Buying New Refrigerator at Lowes

A Midweek Errand Turned Sweet Memory

Happy Wednesday, friends!

Today turned out to be one of those unexpectedly full and meaningful days—the kind where you set out to simply check something off your list, and it ends up being a little more special than you planned.

Work was good today, and somewhere in between helping members and staying on track, I found myself browsing refrigerator sales at Lowe’s. Wouldn’t you know it—they were running a really good sale… but of course, it was ending today. Isn’t that always the way? So, I made a quick decision, let Mr. C know my plan, and decided that after work, I was heading to Lawton to get that refrigerator bought and taken care of.

Now, Mr. C did have one request—and honestly, I don’t blame him. He asked if I could find someone to ride with me since he doesn’t love the idea of me being in Lawton in the evening by myself. It has gotten a bit uneasy over there at night, especially with the nearby army base and everything going on. So, I called my cousin Brenda, and she was happy to go along.

Well… here’s where things get a little funny.

I picked Brenda up, and as we were backing out of her driveway, she casually mentioned that Jeff was fine with her going on her birthday. Y’all—I completely forgot it was her birthday! I stopped the car right then and there and told her, “Get out! You are not going with me—it’s your birthday!” We both had a good laugh, but she insisted on coming anyway. All she asked was that we make it back by 6:30 so she could still enjoy her birthday dinner that Jeff was making.

So off we went!

Our trip to Lowe’s was quick and smooth. I went in, told the associate exactly which refrigerator I wanted, and got everything handled. I decided to split the payment—half cash, half on a card—and also added the five-year warranty for a little peace of mind. Delivery is set for Friday, and I can already feel what a relief that will be.

This purchase has been a long time coming. The refrigerator we’ve had has lasted an incredible 32 years, and while it has served us well, we could definitely tell this past year that it was struggling. It feels good to finally take care of it, even if 2026 has already brought its fair share of big expenses for us.

But I keep reminding myself—these are investments in our home, and once this is done, we should be in a much better place for a while.

After Lowe’s, I asked Brenda if we had just enough time to swing by Meridian so I could grab an iced coffee—my little treat. Normally, she always says no, but today she surprised me! She had recently tried a salted caramel iced coffee at work and loved it, so we both decided to get one.

And let me tell you—it hit the spot. It had been a while since I had treated myself to one like that, and it made for the perfect little midweek pick-me-up.

We made it back to her house at 6:39—which, if you ask me, still counts as on time thanks to a little girl math. Jeff was there cooking her birthday dinner, and I was just happy we made it back quickly enough for her to enjoy the rest of her evening.

All in all, it was a simple trip—but one filled with laughter, good conversation, a sweet treat, and a little unexpected birthday memory with my cousin.

Sometimes those ordinary days turn into the ones you remember the most.

I hope your week is treating you well and that you’re finding little moments of joy in the middle of your everyday errands. 💛

Book Review EMP Silent Grid

                                                     📚 Book Review: EMP Silent Grid by William Stone

If you enjoy high-stakes survival stories packed with tension, heart, and unexpected twists, EMP Silent Grid by William Stone is one of those books that will absolutely pull you in—and not let go.

At the heart of the story is Lindy, a grandmother who has spent over 40 years preparing for the unthinkable: a complete collapse of the electrical grid caused by an EMP (electromagnetic pulse). While many people might consider that kind of preparation extreme, Lindy has always believed it’s better to be ready than sorry. Over the years, she has passed those survival skills down to her daughter, Megan—teaching her everything from reading maps and traveling undetected to starting a fire without modern tools.

That preparation becomes critical when the unthinkable finally happens.

⚡ Plot Overview (No Major Spoilers)

When the grid suddenly goes down, chaos spreads quickly. At the time, Lindy is caring for her grandchildren, Sierra and Tyler, and takes them on what should be a simple outing to the zoo. Meanwhile, Megan and her husband Jake are over 80 miles away at a resort, trying to enjoy a rare getaway—though Megan can’t quite shake her uneasiness about being so far from her mother and children.

When the EMP hits, their worlds are instantly turned upside down.

What follows is a gripping, emotional journey as both groups—Lindy with the children, and Megan and Jake—must navigate a dangerous, unfamiliar landscape to find their way back to safety. The story alternates between their perspectives, building tension as each faces different threats and obstacles.

🔥 Themes & What Stands Out

One of the most compelling elements of this book is the emphasis on preparedness and generational knowledge. Lindy isn’t just a “prepper”—she represents foresight, resilience, and the idea that survival is as much about mindset as it is about skill.

The book also explores:

• Family bonds under pressure
• Trusting your instincts
• How quickly society can unravel without modern conveniences
• The strength found in ordinary people during extraordinary circumstances

And let’s be honest—this one is intense. There are multiple moments where the tension ramps up so much that you almost have to step away for a breather… only to come right back because you need to know what happens next.

📖 Writing Style & Pacing

William Stone does a great job keeping the pacing tight and engaging. The chapters often end on mini cliffhangers, which makes it incredibly hard to put down. The alternating viewpoints add depth and urgency, giving readers a full picture of the unfolding crisis.

It’s one of those books where you tell yourself, “Just one more chapter,” and suddenly an hour has gone by.

⭐ My Rating & Recommendation

⭐ 5 out of 5 stars

This is an easy five-star read for me. The combination of suspense, emotional depth, and constant plot twists made it a truly memorable experience.

I would absolutely recommend EMP Silent Grid to readers who:

• Love survival or post-disaster fiction
• Enjoy strong family-centered stories
• Appreciate fast-paced plots with lots of twists and turns
• Don’t mind a story that keeps your heart racing

💭 Final Thoughts

What really stayed with me after finishing this book was the question: Would I be prepared? Lindy’s character makes you reflect on how dependent we are on modern systems—and how quickly everything could change.

If you’re looking for a book that will keep you on edge, make you think, and pull you into a world where every decision matters, this one is definitely worth picking up.

Sunday Funday

                  Sunday with Cherrie: A Little Shopping, A Little Lunch, and A Lot of Real Life

There’s just something about a Sunday spent with a good friend that feels like a reset for the week. This morning, Cherrie and I met up at our usual parking spot in Marlow around 9:40 a.m., coffee in hand and ready for a little day trip over to Lawton.

I had a simple mission in mind: find a good pair of walking shoes (hello, New York City trip!) and a pair of white capris to go with a couple of tops I’ve already set aside. Easy enough… or so I thought.

Our first stop was Kohl’s, and while I’ll admit I was a little underwhelmed with their spring selection (it feels like that in-between season where winter hasn’t fully let go and spring hasn’t quite arrived), I did manage to find a pair of white capris. So, win! Sometimes you just have to take the small victories and keep it moving.

Since we were already in the shopping strip, we popped into Five Below, and honestly, that place is always a fun little treasure hunt. I picked up a second pair of inexpensive AirPods for my plane ride, plus the cutest pink organizer bag for all my cords and tech things. I’m really trying to stay organized on this trip, and having everything in one spot just makes life easier.

By then, we were definitely ready to eat, so we headed across town to Back Porch Draft House. Y’all… so good. I ordered the club sandwich, and Cherrie had the ultimate turkey sandwich, and let me just say—those portions do not play around. The service was on point, and I already spotted a couple more things on the menu I want to try next time. And yes, there will be a next time.

After lunch, we made a stop at Ollie’s. I grabbed some marshmallow Peeps for Easter baskets, but later found out Mr. C’s grandboy’s isn’t a fan—so I’ll just pivot! I’ll take some over to Blake and Jessica’s and share the rest with Michelle’s kids. Nothing goes to waste around here.

I also picked up a couple of towels and a pack of 18 washcloths. And let me tell you… we go through washcloths like crazy at our house. I’m pretty sure Mr. C treats them like disposable paper towels sometimes! But thankfully, they’re affordable, so I’ll just keep restocking and keep an eye on our stash.

Next up was Shoe Carnival, and I finally found what I was really hoping for—a pair of white Skechers. I walked around in them for a bit to make sure they felt right, and I think they’re going to be perfect for all the walking we’ll be doing in New York. Now comes the important part: breaking them in before the trip. Because there is nothing worse than sore feet when you’re trying to enjoy a vacation.

Our last stop was JC Penney, where I had my heart set on finding black slip-on flats and maybe a navy pair of capris. But… no luck. And honestly, it might not have been the store—it might’ve just been me. You know how sometimes you have a very specific picture in your head, and nothing quite measures up? That was me today.

Truth be told, I probably have plenty in my closet already to put together some really cute outfits. But there’s just something special about getting a new piece or two for a trip—it makes it feel a little more exciting, a little more fresh.

Even with all the good moments, I’ll be honest—I didn’t feel my best today. I’m starting to wonder if I’m still dealing with some aftereffects from that bout of norovirus earlier this month. I felt weak at times, like I might just fall out, and that’s not a great feeling when you’re out and about. So I may need to slow down a bit this week and really listen to my body.

But overall, it was a good day. Time with Cherrie, a few things checked off my list, a delicious lunch, and a little reminder that even imperfect days can still be meaningful.

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a little piece of my Sunday with me.

High Winds and Shopping

 

Windy Day Wins 🌬️

Some days just don’t go the way you originally planned—and honestly, today was one of those days.

It turned out to be much colder than expected, and the wind? Absolutely fierce. I had every intention of heading to Lawton to do a little shopping at Academy, Kohl’s, and JCPenney’s to start picking out outfits for my upcoming trip to New York City. But with the wind whipping as hard as it was, Mr. C gently suggested that if I was going anywhere, I should probably stick to heading north or south instead of east or west. And after seeing how the day unfolded, I have to say… he was exactly right.

So instead of pushing my luck, I made a change of plans. I picked up my cousin Brenda, and we kept things simple with a quick trip to Beall’s and Ross. Nothing fancy, just a little outing to get us out of the house—and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

And you know what? It turned out to be just right.

At Beall’s  I found two new shirts (which felt like a win!), and at Ross, I picked up a few things we needed—some pretty underwear, fresh washcloths for the house, and a car charger for my phone. Now, I will say… that charger was a bit of a letdown. It didn’t pair with my Jeep and phone, which I guess is what I get for trusting a $6 charger. Lesson learned!

After that, we made a quick stop at Tractor Supply for some PVC cement, and before I knew it, we were headed back home. All in all, we were probably only out for about two hours—but it was just enough to feel productive without overdoing it.

Later on, while watching the news, I couldn’t help but feel grateful we kept our plans close to home. There were reports of vehicles being blown over by the wind—18-wheelers and RVs included—which really put things into perspective. Days like that remind you that sometimes the best decision is the safer one.

So while it wasn’t the shopping trip I originally planned, it was still a good day. I made a little progress on getting ready for New York, spent some time with Brenda, and stayed safe in the process. And honestly, that sounds like a win to me.

My Guide Dog Is A Wolf Shifter

                                When Love Finds You in the Dark: A Cozy, Heartfelt Review

There is something undeniably special about a story that can make you laugh, feel deeply, and remind you that you are worthy of love exactly as you are—and My Guide Dog is a Wolf Shifter by Roxie Ray does just that.

This cozy paranormal rom-com introduces us to Violet, a woman whose life is completely turned upside down after an accident leaves her blind. As she navigates this new reality, learning to live in a world of darkness, readers are invited into her journey of resilience, vulnerability, and quiet strength. Her story feels grounded and real, even within the whimsical, supernatural world that surrounds her.

Enter Jason—a wolf shifter with a mission… though maybe not the best execution. Tasked with posing as Violet’s guide dog, Jason might just be playing the most awkward undercover role ever. His attempt to blend in as a professionally trained service animal adds a layer of humor that keeps the story light and entertaining. Watching him juggle his dual identity—loyal guide dog and compassionate human companion—creates both laugh-out-loud moments and genuinely tender scenes.

What really makes this book shine is its balance. While it leans into humor and cozy romance, it doesn’t shy away from heavier themes. There are several triggering elements woven into the story, but they are handled thoughtfully and integrated in a way that feels meaningful rather than overwhelming. These moments add depth to Violet’s character and make her growth all the more powerful.

At its core, this story is about connection—finding friendship, trust, and ultimately love in the most unexpected circumstances. The relationship between Violet and Jason develops with warmth and authenticity, reminding us that even in our most vulnerable moments, we are still deserving of care, companionship, and joy.

Personally, I really enjoyed the plot and the way everything came together. It had just the right mix of humor and heart, and I appreciated how the story emphasized that you can be loved exactly the way you deserve to be loved. That message lingers long after the final page.

If you’re looking for a feel-good read with a touch of magic, a lot of heart, and characters you can root for, I would absolutely recommend this one. It’s the kind of book that wraps you up in comfort while still leaving an impact.

Getting Mr.C’s Birthday Plans in Order

 

 Birthday Prep, Busy Thursday & Honey BBQ Wings in the Crockpot

Well hello friends!

I cannot believe today is March 12, 2026 already. This week has absolutely flown by, and I’m pretty sure a big reason for that is all the planning I’ve been doing for Luther’s birthday celebration that we’re hosting at our house this Saturday. Between that and just trying to stay focused and do my best at work each day, the time has just slipped right on by.

This morning we got one big thing checked off the list — our grocery pickup order. That always feels like such a win! I made sure to include the drinks and a few food items we’ll need for the birthday celebration.

For drinks, we’re keeping it simple and crowd-friendly:

- A couple gallons of Milo’s sweet tea

- Root beer  

- Diet Coke  

- Sprite  

- And some caffeine-free strawberry pop

I also grabbed a bag of boneless chicken wings that I’ll make in the crockpot for everyone.

For the main party food, we’re planning to pick up:

- Five large pizzas

- A couple family cheese sticks

- Two orders of boneless wings

One of those wings will be hot for Brody, and the other will probably be garlic parmesan. Then I’ll have my honey barbecue wings cooking in the crockpot, so there should be plenty of food for everyone.

After work today I’m going to run in and grab birthday paper plates and party supplies, and that should pretty much take care of everything we need for Saturday.

While I’m at work today, Mr. C plans to help by doing some cleaning around the house — dusting, vacuuming, and straightening things up. I always appreciate that teamwork when we’re getting ready for company.

Tonight after I get home, my to-do list continues. I’ll need to:

- Fold the laundry that’s waiting in the dryer  

- Clean off my dining room table, which currently has a rather impressive pile of bills sitting on it  

- Finish paying a couple of those bills  

- And run by the store to pick up the photos I had processed so I can get them into my Flora junk journal

So yes… it’s definitely going to be a full Thursday, but it’s all good things and part of getting ready for a fun family celebration.

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### Easy Crockpot Honey BBQ Boneless Wings

Since I mentioned the wings, I thought I’d share the simple way I make them.

Ingredients

- 1 bag frozen boneless chicken wings  

- 1 cup honey barbecue sauce (use your favorite brand)  

- ¼ cup honey  

- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce  

- ½ teaspoon garlic powder  

Instructions

1. Place the frozen boneless wings into your crockpot.  

2. In a small bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.  

3. Pour the sauce mixture over the wings and stir gently to coat them.  

4. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, stirring once or twice if possible.  

5. Serve warm and enjoy!

They come out sweet, tangy, and fall-apart tender, and they’re always a hit at gatherings.

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Well friends, that’s the update for today. I hope your Thursday is going well, and that you’re finding a little joy in the everyday moments.

Be safe, be well, and I’ll see you next time.

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. 

Early morning Owls

           

                                          

A Hoot in the Morning

There’s something special about early mornings in the country. This morning, as I stepped outside to get into the car and head off to work, I heard something that made me pause for just a moment — the soft, steady hoot of an owl somewhere out in the east field behind our house. It caught me a little by surprise, and I just stood there for a second listening. There’s something almost magical about that sound, especially when you aren’t expecting it.

Moments like that remind me just how blessed we are to live out in the country. The sights, the sounds, and even the scent of the air are completely different from what you’d experience in town or in a big city. Out here, you notice things more. The quiet feels deeper. The air smells fresher. And little things, like an owl greeting the morning, feel like a small gift to start the day.

I tried to take that moment in before getting into the vehicle and heading to work. Sometimes those simple pauses are exactly what we need before the day begins.

I can hardly believe it’s already March 10th. Time seems to move so quickly, especially after being sick last week. Missing several days of work really throws things off, and now it means I need to buckle down a bit and focus on doing better and making more saves at work. Getting back into the routine always takes a little effort after you’ve been down for a while, but I’m determined to get myself back on track.

Part of that effort includes trying to get back to healthier eating habits as well. I packed a simple but sensible lunch today. I brought one of those little individual cups of chicken salad along with about five or six crackers. I also packed a chocolate pudding that has 15 grams of protein in it — a little treat that still helps with protein. For breakfast, I brought a small container of berry yogurt, which honestly sounded pretty good this morning even though I haven’t eaten it yet.

To drink, I have a sugar-free beverage and two 20-ounce bottles of water. I’m really trying to be mindful about not consuming extra calories or snacking on things I don’t actually need. Will I eat everything I packed today? Probably not. But I’d rather have it with me than end up hungry and wishing I had brought a little more.

After work today, I’ll need to stop by Walmart and pick up a few things. Then I’ll go by Brody’s to pick up Mr. C. He’ll be there babysitting Sophie this afternoon so Brody can take Landon to his speech appointment. It’s always nice when family can step in and help each other like that.

Once we get home this evening, we’ll settle into our usual routine — making supper, winding down for the night, and getting everything ready for tomorrow. Nothing fancy, just the comfort of a normal evening at home.

But honestly, I think the highlight of the day may have already happened before the sun even came up — standing quietly in the morning air, listening to an owl call out from the field. Sometimes the best moments are the simplest ones.