Just the Facts #24

 "Fitting in is about assessing a situation and becoming who you need to be to be accepted. 
Belonging, on the other hand, doesn't require us to change who we are; it requires us to be who we are." (Brene Brown)

 

Hello, my lovely friends!  

 

     Welcome back to Friday Funday! We took a short break last week for the Scooter takeover, but I'm back with more facts about Paula. This week, we're celebrating the start of the school year, as most schools have either begun classes last week or are starting this week.

 

1.  For me, the start of a new school year was like my own personal Christmas. Forget toys, I was all about the aisles of fresh school supplies at Target. The smell of new pencils, the crisp feel of blank notebooks — it was a high unlike any other.

I lived for matching my folders and spirals for each subject, making sure every class had its own perfectly coordinated look. In grade school, the big excitement was picking out a brand-new lunch box and a pristine pencil box. The anticipation of using them was almost as good as the day itself. My mom would always stock up, buying enough to last us the whole year, and we'd each get a personal bin overflowing with our goodies. It was the best kind of organized chaos.

 

2. Getting back from vacation meant one thing: back-to-school shopping! My mom would take us on a mission to get new clothes for the year ahead. I'll never forget the year prairie skirts were all the rage. I got four of them, complete with matching tops, and wore them nonstop. Jeans just weren't my thing then, and they still aren't. I was a girly-girl through and through, and some things never change!

 

3.  My mom started a sweet tradition when I was little: she'd take a picture of me every year on my first day of school. The tradition continued even after she went back to work, but then my sister took over as the official photographer. My sister loved the tradition so much that she started it with her own sons, taking their picture on the first day of school all the way through college. It's a great way to see how much we've all grown!

 

4.  Back-to-school season always brought a mix of feelings. I was so excited to see my friends, but also a little nervous. It felt like an eternity since we'd last seen each other, even though it had only been three months. I'd see my friends who lived on my block during the summer, but I had other friends I wouldn't see until school started. The excitement of reconnecting with everyone felt like the first day of summer camp, full of new stories and shared laughter. But there was also that jittery feeling, wondering how much everyone had changed and if we'd still be the same.

 

5.  Back when I was a kid, the start of a new school year meant one thing: a massive closet overhaul. Before we could even think about new backpacks or notebooks, my parents would make me go through every piece of clothing I owned. It was a whole production—trying on everything, making a pile of what still fit and what was way too small, and then, for the fun part, I'd get to color-coordinate my whole closet and plan my epic first-day-of-school outfit. It was the only time I felt like a fashion designer, and that first-day outfit had to be perfect!

 

 So glad you stopped by! Wishing you the coziest morning/afternoon/evening ahead. Can't wait for our paths to cross again!

Winner! Winner! Chicken Dinner!

 

 

"Cooking... It's something you do every day. You might as well have a good time." (Mary Solaro) 
 

Hello, my lovely friends!

    

    The other day I saw the lemon pepper garlic marinade from World Harbor that has been sitting in the pantry for a while and decided to use it for a yummy chicken meal. 
 

What you need
Chicken pieces (I used thighs)
Small potatoes, cut in half
Zucchini , sliced in bite sized pieces
World Harbor Lemon Pepper marinade
 
I washed the potatoes to get some of the starch out. My mom's doctor had us start doing that for her. While those are hanging out I prepped the zucchini. 

In another bowl I put the chicken in and pour the lemon pepper marinade over that and let it sit out. 

In my dutch oven I sprayed it with Pam and put the chicken in the middle, surrounded it with the potatoes. I pour the rest of the marinade over everything. 
 
I placed it in the oven at 425 for about thirty minutes with the lid on it. Then I took the lid off and turned it down to 375 and let it go for twenty minutes.

Another quick and easy meal that was a hit. My mom really liked it and when you have no leftovers that's a good thing.

 

 So glad you stopped by! Wishing you the coziest morning/afternoon/evening ahead. Can't wait for our paths to cross again!

It's All About Life

 

 "Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal." (Hannah More) 

 

Hello, my lovely friends!

 

    I've decided to switch to a four-day work week for now: Sunday, Monday, Thursday, and Friday. I'm sure Tuesdays will be back in the mix once the holidays roll around.

 

     I finally got through to Kaiser on my mom's behalf, but only after sending a strongly worded email. I wrote it from her perspective, expressing her frustration with being given the runaround since the beginning of the year and ending it with "I'm sick of this!" That must have lit a fire under them, because she's since had three different doctors call to see what they can do to make things right. She's now waiting for her back and knee doctor to call on Monday.

 

    The whole situation has been so frustrating. Just a few weeks ago, they told her she couldn't get shots in her back because of supposed fractures in her spine. After a recent MRI, they've now found no fractures, and it looks like she'll get those shots after all. It's ridiculous that it takes an angry email to get things done, but at least we're finally seeing some progress. This is really affecting my mom's mood. She's completely overwhelmed and it's exhausting her.

 

     My sister and brother-in-law might be visiting in September. I mentioned to my sister how defeated our mom has been feeling lately, and a visit would do her a world of good. Mom is already excited, and I'm hopeful this will really cheer her up.

 

So glad you stopped by! Wishing you the coziest morning/afternoon/evening ahead. Can't wait for our paths to cross again!

Just the Facts #23

 “Animals are such agreeable friends — they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.” (George Eliot)

 

Woof! WooF! To You All!

 

     It's me, Scooter, back for another day of delightful doggo facts. My human was just too swamped this week, so I took the reins again. She promised she'll tell you all about her crazy week on Sunday, so stay tuned!

 

1.Snack time is the best time! My mom and I are total snack buddies. In the afternoon, when my mom's munching on some delicious fruit, she always shares a little bit with me. I love it, especially juicy watermelon!

But the real party starts at night! When my mom and grandma settle in for their evening treat, I get one too. My favorites are those super yummy Beggin' Strips and Pupperoni!

Sometimes, late at night, my mom gives me a little bit of the sweet cream filling from a cookie. I don't know what medicine is, but she always says it's in there. All I know is it's super tasty!

 

2.  My love language is all about receiving, not giving! I'm a champion cuddler and love being snuggled, kissed, and hugged by my mom. I'll even happily fall asleep in her arms. But when it comes to returning the affection, I'm a bit more reserved. I'll take all the love you've got, but don't expect a lick back!

 

3.  As the self-proclaimed "Godfather of the neighborhood," I've developed a unique talent: I can get all the dogs to sing my song. All it takes is a single bark from me, and the entire chorus joins in. They just don't stop! And once I've had my fun and go back inside, the show continues. My human, whom I affectionately call "Mommy," thinks I'm a nuisance and says I rile them all up and then abandon them. But hey, a good artist never reveals their secrets.

 

4.  Hearing the jingle of keys and the sound of shoes being put on is the best! It means an adventure is about to happen, and I might get to come along for the ride. I can't help but go absolutely crazy, barking and leaping like a dolphin out of water. My family says I'm a little wild, but I don't care! Whether it's a quick trip to the mailbox or a long drive to somewhere new, I love every second of it.

 

5.  Grammy says I'm Mommy's shadow, and she's not wrong! I have to know where Mommy is at all times. She can't go anywhere without me. If she's inside, I'm right there, a step behind her. The only place I'm not allowed to go with her is the bathroom, but I'm waiting right outside the door for her to come back out so we can continue our adventures together!

 

6.  My toys are my kingdom, and sometimes, my kingdom needs a little... redesign! I'm a serious investigator, but I've got my rules: I only rearrange things that are mine. My human mom gave me this huge, fluffy dog toy. I confess, the ears didn't last long—they were just begging to be pulled off! But then, something even more fun happened. Now I have a new game I play with it. Mom calls him my 'humper dog,' which is a weird name, but whatever. He's my favorite!

 

 So glad you stopped by! Wishing you the coziest morning/afternoon/evening ahead. Can't wait for our paths to cross again.

You'll Be Okay

 

Just the Facts #22

 "You can't change all that is wrong in this great big world, but you can have an impact, even if it is just a tiny, positive impact on a stranger that receives a smile from you on the street today. There's so much we can do for others, and in the end, what we do for others ends up benefiting us tenfold. So, let's do this. Let's make our little worlds amazing today." (Craig Ballantyne)

 

 Hello, my lovely friends!

 

 Today we’re going to do just random stuff about me that comes to mind. Let me know some interesting things about you.

 

1.  My love for the stars and planets started super young, all thanks to my dad. I have so many fond memories of sitting outside with him, listening to him point out different stars and share their names. Even now, no matter where I am, if it's nighttime, you'll always find me gazing up, searching for the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper.

 

2.  It all started with Captain & Tennille's "Love Will Keep Us Together." I snagged that 45, and let me tell you, I played it until it was practically transparent! It was my absolute jam.

Then, one day, my mom, bless her heart, took me to a record signing at Target with the Captain and Tennille themselves. Everyone else in line was unboxing fresh, shiny new records for them to sign, and there I was, clutching my well-loved, slightly warped 45. When it was my turn, the Captain took one look at it and said, "You must listen to this a lot!" I, of course, proudly declared, "Every single day!"

And guess what? That signed, well-worn 45 still has a place of honor on my record shelf. It's a little piece of my music history, and it always makes me smile.

 

3.  Oh, I totally get that! My love for all things dark is legendary in my family. Seriously, my dad used to joke, "Is the vampire up?" because my room was so perpetually shrouded in darkness while I slept. I'd keep those curtains sealed shut until my mom, bless her heart, would finally come down and throw them open, letting in that pesky sunlight. And it's not just my room; even my computer and phone settings are cranked down as dim as they can possibly go. I just prefer to live life on the darker side!

 

4.  You know, I'm a self-taught cook, and it all started by watching my amazing mom whip up magic in the kitchen. Later, I'd devour every cooking show and cookbook I could get my hands on. But my real culinary "aha!" moment happened with Lidia Bastianich and Rick Bayless on PBS. Those two were my personal cooking school!

I'll never forget the day Lidia made eggplant parmesan. I'd never even considered trying eggplant before, but watching her, I just had to make it. And oh my goodness, it was love at first bite! Seriously, pure bliss.

These days, I'm still hooked on cooking shows and my cookbook collection is always growing. Whenever I can, I'm trying out a new recipe, and thankfully, my mom is always a willing (and usually delighted!) taste-tester. It's so much fun!

 

5.  My hair growing up was straight with a little bit of a wave until around 7th grade when I cut my very long hair short. I hated it that short and when it grew out it was curly. I’ve always worn my hair curly until one year my sister treated me to a hair spa day and the person straighten my hair I couldn’t stop running my fingers through my hair. I wore my hair like that for about a year and wanted the curls, but I had damaged them. It’s taken me years to get the curls back, but I have them now. 

 

6.  You know, I used to tell everyone who'd listen, "Oh, I'm so not a floral person." But then I started looking around, and, well, my closet's got a few too many floral tops, my journal collection is practically a botanical garden, and don't even get me started on my perfume shelf – it's all roses, jasmine, and lily of the valley! And my candles? Essential oils? Yep, you guessed it, more flowers! So, I guess I've had to eat my words a bit. Turns out, I'm a floral kind of girl through and through!

 

 So glad you stopped by! Wishing you the coziest morning/afternoon/evening ahead. Can't wait for our paths to cross again! 

More Catching Up

 "Show kindness whenever possible. Show it to the people in front of you, the people coming up behind you, and the people with whom you are running neck and neck. It will vastly improve the quality of your own life, the lives of others, and the state of the world." (Ann Patchett)

 

Hello, my lovely friends!  

 

    How are you holding up in all this crazy heat? We actually caught a lucky break the last couple of days with some evening rain, which definitely helped cool things down a bit. I'm really hoping today's cool enough to tackle some of those pesky weeds outside. Whatever you're up to, just make sure you're staying nice and cool!

 

    Oh my gosh, speaking of getting outside, I finally got some veggie plants into pots! I was, yet again, a bit late to the game and didn't get them in until the end of June. But honestly, with how our weather has been, I'm pretty sure they'll be just fine, maybe even thriving, all the way through October. I mostly planted hardier greens that love the cooler weather, so I've got my fingers crossed for a great harvest.

Did you get a chance to plant anything this year? I'd love to hear what you've been growing!

 

    This Saturday is the day! My mom called the lawn service, and the whole crew is coming to tackle our yard. It's been a real struggle this year, so I'm so happy to finally get some help. They're going to trim the trees, spray for weeds, and we're even starting to get rid of some of the grass in the front.

 

    I've been out there trying to get it cleaned up before they arrive, which I know sounds a little funny—cleaning your yard before the lawn service starts, right? My mom has been a huge help, too; she's been able to get some of the weeds, which really makes a difference.

                                             
So glad you stopped by! Wishing you the coziest morning/afternoon/evening ahead. Can't wait for our paths to cross again!

It's All About Life

 

Just the Facts #21 Sort Of...

 

“Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog.”

 (Franklin P. Jones)

 Woof, Woof to my mommy’s lovely friends!

 

     My mom is having a brain fart (her words, not mine) about what to write for her blog today. After staring over and over at her lap thingy I told her I’ll do it for her today. So, today I give you Scooter facts, Woof! Woof!

 

1. Oh boy, do I love to sleep! Seriously, it's my absolute favorite thing to do. I'm talking all day, all night, whenever, wherever! You could say it's my number one hobby, and I'm a pro at it.

Mommy and Grammy are pretty great about my sleep obsession too, 'cause I've got beds all over the house. There's my cozy little nook right on top of Mommy's big bed – she put that there after my surgery and never took it awat. Then there's my plush dog bed in the TV room, perfect for napping during a good show, and another comfy spot downstairs in the family room. Basically, if there's a soft surface, you can bet I've probably snoozed on it!

 

2.  I'm a dog, and when it comes to mornings, I'm definitely not an early bird! I know most of my canine pals are bouncing off the walls at sunrise, begging to go out, but not me. You'll find me snuggled up in dreamland until Mom finally tells me it's time to head downstairs and start the day. Even when Grammy pops in, I'm usually still sawing logs. What can I say? A dog's gotta get his beauty sleep!

 

3.  You want to hear something funny? My mom, she thinks I'm a picky eater. Can you believe it? The truth is, I love all sorts of food! It's just... well, once you've had the good stuff, that dry, crunchy kibble just doesn't cut it, you know? My mommy, bless her heart, she introduced me to the good life – real food, and oh boy, is it ever yummy!

 

    This week, she whipped up some amazing grub for me. It was so good, but then she said it was all gone. My tail drooped a little, I gotta admit. But then, she showed me some rolls from the freezer and started talking about making me more food today! My ears perked right up – yum, yum, yum!

 

    And speaking of yummy, let's talk treats. I'm a soft treat kind of guy. Forget those hard, tooth-rattling crunchy ones. Give me a nice, chewy Beggin' Strip or some Pupperoni, and I'm one happy pup!

 

4. Woof woof! Listen up, fellow pups and people! You know what makes my tail wag like crazy? Clothes! Yep, I'm a fashion-forward Fido, sporting the latest looks all year 'round. Well, almost all year. When the sun is blazing and it's hotter than a fire hydrant on the Fourth of July, you won't catch me in a sweater. Mommy says I'm "naked" then, but come on, I've got a built-in fur coat! That's practically formal wear in my book.

 

    But oh, my jammies! Those are my absolute favorite. Sometimes, when the snowflakes are really flying, Mommy's the best and lets me lounge in them all day long. It's like a perpetual cuddle puddle! And speaking of clothes, a big shout-out to Grammy! She's the real MVP, always making sure Mommy decks me out in awesome shirts for every single holiday. Thanks, Grammy, you're the best!

 

5.  You wanna talk about my Grammy? Hold on to your leash, 'cause she's the cat's meow... or should I say, the dog's dream! My mom is super, super awesome, but Grammy? She's my main squeeze, my ultimate bestie! When the TV's on, my favorite mission is to commandeer her lap. It's like a cloud made just for me – instant nap zone!

 

    And the late-night shenanigans? Oh boy, do I live for those! Mom used to sneak off to hang with Grammy after dark, and now I'm part of the club. I make a grand entrance, leaping onto Grammy's bed while they gab. Pure bliss! Plus, when Mom's off wrangling kibble at the grocery store, it's just me and Grammy, chilling in the car. We have the best conversations (mostly me asking for treats with my eyes). Yep, Grammy's my forever bestie!

 

6.  Let me tell you a secret: I'm a total toy connoisseur! My house is practically overflowing with them, it's PAW-some! But between you and me, those bouncy, rubbery things? Hard pass. Give me a toy with stuffing, and I'm in heaven! My favorite game? Operation: De-Stuffing! My mommy, bless her heart, knows I'm still attached to my battle-scarred veterans, so she never tosses them. And guess what? She finds the BEST new recruits at the Dollar Tree! I've got so many, they've taken over two whole baskets – one for my upstairs hideout and one for my downstairs kingdom. Of course, a dog's gotta play with his humans! My mommy and grammy are pretty good at the ol' fetch game. I'll bring it back a few times, but then, you know, a pup's gotta have his limits! Time for some serious de-stuffing, maybe!

 

 Woof! This was fun for me and maybe mommy will let me do some other fun things on a Friday blog. Bye!