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Productive Sunday

I had a very productive Sunday, which is awesome as we’ll be traveling next weekend. My morning started with the kitchen and fixing the Roomba. Every Sunday I try to clean out the sink and run some cleaner through the garbage disposal. This has been working out great. Meanwhile, My poor Roomba had another run in with Athena’s poop. Thankfully, the diet food she is on makes it super dry and easy to clean up.

After cleaning up the kitchen, I moved my focus outside. We’ve had Brazilian pepper trees, which are invasive to Florida, start taking over our front garden. Fortunately, my new pruning set from Amazon came in this week. Consequently, I put my new pruning saw to good use and took down all of the trees. I also trimmed the fronds from my neighbors yard that were poking through the fence. Lastly, I trimmed back the passion fruit wine and was super excited to see that it’s blooming! I can’t wait to try our passion fruits.

I stated my afternoon off with a good run. Fortunately, it went pretty well today. Afterwards, the Mayor and I drove up to PetSmart to see the dogs they had up for adoption. Spoiler alert, they had none. At any rate, it was good opportunity for the Mayor to practice driving. We stopped at Publix to pick up a few things. The Mayor bought himself some sushi for lunch. I, meanwhile, bought a bunch of yummy goodies for a charcuterie board.

The hubby and I grazed on the charcuterie board for lunch. Usually, we only have a charcuterie at a special occasion or restaurant. Last week I bought a venison tenderloin to try since the Calibrate program allows Wild game, but not a lot of red beef. I sautéed it before roasting the tenderloins over onions. For the gravy, I used a Norwegian recipe that included red currant preserves and Aquavit. It was a good wholesome meal, but I’m not sure who I feel about a sweet gravy. The venison, along with the mashed potatoes my hubby made, turned into perfectly. I’ll definitely be making it again. I’ll cap this productive Sunday with a nice hot shower.

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Date Night

For tonight’s date night we headed to Sicilian Oven in Delray. It’s a lot more casual than the restaurant we visited last week. Thankfully, it was a beautiful night because we ended up sitting outside waiting for a table for over an hour. There were people waiting everywhere! The night sky was absolutely beautiful with a crescent moon off to the west. By the time we got sat, I was bordering on hangry. I’m never happy when a “30” minute wait turns into a 60 minute plus wait.

We started our dinner with some bruschetta and wood fired wings. Both appetizers were very good. I definitely would order them again. we washed them down with a strawberry aperol spritz and blood organge margarita. I liked my spritz, but the hubby didn’t love his margarita. We shared a wood fired pizza with pepperoni, sausage and meatballs for dinner. The pizza was good, but I didn’t love the sausage. I’m not sure that we’ll go back. The good was good, but not worth the hour wait.

You’ll be happy to know that Goalielocks remembered to bring his little brother to school today, so I’m going to count that as a win for the day. My day at work was okay, but it was free benefits Friday. I had an okay day, but it certainly wasn’t stellar. Honestly, this week has pretty much sucked. Hopefully, it will get better.

We were able to speak with Jake yesterday, which is always a great. He looked and sounded wonderful. In fact, he even look well rested. Thursdays are defiantly my favorite day since we get to talk to and see Jake. I can’t wait for him to come back for a visit! On Fridays, I wear red to remember everyone deployed. So if you have red, throw it on every Friday and support the brave men and women of our military that have been deployed. And now I’m off to cap off date night by defrosting my venison tenderloin for Sunday. Yep, we’re going to have a crepuscular animal for dinner

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Forgot Something

So apparently Goalielocks forgot something when he left for school this morning. Okay, technically he forgot two things because he also forgot his volleyball shoes. Unfortunately, Goalielocks went to school without his brother. We discovered this when the Mayor stormed into our room yelling that nobody woke him up and his alarm didn’t go off. Fortunately, my Hubby was headed South, so he was able to drop the Mayor off at school.

Consequently, I had to text Goalielocks to see what he would say. I sent him a text asking if he forgot something and he had no idea what I was talking about. Calmly, I responded that he had left his brother behind. At the point, he claimed the Mayor told him I said he could stay home as he wasn’t feeling well. Meanwhile, the Mayor has no recollection of that conversation, which isn’t surprising if he was half asleep. Nonetheless, the whole situation had my hubby and I in stitches.

I took the last two nights off the blog because I was absolutely exhausted. The Mayor had a scrimmage in Pompano Tuesday night, which saw us getting home well after our bed time. By the time we fell asleep, it was well after midnight. Oh my alarm came way too early yesterday morning. Honestly, I was absolutely fried. I even took a mini nap after I finished my workout. Nevertheless, I went to bed mighty early as i was still exhausted.

The Mayor, by the way, had a great scrimmage. He scored the game winning goal and had an assist on the second goal. His team beat the top team in their division, which was a nice confidence booster before states. If only it was like two hours earlier and a few degrees warmer, it would have been the perfect night. Meanwhile in Boca, Goalelielocks’ volleyball team had their first game of the season. They also won!

So I’ve been flabby for awhile now, which is why I started the Calibrate program last month. I have packed on the pounds since my doctor diagnosed with an autoimmune thyroid disease. Unfortunately, these extra pounds have shown a level of resiliency not often seen in this world. Like a pebble in your shoe, they have been the bane of my existence. Fortunately, I’ve met with some early success with the program. I’ve got high hopes!

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Great Day

It was a great day at the homestead. I ran a few errands in the morning, took the Mayor to his evening practice, but still managed to be quite productive around the house. It’s always a win when I get my to do list accomplished over the weekend. Especially when it’s still hockey season. I even got my two mile run in!

This evening the Mayor was able to return to his homework for practice. It’s the first time we’ve been back since the fire. Honestly, it was good to be back home. Nonetheless, it also sad to see two of the three rinks still closed. It’s going to take awhile for the rink get back to 100%, but fortunately the Mayor’s team is back to having regular practices. I know, he for one, is stoked and relieved to be back on the ice.

Speaking of a great day, I sure hope I close February out with a big day tomorrow. Friday sucked at work, so I’m definitely in need of a good day. I’m also hoping March is will be a much better month than February ended up being for our team. The week should be a good one as the Mayor has a scrimmage Tuesday, which is always fun.

With everything going on in the world, like the war in Ukraine, it’s hard to believe what’s happening. I think my generation has been a bit spoiled being born at the tail end for her Cold War. For the majority of our lives, we’ve known peace and had a rich childhood experience. Conversely, I feel that our childrens’ generation has had a dramatically different experience, which makes me sad.

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Last Game

Today was The Mayor’s last game of the regular seasons. Due to the high school state hockey tournament and injuries, his team had a short bench facing one of the best team’s in the division. Nevertheless, they were the little entice that could today. It was an awesome, fast-paced game that ended in a 0-0 tie. Obviously, both goalies had great games. I was impressed with the boys’ conditioning given they haven’t been able to practice for a couple of weeks.

In anticipation of this last game and states, the Mayor has been working hard to keep in shape. He’s been running three miles several days a week as well as lifting. More importantly, he has built stretching into his routine, which will help keep him healthy as he continues to run, workout and play hockey. When I first suggested he stretch and foam roll, he definitely gave me a big eye roll. Nevertheless, he took my advice and I’m by thrilled.

Last night the Hubby and I went out for a nice date on the town. For dinner, we headed to Pistache in downtown West Palm Beach. We split a wonderful charcuterie board with Brie, cheddar, chèvre, jambon, chorizo and all the accompaniments. It was very tasty. For dinner, I had, no surprise here, the steak au poivre. The Hubby meanwhile enjoyed the steak frites. For dessert, we shared the crème brûlée. It’s hard for me to quantify how much I love that dessert and Pistache’s version didn’t disappoint.

We ended up going out for dinner again tonight unexpectedly after the Mayor’s game. Tonight we joined my bro, Brandi and company at Casa Tequila for some amazing Mexican food. It was absolutely delicious. We split some nachos grande and queso, which was beyond amazing. Both exceeded my expectations. For dinner, I had the chicken fajitas. Although truth be told, I had a fajita and will be eating the rest for lunch tomorrow. We’ll definitely be returning to Casa Tequila!

Naturally, we’re all quite sleepy after a heart meal at Casa Tequila. Consequently, we’re chilling on the couch peacefully watching the Lightning and Predators duke it out in the Stadium Series. So far, it’s been an entertaining and physical game. We won’t probably make it through the entire game however because the Mayor has an early practice tomorrow in Coral Springs.

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The Liberators

I found this beautiful World War 2 Era poem “The Liberators” and thought I’d share it on the blog. There’s so much going on in the world right now that makes me worry about our kids’ collective future. My Grandfather bravely served on a B-24 Liberator during World War 2 in the European Theater. Now over seventy-five years later, his great-grandson is now serving.

The poem “The Liberators” by H.R. Hays.

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Hump Day

It’s hump day and the end of the week can’t come quickly enough. Work has been dreadfully slow this week, which makes for a long day and a long week. It took me almost hours to get a sale, which is ridiculous. Anyway, I’m hoping the volume improves as the week progresses. At least tomorrow is Thursday, which means Jake will be calling.

My Wednesday workout was chest and arms. I repeated last week’s BBG workout since I again missed last week’s ab workout. Happily, I can report that I didn’t throw up after today’s workout. Hopefully, this means I won’t lose my cookies after my run tomorrow. I’m a little over throwing up. It’s not how I want to spend my lunch break.

Life has been difficult the past couple of years for everyone. The stress of the pandemic along with life’s usual stressors are enough to cause trauma. So many people are walking around with their own wounds from trauma, be kind. Notice the friends, who are by your side as you walk with your hurt and trauma because they’re your true friends.

Thankfully, my sales assistants, or should I say apprentices, are by my side each and everyday to help mama navigate the good and bad days. Anakin has been a bit special lately. I don’t know why, but he’s obsessed with the root of our pineapple plants. For the moment, I’m having to take him out front to do his business, so he doesn’t destroy the plant. Athena, on the other hand, has become obsessed with eating grass. Anyway, I just placed my second Target this hump day because I totally forgot to get milk. Oops!!

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Night Alone

Thanks to the Panther’s game and volleyball practice, the hubby and I have a rare weekday night alone. Naturally, we spent it as most couples would by putting in a frozen pizza for dinner and watching hockey. The biggest decision we had to make tonight was if we’d watch the Minnesota Wild or the Florida Panther’s game. We opted to watch the Cat’s as they’ve been on fire this season.

The first period ended in a 1-1 tie. Hopefully, the Cats can put a couple in during the second. Meanwhile in Ottawa, the Wild are still losing to the Senators. In fact, they’re down two goals at the end of the first. Like the Cats, they’ll need a big second period. The Mayor was not super disappointed that his practice was cancelled as he could now go to the Panthers game with his buddy.

My day at work went better albeit it was still super slow. Nonetheless, I still managed to have a decent today. My midday run, again, resulted in me losing my cookies, which sucked. Not to be overly insouciant about it, but I threw up and went back to finish my cooldown. I think throwing up for the entirety of all three pregnancies has made me numb to it. The run itself, however, went pretty smooth. I’d like to get back to running at least a mile a day daily, but I’m not sure my body can handle that presently.

The new program I started isn’t big on beef, so I’ve been looking at different types of meats. First switch I made was to swap ground bison for ground beef. I cooked some great lamb loin chops Sunday nights. It’s a nice cut albeit it had more gristle than your typical lamb chop. Next time I’ll buy regular lamb chops as they’re easier to eat. In addition to lamb, we’re going to give some elk steaks a try.

P.S. The Wild are now tied 2-2 in Ottawa!

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Orchids

My orchids are blooming out front and they’re absolutely gorgeous. I noticed the white and purple one had bloomed a couple of days ago. Today my pink orchid opened up as well. I’ve always loved orchids for their inimitable beauty and coloration, but growing them up north is a challenge. Here in South Florida, you just hang them outside and they bloom beautifully. The purple orchids are so vibrantly colored.

Today on the phone was not nearly as beautiful as my orchids. In fact, it out right sucked. Truth be told I was due one of these days, but it still blows. Fortunately, this month has been all about squeezing blood from a turnip. Tomorrow will be better. Nonetheless, it never ceases to amaze me how many people think everything should be free for them. At least, they have Medicare, what is my generation going to have?

My poor sweet Anakin is a bit under the weather today. I don’t know if he ate something that doesn’t agree with him or if he has a little bug. Either way he’s been vomiting this evening. He looks so sad and scared after he gets sick. Hopefully, he doesn’t throw up anymore this evening. We’ve all cleaned up enough vomit for one day. At least, I’ll be able to enjoy my beautiful, blooming orchids for the next month.

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Rascal

I got this sweet rascal a very cute shirt courtesy of the Mandolorian and Kohl’s. It’s absolutely adorable on him. I wanted to buy Athena a dress, but we didn’t think she would fit into any of them. They did have the cutest yellow gingham dress that I wanted to get for her. She’s got such a friendly, cute personality, the dress really would be perfect for her.

After our morning errands, I chilled on the couch for quite awhile before deciding to run. Fortunately, today’s run went much better than Thursday’s runs. Thankfully, I didn’t throw up after this one. I toyed with the idea of doing the BBG ab workout, but decided to take it easy the rest of the day.

For dinner, I was feeling like Greek food. Consequently, we had lemon lamb chops, lemon potatoes and homemade bread. I also made a chickpea salad as an accompaniment for dinner, but also as something for me to snack on through the week. On this new program, I have to be careful about the snacks and foods I choose. A chickpea salad with lots of fresh vegetables is a perfect fit.

The rest of the night will be spent watching the Minnesota Wild beat the Edmonton Oilers. Naturally, the rascal, aka Anakin, and Athena will be chilling with the hubby and I as we take in some hockey. Once the game is over, we’ll head to bed because I’m tired. Lastly, congrats to the Finnish Men’s hockey team as they won the gold medal last night.