Happy Friday, y’all! It’s the first Friday of January, and if this week is any indication, 2024 is going to be one wild ride. I hope your new year has started off on the right foot. Mine? Well, let’s just say it’s been a mix of resolutions, reality checks, and a lot of laughter.

This Week in the wilderness

The week began with a burst of productivity. I reorganized my pantry (again) and pledged to eat healthier—only to find myself sneaking a slice of leftover pecan pie by Wednesday. The weather’s been all over the place, with mornings chilly enough for sweaters and afternoons warm enough to question my life choices. And don’t even get me started on the mystery of the disappearing socks. If 2025 has a theme so far, it’s chaos wrapped in good intentions.

Life at Shady Pines free range seniors

Oh, the antics at Shady Pines never disappoint. This week, Ma decided she’d take up yoga. Yes, you read that right. She saw a YouTube video and was inspired to find her “zen.” Watching her attempt downward dog was… an experience. Uncle R, of course, provided running commentary, calling it “the circus act of the year.” But the real kicker? Ma got stuck in child’s pose and had to call for reinforcements—namely me—to help her up.

Uncle R had his own adventure involving an old recliner he’s been meaning to fix. He finally got around to it this week, only to discover that the tools he’d been hoarding in the garage were, in his words, “as useful as a screen door on a submarine.” The recliner is now in pieces, and Uncle R is on a first-name basis with the local handyman.

Hot Flashes & More the joys of midlife

Ah, midlife. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, isn’t it? This week, I found myself squinting at a recipe card I’ve read a hundred times. It’s official: I need get new glasses. Of course, admitting that to Ma and Uncle R was a mistake. Uncle R suggested I get one of those chain things to hang them around my neck, and Ma said, “Welcome to the club, honey.”

Then there’s the endless battle with sleep. Why is it that I can fall asleep on the couch during a boring TV show but lie wide awake at 2 a.m., pondering everything from laundry to the meaning of life? If midlife had a motto, it’d be, “You’re tired, but you can’t sleep.”

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: Baked ziti with garlic bread and a side salad.
2. Tuesday: Chicken and vegetable stir-fry over rice.
3. Wednesday: Tomato soup with grilled cheese sandwiches.
4. Thursday: Pork chops with mashed potatoes and green beans.
5. Friday: Loaded baked potatoes (easy and customizable!).
6. Saturday: Homemade pizza night (everyone makes their own).
7. Sunday: Family-style pot roast with carrots, potatoes, and gravy, followed by a warm apple cobbler with vanilla ice cream.

A Moment of peace and quiet

This week every morning I woke up early, got a cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or tea and just sat preparing for the day. I spent it in quietness. I didn’t look at my phone first thing when I woke up, I didn’t rush to get my day started. I just let myself begin quietly and I have found that it made a huge difference. I wasn’t as stressed as I normally was. This is certainly something I plan to do every morning from now on.

Storied Conversation a little book chat

Did you know I write more than one blog? Well I do and here are a few highlights from Storied Conversation. Please note that clicking any of the links below will take you away from Rita Reviews. I just wanted to let you know but please click away and give these blogs some love as well. You never know what you may find.

FYI… Don’t Forget to head over and enter The Monthly Chapter Giveaway!

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ENTER BELOW FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A $50 AMAZON GIFT CARD. GIVEAWAY IS OPEN WORLDWIDE AND ENDS January 11, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.