A really nice weekend in the middle of October

Fall has arrived, and I'm delighted.  We were off Friday, and I spent the day getting some errands accomplished.  I wanted to visit some shops in my home town, and the drive up was really very lovely.  I regret that Andrew and I didn't get to spend much time together, but he enjoyed his morning of frisbee golf.  I have to admit, I much prefer having Mondays off rather than Fridays, because a Friday always seems to fly by.

Yesterday, Andrew had to be at work early for the league cross country meet.  I enjoyed some football, especially the OSU victory, and we left for Dayton mid-afternoon to celebrate the 50th birthday of our good friend Pat.  It was a large group that included kids (and even a parent!) and it was so good to see everyone.  The best part was that our friend, Larry, was able to be there.  He had an emergency medical situation in August and was in a coma for nearly a week.  We are so grateful for his recovery, although not complete, and that we were able to see him yesterday.  We came home and enjoyed the ND victory over USC last evening.

Today has been a day of accomplishing things, and we are finishing by enjoying a quiet evening with a fire in the fire place and our candle lit.  I have a crazy week coming up, but knowing it is gorgeous weather makes it all better!

Almost ridiculously giddy

This evening I needed some string cheese, so I ran a quick trip.  Not to our local grocery, but to the empire grocery, if you know what I mean.  I had checked each time I was there (not overly frequently) if they had their stock of Christmas cards.  Picking up my Christmas cards and stamps each year is one of my favorite things.  I was delighted to see that the cards had indeed arrived.  Not just delighted, but almost ridiculously giddy!  And I ordered my stamps yesterday.  Yay!!!!!

I am also rather giddy about the fact that tomorrow is no school.  This extra day is much needed, and I'm very grateful.  And even beyond all of that, today was the most perfect fall day.  The colors are really starting to pop, and the tree at our school is beyond gorgeous.  Even though it was in the 70's, there was a nice breeze and absolutely no humidity.  I'm giddy about heading into my most favorite season, especially with a long weekend!

A lovely unexpected visit

Catherine has classes three evenings a week about 25 minutes away, but it's nearly an hour drive from classes to her apartment.  Last night, rather late, she let me know that she had several things to accomplish in town today, and had decided to stay here instead of driving to her apartment.  Andrew and I were exhausted (he had to work an event last evening), but we were so happy to take some time to chat with her.  Catherine was able to get things accomplished and was done mid-afternoon.  Andrew has to work again this evening, so Catherine and I decided to have Mexican for dinner (and Thomas wasn't at all sad he wasn't included since he's so picky), and it was really a lovely dinner.  She seems really happy right now, and I'm encouraged by her current decision making.  It was a lovely unexpected visit!

This was almost an ideal fall weekend

Oh my goodness, I absolutely needed this weekend.  The house was already mostly picked up, but I finished it off yesterday because we were having company.  That means the house is completely picked up today, and since I made crockpots of food for four people last evening, we have plenty of leftovers for dinner this evening.  The weather is delightful...so delightful I'm almost giddy!  Today I've been able to do a lot of computer work and have enjoyed the view (and scents) of our candles lit on the fireplace, and later there will be a fire to add to the ambience.  I enjoyed the Buckeyes win yesterday and the Steelers win today (crazy game!).  We even only have four days of work this week (no school for either Andrew or myself on Friday).  I needed this in so many ways.

There are only two things that could've made it better.  While Thomas is here, it is always nice (although certainly less quiet!) when Catherine is around.  We always love having everyone around the house.  And secondly, it stinks that the Irish lost to Louisville last evening.

All-in-all, I can't think of a much more relaxing way to head into our week!

A perfect fall day

Everyone laughed at how giddy I was about today's weather arriving.  It's 60 degrees outside right now.  It's been a mostly sunny morning, but either way, it's just an awesome day.

And to make it even more perfect, it's Saturday, and that means college football!  Ohio State has already won today, and Notre Dame plays this evening.  My very good friend, Andy is in town and will be visiting this evening, so I've spent today cleaning the house.  So right now, my house is clean, it's 60 degrees, it's Saturday, I'm watching college football, and a very dear friend is coming over this evening.  Yes, a perfect fall day indeed!

This October 4 was even better

Many years ago on this very date, Andrew and I had our very first date ever.  There are still some parts of that evening that I vividly remember.  The date obviously went well, and it was clearly the first of many evenings and meals spent together.  I'm so very grateful for that evening.

Tonight was even better though.  Catherine came here to stay over, and we were able to take both kids out to dinner.  There is absolutely nothing that makes my heart more full.  Although we couldn't have had this meaningful October 4 without that first one many years ago, this one was even better as we got to share it beyond just Andrew and myself!

161 games of hope

Today was the last day of the MLB season.  The Reds were officially eliminated from the playoffs just yesterday.  It stinks that they lost the last two games of the season, but it's amazing that we still had hope right through yesterday.  While I would have much preferred that our season be able to continue, I take some solace that Cards finished in last place, and that the Cubs didn't make the playoffs either.

This week is going to feel like baseball weather though.  The highs this week are supposed to be in the upper 80's.  Not my favorite kind of weather, and I especially hate the thought of using the a/c in October.  But, next weekend looks delightful, and I'm ready for long-sleeves!