Happy Groundhog Day!   Welcome to my lifestyle post called Monday Notes at My House.

You can see here that we are certainly seeing shadows in West Texas, and it was great to be back outside for today’s Monday Notes at My House.

However, there remains several piles of ice at businesses and around yards…so careful walking is required.  

I hope all of you are well on this lovely February 2 day.

Today, I have an update on my eyes, on the blog, and a What’s in the Pantry? Recipe.

So, let’s get started….

MONDAY NOTES AT MY HOUSE : CATARACT UPDATE

My followup appointment with my optometrist on eye #1 went very well last week.

Eye #1 has perfect vision and may only need occasional readers…it depends on what happens this week with #2.

Everything I had felt, off and on, was normal…Whew!

For example, occasionally it feels like an eyelash is in my eye and occasionally it flutters with lights.  Both normal…both will eventually subside.

She said from last Weds to this Thursday is the most difficult time with one really good eye and one not so good…and she is right.

I am using a pair of old glasses, but reading and working are still a challenge.  

Surgery for eye #2 is this Thursday and I will be so glad to have the whole process coming to an end.  

When I look through eye #1, I get very excited for the final.

Thank you for all of the support this group of wonderful ladies have offered.  It has been a joy to go through this with you.

MONDAY NOTES AT MY HOUSE : BLOG UPDATE

Thank you for your patience as I go through this process…it is really difficult for me to take pictures without my eye makeup….it doesn’t feel right.

It has also been hard to get out and about with eye makeup…but I did it…even went to church yesterday.  

Of course, several days of ice and snow kept us all home and that helped.

I realize that most of my posts are doing personal shopping through brands for you….again I appreciate the patience.

Hopefully soon, I will be back to more posts with me.

I have really enjoyed wearing this J.JILL WEAREVER DOUBLE BREASTED SWEATER BLAZER.

It has been an excellent layering piece for our current weather.

Something new that began last week is the addition of a new affiliate company for my blog.

The addition of MY SHOP enables me to offer you some brands I have not been able to in the past…such as Soft Surroundings.

It would help me so much if you would go spend some time there…I have changed over most of my shopping links page to the brands on this location.

Shopping with my links is the main way I fund all of the expenses around the blog.  Your support keeps me here.

I will be feeding the collections and some posts into My Shop that may not appear on the blog, so you might check it out at least once a week…or I will notify you.

Right now, there is a new collection called EARLY SPRING STANDOUTS with several mid to high end brands.

I have copied high end styles my entire life, so I always look to see what they are showing and sometimes gain personal inspiration from it.

Or you may find special pieces that you know your cost per wear will be lower on….so it is worth it to you to purchase.

I also hope to have at least one of your more affordable favorites up before I go for eye #2…we will see.

I hope you will like this better than what I have been doing and you can always let me know what you are shopping for and I will do a collection for you.

Let me know what you think.  I want you to enjoy visiting MY SHOP ..so keep in touch with me as to what you are looking for.

Also, sometime this spring, I plan to have new announcements about email.

 There is alot going on in my head once the eye surgery is over.

MONDAY NOTES AT MY HOUSE: PANTRY UPDATE

The winter storm sent me pantry diving…which is always a good idea.

I like to find foods I had forgotten were in there…such as a large bag of spinach fettuccine.

Mr. B loves chicken fettuccine, so I looked up a recipe and thought…I can work with this.

I did not have all of the exact ingredients, but my version turned out good.

The last time I cooked Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas.  I had some of the sauce leftover, so I froze about four cups of it in the freezer containers for soup.

I did not have any cream on hand, so I believed sour cream mixed with chicken stock , flour and butter was close enough.

In a crockpot, I put a box of chicken bone broth, two tablespoons of butter, a chopped onion, four garlic cloves, 1 1/2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, 2 pounds of frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts, and two frozen cups of sour cream sauce.

It slow cooked overnight.  The next morning, I used a fork to shred the chicken into the sauce.

When I was ready to make the meal, I poured that into a soup pot and re-heated on the stove.

Then, I cooked the spinach fettuccine in salted water with a dash of olive oil.

Drained the cooked pasta and mixed it with the overnight chicken sauce.  Stirred it all together well with a teaspoon of cracked black pepper.

I served it in a bowl, with chopped parsly, a teaspoon of sliced olives, and some shaved Parmesan cheese.

Mr. B was amazed that I pulled it together from what I already had on hand.  This is always fun…and I think this is my best dish from playing Pantry Diving at my house.

It is a great game for when you are snowed in!

Between the winter storm and the eye surgeries, I have not been on my Weight Watchers Diet entirely for a couple of weeks.  I also have not been able to go to the gym.

I will return as soon as I have the green light to go…and hopefully return to WW this week.  It is easier for me to do WW when I am not cooking often.

Well, let’s see what Mr.. Groundhog says about the weather!

Thanks for joining me today for Monday Notes at My House….I will be here tomorrow…and hope you will be as well…until then….

EMBRACE TODAY & KEEP SMILING!

By Pamela Lutrell

For all your shopping, please use the links on my SHOPPING PAGE…thank you, thank you to all who shop this way and show support for this blog.  It means the world.

AND…visit my NEW CURATED SHOP where I will be adding my finds on a regular basis.

My favorite photo I took one morning just after the snow storm.

Happy Monday, everyone!  Welcome to the weekly lifestyle post called Monday Notes at My House.

Well, you can see that my neighborhood has not looked the same over the weekend and is the highlight of Monday Notes at My House.

Everything in my life right now has all come in sync as I am recovering from the first cataract surgery and happy to be relaxing at home while a winter storm blew by.

To be forced to be still and rest for awhile is not a bad thing, but I know some of you are like me and need to be forced to rest at times.

Thursday is when I go for the follow up visit on the first eye.

I am currently wearing older glasses for reading, my current ones are too strong now (Yay!).

The hardest part for me is to not rub my eyes…especially since they often itch from allergies.

The doctor’s office gave me a metal eye patch to wear at night, but it is too bothersome to sleep with it, so…

My son gave me the idea to wear oven mitts at night!! And it works!  I just have to be very careful and thoughtful during the day to not reach for that eye.

Hopefully when I go to the eye doctor on Thursday, all will be well and ready for Eye #2.  (YES to all who have said to use the drops!)

MONDAY NOTES AT MY HOUSE: SNOW

At the moment I am writing this on Sunday, I have beautiful instrumental music playing and the snowflakes are still falling.

Thankfully, we have experienced more snow than ice.

I find this snowfall to be so peaceful and welcomed right now.  And because we do not see it often, the beauty does take my breath away.

The stillness of the city as most stay inside just adds to the peace.

It is as if we are visiting a new place and on a trip.  I love when the wind whips up a pile of snow and blows it from the roof.  

The squirrels seem to love it and run and chase each other across the tops of the snow as if they were young children playing chase.

But, I think my favorite scenes are the cardinals that come to our bird feeders.  The bright red on the snow is stunning.

I know for many that the cardinals are signs of hope and angels present.

And I need that hope and wisdom right now because…..

MONDAY NOTES AT MY HOUSE:  EVIL ARRIVES

This is my grandson out in the snow telling evil to back off Gigi.

Over the weekend, a hacker got hold of many of my accounts and email.

I am still working through the annoyances…and seeking wisdom in order to prevent future attacks.

I really enjoy being online and writing the blog…and I am not ready to throw in the towel.

But, it is tough, ladies, with all of the evil present online now. 

I may have to make some major changes to what I do…and that will not be a bad thing…but it will take online wisdom, time, and some income.

I tell you all of this so you will not be surprised if things change as we near spring.

Hopefully by today, the bank and some platforms will work with me to right the wrongs done over the weekend.

Thanks for your patience as I work through all of this, and for your patience as I get through these eye surgeries.

I have been planning content and am excited for what I have in the future for you…preseverance will get me through!

MONDAY NOTES AT MY HOUSE: ESTATE SALE SHOPPING

Early last week, I arose to find this sign…IN MY YARD!  It was pointed down the side street.

So, I put on my walking shoes and headed out to find the sale.  Of course, this was before cataract surgery.

I came away with just a couple of little things, and then found something I had been shopping for awhile.

A Baker’s Rack to use for plants!  The ones I had seen online were very expensive and I had put them in my maybe someday file.

However, it did not occur to me to thrift shop one…and there it was just waiting for me at a very good price.

This one is sturdy and will hold several plants…I cannot wait to decorate it in the spring.

I plan to be here this week with content to hopefully benefit you…if the hacking prevents that, I will put notices on Instagram and Facebook…hopefully, that will not be necessary.

Thank you for joining me today for Monday Notes at My House…I hope everyone is safe and warm…and peaceful!

Until tomorrow….

EMBRACE TODAY & KEEP SMILING!

By Pamela Lutrell

For all your shopping, please use the links on my SHOPPING PAGE…thank you, thank you to all who shop this way and show support for this blog.  It means the world.

Happy Monday, all!  Welcome to my Monday notes at my house.

Today’s Monday Notes at my House covers so much, but I must begin with Mr. B helping me take down all of the Christmas decor…it is actually sad for both of us.

And, I said yes to him when he asked that two of the lighted garlands stay up for awhile…basically greenery with lights!  He loves the lights in the house.

Can you guess my winter decorating theme…yes, it is pine cones.  I do love pine cones around, especially from September through March.

So, we celebrated our accomplishments with good food, lights, candles, and watching football.

As I promised on Saturday, I do have more warm weather styles on sale for you today….there are so many cute items to ready us for spring or cruises or warm weather winter!

So let’s get started with a fun meeting….

MONDAY NOTES AT MY HOUSE – HELLO TO DOT

I stopped by to visit Addie and Addie’s Boutique last week and ran into one of the first people I met in Abilene…the fabulous Dot!

She looked amazing in her black and gold outfit….and that red lipstick.

I wrote about Dot in the post 5 WAYS TO QUICKLY LEARN A NEW TOWN, on October 21, 2024.

Dot helped my daughter and me when we visited the boutique where she works in her 80s… and she works there just for fun.

It is called Poppies & Pearls, and their tag line is Immerse yourself in a world of timeless elegance and exquisite style….still love that!

It was so much fun to run into her and know she shops Addie’s as well…she also went to school with Addie’s mom.

Dot told me when we first met that she dresses up every day for her day…no matter what it holds…and now I know that to be true.

Thanks for being such an inspiration, Dot.

MONDAY NOTES AT MY HOUSE: FAVORITE GIFTS

The last time we were in Fredericksburg, Mr. B offered to buy me some lovely jewelry for an anniversary/Christmas gift.

I actually turned that down, and told him what I really wanted was a nice recliner….my daughter was not shy to tell me that I am nuts.

But, I really wanted a more comfortable place to read and watch television and just relax.

So, he sent me shopping and the first place I stopped was ASHLEY HOMESTORE.

That is where I met POWER RECLINERS…had not experienced this before.

My new power recliner arrived this week and I do love it…it has a battery pack that we will recharge from time to time and I can charge my phone while in the chair if I need to.

It goes perfectly with the rest of our furniture and it us a lovely taupe.

The only problem is that Tux and Mr. B love it too…so we are sharing.

Another little gift that I love is a new coffee mug which reminds me in the mornings to ENJOY THE MOMENT.

It was easier to pack away my Christmas mugs with something this nice waiting in the wings.

MONDAY NOTES AT MY HOUSE: TALBOTS WARM WEATHER STYLES ON SALE

On Saturday, I featured WARM WEATHER STYLES ON SALE at J.Jill and Chico’s.

It was inspired by friend’s planning cruises and by the warm weather winter we have been experiencing in West Texas, that has now left for a short time.

Now, let’s look at some of what Talbots has on sale in the warm weather styles beginning with this LIGHTWEIGHT SKORT available in two colors.

These shorts are available in five different colors.

These are the PERFECT SHORTS 7″.

This time of year is perfect for savings on warm weather staples like shorts and tee shirts.

I am seeing cruise in this photo.

These are the PULL-ON WASHED LINEN SHORTS in the watercolor/botanical print.

Cute, colorful, and casual fun for a warm weather style.

This is the FRENCH TERRY T-SHIRT DRESS…I am a fan of French Terry…especially in casual clothing.

Or for a quieter version, consider this one in two colors.

This is the CREWNECK T-SHIRT DRESS – CABLE JACQUARD…would be a cute swimsuit coverup too.

For those of you who are winter palette ladies, this dress comes in black and pink.

It is the LUXE PONTE EMBROIDERED DRESS.

Talbots tee shirts are very soft and comfy, and this is the time to pick up a few on sale for warm weather ahead.

This one, available in several colors, is the EMBROIDERED DROPPED SHOULDER TEE.

Here is another unique design in a tee and available in several colors.

This is the SMOCKED SHOULDER CREWNECK TEE.

And, finally today in the picks for warm weather styles on sale are these cute striped tees.

This one is the ELBOW SLEEVE V-NECK TEE at a great price…and I, for one, like the longer sleeve in a tee.

Now, remember, you can click through my links to the Talbots site and discover even more warm weather styles on sale there.

Thank you for joining me today for MONDAY NOTES AT MY HOUSE…it always fun to begin my week with all of you…I appreciate you so much.

Let me know any thoughts or questions you may have…until tomorrow….

EMBRACE TODAY & KEEP SMILING!!

By Pamela Lutrell

For all your shopping, please use the links on my SHOPPING PAGE…thank you, thank you to all who shop this way and show support for this blog.  It means the world.

I ASK TUX TO SPREAD OUT IN HIS OWN CHAIR!!

Happy first Monday of 2026!  And welcome to my weekly post now called Monday Note at My House.

Before you wonder, no this Monday Notes at My House is not featuring a picture from my actual house.

I will explain in a moment about the feature photo today,

But first , please make sure that you read my New Year’s Day Post, 2026 Word-of-the-Year, so that you understand when I discuss the word.

That is where I want to begin today with a few Monday Notes about the word I am giving my focus to for this year.

MONDAY NOTES AT MY HOUSE: TODAY

As promised in my new year’s day post, I did ask Beck, a 7-year-old grandson to draw my word for me and decorate it.

And I placed it on one of my bathroom mirrors to see first thing every day.

I am not sure who the long nosed man is on top of the “a” (at least I think it is a man) but I do like his interpretation of the trees, flowers, sun, and butterfly.

He is very creative, and this serves to remind me every day to awaken with intention to live that one day as full and grateful as possible.

To rejoice in the gift of the day and begin to ponder what the day might hold.

I have a bad habit of pushing some things on my to do list aside and think…I will do that another day.

To begin 2026, I am now determined to finally clear some of the things on my list.

For example, organizing my favorite (most often used) recipes into one place has been on the list for a long time.  But, I got this done over the weekend!

I have made my own “tweaks” to many of my recipes, but they were in my head.  I needed to make sure I recorded the full recipes for family in the future.

Right now, all I need to add is Thanksgiving…how I do the turkey and dressing.

I did not record black eyed peas…but I do love them and made sure Mr. B and I ate them on New Year’s Day.

So funny, I personally do not believe they bring good luck for the year, but I do have my mother in my head telling me to never test it.  She did believe in the myth.

I wanted to add cornbread so bad, but resisted temptation.

After a little over four weeks, our beautiful live tree did motivate us to go ahead and get Christmas decor down.  It was brittle, but still lovely.

Everyone agreed that Home Depot provided our best live tree ever.  I cannot wait to get back into their Garden area when it is time to plant for spring.

I am gradually working on the rest of the decorations and it is at the top of a priority list.

MONDAY NOTES AT MY HOUSE: I MUST RETURN

The feature photo today and the following photos are from a place that I must return to soon.

Carol Hicks Bolton Antiques in Fredericksburg, TX is a warehouse full of fun.

My son’s in-laws introduced me to this incredible antique store, but when I arrived Mr. B began to call me to come eat with him and a high school friend.

I was only able to do a quick walk around, and shot enough photos to know that I must go back.

Maybe with the time to spend an entire morning here.

Maybe when I know where my permanent home in Abilene is going to be, then I will better understand how I want it to look and what will be passed along.

I am excited to return, perhaps this spring, to this wonderful place…if you like rustic chic like I do, this should be at the top of the list.

MONDAY NOTES AT MY HOUSE: CHALLENGING WEATHER

The January skies are beautiful, but the warm winter is a bit challenging.

One day very warm…one day very cool.  It is hard to know how to dress for the day, so I find myself dressing for cool in the mornings, and changing in the warmth of the afternoons.

I will show you some of the looks I have been wearing to meet the challenges this week, and, of course, they hopefully speak to my new style adjectives.

For me, coffee weather is every day…love my coffee, and I tried a new cream this weekend that I really like, it is the CHOBANI ZERO SUGAR SWEET CREAM CREAMER.

It does not have the bitter after taste that many of the sugar free creamers have.

This is one more little sign from Fredericksburg.

Thank you for joining me today for Monday Notes at my house.

Let me know if you have any thoughts or questions…I hope to be back tomorrow…and until then….

EMBRACE TODAY and KEEP SMILING!

By Pamela Lutrell

For all your shopping, please use the links on my SHOPPING PAGE…thank you, thank you to all who shop this way and show support for this blog.  It means the world.

Happy Friday, Friends!  Do you have a minute?

For me, the candles are dark…dishes still remain in the sink (I know, please don’t judge!)….wrapping paper is on the floor…but I do want to ask …do you have a minute?

I am in full blown planning mode for 2026 with so much on my mind, and I need the assistance of this incredible blog community.

I am so thankful for each and every one of you and look forward to our daily visits.

This is why I want to make sure that occasionally I tap into your thoughts and needs.

I am asking do you have a minute to share on these particular topics…..

DO YOU HAVE A MINUTE ABOUT FASHION?

After over 16 years of blogging, I know that the majority here are like teens sitting on a bed and planning what to wear to school the next day.

Oh sure, we are much older but still love to talk clothes with our girlfriends.

Over age 50, do you find yourself like one of my granddaughters here and still attempt to hide with fashion and style choices?

I do have some new clothing content on my own mind that I will share soon…but what about you?

Do you have a minute to tell us what you would like to see me discuss this year in regards to clothing?

What would you find most helpful and what do you look forward to seeing from me in this area?

DO YOU HAVE A MINUTE ABOUT THE SECOND HALF OF LIFE?

What about topics that will help you look and feel like a young pup in your second half of life?

Are there specific topics about aging that you would like to see me write more about?

I am here for you…to encourage you to look and feel your best every day one day at a time.

This amazing audience is very diverse…some of you are caretakers…some of you are widows…some of you are retired…and some still working hard to make a living.

Some are on the west coast…some are on the east coast…some are in the South…and some are in middle America…while others are anywhere from Australia to the United Kingdom.

So, I know there are many and diverse needs…please share what would assist you the most.

And remember I am ALWAYS here for you and want to assist in any way that I can. 

I do have some ideas to share with you about what is on my mind and how my world is changing…and will do so.

But, I would be remiss not to include you in the planning…let me know…

Do You Have A Minute? to share what is on your mind?

NOTE:  I JUST HEARD FROM SOME OF YOU IN EMAIL…IF ANYONE ELSE WOULD LIKE TO EMAIL YOUR THOUGHTS, PLEASE SEND TO: over50feeling40@gmail.com!

I look forward to hearing from you….now back to the chaos of the day after Christmas…may we all…

KEEP SMILING!!

For all your shopping, please use the links on my SHOPPING PAGE…thank you, thank you to all who shop this way and show support for this blog.  It means the world.

LOTS OF FUN AHEAD!

Happy Monday, everyone!  Welcome to my Monday Notes for Women over 60.

Today’s Monday Notes for Women over 60 finds me a little out of it…major exhausted.

I have not slept well for seven days…many reasons for it…and today it caught up with me…but I still wanted to be true to my word and pen this post.

It is that busy time of year and Mr,B was traveling for several days…I do not sleep well alone and I am so glad that I have Tux with me.

Then I stayed overnight with my three grandsons and did not sleep well there either…so it is piling up a little.

We also have experienced some very cold weather which caught me off guard and the thermostat was not where it should have been for very cold nights.

I am finished whining…so let’s look over my notes for women on this lovely December day.  I might have some ideas for you!

MONDAY NOTES FOR WOMEN OVER 60: STOCKING STUFFER IDEAS

In my first photo today, I was about to head out to do some shopping.

I do put a great amount of thought and creativity into the stockings for my grandchildren and I was looking for ideas at a local antique shop.

First, these fashionable figurines caught my eye.  Particularly, the black ensemble…isn’t she chic.  But, I walked on by attempting to keep grandchildren in mind.

The store had so many beautiful pieces, but just before this gorgeous chair, I found a box full of miniature Madame Alexander dolls.

Did anyone else love this brand?  I owned several Madame Alexander dolls and they were my favorites.

These miniature dolls were only $5 each, so I selected three for one of my granddaughter’s stockings.

NOTES FOR WOMEN OVER 60:  You do not always have to do what is expected in a Christmas stocking…in fact the unexpected is so much fun and reflects you really know what the child would like.

For two seven-year-old grandsons, I found at this store some incredible unique nutcrackers.

So for one, I purchased a karate kid nutcracker for the stocking and for the other a soldier nutcracker for the stocking.

I also found four books that were perfect for the kids.

MONDAY NOTES FOR WOMEN OVER 60: OUT-OF-TOWNERS

I gave great thought to what to do for some of my out of town family and friends.

Here is an idea that some of you may like.

NOTES TO WOMEN OVER 60:  Create a Christmas Basket of goodies from your best local retailers

Mr. B had delivered this culinary basket himself so I did not have to worry about shipping it.

My desire was to highlight some of the talented small businesses in Abilene for my friends.

This basket contained specialty Extra Virgin Olive Oils, balsamic vinegars, marinated olives, Santa Salt (!), specialty blend of apple cider tea…all from Cordelle’s.

In the middle is a hand-poured soy candle from Abilene Candle Company.

I hope the recipient likes this…I know the products are exceptional…though I have not personally tried Santa Salt, but it did intrigue me.

MONDAY NOTES FOR WOMEN OVER 60: FROM MY DIET

I am excited to report that as of last Friday, I was down another two pounds …so that is 15 pounds.

But I may have hindered that over the weekend…when I am tired, I do not eat well.

When I am busy, a few of the HEALTHY CHOICE SIMPLY meals have really helped.  This one is only 2 points in my Weight Watchers App.

I always add some additional seasoning, and get a little creative with these.

So two ounces of this Barilla Protein + Angel Hair pasta is only 5 points.

I cook the pasta…sautee chopped onion and garlic in a little olive oil…mix in the pasta with a dash of dried basil and garlic salt…and then mix with the cooked Simply Meal…which also has a bit of a sauce in it.

That is a pasta meal for 8 points that I have eaten more than once recently because it tastes so good.

There are about five of these simply meals that I am enjoying.

NOTES TO WOMEN OVER 60 ON A DIET:  Keep your flavors mixed and interesting.  Believe me, it helps you to stay on the diet and adding seasons does not add points.

MONDAY NOTES FOR WOMEN OVER 60: FROM AUDREY

This week, I was so pleased to hear from one of the followers here…Audrey.

Her Christmas Moose is a tradition in their home…and he did put a big smile on my face!

Thank you for sharing your moose with us Audrey…and remember if anyone else would like to share a decoration…it is not too late…just email me at over50feeling40@gmail.com.

And thanks to everyone else for joining in today for Monday notes for women over 60…leave any thoughts you may have.

Now, I am headed off to get some much needed R & R…I hope to see you tomorrow…until then…

CHOOSE JOY & KEEP SMILING!

By Pamela Lutrell

For all your shopping, please use the links on my SHOPPING PAGE…thank you, thank you to all who shop this way and show support for this blog.  It means the world.

Good Sunday morning, friends!  Welcome to Sunday Reflections, a weekly lifestyle post.

Sunday Reflections typically discusses what has been on my mind the week before and maybe a few teases of the week ahead.

My Sunday Reflections the last two weeks has been on crock-pot meals…in order to keep the house cooler.  We have hit a string of triple digits.

Today, I am going to share one that Mr. B loves.

Thank you to all who emailed and answered the survey…it is always helpful to hear from you.

I am going to respond tomorrow to a few of the points you brought up…I will explain if I am making changes, or if I am not going to make changes.

And I might surprise you with tomorrow’s outfit of the day!

Of course, my reflections have been on your words since Friday, so I wanted to give it time in a post.

For now, get your morning beverage…and a cozy spot…and let’s look over my Sunday Reflections.

SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: CROCK POT BEEF STEW…SORT OF

Beef Stew has long been a favorite around here…Mr. B does love his occasional beef.

The reason I said “sort of” is because I do not add the mixture to thicken the sauce…it is more of a soup or beef mixture for us.

I know I do not write traditional recipes…your patience is required as you enter my non-traditional kitchen….here is what I do:

1.  The night before I cook, I marinate two pounds of beef stew chunks or cut up rump roast covered in Worcestershire sauce ( I like Lea & Perrins) and 1/4 teaspoon of salt and pepper.
2.  The next night, I put these ingredients in my slow-cooker:

The meat

A bag of small carrots

5 stalks of celery chopped

1 bag of small gold potatoes, halved

1 yellow onion cut into pieces

2 large cloves of garlic

2 bay leaves

1/2 teaspoon of all spice

1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon of cracked black pepper

Sprinkle on top one package of dry onion soup mix

Cook on low for nine hours.

THE NEXT MORNING

Stir the mixture

Smash the garlic cloves and stir

Remove the bay leaves

Stir in one drained can of La Suer English Peas…. I do love this brand for peas.

We eat it later in the day and warm it on the stove top.

But, let me warn you…Your House Will Smell Wonderful When You Wake Up!

If you do not mind turning on the oven, this is great with cornbread.

SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: LITTLE THINGS

I have done my best to resist temptations to not do too much in my new home…but sometimes little things make me smile.

Perhaps that is why I love accessories so much with my clothing…little things do make a difference.

Finials have been a favorite of mine for a long time because I also love lamps and lamp light.  I change out my finials for Christmas too.

Recently I saw this BLUE & WHITE FINIAL on clearance at Ballard Designs…and I got very excited about it.

Now, whenever I walk by this lamp in the front entryway, I smile. 

Speaking of accessories, Deborah asked me this week for a recommendation for a comfortable red shoe.

I want to make sure that everyone saw my answer, because this shoe comes in a warm red and in a cool red …I own the warm red and it is very comfortable.

I love the touch of bronze leather on the back.

This is the GLITZ WALKING SHOE at Easy Spirit in dark red…and remember PAMELA20 is your 20% off savings code all year long.  The cool red is simply called Red Knit.

It is the closest my funky feet can get to a ballet flat design.

SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: WEEK AHEAD

Because of your comments, I am going to strive to do better about showing you what I wear in my regular life…though I have done that many times before.

It is funny to me that a couple wanted to see what I wear during each stage of my day…including blogging and cooking and regular life.

I am sitting here right now in my SOMA COOL NIGHTS SLEEP SHIRTS   writing Sunday Reflections …and do not believe anyone wants to see that!  

Oftentimes in the mornings, I dive right into work before I get ready for the day.

And, cooking?  Well, if I am going to be cooking a lot, then I put on sloppy clothes…so I do not care if they have food splashed all over them.

If I am cooking light…such as the crock-pot meal, I may just put on an apron over what I was wearing at the end of the day.

But, I will do my best to share more of my regular, casual, small town life outfits.

The majority still want to talk clothing, but one person commented that there had been a boatload of fashion lately…that always happens at the beginning of fall and spring.

I want to keep you informed!

More tomorrow from the surveys……

As the vacation part of summer comes to a close, and the craziness of school and activities begins, I want to keep this Scripture in mind this week.

Sometimes, the family needs can be overwhelming…but if I focus on His instructions to pray, have time with Him, and trust…then I can go through all of the adjustments with joy.

As school begins this week, we will have our first grandchild headed into middle school.

I want to send him last week’s Scripture and pray these words over him as he heads out….. the verse was Deuteronomy 31:8.  “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you, nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid.  Do not be discouraged.”

Thank you for joining me today for Sunday Reflections….please leave any thoughts you may have.  Until tomorrow…..

BE THANKFUL AND KEEP SMILING!

By Pamela Lutrell

For all your shopping, please use the links on my SHOPPING PAGE…thank you, thank you to all who shop this way and show support for this blog.

Sunrise from Abilene State Park

Happy Sunday, friends!  Welcome to Sunday Reflections, my weekly lifestyle post.

In Sunday Reflections, I give you a peek behind the curtain of my life …what I have been up to and what reflections are happening in my mind.

This past week has been all about thankfulness…for things big and small.

It is important for me to thank the Lord every day for His gifts …no matter how small they may seem.

Thankfulness fills us with joy and drives the bitterness and anger away.

So please join me today…first I will share my big “thankful” moments from the past week, and then I will want to hear yours…what are you thankful for this day.

It’s time for Sunday Reflections…..

SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: THANKFUL TO BE LOVED

My grandson received a phone when he turned 12 this year.

At first I was not happy about all the trouble I know owning a phone holds, but he has blessed my socks off this past week with his phone.

While on vacation in Europe, he has called me twice to tell me about the trip, and as most young phone owners do, he has

SENT LOTS OF SELFIES!

He told me that he bought a surprise for me at Disneyland Paris and cannot wait to give it to me.

This show of love means so much to me…the phone calls, pictures, and gift mean the world.

And I am beyond thankful to be remembered on his big vacation.

He is the oldest of the 8 grandchildren, so this is the first time I have experienced being a part of their lives in this way.

I think this photo of him and his brothers, and the the very first one in today’s post are my favorite pictures so far.

Both are in Switzerland at a point where the Swiss Alps can be seen…and I love the one of him walking toward the cross.

SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: THANKFUL TO BE HEALING

I am back in the saddle again, and so thankful to be healing from the foot surgeries and the big fall.

The rib constantly reminds me that it is still there, but at least I am moving again.

I have been at the YMCA for five days in a row, and on a treadmill…it feels good.

AND…I am so thankful to have a fan on that treadmill…the ones in San Antonio did not have that.

Also, I returned to OSTEO STRONG this week and was so thankful that I did not lose much strength in the 3 weeks of recovery from the fall.

I am back to building bones and working on posture, balance, and strength.

I was even thankful that I still went out despite days of heavy thunderstorms….in the past I used that as an excuse not to go to the gym! (Just True Confessions time)

One of the reasons I love my new town is how easy it is to get around!

All of Texas needed this rain.

I was thankful that my family in San Antonio was safe from the flash floods that occurred there…sadly, some were caught up in it and swept away.

It was the most rain they had received in a very long time.

I am always thankful for a full moon…I love them.

My mother said that I loved the full moon my whole life…as and infant and a child.

I have never been disappointed by a full moon.

SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: THANKFUL FOR COMMUNITY

I shared with you this past week the 10th Birthday celebrations my new friend Addie hosted for her boutique.

It was an opportunity to get to know so many ladies a little more, and now I am thankful to hear my name called occasionally when out and about.

Another fun thing Addie did, was get together with a local candle shop, ABILENE CANDLE COMPANY, and create a bespoke aroma just for her shop.

Addie collected tea cups from local thrift and antique stores for this celebration.

Took them to the candle shop, and they created a wonderful aroma with hints of leather and coffee.

The shop will have it on hand and since I love it so much, I will go there just for Addie’s.

If you had any doubts that Addie understand women, then I hope this as quelled them.

SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: THANKFUL FOR THE WORD

My new community is a great example of God’s love and that is where I will spend time this week in reflection….ways to live a life full of love.

This world finds many ways to take that from us, but if we stay determined to show love daily then we are the ones who benefit the most.

I am always thankful for the Word of God and how it directs me and steadies me.

Thank you for joining me today for Sunday Reflections…WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR TODAY?

Please share and I hope to see you tomorrow…until then….

KEEP SMILING!!

By Pamela Lutrell

For all your shopping, please use the links on my SHOPPING PAGE…thank you, thank you to all who shop this way.

Happy Friday, all!  Today, I would like to share how I combat loneliness through a fresh start.

A friend read one of my first posts for 2025 about fresh starts in SUNDAY REFLECTIONS, and asked me how do you combat loneliness…aren’t you lonely after leaving friends behind?

I had to think about her question, because I do not feel lonely and haven’t felt that way.

I certainly miss my friends and my family in San Antonio.  I love them all dearly.

However, I have not been lonely…though I know very few people in my new town of Abilene.

Mr. B, my daughter, and my son-in-law all work for the latter’s business, and my three grandsons go to school.

However, during all of that time on my own, I have not experienced loneliness.

I confess there are times I miss talking with my friends I have known for years…but I have discovered that missing people is not the same as loneliness.

There is more of a deep sadness with, sometimes destructive, negative thoughts that accompany consistent loneliness.  It is a painful lamentation that can often rob our joy.

I have seen loneliness freeze people I know into inactivity.  Often, they chose loneliness.

I am not making that choice…I choose not to be lonely.

So, after really taking note of it all, I decided to share with you what I believe has helped me to combat loneliness through a fresh start.

HOW I COMBAT LONELINESS THROUGH A FRESH START: PERSPECTIVE

1. PERSPECTIVE

All of my points today begin with “P”…think of them as Pamela’s Points to combat loneliness.

Every single morning is a fresh start…whether in a new location or one you grew up in.

I look at each day that way…a fresh start to learn and experience something new.

Keeping a healthy perspective on our day and looking for ways to make it unique is a great way to occupy our thoughts.

Each day for me, I am striving to have a hopeful, optimistic perspective for a fresh start.

HOW I COMBAT LONELINESS THROUGH A FRESH START: PURPOSE

2. PURPOSE

Understanding our purpose and that we are useful, is perhaps the best way to combat loneliness.

My purpose is to bring love, value, and assistance to my family (particularly grandchildren) and support to a new community.

One of my purposes is to meet someone new every day and bring a smile or joy to them.  I cannot tell you how many people I have introduced myself to!

It has been fun to go out each day and find ways to connect with women I meet along the way.

With my purpose in mind, I do not let a day go by without finding a way to accomplish it somewhere in this town.

Think…if someone asked you what your purpose is in your current stage of life, how would you answer the question?

HOW I COMBAT LONELINESS THROUGH A FRESH START: PATIENCE

3. PATIENCE

Just as a garden takes patience, so does developing new friendships and connections.

That requires planting seeds of listening, caring, reaching out, having courage, and, for me, prayer…“who do you have for me to meet today, Lord?”

Patience also requires hope that these new friendships are out there and will develop and grow over time…just as we watch our gardens grow.

I so look forward to seeing how I connect with this community each day.

HOW I COMBAT LONELINESS THROUGH A FRESH START: PRIZE

4. PRIZE

I choose to look at my life right now as a prize I have received as a gift.

We only knew a few months before the move that we were going to do this…what many around us thought was crazy.

But, it has been a gift…fresh starts can be exhilarating! 

Even if some of the time in the beginning is spent alone.  I am not uncomfortable with going out daily with just Pamela.  She can be a hoot!

As I said, I meet and see people daily…I do not think of myself as being alone.

HOW I COMBAT LONELINESS THROUGH A FRESH START: PLEASURE

5. PLEASURE

Each day of life I have been gifted with is a pleasure…A JOY!

It keeps me thankful to realize that I have a purpose and dream for what life will look like over 70.

I honestly never think about being lonely or think about my age.

As Ann Margaret sang...”There Is such a lot of living to do.”  I do not have time to allow negative feelings to shut me down.

It has been some time ago that I was asked the question, “How do you combat loneliness?”

I thought of it this week, and felt a strong urging to write this post.  So I hope it has helped someone who may need to hear it.

I wrote in the first post this line, “Allow me to encourage you that through the sadness of goodbye lies the excitement of hello.”

That is where I am…I do miss my former life, but I love the excitement of hellos that are there for me to find every day.

Thank you for being here…and let me know if anyone wants to talk more through email at over50feeling40@gmail.com.

BE THANKFUL WHERE YOU ARE RIGHT NOW & KEEP SMILING!

By Pamela Lutrell

Whether shopping new arrivals or clearance sales,  please shop with the links on my SHOPPING PAGE…thank you, thank you to all who shop this way.

Happy Monday, friends!   Today, I am reflecting on Monday (rather than Sunday) about the benefits of change over 70.

My apologies for missing a couple of days with blogging, but, as you can see I was busy living the benefits of change over 70.

Our seventh grandchild…a precious little boy…came into the world on October 31.

So, we hopped into the car the next day to go hold this one for a little while.

It was the drive back yesterday that had me thinking about the word…change.

For a very long time, I have hated change.

I loved my job teaching high school and was very sad when it changed.

I loved my home in San Antonio and my life there, and suddenly it changed.

For many years, I would be the one in the room that said…I hate change.

Also, for some strange reason, I thought that when I hit 70, the big changes were over, for the most part.

So, I have come a long way to this point where I now see the benefits of change over 70.

BENEFITS OF CHANGE OVER 70:  LOOKING FORWARD

The benefits of change over 70 can often be that we see our world with new eyes.

For some reason, this young man has always been my baby…the one most smothered by me.  The one who calls me “mama.”

But, this past weekend I got to see him as a loving husband and father…as a man.

While, I originally thought this day might be a little sad to see him that way…it actually was an immense honor to receive reassurance that he is going to be a great dad and husband.

His wife and son are in good hands.

Looking forward, I will let go of the idea that he is my baby, and embrace the idea that he has grown to be quite an admirable man.

A funny side note…this is the doctor who delivered our grandson.

Yep…he is hoot and dressed in costume to deliver Halloween babies.  

The rest of the story is that he also delivered my son (the baby daddy).

So he is the one that sent us this picture!

He hasn’t changed from delivering babies and that is a good change that has not happened.  He is a great, personable doctor.

BENEFITS OF CHANGE OVER 70: EMBRACING CHANGE

The benefits of change over 70 are new experiences that keep us young, content, joyful, and wise.

During this trip, we went to our old home that is not our oldest son’s home and spent time with their family.

I thought I might be sad to see this house I loved so much…but, actually, it was so fun to see them making it their home.

Confirmation came once I walked into the house, that it was no longer mine.  I was shocked that I felt no sadness at all.

Here I am wearing a ring my eight-year-old granddaughter made for me…I think it will be my new favorite accessory.

Upon arriving back home in our new city, I felt a way of contentment to be back and enjoyment to be in our new home.

I have been writing while watching a storm come in and the cool breezes through the window, thunder rolling, and that autumn feeling are such welcome changes.

Setting up and establishing a new home over 70 was at first overwhelming but now such a welcome change over 70.

This finally feels like home and I have officially closed the chapter on the other house.  

They are the perfect growing family for it.

Painting continues this week, and I promise to share more with you of the house as soon as I can.

Also, monkeys will be gone this week…a very welcome change over 70!

BENEFITS OF CHANGE OVER 70: LIVING NOT STAGNATING

The benefits of change over 70 are manifested in the fact we are living and not stagnating.

Living each day with purpose, peace and joy from the Lord is so important to me and helps me to embrace changes going on around me.

Mr. B and I were not sure what to think after this complete move of our lives happened very quickly.

But now, I am so glad the change occurred and have found a new way of living.

I took this picture from the car coming back from our visit.

I believe God was reassuring me that He has this and there is still much living to do.

When I was living in West Texas as a teenager, I did not see it’s beauty...now I do…another welcome change.

Has anyone else experienced difficulty with life changes…please share if you like.

Tomorrow….I have a little surprise for everyone…hope you will be back.

Until then….

STAY STRONG & KEEP SMILING!!

By Pamela Lutrell

For all your shopping, please use the links on my SHOPPING PAGE…thank you, thank you to all who shop this way to support the blog and keep me here.