the Weekender

eurasian tree sparrow on snowy tree stump with yellow berries

Happy hellos from a very frigid day here in Rogersville. It’s currently 7º F (-15º F wind chill).

Miscellany:

1. SNOW! We are finally getting sme snow. How about you? There is something so beautiful about watching snow fall… and accumulating. We probably got a couple of inches today (Saturday), and we’ll see what the next 24-36 hours bring. I hope you’re staying warm.

2. This week, my sister and I ventured down to Historic C-Street to stroll through a few of the shops we’ve seen on Facebook.

Fox and Hound Boutique for Dogs
Brew 21 in the Upsidedown Mercantile (retail and product development project by Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks). Adored this retail space.
Springfield Mercantile
Serendipity by Dreamy & Darmling Creations
Big Momma’s Coffee & Espresso Bar for the BEST Maple and Pecan Scones

If you’re ever in the Springfield area, be sure to check out Commercial Street. So many great shops and places to eat. And when the warmer weather rolls in, there is a farmers’ market on Thursday nights and Saturday mornings.

3. The dogs had a sleepover this week. Haha. My sister’s dog, Max, came out for a night this week. I think they both needed a bit of a breather, and I was happy to oblige. Max played with Nash and Bentley all day, and they all wore themselves out. Winning. Kristine got to visit a friend in the hospital and rest a bit, plus not having to potty a dog is a nice break. Now they’re reunited and snowed in together. Haha.

4. My back is still a mess. I finally got my doctor to issue a PT referral; however, they called to say each session would be $400 out of pocket until we meet our deductible. WOW! I may have had a good cry and reached out to my doctor for additional options. We’ll see. Steroids and muscle relaxers don’t seem to make any change.

It’s impacting my sleep now, too. So, if you don’t mind, please keep me in your prayers. TIA.

5. I haven’t been to therapy in several weeks, but this past week I had an appointment. If I’m being honest, it was a very emotional session. Before my back decided to have a bit of a moment, I was in such a good place — mentally, physically, and emotionally.

I know it’s just a season, and my therapist was so kind in giving me that gentle reminder. Trying to give myself grace as I’ve gained weight due to emotional eating, and my exercise is limited, considering my circumstances.

However, I’m going into the new week with the intention of focusing on making healthier choices. One meal and one day at a time. Right? That’s all I can do.

6. On Friday, upon returning home, I found a brand new MacBook Air sitting on the table. Yes, I started crying again. My husband bought it for me as a surprise. And after the week I had, it was a very pleasant surprise. Thank you, babe! 43.

7. This Spinach Artichoke Dip made a debut here on the blog this week. Warm and cheesy, making it ideal for Super Bowl parties and gatherings.

8. Currently watching/watched:

The Rip (Netflix): Excellent. I enjoyed this movie, except for some language.
Owning Manhattan S2 (Netflix): Loved watching Ryan Serhant on Million Dollar Listing New York. He owns his own firm now, but I love seeing the city’s luxurious real estate.
Peaky Blinders (Netflix): A moody, 1920s-set British drama, Peaky Blinders merges historical fiction with intense gangster storytelling. Steve randomly started to watch this, and we’ve been watching an episode or two each day.