Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa

Saturday, February 28, 2026

It’s a rare Saturday post coming at you so I can link up with Jenn!

Something I loved

Gosh, this month went by quickly! I love looking back at my February photos to jog my memory. I also love referring back to my February goals list to see how I did. I had a full month and feel very blessed. I also did really well on my goals list. We had a cold month and our electric bill doubled what it was in January!

I loved having fires in my fireplace on the cold and snowy weekend days. I loved having my Valentine’s decor up, too.

I loved all my themed meals I tried to make.

Since the Olympics was set in Italy, I went to World Market and got a few authentic Italian things.

Here was my cacio e pepe for the opening of the Olympics. I didn’t watch as much as I thought I would. I am more a Summer Olympics gal! I can’t wait to make cacio e pepe again.

I loved making my German Valentine’s meals and my attempt at Mardi Gras gumbo. Oh well. I love a theme and would you believe I have been making themed meals for Tom since we were dating? I had a little one-bedroom apartment and made him some funny themed meals in my tiny kitchen.

I loved one on one time with friends this month. I went to a Galentine’s event with my friend Jessica and we ended the night with the best lemondrop martini.

A nice happy hour and meal with my friend Jennifer:

I had a consignment shopping day with Katie and a plant shopping day with Kara. I had a lunch and shopping day with Beth, and finally a happy hour with two high school girls that live nearby.

Something that sustained me

The sun – even when it was cold, we had a lot of sunny days. Even when I’m just in my car picking up groceries the blue sky and sun help me!

My reading life – check out my February books

A bit more routine – albeit a loose one

A joyful attitude – more joy and less sadness

Phone calls and texts with family and friends – along with in person time mentioned above

Something I’m carrying forward into March

Learning how to better parent adult children

Worrying about what is mine to worry about – I can make a problem mine very easily

Matching energy – I had some let downs with people in my life in February. One person lied to me and one person didn’t make it seem like I was important in their life. So, I need to take these actions at face value, realize those actions are about the other person and not me, and spend my energy elsewhere. I think?

Something I’m making space for this month

More walks outside alone. I love walking EO, but I also need to walk alone.

Music. I am playing more music at home, and I am also anticipating some live music opportunities coming up. The music rather than a podcast has really lifted my spirits. Sometimes I think we have too much talking and not enough music in our lives, no?

Well, my Four Somethings got deep real fast!

What is something you would share with me today?

Amy

Friday, February 27, 2026

Well, today will be a two post day so I can share my February books. I had another good winter reading month! Yay! Here are my January books. Reminder that I only read library books and I only read books I like. So, I like them all!

I loved this story so much – this would be a great summer read. I am not sure what appealed to me so much but I loved the premise of adults at a summer camp.

This was another story I really liked although there was a trigger warning about a parent’s death in the story. It was actually therapeutic for me. I know it looks like I read “fluff” but I take things away from even what looks like chick lit and I would say I read chick lit with some depth.

This made me laugh out loud a few times. The main character was a hoot. If you are a fan of The Bachelor, you might like the premise.

This was such a quick read for me. I think I liked it more than the first book and I am excited to watch the Apple tv show.

This is super rated R and I kind of got tired of it with about 50 pages left. So, I did really like it until the last part and then I had to force myself to finish it. I knew what was going to happen and all that.

This was a really unique book. It’s all written in letters and emails. I got the large print edition and I am not sure why. It sure was nice. I hate to do that and keep it from someone who really needs it, though. It made me think of the practice of writing actual letters, too. I think I have saved every letter I have ever received. Ha! I was always a big letter writer. My mom gave me the letters I wrote to my fam from college and from Spain. I went to college from 1990-1994 so it’s a little surprising how much I wrote to them – meaning the phone was available. I also have lots of letters from Tom from the time period where we were long distance and when he had to go live on construction job sites. What a gift to have someone’s handwritten letter.

So, I read 6 books this month. I generally read while I eat breakfast and lunch and then in the afternoon after lunch for a bit. I don’t turn on the tv at all during the day. I think that is key to having time to read. You can read or you can watch tv. Do you agree?

It’s ok if you aren’t a reader. My sister Kate keeps trying to make herself one and she just doesn’t enjoy it. That’s ok. She has other hobbies and gifts.

Amy

Friday, February 27, 2026

How was your week? I am linking up with Andrea and Erika to share some favorites of mine this week. I’m double posting today – my other post will be my February book recap. Also, I am posting tomorrow for Share Four Somethings. Look at all this content! Woohoo! You’re gonna get sick of me!

Thank you for all the comments you left Eddie Otis for his first post on his 2nd birthday! He had a great week. He was spoiled. He got a pedicure, his first bandana (chili peppers), and a trip to stock up on his favorite treats and to pick out his next stuffie. Yes, folks, I have become a crazy dog mom.

On Sunday, Tom and I tried gumbo again. I am wondering if it’s my pot. We used a stainless steel pot because we don’t have a Dutch Oven. We first browned the sausage, and it left some black burny bits. We were supposed to leave the sausage flavorings in the pot per the recipe. Then, we stirred that dang roux for an hour! I thought it turned out pretty good except for the burny bits but Tom was not a fan. He didn’t even want to save the leftovers.

I was a bit perturbed as gumbo is not anything I would ever order on a menu! Oh well.

I made another Tom request – sheet pan pot pie with puff pastry. It turned out beautifully, but the pot pie mixture below the puff should be thicker. Or, I could have used a smaller sheet pan.

I finished this early in the week and wow – this is a book that will stay with me.

I started this and whoa – I hope I can see it through but it’s going to be a bit rough I have a feeling. I am worried about the mom and oldest girl in the family.

I will need a fluffy chick lit book next.

I had my Spanish tutoring at Starbuck’s on Monday. I feel like I have to buy something to use their space, but I only drank about 1/4 of it. Meh. I should pre-plan what I am going to order instead of looking like a deer in headlights at the register.

One of our dinners this week was sub in a tub. Yum! I love this meal!

I have been a bit down this week – the cold and a couple of other things that have upset me – so I turned to Fiona for her wisdom. I have been reading a bit with breakfast this week.

I anxiously await the next episodes of both Love is Blind 10 and Love Story – JFK, Jr. and Carolyn – lol.

I was looking through old photos and found my twins in their JFK, Jr. backwards ball cap era.

Jack is hugging Mason from behind:

I think Mason was mad about something:

This was on the ferry from Key West to Fort Jefferson and it was about 2.5 hours. We sat on the front of the boat and I was in heaven. It was an amazing day touring the fort and snorkeling there.

I had a fun morning one day this week. I checked out some shops with my friend Beth. I had gone to this little strip center’s holiday open house but it was super crowded. I discovered the cutest little plant store within a bigger decor store and I discovered a gourmet provisions store with salads, soups, prepared foods, and baked goods. If you are local, Petals is inside Digs and the food shop is called Elderberry Provisions. I can’t wait to support both businesses!

I only bought one thing that day – these tiny pink and green candlesticks and tiny taper candles. I thought they would be so cute on my Easter/Spring mantel. The candlesticks were only $5 each and the tapers were only $1 each.

Then, we ate lunch at Cheddar Box and I think I had the sandwich of my life. It was listed as one of their specialties and it was turkey and brie. I had a cup of tomato artichoke soup and that was excellent, too. Beth had their hot brown which is of Louisville fame!

Here is Eddie Otis bringing home his new stuffie. He picked out a Highland cow. When I say picked out, I took him down the toy aisle and this is the only one he nosed.

I am not a good steak cooker/maker! Our friends brought Tom steaks to thank him for something and I think I successfully cooked them. They were ribeyes and I made a horseradish sauce to accompany.

I couldn’t believe EO wasn’t bothered by his bandana:

He crates himself:

It makes me feel better that he randomly goes in his crate with the door open all day long.

Mason subbed at my school and I offered to drive him because the traffic and parking is just a nightmare. It was a fun blast from the past to be in the “carpool line”.

He was going to walk but Mother Nature is menopausal. What on Earth? It said rain and high of almost 60 and sunny by afternoon and she decided to sleet/snow.

This made me pretty darn sure I am an Enneagram Two. I am feeling all of these things in this current season of life:

What filled your cup this week?

Amy

Thursday, February 26, 2026

Hi! I thought I would talk both fashion and ways I make my week easier with the Monthly Musings gals here.

1. paper planner! I just love writing things down and being able to see dates spread out before me.
2. mostly meal planning and a little prep – I will have a really good week and then I will be tired and fall short the next week sometimes. I like to roast up cubed sweet potatoes for my breakfast right now.
3. I don’t choose my outfit the night before anymore. I haven’t really in a long time. So much of what I wear is mood dependent.
4. Ironing? Who does that? Ha! I try to do my personal laundry twice a week and the household laundry once a week. My husband does his own. Laundry is not a burden for me. I also love how my detergent smells. I am currently using Moonlit Goddess by Bath and Body Works.
5. I usually do a Kroger pick up. I don’t use paper for my grocery list but just add things to my app and then voila – I have my order ready.
6. It’s just me so I don’t really have that trouble anymore but I always said to do as much the night before as possible. Have everything laid out. Keep a set work bag/school bag. Only use it for those purposes.
7. New fave – Bare filets on a biscuit with frozen french fries and a bagged salad or bare nuggets on Sister Schubert’s rolls – not super healthy but better than drive thru?
8. Just to have less stuff! I’m working on it. To have a place for everything, a drop zone, etc.
9. The easiest is a banana! But I love making a microwave egg, egg whites, cottage cheese in the microwave in a Pyrex bowl. I have that with my roasted sweet potatoes, avocado, and Amylu chicken sausage. I guess that doesn’t sound that easy anymore!
10. Get up before everyone else! Get up early! No wet hair in the morning! I also think people don’t really know how long it takes them to get ready. I shower at night and never have wet hair in the morning because that would take up valuable time and it’s winter and cold! Time yourself to really see how long it takes.

I also love a list. I take each calendar day and then transfer it to my notepad list for the day. If I don’t get it done, I will put it back on my calendar for the next day. Of course, I love to cross things off! It’s so satisfying!

Current favorite breakfast with the pre-roasted sweet potato and the Pyrex microwaved egg:

I purchased this personalized notepad from Amazon and this is where I write my daily lists:

Now, let’s talk fashion…

I popped into one of my consignment stores after visiting the gorgeous plant shop with my friend Kara last week. Lucky for me that they are in the same shopping center, no?

I picked up this button up shirt. I was not familiar with the brand but it looked pretty decent:

I picked up this sleeveless/cap sleeve sweater that is a boutique brand – Blu Pepper:

I paired them together:

Then, I think I saw this on an Instagram ad. I have been wanting a gingham top.

From Target:

I know it’s a little maternity-esque!

Did you know fish sweaters are in? Kinda weird! Is this like fisherman aesthetic from last year?

This was at Target staring at me! I tell you what – I have bought some clothes at Target in 2026. This is not how I would wear it out. I was just trying it on.

Did you notice my jeans in the first four photos? They are my first non-Halara jean purchase since 2023 if my records are correct. They are fabulous and a rec from Tanya. Here they are. I don’t know what to tell you about sizing. I had ordered two sizes and both fit but the larger one stretched out throughout the day. I would say they might run slightly big or true to size. That was really helpful, no? They have a little bit of stretch to them. Also, you see they are cropped on the model and then look at the length on me above. I really like buying cropped jeans because they are the right length on me! I am 5’4.

This was my Friday outfit that went from day to night. I am wearing my first and only pair of Halara jeans that button and zip. My other pairs are all pull on. These have a fun side detail and I love them. I’m wearing a textured black blouse.

Here you can see the side detail a bit and my leopard Mary Janes:

This was a try-on but I will wear this out in the spring I think! This is my new Target sweater and the Amazon jeans.

I wore this in the frigid cold Sunday – my Les Alpes very warm Target sweater, black yoga pants, sneakers.

I wore this for a day of shopping and lunch out with a friend:

I have on the consignment sweater, a tan long sleeve, a silk scarf, and I wore my tan Adidas sneakers.

I feel like I need a new spring shoe. I did some “research” in store at DSW last week but did not purchase anything.

The floral detail is so fun for spring:

I am going to say something controversial – I do not find real Birkenstocks or Danskos comfortable on me. I do, however, find the rubber Birks to be comfortable and a great summer shoe for me.

I loved this buckle detail and these are on my list. Isn’t it pretty?

I love this style and it stays on me well and fits well:

$50 for rubber shoes is quite a lot so I might be going a different brand if I get a pair.

Also, I have been thinking about having my colors done again. I did it as a teenager with my mom. I found my swatch and I did an online version of getting my colors done and I got the same result. I am a summer!?!?

This is my palette from the 80s. I didn’t want to be a summer because they are supposed to wear silver jewelry and the colors are pretty muted. I read that you don’t really change unless you have gray hair.

Have you had your colors done?

What have you been wearing lately?

What have you been dreaming of?

Are you ready for spring clothing?

Amy

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

1. America celebrates turning 250 years old this year. Primary cities set to lead the celebrations on July 4th are Boston, Philadelphia, New York, and Washington D.C. Other significant locations for celebrating will be Charleston SC and the ‘historic triangle’ which includes Jamestown-Willimasburg-Yorktown Virginia. 

Of the cities listed how many have you seen in person? Of the cities listed which would you most like to visit this year? Any plans to do so? What’s one place in America you think everyone should see? If you’re not American what’s one place in the US you’d like to see? 

I have been to all but Boston and Philly. I have been to DC multiple times and NYC just once other than the airports.

I would love to see Boston but probably not when it’s super crowded.

I think everyone should see DC.

Being there for a 250-year celebration would be super cool, but the number of people makes me start to twitch.

My Dad had to go to DC for the military and that was my family’s spring break as a child a few times. We especially loved the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum since my Dad was an Air Force pilot.

Tom and I took our kids to DC for spring break and here we are visiting Mount Vernon during the same trip.

Our kids were very interested in what they were learning in elementary school so the time felt right.

The summer after DC we did Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown. They were so much fun on both of these trips.

Here’s how I have all my photos – in albums – I also did captions. My twins loved a hotel room. They would claim their double bed and immediately get in. This was in Williamsburg.

I had been to NYC’s airports, but my first and only time exploring it was when my sister Kate had a summer internship at the Guggenheim. My bestie and roommate Heather and I flew to see her and have her show us the city:

Her original degree was in “Museum Studies” but she went back and got her teaching degree and is now an elementary art teacher.

Heather in the black and me in the denim and it could possibly be JFK, Jr. shirtless next to me? I spot a backwards baseball cap. If that’s not him, Heather and I are sure that he passed us on his bike.

We’re sorry, officer.

Staten Island Ferry

The weather was horrible while we were there. It was cold and rainy in July and we had to borrow Kate’s sweatshirts. We tried to get on tv shows by standing in line in the rain!

We got on the front row of David Letterman because he was in Indiana and we told the staff we were, too. Samuel L. Jackson was on the show.

I think I would love to see Napa, CA. I have been to California and I have seen San Francisco, but I think going north from there to see the northern part would be of interest to me.

2. Three sounds you love to hear?

Baby laughter (is there anything better?), anyone laughing (especially if it’s a really funny laugh), sounds of pencils while kids are taking a test (haha)

3. Three sounds you hate to hear? 

Screaming, throat clearing, nose blowing – It’s a real pet peeve of mine when someone full on blows their nose at a dining table. Please go to the restroom.

4. February 24th is/was National Tortilla Chip Day. Are you a fan? With salsa, guacamole, queso, or just plain please? Do you like nachos? With what on top? Is there anything (besides nachos) you make that calls for tortilla chips? 

Um, yes! I am quite picky about my chips. They need to be not too thick, perfectly salted, and bonus points for warm if I’m in a restaurant. I love salsa (if it’s not crazy spicy), guac, and queso. Come on, this was a pre-requisite to be a Spanish teacher! Yes, I make chilaquiles sometimes. They are so good! I prefer them with salsa verde.

Also, it’s surprisingly easy to make your own tortilla chips with the thin corn tortillas in the air fryer or the oven.

Here are some chilaquiles I split with my friend Victoria:

5. We March into March with next week’s Hodgepodge…what’s one thing on your March calendar that makes you smile? 

My sister Kate (of Guggenheim fame from the above NYC photos) was born on St. Patrick’s Day, and she is one of the most important people in my life. We are part Irish, too. I have always loved celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. I’m already looking forward to making Jen’s corned beef and Irish soda bread.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Boy, did I take a walk down memory lane in going through my albums for this post. I wish I could squeeze those sweet little twin boys.

I also really enjoyed seeing my 90s fashion. I remember loving my wardrobe in the days of the NYC trip.

I had a LBD – little black dress – that I even wore one of the first times I saw Tom, a chambray shirt, a black floral skirt from Kmart, a denim jumper that I wore a white t-shirt under, a denim dress – all things I think are back in style probably!

I think this was us dropping someone off at college – maybe the baby of the family, Molly, on the right:

This was us at Versailles, I think, on our epic European trip with our mom and dad – Our dad only stayed for half of the time due to work- but we stayed a month!

Look at those chunky sandals!

Well, I think I got off topic a bit!

This was fun!

Amy

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

I have a special guest today on the blog. I’m going to step away and let Eddie Otis’ paws do the work for me.

Eddie Otis here. You can call me Eddie or EO if you want. My Daddy picked my name. It’s so silly. His baseball coach was named Archie Otis, and my big, big brother’s name was Archie (no Otis after). The baseball coach had a son named “Eddie Otis” and my Daddy thought that would be funny. My big brother’s name was Ernie, so I think some people get confused. They tell me I’m the third in a line of chocolate labradors.

Here I am in the back of mom’s car:

My friends got me this cool bed with my name on it.

Anyway, I’m starting to become a “good boy” as my mom says. She likes when I lie down next to her. She pets me nonstop when I do this.

I love my stuffies. Boy, do they get me a lot of them. I am not supposed to, but I love taking them outside. Here I am with two in my mouth at the same time! I mean – heck – I didn’t even know it at the time, but now I’m thinking that was pretty cool.

I know the names of all of them. I’m pretty smart. I have Axel and Moo Cow in my mouth in this picture.

Boy, I made the mudroom muddy last week. I was just chilling. I really love the tile in here and I think mom is trusting me more to be in here with the yummy shoes.

Here’s me – pretending not to see the yummy shoes but I sure am thinking about them.

Let’s got back to how it all began. I was born on a farm in Indiana. My first mom’s name is Ally and my first Dad’s name is Terry.

Ally:

Terry:

Do you think I look like them?

So, my new Mom and Dad came and saw me play with my two chocolate brothers. There were some sisters, but they wanted a boy. They picked me out because my brothers were in a fight and I was more interested in the humans. Isn’t that silly?

A few weeks later, they came back and said they were taking me “home”.

This was my first time in my yard.

My mom and I watched the solar eclipse there a couple of days later. My mom looks so goofy.

I didn’t have glasses in my size so I had to cover my eyes.

This was really silly. I laid in this bowl of water for this thing called a “rain chain”.

My parents took me to a concert in a tote bag. It was so crazy!

My Dad taught me how to go down a slide on my playground.

I went out on this thing called a boat.

I got to go see my cousins at a graduation party.

My favorite place to be is with my Daddy. He’s the best.

This is my serious face.

I liked to sleep in my dog wash. Don’t try to wash me – are you kidding? I just liked to sleep here.

Here I am with my mommy.

When I’m old enough to date, this will be my profile picture. I just think I look so good here.

But maybe I should include this one, too?

I love to help Daddy with outdoor chores. This fall I built a fence! I love to mow, too. Here’s me mowing a couple of summers ago.

Dad and I take some great naps together.

Dad must really like that green jacket thing. He mainly wears green and blue.

A few more things about me…

I like to get hugs from my Daddy, too. I stand up on my hind legs and we hug. If I need one, I usually just paw at him until he notices.

I really like linens. Socks are so yummy. I actually eat those. I just like to carry around dish towels, wash cloths, my family’s clothes.

I love to steal things and be chased. It’s really fun.

I love the taste of an Amazon Fire Stick. My parents have had to order so many. What a hoot!

Taco Tuesday, anyone? I really like my taco.

I pretend to not know the words “no” and “come”. As if!

I love my dog sitters. I have had Makena, Ali, Avery, Ella, and Sophie. They love me. Here I am with Sophie.

I’m not sure what I’m getting for my birthday today but I hope it’s good!

EO

Monday, February 23, 2026

It’s Monday and time to link up with Holly and Sarah to share our weekends.

Weather-wise, we had a nice spring preview last week and now it’s winter again – for a couple of days and then we are supposed to get 60s by the end of the week. Ok, I can handle that. Do you think snow is done for the year? It could be for us, but we have had big snows in March before.

It’s the last week of February! Wow, did this month go by quickly!

I am trying to not go to the grocery this week. I went on Thursday and got pretty well stocked. I have been doing a spending diary this month and trying to have a low spend month, so I would like to be able to call my grocery total final.

I am working at getting EO to calm down outside. Sometimes he can’t help but bark at all the many noises he hears. I have been playing calming dog music, classical, or soft jazz in the house at the busy times of day and that really helps.

This was Thursday afternoon. I got him to lie down and relax!

It was so nice to see most of the snow gone! Wow! I can’t remember any time in my life where snow stuck around for over 3 weeks.

I am caught up on two shows – Love is Blind Season 10…

and Love Story.

They are dropping new episodes little by little which I kind of like.

I took a pretty long press on nail break and then put on this pale pink Thursday night after my shower. This is before filing and trimming. I can’t have my nails too long.

We loved getting out and seeing the sun Friday morning.

I had breakfast plans with my friend Kara at Highland Morning:

I got biscuits and gravy and only ate half and was still full until dinner.

And, I tried a few bites of their key lime pancake. It was so pretty and would be so perfect for St. Patrick’s Day but I didn’t love the flavor. It was definitely “breakfast dessert”.

We went to this gorgeous plant store! They had moved from downtown to near my house.

We each got a couple of new plants.

I put this guy in this cute container I already had.

I picked up library books:

Love going into the weekend with a fresh stack of books! I have loved this feeling since I was a child. I can still remember being in the children’s section of my hometown library.

EO tried to take not one, but two, stuffies outside!

We met friends at a speakeasy for dinner. It was so cool!

You know how you can never see the menu at a restaurant? They had this cool light up menu!

I slept in a little bit Saturday and woke up to Eddie Otis cuddling beside me.

I cleaned off his crate of all his accessories and our many dog towels.

I moved plants around, swept, mopped, and cleaned the mudroom.

I asked Alexa to play cleaning music and it was the best playlist! I loved every song! Try it out!

Here is my meal list for the week to get me through without going to the grocery again (I hope!):

Next to it is my February Goals list!

I spent a few hours cleaning and finally made my favorite breakfast that was more at lunch time. I am still hooked on this combo.

I didn’t go anywhere on Saturday! Can you believe it? I was happy at home. I guess since I had such a full day Friday I was content. Tom and I watched a new show, I read, we watched Olympics, and then I made a great dinner with a combo of leftovers and new things.

I made spinach salad with warm bacon dressing:

roasted carrots and a chicken sandwich for me with leftover chicken and a fish sandwich for Tom from my Friday night fish.

It turned super cold overnight and we even had some Sunday snow! I had a Target return and saw this Western themed section.

I spent some time reading this:

Tom and I watched a gumbo recipe and attempted another batch together!

It’s hard to believe, but it’s almost time for another Currently. It will be Wednesday, March 4 and here are the prompts (thanks to Jenn for her help!): saving your life right now, cleaning/purging, loving, planning (trip wise), taking a break from (since it’s Spring break month).

If you also do Hodgepodge, feel free to do them in the same post or you can do two different posts. Feel free to interpret the prompts any way you want.

What did you do this weekend?

Amy

Friday, February 20, 2026

It’s Friday and time to link up with Andrea and Erika for the happiest post of the week!

Here are some of my favorites from the week – I would love to hear yours, as well!

I visited my old school – really just the office staff and my small language department:

Is it weird that I kind of think it was a milestone for me or at the very least good for me to go back for a visit? I wasn’t sad to not be in the trenches anymore. I may have felt differently if there were students present, I realize. I tell myself it was 25 years of my life so of course I have had to process feelings. I felt at peace!

After that, I had been asked to go to happy hour by my friend Victoria. We had a nice hour and a half of catching up with some chips and guacamole and a margarita for me and a mosquito for her (a spicy margarita basically).

I was looking for something and came across this from Mason when he was in late elementary school. I think I was on the phone, and he wrote me this note and then corrected his own grammar. Bahaha!

There are only 3 episodes out as far as I know, but wow, is this good. I feel like I’m reliving the 90s through the fashion, too.

This week I tried toasted coconut and it’s really good. I don’t like coconut shavings but I like the flavor if that makes sense.

Remember my relative success with cooking German food for V Day? Well, Mardi Gras was a different story. I spent about 2 hours making the worst gumbo ever. I guess I burned my roux.

Eddie Otis ate my gumbo spoon:

I had to Door Dash some gumbo since I had promised it. Wah!

I also had hair day this week!

Before:

During:

After:

Why do all of these look like mug shots?

Eddie Otis and I have been spoiled because we have had the playground behind our house all to ourselves. The kiddies are out again and EO is not sure what the screaming is all about.

There is a charity that helps those in the restaurant industry and each month a different restaurant does “chef in a box” which is a meal for two. This month Captain’s Quarters was doing it. This is the restaurant we can go to by boat.

I had a 60-degree day and enjoyed going to pick it up. Look at the boats in their shrink wrap!

I had planned well since I knew I was “trying” to make gumbo the night before.

We had spinach salad:

Chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans:

Bread pudding for dessert:

I have been re-watching Younger and then saw this!

We don’t have much longer to wait for a MomTok Bachelorette. Look at the book she’s holding.

I started this:

EO and I were able to read outside a little bit this week. I have to get him to be calm and lie down, and this is a photo of me spying on him behind me.

My hydrangeas have made me happy this week!

Sophie of Big Boo Cast recommended this hummus and I had to go to Costco anyway. It’s like restaurant quality good. I am a big fan of Graza oil, too.

I keep re-purchasing LMNT because it’s just so good. I realized it worked really well with the coconut water from Kroger. It’s a great mocktail!

I was craving a spreadable cheese for crackers, and this is pretty good.

Jen has talked about Drizzilicious and I found a box at Costo of s’mores, birthday cake, and cinnamon. So good! 90 calories!

And, that’s a wrap for my week! Tell me a fave of yours!

Amy

Thursday, February 19, 2026

February is flying! We have had such a reprieve from the cold and I have loved it. It just makes everything easier. The mornings are still super cold but I have my awesome long waterproof coat.

Last week I attended a Galentine’s event at a open air shopping center near me and I decided to go for it and be festive. I have always loved pink and green together. This is a Target sweater from a few years ago and the pink pants are consignment this year.

The next day I wore my Old Navy tee purchased this year. It’s a very light pink with cherries shaped like hearts. I have on my Amazon Essentials cardigan and Halara jeans.

I bought a new sweater from Target. I swooned when I saw it. My photo is not great, so I will link it here. Just click on the red font “here”. For spring, I love white and cream and lacy or crochet textures. My very old gold clogs are not that comfortable to me anymore so I want to get a neutral pair of shoes with a little height that are both comfortable and modern.

I ended up putting this on for errands with Tom.

Sunday I went super casual with my pink and white striped from Old Navy. It’s not flattering but I was comfy. We had some more errands and visited some friends. I’m wearing my old Tieks flats but meh. Again, I want a neutral or gold shoe for spring. Yes, I do have a thing for gold shoes and I’m not gonna apologize.

Speaking of the bright gold Swedish clogs above – you would not believe how many students commented on them. I would have kids I didn’t know come up and compliment them. I usually said, “Solid gold, baby”.

I visited my school Monday in this outfit. My hot pink Old Navy sweater is quite pilly. I wore light Halara jeans and I think the gold clogs.

I often get hot under the cape for hair day so I wore a blouse with Halaras. You will be happy to know I didn’t go barefoot. I wore my tan Adidas Sambas.

It’s kind of a hard time to get dressed! Anything too springy doesn’t feel right yet and some of the winter clothes are too much right now.

I also haven’t been doing any scarves this week – yet!

We didn’t see a single silk scarf at the consignment stores last week, either.

What have you been wearing lately?

Amy

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

It’s Wednesday and that means it’s time to link up with Joyce for the Hodgepodge. It is Ash Wednesday which marks the first day of the Lenten season. Yesterday was Mardi Gras which means “Fat Tuesday” as it’s the last day of Carnaval in many countries. The time to party is over as they move into the six weeks leading up to Easter.

You didn’t miss my post yesterday; I had a rare case of writer’s block and a really busy day on Monday.

Louisville is a big Catholic city and when Tom first moved here from Eastern Kentucky, he thought someone had a dirty forehead on Ash Wednesday and told him he needed to wipe it off.

The Catholics eat fish on Fridays and churches hold big fish fry events. Many restaurants do fish specials. My old teacher next door neighbor made frozen truffle mac and cheese every Friday, and it smelled horrible all down the hallway!

1. The Hodgepodge lands on Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent. Do you mark this season in some way? Will you be giving something up or adding something to your life in this Lenten season? 

I did not grow up in a church that asked us to give something up or add something to our life for Lent. I have done the “40 Bags in 40 Days” challenge as an adult – you list forty spaces in your home to declutter and gather a “bag” to donate or throwaway in each of the spaces.

I made my first gumbo yesterday for Mardi Gras. Tom loves gumbo and misses his favorite Cajun restaurant that closed.

2. Pancakes…are you a fan? Syrup or no syrup? Plain, blueberries, chocolate chips, bananas, or some other add in? Are pancakes on your menu this week? 

I am a savory breakfast person, but my best friend always suggests ordering a “dessert pancake with chocolate chips” for the table. I do like a sweet bite after eating! If I did order them, I would do plain or chocolate chips most likely.

3. Tell us about a time recently when you felt ‘spread too thin’. 

Teaching last year! There is just so much to do as a teacher. I visited my school for the first time since June 4th on Monday. It was a teacher day so I got to see my old department and some office staff. I didn’t wander the whole building.

4. What’s your favorite jewel or gemstone? In terms of your wardrobe would we find more gem tones, pastels, black and white, or primary colors? 

I love bright pink as you can see above. Other than that, you see lots of black and white and patterns.

5. What responsibility do you think is hardest about being in charge? 

I’m not sure if I am interpreting this question correctly but managing people is really hard. I do think I have an authoritative tone, and I have a voice that projects to get attention when needed. But, after that, I don’t think people respond well to yelling. I like clear concise directions without repetition. People respond better when they feel free to make choices and not like they are stuck, if that makes sense.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I was not “allowed” to go to my school until after October 1st (3 months after official retirement date in the state of KY).

I was waiting for a teacher workday to go visit and Monday was my first opportunity. I was worried about how I would feel, but I felt great. I felt like that chapter was closed and I was not sad at all to not be a part of it anymore. I wasn’t able to go in my classroom as the teacher who now uses it was absent and I didn’t ask to have it unlocked or anything. Now, it may have felt different with students there, but it didn’t on a teacher workday!

A few people asked me about subbing, but I just don’t want to do an 8-hour day right now and it might be too soon to do that anyway. One of the reasons I retired was because I didn’t want to be out of the house for so long anymore so my next gig would have to be shorter and much more flexible.

What would you say to any of these questions?

Amy