adventures, doings, and going on's - vol. 1

I started 2026 by reading books with a vengeance. I think what really got me back in the swing of things was putting a book down right away when I was not drawn in. Sometimes this was a few chapters in. Other times, it was only after a few paragraphs. If I wasn't feeling it in that moment I moved on and opened another book. There are an innumerable amount of books so I only want to read ones that I literally can't put down. 

A MONTH AND A HALF INTO THE YEAR, MY FAVORITES SO FAR ARE...

Project Hail Mary and Artemis, both by Andy Weir. PHM is for sure the best of his books. So imaginative and detailed. I also thoroughly enjoyed Artemis, but didn't get sucked into the characters as deeply. I think it would be better for young adults if it weren't for some of the themes and language. I started The Martian, but put it down after a few chapters. Reading the story through the main characters thoughts was a little too stressful for me, especially since he had to work through so many issues. I felt like his stresses became my stresses and I couldn't get lost in the story. I have heard Andy's got another book in the works and I'm so looking forward to it!

I'VE ALSO BEEN COMPLETELY ADDICTED TO GERMAN, POLISH, AND DUTCH SHOWS AFTER WATCHING DARK!

Nothing can surpass Dark, in regards to such a mind blowing storyline IMO. But, I have also really enjoyed Dear Child, Hold Tight, Unfamiliar, Secrets We Keep, and Sara. not a foreign production, but the first season of Love Life was so incredibly relatable and is a must watch.

I HAVEN'T EVEN 100% CONFIRMED WHERE I AM GOING TO PUT MY GARDEN.

But, I am determined to get one in this year, even if I have to start it mid-Summer just planting Fall crops. Despite this, I went overboard and ordered 50 types of seeds (more than what can fit in the photo below)! Highly recommend Alliance of Native Seedkeepers as a source for seeds!

Got some GIANT lemons from my neighbors who picked them straight off a tree in Arizona, which went into making lemon bars (still haven't perfected - the eggs make them so hard to cook properly!), lemon poppyseed muffins, and lemon posset. The lemon posset will be a go to recipe this Summer - so light and uniquely delicious! 

FINALLY FOUND THE PERFECT TRIO OF PLANTERS FOR BY MY FRONT DOOR.

They are from Veradek, a Canadian company. The material is supposedly a combination of plastic and concrete. They feel very lightweight so they seem mostly plastic. But, don't feel cheap in any way. I plant to do a mix of herbs in them...and hope the bunnies, deer, chipmunks, squirrels, and even a groundhog that come through my yard don't nibble away!

almond bark clusters

 These almond bark clusters are my go-to when I need to bring something to a holiday get together! They are so simple to make! And, give me fond memories since my aunt used to have them every year at her house while opening presents on Christmas Eve.

Ingredients:

8 squares of vanilla almond bark

4 cups Captain Crunch cereal

2 cups miniature marshmallows (either white or colored)

1 cup unsalted peanuts (optional)

Instructions:

1) Line 2 baking sheets with waxed paper and set aside.

2) Place cereal, marshmallows, and peanuts (if including) in a large mixing and stir to combine.

3) Place almond bark into a microwave safe mixing bowl. Microwave almond bark for 1 minute. Stir, and continue microwaving at 30 second increments until just melted.

4) Pour almond bark immediately over cereal/marshmallow/peanut mix. Stir together until well coated.

5) Using a cookie scoop, plop mixture onto the prepared wax lined cookie sheets in round balls.

6) Keep on cookie sheets on counters until firm. Once firm, store in an air-tight container.

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