The last weekend in October was full

It was a busy weekend, but I wouldn't trade it!  The weather was absolutely ideal.  It was the perfect temp, there was sunshine, and I was able to drive among the gorgeous scenery.  It even started an hour earlier than normal because we had conferences on Friday which meant no students, and I usually take advantage of some extra time off.

Yesterday I made my (pretty much weekly) trip north to work at my mom's house.  My sister and I have been working on things since August.  The goal is for Mom to be able to host a Christmas meal.  I'm beginning to wonder if this is possible, but I think if Catherine spends some days up there before Thanksgiving we can pull this off.  While it is a major time commitment, I'm appreciative of the beautiful leaves changing and how peaceful the drive is.

We then had dinner with our good friends.  It had literally been months since we had seem them.  We had a drink at a winery and then Mexican for dinner.    We were home by 9:30, which used to never happen.  It was the best we could do though!

Today was church and then all the kids were here for dinner.  I got the house cleaned up and it's so nice to be able to start the week feeling "ahead".  It's not a crazy week, and it sure is nice to be able to say that.  Last week was emotionally excruciating and completely exhausting.  I know it was the best thing both for our family and for that sweet dog.  And I am thankful that I no longer have to worry about being bit or what the snarling and growling might lead to.  And I can know that in long run, he is a good dog and I'm sure he'll find a right home where he is the only pet.  But none of that changes the fact that I absolute hate that it was for the best and it makes me sad.  So I'm looking forward to a quieter week, and with November just a few days away, I can get excited about the holidays.  Dinner with the kids was a lovely preview to that as well!

This day sucked

I don't normally use such language, but today was awful.  We had to say goodbye to the pup we adopted this summer.  Bettis had become aggressive to Andrew and myself, and was constantly lunging at and aggressive towards the cats.  It had become dangerous, and it wasn't fair to the animals who were here first.  The hard part is that 75% of the time Bettis was a sweet lover, and we are going to miss that so, so much.  But last night, I was literally afraid to get into bed because of his growling and snarling.  We can't live like that, and the anxiety that the cats were causing him wasn't fair to him either.  I cried during the entire drive, and I cried when we took him in.  They assured us we had done the right thing, and they felt confident they could find him a good home that would work better for him.  Knowing how much he hated being there, taking him back felt absolutely awful.  We NEVER thought we would be the people to return or surrender a pet.  But we know this was what had to be done.  We are so, so sad about this, but are cuddling our cats to love on them.

I really love this time of year

We've made it to another Friday.  Although last weekend was a three-day weekend, there is something about this weekend that feels even better.  After tomorrow, it is going to get much cooler.  Holiday activities are beginning to pop up.  The leaves should really start changing soon, and things seem to be getting cozy.  I'm so grateful for these days, and I'm especially grateful we are at the weekend!

Today was a good day

I have to be honest, today was one of the calmest work days I've had all year.  In fact, probably THE calmest of this school year.  I was able to get things done that not only did I not have time to handle, I hadn't had the "bandwidth" to handle.  The temps are perfect and even though I was the only admin working, it was really just a lovely day at work.

It was also a great day for Thomas.  He had an issue that was resolved with the almost the best possible solution.  He also started a new job last week that he really enjoys, and Lyndi starts a new job next week.  And in other fabulous news, his car has been repaired and they get it back tomorrow and we get Andrew's car back.

Life certainly isn't perfect, but I will happily take the good days when they happen!

A gift full of so many memories

When Andrew was in Vermont in June visiting his aunt before she passed, he fell in love with her digital photo frame.  His mom commented on how much she would enjoy having one.  We bought her one during Prime Days and were able to add 500 photos for it before we gave it to her when she was here in September.  It is super easy to add photos, and I told Andrew it was exactly what I wanted for my birthday as well.  He agreed and was excited to get me one.  So excited in fact, he got confused and thought my birthday was September 27 instead of October 27!  He was so panicked about it that he ordered on my account, which meant not only did I know when it was arriving, but I knew what it was.  It was a bit comical.  I was excited to get the photos added, and got right to it.  Not only do I love seeing the pictures come up on the frame, but just going through the photos to pick ones has been a joy.  I've added some pictures from my childhood, and Andrew has a few from his.  I even have pictures from my Dad's childhood and there are extended family.  There are a ton of photos from during the pandemic, and I remember how much wonderful time we had together.  The pictures of our sweet Abby pull at my heart a bit, as she will be forever missed.  I love photos of big family groups, and of course there are lots of photos of friends, especially those who are truly like family.  I am also so truly enjoying the photos of the many, many trips we have taken.  Those photos make my heart so very full.  We have been so blessed.  There have been amazing family vacations and fabulous trips with friends.  I'm so grateful for the opportunities and for all the memories made, and I'm so grateful to have the phots displayed on the screen!

This is not the day off I had envisioned

Today is our "fall break", which means there is no school today.   The public schools are still in session so I'm the only one off today.  It was WONDERFUL to sleep in, although I awoke with a migraine.  I never love that.  Two migraine pills later and it still isn't completely gone.  

At the beginning of the week, the only thing on my calendar today was a haircut this afternoon.  Then, Thomas mentioned he was going to need a ride home from work.  I have some errands I can run in the Dayton area, so I agreed to go get him.  That is 2+ hours there and back, plus the time in Dayton.  No biggie.  At least the errands will be done.  Then last evening, I remembered that my vehicle is past due for an oil change.  Wouldn't be a huge deal, except Andrew needs to take my vehicle to his mom's this weekend, so we can't wait another 600+ miles.  So that happened this morning.

This is definitely not the day off I had originally envisioned, but it is still very lovely.  Because the university also is on break, it is quiet in town, and even driving through campus is relatively peaceful.  I'm still waiting on leaves to change as everything is very, very green still.  I hope Andrew will have a lovely drive over to see his mom.  It's just me and the dog this weekend, and I'm looking forward to the quiet.

It's darker in the mornings

We are a full week into October.  This was supposed to be the return to "normal" at school, but that sure isn't the case.  We don't have school Friday though, and I'm so grateful for that.

This morning as I was driving to work, I couldn't help but notice it was still dark.  The days are definitely getting shorter.  It rained all day today.  I was absolutely soaked by the time dismissal was finished today.  I was thrilled to be able to come home and change into pajama bottoms.  This rain is a cold front too, and that should be the end of the 80's for this year.  There might still be some 70's, but the fall weather is definitely arriving.  It's awesome!

It sure doesn't feel like the first weekend of October

The weather here is ridiculous.  I'm sweating.  Thankfully, the sun is going down and it is beginning to get cooler.  I"m hoping our new mums make it.  Andrew had to work at a cross county meet this morning and it was beginning to get a little miserable.  I've got a few fall decorations out, but honestly, it just seems ridiculous to decorate when it feels more like July.  Thankfully, the humidity isn't awful.  I"m looking forward to cozy weather, but not sure when that will happen.  Even when the cold front comes through this week, it will lower the highs to 70's.  I"m ready for long sleeves!

Our week at work is actually beginning to settle.  We are hopeful we can begin to focus on things that really matter rather than people who are just being difficult.  This is also the last week Andrew will have any events until around Thanksgiving, so we are very grateful for that break.  I'm definitely looking forward to life slowing down a bit!

I'm so happy to see October arrive

August and September were rough, rough months.  The beginning of our school year was beyond draining.  Andrew had a crazy evening work schedule with athletics.  He has also joined a community group to address homelessness, and Thomas, in addition to his wedding reception, had a fairly tumultuous month.  Wowza.

But I'm always so happy to see the month turn to October.  We've had basically no fall weather yet.  Not a single day where I could wear any kind of long-sleeves.  Our forecast is 80's, even as high as 86!!!!, until next week when a front comes through.  At least the overnight lows are in the 50's so we don't have to have the a/c on the entire time.  It is definitely getting darker earlier in the evening and staying darker longer in the morning.  I'm so ready for the cozy weather, and of course, for the holidays that are just right around the corner.  

I'm grateful the Reds are playing in October, although with the annihilation of last night this could be the final game tonight.  But there is plenty of great football ahead of us, and college basketball will be starting soon as well.

I'm hoping October is a more emotionally settling month as well, and I'm looking forward to November and the month of gratitude that will follow.  I'm grateful for the very peaceful feeling in my heart today, even if it is only for today.