5 thing Friday - cooking, trees, socializing, a coffee cup, gallery wall

Its been an OK week, overall.  I have gotten a few small things done around the house, read a book, worked on my family history, bought groceries, etc. and so forth. 

I've been shopping at Trader Joe's more often and making simpler meals.  The panko Tilapia is pretty good, as are the BBQ pork fried rice and the grilled chicken strips.  I haven't used the oven much.  I'm not as into salads as I was last summer, but maybe next week I will switch that up.

I had an arborist come take a look at my trees and make recommendations.  Of the four live oaks, this one I am most worried about.  This long scar is an actual crack from when the tree froze in the terrible ice storm we had a few years ago.  I thought my trees had escaped damage. It healed over the split so only time will tell if I am able to keep this 1/3 of the tree.  I'm trying not to obsess over it.  The tree company comes in a couple of weeks to give all of my trees a good haircut.

I met a friend for a beer and gab this week - 4 hours went by in the blink of an eye.  We went to a place where Mark and I used to go long ago.  They spruced up the place and were doing a good business - looking around I saw lots of folks my age and a friendly doggo or two.

She's the same one who gave me this mug!  I use it often and remind myself that grief and hope, crying and laughing can all exist sometimes in the same day.  Its nice to talk with her about everything.  We met 46 years ago as college freshmen at UT.

At this point, she's been in my life longer than Mark was.  He would have approved of the mug, and he did love his coffee.

OK, I finished the wall that was supposed to be a corner gallery. I changed up a lot of the art I had originally chose, opting for things that really spoke to me.  I thrifted some things, pulled some pieces from elsewhere, filled in with stuff from Hobby Lobby.  Its nice to gaze at as I sit on the couch, sipping my wine. Its gonna be one of those things I change up now and then.

Just on the other side of the front door, and it's prettier in person. And that's all I have for today - thanks for reading along and have a great weekend!

Gina

5 thing Friday - freezer cleanout/restock, backyard relaxation, paver re-do, ice cream, Girl Lunch

For the last few weeks I had been doing little grocery runs for fillers and eating meals made of what I had left in the freezer.

I got myself organized with everything I wanted to do for the morning.

I made some containers for work: Beefy Spaghetti, Chicken and Lentil Tikka Masala with rice, and Veggie and Chicken Korma with rice.  Eight containers that should make Friday food prep easier for almost a month. Pasta and rice dishes generally heat up really well for me at work.

Then I wiped down the inside of the freezer and bought some things from Trader Joe's that I think will be both appetizing, and easy to cook.  I will fill in with sandwiches and the occasional meal out.

I bought a new strap for the vintage binoculars - worth it to not accidentally drop this thing on my concrete patio.  I have been spending lots of time in the backyard, listening to and watching birds.  So relaxing.

I got the firepit put up and hauled the lounger over to the shade.  A perfect place to unwind with a glass of wine.  Now I need a pretty lumbar pillow.

Then I reworked the pavers (again!) and will gift the others to a friend for her garden. (she also has the timber from the Cannary kid's playscape!)

 The two piece design was making it easy for the oak sprigs to push up between the pavers.  And it was impossible to keep them level.  While I was at it, I used some random ones to make a small little "plant patio" under the window.  That's how it goes with projects sometimes - tweak it 'til you get it just right.

And then reward yourself with a treat - sweet cream ice cream with bananas and caramel swirl in a waffle dish at Coldstone's.  That hit the spot.  Our days are pushing 100 degrees now and rain is nowhere in sight!

Another way to cool it down - Girl Lunch.  This week: fresh peaches, water crackers, Caesar Salad dip, prosciutto rolled with mozzarella, pinot noir rose.  Better than take-out!

Gina

5 thing Friday - Texas Exits, yogurt, cell phone tool, the den, art

Last time I was in Bertram I found a new-to-me winery, called Texas Exits Winery. 

The co-owner and her mother were pouring and both very friendly ladies. The other visitors were very friendly, too, as in small towns people often are. I enjoyed a tasting (first time in a loooong time) and bought their sparkling rose to enjoy this week.

Exit 1431 - do you know where that leads?*

I have a hard time eating yogurt, even though I need the probiotics.  I think its mostly a texture thing, although Greek yogurt is kind of tart as well.  But if I swirl in some chunky peanut butter, and top with granola, its like eating a dessert.  Supposedly, full fat Greek yogurt is better for you. (less sugar, higher in nutrients, healthy fats)

I was telling someone else on their blog that I use my phone as a tool more often lately.  Case in point is documenting things round the house that I want to address - like low spots in the yard that need some filler dirt. (I notice it when it rains!) I go through my photos fairly often and come across the photo and its a great reminder.  Do you use your phone like that, too?

The art that was hanging in here was huge, dated, kind of ugly.

(you'll see it in a minute)

On a whim I went over to Hob Lob while I was doing errands and as their art was 40% off, I grabbed these three framed prints.  If nothing else, they keep it from being a giant expanse of just wall. (and I promise, this shade of green-blue is the same on both walls!)

They are companion art to the one a friend gave me.  I'm not going to decorate the whole house with Hobby Lobby, pinky swear.  But anything is better than this:

Very dated and not my taste.  I think I paid $20 for the large one about 15 years or so ago.  Both of these canvases are up for grabs if any of my peeps want them for their apartment.  Maybe they will do something artsy with them.

Speaking of art, I am still slowly gathering mostly thrift store art for the mini gallery in the front room.  This is an actual oldie I am re-purposing - I might have paid $2 for it at Salvation Army years ago.  It used to live in my laundry room.

I picked it up and couldn't bear to set it back down.  Esther was born in 1896 in Missouri, and outlived her parents and 3 siblings.  She died at 92 years old; 16 years after her husband Ralph.  And I own something she stitched as a child.  As my mother would say, "I wouldn't take a nickel for it!".

Gina

*Marble Falls, Texas!

5 thing Friday - beer shack, rainy days, easy meals, gallery wall, walking

Way back when, Mark and I used to drive up the road 2 minutes to have a beer at the Whole Foods beer shack and bop around the grocery store. We brought our growler and used to fill it up, then sit on their patio.

The other day I did an Amazon return there (didn't know they had an Amazon desk!) and stopped by the middle of the store to see if the shack was still there.  Lo and behold.  I think I might have found a great place to sip a beer and journal in the middle of the day.

The rain here makes for moody afternoons.

Its nice to have the covered patio while a storm moves in, but I have really been struggling with cloudy day blues.  I am ready for summer and sun and not having 86% humidity every day!  While I was sitting here, small birdies were hopping in and out, looking for shelter.  That's enough rain for now, thanks.

Grocery shopping has been minimal and cooking has been, too.  One night I enjoyed some blackened tilapia, mushroom rice, and corn on the cob.  I had my labs drawn earlier in the week and things look good, so eating at home definitely has health advantages for me.  Still, I am picking very easy things to cook.

The corner gallery is moving along. I shopped my house and found a couple of things to add.

I traced around each one on some kraft paper so I could play with the placement.  Its going to be a process - finding the art I want to add and figuring how to arrange it.

The bunny art got a bit of gold paint, I added a lace heart to the small carved frame, and the MCM frame still needs art. All of these items were thrifted, though there is some art at Hob Lob I am eyeballing.  I will consider this a long-ish term project.  And I need to finish up other projects I've started.

I hate to make excuses, but I just cannot get behind walking or exercising in rainy weather on my days off.  So yesterday was the first time in a long time I was able to get back over to the park track and walk.  However, I have today and tomorrow off and will add it into my morning routine, plus I go in late on Monday so I can walk 5 days in a row next week.

Bring on June!

Gina

5 thing Friday - Kites, parking for Brigid, thrift shopping, books, Sugar

One day as I was sitting on the deck near sunset, I saw these three birds, obviously hunting, and swirling around above my house.  I have really been loving bird-watching back here.  I use an app that helps me identify birds by their calls.  But these birds were mostly silent.

Turns out they are Kites.

They mainly visit this area April through September.

At one point there were three of them sitting on the power lines above my backyard.  Pretty birds!  Come eat all the insects you want!  I fished my binoculars out of the hall closet so I could use them more often on the deck.  Mostly I see Bluejays, White-winged Doves, Woodpeckers, Carolina Wrens, and Cardinals.

We've had a couple of storms here that threatened hail.  So I put on my Big Girl panties, opened the garage door, folded in Brigid's rear view mirrors, and pulled her into the garage for the night.  Twice. Can I overstate how much I LOVE being able to do this?

 

Just for reference: it looked like this for years.  I will never tire of the before and after of this space.  I am most proud of myself when I see where it stands now.  I love coming out here.

I did some thrift shopping this week.  The lamp was $4, glass baking dish $3,  dress $4, framed art was $14 total (before discounts), and the books around $2 each.

I like these authors and consider them palate cleansers for the heavy hitters we have been reading in the book clubs lately.  I am very happy to have rediscovered reading for pleasure!

A little over 10 years ago we lost Sugar - she was 13 years old.  Someone recently asked me if I had a pet photo to add to the wall they are creating at work, so I sent in this one.  She was so lovely.  A quirky old lady cat, who got easily confused, and loved to scream for more wet food just after she puked what she ate.  But a sweet girl who also loved warm laps.  I won't discount owning another cat someday - but for sure I am not ready now.

Gina

5 thing Friday - Mother's Day, corner gallery, meeting up with friends, yard care, car care

Its been another busy week here, with Mother's Day, book club, a calligraphy class, meeting with friends, and car care, among other things.  Mother's Day was lovely - although I worked all day, the workload was relatively light.  I visited with a couple of sweet co-workers who brought me some treats.  Got messages from my peeps.  Bought myself some flowers, inexpensive perfume, and sweets to come home to.  

But I came home to more flowers and a sweet card added to the mix by The Girl. Later in the week, Scout dropped in with a couple of goodies and a beautiful card.  Awww...the notes they wrote me brought a tear to my eyes!

I moved the shoe bench in order for it not to clash with the coffee table. Since all of the furniture in this room is the same style, the small bookcase came back.  But I want to style this little corner and I have the following two inspo pictures:

I like the combo of shapes here and the way they wrap into the corner.

On this one, I like the art choices and the mix and match of the frames.  I am going to thrift or reappropriate most of the art I get for this area.  Slooowww decorating for the win.

Yesterday I met a friend for our every other month "beer and widow talk" at a brewery halfway between both of our houses.  The miles may be many, but we are managing to stay connected and be supportive of each other.  I get a very different perspective from her, and she from me.  One of the things I am really looking forward to as a retiree is being able to connect with others on a more regular basis.  Whenever I meet with a friend to catch up, the hours seem to melt away.  I will be glad to be on my my own schedule some day!

All the rain has been great for the grass and landscaping in my yards.  They still aren't going to win any awards, but they are neatly mowed and edged.  I have lots to do on the outside of my house, but I am trying to do it one small step at a time.  Especially since its a One Woman Project and it feels like summer is here!  

Brigid got an oil change this morning at the dealership.  I love that they have a cafe with free coffees and treats, and plenty of space to spread out while I wait.  This afternoon, she will get cleaned up inside and out.  Also this afternoon: a little bit of tidying in the landscape rocks, a walk in the neighborhood, a nice dinner, a good book, and an early bedtime.

Happy weekend!

Gina

5 thing Friday - shoe bench, sammiches, rain, yardwork, empty day

Please forgive all of the dark photos - we've had nothing but gloomy days and rain rain rain.  After a few tweaks, I can't make these pics look that much better!

I was tired of the shoe basket in this corner by the front door.  The Shoe Basket was something we started when the kids were small.  It was a way not to play the "hunt for your shoes before we have to run out of the door to school" game.  Instead I now have a nice bench to stow my work/tennies/house shoes, and to sit when taking them off and on.  No more holding onto the wall, ha ha.

I have entered my Sandwich Era.  Toasting the bread with some cheese on top, adding some sliced tomatoes, plenty of Miracle Whip - my kind of lunch or dinner.  Cheaper than takeout, although I'm not sure its all that healthier.  But it gets me out the kitchen fast and makes for fewer dishes to wash.  Wins all around.

During a break in the clouds I took pics of the Wandering Jew in the backyard.

I know its considered an invasive species, but I like it.  I haven't had a lot of time to do yardwork in between storms.  I managed to get it mowed, and even sprinkled some grass seed.  That's about all Mother Nature is allowing right now.

On my "empty day" I took myself to Bertram for a trip to Donut Plus (an old favorite), 

a pedicure (sweet lilac color) followed by yet another sandwich, and a trip to "my" winery.  It was a lovely day, high of 63!, thunderstorms that shook me to my bones as I sat wrapped in a Mexican blanket on their patio, journaling and making plans.  I really don't have many complaints right now, and I will strive to get better at acknowledging that every day.

Gina