Slow and Sweet Sundays at Home

 

Sometimes Sundays are meant for adventure but today was all about home comforts. Instead of heading out for our usual “Sunday Funday” I leaned into a slower pace, and was just what I needed.

The kitchen became my cozy corner this morning. I prepared cheese ravioli to tuck away for a few easy work lunches this week, and the oven carried the rich chococolatey aroma of s’more brownies that will make the perfect treat later. There’s something so satisfying about stocking up on homemade goodness before a busy week begins. 

I also turned my attention to the house. The guest bedroom is now fresh and ready for Kyndall and Liam’s next visit (and yes, their parents too!). A quick reset in the bathroom brought everything back into order~counters wiped, bath products neatly put away, and the floors shining again.

The best part of the day, though, was simply being with Mr. C.  We spent the afternoon catching up on Netflix, chatting about our upcoming plans, and just enjoying the quiet rhythm of being home.

Two Netflix shows we watched was American Murder: The Family Nextdoor and also Ad Vitam. Both were decent to watch. 

 As the weekend winds down, I feel refreshed and ready to stop into a new work week. Sometimes, the sweetest Sundays, are the ones spent right where you are. 

Watermelon Jam Recipe

A Taste of Rush Springs: Homemade Watermelon Jam

With Rush Springs being well known for their watermelons, I just have to share this easy watermelon jam recipe with you. There’s something special about homemade jam-it simply taste fresher and better than anything store bought. This vegan-friendly jam recipe is easy to make and a perfect way to use those local,  homegrown watermelons. 

Watermelons might not be the first fruit you think of for jam, but trust me-it makes a light, refreshing spread that’s perfect on toast, bisquits, or even swirled into yogurt. Plus, it’s a fun way to hold onto that taste of summer a little longer. 

Ingredients 

4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed and blended into juice.

2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh is best)

3 cups of sugar 

1 box of fruit pectin

Instructions

1. Prepare the watermelon

Cut cucumber into cubes, remove any seeds. Blend until smooth the measure out 4 cups of juice.

2. Cook the mixture

In a large pot, combine the watermelon juice and lemon juice. Stir in the fruit pectin and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium high heat.

3. Add sugar

Once boiling, add all the sugar at once. Store continuously and return to a full rolling boil. Let it boil hard for one to two minutes.

4. Check consistency

Remove from the heat and skim off any foam. To test at the gym is ready, place a small spoonful on a chilled plate. If it thickens as it calls, it’s set

5. Jar the jam

Carefully lot of the hot jam into sterilize jars, leaving in about 1/4 inch a space at the top. White rims, seal and process in a hot water bath for about 10 minutes.

Tips and serving ideals

Try spreading watermelon jam on a warm biscuit or scone for a sweet taste.

It also pairs beautifully with cream cheese and crackers for a quick appetizer.

This recipe makes about 5 to 6 half-pint jars, perfect for sharing or storing away for later. Every bite is like capturing a little taste of summer sunshine!

Just like the Rush Springs watermelon festival brings people together to celebrate community and summertime sweetness, this jam captures that same spirit in a jar. Whether you’re spreading it on toast at breakfast or gifting, a jar to a friend, you’re bringing a little piece of Oklahoma’s summer to tradition right into your kitchen.

  

Iron Flame Book Review

 

By Rebecca Yarros

Fantasy Romance

Published October 31 2023

Iron Flame is the second book in the Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros,  released in November 2023. It builds directly on the events of Fourth Wing and continues Violet’s harrowing journey through dragon-rider training and revolution. 

Story highlights 

-Immediate Aftermath- The book begins with Violet grappling with shocking truths: her brother Brennan is alive and leading a rebellion. There’s a dangerous creature called Verin beyond Nevvarreis wards,and her love interest, Xaden, has been hiding secrets.

-Back at BasgiathWar College-

Violet returns for her second year, facing brutal training under a sadistic new vice president, Major Varrish, while her dragon Andorra, undergoes a mysterious sleep-like transformation.

-Secrets and Mistrust-

Her relationship with Xaden continues to strain under secrets and conflicting ideals of trust. Meanwhile, Violet distances herself from some friends, with betrayals like Dain’s memory-readings, and steps deeper into revolutionary plots. 

-Uncovering Ancient Lore-

Violet and her allies steal long-lost journals of the First Six-the creators of Novarre Wards- hoping to learn how to fix the failing shields protecting their world. 

-Capture and Torture-

Varrish eventually captures Violet, torturing her for information. Dain intervenes, stabbing Varrish, and Xaden arrives to rescue Violet as he professes his love. 

-Rebellion Rises-

The truth about the venting is finally revealed to the school. Many students join the rebellion. A new base is built in Aretia rallying more allies- including Violet’s sister, Mira

-Dramatic Finale-

The venin attack Basgiath, overwhelming its wardstone. Violet discovers Andarna’s vital role in restoring the wards-only to lose her mother. Who sacrifices herself to power the magic. Xaden seeking to protest Violet, channels venin magic, himself changing the stakes-and himself forever. 

Characters navigate a web of secrets, loyalty, and betrayal. Violet’s struggle between honesty and survival is consistently on her mind. 

The magics, politics, and history of the Empyrean universe deepen in this installments: ancient ward love, terrifying venin, and darker magic take the forefront. 

I had no clue this series was so good.  Personally I do like the fantasy and steam punk romance. It did have several steamy scenes, intense chemistry. The perfect book for me! 

If you haven’t started this series yet. I highly recommend it to you! 

  

Midlife My Way

Becoming Me At 58

There’s something about reaching midlife that makes you a little more reflective – or maybe a lot more. Lately I find myself pausing to ask. “ Am I where I want to be? Do I need to change anything going forward?” These aren’t gloomy thoughts, just honest ones. With age,  perspective, and the older I get, the more clearly I see how each season of my life – good, bad, and everything in between – has shaped me

I’ve had years filled with struggles, disappointments, and what felt like setbacks. At the time, those moments knocked the wind out of me. But when I looked back now, I realize things could have been worse. In fact, those bad years taught me lessons that no easy road ever could. Each season sharpened me a little, toughen me a little, and made me a little wiser.

And here’s the best part of growing older: I finally finally don’t care what people think about me. Do you know how freeing that is? To embrace who I am, quirks and all, without worrying about whether I “fit”? It’s like throwing off a heavy coat you didn’t realize you were wearing. These days, if there’s something I want to do, I don’t put it on the.” One of these days shelf.” I start making plans, clear my schedule, and just go for it.

No more waiting. No more apologizing. No more trying to fit into a particular group or social circle. If people don’t like me, that’s OK. I’ve discovered I don’t have the time, patience, or energy for drama – or fake friends. My circle of friends has shrunk considerably over the years. Some drifted away and, yes, I was sad to lose them. Others well, I was secretly glad they let themselves out. (No hard feelings, but life is too short for toxicity.)

What’s left now is a very small, but very solid circle. The people who remain are the ones who matter most, the ones I can laugh with, cry with, and be completely myself around. Quality over quantity – is a cliché for a reason. 

And then there’s my husband. Let me just say, I hit the jackpot with him. He’s been my rock from the very beginning, my partner in crime, my sounding board, and – yes it’s true – my best friend. He doesn’t always get me 100% but honestly who could? I’m grateful he gets me most of the time, and that’s enough. After all these years, he’s still the one I’d rather spend a Friday night with than anyone else. That, to me is priceless.

So where does that leave me in this Midlilfe season? Surprisingly… Happy. Not because everything is perfect – because it’s not. But because I’m finally embracing life my way. I don’t have to chase acceptance, approval, or popularity. I don’t have to waste time on people or situations that drain me and I don’t have to put all the things I’ve always wanted to do until.” Someday.”

Ollie’s mini haul

Cherrie and I do like stopping by Ollie’s as you never know what they will have. I had seen several people sharing their scrapbook supplies they bought from Ollie’s. I wasn’t sure I would find any at the Ollie’s I shop at, which is Lawton Oklahoma and Norman Oklahoma. So glad Norman, Ok had plenty of items to choose from! 

I really needed alphabet stickers. I don’t normally use a lot of these type of stickers, but now that I have them I will be incorporating them in my journals. 

The different stickers I picked up will be a great addition to my sticker collection. Several of these are not what I would normally buy. Although I do know I will use them. I also will send Kyndall stickers as well for her sticker book.

 

Monday Rambling

During the work week we get up around 5 am or earlier. Never before 4:30 am, that is to early for me and makes for a long work day.  Getting up at 5 am gives me time to my head space in the right place. Mr. C. And I plan our day or even the week during our morning chats. He is usually at Brody’s Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. This is Brody’s days off.  I am glad that Luther goes over to visit and see the grandchildren. Luther is usually always in pain has been for years. So I understand him not going many places. By him spending time with his son and grandchildren he is making memories. The boys always come running to us when we go over to see them. 

Shelby gave me this Pioneer Woman Instant Pot.  She had got it from her aunt. I also  got an Bundt cake pan, glass lid, and steam rack. Unfortunately it didn’t have the inner pot or power cord. I got both of them ordered and delivered from Amazon. I am excited to start using it, but have no clue how to use it. Thank goodness for google and YouTube.

I do believe that I will try cooking a soup in the instant pot first. Don’t think I can mess up with doing something easy. At least I hope not. Mr. C. told me that since he mastered the air fryer that this was mine to figure out and use. Which I took as he thinks it might be more complicated to use.  At work today I am going to google several recipes so I can add to my own collection. Will have to be things we already like to eat. Where I like to try different foods he doesn’t like experimenting with foods. Every now and then I will try something new and he will like it. My last trip to Trader Joe’s I picked up fried rice and coconut shrimp. He actually liked the dinner and requested more. Totally surprised me. The trip to Trader Joe’s is over a hour away. Guess I will try to get up there in a couple of weeks. Needless to say I am so excited to try it! 

Brody came over before 6 am to help put up a blind in our bathroom. Only took about 15 minutes to install. Told Mr.C. We need to paint the bathroom and he was quick to say no. I really would like to do a makeover in our bathroom. It needs updated with paint and a different shelf over the toilet. Also would love to put different flooring down as well. Maybe I should plan on it and starting buying the supplies. I am pretty sure I could figure out how to do the floor myself. I’ve seen other women laying the flooring. I need to get the measurements and talk to Cherrie about it, she has more knowledge about home Improvements. 

It’s almost time to head to work. My lunch is packed and I am dressed. My lunch today is grilled cheese and tomato soup. For snacks I have black olives and cucumbers. I also have a bottle of water, Dr Pepper and a protein shake. 

Have a good day! I am going to go in and give it my best shot. Thanks for stopping by my blog. 

 

Sunday Reset

Today I stayed home with Mr. C. As you may know that isn’t something I normally do on the weekends. I think today has been fairly productive for us. We cleaned and organized our kitchen. Needed to get the snacks and drinks organized for our small kitchen.  We even cleaned out the refrigerator, which needed some help. I needed to make room for my work snacks. I sliced up some cucumbers to have with ranch dressing. I also portioned out black olives as well. I am going to try hard to get back to eating more healthy. Watching my carbs and cutting down on sweets. Tomorrow I am bringing home a watermelon to take to work as well. My mouth has been watering for a good slice of watermelon. Especially as much as I have blogged about watermelons this month.

Black olives are tasty. They are also rich in healthy fats,vitamins, and antioxidants,  Dr Angie has been giving me advice on how to lower my bad cholesterol thus helping reduce the risk of heart disease. They also have vitamin E, which protects cells from damage.  Unfortunately all my life I have been an unhealthy eater. I realize I can’t turn time around, but I can begin to make better food choices. 

For me I have found if I will do prep night on Sunday nights, I do tend to eat better at work. Cucumbers has quite a few of health benefits as well. They can support hydration, aid, and weight management, promote heart health, and can help regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, cucumbers can contribute to healthy skin, digestion, and bone health. 

So I am trying to be intentional with the foods I am eating. When I am eating better I feel better. I don’t feel so sluggish or tired. Food chatter in my brain is a real problem. Even when I dang well-know I’m not hungry my brain tries to tell me I am.  I under Not all people have the chatter but mine is loud and obnoxious.  Sometimes it’s hard to say no. 

Thankfully I am doing better with getting my work outfits organized and ready to wear Monday morning. My summer clothes are exactly what I had been needing in my life. For the longest time I was wearing dark and heavy clothing all the time. Since I have been losing some weight my clothing taste has changed as well. Have been leaning toward bright fun summer colors. Aqua, yellow oranges and greens as well as pink colors. Have several shirts that is flowers. Definitely a great wardrobe for the spring and summer months. 

This evening is time for reading a book. Currently reading Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros.  I plan on doing another book review when finished with the book. With being back at work tomorrow I won’t be reading it as fast. 

I also worked on my journal for Swap~Bot. I needed to be writing more in it but have stalled out on it. Maybe this week in the evenings I will get caught back up on it.  It’s a two month journal. I haven’t wrote anything in it since last week. Although I have been decorating the pages so they will be ready for my entries. 

Then my planner needs to be updated with Dr visits and special occasions coming up. I also want to order some new planner stickers for fall.  Personally if aI decorate my planner each week I tend to utilize it more often. There is just something about opening my planner and see it looking all cute with stickers and washi. 

Greatful for a good weekend at home with my dear husband. Time went by at a rapid pace for us. I am just glad that it overall was a good weekend. 

 

 

Watermelon Facts

There are 1,200 varieties of Watermelons

Watermelon is grown worldwide and there are well over 1000 varieties to choose from. They all fit into four categories, seeded, seedless, yellow, and orange. Rush Springs is known for our delicious watermelons,  including seeded Jubilee, Black Diamond, Sugar Babies, red seedless, orange seedless, yellow and orange watermelons. 

Over the years watermelons have revolved greatly. Mr. C. For about 8 years worked in the Watermelon field. He planted and harvested the watermelons. He then delivered to the stores. 

Did want to mention that Orange watermelons included

Desert King     Orange Crisp. Orange Crush

                        Yellow watermelons include.

                                                                     Yellow Crimson and Buttercup Yellow

Black Diamonds have very dark exteriors with bright red, super juicy insides.  Rush Springs does grow the best watermelons around. Of course I might be biased as I have lived here for over twenty years. 

It’s an ideal health food

Watermelon offers numerous health, benefits, Primarily, due to its high water content, antioxidants, and various vitamins and minerals. Is known for promoting hydration, Supporting heart health and potentially reducing the risk of certain cancers. It can also aid in digestive, and may help with weight management. Watermelon is particularly beneficial for the kidneys and heart. It acts as a natural diuretic. Watermelon’s citrulline content can help relax blood vessels, which would help improve heart health and blood pressure regulation.  

Gut Health 

provide essential hydration and dietary fiber for the beneficial gut bacteria.

Anti-inflammatory

Loaded with lycopene, Vitamin C, and antioxidants 

Eye Health 

Lycopene and Vitamin A may help preserve eyesight as you age.

Muscle Recovery 

Hydrating nature and amino acid citrulline aid muscle recovery and reduce soreness. 

Nutrition

Packed with vitamins (A,C,B6) minerals (potassium, magnesium,) and antioxidants. 

From weight loss to eye, heart and skin health, cognitive support, muscle recovery, and digestive support,  Watermelon has amazing health benefits.  Have you had watermelon lately? 

Fourth Wing Book Review

Fourth Wing 

By Rebecca Yarros

Fantasy Romance

Published May 2, 2023

I really didn’t have any clue what this book was about except it was fantasy and included dragons. What I did know that several of my co~workers were talking about the books on Facebook. I was able to download it on my Kindle for free!  It took me about 3 days of reading it to finish the book. 

Violet (MC) was well written. I felt like I was with her every step of the way for her training to be a rider. Her dragon was extremely large and powerful whose name is Tairn. 

Violet’s mother forced her into the Riders Quadrant.  Unfortunately Violet has an unspecified chronic disease that affects her connective tissue and making her joints weak. Which means that it’s hard for her to keep her seat while riding Tairn. 

The characters were all written perfectly. A few of the characters were obnoxious. I am a little obsessed with Xaden and Violet. Also Rhi, Liam, Ridoc and Mira. Every character was so detailed. Read the book I’ll become part of the characters, And love the dragons as well. Everyone is so vivid and full of life. The plot twist towards the end was literally shocking.

Violet finds herself in a complicated relationship with Xaden, a wing leader with his own secrets. Will Violet and Xaden be able to fully trust one another? 

There are four wings for riders at Basgiath. Each wings makeup is identical. The wings or how cadets are kept orderly and function under peer command.

Wing leader is a student elected by leadership to be in charge of the entire wing. Xaden is the wing leader and should not be allowed to frolic with the students under him. For me that makes the book more interesting tome. I have always been a rule breaker myself. 

If you’re looking to read a good fantasy series do not sleep on these books by Rebecca Yarros. 

 

Sunday Funday

This mural is super cute found in Norman, Oklahoma. In fact we actually turned around so I could take a picture with this mural. I have been on a mission to find murals near to me. We seen many murals that we are going to take pictures of in the future.

Barnes  and Noble Bookstore

Going in to this bookstore is like being embraced by a familiar friend. So many books to choose to buy. I want so many of the new releases on a limited budget.  

Who likes a little spice in their books? You better believe I do! I remember years ago my Grandma Pearl said “I don’t need to read an instruction manual on sex.”  She definitely would blush as these spicy books that I have been reading! 

It’s time for Lunch at The Sweet Basil Thai Restaurant. Oh my gosh I really enjoyed the food. I will be going back to try different dishes. Do you enjoy trying different foods?

The decor was cute, exactly how I would have wanted the restaurant to look like in real life. 

Cherrie had sweet and sour stir fry. She went with zero spice.

I had Pineapple fried rice with chicken. Level 4 spice. Somehow I ended up with zero spice level and Cherrie got the spice in her dish.  I had no clue she could not do “heat” in her food.  We’ve been friends well over 30 years and just finding out this info.

Seems like So many restaurants are putting this on their walls. Makes me wonder what the next decor craze will be?  It’s cute and makes for a nice place for pictures.  As many of  you are aware Iam big on pictures. I remember a season in my life I did not take any pictures of myself because of low esteem.  With doing our Sunday Fundays I need pictures even of me! 

After eating we went to Ollie’s for a few things. Found more scrapbook supplies. I spent about $50.00 on supplies.  I do plan on doing a scrapbook haul post soon. I know what I got was well worth the money. I didn’t have many alphabet stickers and bought several packages. Will use them in my journals. 

Crest was our last stop. I had my list, then Brody’s small grocery list. Cherrie is getting groceries as well.  Since her list isn’t as much as mine she will grab items on Brody’s list. Am sure she thought she was doing a scavenger hunt.  

Overall the day was great. Am always grateful that we are able to get out and have these special days. 

 

National Book Lovers Day

 As long as I can remember I have loved reading books. Much to my surprise, we have a National Book Lovers Day!  Seems like I am always learning something new from the internet.  I treasure my books and hopefully always will love them. 

There is a local book club that I can join at our local winery.  I just haven’t gotten around to going yet, The Facebook group gives all the details, but seems like I forget to go or mentally exhausted.  I’ve been wanting to keep a detailed book review journal on books I’ve read. Just haven’t done that either.  

I recently got a library card to a library in same town that I work out. Much bigger library than my local library.  They are always doing fun activities.  I may have to check out the books that the book club are interested in reading this month. So I can be ready for the next meeting.  

How I will probably celebrate National Book Lovers Day is reading a good book with a glass of wine. May even go to the library and enjoy the morning.  Celebrate this day with a great book. 

Rush Springs Watermelon Festival

      Rush Springs Annual Watermelon Festival 

I haven’t been to the Watermelon Festival in many years. This year our grandson Lane is going to be in the Little Tots competition.  So it was worth fighting the crowds to watch him be on stage. 

So we live in the country and when we got to the highway intersection we saw a bad wreck right in front of us. A black car turned into a truck with a stock trailer. It shook me up. It took less than a minute for the police to arrive thankfully as they were at the football field. We continue on to the park and it took us 30 minutes to get to park because of all the traffic.  Keep in mind our small town has normally a little under 1,200 people, during festival day it swells to over 20,000 people.  Then I had a motorcycle that didn’t even look as he pulled out in front of me. Wow!  

Lane on the stage answering his questions and then he sings Jesus loves me. He did amazing on stage.we were all so proud of him. We wasn’t sure how he would do but dang he did so much better than we thought. I was thinking he would freeze up when he seen everyone in the crowd. 

Brody, Mr. C. Landon and Landon.

Lane and baby Sophie

Sophie hanging out with us at the park.

Went to see the crafts and goods being offered at the festival. It was getting hot and more crowded as the morning wore on. 

Lane and Landon on the carnival rides Friday. Ignition.

Landon is excited to be driving the car. Love watching how happy the boys were at the carnival.

Lane said the hot air balloon ride was his favorite ride.

Lane got 3 rd place in the Little Tot competition. 

Grandpa and Luther having a moment before the competition starts. 

Grandpa, Lane and Brody. 

After leaving the festival we went to Marlow to eat lunch at Esperanza. 

Chips and dip was served as always. This could be a meal by itself. I always eat way too much of the chips. 

My food was so good had to have the street tacos.  This is our favorite restaurant to eat at that is close to us. The food is always delicious and everyone is so friendly.  We do have to drive to Marlow, Oklahoma but it’s only a 15 minute drive. 

Sophie 1st month

How sweet is this precious granddaughter of ours? Mr. C. And I already over the moon with her arrival. I have found that I’m making excuses after work to go over to The Crow’s to hold baby Sophie.

She looks so much like her daddy and brother Lane.  Love her beautiful skin tone.

Baby is so peaceful in her sleep. 

Look at how wide awake she is tight now.

Her brothers sure do like to be near her. I just know they are going to be so overprotective of their baby sister. 

Happy 1st month with us Sophie!