Thursday Ramblings

Thursday Ramblings — Birthday Plans & Tulsa Dreams

Today is Thursday, May 7th, and I turn 59 years old on May 9th! I am honestly so excited about my birthday this year. Sometimes birthdays feel simple, and sometimes they feel extra special, and this one definitely feels special to me.

Mr. C and I are still trying to decide exactly what we’re going to do for my birthday dinner. Right now, I think we may either go eat at Interurban or bring it home and have a cozy dinner there. We’ve also talked about just doing a simple little ice cream date at Dairy Queen in Chickasha. Honestly, either one sounds perfect to me.

Part of the reason we’re keeping it simple is because Mr. C is already treating me and Cherrie to a Tulsa birthday weekend on May 30th, and I am SO excited about that trip. We’ll leave early Saturday morning and come back Sunday evening, and I already have a huge list of things I want to do.

At the very top of my list is the Tulsa Farmers Market. I absolutely love walking around markets, looking at handmade items, fresh flowers, baked goods, and just soaking in the atmosphere. I also really want to visit the Outsiders House Museum. I’ve heard such great things about it, and for only $10, it sounds like a fun little stop.

Another place I hope we get to visit is the Tulsa Botanic Garden. I know the flowers and walking paths will be beautiful this time of year. And of course, I know we’ll spend some time at the Hard Rock Casino Saturday evening. They have several restaurants inside, and honestly, I’m already thinking about all the good food.

I’d also love to spend some time exploring the Tulsa Arts District and taking pictures of some of the murals around downtown. Tulsa has so many colorful and artistic spots, and I definitely want to capture a few photos while we’re there.

A few other Tulsa ideas that are on my “maybe” list are:

• Gathering Place Park

• Route 66 attractions

• Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios on Route 66

• Mother Road Market

• Cherry Street shopping and coffee spots

• Watching the sunset over the river parks

I already know there’s no way we’ll fit everything into one weekend, but honestly, planning the trip is half the fun for me.

Today after work, I’ve got several errands I need to run. I need to pick up my medicine, and I’d really like to get my nails done if I can work it in. Lane also has baseball practice tonight at 5:00. I may not make it right at the beginning, but that’s okay. It’s only tee-ball practice, and sometimes you just have to do what you can do.

I’ve also been working hard on my budget lately. I’m getting very close to paying off my Jeep, which feels amazing. I also only have one payment plus $40 left on another bill I’ve been paying since 2023. That is going to be such a relief once it’s completely off my monthly budget.

Of course, once one trip is planned, I’m already thinking about the next one. I’m hoping to go to Watford City later this year once I find tickets on sale. I’ll probably only stay about four days because I don’t want to overstay my welcome, but I’m really looking forward to it.

And beyond that, I’m already dreaming about a bigger trip for next year and hopefully even a trip to North Dakota to spend time with Trevor’s family.  Traveling takes money, planning, and time off work, but I truly enjoy the planning process almost as much as the actual trip itself.

Anyway, I hope y’all have a wonderful Thursday and are making fun plans for your own weekend. Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today.

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.

Ideals for March With Grandchildren

 

March Magic in Oklahoma: Grandparent Adventures & Cozy Kitchen Fun

March is one of my favorite months here in Oklahoma. Winter begins loosening its grip, little hints of spring start popping up, and it feels like the perfect time to make simple memories with the grandkids. Whether it’s exploring the outdoors, visiting a fun attraction, or baking something delicious together, March gives us so many little opportunities to slow down and enjoy time as a family.

If you’re a grandparent looking for a few fun ideas, here are four simple Oklahoma adventures and two easy recipes that make March extra special.

🌷 

1. Visit the Zoo for a Springtime Animal Adventure

One of the best ways to spend a day with the grandkids is visiting the zoo. Animals are usually more active when the weather starts warming up, and kids absolutely love seeing them up close.

A wonderful place to explore is the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden. In March, the temperatures are usually perfect for walking around and seeing everything from elephants and giraffes to playful otters.

Grandparent Tip:

Bring a small notebook and let the grandchildren draw their favorite animals during snack breaks. It turns the visit into a mini adventure journal!

🌼 

2. Go on a Spring Wildflower Walk

March is when the first signs of Oklahoma wildflowers start to appear. A gentle walk through nature is a peaceful and meaningful activity to share with grandchildren.

One lovely place for a stroll is the Oxley Nature Center. The trails are easy to follow and full of birds, plants, and little surprises along the way.

Grandparent Tip:

Turn the walk into a “nature scavenger hunt.” Ask the kids to look for things like a yellow flower, a bird feather, or an interesting rock.

🎨 

3. Explore a Museum with Curious Minds

A museum visit can spark imagination and curiosity in both kids and adults.

The Science Museum Oklahoma is full of hands-on exhibits that make learning feel like play. Grandchildren can experiment, explore, and ask a million questions while grandparents enjoy watching their excitement.

Grandparent Tip:

Let each child choose one exhibit they want to show you. It gives them a sense of pride and makes the day feel special.

🌳 

4. Have a Picnic at a State Park

March weather is often perfect for packing a simple lunch and heading outdoors.

A beautiful destination is Keystone State Park. With wide open spaces, lake views, and plenty of room to run around, it’s an ideal spot for grandparents and grandkids alike.

Grandparent Tip:

Bring a kite! March winds in Oklahoma make for excellent kite-flying days.

🍓 Recipe Time: Cooking with the Grandkids

One of my favorite ways to spend time with grandchildren is right in the kitchen. Little hands love helping measure, stir, and taste.

🍓 

Strawberry Shortcake Cups

These are simple, sweet, and perfect for spring.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh strawberries
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 package shortcake cups or pound cake
• 1 cup whipped cream

Instructions

1. Slice the strawberries and place them in a bowl.
2. Sprinkle the sugar over them and let them sit for about 10 minutes to make a sweet syrup.
3. Place a shortcake cup in a bowl.
4. Spoon strawberries over the top.
5. Add a generous dollop of whipped cream.

Grandkid Job: Let them spoon the strawberries and whipped cream. It may get messy—but that’s half the fun!

🥣 

Grandma’s Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

A warm bowl of soup is perfect for those cooler March evenings.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1½ cups egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot and sauté onion, carrots, and celery until soft.
2. Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
3. Stir in noodles and cook about 8 minutes.
4. Add shredded chicken and simmer a few more minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper.

Grandkid Job: Older grandchildren can help measure noodles and stir the soup.

💛 Final Thoughts

The sweetest memories often come from the simplest moments—watching animals at the zoo, walking along a quiet trail, sharing stories at a picnic table, or baking something delicious together.

March is a beautiful reminder that new seasons bring new adventures, especially when we share them with the ones we love most.

So grab those grandkids, step outside, and make a few wonderful memories.