The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week, and showcase books and things we have received.
Stacking The Shelves is also a weekly meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews and Marlene from Reading Reality. It’s all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!
Don’t forget to look at my giveaways on the right sidebar.
Sunday was the usual visiting blogs.
Monday I got up early and had a long list of things I wanted to do. It didn’t rain much but it was very wet and humid. I wrote a review. I still haven’t gotten to the baby quilt. I was busy looking at Amazon things which might be on sale for Prime Day. We did lots more work on hanging things in the garage to continue organizing. The spinach is just starting to come up!
Tuesday brought Prime Day and lots of computer time looking at deals. There was the Apple announcement about new phones. Then I trimmed bushes and shrubs. I used the new power washer to clean blinds which were left in the garage but belong in the dining room. They are just covered with cigarette smoke (previous owner). It’s tedious but the power washer does seem to remove the stains. We started prepping the areas where the everblooming lilac and peonies will be planted. I ordered a gardenia and everblooming azalea for the sunny spot in the front yard where we removed the bushes. I also ordered up more dirt and paver stones to go around that little space in the front yard.
Wednesday was the rest of the Prime Day deals. We rented a trencher to lay the plastic pipe for rain water management off the drainpipe on both sides of the house. Also we used it to dig a hole for where the plants would go. Just when I thought I would be power washing and setting up for more weed killer, my daughter got up and said her ear hurt. So we went off to the doctor. She got ear drops and since we were already there, we got our flu shots. That ate up my outdoor time. At least I finished my audio for the neighborhood book club next week.
Thursday I got up and at it and was progressing well on tasks. In the afternoon, we had the guy come by to talk to us about installing solar panels. It’s a reasonably good idea but I need to do more research. I finally got some posts setup. Then I loaded audios to my phone. In the evening, I talked to my brother about solar since he is a Tesla fan and lives in Florida.
Friday, I did more solar research. The rebates and credits and different companies and what they recommend. The research ate up a lot of my day. It was rainy so at least I didn’t lose more yard project time. I think I got dirt in my eyes on Tuesday and they have been sore and itchy, or it’s allergies. I felt like I couldn’t even see on Friday. So I’ve been using antihistamine eye drops and putting vaseline on the lids at night.
Saturday, my eyes were finally improved. I got a good start on the day. I talked to another solar guy, outside with masks, and I knew more but he threw something else into the works, so I have more research to do. I asked my neighborhood who they like and the company also got great reviews so I plan to talk to them. I hate it because it is so time-consuming but now I’m into it, so I suppose I will finish while all the facts are clear in my head.
I had been so distracted and tired I didn’t get to Feedly so I had quite the pile up but I finally got through it today. After grilling some steaks for dinner, my daughter and I took Lulu out walking in the neighborhood. Once the vest is on, she sits by the front door and whines until we leave. It was a nice night to walk and see the Halloween decorations in the neighborhood.
So I’ve been working on my morning routine, gradually as I did almost 10 years ago. In those days, I lost 50 pounds in 6 months. I was not eating unless I was hungry and my mind was engaged often forgetting meals. But the other key was this video. Irrationally, I thought if Charlie can do pushups I can do pushups. I could barely do 1 at the beginning. But I got to where I could do them without struggling, stopping only because I was out of time rather than out of energy, at about 50 a morning. I started trying to make them harder. Raise your feet – it’s really difficult. Also, if my nose is ever broken, you will know it is because I tried to clap between pushups. I haven’t ever managed it. I’m at 20, working my way back to more repetitions now.
Things I Learned This Week:
OK if I’m asking for help, I’m also going to share the cool things I learn. You may already know them but hopefully it will help someone.
I learned a lot about solar. I don’t know everything I want to know yet and some of it is specific to North Carolina. But I have learned quite a lot if anyone is trying to figure them out.
Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga’s Reviews and Reading Reality. These are the exciting ARCs I received this week (If you click on the cover, it will take you to the Goodreads entry):
Thank you so much to Simon & Schuster, MacMillan Audio, and Elizabeth Hunter!
(If you click on the cover, it will take you to the Goodreads entry)
Storm Cursed was on sale for $1.99. Then I went wild with the Audible Prime day sale with $6 titles.
Now the really scary one. This is all the Kindle and Audible freebies I grabbed this past week. You can see why I need to do Thrifty Thursday to be sure I read a few at least one each month.
I really meant to cut back on freebies BUT they are free so I guess that won’t be happening.
I’m not including things like reviews posted or upcoming as they are always in the right sidebar. And, my challenge status is also there.
I feel like it was a very distracting week and not as productive as I wanted. But I was probably even more tired. Still I look forward to spending my Sunday with you and finding out what is happening with you.
Anne
- 🎧 A Killing on the Hill by Robert Dugoni @robertdugoni #BrillianceAudio #LoveAudiobooks #KindleUnlimited🎧 - April 25, 2024
- Murder in Rose Hill by Victoria Thompson @gaslightvt @BerkleyPub - April 23, 2024
- Sunday Series: Joe Pickett by CJ Box @cjboxauthor #DavidChandler @RecordedBooks#SundaySeries #LoveAudiobooks - April 21, 2024
I’m so impressed that you’re exploring solar panels!! It’s a commitment to your family’s and the planet’s future. Kudos to you?
Great book adds this week. I’m looking forward to Holidaze and loved Home & Public Secrets! And thanks for always including a pic of cutie Lulu?
Have a wonderful week!
Thank you! Solar disrupted my whole week along with everything else. It was such a disjointed week. But things got accomplished overall, just maybe different things than planned. Lulu is just our best girl! Great reads ahead for me while working on things.
The Affiliate is on my reading list too. Despite that, you are a busy bee as always. It is amazing what garden work does to us, right? So satisfying and time consuming *smile* Hope your daughter ´s ear is much better now. Have a great new week and happy reading!
So much more to do with the solar sidetrack. My daughter hasn’t complained about the ear since the doc appt so it must be better. Thank you!
Whew sounds like you had a busy week. That’s good your eyes are doing better as that sounds difficult not being able to see much. Sounds like a lot of effort researcher solar panels, but hopefully it will pay off. I hope next week is a good one.
Thank you! yes it was mostly my left eye that was all itchy and sore so on second thought, probably not allergies. But it is better. I hope to have just as busy a week but with more focused and less scattered tasks.
Sounds like solar panels are very complex. Thats something we’ve never considered before, but I’ll be interested to see what you end up doing. Hope you have a good week, Anne?
I just have a few pieces of information to gather yet but I have definitely learned a lot in a shortish time period. I also studied the tax regulations and IRS instructions on energy credits, financial options, our energy companies approved rate increases and our state laws about whether or not I can sell the electricity I don’t use, or whether I have to be on the grid at all. So not just the panels. If you know the terms, I have an IB approach to life as opposed to AP. They didn’t have either program when I was young.
It sounds like you had a productive week with all your solar research, Anne! I hope you’ll find the right company for you. I think it’s awesome that you’re going the way of solar energy. We can’t do it on our current house, but if we move in the future, I want to try to have a house that’s as self-sufficient as possible.
I loved In a Holidaze, and I hope you’ll enjoy it, too!
Have a wonderful week ahead, stay safe and healthy 🙂
Thank you Linda! I think you want to be sure you will be in the home for about 20 years because of the costs. We are fortunate our house is well-situated for it. I enjoy all the Christina Lauren I have read.
You are always such a busy bee. I feel like I just can’t even accomplish half of what you do!
I am sorry about your daughters ear infection. I had one this week also. They are no fun, I never had them as a kid and now only get them as an adult. Thankfully, I am feeling better I hope your daughter is too.
Have a great week, Anne! Happy Reading! xx
Thank you! yes my daughter is much better thank goodness. I let myself get too scattered and didn’t get as much accomplished as I wanted. But I always think I should do more.
I’m so impressed with all your hard work in the garden! It probably won’t be remotely helpful as the country is different, but we had solar panels installed at around six years ago and we’re very happy with the way in which our electric bills have fallen. And we particularly like the self-cleaning function, so bird mess just washes off after rainfall. Have a good week, Anne:)
Thank you Sarah! I look forward to future years as everything will be planted and maintained and I can spend more time with the yearly stuff like the food garden and just weeding. But also on various other things like knitting and sewing which I have not done very much this fall yet. I have a bit more to know to make an educated decision but I see the advantages of solar.
Lulu is so cute! I’ve always been interested in solar but never lived where it was an option. Good luck with your research!.Awesome book haul!
Thank you! I am grateful to live in an area and also a house where solar is a better fit. I also appreciate the books I get to read and we do have the best girl in Lulu.
Push-ups are great. I’m glad you’re finding the motivation. and keep up the good work.
I am surprised always by how much pushups work. I guess I shouldn’t be because it is a core thing, but they seem to really help me. I haven’t missed a day yet so I hope to keep it up with increasing gradually.
We have solar panels and our bills are so low in summer! It’s awesome. I imagine, seeing as you get more sunshine and for longer then we do, they’ll be even more rewarding for you. Good luck with the research!
Thank you! That’s the plan especially since the power company has a 14% increase approved for next year.
OMG Anne! Pushups now?? You amaze me, really! I can maybe do 8 but certainly not twenty!
I would never have thought of it without Charlie Hunnam and I don’t know why I thought I could do them. It was very hard at first.
You did have lots going on and with your eyes bothering you it’s no wonder you didn’t go to Feedly as much as normal. Good for you doing pushups, Anne! Wow!
I hope you have a really good week–with your reading, your yard work and whether you’ll do solar! And whatever else you decide to do!!
Thank you Jan. I think it had to be I got something in the eye as it was mostly the left one. I shouldn’t have rubbed it. I hope I can focus better and not jump from thing to thing as much as this week felt.
Hope you managed to grab up some good deals on Amazon. Prime Day is always such fun to grab them up. I am always impressed with all the work you get done in your garden. I think its amazing! Pushups are great….I used to not be able to do very many, but the more I do, the stronger I become.
Thank you! We mostly got wireless earbuds on Prime Day. But I did get lots of audiobooks also.
I got my flu shot on Tuesday was a little achy but better than getting the flu!
We got solar about two years ago, but my husband did all the research. We have a hybrid car and will be getting a Tesla this next year and the heat is so bad that this was a good investment for us even if we don’t stay in this house after retirement. We can blast our air conditioning all we want without worrying about a horrible bill. In the past we’d pay about $550-$650 a month during the hotter months and now we pay zero.
I have a copy of In a Holidaze that I need to read and review. Hope we both love it!
P.S. Forgot to say I’m impressed you can do that many pushups! I can do about 4 regular and then I have to go to my knees, but I used to be able to do 10 at a time. I’m working my endurance up again, interspersing strength training more into my routine.
Thanks Rachel! It was a gradual buildup to get to do them. I was surprised how my arms got a bit bigger so some shirts didn’t fit! We had no ill effects at all from our shots, felt nothing. I was just glad to get it and not have to go into a pharmacy. I didn’t want to go to the doctor either but it was pretty empty and we were there anyway. My brother has had a Leaf, a CMax and a Tesla. I have a Chevy Volt which I can go about 50-60 miles a day before I need to use gas. I can go all year without gas if I don’t go on a trip. I have more to learn about solar.
Looking good on your project list. I did a little Prime Day study and purchase. Neat about your solar research. My brother went solar and my folks are considering it. I’m not sure it would be a good bet for us- now wind, if we could do wind power since we always have that. LOL
I feel for you with your eyes and allergies. I’ve had sinus blockage all week and managed to get into something working outside so I have a weepy rash. 🙁
Enjoy your book haul and have a good week, Anne!
Thank you Sophia! I think it must be dirt or something because it was mostly the left eye but I rubbed them both which was not a good thing. But they itched! Yes solar doesn’t work everywhere even here but our house / yard is well suited for it. We mostly got wireless earbuds on Prime Day. Have a great week and happy reading!
Looks like you’ve been busy outdoors. Love that! I think solar panels are a smart alternative. Enjoy all your new books!
Thank you! I hope to figure out a few more things and do a LOT more outside this week.
You have been very productive. Enjoy the fruits of your labor…and then relax with some of those great looking books.
I have read Jane Harper’s Dry and have a copy of her book Force of Nature, so I am eager to also read The Survivors.
Enjoy your week, and thanks for visiting my blog.
Thank you! I hope to get this yard stuff done as some of it is a one-time thing and then I can just enjoy. At least I can listen to audiobooks while I work. I have been wanting to read Jane Harper so I was excited to get approved for this one on audio.
Nice that you are getting so much done. I hope your daughter is feeling better. and GREAT WORK on the pushups. I’m so impressed!!
Thank you! She’s feeling fine. I’m sore from digging in the yard but the pushups are going fine. The weather is great so I have to “make hay while the sun shines.”
i can see why you are tired. it sounds like you keep yourself very busy. i could use some of your motivation right now. i too have thought of solar, seeing we live in florida, but i dread the research and right now, everything is hold…
Yes I try to alternate between hard tasks and easy ones throughout the day to keep going.
I don’t think I could do even one push up! Honestly your daily activity puts me to shame, I need to get off my butt more.
We have a solar hot water system but we don’t have the room on the roof for enough panels to make full solar installation viable unfortunately.
Wishing you a great reading week
Thanks Shellyrae. I just do what I can and I do push myself a bit but I have my lazy times too. The amazing weather has me doing more while it’s good.
WOW so productive. That’s great you are getting your yard work done. Can’t wait to see how it all looks. Awesome on the solar panels. It’s a big thing in CA. Last, I love your book haul. Have a fabulous week and happy reading/listening!
Thank you Angela! I am hanging in there and getting things done but not quite as tired this week. Some of the digging is back breaking as is some of the power washing, too long in the same position kind of thing. But I love progress. And I have audiobooks to keep me company.
I’m a Tesla owner with solar panels in cloudy Scotland! We have had our panels for about ten years and they are great, it’s amazing what 16 panels power and we make quite a bit back from them each year. We did consider getting a Tesla powerwall to help but it’s too pricey just now.
I’m still researching but the Tesla system is certainly a great price compared to some.
I must check out that Jane Harper. I like her stuff. Happy reading and researching solar 😉
Thank you! I’m trying to do projects during the good weather so I have not been researching solar as much this week but I’ll get there.
Going solar has all kinds of benefits but the amount of initial research and groundwork seems intimidating. I’ve been trying to get more activity in over the last few months but even though my overall health/fitness may have improved, I still can’t do push ups! Good for you!
Thank you Tanya! I am doing what I can. I am enjoying getting the projects done while the weather is just so amazing. I won’t get back to solar until next week. I have 2 more companies I need to talk to, at least briefly.