About Last Week And Maybe The Week Before Too

Hello friends. It has been non-stop party party party here for the past couple of weeks leaving little time to blog. I will hopefully not feel the need to tell you absolutely everything here today, but I make no promises. 

Two weeks ago hubs trekked over to Tennessee and brought his momma back to the lake to spend the week. While she was here we had a minor repair to the flashing and shingles around the chimney which meant a lot of hammering and banging. The actual work made a bit of a mess, but the roofers did a great job, tidied up before they left, and it's done now which is what matters to me. 

While this was happening we also had our front door refinished. It takes a beating from the sun, and we've been in this house nine years now so it was time. The job was supposed to take just a couple of days but ended up taking the whole week (minus the day the roofers were here). 

That's because they had to remove the door, seal the opening with plastic, sand the door, restain it, then tone down the stain on the interior because hubs thought it was too shiny and amp up the stain on the outside because hubs thought it was too matte, then seal the whole thing, and re-hang. It looks like a brand new door so a job well done. 

This is interesting, isn't it?

Hubs mom and I got out every day to do something fun, and she got to spend time with the greats which made her so happy. They all came here for dinner one night and it was the right kind of weather for a fire so we made s'mores. 

That Friday our neighborhood social committee hosted a Veteran's Day event and she enjoyed that too. They do a really nice job with this evening and everyone brings an appetizer or dessert to share. My mother-in-law and I had gone to a flea market on Wednesday and I bought some beautiful tomatoes there.  I made a Caprese style flag that turned out really pretty. 

The 'stars' are black olives. 

Hubs and I took his momma back to Tennessee Sunday after church. We spent the night at hubs brother's house, then drove home on Monday morning because we had our monthly wine dinner that night. 

Let's pause for a moment and give this cake its due. So delicious! It's a Portokalopita aka Greek orange phyllo cake. I will be tracking down a recipe online to recreate. 

Tuesday I had book club and Mah Jong, oh and daughter2 and her littles arrived to spend a few days. She stayed over at her sister's this time which was fun for everyone. The cousins had a great time together and so did the sisters. 

Cousins...

Be still my heart. 

Wednesday everyone came over here in the afternoon and I gave the kids their Christmas pajamas so we could take the most adorable photos ever! and also have dinner together. I'm not posting any of the pics as I'll use one in our Christmas card. 

Congratulating myself for not overthinking the pajamas, for buying as soon as I saw them, for remembering to take a picture of the grands all matchy matchy. I got the LAKE pjs, holly jolly for the boys and sugar plum dreams for the girls. I've never bought any of their kid wear, but their women's pajamas are really comfy. 

Hubs snapped this photo of the night sky-

Thursday the boys had school but the rest of us met for breakfast at a local spot we love. 

Hubs went on to the office for a bit and the girls and I (plus the three littlest littles) went to Hobby Lobby and Belks. Here's my haul-

The bedding was from Belks. I've been wanting to add Christmas linens to the bedrooms and decided this was the year to get started.  As we were leaving the restaurant hubs snapped this picture-

It's one of those pictures that plays tricks on your mind. You see moms walking their little ones to the car. I see teenage girls who dreamed of raising babies together living their dream. 

Hubs and I had plans to meet up with friends later that afternoon to talk about a potential trip in 2026. It sounds exciting so hopefully it all works out. My daughter invited us to come for dinner, but we were tired (ya think?!) and said we'd just eat leftovers at home and let them have sister time that evening. 

Friday morning everyone came to us after breakfast so the girls could divvy up my Snow Village. I've had the Snow village for decades and I love seeing it all set up around Christmastime. I don't have a great place for it in this house, and honestly the set up and take down was starting to bring me more stress than joy. Recently Daughter1 said she wished she had a snow village in her new house, and I told her I'd happily hand mine over. Half anyway, and half to her sister. 

So we pulled out the boxes and they took turns choosing who got what and in the end I think everyone was happy. I'll enjoy seeing the village in their homes and am glad they're excited about setting it up. 

Still here? 

Daughter2 got on the road back to Tennessee about noon, Daughter1 took her gang to the library and hubs and I had a day date. I'll save that for tomorrow. You're welcome. 

Saturday Daughter1 and her hubs had a day date of their own, and we were in charge of the three grands. They were excited for a sleepover at Nana and Pawpaws and we were excited too. They were dropped off here about one and we started the afternoon with ice cream sundaes. Or Saturday 'sundae's as Max likes to say. 

The weather was beautiful so we went to the park for a while. I played a little soccer and y'all it's been a minute. Hubs helpfully yelled from the sideline, 'don't hurt yourself' and you'll be relieved to know I did not. I called for a sub and hubs played the rest of the afternoon and I pushed Little Miss on the swing which felt less risky. 

We came home and everyone played here before dinner. We watched some football which the boys also enjoy and played some games then had dinner, Mississippi roast and mashed potatoes which everyone loves. After dinner it was baths and showers and then movie time. Hubs made popcorn and we watched The Incredibles and then everyone went to bed with nary a complaint. 

Sunday morning we went to church and met the parents there for the switch. After the service hubs and I stopped and got Mexican food for lunch and then it was home for some afternoon r & r, which translates to blogging on the couch for me, and football at a friends house for hubs. Watching, not playing just in case that wasn't clear. 

And I think that brings us up to speed. 

Mostly. 

So, what's new with you? 

This post is linked with Hello Monday hosted by Holly (Pink Lady) and Sarah (Sunshine and Books). 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 629

Here are the questions for this week's Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here on Wednesday (November 19th) to share answers with the blog world. See you there! 

1. Let's do our gratitude question first this week...what's the best thing about your home, and have you taken time to enjoy it lately? 

2. Do you like squash? Of the varieties listed, which one's your favorite and how do you like it prepared? Is squash of some sort on your Thanksgiving menu?? 

acorn, butternut, delicata, spaghetti, zucchini, crookneck (yellow squash), patty pan

3. Last time you were 'squashed in' somewhere, or felt squashed? 

4. Have you ever played squash? What about other 'racquet sports' such as racquetball, tennis, pickleball, badminton, table tennis (ping pong)? Are these sports something you enjoy? 

5. Something in today's society or culture that feels like a 'racket' to you? If you don't like that one, tell us about a place you've been recently where there was a lot of 'racket'. 

6.  Insert your own random thought here. 

A Day In The Life-Autumn, 2025

Hello Friends. Today we're taking a peek into an ordinary day here. Ha! What's ordinary? 

The thing about retirement is everyday is different, or at least that's how it is here. The routines of the past where work and school and children in the house ruled the day are out the window and we're in a season now of figuring out each day as it comes. We keep a calendar and it's shockingly full of appointments, dinners, get togethers with friends, travel, hobbies, and time with family. 

So let's look at a day in the life. I always enjoy reading these because I think they have a way of connecting us and making us feel like we're all in it together. If you've shared one of your own days add your link at the end of my post. Link back here somewhere so your readers can join the party. Day In The Life Links only today, please and thank you. 

Here's mine...

I chose a Thursday, October 30th. Normally on Thursdays I'm volunteering at a local soup kitchen for a fair chunk of the day, but on this particular Thursday I had another commitment so right off the bat I'll say it was ordinary, but not my usual Thursday. 

Like I said, what's ordinary? 

Okay here we go for real-

Also right off the bat...I use a lot of words and this post will be no different. Ordinary you might say teehee. I'm going to break my day into chunks time wise. 

6:30 6:29 AM -10:00 AM

I used to be a super early riser, even after I stopped working and had a quiet house. I love the early morning and am most productive (normally, although maybe not on this day) before lunch. I don't set an alarm and wake up when I wake up. It used to be much earlier than 6:30, but on this particular day this was it.

I have my phone on do not disturb from about 9 PM-8 AM, only allowing calls from my girls and my sister who has my mom living with her. 

First things first...start the coffee. I set it up the night before because I seriously cannot add the extra two minutes it takes to scoop it into the filter to my early morning agenda. 

While coffee brews I brush my teeth and if hubs hasn't already done so I let the dog out and then give him his breakfast. He's impatient for his breakfast the same way I'm impatient for that first sip of coffee. 

His bowl is in the laundry room so I went ahead and started a load of laundry. 

It's always looking at us, isn't it? 

And it looks like there was something in the dryer from the night before, but I'm pretty sure it was car towels so no biggie. Raise your hand if your husband washes the cars every other day and needs clean dry towels on the regular. 

So laundry is going, and then if hubs is up we sometimes go ahead and make the bed. Sometimes that happens later, but it always happens. Sometimes I walk in the room to make the bed and hubs has already done it and honestly those days are my favorite. 

It was a gorgeous morning so I took the little brown dog down to the dock to chase chipmunks and see what we could see. He's so funny because he always always takes the cart path and never ever runs down the middle of the yard. Such a gentleman. 

Yes I stroll down there in my pjs and robe. Nobody is around and if they are whatever. My neighbor has seen me in my robe and is used to me. 

I came back inside and made breakfast-yogurt, berries, and a spoonful of granola. 

Then it was time to shower, run the straightener through my hair, put on actual makeup and real clothes because I was on a panel this day and sweats wouldn't do. 

10:00 AM -1: 00 PM 

Have you heard of an organization called OLLI? If you live in a university town you may have one nearby. OLLI is open to anyone, but it's membership is primarily people over 50. It's a lifelong learning program that offers courses on all manner of subjects, everything from how to make a charcuterie board to travel groups, to the rise and fall of Rome. In other words something for everyone. 

Our group is connected to the big university here, and the courses are taught by volunteers. One of my neighbors was co-teaching a course on 'retirement', and this day was focused on unleashing your creativity in the retirement years. She had three guests come and share a little bit about their hobbies, and I was part of that lineup. My niche was blogging, a gentleman on the panel talked about his woodworking hobby and how it's grown in retirement, and another guest talked about music (she joined a big band) and sewing (she volunteers to make gowns for babies who pass away or are stillborn and she does this using donated wedding dresses). 

It was a really enjoyable morning and so interesting to hear everyone's thoughts on what it means to be creative. I talked a little bit about how I got into blogging, why I blog and what I've gained from it, and how to start a blog if that's an interest you have. 

On the way home I stopped by the post office to mail a birthday gift to my brother. 

1:00 PM-4:00 PM 

Lunch. I forgot to snap the picture before I'd eaten half, but I made hubs and I a salad and it was obviously delish. 

It was actually quite cool and hubs had the fireplace going. So cozy. 

After lunch I got busy making dinner. Some days are like this.

I put beef tips in the crock pot and they required a little browning first. I have a rule about crock pot cooking and the rule is I don't brown stuff beforehand because the point of a crock pot is not a lot of pans. Maybe not the point, but A point anyway. I've made these before and think browning the meat gives them the right amount of extra they need. 

I moved on to prepping the mashed potatoes wearing my trusty potato gloves of course. My girls gave me these years ago and I think bought them at Bed Bath and Beyond. My hands used to break out anytime I peeled potatoes, but if I wear these gloves all is well. They're scratchy in texture but not uncomfortable. 

I washed the dishes then started yet another kitchen task-making the dough for my savory cheddar and pepper jelly thumbprints. These were to give to the kayakers on Halloween the following day. We have a dock or treat in our neighborhood and our dock was one of the stops. Hosts provide a sip of something and a nibble. 

Definitely grating the cheese myself. In a recipe like this it's necessary as the pre-packaged ends up not holding together as well. Hubs taking a picture as proof this is my real life and not Ai. 

Dough went into the frig to chill for a while and I started on yet another sinkful of dishes. 

Hey, remember that laundry? 

4:00-6:00 PM 

A load out of the dryer, a load into the dryer, a new load into the washer.  Tea time! 

I carried my tea down to the firepit and since it was such a pretty day hubs and I sat here and listened to our daily Bible reading and our Bible Recap podcast. 

We surveyed the lemon crop on the way back up to the house. 

She's a doozy. 

Hey, remember that laundry? 

6:00-8:30 PM 

Dinner is ready...beef tips, mashed potatoes, steamed brocoli. It was yummy. 

Hubs did dishes while I worked on making the thumbprints. 

While they were baking he put together the soccer goals we'd purchased for Max's birthday. His birthday was on Thursday, but the party was Saturday and after more than 30 years of parenting we know to assemble toys ahead of time. 

He had a helper. Actually I helped by holding the post while hubs attached the net. It was a two man job. 

8:30-10:00 PM 

I finished up the thumbprints and then we collapsed on the couch and watched one of our shows before calling it a day. Night. 

This was fun. There was no reading, no walking although I did have almost 14,000 steps this day, and a lot of time in the kitchen which I love as long as I'm not rushed. Most days there's reading and blogging both, and less time spent cooking. There was laundry because isn't there always? 

My plan going forward is to do these seasonally, so maybe four a year.  Watch for the next date sometime in the early part of 2026. 

Did you know 2026 rolls around in 49 days? Happy new year! 

PB And Hodgepodge

Welcome to another edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. If you've answered today's questions add your link at the end of my post, then leave a comment for the blogger before you. Here we go...

1. What does patriotism mean to you? 

I try not to repeat questions, but every now and then one slips through. This is one of those times. I looked back and saw my answer to this one all the way back in 2011, and while the world has changed a whole lot my answer to this has not. 

"Loving your country is at the heart of patriotism, but I think it goes deeper than that. Living in a foreign country helped me see the word patriotism also means you personally identify with your home country. You worry, defend, promote, and act as cheerleader. You want to see her demonstrate all that is good and right in the world. Sometimes she lets you down but you love her anyway. 

In 2025 I would add that patriotism also means showing respect for our national symbols (the flag, our anthem, etc), obeying our laws, honoring those who've sacrificed and are in service to our country, and doing what we can to be good citizens. 

2. September-October-November...your favorite fall month? Tell us why. If you live in the southern hemisphere use these months but sub spring for the word fall. 

Well this one is tough because I love all three of these so much, my favorite three months of the year. I love the weather, the skies, the color, and the change in menu and clothing. My birthday is in September, but November gives us Thanksgiving. That much needed pause before the busy-ness of the Christmas season truly begins, makes November my favorite. 

3. A song you love with the word thanks (or some form of that word)  in the title or lyrics?

I love the song I Thank God by Maverick City Music. I've linked it (here) if you don't know it. You can't listen to this one sitting down. 

4. November is National Peanut Butter Month. Are you a fan? What's the last peanut butter bite you had? Fill in the blank: peanut butter and _____________________ . 

Oh, and you can't say jelly. 

I like peanut butter but don't eat a lot of it. I think the last peanut butter bite I had was a Reese's Cup on Halloween.  

Peanut butter and fluff aka marshmallow cream for those not in the know. 

5. This week's gratitude question-What event from this past year are you most grateful for? 

I'm sure you can guess my answer to this one...my daughter and her family moving to tiny town is the event I'm most grateful for. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Whew. We busy. I will do a catch up at some point. Probably. Or not. Whatever. 

Tomorrow I'm hosting a link up here for anyone interested in sharing a Day In The Life post. These are always fun to read and help us remember all the ways we're connected as we go about the everyday ordinary business of living. Hope you'll join us! 

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 628

Here are the questions to this week's Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog then hop back here on Wednesday (Nov 12) to add your link to the party. See you there! 

1. What does patriotism mean to you? 

2. September-October-November...your favorite fall month? Tell us why. If you live in the southern hemisphere use these months but sub spring for the word fall. 

3. A song you love with the word thanks (or some form of that word)  in the title or lyrics?

4. November is National Peanut Butter Month. Are you a fan? What's the last peanut butter bite you had? Fill in the blank: peanut butter and _____________________ . 

Oh, and you can't say jelly. 

5. This week's gratitude question-What event from this past year are you most grateful for? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Share Your Shelf-October

It's the first Thursday of the month which means it's time to share what we've read the month prior. Hop over to the host blogs (The Other Side Of The Road,  Slices of Life, My Joyful Life, and Memphis Bridges) if you'd like to see more titles and reviews. Here's my October stack-

1984 by George Orwell

This was our book club selection in October.  I read this in high school and let me just say it 100% hits different in 2025. Whoa. It's pretty amazing how spot on this book is with all that is happening currently in terms of data collection, suppression of speech, cancel culture, redefining common terms, and artificial intelligence.  If you've never read this one you should. fyi-it's not a happy go lucky story by any means 

The book was written in 1948 (published in 1949) and Orwell (did you know his real name was Eric Blair?)  chose the title by reversing the date (1948/1984). When this book was written television was barely a thing, yet his picture of the future is scarily accurate. 

1984 is what we call dystopian, and it follows the main character (Winston Smith) as he rebels against a totalitarian governmetn led by Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites history to fit the Party's agenda. His rebellion grows with a forbidden love affair and in thinking his superior (O'Brien) is an ally. 

Our book club happened to meet on Charlie Kirk's birthday and I wore my freedom sweatshirt which some people appreciated, and some likely did not. It certainly felt right to me.  I gave this one 5 stars. 

Broken Country by Claire Leslie Hall 

This is one of those novels getting all the hype, and in fact has been optioned for a feature film. Eh. Its also a Reese Witherspoon book club choice. The plot centers around a love triangle and it's impact on a small English farming community. I found two of the three parties in this trio unlikable which heavily influenced my three star rating. I think I'm in the minority here but I'm okay with that. 

Broken Country is the story of a married woman whose first love drops back into her life and upends the quiet farm life she's made for herself. There's significant tragedy in the novel and I found that hard to read. While I felt compassion for Beth because of the tragedy she experienced her subsequent actions made me squirm. Overall the book was a downer, which I can be on board with (just ask my book club-I love sad stories) but in this case I was not. 

Go As A River by Shelley Read

I loved it. And it's sad in parts but there's a lot to love too. Go As A River is a work of historical fiction set in 1940's Colorado. 17-year old Victoria's life is changed by a chance encounter with a mysterious drifter named Wilson Moon. The subsequent relationship leads to heartbreak, tragedy, hard choices, and ultimately a rebuilt life. The story follows Victoria's journey of survival and resilience all set against the backdrop of her family's peach farm and the threat of the Gunnison River being flooded for a dam. 

The writing is excellent and the story compelling. Five stars for me. 

Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis 

C. S. Lewis was a brilliant man and sometimes reading his writing has me questioning my own intellect. I absolutely love everything I've read by him, but often have to read his works slowly, and really allow them to marinate in my brain before I truly get it. 

While that might not sound like an appealing invitation to read this book I encourage everyone to read it. It's very readable and the chapters are short. Lewis has a real gift for explaining complex theological ideas in a way everyman can understand. 

This wasn't originally planned as a book, and instead began as a brief series of broadcasts on the BBC during the early part of WW2. Lewis was asked to present these talks as a way as a way of comforting and reassuring British citizens during one of the darkest periods of time the world has ever known. 

Can you imagine us trying that now?  

Lewis lived much of his life an avowed atheist before coming to Christianity in his 30's. He manages to explain Christianity and why it makes sense in very un-churchy language. 

I've read Mere Christianity before but it was a long time ago. Our church is doing an evening study of the book so I'm reading again, and enjoying the discussion too. This is an easy 5 stars for me.