Scattered Sundays

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I have a question for you. It’s really important.

When you are applying chapstick, do you twist it up each time, or just apply it where it is when you open the cap? Back in high school, my friend Heather and I shared chapstick constantly. Thank goodness present-day circumstances weren’t happening back then. Absolute terrible social distancing there 16-year-old me.

Anyhoo, when she used my chapstick, she would instantly crank it up and then apply. And when I used hers, I always had to wind it down because I was terrified of just crushing her tower of gloss.

Which leads me to wonder if one or both of us was weird. So, what say you? What is your lip moisturizing technique? Are you a tower of terror applier, or someone who rides low? Oh, and if you’re stuck at home with nothing to do, try making your own chapstick (here is my recipe)!

We desperately needed to get out of the house on Sunday, but obviously everything is off-limits. We “went” to church online that morning and during the part when we’d normally greet our neighbor, Bennett said “this is where I would hug Kris”. Kris is a lady at our church that Bennett has been drawn to since he was a baby.

What’s fun about it is that Jack was instantly drawn to her husband who had MS when he was little. They even came to Jack’s 5th birthday party, and Jack used to make him art projects all the time that are still in her house.

So we decided to take Kris a bouquet, but the garden only turned out three measly little flowers. Putting on our thinking caps, we produced what we’re calling the “quarantine bouquet”. It’s made of toilet paper, a few flowers, a canning jar ring with Girl Scout mints taped to it. Very fashionable. It will be making its way through social media very soon.

Bennett started up his speech via distance learning this week and it went well. We’re so thankful that his therapist has the video capability to make that happen. Such a weird time, but I think everyone is just doing the best that they can to make things as normal as possible. Whatever that looks like.

Jack’s birthday is on Saturday and he is pretty bummed that he won’t be having a party. We’re doing our best to make it special for him, but we know some of the “shine” is off the day. Some family, friends, and neighbors are making surprise decorations and signs so we can decorate our front porch to try to do something fun.

This week while I was out on my walk, I ran into my elementary school principal. We walked and chatted for about two blocks, staying 10 feet apart the whole time.

I was what’s called a “teacher kid”, meaning I went to the school where my mom taught. My sister and I were there before and after school every day, and during breaks, especially summer. It felt like we got a few solid weeks of summer, and then we were put to work counting out dittos (remember those???), cleaning desks, and organizing classrooms. I can put up a bulletin board with my eyes closed in 20 minutes.

I knew the teachers, staff, and administration from the time I was really little. I probably learned to walk at that school. Whenever my principal and I would pass each other in the hall, we’d do a 5-10 second ballroom dance move. Yes, I was super cool as a kid. Thanks for asking.

It was nice to walk with him a little bit, even if we couldn’t dance. Also a good reminder for all of us to check in on each other, especially older neighbors who might be struggling more than others who don’t have as much social (media) interaction.

“Take a picture of me touching all your food, Mom”

If you are looking to make your own face masks, Cassie over at Wholefully has a tutorial up for both adults and kids. She also includes info on how to donate them. I scavenged some elastic in my sewing closet, but it’s not a lot. I bought a big thing of elastic on Amazon because all fabric stores around here are closed. I figured I can make some for all our family and neighbors and then make more to donate.

Secretly doing Instagram “duck lips” under the mask

I made one for myself, some for friends and one for our massage therapist. She is still working to serve existing clients because she sees a lot of first responders. Right now they’re getting pushed in ways that is really hard on their bodies and definitely need some non-medicated pain relief. The masks definitely aren’t 100% effective, but if anything, they stop us from touching our damn faces!

Speaking of first responders (they’re super hot) and medical professionals, here are a few ways you can say thank you for all their hard work:

• Take care of your damn health! Eat well, exercise, drink that clear stuff that falls from the sky. For the love of God, stop smoking. A healthier you means you’re less likely to need non-emergency care. Yes, healthy people get sick too, but taking care of your body means you’re going to the doctor less, keeping appointments available for people who need it. And it also keeps you away from germy places.
• Only call 911 for true emergencies. Keep the pros focused on actual sick people instead of calling because you have your first bloody nose (an actual call my husband has been on). Time and medical professionals are a finite resource. Don’t be the dbag who is wasting those things.
• Don’t bring homemade food to fire stations right now. They will not eat it at the moment and it’s so sad for them to toss it after you leave. Now more than ever, nobody wants to waste food! Instead, crowd-fund with friends and family to have takeout from a local small business delivered. Troy’s station has had these surprise meals delivered and they’re so appreciative! Additionally, it is supporting a local business that is likely hurting financially.
• If you have a large stash of medical-grade masks and protective gear in your house and you are not immunocompromised, keep a few for yourself and then DONATE the rest. There is a line between being prepared and being a jerk. Medical professionals are currently using masks all-day that are meant to be single-use. They’re putting used masks in paper bags and marking them with the date and patient they were used on. And then they are using them again in 15 days because “technically” any scary germs are dead by then.
• These people are going to work and putting their lives at risk FOR YOU (and then coming home and potentially exposing their kids and super hot wives…I mean spouses). Keep your butts home. Our grandparents were called to war. We’re being asked to sit on our couches. This is doable.

This was the oddest staff meeting I’ve ever had.

Housekeeping

If you’re missing fresh produce, check out Farmbox Direct. Unlike most companies, they have plenty of fresh produce in stock and will deliver directly to your home! They ship for free in the continental US. You can sign up here.

What I’m Listening To This Week

If you’re a true crime fan, nothing is more soothing than the melodic tones of Keith Morrison in your ears. This week I was whining to my friend Cassie at Cook it Real Good that Dateline hadn’t released new podcast episodes in days. And then thankfully they did! I’m not sure if I’m a weirdo (ok, that part is actually confirmed), but listening to true crime somehow calms my soul during these stressful times.

And if you want something that is not true crime and just pure interesting fluff, Stuff You Should Know has been releasing older distraction episodes that are worth a listen.

What I’m Reading This Week

I finally finished Night Town (it was great but the ending seemed a little abrupt and it kind of forgot about one of the main plot lines at the start of the book), and that is officially the end of the physical library books we have at home (all branches around here are closed). Thankfully, we have free ebook access from our library and Kindle Unlimited is free for two months right now.

I looked at my options and settled on Wild (from our library) as my next read. You can see my previous reads this year here.

Reader Spotlight of the Week

Emily left this five-star review on our Overnight Cinnamon Rolls {Pin this recipe}:

These cinnamon rolls are legit! They were surprisingly easy to make, and the dough was a dream to work with. Best part is that when you are ready to eat in the morning, just pop them in the oven for 25-30 min and the most delicious breakfast is ready!

On Sustainable Cooks This Week

Homemade Honey Wheat Bread – A simple Homemade Honey Wheat Bread recipe that can be made without a bread maker. Homemade sandwich bread is easy to make (and freeze) and can save you so much money at the grocery store! {Pin this recipe}

Pantry Staples You Can Make Yourself – You’ll love these 28 delicious pantry staples that you can make yourself using ingredients in your fridge, cupboards, and freezer. Never run out of your favorites again with these easy homemade versions of kitchen essentials! {Pin these recipes}

Roasting Frozen Vegetables –  This is the ultimate guide to Roasting Frozen Vegetables. This is the best resource for helping you make tasty and healthy vegetable side dishes using all frozen veggies! Oven-roasted frozen vegetables are delicious and will save you so much time and money. {Pin these recipes}

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies – Soft and delicious Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies are an easy dessert that won’t require heating up your kitchen. Make the perfect cookie on your countertop for fast treats that your family will love. You’ll also find oven-baking instructions if you don’t have an air fryer. {Pin this recipe}

The Five Most Popular Posts This Week

Our mojito mocktail was #1, so let’s take a look at the other top posts this week:

1. Air Fryer Egg Rolls – baking and skillet instructions are also in the post  {Pin this recipe}
2. Air Fryer Pickles – baking instructions are also in the post  {Pin this recipe}
3. How to Freeze Spinach  {Pin this recipe}
4. Homemade Honey Wheat Sandwich Bread – there are vegan alternative options in the post {Pin this recipe}
5. Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Rice – you’ll find non-Instant Pot instructions in the post {Pin this recipe}

Meal Plan

Monday:: Takeout to support a local small business.

Tuesday:: An old recipe I am updating and taking photos of. Can’t wait to share the spruced-up version!

Wednesday:: Jack requested Whole30 Potato Soup, and we’ll either be having roasted frozen veggies, or salad (the kale overwintered in our garden really well).

Thursday:: TBD. I might eat the children.

Friday:: Popcorn, leftovers, and movie night.

Saturday:: Takeout to support a local small business AND for Jack’s 11th birthday.

Sunday:: Jack requested Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana, which everyone in the family loves and it’s super easy.

What We Bought This Week

Azure Standard: $64.07 We got a case of whole canned tomatoes, Z Bars for the boys, and carrots this week. The pick-up was well-organized and safe (orders were placed a few feet apart around the parking lot). Though I will say I woke the boys up early to get the order and their behavior doesn’t give me a lot of confidence in their reaction in an actual emergency.

Smith Brother’s Farms (our milkman): $22.47 – super thankful they’re delivering and we’re supporting a local business! If you’re in the Puget Sound region, they’re an awesome option.

For anything else, we ate from the pantry, fridge, freezer, and garden.

What are you having this week?

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