The Simple Woman's Daybook

Hello dear friends,
I hope you are all off to a great start of the week.
FOR TODAY
Outside my window... it's cloudy and rainy.
I am thinking...that we didn't go to work today.
I am thankful for...our family and home.
From the learning rooms...the kids didn't go to school on Friday and Monday. Schools are closed because that is where the elections take place.
From the kitchen...We are eating meat this week, the last week before the Christmas fast begins on November 14.
I am wearing... LOL! A summer linen skirt from the summer clothes I begin to put away and a blouse from the winter clothes I am puting in the closet.
I am creating...a quilt...I hope to have it ready for...next Christmas!
I am going...to write some of the week's posts that are based on memes. I am puting some discipline to my blogging:-)
I am reading...the Sunday papers.
I am hoping...to organise the closets for winter.
I am hearing...the election results from the TV.
Around the house...I've brought the young plants in the living room. I was afraid the wind and the rain might turn them over.
One of my favorite things...seating by the fire and read or cross-stitch. I hope to do that this afternoon.
A few plans for the rest of the week:I hope with God's blessing to organise the customers' list at work. We have to rekindle their interest and boost business.
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

Inside the voting booth, Sunday, November 7th.

Thank you for hosting, and thank you all for stoping by and commenting!

Have a blessed week.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Hello dear friends,

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
 Thanks for hosting!

 FOR TODAY, November 1st, 2010
Outside my window...it is dark, with the lights of the highway bright in the distance.
I am thinking...that I was writing at night a week ago today.
I am thankful for...the comments made by our kids' teachers at school tonight.
From the learning rooms...We got the girls' marks today for the first term, today.
From the kitchen...roasted chicken with potatoes in the oven.

The secret's in the sauce: olive oil with lemon and a spoonful of mustard sauce.

Wait, didn't I write about chicken last week?
I am wearing...ha! A t-shirt, my nightgown, and my husband's fleece jacket. Tres faconable!
I am creating...a blog post? I refurbished both my blogs over the weekend, so I suppose that counts for creativity Brownie points!
I am going...to bed, after I finish this. Wait, didn'tIi write that last week, too?
I am reading...the Sunday papers.
I am hoping...to wake up on time tomorrow. We lost both school buses today!
I am hearing...a late night TV show.
Around the house...J sleeps on the couch, D is in bed, F stays up with me, and C is toying with his notebook. They both came in the den sniffing the roast:-) {Thankful-Thankful-Thankful!)
One of my favorite things...jewellery. I like bangles!
A few plans for the rest of the week:Municipal and regional elections next weekend. God willing we shall vote in C's village.
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

 Thanks for being here! Sending love and best regards,

The Simple Woman's Daybook~October 25, 2010

FOR TODAY
Outside my window...it's getting dark...really midnight:-)
I am thinking...of the day tomorrow. I must wake uo early to make breakfast. Thankfully I have lunch ready!
I am thankful for...Time. We are allowed to live some more and make our eace.
From the learning rooms...(if this applies)
From the kitchen...beans with spinach. recipe to follow!
I am wearing...my work clothes. Black crewneck, black elastic waist trousers, burgundy cardigan, black tights and lace up shoes.
I am creating...hmm, a blog post?
I am going...to sleep, as soon as I finish this.
I am reading...my latest copy of Maison et Decoration.
I am hoping...to be alive and well for years to come. This is such a hard world, and I'd like to be there for my children.
I am hearing...music from a TV show
Around the house...quietness. I'm probably the only one up.
One of my favorite things...my camera is the extention of my finger tips, even if you don't get to see nost of the oictures I am taking :(
A few plans for the rest of the week:send a goodies parcel to a dear friend, do some embroidery.
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

...me, last Sunday, with said shoes.
Thank you for stoping by! I hope you all have a great week, full of health, love and God's blessings.
With thanks to our hostess.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, Monday evening, October 18, 2010
Outside my window... constant rain. It will be rain till the weekend.
I am thinking...that it is gatting late and I must go to sleep after this!
I am thankful for...my family that gives meaning to my life.
From the learning rooms...too many, too heavy books!
From the kitchen...quiet. We shall eat a quick sandwich lunch tomorrow.
I am wearing...my work clothes. Beige trousers, shirt and cardigan.
I am creating...just renewed my blog's template, after I almost lost it in cyberspace!
I am going...to bed for the night!
I am reading...my evening prayers
I am hoping...Blogger will stop having issues, or else I am gonna move blog home.
I am hearing...an after midnight talk show on TV. Some nice programmes this year. (Remind me to tell you more an other day).
Around the house...Quiet. Everyone is asleep, even those who haven't finished their lessons for tomorrow. Tant pis, they'll get up early tomorrow morning.
One of my favorite things...politics. I have always been interested in politics. As I grow up I fear less of what people will think.
A few plans for the rest of the week: When people make plans, God laughs. No plans.
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...From our shop this morning.

Enjoy the week!

The Simple Woman'sDaybook~September 27

FOR TODAY, just a little while before September gives its place to October...
Outside my window...some clouds but mostly sunny, with fresh air from yesterday's light rain.
I am thinking...of the cleaning up I must do in our bedroom.
I am thankful for...my family. None of this would matter without them.
From the learning rooms...I want to follow J's lessons more closely. He is my last child in Primary School.
From the kitchen...no idea what to cook. I must begin Menu Plan Monday again!
I am wearing...red and white pajama bottoms, flip flops and bright pink t-shirt.
I am creating...an autumnal quilt. My first quilt ever!
I am going...to the shop in the afternoon. I stayed at home to do housework this morning. Pff! I am blogging instead!
I am reading...The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun
I am hoping...to be able to do some work before everyone arrives home!
I am hearing...the sound of my laptop
Around the house...getting it in shape...slowly!
One of my favorite things...chocolate...I kind of have missed it in the summer!
A few plans for the rest of the week:Getting the home ready for the in-laws.
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

 

Join the Simple woman's Daybook here and here. Have a beautiful week ahead!

The Simple Woman's Daybook-June 8th edition

For Today... Monday, June 8, 2009

Outside My Window... it is sunny and hot.

I am thinking... of the chores that need to be done...but I push the thought away.

I am thankful for... our family, our home, our work, our lives, my blogging friends.
From the kitchen... we had an italian lunch of risotto with mushrooms, pizza and simple yet delicious tomato pasta.

I am wearing... a linen skirt and t-shirt that I had bought for J's christening, seven years ago.

I am reading... same as last week, nice read.

I am creating... listings for my etsy shop.

I am hearing... the sound of the computer and the news on C's portable TV.

I am going... to work tomorrow. We had a mini break thanks to the Pentecost.

Around the house... we brought a large beechwood table we used to use as a desk at work. We plan to repaint it and use it as a dining room table with some new benches.

One of my favorite things... hugs in bed with our kids.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week: finishing redecorating the shop. Setting things up and running by the week end.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing…

Our host will not be posting until Fall, but I love this Monday meme. So why don't you join us?

The Simple Woman's Daybook-June 1st edition

For Today...Monday June 1st 2009
Outside my window... shops and cars. I am at work.
I am thinking... football in the afternoon, gotta make my pillows (hint-hint), got to start exercising.
From the learning rooms... exams today, tomorrow, next week.
I am thankful for... our family, anchoring me to optimism.
From the kitchen... cheese and veggies.
I am wearing... white linen shirt and trousers.
I am reading...The Beach House: A Novel, by Jane Green. From the first chapters it sounds like unputdownable. I really need the distraction!
I am hoping... that our shop will be ready by next week.
I am creating... scouring fabric samples and sample books to make lamp shades for the shop display.
I am praying...for good health and for our mood to remain upbeat.
Around the house... spotless family bathroom over the weekend. I need to make space for my exercise sessions.
One of my favorite things... making jewellery. Makes me feel child like.
A few plans for the rest of the week...European parliament elections next Sunday. We shall be travelling to C's village.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...my workroom, graciously shaped up by C over the weekend!

With many thanks to Peggy for hosting! Have a beautiful week ahead!

The Simple Woman's Daybook-May 25th edition

For Today...Monday May 25th 2009

Outside my window... haven't opened it yet!

I am thinking... getting dressed and going to town. We begin painting the shop today.

From the learning rooms... F just finished her English accreditation exams. Exams at the Greek school continue. Tomorrow: Ancient Greek.

I am thankful for... my husband and our family. We had a very tense weekend. I want us to be gamily again.

From the kitchen... some fresh salad and fruit. It's terribly hot for a May day already.

I am wearing... pink spaghetti strap top, white pajama bottoms with pale brown, blue and pink posies.

I am reading...

I am hoping... my dentist's appointment goes well.

I am creating... stocking my Etsy shop to be.

I am praying...for aunt F.

Around the house...cleaning and getting ready for fil visiting tonight.

One of my favorite things...{not so silly} silly talk with my children.

A few plans for the rest of the week...overseeing the shop's refurbishment.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... from the shop...it gets worse before it can get better!..

With many many thanks to Peggy! Have a beautiful week ahead!

The Simple Woman's Daybook-May 18th edition

For Today...Monday/Tuesday May 18/19
Outside my window... cars parked outside our shop.
I am thinking... of my daughters reading at home. (Amended on Tuesday 11:30 a.m.: they just finished their maths exams).
From the learning rooms... F and D sit their school exams beginning tomorrow until June 19.
I am thankful for... my family, my own piece of heaven that God granted me. May His name be blessed always.
From the kitchen... yesterday's leftovers, some frozen homemade meals for the week, and pasta.
I am reading...gardening books.Le potager en carrés : La méthodes et ses secrets and Petite cuisine au fond du jardin. They are both lovely. I hope to post more on them soon.

I am hoping...my family and I, and some very good friends I got to know through blogging but will probably never meet in person, shall all meet in Heaven together. I love them all.
I am creating...the semi-new shop.We began renovating today with the floor. With God's grace we shall then paint (I am tired of strong colors), and then we shall take in the new stock. I am finishing J's pirate embroidery, too, sitting on my new armchair!
I am praying... for health, guidance and peace.
Around the house...winter wear to be put away, hopefully before June.
One of my favorite things...fabrics. I love fabrics, they run in my family's females, I just begin to acknowledge the connection. i have plans that i hope will begin to materialise soon.
A few plans for the rest of the week...I need to go to the dentist but I have no time for an appointment. So I'll have to schedule for next week. We are having a person taking measurements at home right now. We want to build a wooden stair to lead to the attic. And then convert the attic to C's office and a guest bedroom (You are invited!)
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
Thank you Peggy for hosting! I really enjoy doing this!

The Simple Woman's Daybook-March 11th Edition

For Today... Monday, May 11, 2009

Outside My Window... clouds gathering for our daily dose of afternoon rain. Update:It rains a lot!

I am thinking... about whoever stole one of two carriage pots from my garden, and all the tiny elves. They were there last night and today as I walked C through the door. So someone took them in plain daylight, between 9 and 11 a.m. It makes me so upset and insecure at the same time!

From the learning rooms… F sat the first part of her English exams. Both F and D have one more day at school and then they stop for a week before the yearly finals begin. I took J to the doctor today. He can go to school as of tomorrow. One more month before Primary schools close for summer.

I am thankful for... my husband. I am so not ready to nail people on the wall. That makes me feel a total idiot sometimes, when I think of what I might/ought to have said. But he makes up for my deficiency, thank God.

From the kitchen... it was store bought burgers today. I am very lazy when it comes to cooking these days. I need to start menu planning again.

I am wearing... a white T-shirt and blue capris.

I am reading... Harper's Bazaar from the Sunday papers.

I am hoping... F makes a good presentation tonight of the school's newspaper.

I am creating... J's pirate cross-stitch. I am now embroidering his name. I so miss cross stitching, it keeps my brain in shape. Last week we got a new armchair. It is part of my little corner in the living room, where I can do my cross stitching while everyone else watches TV , without having to follow the action or be in a separate room.

I am hearing... the rain.

I am going... to the launch of the school newspaper this afternoon at a hotel conference center.

Around the house... I must take the summer clothing out and put winter clothing in. Although it's raining in the afternoon, it is hot (c.30C) in the morning.

One of my favorite things... good mail.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week: begin pillow making for my on-line shop!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing…


Florence, Easter 2009. A piano at an open air cafe. I crave civilisation...

Thank you for stopping by, and thank you for hosting. I so much like visiting you and reading your comments. Have a beautiful, blessed week.

The Simple Woman's Daybook-May 4th Edition

For Today...

Outside my window...the afternoon rain has stopped. It feels fresh and new.

I am thinking...of many and lots. A friend who is awaiting some health examination results; whether my daughter Dee does her homework next door; the shop.

From the learning rooms...Fee begins her exams marathon on the 10th. She begins with her final exams in English Foreign Language which will then allow her to get a TEFL degree. She is only 14 and she is under much pressure with both school and English exams. Please say a prayer for her on the 10th!

From the kitchen...tomorrow is my official name day. I'd love to make something special for lunch or dinner. J wants a cake, but he must not eat eggs or dairy yet...Hmmm! I'll have to go vegan again.

I am wearing...my brown velvet pants and hoodie, a printed v-neck in autumn colors and clogs.

I am reading...no books right now, only some e-mails and blogs. I'm in a 'doing' phase.

I am hoping...things will get better at work, C gets up on time and in a good mood.

I am creating...space. We are finishing the essentials on the garden. Now we must sand and paint the outdoor furniture we have gathered over the years and make new covers and pillows to unify the look.

I am praying...for my dear friends, and for Jesus to be inside us and lead our lives.

Around the house...things are beginning to take shape, although there is still lots to be done.

One of my favorite things...our new bed. I honestly believe it's going to help us sleep better and help my back. So many years in the business, we couldn't afford one of our own medicine. We made it a priority this year, and it's here!

A few plans for the rest of the week...J is going to the doctor on Wednesday to check the progress of his chickenpox, F sits her first exam next Sunday, we need to move the treadmill from the shop storehouse to the basement. I need to exercise!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Our May 1st wreath as promised here. Many thanks to The Simple Woman for hosting. I've really missed doing this! Have a lovely week!

The Simple Woman's Daybook-March 9th Edition

For Today...

Outside my window... it is dark, with the lights of our town shining in the distance.

I am thinking... when will this coughing stop?

From the learning rooms... a day in the Archaeological Museum for the girls, tomorrow. First day at school after the flu for our little one.

I am thankful for... going on a diet with my husband. We both needed it and it is great comfort to be able to support each other.

From the kitchen... lentil soup for the kids today. I think tomorrow they'll have to do with an omelette.

I am wearing... red pajama bottoms, brown velour top.

I am reading... "Eat, Pray, Love".

I am hoping... for my hubby to have a successful operation tomorrow, to remove a nasty problem tooth.

I am creating... my new blog design.

I am hearing... DH snoring, the sound of my laptop, the girls playing with Patcha the cat.

Around the house... laundry piles, but I almost finished spring cleaning our bedroom.

One of my favorite things... felt tip pens, all shades of pink.

A few plans for the rest of the week... fix the landing. Spring clean, rearrange, open up the space.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Thank you for stopping by. Join us on Mondays for The Simple Woman'sDaybook, quiet time for the simple blessings of daily life, thanks to Peggy.

The Simple Woman's Daybook~ February 16th edition

For Today...

Outside my window... it is a sunny but cold -1C.

I am thinking...of my husband's trip to Athens tomorrow. I feel numb when he is not here.

From the learning rooms... I want to spend time with my youngest, tonight, doing his homework together.

I am thankful for... church, yesterday; I was very much present. And coffee this morning with my sweetheart.

From the kitchen... chicken and potatos in the oven, with oregano, olive oil and lemon. Simple and delicious, to be accompanied with mustard and cabbage and carrot salad with olive oil and lemon dressing.

I am wearing...my favorite jeans, button up shirt, grey jumper, brown lace up boots.

I am reading... Life Is a Verb: 37 Days to Wake Up, Be Mindful, and Live Intentionally


I am hoping... for my husband to come back safe and sound.

I am creating... a home. We hung some pictures and calendars last night, which makes our home look much better. I don't like bare walls.

I am hearing...Marianne Faithfull. Shirley Bassey, now! Ray Charles (can't stop loving you!)

Around the house... Christmas stuff is finally stored away. I have ordered an armchair from our company, that I am going to customize with a selection of bought and treasured fabrics. It is going to be part of my cross stitching corner in the living room.

One of my favorite things...the watch my husband offered to me for the Valentine's and for our 15th wedding anniversary, which is in July, but I love his early present. It's a golden link chain with a small, thumb sized, round dial, and a cross and heart charm.

A few plans for the rest of the week... As we are fast approaching Lent, I want to begin Menu Planning which makes fasting more pleasurable for the kids and easier for the cook!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

...don't forget to put some face paint on while there is still time (February 2004).

I realy enjoy doing this! Join us here.

The Simple Woman's Daybook-February 9th Edition

For Today...Monday, February 9, 2009

Outside my window...the wet asphalt; drops of rain from the iron fens.

I am thinking...of people in Australia; and those who died or lost their property in Greece two years ago. Vanite des vanites et tout est vanite. But resistance is man's greatness, too.

From the learning rooms...elder daughter crying over maths. C'mon my girl, life is more than maths...although the ancients used to say that God the Great always practices Geometry. (The phrase is attributed to Plato, and it was used to memorize the first 23 numbers of the sacred number π (pie-3,14159...).

I am thankful for...Life.

From the kitchen...chicken from a great, humble taverna.

I am wearing...black harem trousers; ecru pin tuck jersey top; herringbone jacket;the scarf I am wearing in my profile picture; black tights;brown patent ballerinas .

I am reading...Jennifer Louden's newsletter.

I am hoping...for a cure of all evil illnesses and the bad habits that create them.

I am creating...painted rocks from the sea.

I am hearing... The Animals.

Around the house...Christmas decorations packed and waiting to be stored away.

One of my favorite things...fruit drops.

A few plans for the rest of the week...no plans, just doing.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...Keep the friendship alive.


It's lovely joining the day book again. It's so fresh and relaxing! Thank you, Peggy!

The Simple Woman's Daybook-Week of January 19th

FOR TODAY (January 19, 2009)...

Outside my window...it's dark, with a cold breeze.
I am thinking...of work tomorrow morning.
I am thankful for...the day off I took today.
From the learning rooms...F is in her English class, D and J are doing homework in the girls' room.
From the kitchen...we had lovely pasta wih cream and cheese today.
I am wearing...red jumper, blue towelling drawstrings. No shoes, I'm sitting on my bed!
I am creating...my Etsy shop.
I am going...to the company conference in two weeks' time.
I am reading...Casas de Campo, a Spanish interiors magazine, and Gynaika (Woman) an old women's magazine I grew up with and worked for a while, that is being relaunched.
I am hoping...that Greece will one day find a leader to do her justice. All the best for the US, too.
I am hearing...my son blubbing.
Around the house...the trea is still up! we need to work more on that!
One of my favorite things...Campari on ice.
A few plans for the rest of the week:
Stay at home tomorrow evening to watch the Obama inauguration (time difference!) otherwise watch it from the computer at work.
Finally get to begin my yoga practice again.
Make a new dentist's appointment.
Fix our new, slimming menu.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...


...one virtual world...
With thanks to our host. Have a lovely week ahead, and God bless.

The Simple Woman's Daybook-Week of January 12th

FOR TODAY Monday, January 12, 2009...
Outside my window...it's dark, with a great moon, painting our veranda a bright, deep blue.
I am thinking...of my
I am thankful for...my family and our warm home.
From the learning rooms... no reading, as all three of my kids have either fever or hypothermia.
From the kitchen...I've made salmon linguine today. Delicious. Not so sure about tomorrow yet.
I am wearing...a white towelling hoody and blue towelling capris.
I am creating...nothing artsy, yet,I am afraid. Putting an order to the after in-laws house, is the creation I am aspiring to for this week.
I am going...to the doctor's and then to the hairdresser's tomorrow morning.
I am reading...some Spanish interiors magazines.
I am hoping...that I shall be stronger and more clear minded.
I am hearing...the news about the abduction of a Greek shipping magnate.
Around the house...we are waiting for the PC man to install our new computer.
One of my favorite things...my laptop.
A few plans for the rest of the week:I want to start going on a daily walk.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Lovely fabrics, waiting to be used.

The Simple Woman's Daybook-Week of January 5th

For Today... Tuesday, January 6, 2009. The Epiphany.

Outside My Window... it is dark, with the lights of the city twinkling in the distance.

I am thinking... of Aunt A who is in hospital. Please pray for her.
From the learning rooms… our daughters do their homework, finishing frantically what they had let unfinished over the holidays.

I am thankful for... my husband's love.
From the kitchen... tomorrow we shall be eating fish.

I am wearing... my favorite brown velour track suit and a red t-shirt with a touch of organdy in the v-neck.

I am reading... the life of prophet Elias.

I am hoping... to manage to be nice to my in laws.
I am creating... nothing right now, but I hope to finish J's cross stitch pirate.

I am hearing... my husband snoring.
I am going... back to work tomorrow morning.
Around the house... the Christmas tree is up an will remain up until next Sunday.
One of my favorite things...blogging and the lovely, inspiring people I meet.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week: keeping m.i.l. out of the kitchen. Looking forward to the week end.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing…


When in doubt, pick the long view.

I really enjoy this. Thank you for hosting!

The Simple Woman's Daybook~Dec. 29

For Today... I am planning the New Year's eve and New Year's day special treats.
Outside My Window... cars and a new shop on the making across the street.
I am thinking... of my kids.
From the learning rooms… no school till January 8th, but they must begin doing their holiday homework today.
I am thankful for... spending the holidays at home with my husband and children, going to church and doing as we pleased. That's how holidays are meant to be. In fact, that's how life is meant to be.
From the kitchen... as C is going to be out of town, we're going to have store bought burgers to cheer up the kids. We really can't eat properly when we are not together around the table.
I am wearing... black cord trousers, black turtleneck sweater, an orange v-neck tunic, black tights and shoes.
I am reading... two additions that I love: A Year of Mornings: 3191 Miles Apart a visual feast, sharing the everyday of two bloggers' worlds, sensitive, intelligent and relaxing, and The Thrift Book: Live Well and Spend Less by one of my favorite writers, India Knight. There are lots of books on thrift out there, but this one is witty, on the spot and doesn't make you feel deprived.
I am hoping... to spend a lovely New Year's and to manage well the in-laws who will be visiting from Jan 5th.
I am creating... a cross stitched pirate for J.

I am hearing... the noise of the air conditioning and of the cars speeding outside.

I am going... to the dentist's.

Around the house...there is window cleaning to be done before the New Year.

One of my favorite things... my mobile. I visited my favorite blogs while at home without a phone connection.
A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week... important baking to do and church on New Year's day. There is a prayer I love and I have not heard in church for ages.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing… of the simple family life.

(The Daybook host is on vacation this week, but you know, one has to make a start somewhere...so I followed Karen's example at Homespun Simplicity and posted anyway!)