Some weeks are smooth and easy, and then there are weeks like this one—where the house feels like a three-ring circus, and I’m just trying to keep up. Between misplaced remotes, unexpected messes, and Ma and Uncle R keeping me on my toes, I’m convinced our home could be its own sitcom. Honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

This Week in the wilderness

This week, I decided to tackle the infamous junk drawer—the black hole where rubber bands, expired coupons, mystery keys, and at least four tape measures go to retire. What started as a quick organizing project turned into a full archaeological dig. I found a restaurant gift card from 2018 (fingers crossed it still works), a pair of reading glasses I thought I lost last year, and a lone AA battery that might be older than my kids. After an hour of sorting, I gave up and accepted that a junk drawer is meant to be chaotic. Some battles aren’t worth fighting.

Life at Shady Pines free range seniors

Ma swore up and down that the TV remote had disappeared into thin air. We tore the living room apart—checking under cushions, inside the fridge (because you never know), and even in her knitting basket. After 30 minutes of frantic searching, Uncle R walked in, sat down, and casually pulled the remote out of his shirt pocket. His response? “Oh, I was wondering why I had a lumpy chest all afternoon.”

Hot Flashes & More the joys of midlife

One of the great joys of midlife? Finally mastering the fine art of saying “no” without guilt. No, I will not host another bake sale. No, I don’t want to stay up past 10 p.m. And no, I will not wear uncomfortable shoes just because they’re “cute.” At this stage, “no” is a full sentence, and honestly, it feels amazing.

What’s Cooking for dinner tonight

I started meal planning to help me in the grocery store a little more. We shop monthly and well lets be honest sometimes I don’t buy enough of something or I buy too much of something else. So, I thought I would share what our dinner plans are for next week and see what you think.

1. Monday: Roasted Vegetable Soup with Parmesan Croutons
2. Tuesday: Pulled Pork with Coleslaw and Corn on the Cob
3. Wednesday: Turkey and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
4. Thursday: Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken with Wild Rice and Steamed Asparagus
5. Friday: Garlic Butter Shrimp with Angel Hair Pasta and a Side Salad
6. Saturday: BLT Sandwiches with a Side of Potato Chips
7. Sunday: Beef Pot Roast with Carrots, Potatoes, and Onions, and Chocolate Cake

A Moment of peace and quiet

This week, I decided to start my mornings without immediately reaching for my phone. No emails, no social media, no news updates—just me, my coffee, and the quiet hum of the world waking up. It’s amazing how much more peaceful the day feels when it starts with stillness instead of scrolling.

Storied Conversation a little book chat

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