We're returning to old school blogging around here on Fridays. So here are five random things from this week:
In a completely uncharacteristic burst of energy, I cut down some bushes and pulled out some plants the other day.
And I have been rewarded for my efforts with a truly awful case of poison ivy on my legs.
I didn't realize I had gotten into poison ivy until too late, because we have plenty of this wash on hand. (WHY didn't I think to shower with it after my yard work frenzy?!)
Due to that oversight, I am now taking Benadryl round the clock (meaning I am sleepy all day long) and alternating Calamine lotion and a 2.5% hydrocortisone cream. Hooray.
(If you have a favorite poison ivy remedy, I'm all ears.)
We've also been sharing a head cold around the family. No real fevers but congestion and lost voices. Which means we're drinking all the tea, all day long.
Fortunately, we are well fortified for these occasions by our "wall of tea" (corner of the counter stacked with various types of tea). This is my favorite for getting the kids to drink tea when they're under the weather. (Warning: it does have licorice in it which I understand can be bad for those with high blood pressure.)
What with the head colds, poison ivy, etc. I am not able to concentrate on most of the books in my stack right now. So I pulled All Creatures Great and Small off the shelf. It's perfect comfort reading and the chapters are just right for my current attention span troubles.
Bonus: I'll be completely ready when Series 2 comes out this winter.
I am not a fan of the purported health benefits of oils and I am definitely not a fan or supporter of MLMs. But I am a fan of good smells. Which means we're diffusing apple orchard and pumpkin spice nearly every day. (I tend to pick these up at TJ Maxx or Home Goods. Picture is similar to some I have.)
5. Good routines
Even with our colds and crazy schedules, our schoolwork hasn't suffered too badly this week. I credit this to the consistency of good routines.
Our read alouds have been the only thing not happening consistently this week (I just haven't had the voice for much) We miss those, but otherwise things keep rolling along.
I drink so much pukka tea around here although I do get it from Tesco so much better than Amazon prices, and that e&e is heavy in rotation right now as we're battling the sniffles here too. But their night time is my daily ritual after the house is quiet. I've already joked I'll be using a suitcase just on my teas when we head back...and I'm ashamed to say All Creatures season 2 is out here and I still haven't started it. Mostly because I'm nice and haven't wanted to watch it without kids but we are trying to savor remaining few days before darkness descends for the winter which means little TV. But I really might just have to watch it twice (or Preview, yeah, I'm just "previewing" to make sure it's safe for kids ;-) )