The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY . . . January 6, 2015

Outside my window . . . it is still dark outside. I'm up earlier than usual. I had trouble getting to sleep last night and woke up 2 hours earlier than usual this morning. We're about to get hit by the cold front that is taking it's toll on much of the nation. It's currently 30 degrees and going up to 40 today, but then temperatures are going to plummet for several days. Of course it is January.

I am thinking . . . that all the holiday hoopla is behind us now and we are at the beginning of another new year. Dh is working fewer hours at his "day job", and starting his internship towards his new degree today. Ds goes back to school in a few more days, and I am looking at what the future holds for me personally.

I am thankful . . . for a safe and pleasant weekend away with the extended family. The weather was not cooperative for hiking (lots of rain), but we got a few hikes in and some games played. On the whole everyone seemed to have a good time.

In the kitchen . . . over the weekend I handled most of the food prep for the 10 of us. I did a better job of delegating set up and clean up, though. That made the weekend more enjoyable for me. There were lots of pancakes, bacon, monkey bread, sausages, and eggs for breakfasts, while dinner was hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, and chips the first night. Spaghetti, garlic bread, and salad the second night, and soup and grilled cheese our last night.

I am wearing . . . my Vermont Country Store gown, Dh's robe (as mine is in the laundry) and my faux Crocs.

I am creating . . . my beautiful afghan (this pattern from Attic 24, and a lovely set of DK yarn from Stylecraft). I haven't done a row and stitch count lately, but things are moving at a slower pace right now.

I am going . . . to strike order! All my decorations are still up as we were out of town over the weekend (when I traditionally "undecorate"). So now I have decorations, unpacking, and the usual cleaning to do today. 

I am wondering . . . about communication and walls which can sometimes seem unmovable. 

I am reading . . . I finished The Rule of Four over the weekend. It was quite good, and I have several things I want to look up now to fact check what was true and what was fiction. I started Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy: Women Undercover in the Civil War by Karen Abbott. I'm not much of a Civil War buff, but the premise of this intrigued me. So far it's quite engaging.

I am looking forward to . . . finding another new normal.

I am hearing . . . quiet right now. Dh just left for the YMCA, and Ds and the dogs are still sleeping. I have started a load of laundry, so I can, periodically, hear the washing machine.

Around the house . . . the aforementioned chaos, but also some rearranging is going on in my head that I hope to make a reality soon.

I am praying . . . for Dh in his transition. For kindness in our family, and for a better sense of purpose for me.

One of my favorite things . . . is reclaiming the house after the holidays. I'm sorry to be late doing it this year, but I'm looking forward to having it completed.

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . not much on the books this week beyond the usual. Hopefully some quiet time for setting up new routines and contemplating 2015.

Here is a picture for thought I am sharing . . .

my Lego mini camper and friends set

(hedgehog included!)

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