happy monday...

Not a fun Easter in this home! I was sad to not see any of our children or grandchildren. It was  nothing less than depressing. Oh, and get this, I did not even  make us a special Easter dinner. Not in the mood this year so it did not happen and that is okay.  That being said, we did enjoy seeing pictures of some of our loves which brought joy to both of us! Hoping the next holiday will be different!
Until tomorrow...

look at those excited faces...

want to bake some bread...

I was in the mood to bake some bread so I tried this very easy recipe that came in the mail on a Mergent Financial Flier. The bread turned out to be quite delicious. Thought some might enjoy a little baking project as the weather turned a bit cold here in the Mid-West.

Irish Soda Bread via Helen Whittingham

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine:

• 4 cups of flour
• 1 1/2 cups of sugar
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• Shake of cinnamon

Combine:

• 1 3/4 cups of buttermild
• 1/2 stick of melted butter
• 1 beaten egg

Now:

• Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients with a mixer. 
• Fold in 1 3/4 cups of raisins.
• Add the batter to a greased loaf pan. (I divided the batter into two loaf pans as this made a lot of sticky batter.)
• Bake at 350 degrees for 50 - 60 minutes or until an inserted tooth pick comes out clean.

people are good...

Ava's neighborhood celebrated her third birthday from afar. Thank you, North Parkside: you are without a doubt good people.

happy saturday..

A somewhat busy week for us as construction began on our Larch Condo. We bought a tub and toilet and shower and sink faucets for the bathroom. We bought a beautiful sink and faucet and gorgeous tile for the kitchen and we paid two 50% deposits. WOWOWOW! What does all this mean? Well, at this moment it means that  I know I will be over budget. Oh well, this is our last HURRAH so it is what it is. Right? Going to enjoy another quiet weekend with my guy and will spend most of our time watch Season Three of  Ozark. Sooo excited as this is a great series!
Until tomorrow...

a beautiful thought...

an easy dinner to double that will provide you with left overs...

Photo belongs to Damn Delicious

Ramen Noodle Stir Fry! I love this dish and it is really easy. You must double it as it will allow you a second night of "no cooking" which is always nice. Right?
As Ramen Noodles are scarce now, I used Chinese Noodles and they worked just fine. Oh, and you could always use Angel Hair Pasta; just break the noodles in half before you cook it so the size is right. I don't use Oyster Sauce so substitute Soy Sauce for it; just use a bit less so the dish is not too salty. Enjoy and as always...
Until tomorrow...

a sign of new life...

On my walk yesterday, this beautiful sign of new life appeared before me. It made me smile!
Until tomorrow...

happy monday...

I hope you so survived our "out of sorts" weekend. Things are different but I:

• enjoyed walks daily and that will continue. My mind feels so much clearer when I walk and I'm achieving 4 miles daily.
• talked to our Melody who as of today, has 11 more days in Nebraska. Melody has Plan One to come home and we decided to put Plan Two into place as the goal is to get her back to Bend. All are counting down as travel is tricky.
• did little cooking as we decided to support a local pub on Friday, a "Fish Fry", and Saturday, a small pizza place.
• reorganized and cleaned and purged the bathroom cabinets and drawers; it did not take long but it looks great.
• made a Beef and Ramen dish on Sunday as well as prepped some sides for our Asian Burgers with Slaw that I will cook today.
• organized my files which also took no time and if you saw me do it, you would think "CRAZY".
• somewhat planned my week which will include cleaning, exercising daily, cooking and crafting. It is not much different than any other week for us.
• was happy Nick was able to go out and fish with Michelle and DJ. He needed to make a plan as he is sure to be laid off soon and this wonderful couple once again helped him. He is in a better place now...nature and good people help.

Enjoy our last full week of March and please stay safe!

Until tomorrow...

our new normal...

I decided I have to get out daily for a walk now and eventually for a short run. I need a new workout routine as mine has been lagging, to say the least. Today, I walked 3.97 miles and it felt wonderful. Exercise is good for the mind, body and soul and we all must remember to do it. There were people out, very few, but waves and smiles were exchanged. I spotted some families with their little ones which I was happy to see but all in all, it was very quiet out there. That's okay though; it is good people are isolating themselves; it's the right thing to do but my heart, my heart truly goes out to our young ones.  They are without school and sports and friends and are no longer "care free", and that, my friends, is hard for me to swallow. These are innocent children and young adults who are needing to face a situation that is strange and fearful and scary and that is sooo hard for them as their level of understanding is limited; to say the least. Sad; so very sad!
My advise to you as we now have a mandated "Stay-At-Home" order is to take care of yourself and your family. Stay busy; read, craft, play games, do puzzles, share hugs, cook with your loved ones and try to get outside. Perhaps when you do, you will be lucky enough to see a precious sign like I did this afternoon reminding us that our young ones are desperately trying to cope with this new normal. Love to all and stay safe!
Until tomorrow...

what are you doing these days...

Well, I'm trying not to panic and actually,  I refuse to panic as that does no good; I / we want to work the problem because as soon as I do not, I panic. I begin to feel sick and that is all psychological. Anyone else? Anyone else feeling like this? Okay, moving on...
I am finding comfort in making a daily plan and thankfully, Brian is very accommodating. He knows me and my needs and just goes with it to make things calm in our apartment. So today, my goal was to do one more thorough shopping trip which happened at Jewel and Mike's. (One thing on my list was a candle to buy to help with ambiance and it already did. If you have not done so; do it! Buy yourself a candle and light it. It is well worth the ten dollars.).
Floor and Décor was another one of our destinations today; I needed to pick up kitchen and bathroom tile. Both of us are continuing to be hopeful we will close on our condo on the 27th of this month so I am ordering our redecorating materials. What else on this rainy and gloomy Thursday?
I organized our refrigerator and food cabinets before prepping dinner for tonight which is a fresh salad, garlic bread and homemade chicken soup with spinach and white beans. I do have my meals planned for the next few days and am going to begin a new exercise routine which was a "New Year Goal" that did not happen as I wanted  but has to happen now. All of us need to be thinking of working to better our minds, bodies and souls daily. It is important.
As for a hobby, yes, I continue to knit and crochet. I have many books to read so I am set. I have things to do to keep me occupied.
I so hope all of you do, too, have a plan to stay healthy during these awkward times. Get organized, enjoy your children, take care of yourself and try to stay positive.
Until tomorrow….

happy st. patrick's day...

happpy monday...

Such a different kind of Monday for all; one that we have never experienced. I guess what we need to remember is that we are fragile and our planet is fragile and we must, must stay calm. Take care of yourself, take care of others and be kind to everyone. We must work together to get over this difficult and scary time; we cannot do it alone. Peace on all...
Until tomorrow...

did you buy groceries this weekend...

I usually do not have much in our apartment when it comes to groceries but for some reason, and you know the reason,  I went out and bought food over the last few day. Even frozen food and ordinarily, the only thing you will find in my freezer is frozen chicken breasts, coffee, chicken nuggets for my nuggets and a bag of frozen vegetables incase someone needs an ice pack. Now, I have some frozen burgers and vegetables and oh, my refrigerator and canned cabinet are stocked as well. This is so not like me, but I have felt panicky. I guess better safe than sorry. Did you do the same?

Until tomorrow...

"keep the music in you" during these times...

cucumbers...

I started buying this amazing vegetable again as there is nothing better than a hint of cucumber flavor in your water while you hydrate. It makes the water taste crisp and clean and pure and just plain refreshing. And then, slicing a few discs to put on your eyes to reduce puffiness provides instant gratification. Buy a cucumber and feel good inside and out; it makes me feel that spring is here. A simple remedy for cabin fever; and so inexpensive and natural.
Until tomorrow...

friends...

There is nothing better than getting together with friends. The excited feeling one gets before you arrive at the meeting place, the warmth one feels when embracing that special person and the joy one experiences catching up on each other lives is just wonderful.
Yesterday, I went to St. Charles to meet with three dear friends and one new friend and it was so touching. We shared wine and enjoyed appetizers and shared our "the latest" happenings. After that, we all zone in on are sweet E who updated us on her pregnancy.. Ladies, having a healthy baby is a gift and this woman, who is in her thirties and healthy and extremely health conscious is not going to experience the joy of delivering a healthy one. She is going to deliver a baby with multiple health issues and that precious nugget will instantly be whisked away, evaluated and then the team of doctors will determine if they will operate to repair his heart or relocate organs within his first week of life. Heart breaking 💙
Friends; I don't have many and never have, but the ones I have are special. My guy has been my best, best friend for the past 40 plus years and that has always been enough for me. He is the one I spend my time with besides my wonderful kids and their significant others and my four nuggets but; I do enjoy time with others that I care about. Those are my friends and when I see them, I am filled.
Until tomorrow...

we're moving soon...

Yep, we are buying a condo in Elmhust and it is so cute. It is a
1080 sq ft condo with a great room, kitchen, bedroom, walk-in-closet, bathroom and den. This will be the first home that we are seriously remodeling before we move in as this is kind of our "last hoorah"! How fun is that? Our new place is bright and there is a patio and I cannot wait for the 27th to come and for our construction to begin. This is going to be an exciting adventure.
Until tomorrow...

where has the time gone...

How have I not posted in two weeks? I have been busy; but really? I use to work full time and exercise four times a week and blog daily and cook and clean and now, I don't know where the time goes. Well, this week went by so fast and the highlight was spending the day with our Graham. He had strep but was not under the weather so our day was delightful. We baked and went to Target and build Legos and worked on one of his number/letter books. If you haven't spent time with a five year old in years, let me tell you, it is WONDERFUL! Five year olds love to talk and break into song and tell story after story after story. They are in constant motion and when you sit and listen to them, you instantly break into a smile because they are so real and innocent. I so loved being Graham...it was simpley precious.
Until tomorrow...

how lucky are we...

Last Sunday, we celebrated our 40th anniversary. How could this possibly be? Forty years married to the one you love and validate and consider your very best friend is a gift. How wonderful it is to be able to see the person that means the world to you every morning and enjoy a meal with that one each night and to laugh with day after day after day? And then, to have a partner to celebrate with when your children graduate and marry and find their sweet love is priceless and to be able to share a smile and hug with when your grandchildren are born and grow is something that is beyond words.
Brian and I received many sweet messages from ones we loved on Sunday. We spent the entire day together which simply special. We went to our old town; Flossmoor, for a drink and one of our favorite breweries and then to Gibsons for a wonderful, wonderful dinner given to us by our three amazing kids. We are very lucky people! Happy anniversary to us!!!
Until tomorrow...

and my graham turned five...

How can this guy be five? Oh, my heart, how it aches! Five!?! My sweet Graham; he is smart and always thinking and funny and is hands down, the most terrible eater in our family. He is a lover of learning and numbers and putting things together. He adores his family; when his mom and dad come in the door after work, you would think, by his greeting, that they are celebrities and he really knows how to give his Papa a hard time. As for me, I love talking to him and listening to him and playing games with him and watching him change and grow over the last five years. It has been "pure joy".
Happy Birthday, dear Graham. You are a special one, little man and what a great celebration you had!
Until tomorrow...

How many times have you wished you could give a "Thumbs Down" to a gift?

When you are five, you can do it!!!

are you a podcast lover...

I love listening to podcasts; especially on my five mile walks...the walk seriously flies by and I'm always sad when it is over. That  being said, I have a few favorites; The Goop, Oprah SUPER SOUL, TERRIBLE, Thanks for Asking, and Family Secrets to name a few. These are so entertaining as you learn about families and the things they hide and  how people survive tragedies, you are given amazing self-help suggestions and wonderful, wonderful reads.   One different podcast that I also really enjoyed last summer in Oregon was Dirty John, an entertaining, true story about John, a sicko, and how a family survived his schemes and threats. I later watched the story on Netflix. and must say, I once again enjoyed the podcast much more than the series; somewhat similar to how I always seem to  love the book more than the movie. Anyway, try it and see if you like it and let me know your favorite podcast!
Until tomorrow...

look what i found...

I am going to make some life changes this week as it is very, very needed by me. Saying that I am totally out of a routine is an understatement; a real, real understatement. I need to resume eating healthy and including supplements in my diet and above all, exercising on a regular basis. "Being Unmotivated" has been what I have been experiencing for awhile and that is just not like me. I have no excuses for this but what I am doing is "being gentle" with myself. It is okay that this has happened and now; it is time for me to make a change so look what I bought today. Instead of taking just Apple Cider Vinegar, which can be rough, I bought this mixture of it with turmeric and honey. Both healthy ingredients to ingest daily so I will take this in the morning and begin my new exercise routine... a 3 mile treadmill walk will happen.
Until tomorrow...

tuesday to-dos...

Today I was feeling better so I was out to do a few errands. It felt good to be outside and before going home, I stopped by my  Graham's home as he is now sick. Poor guy has a high fever and looks so under the weather. Hopefully, this will be over sooner rather than later as it is his Birthday Week; on Thursday he will be five. Get well, buddy!

hello to all...

Today, I decided to return to my dear love, Always Seeking Balance. I want to resume my "forever journal" and personal goal setting and share healthy choices I like to make and life changes and recipes I love and organizing tips. I know some do this now on Instagram; but that is so public. I am not ready at this time.
So much has happened last fall and this winter, as all might say and have experienced, and time; it continues to fly. What has been consistent is my guy and I are still enjoying being together. It is good for the soul, for our souls, and we continue to grow and change together. How lucky are we?
I am looking forward to Blogging again and I hope a few of my peeps will follow me on ASB. It's so fun to communicate with all in this way and it keeps me on my toes and accountable for much.
Happy President's Day, all!
Until tomorrow...

time to say goodbye...

I have so enjoyed my "Forever Journal" which will be, hold on to your hat, 9 years old this August but it is now time for me to say goodbye. I have had so much fun documenting my life over this long time as it seriously changed every year. My family has grown and relocated and experienced so much together that, when I think of it, my heart explodes. I'm looking forward to new experiences and adventures as I enter year two of retirement and wish all joy and love sincere happiness.
Good-bye...

happy monday (last monday)...

This sweet family spent the weekend at the Dells. 

How precious are they?

I  hope you had a wonderful weekend! I...

• spent my first Friday afternoon at the pool with my husband which was so fun. It was a beautiful day for sun and water.
• grilled a nice lamb dinner and visited with some apartment friends.
• headed to the H's before 9 on Saturday as Sarah was dizzy and not feeling well. Upon arriving and finding a pale woman who was earlier on the floor as she felt faint, we promptly went into action. Brian took Sarah to a doctor, she had step, and I took care of feeding the kids and getting them ready for the day. When Sarah came back home, we took both to the park and for ice cream so she could sleep and enjoyed a quiet late lunch when Chris returned from a golf trip. 
• enjoyed a quiet "rest of the day" and ate some take-out food as we were not in the mood to prep dinner.
• planned my week on Sunday and sent out some cards; again a low key day which is always fine with me. 

Have a great week!

summer bucket list....

ow

Have you made your Summer Bucket List? Me, not this year as now that I am retired, every day is like a summer vacation day; it really is. How lucky am I???? I did, however, choose these books to read over the next few months which I am excited about and I must say, I have enjoyed going to our courtyard this weekend to read in the quiet which is so very nice. Anyway, if you have not made a list of fun things to do with your family over the summer, it is time. Seeing a list of your "want tos" will help you enjoy this glorious time of the year!
Until tomorrow...

four generations...

...need I say more?

welcome june...

Wow, it has been rough getting back in the swing of things. We came home on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend and it took me two days to finish all of our laundry and clean a very dusty home. Then, it was my birthday and I enjoyed dinner with the Ronans before Wednesday arrived and I had to pick up G at school due to a fever. Thursday morning was for G again and then I went to St. Charles for a pedicure and retirement party. On Saturday, Sarah, Penny and I had lunch with my mom before a busy Sunday: we bought plants and spent some time with the H's and grilled before calling it a dy. Now it's Monday afternoon and I'm tired after doing more laundry and cleaning ad paying bills and just trying to get ready to enjoy June.
Have a wonderful week...