Observing My Senses

For Today, September 19, 2013...

I am seeing...my son playing Minecraft on his computer.

I am feeling...lousy still, but thankful that it's just a cold and not the flu.

I am hearing...myself sneeze and cough.

I am tasting...Robittusin every 4 hours.

I am smelling...mucus.  Sorry, not the best description, but the most accurate.

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings.  Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For Today, September 18, 2013...

I am seeing...darkness.  The sun has set, and from where I'm sitting I can't even see any stars.  Of course that might also be because it's cloudy.  We got some rain a little while ago.

I am feeling...yucky.  My throat is sore and scratchy, my nose is stuffy, every time I sneeze I feel like my face is going to explode, I didn't get much sleep last night, and I don't like feeling like this.  At. All.

I am hearing...my son laugh at a video he's watching.

I am tasting...very little, thanks to this stuffy nose and sore throat.  I need some tea.

I am smelling...yeah right!  Didn't I just say my nose is stuffed up?!

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings.  Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For today, September 17, 2013...

I am seeing...a grey sky again. It rained once this morning. I'm pretty sure we can expect more before the day is through. 

I am feeling...like I might be getting sick. My throat feels scratchy and my sinuses have been acting up. It might be allergies. It might be a cold virus. I'll just have to wait and see. 

I am hearing...my son munching on Cool Ranch Doritos. They sure are loud. 

I am tasting...very little thanks to my runny nose. I hate that. I made smoked pork chops and they only tasted okay. 

I am smelling...for now. My nose gets stuffed up, then clears up, then gets stuffed up again. It's clear for the moment. 

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For today, September 16, 2013...

I am seeing...my youngest son eating a bowl of cereal while watching a show on Hulu. My oldest son is watching the original Star Trek episodes. Outside it's cloudy and gloomy looking. I can't remember a year when we've gotten so much rain. 

I am feeling...yucky today. I have an upset stomach and my back hurts. I'm taking it easy today. 

I am hearing...the music from a cartoon, and Molly barking to come back inside. 

I am tasting...nothing. I had lunch a little while ago, meatloaf patties with mashed potatoes and green beans. Dinner isn't for a couple hours yet. 

I am smelling...chocolate from my son's cereal. He's on his second bowl. My boy doesn't care much for cereal, but every once in a while he starts craving it. So I keep a box of his favorite cereal, Krave, on hand. 

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For today, September 13, 2013...

I am seeing...my oldest son playing a video game while my youngest watches the show Wipeout on Hulu Plus. 

I am feeling...great now that I finally was able to disconnect our satellite service!  I was tired of the mediocre programming on tv, and tired of paying $70 a month to watch it. Now we have Netflix which my daughter pays for, and Hulu Plus which is $7.99 a month and very few commercials. I was so happy to find Lost In Space on Hulu - I haven't seen that show in years!

I am hearing...lots of television noise, none of which is proceeding from the satellite! Yes!

I am tasting...salad. I made a simple salad to with our lunch of tilapia, rice medley and fried plantains. 

I am smelling...fish, unfortunately. The smell tends to linger. 

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For today, September 11, 2013...

I am seeing...a dark, cloudy day. We've had 3 heavy downpours today and it doesn't look like we're done. 

I am feeling...the pain in my heart as I remember where I was 12 years ago when I heard the terrible news of our World Trade Center. Oh, how our world has changed since then.

I am hearing...Star Trek. My oldest son found the first 3 seasons on Netflix and he's hooked. 

I am tasting...vanilla yogurt covered raisins. It's my go to snack. 

I am smelling...ground beef and rice. Tonight's dinner. 

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For today, September 10, 2013...

I am seeing...this beautiful cross given to me by one of the young women at the church where I was volunteering yesterday:

It is now hanging in my dining room. Thanks Ev!

I am feeling...sweaty after being outside pulling some leaves. The dew point was a bit lower this morning but humidity is still high. 

I am hearing...the occasional bark of a dog who has been bathed and is outside drying off. 

I am tasting...my pumpkin spice Eggo waffle that I like to have as a mid morning snack. 

I am smelling...Murphy's oil soap. It's floor cleaning day. 

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Observing My Senaes

For today, September 8, 2013...

I am seeing...the sunshine announcing another blazing hot day. Yesterday there were thunderstorms all around us, but we didn't get a drop of rain. Totally out of the ordinary. 

I am feeling...very pleased with the little fall centerpiece I made. 

 

Walmart had some fall foliage bunches for $3 each. I got two of them and used a $2.97 mason jar as the vase. Total cost: $8.97, and it was prettier than any of the centerpieces I've seen in that store. I'm very pleased. 

I am hearing...sausages sizzling and the toaster oven ticking. Breakfast anyone?

I am tasting...coffee and toast. We have fellowship breakfast at church but I have to have something in my stomach before then. No way I can wait till 10:00 am for breakfast. 

I am smelling...pumpkin spice bread. Hey, you didn't expect me to have just any kind of toast did ya?

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For today, September 7, 2013...

I am seeing...lots of clouds. It was supposed to be a rainy day, but it hasn't rained at all today. Thank God I decided to mow the lawn even though it looked like it might rain. I'd be really upset now if I hadn't. 

I am feeling...tired but accomplished. I did the entire lawn, front, back and sides, in just over an hour. 

I am hearing...Candice Tells All. I think this is the only true design show left on HGTV. 

I am tasting...some vanilla covered raisins. It's snack time.

I am smelling...the lentil soup I made for lunch. It's a favorite of mine. 

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For Today, September 6, 2013...

I am seeing...a dog who is very upset because the neighbor's kids are outside playing and she can't see them.  If there's any noise going on outside she wants to investigate it.  Problem is, she just barks and barks because there's a wall separating us from our neighbors, so she can't see what's going on and it drives her nuts.  So she's staying inside where she won't be a nuisance.

I am feeling...happy and a little jealous because my daughter is at Universal Studios with the church this weekend for Rock the Universe, two nights of concerts with some of today's most popular Christian bands.  I'm happy because she gets to enjoy this with her friends.  I'm jealous because Jesus Culture will be performing and I don't get to see it.  Waaaa!!

I am hearing...the kid's next door playing in their pool, and our dog growling.

I am tasting...nothing anymore.  I kept it simple today; ravioli in some tomato sauce I'd made a few days ago, and breaded popcorn shrimp.  That was a couple of hours ago.

I am smelling...my clean kitchen.  Dinner is done, everything is cleaned up, and the smell of my home reflects it.

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings.  Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For Today, September 5, 2013...

I am seeing...clouds, with some blue sky trying to peek through.  We've had thunderstorms everyday this week.  Today has been the first dry day in a while.

I am feeling...thankful that my kids appear to have beaten the stomach bug.  They're both feeling much better.

I am hearing...my youngest son make funny jokes while he does his homework.  I know he easily gets distracted; by the same token, he's a funny kid.

I am tasting...the red velvet cupcake I had for dessert today.  Actually, it was only a quarter of a cupcake.  These oversized cupcakes I got at Costco have over 700 calories each.  Even a quarter of one has 190 calories.  They are absolutely delicious, absolutely decadent, the best way to end a meal.

I am smelling...the aroma of ham that still lingers after our meal.  I made a couple of ham steaks in the oven.  I like Smithfield ham slices, bone-in, reduced sodium whenever I find it.  I season the steaks with no salt seasoning, then pour a mixture of 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons pineapple juice, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground mustard over the them.  I place them in a 13x9x2 casserole dish, cover them with pineapple slices, then bake in a 425 degree oven for about 45 minutes.  Super simple, and super delicious!

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings.  Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For today, September 3, 2013...

I am seeing...a clean, comfortable home with decorative autumn accents. Though I think I'd like to see a few more of them. 

I am feeling...relieved that my son is feeling better. I has to pick him up from school because he was suffering from the same stomach flu that attacked his sister just a few days ago. I sure do hope the virus's track ended there. 

I am hearing...the clicking of my keyboard. Nothing else. My youngest son is home but he's being a quiet boy today. 

I am tasting...nothing now. We had chicken parmigiana with spaghetti earlier. 

I am smelling...pumpkin stuff. Candles and such. 

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For today, September 2, 2013...

I am seeing...the sun start to go down on this half sunny, half rainy Labor Day. We got some pretty severe thunderstorms this afternoon. 

I am feeling...better than yesterday. Yesterday there was a volunteer youth group meeting which I attended even though I'm not a youth group volunteer; a friend of mine asked me to come. They had pizza and soda for everyone, and I had some Coke. Big mistake! I haven't had soda in a long time, and my kidneys didn't appreciate the foreign substance. 

I am hearing...the show Taken. I've never seen it before. It's a crime show. 

I am tasting...Tums. I have some heartburn. 

I am smelling...my clean home. 

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For today, September 1, 2013...

I am seeing...hazy sunshine drying off yesterday's intense rain after a couple hours worth of thunderstorms. 

I am feeling...like I can't keep up with this boy! My youngest son is down to one pair of jeans because he's outgrown all the rest. His pants look like new because basically, they are new. He wears them for 3-5 months and they no longer fit. And he hates to go clothes shopping! Ugh!

I am hearing...the quiet of my home. We're setting off for church in a few minutes. My daughter already left, and my youngest is waiting for me to say, "Let's go," so he can put on his shoes. 

I am tasting...pumpkin spice swirl bread! I had missed that yummy flavor. I'm glad I found it!

I am smelling...the scent that most reminds me if fall: pumpkin spice. I love the smell and taste of pumpkins. 

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For today, August 31, 2013...

I am seeing...lots of sunshine, which is nice after days of clouds and rain. The weather forecast calls for a soggy Labor Day weekend, but it hasn't happened so far. 

I am feeling...excited because September is here tomorrow, and that means fall is just around the corner. I'll be decorating the house for fall and looking forward to a drop in this intense heat and humidity we've had all summer long. 

I am hearing...music coming out of my son's headphones - the boy must be hard of hearing - and the ticking of the toaster oven as breakfast is prepared. 

I am tasting...nothing - it's what I'm gonna be tasting that has me dancing a jig. Pumpkin spice Eggos are back! I was so happy to see them in the store, along with Pepperidge Farms pumpkin spice swirl bread. The tastes of fall - yum!

I am smelling...sausages and hash browns. The best part about Saturday mornings is the breakfast :)

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For Today, August 29, 2013...

I am seeing...lots of white puffy clouds in a pretty blue sky, palm trees dancing in the breeze, a barbecue grill that hasn't gotten much use because days like these are few and far between.

I am feeling...tired.  It has been a busy, hectic week.  Took my car to the car dealership because ever since my tires got rotated it sounded like a helicopter taking off.  I figured it was probably the way the tires had worn, but I wanted to be sure, since I transport valuable cargo in my vehicle.  After 2 1/2 hours waiting I found out I was right.  :P  Last night was my son's school open house which was also exhausting.  Not to mention that I've been polishing the floors this week and doing major house cleaning so I can start decorating for fall.  I'm beat!

I am hearing...an airplane in the distance, and my oldest son in his room, occasionally laughing at something he's watching.

I am tasting...meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans.  Not trying to brag or anything, but this meatloaf is so flavorful!

I am smelling...bacon.  I cover the top of the meatloaf with slices of bacon which gives it a yummy, smoky flavor, and the smell of bacon is one of my favorite smells.

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings.  Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For today, August 26, 2013...

I am seeing...the wet ground after a fierce thunderstorm. The lightning seems to be over but it will probably rain for awhile yet. 

I am feeling...not overly excited about having to pick up my son from school in this weather. 

I am hearing...no thunder, which is a good thing. 

I am tasting...Italian dressing. I made a simple salad with Good Seasons Italian dressing which I love because I get to add my own oil and vinegar. 

I am smelling...ground beef and rice. Wait till my son sees it - it's his favorite dish. 

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For today, August 24, 2013...

I am seeing...one pair of pants newly hemmed, one pair to go. 

I am feeling...a bit nostalgic. Today marks the 21st anniversary of Hurricane Andrew. The memory is a difficult one to look back on. Hurricane Andrew devastated South Florida. 

I am hearing...my son make numerous comments while doing his history homework. No wonder it takes him so long to finish. 

I am tasting...nothing. Dinner was over hours ago. 

I am smelling...nail polish. I like doing my nails on Saturday night. 

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For today, August 23, 2013...

I am seeing...clouds and more clouds. We've had on and off rain the past few days. It has made the humidity almost unbearable. 

I am feeling...pleased at having found some books for my youngest son. I had to pick up a book for school at Barnes and Noble, and found 3 books that I knew he'd enjoy. Now we're both happy :-). 

I am hearing...the television in the family room and the living room. Too much TV I'm thinking. 

I am tasting...yogurt covered raisins. It's my favorite snack. 

I am smelling...the chicken my daughter is making for her dinner before she goes off to work. 

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?

Observing My Senses

For today, August 22, 2013...

I am seeing...so much more clearly now with my new glasses! I don't have to take them off to read like I did with my old ones. I'm still getting used to the progressive lens, though. Despite the fact that I've had progressive lenses for years, each time I get a new pair I need a couple of days for my eyes to adjust. 

I am feeling...hot and sticky. I walk to my son's school in the mornings and afternoons to drop him off and pick him up. It's so humid out that even in the shade the heat is intense. The breeze today is pretty warm too. I'm glad to be back in the air conditioning. 

I am hearing...my son playing some zombie game he got for free on Xbox live. My two older kids have been enjoying it. I don't get all the zombie hype myself. 

I am tasting...the spice from a pork roast I made in the crock pot. I got the recipe off the Pioneer Woman's blog. I love her show on Food Network. This pork recipe is for pulled pork which my daughter loves. I have to remember not to add so much chipotle in adobo next time. It's mighty spicy!

I am smelling...roast pork of course!

It just takes a moment to observe your surroundings. Won't you join me?