What's Up Wednesday, January 2024 Edition

 

It's the first What's Up Wednesday of 2025! I've lost track of how long I've been linking up with Sheaffer and Shay for this post, but it has to be going on seven years or so. That's a pretty decent commitment. I actually thought about skipping this month (I seem to do that frequently), but I enjoy it too much to skip.

What I've Been Eating

I recently learned to make my own bagels from sourdough discard, so I'm eating the best-tasting bagels in Petticoat Junction (full disclosure: there is no bagel shop in Petticoat Junction).

I also learned how to make English muffins with my sourdough discard, so ham and egg breakfast sandwiches have been on the menu.

The best meal that I have eaten outside of my home was a grilled chicken sandwich from Great Harvest in Neighboring City.

What I'm Reminiscing About

I'm not really reminiscing about anything.

What I'm Loving

Hugh and his team at the fire station were acknowledged for the work that they put into rescuing a man with a broken ankle from one of the hardest trails in our local National Park last summer. Very well deserved.

There is a new book store in Hooterville; they sell both new and used books. I love a good book store.

What I've Been Up To

I mentioned having enough sourdough discard to bake with; that's because I've been tending to my sourdough starter following a long slumber in my fridge. This past weekend, I made my first two loaves of bread and they were a success!

I also tried my hand at dehydrating my starter, which was a lot easier than I thought it would be. I now have a starter that will keep, indefinitely.

What I'm Working On

I'm still embroidering as a hobby.

I recently finished a design on one of my kitchen aprons; the apron had some stains, and the embroidered design disguises them completely.

What I'm Dreading

As I type this, I am dreading a dentist appointment that I have later this afternoon. By the time this is published, it will be over, and I will be just fine, I'm sure. That doesn't mean that I don't dread having my mouth numbed for the filling repair that needs to be done.

What I'm Excited About

I got my first seed catalog, and I am so excited to plan my garden for this year! I enjoyed growing flowers this past summer, but I am looking forward to returning to vegetables.

What I'm Watching

Mom and I attended another great play at the community theater in Hooterville. If you ever have an opportunity to see a production of The Tin Woman, jump on it! It's a fantastic show.

What I'm Reading

I am re-reading A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. I found this copy at a local thrift store and was super excited about revisiting the story.

What I'm Listening To

I've been inundated with "tea" about Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni; there is some new take on the drama every time I open my TikTok app. Do I care about the drama involving these two? Not really. Do I scroll on by rather than listen? Nope. It's sort of entertaining to watch celebrities meltdown.

What I'm Wearing

A cold front moved into the state this month, so I am wearing my sweater collection on repeat. I'm not mad about it; I have a lot of really cute sweaters that were relegated to the back of my closet during the time of The Change. It's been nice to feel comfortable in them again.

What I'm Doing This Weekend

I sound so basic, but I'm baking sourdough bread and bagels. In my defense, my Father-in-Law ordered a dozen of his very own after I dropped off a few for him and my Mother-in-Law to sample.

What I'm Looking Forward To Next Month

Queen B is coming home to spend her birthday with us! I'm so excited to have her here. Also, Kristi is coming home for her quarterly visit! I've already told her that she will be learning how to make bagels. She loved learning how to make pasta when she was home last time, so I'm sure she'll be thrilled.

Favorite Purchase This Month

I found this gorgeous vase at Homegoods and knew that it had to come home with me.