Monday, March 25, 2024
I am linking up with Sarah and Holly for a super short Hello Monday. I’m dragging, you all! I know you have heard this a bunch if you are a regular reader, but this year has taken it out of me – the district bussing issues, us starting school, then stopping, then starting, our new schedule putting us out an hour later, metal detector installation in October, and there’s probably more, but it’s been a year. The latest is that they still have not decided on a transportation plan for next year and that means we may or may not keep the current schedule. How do teachers plan for this (some might need to transfer schools to better fit their family needs) and how do families plan?
Anyway…
Let’s go back to Thursday when I met my friend Beth at Osteria. It’s becoming a fave happy hour spot. Look at this gorgeous bar…
The sunlight was really coming in the window. I had two glasses of rosé and we split some…
goat cheese fondata which was a really yummy goat cheese spread on baguette. Beth also had a lobster slider.
We had a lovely couple of hours and I still made it home to walk with Tom. He has continued his “Ernie” walks which I think are therapeutic for him. He also called our vet to ask him to put our feelers for our next fur baby, but I’m sure it will be a while. I heard him on the phone say, “I have a hole in my heart right now” and it made me feel for him. Our vet is also a labrador guy and he gets it. Yes, we want a third chocolate lab. I want to get two! If I can do twin humans, can I do twin puppies?
Friday came and Erica’s lunch for us was worth $27.99 in a restaurant (I do this – name a price for a meal sometimes!) – it was pesto chicken with tomatoes and roasted potatoes and asparagus.
I had her over after school for a glass of this before we went on to our Friday night plans. I got this from Trader Joe’s and took a photo so I can get it again!
Friday night Tom picked me up and we met our friends Heather and Eric at Waldo’s Chicken and Beer.
I had a chicken salad and a Mango Cart. Have you tried this beer? It’s described as a mango wheat ale. It’s really good!
Saturday brought some chores and a new mani. Isn’t this a pretty spring color?
I made salmon, broccoli and rice for dinner and then Mason had invited me to be his guest at a Western themed Shakespeare play. People were encouraged to dress in western attire. You really didn’t expect that, did you?
I didn’t understand much but Mason enjoyed it and I enjoyed being with Mason!
And, finally…
My Grocery Diaries published on the kitchn!
Yes, it was hard to find a photo of Tom with a semi-smile.
What was the highlight of your weekend?
Amy
Coffee and Cocktails at the Casa 
I can beat that… Alec’s school doesn’t even know when this year’s graduation will be. He has a mandatory freshman orientation for college in June and not knowing when their last day of school is (the senior’s last day is graduation!) we had to randomly pick a date and cross our fingers. We went with the latest date in June knowing that graduation should be around the middle of the month as the tentative last day for the whole school is the 14th but even the teachers and administrators have no idea (because he asked). That bar is beautiful!
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That is ridiculous! And they wonder why teachers are leaving the profession in droves. Smart of you to pick the latest date and if it conflicts hopefully you can switch.
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I know this break can’t come quick enought for you! What a year. I’m glad you are able to enjoy the weekends and so fun about the grocery spotlight! I am going to read that later today. Hope it’s a good Monday!
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Love the nails. You inspired me to do mine in a pastel green this weekend 🙂
I fully support two puppies. Our dogs are a year apart and it was such a good decision to get them for each other.
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Thank you! I really never tired of that shade of green.
I’m working on Tom about it! We shall see. Love to hear that!
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Great post! Beautiful bar, such a vibrant blue. I loved your Kitchen Diaries entry.
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I cannot imagine the feelings you must have about all things school related! I know you’ll be glad for Spring break when it arrives; you definitely need some consecutive days off that are in a row. Poor Tom! I think getting twin puppies is a great idea; I hope you don’t have to wait too long. We are fans of dogs having “siblings”, because it gives them a playmate and best bud. I love Amy in a hat! What a fun night with Mason, understanding excluded. I’m off to read your kitchen diaries post now!
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Hang in there Mama- I can imagine how stressful it all can be! It has been a challenging year and you have handled it all with grace XO
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Spring break will be here before you know it! I know that you are ready. I read your kitchen diaries. Good job with that! I am wondering why someone else got the byline for the article, though. You wrote it, so why should your name not be in the byline.
???? Who is this Maria person?? 🤔😃
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Yes! I think because she edits them? That is the person that emailed me. It’s ok!
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I was so excited to read your published article, you did such a great job!
I totally think you could do twin puppies, we aren’t getting another dog but I always kinda feel like dogs should be in pairs. There were so many times when we would leave Sophie and I wished she had a sibling to be with and feel less lonely.
Being away made it difficult to comment on your posts – but I read them. Your posts are a bright spot for me – always. Anyway, I wanted to say about the social media post, UGH. I feel like you do, I’d rather get a text or call from people I am closer to. As ironic as it sounds I don’t really like posting stuff on SM, personal stuff anyway. And I never keep track of who is commenting. But when we lost our sweet Sophie my close friends did text and reach out – the only one who really let me down is a SIL on Brian’s side. She is a HUGE dog lover, has no kids and two dogs that are her EVERYTHING. She not only did not text or call but never said a word when we saw her less than a week later at Christmas Eve. Super surprising to me. I am a pretty tough talker but sure do get my feelings hurt easily.
Boy, I had a lot to say!!
xo,
Kellyann
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Thank you! I wished I had taken more time and done better recipes. Oh well.
I always felt that way, too, and that taking a puppy from mom and all siblings is just so cruel.
Why aren’t you getting another dog? Do you think you will change your mind?
I missed your comments! Thank you! Oh, that is so hurtful. I had a very good friend not reach out and only comment on FB and some family didn’t reach out. So odd. I’m sorry about that. That is really hurtful. Sometimes I don’t think people know what to say but also it’s like just say something! Use ChatGPT! Ha! I am guessing you are back! I want to hear all about it!
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Mango Cart is one of my favorite beers!!
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Oh, that’s so funny! I didn’t think many would have heard of it. It’s really good!
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I remember my school corporation paying tens of thousands for a new transportation program which totally messed things up for days. I hope things get figured out soon for all of you.
How exciting to be a published author! I read your post, and it was so good…completely you and completely personable!
I vote you get two puppies. They are never alone, and I found it just as easy to train two as to train one…if not easier. They kind of trained each other at times.
Have a fabulous week!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
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Yup – we paid over a million for M.I.T. to figure it out.
It was fun! Thank you!
You know, Tom didn’t say no and he really seemed to take it in. We will see! Super exciting and crazy!
You too!
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I can’t wait to read your Grocery Diaries! How cool! That would be so fun to get two puppies…perfect for empty nest life (and possible retirement soon.) Your district really sounds like it is on the struggle bus…literally. I know you’ll be happy for spring break. Hope you have a good start to the week. 🙂
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Thank you! Ha – crazy but fun! It literally is – ha! I really love my students, though. I got a hug from one today that knew I had been struggling. They can be so sweet. They deserve better than what the district has been doing! They deserve teachers who are treated well! You too!
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Looks like a great weekend. Love the pic of you and Mason! I’m going to check out the grocery diaries post
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Your nails really look good! You can’t tell they’re not your own! Cute pink, and I absolutely loved the green ones you had before!
Two puppies!? You’re crazy! (But in a good way :D!)
And again: the kitchen diaries was really entertaining! (Especially for me, ha ha!)
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Well, the pink didn’t last long and I hurt my thumb so I decided not good to have a nail next to a wound. So, I am letting them breathe right now.
I don’t think we will actually bring two home.
Thank you so much!
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