Jennifer Lyon


Friday, April 28th, 2023
Friday Five

TGIF! It’s once again time to write the Friday Five post. So we’ll start with mine :-)

  1. So far, I only have five herb plants, but they are doing great. This morning I was watering them while Wizard was cleaning the BBQ. I wasn’t bothering Wizard, I was happily chattering to my plants. I was complimenting Cilantro because he is growing better than I expected. Now Rosemary and Thyme are independent and don’t care. But Basil got a little upset because Basil wants to be the best like he always has been in the past. So I was reassuring him that he’s still an Herbal Rock Star in my eyes and I’m going to use him for some bruschetta soon. Wizard suggested I consider therapy. Rude.
  2. We finally got out to see my mother-in-law this week. She liked her belated birthday gift (that I’ve had for weeks, and I’m still mad we had to give it to her late!). It was nice that when we got there, my 91 year old mother-in-law was working in her garden. Pretty cool, huh?
  3. In my mother-in-law’s back yard, the back planter has huge trees and guess what (or who?) lives in those trees? Squirrels! Maggie saw her first squirrel and she was captivated! She once again jumped a wall that is counter high, showing off her athleticism. The squirrel ran up the tree of course. I went over there to make sure Maggie didn’t attempt anything insane — and that’s when I got yelled at. By a squirrel! It was hilarious. He was high up and scolding me something fierce. I told him to come down and say it to my face, but he declined :-) Maggie was utterly fascinated. She did finally leave her squirrel post to get treats from Wizard’s mom. We let his mom spoil her with the treats I bring because Maggie helps her with some normal aging issues in a way makes Wizard and I appreciate Maggie so much.
  4. We made the tri tip and loved it! Here’s the base recipe https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/236992/santa-maria-grilled-tri-tip-beef/   And my adjustments to the dry rub: I reduced the cayenne to a strong sprinkle and added 2 tablespoons brown sugar. To the mop sauce: I used red wine (I had cabernet on hand) in place of red wine vinegar and reduced the garlic because of my stomach issues. Wizard and I enjoy trying these things so we were willing to put in the extra work. Part of why I’m doing it is to get as much pre-processed food out of my diet as I reasonably can.
  5. This weekend the plan is to go to CPA Boy’s to have a little post tax season/late birthday celebration for the immediate family. But Turbo had a fever this week so we’ll see how he’s doing. If we go, I’m going to use those cupcakes in the freezer and make all the normal people chocolate cupcakes with Baileys-chocolate frosting. Turbo will get a special one with plain chocolate frosting and sprinkles (I don’t care of it’s only a small amount of Bailey’s in the frosting, I see no reason for a five-year-old to eat that. And Turbo will be happy because he’s will look better to him with sprinkles). Then yesterday I made some gluten and diary free ones for the two of us in the family who like to be difficult :-) Okay neither of us is really difficult, both of us easily eat around whatever is being served. I just wanted to make something for that son too because he just made it through another tax season. It’s fun. And I can eat them too :-)

So that’s my five, now I’d really love to hear yours! I hope everyone has a great weekend!

6 comments to “Friday Five”

  1. Silver James
    April 28th, 2023 at 8:36 am · Link

    Squirrels are the Jewish mothers of the animal world. Just sayin’… Maggie is a sweetie. Yay for the tri-tip. Glad it turned out! Excellent news on Wiz’s mom. Glad she’s spry and y’all got to see her. And you are such a mom! Spoiling your kids. ;) Good on you! No comment about plant talking. I wouldn’t worry until they talk back…

    Okay. My five:

    1. RAIN! We finally got some. A bit over 2″ over a few days this week. And it also rained in the Panhandle and western parts of the state that were almost to Dust Bowl dire. More rain this afternoon and tonight but it’s supposed to clear for the Bombing Memorial marathon tomorrow and Sunday. Only and Stormy are doing the 5K and Kids’ Run, then he has a play-off soccer game. Busy morning tomorrow!

    2. The mechanic did an awesome job “sealing” the moon roof on the truck, which sits out in the driveway no matter the weather. (No room in the garage sadly.) Despite all the rain, no leaks! Yay!!!!

    3. “The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch” is back on the History channel. Ooooh-eeee there are some crazy things going on and some interesting revelations about Dr. Travis Taylor, the astro-physisit on the team. Turns out, he was the lead scientist on a special government panel researching UFOs and couldn’t tell anyone for two years. WHOAH! And the stuff going on at the ranch? Jiminy Cricket! I know. I”m a weirdo UOF geek-out person. Whatever. :lol:

    4. Still adjusting to my glasses, keyboard and monitor positions and shaking my fist at Real Life and yelling for it to get off my lawn! I’m not writing as steadily as I’d hoped for this week but I am getting some new words. Sadly, yesterday’s words were for a future Penumbra Papers WIP that’s basically just a rough idea in my head but hey, when the inspiration strikes, I’ve learned to roll with it. That’s why I love Scrivener so much. I can keep track of all the wild hares and the rabbit holes they drag me into.

    5. Critter update for the week. Pete has spent more time indoors lately. The other night Loki went into Ninja Cat Stalker mode. He’d stalk Pete and then pounce from around a corner or from beneath the bed. Pete would turn and then chase Loki. I laughed. They both stopped to stare unblinking at me. Cats!

    Have a great weekend all!



  2. Viki S.
    April 28th, 2023 at 3:18 pm · Link

    1. I talk to my plants too. Giving them compliments is a good thing and Wizard is wrong. You do not need therapy.
    2. So happy you were finally able to see your MIL. It is fantastic that she was out working in her garden!
    3. I’m shocked that this was Maggie’s first encounter with a squirrel. I’ve never lived anywhere that squirrels weren’t a huge presence. Sorry one yelled at you. Maggie must have been so fun to watch.
    4. The tri tip sounds great. I have never made one. I couldn’t even find one at the local store. I will look around some more. You are so smart to get as much processed crud out of your diet.
    5. I sure hope Turbo is feeling better and that you all get to have a fantastic time this weekend. You are so right – Turbo will love his special cupcake with sprinkles. It’s nice that you are making the cookies and you can eat them too. :-P

    1a. My mom’s memorial will be June 3rd. My cousin wanted to accommodate everyone, but she forgot to check with my brother. He’s working pit crew at Watkins Glenn that day. He and his wife have had this scheduled for 8 months. He may have to pass, IDK.
    2a. I got my hair done and it looks great!
    3a. It’s cool and has rained all day. I don’t mind at all. The leaves on the trees are at that stage where they are super bright green. I love it.
    4a. Tomorrow the local farm market opens and I can’t wait. The Amish supply them with apple fritters and they are the best ever. I will be there when they open at 10. :lol:
    5a. Tomorrow night C&C are going to dinner with us but we’re going to Half price books first. I have a bunch to drop off. I feel better knowing that others will be reading them and that they will not be thrown away.

    Have a really great weekend!



  3. B.E. Sanderson
    April 28th, 2023 at 8:00 pm · Link

    Hello. Sorry I’ve been such a stranger. Yay for your herbs and boo to Wizard. You have to talk to plants. Yay for seeing your MIL and congrats to her for reaching 91! Yay for Maggie! Yum for the tri-tip! Happy Birthday to CPA Boy and I hope Turbo is over his fever so you can visit. :hugs:

    1) I’m feeling better at work these days. There’s more work, sure, but I’m on a better footing and in a better frame of mind.
    2) The kittens are taking up most of my free-time now, so that’s why I’m not online as much. Well, that and they want to be on my desk… in my lap… in front of my monitor… racing to climb my desk chair… when I’m trying to be online.
    3) We took the boys for a wellness check at the vet. They’re both healthy for the most part and growing like weeds. Sawyer has the sniffles and Finn’s got a little tummy troubles, but nothing major.
    4) It’s been raining and everything is so green here. I love Spring.
    5) The deer are fat pregnant now and we should be seeing loads of fawns when it’s time. I can’t wait.

    :HUGS:



  4. Jenn
    April 28th, 2023 at 8:48 pm · Link

    Silver, LOL on squirrels being Jewish Mothers of the animal world!

    1) That is excellent news on the rain, and good luck to Only and Stormy in the 5K and Kid’s Run! Then hope Stormy has a great game! And you all get some rest after that :-)
    2) Very good news on the moon roof seal.
    3) UFOs are fun to think about. I will have to look for that show (If I can remember when I’m looking for something!).
    4) That’s smart of you to have a method to track everything. I hope you can get your writing up to the speed you want, but I suspect it’s going to take more time to get there than you want it too. But you are making progress!!
    5) They are actually playing! That’s big news in the cat world! (At least I think so). They sure keep you guys entertained too.

    Have a great weekend!



  5. Jenn
    April 28th, 2023 at 9:01 pm · Link

    Viki, we have squirrels here, but the most she sees of one is darting across the street with no interaction. This was clearly a whole new experience to her. It was so funny.

    Turbo seems better and the dinner is on at the moment :-)

    1) I’m sorry your brother has this conflict. This stuff is hard, and I sure hope it gets worked out to everyone’s satisfaction.
    2) Yay on your hair! That’s a great feeling, isn’t it?
    3) Enjoy the cool weather! It’s been hot here, although rain is being predicted for next week.
    4) The apple fritters must be amazing! Plus I like Farmer’s Markets in general, but rarely get to go to one.
    5) I like giving my books away too! I hope you have a great dinner with your family!

    Have a good weekend!



  6. Jenn
    April 28th, 2023 at 9:08 pm · Link

    B.E., I figured you were busy with work and the two kitties! Two baby critters are a lot of work.

    1) That is great news that your feeling better. I’m so happy to hear that. I know you’ve really made and effort to get into this headspace.
    2) LOL!! I’m laughing with you not at you — but I guessed the kitties were taking up any free time you had. And they are worth it! For all the work, they must pay you back in joy and laughter. You’re wise to enjoy them.
    3) Very smart to get them set up with a vet and a health screening. Sorry for the sniffles and tummy trouble, but it sounds like things that will clear up.
    4) So glad Spring has shown up in vivid color for you!
    5) And fawns are on their way! I hope you can get pictures at some point. Enjoy!

    Have a great weekend and hope Sawyer and Finn get well quickly!



Comments are closed.





JenniferLyon.com