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Simple Woman’s Daybook

Tuesday, January 25th, 2011

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Hosted by Peggy

For Today…January 25, 2011

Outside my Window…Nighttime and nippy. No snow, though. Wonder if we’ll receive any more this winter?

I am thinking…It’s amazing that I’m doing a blog post again! I need to stay up late to pick up our youngest son after his “away” basketball game, so I have the perfect opportunity to write a little something.

From the learning rooms…I have been learning about exponential equations in the 8th grade math class in which I assist. We’ve also been reviewing scientific notation. This is so much fun!

I am thankful for…each member of our dear family. We’re at that stage in life where the kids are young adults, each one choosing his or her own way. We may need to think about down-sizing soon!

From the kitchen…I tried quite a delicious quiche recipe lately which called for feta cheese and broccoli.


I am wearing…a favorite long-sleeved purple sweater and a black skirt.

I am reading…(just finished re-reading) a favorite novel by Georgette Heyer entitled Frederica.

I am hoping…to bake two birthday cakes for our twin daughters. Laura wants German Chocolate Cake and Sarah wants Carrot Cake. We plan to celebrate their birthdays early, this coming Saturday.


I am creating…this blog post.

I am hearing…Rebecca and Lydia talking in the dining room, with their music in the background.

Around the house…We’ve had so much rain, so things are muddy and mossy. Our lawn is almost more moss than grass, it seems.

One of my favorite things…is straightening up the house at the end of the day. It’s cheering to awaken to an orderly house (for me, at least).

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…I need to visit my elderly mom at the Christian Health Care Center, and run errands after that. High school basketball is also on the agenda, since both Lydia and Seth are participating.


Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

Our darling grandsons, photo by their mommy, Laura

Hostess Peggy says this about The Simple Woman’s Daybook:

Are you content to linger on the simple things of life…then join me in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those of us who are focusing on simplicity…the beauty of the everyday moments around us. That is my vision for this idea!

Posted in Books, Education, Family, Homemaking, The Simple Woman's Daybook, Things for Which I am Thankful | 2 Comments »

Simple Woman’s Daybook

Friday, November 19th, 2010

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Hosted by Peggy

For Today…November 19, 2010

Outside my Window…The thermometer tells me it’s 28 degrees tonight, and I see that the wind is blowing from the northeast. Wintery weather is upon us! When I step outside, I can smell the snow that fell on the foothills recently.


I am thinking…that in just two weeks, daughter Rebecca will be home from Costa Rica! She has been volunteering in a small school, helping to teach English to 3rd grade school students. Daughter Kayla plans to come home for a visit in about one month!

From the learning rooms…I am enjoying helping in the 8th grade math classroom so much. When I was in school many years ago, I think the method was to simply teach formulas, rather than the reasons behind the math. Currently we have been learning about the Pythagorean Theorem. Solving problems using the theorem is very enjoyable, and possibly more fun than playing word games, which is one of my favorite leisure activities.


I am thankful for…safety for daughter Lydia on the icy roads this morning. Her car did some serious skidding on the way to the community college, but she made it there and back safe and sound.

From the kitchen…Our son-in-law brought over some traditional German dumpling soup for us to enjoy. Mmmm, good, especially on a chilly evening.


I am wearing…two layers of cozy clothing.

I am reading…(going to start reading tonight) a book recommended to me by daughter Rebecca, The Man In The Brown Suit by Agatha Christie. She assures me that it won’t be too scary for me, so I’m eager to begin!

I am hoping…the roads won’t get too bad, as snow is definitely being expected.

I am creating…this blog post.

I am hearing…the washer on spin cycle, the northeaster blowing, and the hum of the computer.

Around the house…it’s looking more and more like late autumn. Only a few leaves still cling to deciduous boughs, and very few annuals remain. The yard is getting a swept-clean look from the gusting winds.

One of my favorite things…is everyone getting home at the end of a busy day. We’re still awaiting Lydia’s return from basketball practice this evening.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Tomorrow morning I’m on kitchen duty at the high school, to help prepare the dinner which will benefit the choir students’ activities. We plan to serve ham with pineapple sauce, scalloped potatoes, broccoli, salad, rolls and dessert. I’ll bake some dessert at home to take along.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

This was my father-in-law’s “home” 66 years ago when he fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He recently sent this photo to daughter Lydia, who interviewed him about his experiences during World War II. I thought this photo was appropriate, because I’ve been talking so much about snow. For us, snow is something unusual, something we look forward to, but sometimes it can be a trial and hardship, as it was for Grampa Taron and the other soldiers.

Hostess Peggy says this about The Simple Woman’s Daybook:

Are you content to linger on the simple things of life…then join me in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those of us who are focusing on simplicity…the beauty of the everyday moments around us. That is my vision for this idea!

Posted in Books, Education, Family, My job, The Simple Woman's Daybook, Things for Which I am Thankful | 3 Comments »

Simple Woman’s Daybook

Wednesday, October 6th, 2010

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Hosted by Peggy

For Today…October 6, 2010

Outside my Window…the leaves are beginning to change color, while the ferns are especially lush and green. I notice lots of wild mushrooms springing up in the lawn, and the late blackberries along the roadside are still edible.


I am thinking…of the blessings of sufficient food and clothing, and adequate shelter. I am also sad to think of those who do not have these blessings.

From the learning rooms…I’m very much looking forward to reading a book by Barbara Coloroso entitled The Bully, the Bullied, and the Bystander. This book is of special interest to me because I work in a middle school setting, and want the best for all the students.

I am thankful for…a happy home.


From the kitchen…I want to make Apple Dumplings again soon.

I am wearing…cozy clothing. It’s sweater weather here.

I am reading…(just finished reading) another excellent book by Georgette Heyer: The Nonesuch.

I am hoping…friends and family who are ill will feel better soon.

I am creating…this blog post.

I am hearing…my youngest son and his friend doing their homework at the dining room table.

Around the house…is green, green grass. Our recent rains have really contributed to this lush, fresh look.

One of my favorite things…is connecting with friends and family on Facebook. The result? A neglected blog.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…I plan to bake sweet rolls on Saturday for a friend’s belated birthday gift. I’m also trying to stay more on-track with preparing nutritious meals for the family. So, I plan to spend more time in the kitchen.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

Our youngest son, Seth

Hostess Peggy says this about The Simple Woman’s Daybook:

Are you content to linger on the simple things of life…then join me in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those of us who are focusing on simplicity…the beauty of the everyday moments around us. That is my vision for this idea!

Posted in Books, Education, Family, Homemaking, Learning, Recipes, The Simple Woman's Daybook | 1 Comment »

Simple Woman’s Daybook

Friday, August 13th, 2010

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Hosted by Peggy

For Today…August 13, 2010

Outside my Window…nighttime, summer, cooling down to 68 degrees, sweet blackberry dreams.

I am thinking…of our three youngest children who are on a train to California to visit Grampa and Gramma. It’s a 23-hour trip. Hope they’re not too saddle-sore from so much sitting. They told me this morning that the train is a double-decker, and they are sitting on top.

From the learning rooms…I finished reading Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School by John Medina. One of the rules that has me worried is: The brain doesn’t pay attention to boring things. Does that mean that poor students who are mainly interested in watching TV and playing games are doomed to mediocrity? School work certainly doesn’t interest them. I’ll have to cogitate on this.

I am thankful for…the guidance of God’s Word. I’m thinking especially of attitudes here, and being genuine from the inside-out. Still plenty of learning and growing needed here.

From the kitchen…Eskimo Blueberry Upside-down Cake

1 cup butter

1 cup sugar

5 eggs

½ teaspoon salt

3 cups plus 2 Tablespoons flour

2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder

1 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 quart blueberries (or, try other berry varieties!)

1 cup sugar

Whipping cream

 

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs, one egg at a time, then add the salt, flour baking powder, milk and vanilla, mixing with mixer until creamy. Pour into greased (extra large) sheet cake pan.

Distribute berries over batter, and sprinkle remaining one cup sugar over all. Bake for one hour. Cool and serve with whipping cream.


I am wearing…clothing that was too warm for this hot day, but I was too lazy to change into something cooler once the morning warmed up. No problem. It’s pajama time.

I am reading…Barren Corn by Georgette Heyer. I just checked the book out today, so have nothing to report yet. I do enjoy this author very much, though.

I am hoping…for good weather for the Northwest Washington Fair, which begins on Monday.

I am creating…Well, I actually sewed something, a rare occurrence. Daughter Rebecca found a pattern from my teen years and requested that I make it for her. The picture follows. It’s one of those tent dresses from the 1960s!

I am hearing…a quiet house. I miss our traveling children, including daughter Kayla who is due home from her summer in Europe soon.

Around the house…The little veggie garden has been doing well. Latest offerings have been green beans and zucchini. The cauliflower was excellent, but the broccoli looks sparse.


One of my favorite things…is playing word games such as Lexulous on Facebook instead of blogging. Maybe since it’s so terribly quiet here tonight, I’m finally settling down to writing a blog post.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…I hope to help on the clean-up crew for the food booth our school Music Booster’s has at the NW WA Fair.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

Cell phone pic. Pixels. But cute dress, no?

Hostess Peggy says this about The Simple Woman’s Daybook:

Are you content to linger on the simple things of life…then join me in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those of us who are focusing on simplicity…the beauty of the everyday moments around us. That is my vision for this idea!

Posted in Bible Thoughts, Books, Education, Family, Gardening, Recipes, The Simple Woman's Daybook | 2 Comments »

Simple Woman’s Daybook

Friday, April 23rd, 2010

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Hosted by Peggy

For Today…April 23, 2010

Outside my Window…I see a typical Pacific Northwest evening. It’s generally overcast, and a slight breeze is trembling the fresh, spring leaves. It’s only 50 degrees this evening, with rain every so often.


I am thinking…it’s unusual to be at home all alone, except for the company of the doggy and the kitties. Rick and Seth are off to a basketball game, and the girls are having a movie night. I’m still recovering from a cough, so am enjoying the quiet evening.

From the learning rooms…I learned in 6th grade science that cancer cells are our own cells that don’t die when they should. They just keep replicating, so they are “immortal” in a way, but good for nothing, since they no longer do the work they used to do. Sort of zombie cells. Yuck!

I am thankful for…a quiet life, removed from the violence of crime. I’ve been helping 8th grade students research social issues such as child abuse and gang violence, so have been learning more (than I want to know) about all the ill effects of sin in this world.

From the kitchen…Since everyone is out tonight, I’ll just snack for dinner. Last night I baked bread, though, and I plan to bake an almond paste dessert tomorrow.

I am wearing…blue jeans and cozy knit top. It’s not warm here yet.

I am reading…(going to read) a book I just selected off my girls’ bookshelf: Switched by Jessica Wollman, a sort of Prince and the Pauper-type story. Sounds like a fun read! I recently finished Whose Body? by Dorothy L. Sayers. She writes so well, and the book gave me a lot to think about, but I don’t enjoy meditating upon human depravity. Switched sounds like the light read I’m looking for.

I am hoping…the girls have a great time together tonight.

I am creating…this blog post in my quiet house.

I am hearing…the dog panting, and the computer humming. That’s about it.


Around the house…Tomorrow I plan to weed flower beds and buy a few more bedding plants. Hope it doesn’t rain!


One of my favorite things…is quiet time to read.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Saturday is our deep-cleaning day, so that’s what’s on the agenda for tomorrow. I hope to prepare a nice meal for tomorrow and bake a dessert.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

Yours truly, at the computer

Posted in Books, Education, Family, Gardening, Homemaking, My job, The Simple Woman's Daybook, Things for Which I am Thankful | 5 Comments »

Simple Woman’s Daybook

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

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Hosted by Peggy

For Today…March 16, 2010

Outside my Window…nighttime, breezy and a brisk 46 degrees.

I am thinking…it’s too late to be blogging, but I’m doing it anyhow, after playing all my ‘Scrabble’ moves on Facebook, and reading everyone else’s news.

From the learning rooms…I owe sweet rolls to some of the students with whom I work for earning perfect scores on their math work. This is quite an accomplishment for kids who have trouble learning.


I am thankful for…my daughters doing the dishes tonight, even though they are busy, too.

From the kitchen…I made homemade whole wheat bread tonight, and Lydia made some delicious no bake cookies for dessert.

I am wearing…jeans and a cozy sweater top.

I am reading…recently finished reading The Conqueror by Georgette Heyer. I learned a lot about William the Conqueror who became King of England in 1066. I had to move out of my ‘comfort zone’ to read a book so full of bloodshed and human suffering. Perhaps the fact that one of my favorite authors wrote the book helped me to stick with it.

I am hoping…to feel better tomorrow, as I’m finally sick with the cold and sore throat that’s making the rounds of our family.

I am creating…this blog post.

I am hearing…the jingle of a kitty’s bell as she runs around upstairs.


Around the house…a forsythia bush is planted, and two box bushes. My friend who has a small nursery business will have lavender for sale soon, which I want to purchase and plant as well.


One of my favorite things…is relaxing at the end of the day by playing word games such as Scrabble online.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Tomorrow I’m going to an awards ceremony for two of our high school girls. On Thursday our youngest son has AAU basketball practice, and on Friday his choir travels to be judged on their performance.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

This family portrait is about three years old now. Guess it’s time to get another one done!

Hostess Peggy says this about The Simple Woman’s Daybook:

Are you content to linger on the simple things of life…then join me in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those of us who are focusing on simplicity…the beauty of the everyday moments around us. That is my vision for this idea!

Posted in Education, Family, Gardening, Homemaking, My job, The Simple Woman's Daybook, Things for Which I am Thankful | 5 Comments »

Simple Woman’s Daybook

Saturday, March 6th, 2010

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Hosted by Peggy

For Today…March 6, 2010

Outside my Window…Though it’s a chilly 36 degrees outside, I see a cheery robin hopping about, looking for his breakfast. There’s a gentle breeze trembling the new leaves of the wild plum bushes, and, best of all, BLUE SKIES!

I am thinking…that it’s much easier to compose a blog post in Word, but I will have to wait for one of my computer-savvy sons to set this up for me again. We had to reinstall Word, and now I’m quite inconvenienced. 😛

From the learning rooms…I have been learning more about the life and times of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, who successfully claimed the English throne in 1066.

I am thankful for…Such a beautiful day, and a little extra time off from school for the children (and me, too!). Our high school sent both boys’ and girls’ basketball teams to the State competition, so all students had Thursday and Friday off to accommodate all the families who attend the State competition.

From the kitchen…I won’t be cooking dinner tonight, since we plan to go out to one of our favorite restaurants tonight, the North Fork Brewery. Those who stay home will have leftover Tortilla Casserole. I prepared both ground beef and vegetarian versions of that dish last night.

I am wearing…jammies (lazy morning).

I am reading…The Conqueror by Georgette Heyer. What kind of woman was a perfect match for such an indomitable man? Read this interesting, fast-paced and historically accurate novel to find out.

I am hoping…that grandchildren Diederick, Carly and Koen are getting over their bad colds, and that their mommy Laura is feeling better, too.

I am creating… this blog post.

I am hearing…Seth and Debra watching an old episode of Chuck on the computer. I enjoy watching the show as well, which is a sort of combination of Get Smart and Mission Impossible.

Around the house…Daughter Rebecca and I did some weeding, and Seth pruned the apple trees, so the yard is looking better. It is high time for the first lawn mowing of the year to happen, but the mower hasn’t had its cleaning and tune-up yet.

One of my favorite things…is a quiet morning at home.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Since I’m posting this on Saturday, what can I say except I’m looking forward to Sunday School and church on Sunday, and to seeing daughter Lydia, who has been at State with friend Courtney and her family.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

This photo of Lydia and Seth is fairly recent. This past Monday, Seth turned 14; Happy Birthday, Seth! 🙂

This photo of Seth was taken 13 years ago. As you can see, his computer literacy began at a young age.

Hostess Peggy says this about The Simple Woman’s Daybook:

Are you content to linger on the simple things of life…then join me in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those of us who are focusing on simplicity…the beauty of the everyday moments around us. That is my vision for this idea!

Posted in Books, Education, Family, Favorite Photos, Gardening, Things for Which I am Thankful | 6 Comments »

Simple Woman’s Daybook

Monday, January 11th, 2010

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Hosted by Peggy

For Today…January 11, 2010

Outside my Window…It’s soggy. We are currently on Flood Watch due to the heavy rains which are expected to continue for the next few days. This uber wet weather is typical winter weather for us in the Pacific Northwest, but the warm temps (currently 48 degrees this evening) contribute to the snow melt which adds to the river water volume.

I am thinking…of going to bed as soon as this post is finished.

From the learning rooms…It was lovely to hear how well two sixth grade clarinet players did on their duet today. They’ve just started learning the piece for Junior Solo and Ensemble.

I am thankful for…our cozy home, and health and well-being for loved ones.


From the kitchen…Due to the crazy schedule this afternoon and evening, we just had sandwiches for dinner.

I am wearing…comfortable clothing. I especially like long sleeves that are long enough to cover my wrists. I just feel warmer that way.

I am reading…Madensky Square by Eva Ibbotson. I don’t enjoy her quite so much as Georgette Heyer, but this book has snagged my interest, so I plan to keep reading, even though the book I requested by Heyer is in at the library!

I am hoping…my elderly mother receives the financial aid she will need very soon. I plan to turn in the paperwork this week.

I am creating…this blog post.

I am hearing…the old doggie going upstairs. She believes it is time for bed, so will no longer lie by me here in the study.

Around the house…all the children have gone to bed. Smart kids!

One of my favorite things…is playing the spelling game Lexulous on Facebook. This is one reason I am up so late.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…Our youngest son has lots of basketball practice sessions this week, and then a tournament in Seattle on Saturday and Monday. Excitement!

Our daughter who is doing Medical Tech Prep finds out if she is accepted for the second semester, which involves “externships”, this week. This would be a wonderful opportunity to begin working in medical settings in the community.

Here are some picture thoughts I am sharing with you…

Grandson Diederick and granddaughter Carly are having a splashing-good time in this photo snapped by their mommy.

Here is Carly snuggling little brother Koen.

Hostess Peggy says this about The Simple Woman’s Daybook:

Are you content to linger on the simple things of life…then join me in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those of us who are focusing on simplicity…the beauty of the everyday moments around us. That is my vision for this idea!

Posted in Books, Education, Family, Favorite Photos, The Simple Woman's Daybook, Things for Which I am Thankful | 7 Comments »

Ten on Tuesday

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

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Ten Things I Wish I Knew How to Do:

  • Play classical guitar well
  • Speak Spanish
  • Knit
  • Sing well
  • Read Old Testament Hebrew
  • Read New Testament Greek
  • Speak German
  • Scottish country dancing
  • Know the constellations well
  • Be more of a healing influence on others


Posted in Education, Fun Things, Ten on Tuesday | 11 Comments »

Simple Woman’s Daybook

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

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Hosted by Peggy

For Today…November 2, 2009

Outside my Window…When I stepped outside this evening, I noticed I can see my breath. Crisp autumn weather is here.


I am thinking…wondering: Why am I staying up late to do this post? Answer: I feel guilty about my posts being so few and far between.

From the learning rooms…In seventh grade math, we have been doing charts, graphs and equations. Today the students were introduced to the TI-83 graphing calculator, and were quite impressed with it.

I am thankful for…the health and strength to keep busy doing useful things.

From the kitchen…Tonight two of the girls and I had a late errand to run in town, so Taco Bell did the cooking tonight. I enjoy their beef taco salad with zesty ranch dressing.

I am wearing…a red sweater hoodie and soft black pants.

I am reading…I just finished reading Charity Girl by Georgette Heyer. In this book, the author especially looks at father/son and mother/daughter relationships, both good and bad. As always, she has a great deal of fun with her characters.

I am hoping…daughter Laura feels stronger soon, after giving birth to child number three last Monday. She is doing just fine, but it takes a while to get one’s strength back.

I am creating…this blog post.

I am hearing…a train whistle blowing, off in the distance.

Around the house…I noticed the pear tree is bare of leaves, but the fruit is still clinging to the branches. I think I’ll bake a pear torte or crisp tomorrow.


One of my favorite things…is working hard all day, and then relaxing at the end of the day.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…My younger sister is coming for a visit! The girls and I need to get the guest room all fresh and clean in anticipation of her arrival on Wednesday.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

carly and koen

My daughter Laura took this picture of her daughter Carly holding newborn brother Koen. She is so thrilled with him. When she wants to hold him, she says, “I need it!”

Hostess Peggy says this about The Simple Woman’s Daybook:

Are you content to linger on the simple things of life…then join me in taking a little look into the day plans and thoughts of those of us who are focusing on simplicity…the beauty of the everyday moments around us. That is my vision for this idea!

Posted in Books, Education, Family, Favorite Photos, The Simple Woman's Daybook, Things for Which I am Thankful | 4 Comments »

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