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. 

The Hodgepodge Is Never Just So-So

Welcome to November and this week's edition of The Wednesday Hodgepodge. Mine is wordy. That second question was better in my head lol. Thanks for playing along! 

Quick reminder-I'm hosting a Day In The Life linkup here for anyone interested, on Thursday, November 13th. If you need more info you'll find details at the end of the post linked here (A Freshly Painted Hodgepodge).

Okay, back to today... 

1. Besides Thanksgiving, something on your November calendar you're looking forward to? 

My younger daughter and her littles are coming to hang out with us next week and there's nothing I love more than seeing my two girls together. Love having all the grands together too, but I especially love my girls having sister time. 

2. Dictionary.com's word of the year is '6-7'. Huh? 

Is it even a word??? I had to consult the internet to find out it's meaning because apparently I'm old and this particular slang is not part of my vocabulary. Is it part of yours? According to the article I read, it's a viral term, more of an inside joke with an unclear meaning driven by social media.

What do you think? 

Dictionary. com says it's selection each year is a 'linguistic time capsule reflecting social trends and events, but they also admitted to being confused by '6-7'. Some say it means so-so and is sometimes accompanied by the up and down hand motion we associate with the phrase so-so.

What word do you think would have made a better choice? 

Here are my answers-

Is it part of my vocabulary. Nope. 

What do I think? I realize and can also appreciate the way slang is very much a generational thing and changes with the times. I can get on board with slang working it's way into everyday usage, and even our dictionary in some cases, but not super ridiculous slang. 

I suppose all slang is slightly ridiculous, but even the people using this one don't seem to get it, and it's not an expression I see lasting the way a lot of slang does. 

What word do I think would have made a better choice? If we're sticking with slang I like doomscroll and I especially like doomscroll detox. Who doesn't need that in today's climate? 

3. What's a food, trend, activity, or thing people love but you think is just so-so? 

Green drinks. The real thing, aka veggies, is so much better. 

4. Are you a tea drinker? Hot or cold? How do you like yours and at what time of day? Do you like flavored teas or teas billed as calming, energizing, healing, etc? 

Yes and I like both hot and cold. I drink coffee first thing in the morning, but will have a cup of tea most afternoons around 3 PM. I like mine with just a splash of milk. No flavors, just regular tea flavored tea please.  

Also, I want my hot tea in an actual cup, no styrofoam or metal Stanley type container. And I don't want it microwaved. We have an automatic super hot water dispenser in our kitchen sink but I do not make tea with it. I use a kettle like all tea snobs should. An electric kettle is fine. I like the act of making tea, the exhale that seems to come with it, and the slowdown it brings to a busy day. 

5. The November Hodgepodge always has a gratitude question each week. For today, what are three things that make your heart sing? 

• Well, in a nod to the previous question its tea drinking season and I love my afternoon cuppa. In the warm months I drink iced coffee in the afternoon but once fall hits I'm all about a cozy cup of  afternoon tea. 

• Autumn skies. I love sunrises that are so brilliant they reflect off the lake into my kitchen window. 

• My sister. Today is her birthday and I'm  feeling especially grateful for her this year. My mom lives with her and I'm so thankful for all she does to keep my mom safe and feeling loved. Growing older requires a lot of letting go of roles we've always held, routines we've created, and  bits and pieces of who we used to be. But caring for someone who’s aging means letting go, too. Caregivers give up time, energy, and parts of their own lives, and I want her to always know how very much we appreciate all she does. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I've been posting our weekly 'day dates' here because we're aiming for 52 in 52 weeks. Mentioning them every week helps us stay on track. We've had a busy month so most weeks we've had to make the most of whatever window of time we happen to have, and I guess that's kind of the point-find time. 

Day Date Episode Five...does a visit to the doctor count? 

It does if you decide it does. Last week hubs had an appointment at the dermatologist and we made a date of it. It's about an hour away so lots of time to chat in the car both coming and going. It was a rainy day and we decided we'd have lunch out after his appointment. 

I sat in the car and read my book, then we did another fun thing together which was a trip back to the car dealer to get new batteries in my key fobs. Naturally the warning light for that couldn't have come on when I was there the week before, but we popped back in and they were quick and are always so nice. 

We thought about where we wanted to eat and initially thought we'd try something new but it was not yet 11 am so most lunch spots weren't open. We decided on breakfast instead and hubs suggested a spot we used to frequent when our girls were in uni here. We went more often when we lived in the city while building our house. 

It's a diner of sorts but we like it and we enjoyed talking about living in this town and would we ever want to live there again, and how much it's changed but how it's still a great city. 

We remembered to snap a quick rainy day selfie out front before we left. 

Day dates are what you make them. We likely will miss one this week as my mother-in-law is visiting, but we'll tack a week on at the end because we're retired and we can do whatever we want. That's what we like to say anyway. 

Happy Wednesday everyone! Happy birthday Sissy xo 

Hello November

Good Monday morning friends. The last two weeks of October have me waving the white flag in November and looking forward to a quieter, gentler, less sugar-fueled month. 

As per usual I'm linking with Holly (Pink Lady Blog) and Sarah (Sunshine and Books) today to discuss our weekend shenanigans. 

Friday morning I had my hair appointment which lasts for hours but one does what one must. I like my stylist a lot. She's the same age as my girls and we're on the same page about a lot of things so always have a nice conversation. I read while I wait on the foil to 'cook' and then I'm in a good mood the rest of the day because fresh hair does that. 

I came home and made a pot of tortilla soup for dinner and then put together the treat bags for the dock or treat happening late afternoon. Kayakers paddle to the host docks for a sip and snack, and while it was a little brisk out there on Friday everyone had a good time. 

Most years we dress up and the kayakers usually wear costumes too. I didn't wear a costume this year because I honestly hadn't had time to think about it. Hubs did pull something out of the costume box in the attic and I wore my pumpkin t-shirt so we were festive enough. 

We gave everyone a sip of our homemade limoncello and I made savory thumbprints which were really good and definitely a keeper in terms of recipes I'll make again. (I used the recipe found here and it made two dozen so I'd double for a party). 

These thumbprints are a cheesy cookie with a dollop of pepper jelly in the center. I put them in cello bags along with some candy because it was Halloween after all. I've learned after doing this a couple of times putting the snack in a bag makes it much easier to pass to a kayaker. 

After they left hubs and I had soup and relaxed until the kids came by to show us their costumes. For the most part I don't post pics of their faces on my blog these days, but trust me they were awesome. They did a Monty Python theme with the boys as knights, my daughter as the witch, my son-in-law the coconut character, and little miss as the 'bunny'. She loved her costume. 

My Tennessee grands were completely adorable and had a great day. They even won the under-10 costume contest in their neighborhood. If you're a lover of children's literature you'll get it-

Saturday morning we watched college game day while I baked a coke cake. Yes. More dessert. I had signed up to bring something to a pastor appreciation luncheon we were attending on Sunday and my baking window was Saturday morning. 

This is an old recipe but also one that never-fails. That warm fudge icing is the best. I wanted something I could make the day before and easily transport and I remembered how much I used to love this when my momma made it. Still so good! 

Saturday afternoon we headed back to Daughter1's house for, guess what??? 

Yup. Another birthday party. 

Because Max's birthday lands just a couple of days before Halloween his parents had his party the day after. Thankfully the weather was perfect because they had a crowd. 

Also, that's a giant balloon. Spiderman didn't actually make an appearance. 

Hubs and I got Max soccer goals and most of the boys were happy playing soccer all afternoon. The party had a Superhero theme and my daughter had a few fun things they could do in addition to the ball game. There was a cardboard city she made that the kids could knock down wearing Hulk gloves, and they absolutely loved this. 

There was also a super hero frisbee toss, decorate your own mask, and capes for everyone. 

Pizza and cupcakes because what's a birthday party without food and candles on a cake? We got home just in time to watch the Vols play. Whew another brutal game and loss. 

Moving on...Sunday morning hubs got on the road to Tennessee to pick up his mom and bring her to the lake to spend the week with us. I went to church and then stayed for the lunch afterwards. 

I grocery shopped on the way home because we have someone coming to refinish our front door on Monday and I'll need to be home until the job is completed. Which may mean all day. Hubs and his mom will be home around lunchtime and then he'll manage the door project because that's his department. 

We have a few fun things planned with his mom, and she's excited to see the her Carolina great grands.  I'm getting a shot in my ankle and whoohoo! that will be a good time too. 

What kind of fun did you have this weekend? Hop over to our host blogs and tell us all about it.

Hodgepodge Questions-Volume 627

Here are the questions to this week's Hodgepodge. Answer on your own blog, then hop back here on Wednesday (November 5th) to add your link to the party. See you there! 

1. Besides Thanksgiving, something on your November calendar you're looking forward to? 

2. Dictionary.com's word of the year is '6-7'. Huh? 

Is it even a word??? I had to consult the internet to find out it's meaning because apparently I'm old and this particular slang is not part of my vocabulary. Is it part of yours? According to the article I read, it's a viral term, more of an inside joke with an unclear meaning driven by social media.

What do you think? 

Dictionary. com says it's selection each year is a 'linguistic time capsule reflecting social trends and events, but they also admitted to being confused by '6-7'. Some say it means so-so and is sometimes accompanied by the up and down hand motion we associate with the phrase so-so.

What word do you think would have made a better choice? 

3. What's a food, trend, activity, or thing people love but you think is just so-so? 

4. Are you a tea drinker? Hot or cold? How do you like yours and at what time of day? Do you like flavored teas or teas billed as calming, energizing, healing, etc? 

5. The November Hodgepodge has always included a weekly gratitude question. Here's the question for today-what are three things that make your heart sing? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Monthly Musings-October

It's somehow the end of October which means it's time for Monthly Musings hosted by Holly and Patty. This month's questions have a throwback feel to them and I love a throwback. Let's go... 

1. Favorite Halloween traditions? 

My own littles are grown with littles of their own now, so this will be a bit of a stroll down memory lane. We never made a huge deal out of Halloween, but we did costumes and trick or treating and always looked forward to that. 

My girls elementary school days were spent living in a cozy cul-de-sac in a small neighborhood so that's where most of the trick or treating took place. There were several other neighborhoods within walking distance of ours so plenty of houses. 

The dads typically walked the neighborhoods with the kids, and the moms stayed home to pass out candy. I enjoyed seeing everyone dressed up. It was usually cold and many years the kids would be wearing coats over their outfits which was a bummer, but sometimes necessary. There was usually a parade at school too, and parents came to watch. I remember that from my own elementary school days as well.  

When we moved to the UK Halloween was murky...do they celebrate or not? The girls went to a party, or maybe out with friends, the first year we lived there and dressed as '60's girls' which was super cute. 

2. Special Halloween dinners or spooky snacks? 

We usually had chili for dinner because as I said, it was almost always cold outside. 

3. What do you typically do on Halloween? 

Our neighborhood has had trunk or treats in years past, but I don't think one is going on in the neighborhood this year. There are many happening all around town, and organized trick or treating seems to be more common now than going house to house like we did as children. Also these trunk or treats have been happening since last weekend, so I guess Halloween is now a week-long celebration? 

Since moving to the lake hubs and I have been to a few Halloween parties and I love a good costume. 

This year we'll see the local grandkids and they have a fantastic family costume I'm excited about. My Tennessee grands also have the absolute cutest costumes and they live in a neighborhood where trick or treating is easy. I'll have to settle for a photo there though. 

No parties this year for hubs and I, but my grandson's birthday is the week of Halloween so we'll be celebrating him over the weekend. 

Our neighborhood does a dock or treat and that's fun! Kayakers paddle to various host docks for a sip and snack. We're hosting a stop here this year and will serve a limoncello sip with a savory cheddar and pepper jelly thumbprint. 

 

I've never made the savory thumbprints before but they sound good.  

4. Do you carve or paint pumpkins? 

Not anymore. We never painted but always carved, and the kids had fun with that. These days I have un-carved pumpkins on my front porch as decor. 

5. Favorite Halloween Candy? 

I had a candy question in the Hodgepodge this week, but as far as true Halloween candy goes I'll say a Reese's cup. 

6. What are you giving out for Halloween this year? 

We don't usually get trick or treaters here, but I do have treats for the grandkids who will stop by to show us their costumes. I have Reese's because hubs loves them, tootsie pops, and Starburst. 

7. Full size or fun-size? 

Fun size. I love the fun size. 

8. Favorite Halloween Costume of all time? 

This is a tough one. Hubs and I dressed as Austin Powers and his girl one year and that was a big hit. 

9. Favorite Halloween movies? 

None. I'm not a fan of horror or the whole Halloween movie genre. 

10.  What are the trick or treat hours where you live? 

Depending where you go it's 5-8, or 6:30-8:30.  

Thanks Holly and Patty for the link up...hop over to their blogs if you want to read more or add a post of your own. 

Note-I'm hosting a Day In The Life link up on Thursday, Nov 13th for anyone who'd like to participate. You'll find details at the end of this blog post-A Freshly Painted Hodgepodge.  These posts are always fun to read, and if you've always wanted to try one here's your chance. 

No Surprise It's The Hodgepodge

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

1. Are you a risk taker? To what degree?

Not by choice. We're retired so we're pretty low risk with investments at this point in our lives. I'm not at all a risk taker in the athletic/adrenaline sport department-snow skiing, rock climbing, that sort of thing. 

That being said if hubs said he wanted to pick up and live somewhere new, visit a country we've never before seen, eat something unusual, then I'd be game.  I'm open to change and I guess that qualifies me as somewhat of a risk taker. 

Out of curiosity I took an online quiz and came out as a sensation seeker but on the low end of that spectrum-

'...Your relatively low score in sensation-seeking indicates that while you may take risks on occasion, you usually choose the well-traveled path. You probably prefer to work in a stable environment in which changes are made gradually and with ample warning...'

So that is my preference and my comfort zone, but of course I've lived outside of that in a lot of ways. While I don't seek out risk I can cope if it comes my way. 

2. What's your favorite candy? Would you say you have a sweet tooth? 

Let's start with the easy part first-do I have a sweet tooth. In a word, yes. 

Next question-my favorite candy? I'm not sure I can choose just one, but Jelly Bellies, Starburst, Hot Tamales, Mike and Ikes, and a PayDay candy bar rank right up there. Also they're what you'd most likely find stashed in my candy drawer. 

Everyone has a candy drawer, right?  

3. Somewhere you've been recently that had you feeling 'like a kid in a candy store'? 

Hobby Lobby always feels a bit like a 'candy store' to me. I met my daughter for coffee on Tuesday and she needed a red feather for her son's costume so we popped in Hobby Lobby after. 

Yeah. We bought more than a feather. 

4. What do you think is the most effective way to make a positive change in the world? 

I think the best way to make a positive change in the world is to make a positive change in your own little corner of it. Most of us won't change the world on a grand scale but we can make a difference in someone's life and of course the lives of our own families. This good has a ripple effect. 

Be a good neighbor. Be a considerate patron of the businesses and restaurants you visit. Volunteer. Be generous in supporting those in need in your own home town in whatever way you're able. Smile. Speak to the sales clerk. Hold that door for the person coming behind you. Make a meal for a new mom or a family grieving. Express your appreciation for kindnesses large and small. Vote. Pray for the needs of the people whose paths cross yours. Stand up for the things you believe in.  

'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.' Luke 6:31 

5. Do you like surprises? 

The good kind, sure lol. An unexpected repair, a broken bone, that sort of surprise not so much. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

Hmmm...how about a picture of the most delicious entree I had for dinner Tuesday evening? Pretty sure that qualifies as random. 

I got a little too close when I snapped the picture, but it was very pretty-grilled mahi mahi over charred corn risotto, topped with lemon basil cream sauce and pickled onions. I didn't make it, but wow it was so good. We met friends at a local distillery and I think when they first opened the owners were all about the beverages. But they hired a very well-trained and experienced chef and now people are coming just for the food, and the place is always hoppin' which is nice to see. 

The owners of the venue are former rodeo riders which is not a profession you encounter every day. I think the wife may still compete and the venue has their buckles on display along with some fancy saddles. It's a fun place. 

In a completely unrelated vein...this is your weekly reminder I'm hosting a Day In The Life link up here on Thursday, November 13th. If you need more info check out my random thought in this post-A Freshly Painted Hodgepodge. 

Happy Wednesday everyone! My favorite middle grandson turns six years old today. His birthday letter from Nana is here-Snips And Snails And Birthday Tails  for anyone who enjoys reading these. 

Snips and Snails and Birthday Tales

Two birthdays here within five days of each other means two birthday letters within five days of each other. Today's letter is for 'Max', our second born grandson. His birthday lands on Hodgepodge Day this year so I'm writing a day early. Let's call it happy birthday eve because if you read here you know I'm all about stretching out the celebrations. 

Dear sweet Max,

I can hardly believe you’re turning six years old tomorrow. I guess that’s something “old” people say, but time really does move faster as you add more candles to the cake. Grandparents especially like to remark on the truth of that!  

You’ve had a big, busy year, with a move midway through from beautiful Cambridge, England, to the South Carolina countryside, and you’ve taken it all in stride. And now we’re neighbors. Yay! Pawpaw and I love having you just a few short miles away, and we look forward to sharing ordinary days, and the special ones too, in the years to come.

You started kindergarten this year and have learned to read, which you know is Nana’s favorite. Daddy reads aloud to you and your big brother most nights, and that sweet Max, is a gift and a memory you’ll look back on and treasure.

Besides books, you love hiking with your family, outer space, exploring the woods, Legos, music, superheroes, knights in their armor, and riding your bike fast! You’re strong and funny and a good big and little brother, landing right in the middle and bringing the fun.

I pray this year brings you lots of new experiences and grand adventures. More stories to read, more goals to score, more lizards to chase, and more of the kind of laughter that lights up your whole handsome face. Keep being curious, keep being kind, and keep falling more in love with Jesus every day.

Have the happiest 6th birthday ever, my sweet boy, and know your Nana loves you deep and wide. xoxo

"Stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Let all that you do be done in love."

1 Corinthians 16:13–14

Hello Monday. Also Last Tuesday Wednesday, Thursday.

Mondays are when I link with Holly and Sarah for their weekend recaps, but since all of last week felt like the weekend, I'm going to start with last Monday, and hit the whole week's highlights. 

Of which there were many. 

You'll need coffee. 

Friends we hadn't seen in a decade arrived Monday afternoon, their first trip to the lake. Since the weather was so nice we went for a short boat ride, then hung out at home and hubs grilled steaks for dinner.

We had a leisurely late breakfast on Tuesday, then took the boat all the way up to the dam.

 

It's a long ride, and we don't go that far very often, but another beautiful day weather wise so really enjoyable. 

Later we went into town for the 'grand tour' then stopped at a local distillery for drinks and apps. This a newer venue and it's always a fun stop. We went across the road to an Italian restaurant for dinner and ran into two different couples we know. Small town livin' is the best. 

Our guests left around noon on Wednesday and hubs and I declared that afternoon our day date. It was the only real window of time we had the entire week so carpe diem. 

We walked. 

That might not sound like much of a 'date', but small moments are what you make them. 

Also, I haven't really walked in months and the doc said to start slow and easy so we went to a local park and walked their flat path that runs through the woods and around the ball fields. I wore my new shoes and it all felt okay. I'm getting a shot in two weeks so hoping that knocks out the remaining pain. 

Anyway, it was nice. Day date episode 4. Check. 

Not that it's a check list but counting helps us stay on track. 

Thursday I worked my usual volunteer stint, then hurried home to make snacks and set up for guests. We have new neighbors hubs and I had not yet met, but a mutual friend let us know about them because they're from her home town in Illinois. So on Thursday we had them all here for happy hour along with our next door neighbors. 

We did heavy hors d'oeuvres by the waterfall. The weather was wonderful and it was so nice to sit outside. We turned the fire table on once it got dark and passed out blankets for anyone who needed one. It was a fun little gathering.  

And now... the weekend. Finally. 

Daughter2's father-in-law celebrated a milestone birthday recently and my son-in-law organized a fun weekend at a Georgia quail hunting venue. My son-in-law's brother drove up from Florida and met them there. The father-in-law was driving from closer to our neighboring state and was going to pick up hubs at a meet up spot just off the interstate to save him the extra time it would take for him to come to the lake, and then have to backtrack. 

Are you following? 

I was driving hubs to the meet up spot at the crack of dawn so I threw on my cozy earth comfy wear and off we went. As we were driving to the meet up spot (about 45 minutes away) a warning light came on in my car saying there was a transmission issue and don't stop the car or it might not restart. Sigh. 

I dropped hubs and went directly to the dealer another thirty minutes away. They were already busy but were so nice and said they'd figure it out. They put a little computer thingy-ma-bob in the car and voila! It's not the transmission. I needed a new battery, plus 'as long as you're here...' 

I ended up getting an oil change, several filters, and some brake fluid. They said it would take about two hours so I settled in to their comfy lounge, in my comfy clothes, drank their delicious hot coffee and watched HGTV on their big screen while I waited. It seems you can buy shoes and luggage while you wait but I opted for coffee only. 

These little minis were  pretty tempting as I know the grands would love them, but one unexpected car bill is enough. 

When I knew I'd have a whole weekend to myself I imagined spending the whole day Friday taking care of stuff at home. Oh well. Sometimes life throws a punch and ya gotta deal. 

I stopped at daughter1's house on the way home because she was having a small party for Little Miss who turned three on Thursday. (Her birthday letter from Nana aka me, is here-Ode To A Wildflower). There was a mermaid theme, nothing over the top but my daughter did put together this super cute balloon arch. The littles all happily played together and there was lunch and cupcakes and a color sheet tablecloth we moms all enjoyed lol. 

I left before the party ended because the pup had been cooped up all day and needed to be freed and fed. I ate popcorn for dinner and stayed up too late watching tv. Not a super productive day, unless of course you count preventing a future breakdown on some country road as being productive, which I do, so maybe in hindsight it was a good day overall. 

Saturday I had plans to meet a long time friend who lives one state over for lunch. We meet halfway and catch up in person now and then, which is so nice. No pics but lots of gabbing. 

After lunch I came home and let the dog out, fed him, let him relax for about an hour, then went back to Daughter1's for a family dinner with the birthday girl, her siblings, and my son-in-law's mom, plus his sister and brother-in-law and their precious new baby. 

While my son-in-law grilled our actual dinner Little Miss made me pretend dinner in the adorable new kitchen her momma and daddy got her for her birthday. We had the best time making 'soup' and discussing the menu options. 

We ate our real dinner and enjoyed the beautiful strawberry cake my daughter made, then I headed home to the pup. He was not happy hubs went hunting without him. 

Sunday I laid low because I was exhausted. For real. Hubs got home about two and we had an early dinner/late lunch of roasted red pepper soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. I worked on my blog and did a little laundry while hubs napped. 

And  that was the week. And also the weekend. This week looks somewhat crazy too but October in recent years seems to be busier than May and December. Am I wrong about that? 

So what fun things did you do this weekend? 

If you want to share jump over to the Hello Monday link party happening today. Have a nice week everyone!