Ms Brantley’s birthday Celebration and Shopping

 

Saturday Shenanigans: Shopping Bags, Burgers, and Birthday Fun

Saturday turned into one of those unexpectedly good days—the kind that leaves you smiling on the drive home. It all started with my friend Cherrie, who had the rare luxury of a Saturday off so she could attend her granddaughter’s 6th birthday party. Anyone who works weekends knows how precious that is, so this day already felt like a small win.

We met at our usual parking spot, and right around 10:30 a.m. I hopped up into her truck, ready for a little road trip. Destination: Lawton, Oklahoma. We had a plan—well, a loose plan anyway—which is usually the best kind.

Our first stop was Ollie’s, because let’s be honest, Ollie’s is never just a stop. I picked up a few scrapbook items (because of course I did), some black pepper, spicy marinara sauce for a pizza casserole I’ve been thinking about, and a few other odds and ends that somehow found their way into my cart. Cherrie stuck to her usual Ollie’s staples: laundry soap and coffee for her Keurig. There’s something comforting about having “your items” at certain stores.

Next up was Hobby Lobby, which we treated more as a browsing adventure than a mission—although I did have junk journaling on my mind. I’m currently working in a junk journal for Moira, and stickers are basically a requirement for that kind of project. I also had a craft knife on my mental wish list, and wouldn’t you know it, Cherrie spotted one right at the checkout. That alone made my day. Sometimes it’s the small victories.

By then, we were officially ready for lunch, and S&B’s Burgers won the debate. We both ordered the SirBacA~Lot burger, which is exactly as indulgent and delicious as it sounds. We also shared queso and chips, because sharing queso feels like a friendship requirement. I even splurged and ordered a margarita on the rocks. Zero regrets—it was cold, refreshing, and perfect.

Before 2 p.m., we arrived at Curiosity Avenue for the birthday celebration. This was my first time there, and I have to say, it’s such a cute place for kids. Inside, they had different themed rooms set up—a fire station, bank, post office, veterinary clinic, hair salon, restaurant, and several more. There was also a bounce house and multiple ride-on toys. It’s one of those places where kids can just let their imaginations run wild.

Even though there was another private party happening at the same time, the space was large enough that it never felt crowded. Everything flowed smoothly, which is impressive when you factor in excited kids and birthday energy. I later learned they close on Sundays for private parties, which honestly makes a lot of sense.

We stayed for nearly two hours. I had a decent time, even though I didn’t know many people there. Aside from Cherrie, Coty, and Hailey, most faces were new to me—but that’s okay. Sometimes it’s nice to just observe, soak things in, and enjoy the atmosphere.

For the birthday girl, Ms. Brantley, I picked up a Mini Verse “Make It Café” Mini Brands set and tucked $10 into her birthday card. She was genuinely happy, which always feels good. There’s something special about watching kids light up over a gift.

After the party wrapped up, Cherrie and I made one last stop at Viridian for coffee. This time I tried the coconut toasted latte, and let me tell you—it was really good. I think I’m on a mission now to try all the flavors until I find my signature drink. It’s a delicious challenge.

I was back home before 5 p.m., tired in the best way and feeling grateful for a day filled with friendship, laughter, good food, and a little bit of adventure. Not every Saturday needs to be big or busy—sometimes it just needs to be good.

Food Compilation For January

I have to say Bad Daddy’s is really good. This is my second time here and it was just as good as the first time. 

Went to Hat h in Lawton Oklahoma And it was good.  Next time I will choose something different. I didnt really like these hot cocoa pancakes. They were really dry. If the waitress would have stopped back by I would have asked for pancake syrup. It was like she disappeared on us. Very disappointed with the overall experience at Hatch. 

My sweet husband make a stew that was so tasty.

Bacon Pizza at bowling alley was good.

Chicken Fry Steak from Interurban was great. 

Loaded spud from Interurban was also very good.

Queso and Ham sandwich was great. Interurban has really good food. We did takeout on this day.

We went with homemade hotdogs and French fries for a nice and easy winter dinner. 

15 bean soup with chunks of ham.  Great for this snowargedon we have got going on here in Oklahoma.

Homemade cornbread was so good.

Scrambled eggs with jalapeños, cheese and ham, toast with grape jelly, sausage links.

We both cooked this breakfast. I do like it when we both are in kitchen, makes my heart happy.

Another breakfast that my husband cooked for us on Wednesday 28th. Scrambled eggs, hash brown patty,toast with grape jelly and ham.

 

Winter Storm 2026

Sunday Snow Day Reflections

Last night brought more snow and sleet, and by the time it all settled, we were looking at seven inches—or maybe even more. Winter definitely made itself known, and honestly, I’m not complaining. Snow days have a way of slowing life down and giving us permission to stay put. Today has been calm, quiet, and exactly what I needed.

This morning I put on a crockpot of 15-bean soup, and before long the whole house was filled with that warm, comforting aroma that just feels like home. I also baked a batch of brownies for our sweet tooth, because snowy Sundays and chocolate are meant to go together. Between the soup and the brownies, the house smells amazing.

Not everything has gone smoothly, though. Our washing machine decided today was the day to stop working. Mr. C. has been deep in the laundry room, tools in hand and YouTube videos playing one after another, trying to diagnose the problem. He’s reached that frustrated stage, and I completely understand. A new washer will likely be in our future, but not just yet. We’re still working toward paying off the hot water tank and pressure tank first. Careful budgeting is the priority right now, and even though it can feel slow, it’s the responsible path forward.

While all of that has been going on, I’ve been enjoying some quiet creative time. I’m currently working on a junk journal for a private swap with Mrs. M. We’ve swapped journals many times over the years, and I truly cherish every one I’ve received from her. There’s something special about creating something handmade for someone who appreciates it just as much as you do.

I’ve also been watching The Secret Mall Apartment on Netflix, and it has completely pulled me in. The story of artists secretly building and living in a hidden apartment inside a bustling shopping mall is fascinating. It’s part creativity, part rebellion, and part commentary on consumer culture. I love how it highlights ingenuity and the human desire to carve out personal space in unexpected places. It’s definitely not something Mr. C. would enjoy, so I’ve been watching it in bits while he works, and later I’ll finish it with my headphones on.

Days like this remind me how much I enjoy being home. I don’t feel rushed or pressured to be productive. Instead, it feels like a reset. I’ve spent time in my personal planner and my budget planner, thinking through goals and next steps. There’s a sense of peace in it all. I truly feel like I’m exactly where I need to be in my life right now.

Riches to Ruinville~Book Review

Riches to Ruinville

Katherine Hastings

March 20, 2025

If you’re looking for a fun, entertaining read that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Riches to Ruinville might be just the book for you. I found myself laughing out loud more than once while reading this story by Katherine Hastings. It’s witty, fast-paced, and surprisingly heartfelt beneath all the humor.

The novel centers around CeCe and Diane, two women who once ruled New York’s elite social scene. For years, they lived lives filled with wealth, luxury, and status—and they were also fierce enemies. Everything between them was a competition: who hosted the better parties, who wore the most expensive clothes, and who could outshine the other in high society. Their husbands were business partners, equally wealthy and equally shady, and then one day everything collapses. The men vanish with millions of dollars, leaving their wives with absolutely nothing.

What follows is a complete reversal of fortune. The FBI sweeps in, seizing homes, assets, and even personal belongings. There’s nothing left to fight over—no money, no mansions, barely even clothes. Diane’s only lifeline is a rundown house left to her by a deceased aunt in the Louisiana bayou, along with a modest $5,000 inheritance. The house is far from glamorous: outdated, worn down, and worlds away from Manhattan luxury.

Despite their rocky past, CeCe convinces Diane to let her—and her companion Julian—come along. What begins as a reluctant arrangement slowly turns into an unexpected friendship. Together, they learn how to survive without riches, status, or servants. Watching these former socialites figure out everyday life without money is both funny and oddly satisfying.

Beyond the humor, Riches to Ruinville is really about reinvention and second chances. CeCe and Diane are forced to strip away their old identities and discover who they are without wealth defining them. Their journey from rivalry to friendship feels natural and earned, and the bayou setting adds charm and contrast to their former lives.

Overall, this book was an enjoyable, lighthearted read with meaningful moments mixed in. It’s not overly deep, but it doesn’t try to be. It’s a story about loss, resilience, and finding purpose in unexpected places—and sometimes starting over is exactly what you need. 

Dead Air~Book Review

Dead Air by Carter Woods is a post-apocalyptic thriller that leans into tension, survival, and the sudden collapse of everyday life. The story centers on Izzy, an ordinary woman who is forced into an extraordinary role when communication systems fail and the world as she knows it grinds to a halt. What begins as confusion and fear quickly turns into a fight for survival, with Izzy unexpectedly becoming the person others look to for leadership and answers.

Izzy’s character arc is one of the stronger aspects of the book. She doesn’t start out as a hardened survivor or trained leader, which makes her rise to responsibility feel relatable at times. As events unfold, she is pushed to make decisions that affect not only her own safety but the lives of those around her. This shift—from someone reacting to chaos to someone guiding others through it—drives much of the story’s momentum.

That said, Dead Air isn’t without its flaws. Some situations and character decisions strain believability, especially when it comes to how quickly people adapt or how conveniently certain problems are resolved. A few moments feel rushed or overly simplified, which may pull readers out of the story if they prefer highly realistic survival scenarios. However, these issues don’t completely derail the experience, particularly for readers who enjoy fast-paced plots over meticulous realism.

The pacing is quick, making this an easy and engaging read. Chapters move swiftly, and the tension is steady enough to keep pages turning without becoming overwhelming. While the book may not break new ground in the post-apocalyptic genre, it delivers a familiar framework with enough intrigue to remain entertaining.

Overall, Dead Air is an okay book to read—nothing exceptional, but not bad either. It works well as a quick read for fans of survival fiction who enjoy watching an unlikely character step into a leadership role. If you’re looking for a deep, highly realistic apocalypse story, this may fall a bit short. But if you want something fast, accessible, and moderately engaging, it’s worth picking 

Winter Storm is coming,

 

                                                                                                 

                                                                                           

                                                                     Winter Storm Prep

A winter storm warning has been issued for Oklahoma starting Friday, and it has definitely been on my mind. The forecasts are calling for anywhere from one to three inches of ice, along with an unknown amount of snow. Even writing that makes me pause. Ice storms are never something to take lightly, and the uncertainty of how bad it could get is what makes it unsettling.

We’ve done our best to prepare ahead of time. Our water well has been winterized, and all of the outside water faucets are protected. At this point, we’ve taken care of everything within our control. The weatherman is warning of over 105 hours of below-freezing temperatures, and that alone is enough to make anyone nervous. My biggest concern isn’t the snow — it’s whether our electricity will hold, especially if we truly do end up with that much ice.

That’s what’s been sitting heavy on my mind these past few days.

This morning, I have a doctor’s appointment for lab work, and then I’ll head back to work to finish out the day. I plan to bring my computer home with me so I can work remotely, likely through Wednesday. With the temperatures expected to stay so low, I really don’t want to be driving back and forth if I can help it. One thing I am slightly worried about is whether our internet connection will be able to keep up with my workload, but I’ll do my best to make it work. Safety comes first, and sometimes that means adjusting expectations.

After work today, I’m making a few important stops. First, I’ll fill up the Jeep. Since we have an all-electric house, I want to make sure we have a full tank of gas just in case we ever needed to sit in it for warmth. I’m hoping it never comes to that, but peace of mind is worth the extra stop. I also plan to run by our local grocery store to grab a few easy, no-heat, grab-and-go food items. We have plenty of food in the house, but not much that wouldn’t require cooking, and I want to be prepared for any scenario.

I’ll be honest — I don’t like winter storms. While it seems like we have a stretch like this every year, it doesn’t make it any easier. Knowing it’s coming doesn’t make it less stressful, but preparation helps calm my nerves just a bit.

One thing I am looking forward to is having some quiet time with my Kindle. I need to download several books to read, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much I’ve already read in 2026. I honestly didn’t realize just how much reading I do until I started keeping track. This year, my blog is going to look a little different as I begin sharing more book reviews and reflecting on what I’m reading. Most of my reading happens late at night before bed — it’s my favorite way to unwind and escape, especially during cold, quiet winter nights.

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. It’s been fun documenting memories and writing about a little bit of everything. I truly appreciate each and every one of you who takes the time to read along. I always love hearing from you, whether it’s a quick hello, a question, or something you’d like to share. Stay warm, stay safe, and I’ll see you back here later. 

The last Line of Defense Book Review

                       Book Review: The Last Line of Defense

The Last Line of Defense drops readers into a rugged, post-collapse world where survival depends on land, loyalty, and the willingness to defend both. The story centers on Barb, a woman living on her property as society unravels and outside forces begin to encroach on what she’s worked hard to protect. On paper, this setup fits squarely within post-apocalyptic fiction, a genre I usually enjoy. Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite land for me.

Barb is the clear focal point of the novel, but her characterization is where the story struggled the most. Rather than feeling layered and reactive to the danger around her, she often came across as repetitive. The same thoughts, phrases, and internal reactions appeared again and again, which pulled me out of the tension instead of building it. In a survival-based story, I expect growth, adaptation, and increasingly tough decisions—but Barb felt emotionally static throughout much of the book.

One of my biggest disconnects came from the action scenes. In a situation where your home and land are being invaded, the stakes should be sky-high. Yet Barb’s choices didn’t feel realistic to me. Shooting at an intruder’s feet instead of acting decisively broke the sense of danger and urgency. In a true post-apocalyptic scenario, hesitation like that would likely cost someone their life, and it made the conflict feel muted when it should have been explosive.

The premise itself had potential. The idea of defending land as a final stand, especially in a collapsed society, is compelling. There were moments where the atmosphere hinted at something darker and more intense, but those moments never fully developed. The pacing lagged, and the emotional payoff never quite arrived.

I don’t say this often, but this book simply wasn’t for me. While some readers may appreciate the slower pace or Barb’s moral hesitation, I found both frustrating rather than thought-provoking. By the end, I felt more disappointed than satisfied, and I don’t plan to continue with this author’s work.

If you’re deeply invested in post-apocalyptic stories, you might still be curious to give it a try—but for me, The Last Line of Line Of Defense missed the mark.