite things – The sun on my face! Though the temps weren’t up to my standards this weekend the sunshine was!

I’m wearing – Grey leggings with a pink blouse and grey Hey Dudes.

I’m reading(read)/Watching(watched)/Listening to – I’m reading the Chronological Bible and Summer at the Scottish Castle. We have been watching Newsmax. Keeping an eye on Israel. I have been listening to SonLife Broadcast Network on the radio.

I’m praying – for a blogger friend with diabetes and mobility issues, Uncle with cancer, my relationship with Dan (direction), coworkers with cancer in their families, our son to return to Jesus, Israel, President Trump and our country.

In my kitchen – should I just remove this prompt? Another week of nothingness! LOL! I did cook breakfast Saturday morning. Bacon and egg sandwiches.

Post Script – This is where I learned to knit my socks! The easiest tutorial I have found!

A moment from my day – well, my sock fits. It was my first one so it is not very attractive. I have put the socks down and picked up the cardigan though. I need to put in some time on it while I find an easy sock pattern for sock yarn…

Closing notes – I’m done obsessing over socks! LOL!

Monica

Friday’s Fave Five

Joining Susanne at Living to Tell the Story to share five of my favorite things from this week.

1 – Sunday we made a whirl wind trip down to the condo. It’s just over an hour each way. We wanted to install a new driver seat in the boat. Dan likes to sit up so he can see over the windshield. This was a success with very little difficulty. I was holding my breath the entire time. You know those kind of tasks? LOL!

2 – Monday we got our new patio poured. I can’t wait to get the landscaping, privacy fence on two sides and get it set up a little to enjoy sitting outside. I think this is going to be a bit… LOL!

3 – A cleaned up puppy! Tuesday was grooming day for Lewey! He was over due for sure!

In the old car on the way to the groomer

Not so shaggy anymore.  Seems like all my pictures of the poor old man are sleeping! Lol!

4 – God’s word is always on time! This week I have had a few downs. Each time that I got to feeling blue about the situation of our relationship I came across a post or email devotion that was just what I needed to hear! Frustrated with unanswered prayer? (Billy Graham email devotion) God’s faithfulness is not dependent on our feelings are just a few.

5 – Answered prayer! My uncle’s cancer is only in his colon.  No other organs! I know that may not sound good to some but we count it as a blessing. Treatment will be hard but not as bad as it could be.

I hope you all have a blessed weekend!

Monica

Wednesday Hodgepodge

I am joining Joyce at From This Side of the Pond for another weekly Hodgepodge. It seems to be one of the only things I am consistent with.

1. What’s a skill you think everyone should have? Hmmm, is common sense considered a skill?! LOL! No in all seriousness I believe that budgeting/finance should be something that everyone should master. This world would not be in such a state if we all knew how to budget or money better.

2. Do you have a special place or organizational system for gift wrapping? Do you still buy ‘real’ cards to send for birthdays, anniversaries, get-well, etc?  When we lived in the home that we raised our kids in I did have an organized gift wrapping station. I always had gift wrap or bags for whatever occasion. There was also a small stash of “gift” for those “in a pinch” times. Today I do still send real greeting cards. I think it makes my loved one feel a little extra special to get something in the mail.

3. It’s National Banana Day…are you a fan? What’s your favorite thing to make with bananas or, if you’re not a cook, your favorite thing to eat that contains banana?  Yes, I do like bananas if they are not OVER ripe. My favorite way to eat them is with peanut butter.

4. Do you believe in second chances? Elaborate. OH YES I DO! I am getting a second chance with my marriage and I am so thankful for it. Everyone should be extended grace at least once…maybe twice. If someone is never shown grace how will they ever know to extend grace themselves.

5. What is your idea of fun? I enjoy lots of things at different times. I like to ride the Harley or side by side with Dan. I like to go boating and dropping anchor in a cove to just relax. Then there are days that I enjoy being on the couch and knitting while watching something on television. Spending time with my little granddaughter! There’s lots of things that I consider to be fun!

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Lol! Hope the rest of your week is spectacular!

Journaling my abundant life

Today is Monday April 14, 2024

Outside today – Sunny and beautiful. We have temps of 66 degrees this morning. Expecting it to be 88 today with storms moving in this evening. It’s spring time!

I’m thinking – How I have lacked motivation to do very much. Car shopping totally zapped me! LOL!

One of my favorite things – learning new things! I have almost completed my first sock. It is in worsted weight yarn because I needed something substantial to hold on to for my first try. It’s not beautiful but I get the gist of it now. I have a hole in the gusset and I need to learn how not to let that happen. If you have any suggestions please feel free to assist!

I’m wearing – capri jeans and a floral blouse with white Keds.

I’m reading(read)/Watching(watched)/Listening to – I’m still reading Summer at the Scottish Castle. Still focused on my Bible reading for the year and I am still wading through Numbers. This weekend we watched and listened a lot to Newsmax with all that is going on in Israel.

I’m praying – My Uncle’s cancer, co-worker family with cancer, direction in life, Dan, our children, Israel, lost family members, restoration of relationships, blogger friend with diabetes issues, and the believers to stand strong during these days.

In my kitchen – I actually made a big batch of tuna salad last night. Something light in the evenings. We don’t eat much through the week.

Post Script – I haven’t been around much this week so I don’t really have anything to share here. I visited a few of my friends over the weekend but not much else.

A moment from my day – We are getting a small patio poured outside the backdoor this morning. Hopefully the rain will stay away long enough for us to get it covered up this evening after work.

Closing notes – I got my new car. I am so glad that this task is done and that I won’t have to do it again for a very long time! I am happy with my new GMC Terrain.

I hope you all have a great week and I will get around to visit you all shortly!

Monica

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Joining my friend Joyce at From This Side of the Pond to share my Wednesday Hodgepodge.

1. Do you complete your own tax returns or hire out? Something you’ve found taxing lately? 

I complete my own. It’s pretty cut and dry. Nothing to claim. The most taxing thing I have been dealing with lately is shopping for a new car… UGH. The entire process is very TAXING!

2. It’s spring (in the northern hemisphere anyway)…would you rather spend the day hiking in the great outdoors or planting a garden? Do you/will you have a garden this year? Flowers, vegetables, or a bit of both?

These days I would Hike in the great outdoors. There was a season the planting a vegetable garden would have been my first choice but planting a garden would require care over time that I don’t have the energy for these days.

3. Do you consider yourself a patient person? In what sort of situation is patience not desirable? Are you happy with the degree of patience you have in your daily life? If not, what can you do to cultivate more of this quality in your life? 

Over all I consider myself patient. I am in a season of waiting right now which takes patience. Some days it is easier than others. When it becomes difficult I pray about it.

4. Do you like the flavor cinnamon? If so what’s your favorite something made with cinnamon? 

Yes, I like cinnamon. For some reason I relate cinnamon to fall. In the fall I love to make Pumpkin Cinnamon chip cookies. They are the BEST and most requested thing from my family!

5. Learn by watching or learn by doing? Elaborate. 

I feel that I learn best by watching and doing at the same time. Lately I have been watching different knitting videos on Youtube and practicing along at the same time.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I thought I would have my very taxing task completed this evening but it doesn’t look like it is going to happen. We are expecting storms this evening and I don’t want to be out test driving cars in the rain. Putting this off another day or two.

Journaling my abundant life

Today is Monday April 8, 2024

Outside today – It’s a beautiful spring morning! Mostly sunny and warm. Waiting for the Eclipse!

I’m thinking – how bad I am about taking pictures in the moment.

One of my favorite things – finished projects! I finished my hat last night. The contractors finished the shouse on Friday! It looks so much nicer!

I’m wearing – blue jeans with a hoodie. Under the hoodie is a “Joyful” t-shirt! (that is a shirt that I got from Joy FM radio)

I’m reading(read)/Watching(watched)/Listening to – I’m kind of reading a book called Summer at the Scottish Castle. I only read a few pages at time because… I’m trying to catch up my Bible reading for the year. I am wading through Numbers. I have been listening to Newsmax while I knit. There really isn’t anything that I am interested in watching.

I’m praying – My Uncle’s health issues, co-worker family with cancer, direction in life, Dan, our children, Israel, and blogger friend with diabetes issues.

In my kitchen – I had some chili last night! That’s about the extent of the Kitchen. The chili was in the freezer and we thought we should use it up.

Post Script – Thinking about cutting my hair… Dan may not like that too much. But this is what I am thinking… I’ll share it with him and let him warm to the idea before I do anything drastic.

A moment from my day – Walking my old pup Lewey. He’s so old and starting to get very slow. He doesn’t really like to be away from his warm bed for very long.

Closing notes – I am looking at purchasing a new car. This is one of my least favorite things to do… car shop. Will it be this month? I think that was the Hodgepodge question. Well, it looks like it will be this month (this week) after all. More to come on this later.

I hope you all have a blessed day and enjoy viewing the Eclipse!

Monica

Friday’s Fave Five

Joining up with Susanne this week at Living to Tell the Story to share some of my favorite things from the week. It’s a struggle this week since I have had a cold and been kind of down but I will give it my best shot!

1. Resurrection Sunday! I did not get to attend services at a church but I watched a service online. I also watched the Franklin Graham Easter Message from Israel. It blessed my heart!

2. Rain. In Missouri they say we have been in draught conditions. We got quite a bit of rain on Monday. Our pond has completely filled up. Now, there was some severe weather that moved through as well and many have had trees blown down. Probably some not yet discovered damages. That’s never good.

3. Knitting time. Dan worked late a couple nights this week and I took full advantage of the free time (after cleaning on the cabin) to get some knitting in.

4. Feeling better. There is nothing like feeling better after you have been feeling so awful! A couple nights of some Nyquil and I am feeling much better! Ready to get my Linda “fix”! LOL!

5. We are getting some new siding on our Shop/tiny space living… The wood siding was rotting and looked terrible. Last summer we put metal on the front and added a awning to cover the front door. Now the final three sides are being done by a contractor. Too much for Dan and I to tackle.

I hope you have a blessed weekend!

Monica

Wip’s

I started this Journeyman hat last night and couldn’t put it down. I love the rhythm of this pattern. I can easily watch/listen to television and knit away. The yarn is so soft and is going to knit up into a very nice hat.

I haven’t worked on my cardigan this week. We had people checkout of the cabin so we have been cleaning the last few evenings. Then I started on the hat… end of story! LOL!

That’s it. I only have two WIP at this time. How are your projects coming along?

Hope you have a blessed day!
Monica