Happy Homemaker 2026-08-09

Good morning - had a very hot week last week hoping it'll be better this week, tired of the hot temps and humidity.

Wednesday was back to telework, all went well as lots of people are still away on vacation.

Grandkids came over for supper one night and they played a little basketball (had a net to finally put on the stand).  Xavier got stung by a hornet :(  Next day dh found the nest and it was destroyed (it was right where Xavier was playing hidden under a chair cover).

Friday was music festival and it was a nice show (quieter music). 

Saturday morning was housechores and afternoon-evening we had a corn-on-the-cob /hot-dog party at bil's cousin's house.  Kids and grandkids were away camping all weekend so dh went to their house to take the dog out a few times during the weekend.

Sunday was a quiet day and supper at restaurant with bil, sil, ds and grandkids. 

Let's join Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom 

Weather this week

Looking around the house

House is picked up on the main floor, will start working on basement in the next few weeks

Thinking and pondering

Have been aching feet, knees, hands for the last month, wondering what's going on.  Have an osteo appointment on Thursday, hoping it will help

TV this week

• Christmas movies
• 2 Tapons au Japon
• Big brother
• Rewatching the old Dexter series

Interesting blog I saw this week

Nothing

On my reading pile

The seven sisters book 5 - Lucinda Riley

On my to-do list

This weekend

• Wash main bathroom
• Vac main floor
• Dust main floor
• Laundry

Monday

• Post here - DONE
• Tag and wrap handmade ornaments - DONE...uh-oh seems I didn't do enough so will have to make more IF I have the supplies
• Took a walk
• Take out recycling bin
• ? there are some things I am procrastinating about.... hummmm
• 
  

Decluttering

• 1 Star Wars backpack
• 1 pen
• 1 1 children's toilet (will be given to sis)
• 1 bassinet (was ds' but was in our garage) sold on Marketplace
• 3 solar lamps (old and didn't work anymore)

Simple pleasure

A cool wind... ah I do hate hot and muggy days.

Upcoming this week

Osteo appointment on Thursday

In-town work Tuesday but have not reserved parking, will see if I go in or not.

From the camera

Web picture of the week

Happy Homemaker 2026-08-03

Good morning and welcome August.. one month until the BER months :)

Tuesday we went with grandkids to McD's, followed by cinema to see Toy Story 5.  They stayed for supper as there was no electricity from 3 to 10 pm at their house.

Was a quiet week doing a few things around the house, reading and doing a bit of crafting.

Saturday we went to Pier with neighbors for a few hours then we went to a nice restaurant in town followed by some ice cream. Hot day.

Sunday was very humid and hot, uggg.  Did some housechores and went to a small local market for some bread and pork spread.  Got Anne-E a jeans skirt and capris for free at the Troc-don.  Printed out my 'ber' months calendar and filling it up with things to do before Christmas (food, Halloween prep, Christmas prep, Fall prep).

Let's join Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom 

Weather this week

Too hot for me.  the forecast changed as it was to be rain most of the week

Looking around the house

Can't wait to get the autumn / Fall decor out... sigh... still 1 month to go.

Thinking and pondering

Financial planification, upcoming projects, retirement....

TV this week

• Christmas movies
• 2 Tapons au Japon
• Big brother
• Rewatching the old Dexter series
• Indomptables 

Interesting blog I saw this week

Nothing

On my reading pile

The seven sisters book 4 - Lucinda Riley

On my to-do list

Last week

• Wash freezer
• Laundry
• Update ebooks on usb key and hardrive
• Reorganize bathroom armoire and get rid of expired medication
• Weed front, side and back flower beds
• Cooked ragoût boulettes (some for freezing and some for the kids)
• ... tried to do at least 1 chore a day

Sunday

• Wash main bathroom

Monday

• Post here - DONE
• Vac main floor - DONE
• Help out dh with some computer stuff - DONE
• Schedule dentist appointment - the tooth i had a crown done in June is still hurting
• Schedule bloodwork in Autumn
• 
  

Decluttering

• 4 old pill bottles with expired medication
• 1 medical bandage
• a few fruit plastic containers givent to frigo-partage
• A piece of an old lawn-mower
• 5 old paint gallons
• 2 medium pieces of aluminium siding

Simple pleasure

Eating on a terrasse on a warm evening with no mosquitoes.

Having friends to talk to.

Upcoming this week

End of vacation, back to work on Wednesday but at least this week will be work from home so that's great!

From the camera

Web picture of the week

Happy Hoemaker 2026-07-27

Happy Tuesday! 

Am very late in posting but just got home at 5:00 pm Monday night after a weekend away at sis' house.

I worked a few hours telework during the week but mostly was a quiet vacation week.  We did go to the Pier one day to sit for awhile.  SIL fell on her face while going in her house and is quite scratched.  Other sil got more results and will have chemio, radiotherapy and operation all of that will start soon.

Friday was town celebration of Christmas in July, dh spent day there as volunteer to help decorate and set it all up.  I had gotten all our Christmas hats out as well as a snowman homemade-costume (for Xavier) and some red tutus for me and Anne-E.  DH and I also had Christmas sweaters on.  It was very nice, lots of games for the children, free hot-dogs and finished off with outside cinema presentation of Christmas vacation.  DS (had put on his Christmas shirt and elf hat) and 2 grandkids joined the 'Family Category' for Christmas disguise and won a 75$ gift card at local grocery store.  Not many people came for the celebrations though and that was a bit sad because alot of work was put in that activity.  I fell and twisted my ankle at the end of evening and spent the weekend with a swollen ankle but it didn't hurt that much so all was fine.

Saturday went to sis' house for the weekend.  A very HOT, HOT weekend.  Took a small ferry with sis and bil and walked through the streets of Old Montreal on Saturday afternoon and got some ice cream in the evening.

Sunday did errands with sis in the morning and sat outside in the shade chatting in the afternoon.  Brothers and their family came by in the afternoon and for supper.  Had a very nice time with all of them.  Nephew got picked by a hockey academy and will be going to Michigan next school year.  He is 16.  

Monday 1 brother and nephew came for breakfast with us at sis'.  A cousin and his wife also joined us for lunch at sis.  We left not long afterwards and got back home at 5:00 pm.

Let's join Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom 

Weather this week

Looking around the house

All is to be done in regular housechores and we were away all weekend.

Thinking and pondering

Hoping for another quiet week of vacations.  Need to fix my date for retirement.

TV this week

• Vivre en forêt
• Construire demain
• Christmas movies
• 2 Tapons au Japon
• Big brother
• Rewatching the old Dexter series

Interesting blog I saw this week

Nothing

On my reading pile

The seven sisters book 2 - Lucinda Riley

On my to-do list

Monday

• Post here - DONE
• Make a to-do list of regular housechores and activities for my last vacation week, will follow the temperatures with the inside and outside to-do's

Decluttering

• 8 elves (from mom's) given to town for CIJ celebration
• Shredded papers in my nightstand

Simple pleasure

Being back home

Upcoming this week

Maybe cinema with grandkids to go see ToyStory 5,  go see some family friends? we'll see going with the flow

From the camera

Family

Christmas store

Haggen Dasz on a hot summer day

Brothers and sisters

DS, DDIL and grandkids at CIJ

Reading at the Pier

Web picture of the week

Nothing this week

Christmas in July 2026 - day 25 Merry Christmas!

 

Christmas in July day 25 — A Slower Christmas Season

The goal of this series was never to prepare perfectly.

It was simply to begin earlier, move slower, and hopefully make December feel calmer and more enjoyable.

Even if you only use a few ideas from this series, that’s enough.

Christmas doesn’t need to be bigger to feel meaningful.

Sometimes slower is better.

Merry Christmas in July!

Christmas in July 2026 - day 24

 

Christmas in July day 24 — Movie Night #4

A Charlie Brown Christmas – 1965

This feels like the perfect movie to end the series with.

It’s simple, nostalgic, and centered around the idea that Christmas doesn’t need to be perfect or complicated to matter.

Appetizer idea: Classic buttered popcorn.

Mocktail: Vanilla milk, warm or iced.

Christmas in July 2026 - day 23

 

Christmas in July day 23 — Writing Down Christmas Memories

Today could be a good reminder to document things during the season later on.

Photos are wonderful, but writing things down can be just as meaningful.

Small moments are usually the ones we forget first.

Christmas in July 2026 - day 22

 

Christmas in July day 22 — Preparing a Simple Christmas Morning

Christmas morning doesn’t have to be elaborate to feel special.

Simple breakfasts, soft music, candles, and a calm atmosphere are often remembered more than big plans.

Christmas in July 2026 - day 21

 

Christmas in July day 21 — Creating Quiet Moments During the Holidays

One thing that often disappears during Christmas is quiet time.

This year, it might help to intentionally plan small calm moments into the season.

A quiet morning, coffee before everyone wakes up, reading by the tree — simple things like that matter.

Happy Homemaker 2026-07-20

Goodmorning 

Regular telework week with Tuesday in town.  so now I'm on vacation and only go back August 5th woohoo.  Nothing planned, will take the days as they come.  

Friday grandkids arrived before lunch (parents went on a trek and restaurant).  After lunch they went to the park with granpa all afternoon while I worked.  After supper some of their friends came to play with them for awhile until we left for the music festival in next town.  Xavier fell asleep on me.  Had a retired cw who showed up at festival and came to sit an chat with us.  They came by our house for a few minutes afterwards so she at least knows where I live.  Grandkids slept over.

Saturday was Xavier's baseball and that took up most of the morning.  Afterwards grandkids left with their parents.  DH made some potato pie in the afternoon but I didn't do much

Sunday was a quiet day.  DH put up track for big frame and bil came to hang up the frame in the evening.  Went to a small market in the afternoon, got some bread.  There was a place I thought was a thrift store but no it was a kind of barter shop.  you bring stuff and you leave with stuff without paying... you don't even need to bring anything you just take what you want.  Got Xavier a bicycle hat and a sweatshirt.  will bring stuff there next time instead of thrift shop.

Let's join Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom 

Weather this week

Mon

24°/14°

Tue

25°/17°

Wed

23°/15°

Thu

21°/14°

Fri

25°/16°

Looking around the house

Big frame is up in LR but now I feel like there is too much stuff in there, will have to put some decor items away.  Lots to be done everywhere,

Thinking and pondering

Meeting with sis next weekend for a few days together.  hoping brothers will be there too.

TV this week

• Vivre en forêt
• Construire demain
• Christmas movies
• 2 Tapons au Japon
• Big brother
• Rewatching the old Dexter series

Interesting blog I saw this week

Nothing

On my reading pile

The seven sisters book 2 - Lucinda Riley

On my to-do list

Over the weekend

• Laundry

Monday

• Post here - DONE
• Wash main bathroom
• Reserve parkings for August
• Going out to have a picnic at the Pier at noon.

Decluttering

• 1 sudoku book (finished)
• 2 kick scooters (grandchildren brought them to their house)

Simple pleasure

Simple days with no work pressure, traffic, parking.

Upcoming this week

Nothing planned - go with the flow

From the camera

Nothing

Web picture of the week

Christmas in July 2026 - day 20

 

WEEK 4 — Traditions & Meaning

Christmas in July day 20 — Thinking About Traditions

Not every tradition needs to continue forever.

Sometimes it helps to think about which traditions still feel meaningful and which ones just create stress.

You can keep what matters and let the rest go.

Christmas in July 2026 - day 19

 

Christmas in July day 19 — Keeping Christmas Simple

By this point in the series, you might already notice that simpler ideas tend to feel more manageable.

Christmas doesn’t need to be packed with activities to feel meaningful.

Sometimes reducing the pressure creates a better season overall.

Christmas in July 2026 - day 18

 

Christmas in July day 18 — Preparing Christmas Cards Early

Writing cards early feels much more enjoyable than trying to do them all at once in December.

You can slowly collect addresses, stamps, and ideas now.

Even writing a few ahead of time helps.

I think even Christmas cards with money in it would be great to do ahead as the budget isn't all taken at the same time.

Christmas in July 2026 - day 17

 

Christmas in July day 17 — Movie Night #3

The Christmas Chronicles – 2018

This movie is a little more playful than the others but still cozy.

It’s about two kids who accidentally end up on an adventure with Santa.

It’s easy to watch and feels fun without being over the top.

Appetizer idea: Mini grilled cheese bites.

Mocktail: Sparkling apple cider.

Christmas in July 2026 - day 16

 

Christmas in July day 16 — Wrapping Inspiration

Today could simply be about deciding how you want gifts to look this year.

Traditional wrapping never really goes out of style.

Brown paper, red ribbon, greenery, and simple tags always feel warm and timeless.

Christmas in July 2026 - Day 15

 

Christmas in July day 15 — Starting a Gift List Early

Making a gift list now makes Christmas shopping much calmer later.

You don’t need to decide on everything yet.

Just writing names and a few ideas is enough.

It also helps avoid overbuying.

Christmas in July 2026 - Day 14

 

Christmas in July day 14 — Easy DIY Christmas Decorations

Homemade decorations don’t need to be complicated.

Simple things often feel the most personal.

Dried oranges, paper garlands, greenery bundles, and handmade ornaments all work beautifully.

Happy Homemaker 2026-07-13

Goodmorning - was another too hot week.

Regular telework week with Tuesday in town and picnic with cw's.

Friday went to Xavier's baseball game.  Afterwards Anne-E decided whe wanted to sleep at grandma's so she came home with us.  She wanted to see some Michael Jackson videos on youtube.. how does she even know him, she is 5!

Saturday was a slow day,  DS, ddil and Xavier arrived in the afternoon.  DDIL washed her car while the kids played with neighbor's grandkids that were there also.  The left after supper.  Sunday was some housechore but just too hot to do alot.  DH has started painting LR wall (in staircase so a bit complicated), he said it will need 3 coats.  Had to change the color so the big frame sil gave me will come out good.  So instead of olive green it is now beige.  Supper was at restaurant with sil, bil and neighbors.

Other sil (youngest) had some bad news about her health but treatments will start soon.

Let's join Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom 

Weather this week

Finally a little less hot by the end of the week

Looking around the house

With LR wall being painted it is not cozy... but it will be when the frame is up.  I'll post pictures, it is really nice.

Thinking and pondering

Youngest sil (55) and upcoming months with her health.

TV this week

• Vivre en forêt
• Construire demain
• Christmas movies
• 2 Tapons au Japon
• Marécages - Chasse à l'homme
• Big brother

Interesting blog I saw this week

Nothing

On my reading pile

The seven sisters book 1 - Lucinda Riley

On my to-do list

Over the weekend

• Vaccum main floor
• Dust main floor
• Wash main bathroom
• Laundry

Monday

• Post here - DONE
• Get ready for in-town work tomorrow
• Make a potage
• Fold towels - DONE
• Wash fridge
• 
  

Decluttering

• 1 bra
• 1 set car mats
• 1 sweater + 1 jogging pants new given to ds
• 1 bag sealing machine (from mom's), not working so got rid of it.

Simple pleasure

Having a comfy interior, just being home.

Upcoming this week

Tuesday - work in-town

From the camera

Nothing - have 2 videos but can't seem to downlaod

Web picture of the week