Ladybugs, linking up with Anne in Residence for Currently 03.2020. Anne’s Currently posts always go live on the first Wednesday of the month. Thankful that she is so good to send email reminders to those of us who participate regularly. These posts are always fun, kind of like Sentence a Day and my new 10 on the 10th series. In case you missed it, you can read February’s Currently post, here.
Currently 03.2020
This month, we are talking about what we’re currently: borrowing, feeling, fixing, hearing and recommending. As always, coming to you in ABC order, here are my responses.
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Borrowing…
library books. Several of my bloggin’ buddies mentioned that they are trying to limit the number of books they buy. Sounds like a great idea to me. I rarely reread anything and really don’t need more books to dust on housecleaning day. So I have joined my friends in using the library to find the books I am hoping to read. Especially the children’s books nominated for this year’s Bluebonnet Award.
Have a stack to return tomorrow, in fact, so will get this month’s visit to the library in early. A monthly trip is one of my wellness goals for 2020.
Feeling…
as if I have lost my mom. In our daily conversations, mom struggles so to remember names or even the details of what she did earlier in the day. It is as if Mom has slipped away and only the outward shell remains. I asked the speech therapist for an update and she promised one in a week. But we are not seeing much improvement in my mom’s speech and memory since her stroke early in February.
Update: I wrote this yesterday but tonight, mom sounded better and we actually had some laughs during our phone call. Hallelujah.
Fixin’…
to clean up my closet. Ha! I signed up for Alison’s Closet Clean Out Challenge for this week. Purging my closet was one of my winter goals.
Day 1 had us sharing to the Facebook page pictures of our closets and the issues we are struggling with in keeping our closets orderly and uncluttered. Day 2 (today) encouraged us to identify our closet space. In my case, I could use a spare bedroom closet in addition to our master bedroom closet. But I like having all of my clothes in one space. Our spring, summer and fall temps are all various degrees of warm or warmer. So I can wear most of the same things 75% of the year. Might take the plunge and move my winter clothes out this year. We’ll see.
Next step, still Day 2, get 3 boxes, bins or bags in which to put our sorted clothes, once we get to the sorting step. One bin for trash, one bin for stash, and the last one for cash. I guess I could bundle up my sweaters and corduroy pants in a bin and move them out of the closet until next winter. Hmmm, will think on that.
Hearing…
the Tennessee Vols versus the Kentucky Wildcats playing basketball on TV. The game is early but they are tied at 9. I graduated from Tennessee but my mom and brother live in Kentucky. And yet, my brother is one of Tennessee’s staunchest supporters. Just hoping for a good game myself.
Also hearing/listening to an Audible book with PC as one of my winter bucket list activities. We chose our book a week or more ago, and listened to the first chapter but then LIFE and then our getaway kind of got in the way…in the best of ways!! So we need to get back to ‘hearing’ the fiction book, When Christ and His Saints Slept: Plantagenets, Book 1 by Sharon Kay Penman, which is the story of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Also hearing/listening to 2 other books. It will be nothing short of a miracle if I can keep all the characters straight! Finishing my book club’s February title A Million Dreams by Dani Atkins. Heart-wrenching story of IVF or IUI gone horribly wrong. And little more than half-way through The Dressmaker’s Gift by Fiona Valpy, a World War II story that bounces between present day and the war era.
Recommending…
shopping around before you buy anything. I have been in the market for a new quilt or comforter for our king sized bed. Purchased one through Kohl’s online but didn’t like it as well in person. Then found one I liked a lot on Macys.com and while it was ridiculously priced, it looked like it would really work well with our art and rugs in the room. I applied for a Macy’s card to save 20% which didn’t help much but it offered some savings.
The next day, an ad from Bed, Bath and Beyond popped up on Facebook for the very same quilt I had ordered at Macy’s. Only it was $200 cheaper. Yes, $200. That tells you I paid waaaay too much for it at Macy’s. Ordered the quilt from Bed, Bath and Beyond, too, and decided I would compare the two.
They are identical. Needless to say, I will be taking the Macy’s quilt back tomorrow.
So those are my responses for this edition, Currently 03.2020. But before you go…
Winter Goals Update
These are the winter goals I set for myself back in December.
- Finish Betsy – my story. Well, I wrote the ending but need to tie up some lose ends. That will happen before the first day of spring.
- Declutter crafts – you might remember, I got busy the first part of January, decluttering and organizing my kitchen. Kind of did that rather than decluttering my loft and organizing my crafts. Although, that definitely needs to happen lickety split. But since I am following Taylor’s 52 Week Organized Home Challenge, and it started in the kitchen, that’s where I started. Hope to be working through my whole house. And according to Taylor, we work on our craft spaces Week 43, 10.26.2020. If I can wait that long. Likewise, we are supposed to tackle the master bedroom closet on Week 28, July 13. But that is happening this week!!
- Purge clothes – this week, I promise.
- Organize blog – ✔️ finally a check mark! I have been working very hard to stay ahead of upcoming posts (with the exception of this one), getting posts started early and then finishing them up. Sending out emails about link ups, sharing graphics and link up codes. Adding all of my blogging plans to my agenda. Yay me!
Will share one last update with next month’s Currently post, when I will also reveal my spring goals. At this rate, they might look a lot like my winter goals. Just sayin’.
Your Turn
What would your responses be to the Currently 03.2020 prompts? What are you borrowing, feeling, fixing, hearing and recommending? Please share in a comment below. Then be sure to hop over to Anne’s to check out her responses.
Time to unplug – another wellness goal!
Hugs and kisses,
$200 difference for an identical quilt? That is crazy – and no wonder you are taking the other one back for a refund! It is pretty though – we’re talking about redecorating our bedroom this year and so the hunt for new bed linen will be on (won’t be shopping at Macy’s!)
Sorry to hear your concern for your mum, I’m sure you are super-grateful for conversations when she sounds more like herself. It’s so hard when they get to that age – sending hugs to you all x
I try really hard to get most of our books from the library; only buying those we can’t find through interlibrary loan or that are part of a series my boys feel like they must own. I just read The Dressmaker’s Gift this past week and really enjoyed it.
I have to get some books finished. Have too many characters and their problems dancing around in my head. Glad to know you enjoyed The Dressmaker’s Gift. The cover caught my attention. I am one of those sad librarians who judge books by their covers!
Good find on the cheaper quilt! What a difference! I just got a new quilt too, will have to let everyone know how it is! I added A Million Dreams to my tbr list, it sounds really good. Again, I’m sorry about your mom, I am thinking of you both.
Children’s lit/picture books…one of my favorite genres. I appreciate this reminder that even if I don’t have littles reading some of those books anymore, *I* still can! One thing I always do at the beginning of a read is look on the LC page to see medium the illustrator used. If I went back to school, it’d be for illustration & design!
Oh, Carolyn, I wanted to be an illustrator (and an author) when I was younger. I guess it isn’t too late yet. Some of my favorite books are children’s books. Picture and chapter books. I am finally starting to look for those I am interested in at the library rather than buying them. Although, I share the picture books I do buy with my grands.
Thank you for stopping by. Heading over to your ‘house’ now. I appreciate the visit and the comment.
Hi, Leslie – I agree – great find on the quilt.
Continuing to send warm thoughts to you and your mom.
Thank you, Donna. She has had a good week as far as speaking and remembering/word finding goes.
So glad you had a better call with your Mom! Good save on the quilt price – amazing difference.
Ooh this closet cleanout challenge sounds right up my alley. Even though I really enjoy cleaning out closets and therefore do it with some regularity, I’m always amazed how I still find things that are misplaced or unnecessary! And ooh nice work on shopping around – that totally paid off 🙂
I can’t wait to see your purged closet! Alison is so good with everything she does…so professional. I understand about your mom. Dad has some dementia and many days our conversations are limited to so few topics that continually get rehashed. I don’t really reread books either and so the library is one of my best friends.
I struggle with Audible and listening to books. I suppose it is the way my brain processes things. I have just finished The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller which was very well written and a change from my normal type of book. Just waiting for Hilary Mantels latest book to be delivered from Amazon,The Mitton and the Light.
I’m not a bucket list person or even goals! I am fairly organised and tend to get a bit obsessed with doing one hobby or activity for a bit then try something new. I have just committed to being the Chairman of our large choir so will have to commit time and energy to that for at least a year. Blogging regularly should be one goal but I tend to be sporadic.
Really annoying to find such a difference in price on things you buy too. However physical stores do have overheads to cover but 200$ is ridiculous
Spot the autocorrect mistake, that should be The Mirror and the Light!
I struggle with spelling so sometimes autocorrect is my best friend but other times my worst enemy.
I was wondering what a Mitton was…felt silly not knowing…glad to see it was Mirror, afterall. I probably don’t pay enough attention to my audio books as I ten to listen while I am doing something else, cleaning, driving. But I can drift off and lose focus while reading with my eyes, too. I am just struggle to pay attention for long. And can relate to what you said about changing hobbies. I love to scrapbook but have tried painting, cross stitch, paint by number, Bible journaling, calligraphy, etc., etc. Just sure as I buy supplies to do one type of project, I lose interest and take up something else. That focus thing again. Trying to finish up projects this year, though.
Wow that is crazy about that quilt!! I never think to do that – but now I will for sure!!
Couldn’t return that Macy’s quilt fast enough girl!! And got my money back.
i’ve been borrowing a lot of books! My goal is to not buy new ones when I can borrow for free! And my library system is so good, they will find me almost any book. 🙂
How wonderful that you have access to a great library system. Ours is pretty good, too, but sometimes they surprise me with what they don’t have. Especially brand new titles. But I guess they only order every so often. Thank you so much for visiting. Going to pay you a visit, too!!
I’m so sorry to hear about your Mom. I’ll continue to pray for yall.
Thank you, sweet one, for the prayers.
I’m so sorry you feel like you are losing your mom a bit more each day. My husband’s mom has had Alzheimer’s for several years now and she doesn’t know us at all and can’t communicate. It’s heartbreaking. Prayers my friend.
But hey, lot’s holla over the $200 you saved on the quilt! Heck yes, I’d RUN into Macy’s and return it. I still have not purchased a book for enjoyment since 2018 and I am quite loving it. The library is a God send.
Take care my friend!
xo,
Kellyann
Oh, girl, I beat feet to Macy’s with that quilt. And when they asked why I was returning it, I didn’t mince words. So proud of you to use the library like you are. I am following your good lead. Just don’t need all of these print books for sure, or the digital ones, either, for that matter.
So sorry about your PC’s mom and her Alzheimers. So very sad. They are just shells of their former selves.
I really need to get back into getting library books for the kids! We usually pick up a few when thrifting but it means we are really struggling to find space for all these books, haha!
Good luck with your wardrobe organisation and declutter too!
Hope that your week is going well 🙂
Oh, the wardrobe organization has been fun! Didn’t toss a whole lot of stuff but must have gotten rid of a few things because we have about 50 empty hangers. Did decide to move my clearly winter sweaters into a storage cube for the warmer months.
Yeah, I rarely read a book twice…Alice in Wonderland and Diary of a Young Girl being 2 exceptions. So it makes more sense for me to use the library rather than buy books!
Wow! A $200 difference in price for the quilt? That’s crazy. Good for you for shopping around. I am glad you had a better interaction with your mom today. My mom developed dementia after a stroke when she was 87. It was so sad to see her deteriorate. Enjoy the good moments now, while you can!
Thank you!! Thank you!! Your message warmed my heart. I often dread calling mom because she isn’t the same – although this week has been better – but your message reminds me to enjoy her while I can. XO
It broke my heart to read about your mom. Fingers crossed her good days out number her no so great days. Hugs. I added both the books you are listening to my list for the future, I am always looking for a good book and have been much more diligent about using the library as a resource as well. I am 100% with you on that.
bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca
Seems like we have all decided to try to use the library more often. I only worry I will forget to renew things because I am a slow reader and rack up a huge fine. So far, so good, though.
Thank you for the kind words and hugs. My mom has been better the last week and we have had some good conversations. So thankful!
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom, Leslie! Joe’s grandma just passed away in October from a really long battle with Alzheimer’s. He would often say he felt as if he lost her long before that for much the same reasons you are saying.
Love your recommendation here; great advice!
Oh, Bri, I can relate to how Joe feels about losing his grandmother when she got sick with Alzheimers. I am sure he felt like he lost her over and over again with each worsening day. My mom has been better this week, but then fell. Heartbreaking. I hate being so far away.
Bed Bath and Beyond seems to have great prices and when you use their 20% off coupons on top of that you can’t beat it! I got my shark vacuum way less from there and was able to use a coupon! Love that place!
Wow, great idea to shop B,B & Beyond for vacuums. Need to keep that in mind. It is a very dangerous store for me because I want everything in there. Better off ordering online!
I am just stunned at the price difference in your quilt – WOW But, I must say… I just love that quilt! It is so pretty…and makes up a lovely bed! You must be tickled every time you make the bed…for its smart looks and the reminder of what a savvy shopper you are!! (Wish you had a link for it. I really do like it!) 🙂
Happy weekend. Here’s to some bargains to be found in my neck of the woods – lol!!
Thank you so much. I would not usually pay even $140 for a quilt but it was all the right colors and keeps me from having to buy new art, curtains in the bedroom. I like it, too. And so thankful I found it cheaper!! I put the link to the quilt…the cheaper price…in a comment on your blog.
Oh, I love the library, and I try to use it as much as I can. I’m glad your mom sounded a bit better from your update to this post – that has to be really hard, I’m sorry! Oh wow, the comforters are the same!! I hope you can return the Macy’s one with no problems.
-Lauren
Good for you using the library. I am following your good lead. I just worry about accumulating fines!
Returned the Macy’s quilt with no problem. The clerk asked why I was returning it and I told him!
$200 cheaper? I have never heard of such a thing. yes, take that quilt back. I just ordered a quilt from Amazon for $44.00. I wouldn’t spend more than $50 on a quilt. It was amazing to me how hard it is to even find a quilt now as comforters are very popular. But I really needed something thin for a bed in a room I’m renovating, so I had to have a bedspread and not a comforter. I love your closet! That’s quite a nice size closet. Large closets are something that are non-existent in old houses like mine.
Wasn’t that just crazy with that quilt? Exactly the same for $200 less. Thank goodness!! Our master closet is very nice. But still quite full even after the purge. But I must have tossed something because we have about 50 empty hangers now.
I’m glad you had a goo conversation with your mom, mine is my best friend no matter how much we disagree; I’d miss our talks. Great save on comforter and your bedroom is a dream. I’m going to be going through my closets again soon, not looking forward to it. Take care my Leslie!
Thank you, Shugunna. I was so glad to find the comforter cheaper!! And so was PC!