Happy Monday friends! I hope everyone enjoyed a beautiful Easter weekend. We had a wonderful day yesterday and, truthfully, a full and very nice weekend. We started the weekend with a trip into the city in order to see a on-stage performance of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. It was at the Museum of the Bible. We really enjoy the theater there and they do a phenomenal job with their performances. I think I must be the only person I know who has not read the Narnia stories, but tis true. I had no idea what to expect or any reference point for the play. I think that was to my advantage. We went with a rather large group of friends and everyone throughly enjoyed the play…as well as dinner afterwards. It was an absoultely beautiful evening in the city. A perfect night for walking around. Sightseeing (all kinds of sights!). And even eating outdoors – which we were not able to do because of our size but certainly lots (and lots) of folks were taking advantage of the weather!
Yesterday, we celebrated Easter with a sunrise service – not even a sweater required. It was amazing:) That service was followed by an Easter brunch at church and then a second service that I enjoyed with the Junior Church kiddos. They sang and recited a scripture passage…and they did such a good job. My heart was full to overflowing. There was an egg hunt after church which was just enough Easter fun for me. It was a very nice weekend indeed. This morning we are headed to breakfast for my husband’s monthly retired men’s group (and a few wives, too) from church. But I thought today would be a good time to get in a daybook entry done for the month. That said –
The Weather – continues to be stunning. There had been a forecast of super hot weather on Saturday but temperatures did not get as hot as they said…which was nice for those of us walking around downtown. It did warm up enough to make Sunday morning so very pleasant. The pollen continues to be a problem for many but I am enjoying seeing everything green again. Did I mention we had a tree count down? I believe I did. Well, I am hoping the grass seed we planted will take off soon.
As I look outside my window – I can only notice that huge bare spot left by the removed tree. It makes me a bit disheartened. I had hoped the extra openness would make the front of the house look, I don’t know, roomier? Bigger? Nicer? Right now, I don’t see any of that. So, lately I have not been looking outside the window very often. At least, not out the front window!!
This morning, I am – headed to breakfast, as I mentioned, and then will head home to do my “daily chores.” LOL I recently decided to return to a cleaning schedule. For years I cleaned according to a schedule but, as the nest began to empty and we moved into more of a retired lifestyle, I started cleaning “as needed” which was more like cleaning “whenever I noticed the need.” I have to admit it started taking me longer and longer to “notice the need” on dusty services, etc. And deep cleaning needs?? Well, those were easy to really never notice. Basically, there was not enough cleaning going on around here. So, I am trying to get back on track with a schedule. Only me to keep myself accountable but I think the schedule will help. Honestly, I thrive on schedules!
Lately, I have been thinking about – social security…and it rather makes my head hurt. When is the best time to start taking your social security? Should you take it early? Wait? Will social security even be around if I wait too long? I have tried to call the administration to discuss some of my questions. Let me tell you that is a maddening process. I now have an appointment. An appointment for someone to call me. For a simple phone call. Said appointment is in two months. Pitiful.
What I am wearing – well, yesterday I wore a new dress. It was new and I wore it on Easter so, I suppose, that makes it an Easter dress. It is not pastel. It is beige actually, but the style was perfect for me. I did receive several compliments so I putting down for a win!
Around the house – things look much cleaner (since implementing the aforementioned schedule last week)!!
My To-Do List – includes mop the kitchen floor – my least favorite chore. I put it on the schedule for Mondays as I am (usually) the most motivated on Mondays. And have the most energy. Do you follow the “swallow the elephant” philosophy? The idea of tackling a large and daunting task. Getting it done and overwith – hopefully to make a large project (such as cleaning the whole house) more manageable. And less overwhelming. The idea typically works well for me. I really do not like doing the kitchen floor. I used to do all my “mopping” on my hands and knees. Well, that doesn’t happen anymore but it is still a challenge I don’t enjoy.
And, from my camera – I saw this service truck at the neighbor’s house the other day. I thought it was so silly that I had to take a picture. Mind you, I took no pictures while we were in DC this weekend. I took not one photo on Easter. Yet, I pull out my phone to take the picture of a truck across the street!?! But, I just thought the company’s logo was so silly. As in, goofy. I have to wonder…would you call a company with a logo like “We’re better than all the otters?” Oy vey. Mind you, others in my house thought it was cute. Me? Nope. I would definitely move on to the next plumber listed.
Well, here’s to a great week ahead. Bible study resumes tomorrow after the spring break. I am really hoping to get to the nail salon this week. I have a trip planned next week – woo hoo – and one can certainly cannot be ready for a trip with toes in desperate need of a pedicure! I will remedy that this week. Who knows what else needs to be done before I leave. That said, thanks for stopping by, friends!!
Good morning, to ya, Jennifer! Gotta admit that I kind of like the “otters” saying. It’s so silly and slightly cringy but I think it makes for pretty good marketing. As in, you remember it. As in, you took a picture of it :). It caught your attention. And that’s not a bad thing for business. As for other business, not a financial advisor in any, way, shape or form but I’d say take your ss money as soon as you can! You never know how long you’ll live; may as well start getting it sooner rather than later. The only caveat would be if you truly think you will run out of “other” money and ss would be the only money you’d have to live on? I don’t know. The cases for various scenarios can be made. I am with you on the cleaning on an as needed basis vs. a schedule. I am team “as needed” right now and should think about a schedule… Your weekend sounds like it was so lovely- I love to hear that your heart was overflowing! Have a great Monday!!
Jennifer first I just want to say hello! Thank you for visiting me. I certainly enjoyed reading through your posts. You have a wonderful way of sharing your faith. I am like you when it comes to having a cleaning schedule. It just makes my life a bit easier because things don’t pile up.
There are many thoughts on taking ss early. I waited until I was full age but hubby took his at 62…pray for wisdom…God will show you what is best.
Have a wonderful day.
Thanks so much for stopping by…and leaving a comment! Thanks for the encouragement with the pesky ss! I hope you will visit again. Deborah!
Oh I really enjoyed your Easter Post. I try to clean on a schedule. We have a small unit, Living Rm, Dining Rm combintion and a small kitchen. Hallway and two bedrooms. One we use as a bedroom, the other we call the media room, as it has our recliners, TV and computers. My dearest spends most of his time there working on devotionals and acrostic from his recliner with his laptop. Me….I enjoy cleaning, so that’s what I do on a daily basis, but really need to take a room at a time and do some DEEP cleaning!! But I would rather read and work on my Bible Study…Always enjoy my visit with you, Jennifer.
That sounds like a lovely Easter weekend. I read all the Narnia books with my boys when we were homeschooling. My favorite was definitely The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.
I confess, “We’re better than all the otters?” is cute to me. We had to have a plumber come to the house just a few days ago. His company has a life-size photo of him stepping out of a doorway — all on the back of their truck/van. It’s so life-size that it’s a bit unnerving but completely in good taste. What is it with plumbers???
Hello Jennifer! I have missed visiting you! You have got to read the Narnia series! It’s so good! I wish I lived close enough to an actual theatre! House cleaning is simple for me as it is only me there. One person doesn’t make much of a mess and when you do you clean as you go. But yes I am a swallow the elephant type… LOL! I didn’t take any Easter pictures either!
I hope you have a wonderful week!
It sounds like you had a lovely Easter weekend. Like you, I am enjoying the lovely spring weather and loving having the doors and windows open to let the warm fresh air inside the house.
The cleanest you will ever see my house is right before we have guests arrive! I am like a house cleaning whirlwind! I don’t really have a set routine for housework other than bed linen change on a Monday – I do love clean pyjamas and bedsheets, I’m sure it makes me sleep better. We had our daughter and family here on Sunday and son and his family here yesterday so I can assure you that my house is not looking spick and span today!
It sounds like you had a wondeful Easter weekend . The Narnia show sounds like it was a fun event with friends.
I use a list/diary to schedule cleaning in this house too. It works for me!
I love this post because I can relate to so much of it 🙂 I used to have a cleaning schedule (have tried several), but as you say, the empty nest brings on more of a lax attitude and now I clean when things look dirty. This is not the best policy 🙂 Also, cutting trees is something else. We had some trees cut at our last house and then I spent years regretting that decision, so I completely understand. David and I have agreed that taking Social Security right away is best. With our gov’t, you just never know what will happen. Plus, why wait? So many people wait and then it’s still not enough to live off of or you’re too old to do anything. We’ve watched videos on YouTube of retired people who talk about their reasons for taking it early. Maybe those will inspire you one way or another.
Thanks, Debbie for your input and opinion. It is helpful…and appreciated! Oh I hope I don’t miss our tree for years. Sigh. I’m hoping that empty spot will grow on me. Did you catch that? Grow on me. Ha. I’m a goof. So glad you stopped by today, Debbie!
Jennifer, I so enjoyed this post. I’ve been a bit lax in my blog reading (and posting) the last couple of weeks.
I have not read the Narnia books either. Hope that makes you feel better. 🙂
I’m so glad to read that you had such a lovely Easter weekend. We did as well. We went to Good Friday service at our church on Friday, followed by an evening out with my brother-in-law and his wife at a lovely restaurant. Saturday was a rather restful day and then Sunday was SS and worship at church, followed by Easter dinner at my brother-in-law’s house.
Dianna – that does sound like a lovely Easter weekend!! So glad you made special memories:) Have a wonderful day!
I am new – you left me a comment yesterday on my blog – Chatty Crone – I only post on Tuesdays just FYI! But I thank you. Came to see what your posts are about and wow – yours are much more impressive than mine. Plus you are a baby – lol – I am 72.
Glad you are a Christian and glad you had a wonderful Easter!
Sandie/Chatty
Sandie – so glad you found your way to my blog…and left your kind comment. I received your email as well (I hope you got my reply)! I look forward to visiting more in the future!