• Craft & Create
  • Living Life
  • Rediscovering ME
  • Reviews and Reflection
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After

Rediscovering Life after Retirement

Categories: Life Style

Currently 08.2020

Currently, 08.2020

Gal pals, linking up with Anne in Residence for Currently 08.2020.  For this month’s edition we’re talking about what we’re choosing, consuming, enjoying, ordering, and remembering.  And those prompts came straight from Anne already in ABC order!!  You know how I like my alphabetical order.  You can take the librarian out of the library but…

Just a reminder:  Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After occasionally uses affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link provided I may receive a very small commission.  Thank you for your support.

Currently 08.2020

Choosing:

the tiles to use on my cactus mosaic.

This project has been on my bucket list for several seasons now.  I think I purchased the mosaic class in January!  Then Covid struck and the Terry Wright studio has been closed ever since.  When Terry recently offered to put together my cactus crockery crack up kit so I could work on the mosaic at home, I took her up on it.  And Lauren bought a kit, too.  Tuesday, we began working on them together at her house.

mosaic

Consuming:

lots of shish kabobs.  Or shish kebabs.  How do you spell that word?

One of the activities on my summer bucket list is to try some shish kabob recipes.  I hit up ole Pinterest and found a wealth of offerings.  For my first stab at it, I made these with grilled steak, pepper and onion and these with grilled sausage and shrimp kabobs.  I always hesitate to grill steak because it is usually as tough as whet leather as my Missouri mama would say.  But these grilled steak kabobs were the exception.  The meat was flavorful and tender.

Currently, 08.2020

Last night I tried my hand at some Hawaiian chicken kabobs and some smoked sausage, chicken and potato kabobs.  But I forgot to put the potato on the skewers!!  So they were actually smoked sausage and chicken kabobs.  And then potato kabobs on the side.

Currently, 08.2020

Oh, and peaches!!  We had a most bountiful harvest this year.  Finally have all the peaches picked and pitted and frozen.  They are an ingredient in every smoothie lately.  And enjoyed a recent peach cobbler.

Currently, 08.2020
Currently, 08.2020

Enjoying:

finally being able to watch baseball on TV.  Some of us are enjoying that more than others…shh, don’t tell PC.  I am truly glad for him to have baseball back in his life in some form.  We are both enjoying the Netflix series “Anne with an E.”  And I am enjoying the Hulu series “Little Fires Everywhere.”  Had hoped to read the book first but that didn’t happen.

Ordering:

several things, actually.  Funny you should ask!

This inflatable mattress for the pool.  We have one and fight over it!!  Before we draw blood, I figured it was best I buy another one.   It is worthy of a tussle, it’s that comfortable.  It has a suede finish and holes across the surface that allow the water to keep you cool while you float drowsily about the pool.

Ordered this grill mat and tray from my friend’s Pampered Chef party.  Since we are grilling multiple times I week, I thought it would be a good purchase.  Anything to keep me from spending time cleaning the grill!!

Grill mat
Currently, 08.2020

Have wanted overall shorts all summer.  Yes, I know I am 62.  Not exactly an OshKosh kid any more.  But they look so cute.  Especially these from Venus.com.  As fast as they would come back in stock, my size would be sold out.  Which I could look at in one of two ways.  Either it wasn’t meant to be that I have them.  Or they were so adorable that I needed to keep trying to buy them when they came back in stock.

Then I came across these camo overall shorts.  French terry cloth so they have to be soft, right?  Even if I just wear them around the house or as a cover-up over my bathing suit.  So cute!

Currently, 08.2020
Overalls

Remembering:

the terrible Walmart shooting on 08.03.2019 that claimed 23 lives here in El Paso.  

I think the one year anniversary vigils were subdued because of Covid.  The families of the victims were invited to a tribute at the candelaria built in memory of their loved ones on the Walmart parking lot.  El Pasoans across the city were invited to pick up luminarias at area Ys and to light them at 8:30 pm on 08.03.2020.  And we did that.  I wrote this post last year after that dreadful day.

Currently, 08.2020
Currently, 08.2020

Such a sad day in El Paso’s history.  But we remain #ElPaSOSTRONG.

Your Turn

What would you list for responses to Anne’s Currently 08.2020 prompts?  As we approach the end of summer, schools and districts all over are beginning to think about the coming school year.  Will the schools in your area be opening up before or after Labor Day, 09.07.2020?  Online schooling or Face2Face or a hybrid combo of the two?  I would be interested to know how back-to-school is shaping up in your community.  Please leave me a comment below.

A storm is blowing in from the southwest.  Hope we get some much needed rain.  Although, we are above normal with 4″ for the year!  PC and I are dragging in this triple digit heat.  Wish it would rain all night.

Hope things are cooler and more comfortable where you are.  Keep wearing those masks, girls!!  And stay healthy.

Hugs and kisses,

leslie

Get Updates

[jetpack-related-posts]

About Leslie Roberts Clingan

I am an aspiring blogger and children's author, wife, mother, daughter, sister, - in-law, responsible pet owner and recently retired elementary school librarian. I hope to figure out the next chapter of my life as I transition from crazy, busy work world onto totally idle retirement and now to something in-between.

Comments

  1. Joanne

    August 6, 2020 at 4:04 am

    We are enjoying all the time lake side that we can and ordering back to school supplies! Supposedly the schools are returning in person at the beginning of Sept. this year but we still don’t have an official plan from the school so we’ll see…

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      August 15, 2020 at 1:28 pm

      Oh, how I love school supplies. Such fun!! Our classes start on MONDAY! But all virtual through mid-October. Enjoy that lake, girl.

      Reply
  2. Susanne

    August 6, 2020 at 4:42 am

    It has been a fab year for peaches. And, yes, the shorts are adorable, but French Terry often means they will shrink as well, so I hope they were pre-shrunk or you allowed for that.

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      August 11, 2020 at 9:01 pm

      Thank you for the tip about the French terry. I will need to air dry these and wash them in cold water to be sure!!

      Reply
  3. ShootingStarsMag

    August 6, 2020 at 7:55 am

    I love overalls, so you rock it, lady! They are super cute and comfy. I don’t have any currently but I’m going to try and find some for the Fall I think!

    Ooh that pool mattress looks super cozy. I think my sister would love something like that! I tend to just walk around and read, so I’m not much of a floater. hah

    -Lauren

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      August 11, 2020 at 8:59 pm

      Floating on the air mattresses has been like taking little vacations. I need to try reading while floating this weekend.
      I saw some really cute long overalls at Target today. Wish to heavens we could try things on before buying.

      Reply
  4. Dara

    August 6, 2020 at 8:47 am

    The shish kabobs or kebobs look amazing!

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      August 11, 2020 at 8:50 pm

      Whatever they are, we are loving them!!

      Reply
  5. Morgan

    August 6, 2020 at 11:07 am

    The kabobs look so delicious! and the peaches!

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      August 11, 2020 at 8:50 pm

      Thank you! We are enjoying both.

      Reply
  6. Kimberly F Malkiewicz

    August 6, 2020 at 1:56 pm

    The cactus mosaic looks so fun. I can’t wait to see how yours turns out. I’ve already drooled over your kabobs, now I’ll have to drool over your fresh peaches! Short overalls, huh? I’m sure you’ll look adorable–I’ll pass on this one! Ha!

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      August 11, 2020 at 8:48 pm

      Well, the overalls came and were defective. The little fastener on one strap pulled through the fabric. I have another pair coming. Hope this isn’t a bad omen.

      We got started on our mosaic but need to get back after it. Both of Lauren’s girls have been sick this week so we haven’t had a chance to work on it again this week. Hope we can find a few moments to work on our pieces soon.

      Reply
  7. Rebecca Jo Vincent

    August 6, 2020 at 2:09 pm

    I used to love some k’bobs myself with all the veggies on them. I may need to do that.

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      August 11, 2020 at 8:44 pm

      Mmm, we need to try more variety of veggies on our k’bobs! I like your spelling of the word.

      Reply
  8. Jennifer Smith

    August 7, 2020 at 11:52 am

    Thank grill mat is brilliant! We don’t grill too terribly often but that would be worth it just for the times we do!! I recently ordered something from PC (from someone’s blog I was reading?? I hope it was legit!) and they said it would take 7-9 weeks (WEEKS) to process and ship my order. Due to COVID, of course. I thought it was just a tad much but, oh well. If I had ordered this mat…grilling season would be over!!:)

    That peach cobbler looks amazing!! I might need to make one of those this weekend!! Have a great one ahead!!

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      August 11, 2020 at 8:42 pm

      We grill about once a week in the warm seasons and at least once a month in the colder months. I am excited to get the grill mat. PC says I don’t clean the grill racks well enough so I’ll show him!! I am still waiting for my order. It hasn’t even shipped. Ugh.

      We still have so many peaches that I feel certain another cobbler or two are in our future.

      Reply
  9. Iris

    August 7, 2020 at 2:34 pm

    The overalls look really cute and ALL the food looks delicious. Makes me want to head to the kitchen.
    Grace & Peace,Iris
    http://www.IrisOriginalsRamblings.com

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      August 15, 2020 at 1:27 pm

      Ha! Thank you, friend. I am hungry right now myself.

      Reply
  10. Gale

    August 7, 2020 at 4:26 pm

    I love kebabs! We have a mixed seafood kebab we do on the grill that is super yummy! Shrimp, fish, and scallops marinated and threaded with peppers. You’ve got me wanting it NOW!

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      August 15, 2020 at 1:27 pm

      Would love to know how you marinade the scallops. I tried some scallops but they just had no flavor.

      Reply
  11. Laura Bambrick

    August 7, 2020 at 8:11 pm

    I really like those camo overalls you got! I bet they are incredibly comfortable to wear! The shish kabobs look so amazing! I need to try some of these! How fun!

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      August 15, 2020 at 1:26 pm

      The camo overalls are so soft. But someone suggested that fabric shrinks terribly so I need to wash and wear them carefully.

      Reply
  12. Daenel T.

    August 7, 2020 at 9:55 pm

    Those kabobs look delicious. It’s been a long time since we’ve used our grill. Now I’m thinking it may be time.
    I made a peach cobbler a few weeks back, so good.

    Reply
  13. Bri

    August 8, 2020 at 2:55 pm

    Can’t wait to see your finished product!!! And I LOVE those overalls!!!! Have the best weekend, Leslie! See you Monday morning for 10 on 10. 🙂

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      August 10, 2020 at 8:06 pm

      Yay!! Glad you like the overalls. They arrived and they fit! But the strap was broken on one side. Boo. Returning for a second pair.

      Reply
  14. Amy Johnson

    August 8, 2020 at 4:01 pm

    Oh, those kabobs look delicious! And I loved Anne with an E I was so sorry to come to the end of the series.

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      August 10, 2020 at 8:05 pm

      Amy, sign the petition to beg Hulu for a 4th season! Help us bring it back.

      Reply
  15. jodie filogomo

    August 9, 2020 at 5:18 pm

    Oh, I’m so jealous of the peaches. We had the BEST ones in Colorado, but we haven’t found any yet here in AZ. Trust me, we are still looking.
    As for the kabobs…what a fabulous idea. I’ll get right on that.
    XOOX
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      August 10, 2020 at 7:53 pm

      We have enjoyed our peaches everyday. Will have so much more room in the frig once we eat them all up.

      Reply
  16. Anne

    August 12, 2020 at 7:10 pm

    Hang on, does “finally have all the peaches picked” mean that you grow your own?! I aspire to someday have a fruit-bearing tree. So great! And I am just finishing up Little Fires Everywhere on Hulu. The book is excellent, but I think this adaptation is excellent too, and sticking quite well to what I remember of the book! The lead actresses are stellar.

    Reply
    • Leslie Roberts Clingan

      August 15, 2020 at 1:21 pm

      So glad to know the series of Little Fires is as good as the book. Rarely do I see a movie/TV show and then go back to read the book it was based from. But I do the opposite (read then watch) quite often.
      Yes, we bought a peach tree on a whim and it has been such fun! I highly recommend a peach tree when you decide to buy. LOW maintenance (we water it) and it has been so generous with its fruit.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hello!

graphic tee

In what felt like the blink of an eye, I have gone from full-time wife to my sweet husband, hands-on mom to my two beautiful daughters and elementary school librarian to a retired, empty nester with lots of time on my hands. Join me on my journey to rediscover who I am. Glad you are here...
About me

Search

FREE NEWSLETTER

Subscribe to our newsletter today and be the first to know when we publish a new blog post.

Archives

Disclosure

Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After occasionally uses affiliate links. This means that if you click a link provided we may receive a very small commission. Thank you for your support!

Best of the Blog

Follow Me on Pinterest

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Goodreads
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Substack
  • Twitter

From My IG Feed

onceuponatimehappilyeverafter

View

Jul 12

Open
07.11.2025 Couples that play together stay together. Goodwill challenge. Selected outfits for each other then wore them to celebrate our 17th anniversary. Summer 2025 bucket 🪣 list activity completed. ✔️ 

#goodwillchallenge 
#summerbucketlist 
#summerfun☀️ 
#datenight❤️ 
#happyanniversary❤️ 
#elpasoblogger 
#elpaso915 
#onceuponatimehappilyeverafter 
#insta2025📸 
#grandmasofinstagram 
#princecharming

07.11.2025 Couples that play together stay together. Goodwill challenge. Selected outfits for each other then wore them to celebrate our 17th anniversary. Summer 2025 bucket 🪣 list activity completed. ✔️

#goodwillchallenge
#summerbucketlist
#summerfun☀️
#datenight❤️
#happyanniversary❤️
#elpasoblogger
#elpaso915
#onceuponatimehappilyeverafter
#insta2025📸
#grandmasofinstagram
#princecharming
...

16 13

onceuponatimehappilyeverafter

View

Jul 1

Open
07.01.2025 Come Read with Me voted to read Martha Hall Kelly's latest novel. Historical fiction set during World War II. Can't wait to begin!!

Is this book on your radar?

07.01.2025 Come Read with Me voted to read Martha Hall Kelly`s latest novel. Historical fiction set during World War II. Can`t wait to begin!!

Is this book on your radar?
...

12 4

onceuponatimehappilyeverafter

View

Jul 1

Open
07.01.2025 Great way to kick off a new month. 🌧️ RAIN 🌧️. Welcome, July. 

#rainingrain 
#raindance 
#sofresh 
#insta2025📸 
#onceuponatimehappilyeverafter 
#elpasophotographer 
#elpaso915
#grandmasofinstagram
#elpasoblogger

07.01.2025 Great way to kick off a new month. 🌧️ RAIN 🌧️. Welcome, July.

#rainingrain
#raindance
#sofresh
#insta2025📸
#onceuponatimehappilyeverafter
#elpasophotographer
#elpaso915
#grandmasofinstagram
#elpasoblogger
...

18 4

onceuponatimehappilyeverafter

View

Jun 28

Open
06.28.2025 New photo challenge post. 

#photochallenges 
#sundaystills 
#everydayimages 
#worldthroughlens 
#lifeafterretirement 
#insta2025📸 
#onceuponatimehappilyeverafter 
#elpasoblogger 
#elpaso915 
#elpasophotographer

06.28.2025 New photo challenge post.

#photochallenges
#sundaystills
#everydayimages
#worldthroughlens
#lifeafterretirement
#insta2025📸
#onceuponatimehappilyeverafter
#elpasoblogger
#elpaso915
#elpasophotographer
...

7 3

onceuponatimehappilyeverafter

View

Jun 25

Open
06.25.2025 Gone fishing'. Nuff said. 

#onceuponatimehappilyeverafter 
#fishingday 
#fishermanlife 
#elpasoblogger 
#grandmasofinstagram 
#elpaso915 
#lifeafterretirement 
#elpasowomen 
#insta2025📸 
#fishermanswife 
#gonefishin 
#rainyday☔

06.25.2025 Gone fishing`. Nuff said.

#onceuponatimehappilyeverafter
#fishingday
#fishermanlife
#elpasoblogger
#grandmasofinstagram
#elpaso915
#lifeafterretirement
#elpasowomen
#insta2025📸
#fishermanswife
#gonefishin
#rainyday☔
...

17 5

onceuponatimehappilyeverafter

View

Jun 24

Open
06.24.2025 Forecast calls for rain!! 🤞🏽 
#prayingforrain 
#onceuponatimehappilyeverafter 
#elpasoblogger 
#grandmasofinstagram 
#elpaso915 
#lifeafterretirement 
#insta2025📸 
#motherearthhealing 
#dontmesswithtexas

06.24.2025 Forecast calls for rain!! 🤞🏽
#prayingforrain
#onceuponatimehappilyeverafter
#elpasoblogger
#grandmasofinstagram
#elpaso915
#lifeafterretirement
#insta2025📸
#motherearthhealing
#dontmesswithtexas
...

15 4
Follow on Instagram

The 52 Book Club’s 2025 Reading Challenge

Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2025

Title Talk 12.2024: What's on My Bookshelf

NaNoWriMo-2024 Participant Badge

NaNoWriMo-2024 Participant Badge

One Sentence a Day

Tell Us About…

What’s Been On Your Calendar

What’s On Your Bookshelf?

Copyright © 2025 · Theme by Blog Pixie

home · about me · where i link-up · disclosure policy · privacy policy
ONCE UPON A TIME & HAPPILY EVER AFTER

By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our use of cookies.