Empty Nest menu #121

One of my mother's chickens, sassily checking me out

Monday - Polenta with beefy marinara, broccoli or peas, roll

Tuesday - Grilled Chicken Breast over chopped salad 

Wednesday - Burger and tots, Camp Rustown style {Teddy comes to visit until next Monday}

Thursday - Greek version of Shakshuka, biscuit, bacon

Friday - Take-Out 

Saturday - Dinner with my sister and brother-in-law for his birthday

Sunday - Steakhouse Mac and Cheese with Salmon, side salad

Gina

Another big clean - attic

I took a few days off from work to deal with the attic in advance of big trash day.*  And really, just to get a break from work.

This is pic of the first load of crap I tossed down - there was no nice way to do it.  Many of the boxes were up there disintegrating.  The whole time I talked out loud.  I'm sure the neighbors think I have lost my marbles, and maybe I have. 

I cleaned up the first mess, ate lunch, then proceeded with throw-down #2.  Literally threw crap down from those stairs you see in the background.  That was in the crap piles you ask?

High school love letters and photos Mark kept.

All of his school work from senior year of high school, plus everything related, as he was class president.  Including all of the planning for his 10 year reunion.

His college work.  His transcripts.

Random work files.  Why.

(his) Bank statements from college.  (our) Bank statements from the early '90s and 2000s.

Bike tires from bikes we haven't had in years.

Two Christmas tree stands.

8 bed elevators.

2 Samsonite suitcases full of air.

Two trash bags of styrofoam peanuts that I had to painstakingly clean up because the bags disintegrated.

Clay targets, empty shotgun shells, a child's life vest that was 30 plus years old.

Empty boxes for all the electronics he bought over the years.

Much more.

All of it made me feel so angry.

After 8 hours of tossing and sorting, I cleaned up best I could for the day.

I stacked the cardboard, loaded up the recycle bin, and created piles of things to deal with.

Things to shred.  Things to recycle as soon as the bin is empty again.

Things to donate.

Things to place outside for big trash day.

Then I went inside and drank wine.

The next day I hauled the giant BBQ pit, and the rest of the big trash out and placed it all at the curb.  I was in Beast Mode.  My neighbors have got to be wondering what is happening over here.

I'll tell you what is happening:  I am gaining control over my life.  I'm getting rid of things I cannot use or don't want.  Organizing what's left.  Apologizing to no one.  Not leaving my kids with everything we've ever owned.

The garage still has too much in it.  But I will work on this in stages.  And as each "kid" gets their own house, I will drive up with a housewarming gift for them - all of their stuff.  Because Mom cannot store it here in her garage forever.  And none of it will go back up into the attic.

Once all of the recycle stuff has made its way to the curb, this side of the garage will be free.  It will be free space.  Space to move.  Space to breathe.

Space that isn't choking on the past.

The shredding continues.  Loose ends are being tied up.  And I feel like I am dealing with all of the "stuff" that I was left to deal with in the best way I can.

The kids can thank me later.

Gina

*otherwise known as Bulky Trash Pick-up where the city comes and hauls away the crap that doesn't fit in your bins...and usually the junk men with their trailers get here first and haul a bunch away so that it never reaches the landfill.

5 thing Friday - tacos, plant babies, yard work, SGRB, missing Mark

I accidentally bought the wrong kind of flour tortillas - the ones that you basically have to cook.  In the skillet, they puff a little and brown nicely and are delicious!

So I've been making tacos more often!  The ones above are made with pre-cooked shrimp that I sauteed in seasonings and served with tomato, cheese, and green onions.  Tater tots on the side for no good reason.

These are beef, with sauteed zucchini, onion, and orange bell pepper.  I may be a little obsessed with tacos lately...my appetite has greatly improved.

My little collection of plant babies.  I have since moved the kitty to the front door so she can get more sun, and the owl house went back to the garage.  Nothing had nested in it and the squirrels chewed it, so I need to repair it and figure out a better place to put it.

The deck is a nice place to enjoy my coffee.

Soon I will have a baby airplane plant for The Girl.

I don't know squat about trimming trees, but neither did Mark.  I have to remind myself of that general truth from time to time.  I will learn as I go.  In any case, the skinny trees on either side of the garage got a haircut recently.  {that BBQ grill went to the curb for Big Trash Day and disappeared within hours}

And for things I know zip about, I will hire someone.  Like getting the mower serviced.  This is a "before" pic.  The gentleman who worked on it got it looking and working like new in less than an hour.

I read that I should revisit some of the places Mark and I enjoyed going to together in order to reclaim them as my own.  This is such a place - a brewery in Liberty Hill.  The beer isn't great, but it was fun to sit outside and enjoy a beer together.  Last time we were here, my sister and BIL joined us and we gave them a tour of Darby.

This time I mostly had the place to myself and the weather was really pleasant.  I spent an hour or so in  the relative peace and thought "Mark would have enjoyed being here today".  That thought visits my mind more often than not lately.  I miss the person I used to go and see and do with.  I hope this lonely time does not last forever and that these places we used to visit will bring happy memories when I return to them.

Gina

Little project: bathroom windows

My bathroom felt very dark to me.

Part of the problem is the dark shades, yes.  But when I replaced them several years ago, I got a good deal on them, loved the color, and did not want white shades.  I was leaving the bottom of the blinds up, for light, but I most definitely did not want the trade off in privacy.

Because I do love me a bath now and again.

Also, please notice the solar shade flapping in the breeze outside of these windows.  It is dirty and torn, hung many years ago by Mark to help keep this side of the house cooler.  It doesn't even go across this whole window, though...and there is literally no view here...

Unless you count the neighbor's plank of wood leaning against the fence. 

You can't even see the yard.  And the glass on the outside is filthy with something like pond scrum, with loads of wasp nests between the house and the window.  It all had to GO.  I scrubbed the inside of the windows and all of the white tile.  Then I added privacy window cling to the bottom 18 inches or so of the window and was able to raise the blinds to that height, which is perfect.

And I love it!!

I can leave the blinds that way all of the time now.  I put clear command hooks next to the windows to hold up the cords, then I combined all of my soaps and bath fizzies into one bowl to free up some tub clutter.

It was overcast outside and I still hadn't yet removed the screen and washed the outside of the windows, but I loved it already.

I think I did a good job - I took my time and made careful cuts.  If I saw a random hair or speck of dust, I pulled the cling away, cleared that up, then sprayed the soapy water and pressed it against the glass again. Then I went outside and ripped down ALL of the solar screen and washed the windows.  I'm sure the neighbors appreciated hearing my commentary while I worked.

In this picture, the solar screen is down!  Even when overcast, there's more light in here.  This bathroom has not been updated in years but I will get the floors replaced this year.  I already love the improvement in brightness, tho.

Another little project done!

Gina

Empty Nest menu #120

 This is such a loosey goosey weekly menu.

Only 3 or 4 nights cooking, and I really don't even want to do that.

Monday - Freezer meal {Big Trash Day! and last day of staycation}

Tuesday - Tilapia, Olive oil and Sea Salt Quinoa blend, kale

Wednesday - Chicken Tacos with grilled onion and bell pepper

Thursday - French Toast Pizza (freezer) and side salad with The Girl

Friday - Happy Hour at Oskar Blues with a friend, so probably food truck dinner

Saturday - TBD, but might make enchiladas

Sunday - Brinner (eggs, lo salt bacon, biscuit)

Gina

A fun Saturday stopover

Not all of my free time on the weekends is spent working on a long list of chores and projects.  Although I feel like I did get a lot done last weekend, I also found time to stop at this cute shop:

You could miss Bertram if you blinked while you drove through...but it really is a charming wide spot in the road, and the people there seem very friendly.  I had been wanting to revisit this shop - I stopped by last December and purchased a cute antique doily for The Girl.

You step inside and it takes you a minute to un-mesmerize yourself so you can explore.

The very friendly co-owner offered me a glass of Spanish Tinto de Roja and some snacks as it was Sip and Shop Saturday.  I had a great time looking at absolutely everything.  As I strolled around I couldn't help thinking that Mark would have loved this and of course, he would have chatted up the owners for quite awhile.

The lady who owns the shop also does classes where she teaches stained glass mosaics and fused glass, and she has example of her work all over the shop.  She sells handmade soaps, antique needlework and crochet, jewelry, tee shirts... I may have purchased some items for Christmas gifts...

There's a little courtyard in back where her husband has set up a succulent paradise.  Some of them he gets from a nursery, others he propagates.  He also has a beautiful Black Spanish grapevine out here and is learning to make wine - can't wait to try it.  There was also a thrift shop around the corner where I found two cute summer tops and a Christmas ornament for a whopping $4.  {they were serving cookies and STW beer - what a coincidence as that was also one of my Saturday plans} I think I will start making Bertram a quick stop when I'm headed to Highlands!

Gina

Empty Nest menu #119

 What happens when you overbuy groceries, still thinking you are cooking for two is...

...you can cook from what you already have the next week or so.

Monday - Shrimp Salad on toasted bun, low salt chips

Tuesday - Chicken Breast cubes with Lemon Feta Rosemary Potatoes, peas

Wednesday - Taco Mac for one, corn, salad {doc appt in a.m.}

Thursday - Mexican Tilapia with onions and peppers, risotto {OFF, attic day!}

Friday - Happy Hour at The Girl's apartment {OFF, Spur Jewelry at 3 p.m., pay off the truck}

Saturday - TBD {oil change on the truck early then I work 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.}

Sunday - Grilled Pork Chop, zucchini, twice baked potato {mobile mower maintenance guy is coming}

Gina

5 thing Friday - crystals, Friday, cute shoes, enchiladas, security

I ordered a couple of these big crystals from Amazon: 

I hung them with extra strong fishing line - one in my room and one in the kitchen.  Unfortunately, the one in my room doesn't catch enough sunlight what with all of the trees.  But I still love to gaze at it, and as the earth moves and the seasons change, I may well get some rainbows.

A metaphor for my life right now.

My turn to host Happy Hour Friday tonight and maybe I can convince Teddy to hop into my lap.  We are having burgers and tots with a bottle of wine.  I am so looking forward to the weekend.  Its been a brutal week.

Please enjoy this selfie of me asking The Girl what she thinks of these shoes.

I've had them a couple of years and have worn them once or twice.  I need to get some sundresses for the cute wedge sandals I own and WEAR THEM while I can.  It may as well be summer here - its in the low 90's - I want to dress fun.

I made Walnut Enchiladas last night and serve them with a nice salad with avocado.  They were so good!  Next time I will grind the walnuts a little more so they aren't as noticeable.  I subbed green enchilada sauce for the red, and monterrey jack for the cheddar.  I never even noticed the missing beef or chicken.

This month's Big Project was getting the alarm system up and running.  Mark and I never had anyone come out and check it or update it or cypher out why it was randomly sending out warning beeps.  It hasn't been monitored for years, tho we were faithfully paying the alarm permit. He unplugged it and intended to try to figure that out, and the rest is history.  It was pricey to update a 26 year old system and this keypad is obnoxious at night (I have a plan for that), but its one more thing crossed off the list and gives me a little more peace of mind.

Happy Weekend,

Gina

Mother's Day 2022

 There are a couple of people who like to text me around holidays and other special occasions with something along the lines of 'I hope you are doing as best you can and I know this is tough for you and the day is full of mixed emotions for you and your kids (?) and a time to honor loving bonds but you can't do that because your husband died and after all, its a family day'*

I'm paraphrasing here...

Since I think its $hitty to send someone such tone deaf messages, I think I will start sending this poop emoji as a response.  Because those people are poopers.  Just gonna lay this riiight here....

******

Anyhoodle.

Mother's Day was just fine.  I got called in to work, which I basically knew would happen.  But just as I hung up the phone, The Girl appeared bearing gifts!  Tacos from Rudy's, a pistachio latte from Starbuck's, a cross stitch bookmark kit, a cute cat planter with a cactus, and some very very cute cacti that she knitted:

She is so crafty!  My sweet girlie  (:  I felt loved. 

I had a really nice day, overall.  Made some Oatmeal Bombs for my weekday breakfasts:

Caught up on some chores.  Took a nap.  Did a little cross stitch.  Drank some wine with my dinner, which by the way, was delish:

Mole Pork Enchiladas and a salad with avocado and purple onion!

I even called my own Mother, who by the way is also a widow and she still likes being recognized on Mother's Day...and I had time to do a mani/pedi.  

Leftover cake was also enjoyed!

This was from our Friday Happy Hour dinner.  So good!

I even played with my Cricut a little bit - its been so long since I used it that I forgot how...oh well!

The boys are usually a little late with Mother's Day, and I chalk it up to A. Them being men, and B. Not having their significant other nag them, which I guess is good?  Scout promised me a loaf of fresh banana bread and Firstborn did an oil change for me on Saturday.  And Bubbie even sent me a text saying "thanks for everything you do!".   All in all, a good weekend.

Family doing well.  Life moving on.

Happy Belated Mother's Day!

Gina

*some clarification:  My kids did not lose me, so celebrating me on Mother's Day causes them zero stress as I am not dead...  Its not a family day, it's literally MOTHER's Day.  And no Mark is not here, but I'm sure he would be OK with the kids honoring me.  

Empty Nest menu #118

 This is me, thinking about what's for dinner while I am still at work feeling tired and hangry...

Monday - Seasoned chicken breast, couscous with quinoa and veggies (a frozen thing)

Tuesday - Gnocci, kale salad with lemon vinaigrette and avocado

Wednesday - Thick cut pork chop, Italian beans with broccoli {the alarm company returns}

Thursday - Walnut Enchiladas, sauteed kale {last day of call}

Friday - Happy Hour with The Girl: burgers and tots

Saturday - TBD {wine club pick up, beer release at STW, check on Highlands}

Sunday - Freezer meal {might visit my mother for the first time in months}

Gina

5 thing Friday - hearts, sewing room, front room nook, jewelry, mowing

Another set of hearts for IFAQH:

I really need to step up my game though.  I've seen some really pretty ones on Insta and Facebook, not to mention their blog.  I've got the materials and the time and its very fun to leave them somewhere then see them disappear!

I bought a pretty desk mat that looks like an antique rug.  I love the colors.  It adds so much pretty to my desk and acts as a giant coaster and mouse pad as well. It inspired me to re-cover my chair cushion: 

Clearance fabric for the win!  This has a pretty dimensional chenille stripe.

My sewing room is definitely my sanctuary!

 I also bought this from Amazon:

No more digging out the thread box.  This is located just above my sewing table and I think it looks something like art! {I know it looks dark in here, but with the overhead light or the lamps its juuussst fiiinnne.}

What to do with this corner?  Originally I wanted to move the furniture around and add a chair and lamp here.  I moved the framed fabric from behind the sofa when I bought that new canvas piece.  One of these days I may get two matching floor lamps for this room and one could definitely sit here.

I have an appointment coming up with a company that refashions your jewelry into something you will wear.  These cufflinks belonged to Hubby's dad and I don't think they will ever again get used for their intended purpose.  I don't know the back story, but I do know that I will pass all of my jewelry on to my peeps and these will be a reimagined part of the collection.  There are several other pieces to refashion - can't wait to see what they suggest!

On Sunday morning I mowed and edged - by today it needs doing again.  I can see why Mark complained so much about mowing* - its a huge chore.  But sitting here by my window I see the yard perking up and looking so green and am thankful once more for this house and this yard.  

Chore or not.

Gina

*Let's be fair - I did years and years of chores that were no fun either: cooking, shopping, laundry, etc, etc.  Its all perspective, right?