There’s a special kind of confidence that comes from watching one too many home improvement videos. This week, I decided I was handy enough to tackle a simple project. Let’s just say the results were…questionable at best. Turns out, there’s a fine line between “I can totally do this” and “Maybe I should have called a professional.”
This Week in the wilderness
In a burst of overconfidence, I attempted a DIY project this week. It was supposed to be a simple home improvement task—replacing a cabinet handle. Easy, right? Well, let’s just say that after stripping a screw, dropping a screwdriver on my foot, and watching a YouTube tutorial three times, I now have one cabinet with no handle and a deep sense of regret. At this point, I may just glue it shut and call it “decorative.”
Life at Shady Pines free range seniors
At exactly 3:00 a.m., a loud beeping noise woke up the whole house. Ma thought it was the smoke detector. Uncle R thought it was the microwave. Turns out, it was an alarm clock they didn’t even know they owned—buried in a drawer from who knows when. When we finally found it, Uncle R just said, “Well, at least we know it still works.” Meanwhile, Ma is convinced the house is haunted by a ghost who just wants us all to wake up earlier.
Hot Flashes & More the joys of midlife
Not just decluttering closets—though that’s oddly satisfying—but letting go of old grudges, impossible expectations, and the need to be everything to everyone. There’s real peace in accepting that some things (and people) aren’t meant to stay, and that’s perfectly okay.
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.
- Monday: Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with a Side of Cornbread
- Tuesday: Shrimp and Grits with Collard Greens
- Wednesday: Beef Stroganoff over Egg Noodles
- Thursday: Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken with Roasted Vegetables
- Friday: Blackened Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw and Lime Crema
- Saturday: Caprese Salad with Toasted Baguette Slices
- Sunday: Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, and Lemon Meringue Pie
A Moment of peace and quiet
Instead of rushing into the day, I took things slow. A hot shower, my favorite robe, a real breakfast (not just coffee!), and a few deep breaths before diving into emails. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it was enough to remind me that peace isn’t found in big gestures—it’s in the little moments we choose to savor.
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.
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I tried to be more mindful this week (getting away helped!), though it’s been crazy here and there.
This week was really busy at work, but the weather was glorious!
I had a nice week. I was my birthday yesterday but the older I get the more I call it my birthday week. lol It sure has been pretty here lots of flowers and green fields and blossoming trees.
I was enjoying my daily walks outside but we got a dump of snow! I really need spring. Though I think you’ve motivated me to making blackened fish tacos next week!
The weather has been nice so I have been doing a lot of walking. I’m also decluttering my house and garage.
Honestly, this hasn’t been a good week. My anxiety and depression has come to a head, and I saw a psychiatrist. My mom left to visit my brother for 10 days, giving my husband and I a break, one we desperately need. Dementia is so hard!
We had a couple really nice warm days but now it’s cold again.
Honestly it was a hard week. My daughter was sick and I’ve been stressing out over money issues. I owe money on my taxes, and there are vet bills plus an unexpected house related bill. I’ve been really on edge about everything.
I worked n now I am on my weekend. lol
My week was filled with worry, as usual. Worried about Social Security is a part of it.
It was awesome, the weather is getting warmer here.
The weather has been really nice in Central Oregon this week, so I got out and went for a nice hike in a state park today.
Trust me – you don’t want to know
My husband and I have been recovering from some sort of respiratory virus-so a very blah week!
My car broke down… twice Ugh
I’m retired so my week consists of doing nothing.
Im really struggling with what to do about a relationship in my life; it’s not going well but I am unsure if Ishould keep trying to make it work! It’s been on my mind all week
Not the best week my entire family is sick.
The menu looks so good. You gave me some supper ideas.
My week has been exhausting but productive.
Not too bad, busy but okay.
I had a pretty good week.
Getting some scrapbooking pages done, volunteering.
I’m in the process of moving. This week was spent packing and cleaning. Stressful but exciting.
This was the first week of having a empty nest as our daughter moved out of state
Long, hard, and very rainy!
My weeks has been busy with work.
It was a tough one. Dad had a heart attack on Thursday. Had surgery and is recovering but we have been living in the hospital for now. Been doing a lot of reading because I take my Kindle with my everywhere and the is a lot of waiting happening in hospitals, as you know.
Daffodils are up and trees are in bud. Two warm days, then back to cold.
Hope we get some companies to wake up and call business has been slow
Been a busy week at work, enjoying a day off finally, catching up on some cleaning and housework.
I always have a great weekend as being RETIRED.
I’ve had a pretty busy week, the usual household stuff.our pets had a regular vet visit which always insane, but their both healthy
I’ve been busy cleaning up the outside, getting the veggie gardens ready for planting.
I walk 5 days a week and have coffee with friends 7 days a week. Also play tournament bridge.
Trying to eat healthier to keep my blood sugar from going crazy. It’s a daily battle with food. lol
I had surgery, so I am recovering.
It was okay.
just doing some spring cleaning and organizing!
Well, April Fool’s Day has brought us a surprise snow storm warning in Minnesota. Half of our patients canceled so our clinic day has been pretty slow. I’m not complaining but I’d like to see spring flowers eventually.
Same old, same old. Stuck in my hospital bed and bored out of my skull.
The weather has been nice so I have been doing a lot of yardwork
Worked a couple of days and heading out on vacation in a few hours!
Good Morning:
My week has been challenging and fun at the same time. I had spine surgery March 10.
I have been resting, reading, exercising my legs and walking. All these things I do daily while my super hero husband takes care of everything else. I feel blessed in so many ways.
Have a great day and week everyone. Be grateful for all the little things. 💞💞
My car broke down on saturday. I got it back today from the dealer. Cost me about a grand. Other than that. an ok week , but i did win about a grand on the slots. that paid for the repairs
I had a good week. It was my oldest son’s birthday yesterday, so we enjoyed the day together. Other than that, it has been business as usual with work and family duties.
Work, sleep, eat. On Repeat
We’re in the middle of high school baseball season, so it’s been a busy week with games.
been pretty terrible as usual
My week has been okay, I’ve been working through a cold but I think I’m finally starting to recover!
It has been a good week, but flooding in my state from all the storms.
A little stressful at times, but definitely looking forward to the weekend!
Started PT this week after getting cast removed from hand/forearm after a bad fracture, it was a painful week, and it’s going to be a painful month!
Its been a decent week. My youngest made the honor roll. My husband is still dealing with the recovery from his cancer. We are still getting used to the TEP. And the kittens are now 5 weeks old and little trouble makers.
I had a busy week, but at least it was productive. Ended with a 1-1/2 massage and prime rib & halibut dinner with hubby and a friend.
Saturday morning reflection… Over all I would say this last week has been pretty good. I am learning some new computer skills and managing my time well to allow a little more free time.
The weather is finally starting to warm up so I’ve been able to get back to hiking. Love being outdoors!
It wasn’t the best week. Had to work extra hours to cover other peoples shifts and also found out that I need to have oral surgery for an impacted tooth in my sinus cavity.
Had lots of rain that I love! Otherwise just the same as usual.
I have been spending this week trying to bounce back from my latest chemo session. I have learned in the past few months to not take anything for granted, no matter how small.
We got our taxes done. Donated to the Tacoma Humane Society; our dog passed away and we had pads to donate. Today we’re marching in Olympia.
I had a busy, but productive week at work. I plan on getting my taxes done this evening.
Finished my taxes and now am enjoying a few days off!
It’s been a stormy week here in Arkansas for me.
We were retirees before this week, now we are broke retirees!!
I had a very busy week! Had lots of appointments I had to go to!
One of my kids came home for the weekend!
Honestly, it’s been a wild ride! The storms have been INSANE. My parents house got BADLY flooded, but my yard is set up differently, so not me. My little white dog is not a fan, he dug up the flower bed earlier this week – did you know dogs dig when they’re nervous? Excited for Sunday to be able to call my best friend long distance and relax.
Boring week had a couple migraines read some cleaned some and watched my kids. Hope your week was well.