Daybook

Giving Thanks -

For ordinary Monday mornings—the kind that feel like a dependable reset. Dark and quiet, still cold but gentler than that harsh snap a couple of weeks ago. For an encouraging forecast and the sense that we’re turning toward something lighter.

I’m deeply thankful for the close proximity to our adult children and how it allows for frequent, unforced time together. 

And for slow decision-making seasons—ones that make room for reflection and a clearer understanding of how we genuinely want to live in the next chapter.

Outside My Window-

The snow is melting slowly. I know I should be grateful for that slow melt—the earth needs it, and so do gardeners and farmers. Even if I’m ready to see green ground again, I’m trying to receive it for what it offers.

Clothing Myself In-

Still in my pajamas. No rush yet.

In the Kitchen-

My starter is rising in preparation for dough today. The jalapeño cheddar loaf from last week was so good. I’d love to come up with an original loaf just as delicious for those who don’t enjoy the heat.

Writing-

Making my way back to the blog. 🙂

Reading-

Nothing much right now—nothing worth noting, anyway.

Watching-

The controversy surrounding the Super Bowl keeps popping up in my social feed, and I don’t like it.
What I am enjoying: Landman. We really like it, and it currently has our attention.

We also watched the most recent season of The Voice, and I can’t believe we hadn’t made it a priority sooner. We laughed and talked more than we have watching TV in a long time. The atmosphere in the living room felt different—lighter, more engaged. I’m looking forward to future seasons, and we may even go back and watch earlier ones.

Listening-

Watching The Voice sent me searching for a few artists I’d like to get to know better. I love when something familiar opens a new door.

Making-

Revisiting plans for camp and the outdoor kitchen. Also working through plans for renovating our kitchen and dining area here at home. Floors are the top priority, which means decisions about the renovation have to come first—and I’m not sad about that.

We’ve chosen two dates for camp and one for a family vacation in Florida at the condos. It’s been several years since we’ve done that, and it’s long overdue. Everyone is excited. We’re taking a wait-and-see approach to any remaining trips, especially camp, as we watch and wait for what God has planned regarding John’s retirement options.

Camp-

Still dreaming, but holding plans loosely.

The Week Ahead-

Watching the kids a couple of times—my little minions.

I want to take advantage of the moderate weather to tackle the freezer as part of the pantry challenge—organize inventory and finally process tomatoes that have been waiting far too long.

There will likely be more pondering about whether to schedule classes. If I can settle the question—whether to move forward with a series or return to the original class with solid, simplifying updates—I think it will be easier to move forward without fixating so much. I really do enjoy teaching, but it has to be sustainable for my energy and mental capacity. Decisions evolve when we give them enough time.

The garden will need to evolve, too. I don’t have the desire right now to set up racks, lights, and heat mats. We’ll focus on the most important plants—likely tomatoes and peppers, maybe Brussels sprouts. My plans assumed a year when John was fully available to help, and this isn’t that year. More watching and waiting than planning and doing.

And the familiar question remains: do we invest more in backyard gardening, or hold space for land we may want to invest in later? It’s a question we’ve carried for years—vacillating between hoping for what we can envision and choosing to invest fully right where we are. There’s never been a time when trusting Scripture about making plans has felt more necessary.

Closing Thought-

I’ve chosen my word for the year: RELY. There’s more to say about that—probably in its own space. For now, I’m practicing it quietly, right here in the waiting.