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.

It's all so different

Andrew and I have commented on how everything just feels so different.  It's so different when we get home each day and Abby isn't at our door to greet us with her loving squeals and wagging tail.  It's so different that on Tuesday we were able to run and grab some dinner after work without having to worry about getting home to let her out.  It's so different that there is no animal howling at us around 5:00 each day (and again at 8 for a snack) because it's dinner time.  Even without Abby, Lincoln was the one that started howling first, but he's gone too.  It just really sucks.  I was looking at a picture of her today, and the tears began to flow.  I didn't mean for them too, but she just didn't feel old, and seven years wasn't enough with her.  I really thought she was the beagle who was going to live longer than the average of 12-15 years, and I certainly never thought she'd be gone at 12.

Outside seems different.  It's been entirely too warm this October.  There is a chance that it will be in the 70's during Trick-or-Treating on Thursday.  That's crazy.  The leaves are finally starting to really turn color, but it's just less than it has been in years past.

The holidays are going to feel so different this year as well.  Thomas doesn't live here, so he won't be waking up in our house on Christmas morning.  I haven't completely wrapped my head around that yet.  Because of the way things fall this year, we decided to do our Thanksgiving meal on the Sunday before.  I'm actually kind of excited about this.  It was really important to me that we decorate the tree together, but I refuse to serve a Thanksgiving meal with a tree up.  This will allow us to decorate the tree Wednesday evening and we can watch our Friends episodes as well.  These things are going to be different, but we can go with them.

Christmas shopping is going to feel different this year as well.  Some friends have decided we are going to stop exchanging gifts, and the kids truly need mostly just money.  There will be a few cute and traditional gifts here and there, but no one really wants "things" just for the sake of having a gift.  I bought my mom tickets to a performance she wanted, and that took care of that.

I don't love change, and it feels like there is so much that is different. I know it isn't all bad, but right now it sure doesn't necessarily feel good either.  Even 

The last day of my 40's

Today is the last day in which I get to tell someone 40-something.  I can't believe it.  I've been alive for nearly half of a century.  It feels completely surreal.

Last evening, the four of us had dinner.  We decided to venture out to the lodge at the state park.  The drive was absolutely gorgeous.  It was a wonderful dinner.  Nothing makes my heart so full as having us all together, especially at a meal.  We had a really nice conversation, and seeing them grow into adults, well there just aren't words.

It's been a beautiful week.  At my job, there is this huge tree that is a gorgeous shade of orange, and right across the street are two trees that are absolutely gorgeous red.  It is such a peaceful view, and I'm so grateful each time I see it.  

Time is passing in life so very quickly.  A week like this makes it easier to slow down and be grateful for so many things!

This was exactly the Saturday we needed

It's been a long week in this house.  My poor husband had a sporting event every evening except Wednesday.  He even had to work the JV football game this morning.  It was a lot for him.  I developed a cold early in the week, and it has lingered.  Not awful, but enough to feel absolutely worn out.  Work has also been a bit crazy, but that isn't really anything new.

The weather this week has been beautiful since a front came through on Tuesday.  It's been almost chilly at night, and I've been able to light a candle and I'm even sitting here with a blanket in my family room.  It's still a bit early for fall decorations, but we are getting there.  Today I tried to hang out some laundry, and I think it's just a bit too late in the season for it to dry successfully.  It's really delightful.

And it's not just the delightful weather that is awesome...it's the best sports time of the year as well!  Not only has the NFL begun, but Saturdays are full of delightful college football.  Next week is the big OSU/Notre Dame game.  It's in South Bend, and I think ND has a legitimate shot to win the game.  And have we mentioned that there is MEANINGFUL baseball happening for the Reds?  I mean, it's the middle of September, and these games MATTER!  As of yesterday, the Reds were tied with the Diamondbacks for the final wild card spot, but the Reds hold the tiebreaker against them.  It's an exciting time to be Reds fan, and so very unexpected.

I've done almost nothing today, and this is exactly the Saturday that we needed.  Andrew came home and took a nap, and we've been watching football and baseball.  This is the kind of day that absolutely feeds my soul.  I love this time of year!

A perfect fall afternoon

This afternoon has really been the kind of perfect fall afternoon I love.  A front came through overnight and dropped the temps by twenty degrees.  While my co-workers were bundled up for morning carline, I was delighting in my surroundings in just a long-sleeve t-shirt.  My co-workers are very patient with me though, as I am exuberant in my giddiness! 😁

Additionally, today is very overcast and even a bit drizzly.  Wednesday is the day that I only work in the mornings, and even with a haircut and running a quick errand, I was home a little after 12:30.  At that point, not only did I have hours of solitude ahead of me, I had absolutely nowhere that I needed to be.  I have lit a candle, and I've enjoyed having the three pets napping in the family room with me.  The woods behind our house has changed the colors, and even though the leaves are dropping, I've enjoyed the scenery.  This finally feels like "late October", and I know that means November and the holidays are just around the corner.  I can't be sad about that at all!  In addition to enjoying the view, I've been thrilled to get a bit of Christmas shopping done as well.  It's been a perfect fall afternoon!

The end of the month

Unlike previous Octobers, I truly feel like this month has absolutely crawled along.  In some ways, that isn't a bad thing as October is generally my favorite month of the year.  We've had amazing weather in many ways.  We had some chilly days, but we also had lots of days in the 70's.  While I don't always love it being that warm, especially in October, I do appreciate that we haven't had to use the heat much.  It's been truly lovely.  Today though, might have been the end of the 70's, and that is okay too.

A year ago today my father-in-law passed away.  I understand Andrew's feelings about the day.  The days of Fall bring back that year nine years ago when my dad passed away.  Andrew and I have enjoyed a quiet evening.  I'm grateful for these days.

As we head into the holidays this year, I'm feeling a little melancholy.  I still miss our large family Thanksgivings so very much.  We are hosting again this year, and my sister has already announced that she won't be coming because she doesn't want any "obligations" for that weekend.  Kind of a crappy way to see spending a holiday with your family.  I think it's more awful for my mom though, but I know Mom appreciates coming down here.  I just miss the big family gatherings and getting to see everyone.  I also very much miss having our kids at home, but I think it will help to make the days even more special!

Only a few days left in this month that is taking forever!

A fall Friday off work

Today is an absolutely gorgeous day.  Honestly, it is probably my ideal weather day, and I'm grateful to have the day off.  Although there is still a lot of green, the leaves are beginning to change.  As we were driving to PA last weekend I really noticed the brown in the fields.  It is absolutely October in the midwest, and I love it.

I ran some errands today, but I think I'm getting to old to be out in public.  In spite of the gorgeous environment around me, absolutely everything annoyed me.  I'm grateful that is finished, and right now I'm able to be home and with an awesome candle lit and just enjoy some quiet.  I'll be doing some cleaning as a dear friend from high school who lives out of town will be visiting tomorrow, but I'm just going to enjoy the beauty of the day!

I don't like having winter and summer all in the same week

On Monday, we received snow.  Not just some flurries, but it all out snowed.

This was the view of the playground at the school where I work.  Again, not just flurries.  It did melt in the afternoon, but then that evening there was a track meet where it rained, sleeted, and "grauppled".  That is some new weather phenomenon that is now frequently occurring in southwest Ohio.  As an aside, I've never been so grateful Thomas plays tennis instead of running track as I was that day.

Not to fear though...winter was only at the beginning of the week.  Spring was Tuesday through yesterday morning, and now summer has arrived.  It is in the 80's today and tomorrow.  Yuck and yuck.  Thankfully there is no humidity with it, but we all know that I prefer more mild and transitional weather!!!

December sure came around quickly

We've arrived at December 1.  Just thirty days remain in this entire year.  Not at all sure how that is even possible.  This is our final December with a kiddo in school.  No more swim, no more band concerts we need to attend after this year.  Wow.

I've had a bit of a work schedule adjustment.  I now only work a few hours on Wednesday mornings.  Now I'm off by 11 each week.  I don't mind having to go in for a few hours and get things done.  Today, I ran several errands after getting off work and I was still home shortly after Noon.  I didn't feel well, so I allowed myself to sleep.  Unfortunately, the headache just won't leave, but hopefully I can get some things done this afternoon at some point.  I have to attend a band even this evening, but am hoping it will only be about an hour.

Thomas should be home within the next twenty minutes.  Having a little bit of extra time with him never makes me sad.  I'm so grateful for the quiet right now, and grateful for some extra time with him!

Grateful for today

I am so grateful for this day.  Don't get me wrong, I am always grateful for each day, but sometimes I forget to be truly grateful.  After this past week, I am especially grateful for today.

The kids and I were on the road home yesterday by 6AM.  Ugh!  With it being Thomas's senior year, I had promised him that I would get him home if he wanted to attend his band competition yesterday.  He had to leave for the high school by Noon, and I didn't want to cut it closer than necessary.  Andrew got home about 6PM last night.  His mother send tons of food, so we ate some of the pasta that was sent.  Tonight's dinner is chili, also complements of his mother.

Today is bright and sunny, which is much appreciated.  It's cool though, and in fact there are no high's in the forecast higher than the 50's.  Our woods are still very green, but the town is gorgeous.  Since it is Halloween, I bought some candy apples for our dessert this evening.

It was a tough, tough week, but I am so incredibly grateful our family has today before things get too crazy again!

Random Tuesday thoughts

It's been a long week, and an even longer 14 hours.  My original plan was for us to attend school today, but that is only happening for Catherine.  Thomas didn't get home until almost 9:00 last night, so his grieving didn't begin until then.  He was distraught, and I wasn't going to let him be alone.  That meant a late night for us. Since I have to drive today, being exhausted didn't seem a good idea, so we are both home.  I regret that Thomas will miss four days of school, but I don't regret my decision. 

Last evening Andrew and I were on the phone (before the passing) and he was out walking with the dog.  He mentioned during the conversation that he saw a shooting star.  I remembered thinking, "this is it."  Sure enough, when he got back to his parents' house, his dad had passed.

Today is an absolutely beautiful day.  If we had needed to travel yesterday, it was raining (heavily at times) and just absolutely yucky.  I'm grateful we get to travel today instead of yesterday.  Not only is the weather better, but we should be able to see gorgeous scenery as leaves should be changing.  Strangely enough, it is still VERY green outside my window, but that should be changing this week.

I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to hugging my husband and having our family together this evening.  It's been a really tough week of separation and waiting and emotions.  I'm grateful there is no more suffering, and I'm grateful for family.

The end of September

My goodness, this month flew by!  If the entire year goes this fast, I'm going to be absolutely exhausted.  Work is crazy, and I love crazy!  The last two weeks have been especially insane, but I'm finding I thrive on that.  It helps though, that my evenings have been mostly unscheduled so I'm able to come home and just "be".  That isn't the case for the rest of the family, and I'm sure our sweet pup is sad that she is alone so much.  We are doing the best we can though, and fortunately we are able to not put her in the crate when we have to run out for short trips.

So if today is the end of September, that means tomorrow is October!  Yippee!  It's pretty much my favorite month of the year.  The weather is often gorgeous with beautiful scenery, lots of great college football, and it doesn't hurt that my birthday happens in October as well! There is also the joy that after this month, we lead right into the holidays, which is definitely a fabulous time of year as well.  It is so very easy to feel so blessed and at peace during this part of the year!

Fall has arrived

Fall became official today, and the weather followed right along.  Unfortunately, the cold front made it rain all day, but the temps have been absolutely delightful.  Everything is still very green, although we are starting to see a little bit of yellow creep in.  Looking forward to the leaves changing, being able to wear cozy clothes, enjoying warm beverages, and lighting awesome candles.  I love this time of year!

August did not fly by

August usually flies by.  I can't say the same about this month.  This month felt like it took forever.  I think part of that had to do with working.  While school started August 18th, my craziness really started August 9th.  It was just different.

World events also made this a difficult month.  COVID ramping back up, Louisiana hurricanes, Afghanistan, Tennessee...all really tough situations.  While I am grateful to count my blessings, so many people are facing so many difficult realities, and sometimes I feel guilty for the blessings.  August was also very, very hot, and I just don't handle heat well.

I look forward to September and cooler weather, and definitely college football.  OSU plays Thursday evening, and then lots of football all weekend.  Looking forward to a long weekend!

Only seven more mornings with a "5"

After today, there are only seven more mornings when I have to get up with a "5" as the first number on the clock.  Of course, in the summer, those glorious numbers I'm used to seeing will still be replaced with a "6" on the clock, but I guess I'll deal with that.

Since the time change happened this weekend, it was glorious to leave for work this morning.  As I was walking out the door, the sun was beginning to come up in the east.  By the time I arrived to work, it was actually light outside.  It was wonderful.  It makes the drive so much more pleasant.

I have a feeling that November is just going to fly by!

The end of the weekend, and into November

It is very late Sunday evening because Thomas is up doing homework.  Thank goodness I don't have to work tomorrow!  I'm having flashbacks to Robert's senior year and how he would work until after 11 on Sunday nights, then need to shower, and we both had to be up at 5.  Those were not fun nights, and a pretty crappy way to begin the weeks.  Anyway, Thomas and I are up late, which feels even later because of the time change.

I spent some time at my mom's place today finishing up painting.  I'll need to make a quick trip up this week so that I can finish the shelves.  There was no where to flip them.  She's calmer than yesterday, but still so very full of hurt.  After she left, I found a box of memories that brought me to tears.  Many cards from myself and kids, and even a letter I had written to her just about this time of year when I was a freshman in college.  There were tons of newspaper clippings of my mother.  How proud my grandmother must have been of her daughter!  There was a lovely card from my aunt that was given to G.G. on Mother's day.  I know I'm a lot like my grandmother because I love to hold on to those memories as well.

There wasn't much Halloween in our house.  We had very few trick-or-treaters, but Thomas was out on the porch all evening to hand out candy.  I'm grateful he was very generous so that we don't have much leftover.  Andrew and I enjoyed the Ohio State/Penn State game last night while Thomas video chatted with others.

I am so excited that November has arrived!  I love October more than November because November starts to get really cold, and for the most part the leaves are done.  But it is also the beginning of all things holiday, and it ends with Thanksgiving.  A post about this year's holidays, however, is for another day.

Thomas has just finished and we can head off to bed.  Feeling peaceful and grateful tonight!

It's getting darker

When I started driving to work over six weeks ago, it was pretty close to full daylight when I would arrive.  Even when I left my house, it wasn't completely dark.  I knew those days weren't going to last, but I enjoyed them.  Time passed, and it would be dark when I left for work, but by the time I would arrive at school, there would be the beginnings of daylight, and I had watched a lovely sunrise on my drive.

Now though, it is totally and completely dark when I am leaving for school.  I don't even begin to see sliver of a sunrise until over half way to school, and it is still dark when I arrive.  It's chilly some mornings, but not down right cold yet.  I know those days are coming though.

I can't complain though.  To say that I am in love with fall is an understatement.  Last evening I was outside with our sweet pup (she is still struggling, but there has been some improvement), and I was just so grateful for the beautiful scenery around me.  Our evenings are cozy, and we are very blessed!

Another Monday

 Here we are at Monday morning again.  I am in middle school computer class, which I appreciate for the most part.  I have each grade for an hour, although I do also have lunch duty.  I don't love that, but one would think at the middle school level it isn't a big deal.  I guess we shall see.  I do appreciate that the morning schedule is fairly light, and I have a little bit of quiet right now.

My week ahead personally isn't too bad.  Wednesday is a haircut and shopping for our friends who are quarantined.  That's really all I've got going on this week.  Andrew though, oh God love him!  He has to work athletics tonight AND tomorrow, then plans to take off Wednesday to go back to his parents for at least three days.  While the remote learning allows him to do that, relearning how to do everything in remote learning causes him more stress than I can explain.  The hard part is that there really isn't anything I can do to be helpful.  Our school board is meeting tomorrow evening to discuss going back at the end of October.  I originally had mixed feelings about it, and I still have some serious concerns, but I am beginning to hope that decision is made.  It doesn't mean I will get to go back and sub, as I have made a commitment here.  I also know it would be better for Thomas to learn in-person, so I can't hope against being in-person.  I just try to lift it up and have faith about it all.

Hard to believe the month of September is ending and October is nearly here.  It truly felt like September flew by.  I continue to try to be present and content in each and every moment.  I'll be honest, the gorgeous fall scenery does help to make that a little easier!

The first official Saturday of fall

 Although it was slightly warmer than I may like, it was an absolutely gorgeous Saturday.  I had a lot of errands to run, but it meant traveling on some very rural roads.  I also had a doctor appointment at 8:00 this morning.  It was extremely foggy.  It's been years since I've been out and about that early on a fall Saturday morning.  It took me back to those early cross country mornings with Robert.  To be totally honest with you, those are some of my favorite memories of Robert's teen years.

The colors are beginning to change slightly, although I noticed there is a little more color than even just a couple of days ago.  Unfortunately, we are actually beginning to head into a draught because I truly don't remember the last time it rained.  Monday looks as though it could change that.  After tomorrow with a high around 80, there isn't another day with high temp anything warmer than the upper 60's.  Absolutely delightful!  Next weekend it will even be in the 50's.  I'm just giddy.

Andrew is working all day at athletics today.  God love him!  He has been gone for a week dealing with the stress of the situation with his father, and now he has to work all day at school.  We are definitely looking forward to an evening together...if we can both stay awake!

It was a beautiful fall day

 Today I only had to work 1/2 day at school.  It was a teacher work day, although I was required to participate in some meetings in the morning.  After leaving, I drove to my mom's house to paint a closet.  It was truly an absolutely beautiful drive.  The leaves are starting to turn to lighter greens and yellows.  I enjoyed seeing the tractors in the fields, and I just love this time of year.  It's my favorite!  

It was also a great day for Andrew and Thomas to drive home.  They just got here.  Yay!!!!!