A few photos from yesterday morning’s walk on the trail at the nature center. J didn’t have classes but I decided to go and walk anyway, I enjoy it so much. It was chilly yesterday morning as well!
The nature center puts on a Halloween event the last two weekends in October each year. A not so scary forest with a fairy tale theme along the paved trail, aimed at younger children. The trails are still open during the day. These pumpkins were there to cheer on the start of my walk:
I was in the mood to get off of the concrete and ventured onto the unpaved trail.
Still lots of green leaves but…
The color is slowly arriving.
The lookout:
I found it on my own this time though I did have to let the phone camera take this one. (Not sure how to make it pretty with the “real” camera.)
Need a minute?
Hungry? Walnuts!
I’ll pass, aside from these being green and way too high on the tree, I have proper Halloween candy around here. Time to go back to the car.
Look it’s a finch hiding out.
And we’re back toward the parking lot. This tree near one of the buildings is showing off some beautiful fall color.
Hope you enjoyed the photos. No time to walk today, back to laundry and “taxi” service for J as he’s not quite comfortable enough yet for the 30 minute drive to today’s class. I don’t mind though, it’s a beautiful fall day, not quite 70 degrees, and I have a great book to sit and read while I wait for him. (Current book: Rewind by Catherine Ryan Howard, she’s fast becoming one of my favorite authors with her twisty thrillers)
Seeing any fall colors? Book recommendations for me? How’s your Wednesday going?
I took a bit of a break from this spot last week (not necessarily a screen break but a break from coming down here and sitting at the desk top). Somehow, I just never found the motivation to come down here and do a proper post. However, I’m ready to post this week (hopefully, I’ll manage more than today but no promises).
Well, my husband kicked the heat on this morning. Think that’s a bit extreme (he did it last week as well) but he’s not wrong in us needing to know if it works now rather than when it is truly cold. We’ve had lows in the 40’s and yesterday I don’t know that we made 60 degrees plus some so very much needed rain! Not enough of that. Today started out cold again but the week is supposed to jump into the mid-70’s.
As I Look Outside My Window
Hummingbird is long gone though I’ve yet to take down the feeder. Happily, my sparrows and a cardinal have at last returned. My birdfeeders sat empty a bit longer than usual back in August/September and my birds left. Looks like they are returning now.
Right Now
I’m getting a head start on my post before I run to the grocery store (needs to be soon).
Thinking and Pondering
I made my “big list of to do’s” last week (finally). I threw a reminder or two in there while I was writing it. Maybe you needed to see it in capital letters as well that boundaries are okay? As well as that your own stuff matters.
This morning I was pondering a new way to organize my weekly to-do list. I’m going to try it out here when I get to that category.
How I Am Feeling
Not too bad. I was a little achy yesterday (weather) but I think today will be different.
On The Breakfast Plate
Saturday’s breakfast from the farmer’s market: carrot cake parfait. A bit too rich as it was layered with buttercream but it was sure pretty!
Cinnamon toast croissant, coffee, vitamins. Might treat myself to a pumpkin spice latte after shopping depending on the line. UPDATE: I treated myself to a pumpkin cream chai…so good!
On The Lunch Plate
Just enough white chicken chili leftover from Saturday for one bowl.
On The Dinner Plate
Roast in the crock pot
What I’m Wearing Today
Long-sleeved Kansas City Chiefs shirt (red), black linen pants from Old Navy, socks and tennis shoes. If it warms up a lot by noon, I’ll probably change to a short-sleeved shirt of some sort (not Chiefs though as they are all in the wash).
On My Reading Pile
I’ve been slowly re-reading this one:
And some thrillers, too!
On My TV
Only G could’ve managed to get me to watch the movie, Scream last week. Have to admit, I enjoyed it despite not doing scary. It wasn’t too scary at all, more on the goofy side. Daryl Dixon finale, Dr. Who, The Voice, Masked Singer, whatever happens to be on at night. Oh, I’m also watching the 2nd season of Loki, pretty good so far.
On The Menu This Week
I know I didn’t post last week but I still made a menu and am still in a bit of shock because we actually made everything on it! We didn’t follow the days but still cooked each dinner at some point last week. That hardly ever happens around here.
If you’re interested: Korean hot dogs, spaghetti, asian marinated pork chops, grilled chicken, and hamburgers on the grill (husband made these).
Wondering if I can go 2 for 2?
MONDAY: Roast in the crockpot *I work 1-3:30*
TUESDAY: Pepper steak and rice
WEDNESDAY: Ribs in the crockpot
THURSDAY: Husband’s choice (I’m sure we’ll follow this day, LOL) *I work 1:30-4:30 and have evening plans with a friend*
FRIDAY: Ranch chicken enchiladas in the crock pot
Looks like it’s gonna be crockpot week!
Looking Around The House
I did finally get out some Halloween/fall decor! Not as much as usual but there’s enough peeking out from the mess.
On My To Do List
I’ve decided to organize my weekly priority list by who, what, and where/when for each week. Thinking it will help. I’ll let you know. Maybe it will at least make for a more interesting blog post?
WHO:
FIL, birthday on Tuesday. Need to order something/send gift. DONE. Sent a ghoulish garden (air plants in fun pumpkin/gourds plus a grocery store gift card. He used to love Halloween so I’m hoping he still does.)
Friend. Need to call/text and finalize our plans to see the Taylor Swift Eras movie on Thursday.
SIL. Call/text family to see how she’s doing. Found out last week she’d been ill and hospitalized (out of state)
WHAT:
Pay bills
Clean the kitchen (as soon as I finish this post)
Find out more about bonfire husband and I are supposed to attend on Sat.
WHERE/WHEN:
Work today and Thursday
Tomorrow/go with J to music store for part for his euphonium (nothing major). Also, get a cannoli from the deli by the store. That is a BIG priority!
Go see Taylor Swift movie with friend on Thursday after work. (Possibly go get spiced cider mix from store in that area as part of a housewarming gift for different friend).
Saturday, go to an annual bonfire with husband at friend’s place a little bit out of town.
From The Camera
Convinced my husband to go on a hike with me Thursday afternoon as I wasn’t sure how far it was to the “lookout” on the unpaved trail. (Not that far) My phone camera made me a real pretty picture of it!
On My Prayer List
Friends, family, strangers. Those impacted by the war in Israel. The families of the awful car wreck on the interstate Saturday morning (I drove by as they were clearing the cars and learned later one person did die in the crash). Peace, Love, Light, and Kindness to fill the world leaving no room for the darkness.
Quote For The Week
May the joy of simple things color the canvas of your soul. (Mary Davis)
I don’t think I even took my shoes off until after 8:30 at night yesterday. Worked, took J to his class (it’s 30 minutes both ways so takes a big chunk of the afternoon), came home and went grocery shopping. And finally, stopped to watch a bit of tv/read.
Today feels more like the start of the week to me where I stop and plan it all out. Does it ever go according to the plan? Nope. Do I keep doing this anyway because I’m stubborn? Yep. Plus, I enjoy it. So, let’s get on with this Happy Homemaker Monday hosted by Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom even though it’s Tuesday.
The Weather
Really hard to get the fall feels when it was still in the 90’s over the weekend. Right now it’s 74 and partly cloudy. Might rain tonight and be cooler for the rest of the week. Maybe even cooler than normal for the weekend?
As I Look Outside My Window
Not much to see as I’m in the basement. However, when I walked outside to the front porch this morning (view I’d kind of have if privacy film didn’t cover basement window), I saw some of these flowers:
Right Now
I just returned from my walk on the paved trail at the nature center, threw in a load of laundry, and sat down to put together this post.
Thinking And Pondering
Honestly, I’m feeling so much overwhelm from things I need to do that I’m pondering doing one of those “brain dump” kind of lists using actual pen and paper.
How I Am Feeling This Morning
My knees were hurting a little when I woke up but I feel better after my walk.
On The Breakfast Plate
Apple cinnamon bagel, vitamins, and coffee.
On The Lunch Plate
Probably something using the leftover taco meat from Sunday’s dinner. Perhaps these burritos.
On The Dinner Plate
French toast, sausage or bacon
What I’m Wearing Today
Just realized I’m wearing the exact same outfit I wore last Monday. And I didn’t exactly dress up for work yesterday either opting to wear jeans and a white tee shirt with yellow flowers (changing into shorts as soon as I arrived home).
On My Reading Pile
Over the course of last week, I read a couple pretty good ones. My turn for Hello, Beautiful by Ann Napolitano finally came up at the library as did my turn for 56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard. The first one was enjoyable although a little different than my typical thriller kind of choice (not a thriller at all), not sure I get all the 5 star reviews but definitely worth reading. The second one captivated me. It used the Covid lockdown as a plot device and did it very well. Basically two people who start to date but barely no each other move in together as the lockdown begins in Dublin. Is one or the other a serial killer? Is something else going on? So twisty and good. Immediately, requested the rest of the books by Catherine Ryan Howard from the library.
On My TV
Lots of Zombies, caught up on all the Walking Dead shows during my less than productive moments. Watched the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie with G and really enjoyed it. A bit of The Voice,Doctor Who episode, and I’m casually watching The Irrational, last night’s episode wasn’t as good as the first one but I’ll give it another week or two.
On The Menu This Week
It’s hard to think fall/plan fall menus when the temp outside is still in the 90’s…
MONDAY: Husband grilled hamburgers, sweet potato fries *I worked 9-3:30*
TUESDAY: French Toast, sausage or bacon
WEDNESDAY: Minestrone in bread bowls
THURSDAY: Husband’s choice *I have an evening activity, shopping event at nearby town*
FRIDAY: Chicken enchilada in crockpot, maybe?
Looking Around The House
We might own a sofa. I’ll let you know after I get things cleaned. Really ready to put out the fall decor but need to clean first. Hopefully, it happens before Christmas decor comes out.
On My To Do List
Too much. Short list for here:
Laundry
Clean the house
Pay bills
Call friend about Thursday night
Pull out a few fall clothing items/put away serious summer items (sleeveless shirts, tank tops, things like that)
From The Camera
A few from the unpaved trail…
On My Prayer List
Friends, family, strangers. The former teacher from my work to continue improving and healing. A kinder, gentler world to take over.
Quote For The Week
And the sun took a step back, the leaves lulled themselves to sleep and Autumn was awakened. (Raquel Franco)
I’m a day late (nothing new there) but still ready to plan my week.
Last week ended up a bit busier with work than I expected but so far (fingers crossed) this week is shaping up to be a bit quieter (except yesterday, I did work). I have lots of “homework” I need to do as in actually working in my home. Hoping this post inspires me to do some of it.
Cool mornings and warm afternoons. Thankful the mornings aren’t cool enough to need a jacket, just cool enough to notice. We are supposed to maybe get rain one day this week and by the weekend, maybe highs in the low 90’s one day. Otherwise, it’s the 80’s. A good decade and a good weather temperature. Right now, 75 and sunny.
As I Look Outside My Window
Hummingbird landing last week at the nature center
Lots of things I need to do but the flowers are still blooming and the little hummingbird was out there. I didn’t see any at the nature center though so I’m sure my little guy is counting down as well.
Right Now
Washer is going, cat is keeping me company (I’m sorry I had to edit out her long row of 5’s but I guess she was trying to high 5 you all?). Soon, I need to go get J from his classes. He still needs to get a parking pass for the college.
Thinking and Pondering
Nothing too serious. I was glancing at Instagram earlier (I enjoy following lots of nature/garden accounts) and this reel popped up where a baby boomer lady was making a joke about their kids lunches vs the lunches millennials pack for their children. And I went down the rabbit hole of reading the comments. Never read the comments. Ugh, so many upset people over a joke about school lunches. I don’t get the whole generational conflict thing anyway. As a Gen X, I just live my life and take people as individuals without worrying too much about the generations before or after me. Hopefully, I’ve taught my Gen Z kids to do the same.
On The Breakfast Plate
Did you know today is Johnny Appleseed day? Me either. However, I did have an apple cinnamon bagel and coffee for breakfast.
On The Lunch Plate
Grilled ham and swiss sandwich
On The Dinner Plate
Tacos are on the board but I’m not sure…
What I’m Wearing Today
I looked nicer yesterday wearing my blue denim dress with tennis shoes for work. However, today, I’m wearing a striped floral tee-shirt, olive green shorts, and my tennis shoes.
On My Reading Pile
I have a stack of new library books, actual books! However, I was on a Mary Burton kick over the weekend and read The House Beyond the Dunes (really good) and Don’t Look Now (not quite as good but I still enjoyed it). Currently, I just started another e-book called The Day I Disappeared by Brandi Reeds.
On My TV
Football, The Voice (for a while), tried the new show The Irrational, really liked it. Doctor Who, Daryl Dixon, and Only Murders in the Building. Whatever else happens on while I’m folding laundry.
On The Menu
For the record, I think walnuts are yucky, the squirrels can have them all!
Pretty basic this week, still not quite cool enough to heat the house up with oven baked dinners.
MONDAY: grilled chicken legs, salad
TUESDAY: tacos…maybe
WEDNESDAY: some form of pork chops, potatoes
THURSDAY: chicken fried steak, maybe with mashed potatoes?
FRIDAY: No idea, maybe French Toast
I really need to have a look in the freezer and see what needs cleared out of it.
Looking Around The House
I have two bags full of cleaning stuff I bought at Target on Sunday evening. They are sitting right there with the rest of the mess on the sofa. I did light my apple machiatto candle (from Bath and Body Works, not Target) so hopefully, the house smells better than it looks right now.
Why don’t these creatures I see on the nature trail ever come home with me and help clean like in the Disney films? SIGH.
On My To Do List
This post
Clean the house!
Grocery store (DONE yesterday right after work)
Lalala laundry
Blog post/letter writing
Decorate for fall/Halloween if I ever manage to get the house clean
Outside stuff/start preparing plants to come inside, the weather is thankfully giving me a break with this by staying warmer for a bit.
Lots of little things nagging at me, stuff leftover from previous to-do lists
From The Camera
All photos in this post are again from my walks on the path at the nature center near J’s college campus. Mostly from last week but a few from today.
On My Prayer List
Former teacher from my work who was in the auto accident, she is making tiny progress but has a very long way to go to heal. Friends, family, strangers. The world to be a kinder, gentler place.
One last week of my favorite season though it’s feeling more like the upcoming one each early morning and late evening. Oddly, I am quite ready for fall this year. Well, in regards to the weather, baking, and the cozy nights inside and out. Am I actually ready as far as the house/wardrobe (I am not a coat person, thus my love for summer)? No.
I see lots of chances for much needed rain this week but I’m not holding my breath that it’ll happen. Highs in the upper 70’s to mid 80’s.
As I Look Outside My Window
I’ve yet to see our hummingbird when I look outside the back door. It makes me sad. Hopefully, he’s not already gone and is just mad that I didn’t get the feeder cleaned yesterday like I normally do. (The hummingbird photos in this post are from a local nature center) *UPDATE: I did see a hummingbird briefly this evening but I’m not sure he was one of “our” hummingbirds.*
Right Now
I’m trying to get a start on this post before J and I head off to the DMV. He passed his driver’s license test on Thursday afternoon but the administrative side was so slow that we didn’t get the picture/fees paid. I worked on Friday but my husband and J tried again on that day, again so slow in the afternoon. So, we’re going early (by teenage definitions) this morning almost right after they open so we can get it done. *UPDATE: We lined up 5 minutes before the office opened at 9 and two hours later at 11, had a fully licensed new driver in our house*
Thinking And Pondering
Well, I decided to be content with things regarding my job, can’t beat the flexibility and they are so understanding and supportive about my availability. That said, I do think I’ll keep a day for myself when J’s schedule/transportation need changes again. After starting last week off a bit grumbly and dissatisfied, I find myself feeling a lot more gratitude this week. Of course, my husband also keeps reminding me/encouraging me that we need to just take a year of having no big commitments (this said when I thought it might be fun to take curling lessons though I see his point as well).
How I Am Feeling
Not too bad. Little tickle in my throat but I think that’s something in the air lately.
On The Breakfast Plate
Coffee, vitamins, and a blueberry bagel
On The Lunch Plate
I liked this salad from one day last week with fresh garden tomatoes, mozzarella, and a balsamic glaze even if I did use a bit too much.
We had pre-frozen orange chicken and some cream cheese wontons, neither of which was very good.
On The Dinner Plate
My husband grilled hot dogs and corn on the cob. I passed on the corn and had a fresh peach instead.
What I’m Wearing
Not winning any fashion awards today, navy blue short sleeved shirt where the back is longer than the front, grass green capri pants, and yes, I’ve had my leopard print slip on shoes on all day.
On My Reading Pile
Read one called The Nature of Secrets (Finley O’Sullivan #2) by Debra Webb, part of a murder mystery series but a fun read as it was set in Nashville. Then, I read Susie’s Santorini Summer by Daisy James for something lighter. And then, turning completely, I read The Midnight Club by Christopher Pike, mainly because it was a skip the wait library e-book that said it had a Netflix series. Wasn’t quite as scary as I expected. Series seems a bit spookier though. Finally, I grabbed The Art of Making Memories by Meik Wiking to read while waiting on J’s class to end tonight. I’ve had the book forever and somehow never actually took the time to read it? So, that’s what I’m currently reading.
On My TV
Right now, we have Monday night football going (cheering for the Steelers over here). Earlier, I watched an episode of Doctor Who as well as an episode of The Midnight Club (definitely a watch in the daytime one for me if I stay with it). At some point, I’ll probably also watch the new episode of Daryl Dixon.
On The Menu This Week
I seem to always be lacking inspiration, especially after we’ve gone through what I refer to as our rotation…
MONDAY: hotdogs and corn on the cob on the grill
TUESDAY: pepper steak and rice *I work 1-4:30* and have Bunco
WEDNESDAY: Maybe tacos?
THURSDAY: chicken and spinach skillet
FRIDAY: Maybe French toast? or Out?
Looking Around The House
It’s not looking any better than last week and honestly, might be a bit worse. Here look at these birds I saw instead:
On My To Do List
Finish the laundry
Grocery store *DONE*
Take J to DMV for his driver’s license *DONE*
Call our car insurance company
Clean the house
Clean the house some more
Mail some letters (write some, too!)
Bills
Outside chores
From The Camera
With the exception of the salad, all the photos in my post are from a local nature center where I’ve been walking each Tuesday and Thursday morning.
Prayer Request
I found out when I worked on Friday that a former teacher (very young, in her 20’s) was in a very bad auto accident and in the ICU at a local hospital. Please join me in sending her healing vibes and prayers.
Quote For The Week
And all at once summer collapsed into fall. (Oscar Wilde)
I decided the best way to do these posts was in keeping with the mainly photos theme. Saturday was a bit of a slower day for us as we had plans to attend the Grand Ole Opry that evening.
After a quick breakfast at the hotel supplemented with our Trader Joe’s fruit, we started out. Our first stop ended up being one of my favorites (and it was free!).
The Dukes of Hazzard Museum
I spent a good part of the 70’s watching this show. I know there was some controversy at some point recently over the Confederate images but as a girl watching the show, I wasn’t worried about the images. Spent more time fighting with friends over who my imaginary boyfriend was going to be, Bo or Luke Duke. After all, they were just good ol’ boys, never meaning no harm…
And seriously, we all wanted to be Daisy Duke, did we not?
I really wish, I’d have went ahead and coughed up the $10 to have my picture taken in the General Lee. Maybe next time. Moving on…
Our primary day stop…
Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center
It was beautiful but super busy to the point I was very glad we weren’t staying there.
These images are all from inside the hotel! There was actually an app for people staying there to download so they could find their way around the hotel. And you could take a little boat ride around the indoor river river. We decided to pass on that idea. I had a photo of the boat but unfortunately, it came out too blurry to share here.
After walking around inside the hotel, we walked back across the street to the local mall where we’d parked the car (for free!). Opted to eat inside the mall. Not our best decision. We were rather unimpressed with the Johnny Rockets in there.
However, it was nice to see a shopping mall that was thriving. We walked around there a bit, I bought some cupcakes from a place called Molly’s Cupcakes that was famous for being on cupcake wars (turned out to be a chain/franchise with the original location in Chicago, I think). The cupcakes were good but not earth shattering, I’d not go out of my way to get them again.
After relaxing back at our hotel for a bit, we made our way back to the same area for the big event of our trip.
The Grand Ole Opry
Not a lot of photos to share here as I opted to enjoy the experience more than take photos. We got there a bit early and had a look around the gift shop and then had drinks outside while waiting to go inside. Our seats were up kind of high but not terribly high, it was interesting to watch the sighs and looks of disbelief of some people who were up higher than we were. Each show lasts about two hours and features several different singers/bands.
We planned our trip to be there when Carrie Underwood performed and why we went a week ahead of our actual 25th wedding anniversary. She was the last one on stage and sang 3 songs, there were several other performers there as well. I bought an limited edition poster after the show. My plan is to get it framed sometime soon.
It was a fun time and I’m glad we went. I’m still a bit on the fence about whether I’d rather just see a full concert from one singer or this type of format. Fun seeing so many people at the same time and yet, I wanted to hear more than just 2 or 3 songs from quite a few of the performers.
Which would you prefer?
*******************
I’ll share about our last full day in Nashville soon.
It’s a new week and ours is off to a sleepy, rainy start but no complaints here.
J was supposed to take his driver’s test today but opted to sleep so we’ll go either tomorrow or Wednesday. Probably better not to take it in the rain anyway though I have no doubt he could’ve passed it. Gave me a chance to get my grocery shopping out of the way at my normal time.
For now, taking a minute to plan my week with Sandra’s Happy Homemaker Monday link up. Go check it out over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.
The Weather
Um, I can’t believe it but I’m actually cold. It’s currently 67 degrees with a steady downpour of rain falling. Much needed rain. Rest of the week is supposed to be no warmer than the upper 70’s. It’s as if fall is almost here.
As I Look Outside My Window
It’s a gloomy, rainy day and I’m wondering if our little resident hummingbird is also cold.
Right Now
Working on this post instead of folding the mountain of laundry waiting for me on our bed.
Thinking And Pondering
Job/career choices have been on my mind a lot lately. Mid-life career crisis? Is that a thing? I really just need to embrace this odd season, I think. On another note, ever feel like you simply can’t get things done? I feel like I keep doing just the basic chores but can’t find the time/motivation to get to a lot of the other things on my list. And finally, I did, of course like most of Americans I imagine, spend some time thinking the September 11 from 22 years ago. I could tell you exactly where I was and what I was doing at that time.
How I’m Feeling
Really, not awful. Slept okay, just need to find that motivation and I think I’d feel so much better.
On The Breakfast Plate
Coffee, vitamins, chocolate chip muffins. Then, at the store I used the end of my Starbucks gift card to get an oatmilk apple macchiato. Did not like it much. Apple macchiato is a nice candle smell that doesn’t translate to a very tasty drink. Might’ve been the oatmilk, it just had an odd flavor to it.
On The Lunch Plate
I just had a lemon meringue pie flip yogurt as I wasn’t super hungry.
On The Dinner Plate
Planning to put some meatballs and spaghetti sauce in the crock pot before I run J to his band class that’s at a college about 30 minutes away.
What I’m Wearing Today
Washington D.C. tee-shirt, jeans, and my leopard print slip on shoes.
On My Reading Pile
Tried to get away from all the serious non-fiction by reading Paris:The Memoir by Paris Hilton, turned out to be a bit more serious than I expected. While I’m not ever going to be a huge fan, I did find myself with a bit more respect for her after reading it. She endured some pretty significant abuse at one of those teen wilderness schools that were somewhat popular in the 90’s (I can remember seeing a few Dr. Phil episodes about them being a great thing).
Thankfully, I found a fiction author I liked on the Kindle Unlimited app and have been working my way through her books. I really enjoyed The Secret of the Villa Alba and The Lost Notebook by Louise Douglas. I’ve just started in on The House by the Sea.
On My TV This Week
Do I want to talk about the football game last week? I do not. Not even sure what I’ll have time to watch this week. Probably whatever streaming service shows fit my mood. Today’s rainy weather has me in a zombie mood so I plan to check out The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon later.
On My Menu
Menu planning has become interesting because until J gets his license, we are on the road at dinner/cooking times every day due to his schedule.
MONDAY: spaghetti, meatballs, garlic toast
TUESDAY: chicken strips, oven baked potato chips
WEDNESDAY: roast in the crock pot *MNO for me!*
THURSDAY: sausage/green beans/new potatoes (maybe in crock pot?)
FRIDAY: Husband’s choice *I work 7-3:30*
Looking Around The House
Let’s not do that today.
On My To-Do List
Please don’t judge if I say everything from last week plus:
Take J to take his driver’s test
Post office for stamps (I also need to write some letters)
Laundry (in progress at least)
Another blog post about our Nashville trip
I don’t even know but I’m sure there’s something I’m forgetting
From The Camera
Aren’t surprise flowers the best? Didn’t expect this clematis (a garden center rescue) to bloom again this year!
Dragonfly I spotted while I was out watering one day last week.
Happy bumblebee on my bargain zinnias. (Unpopular opinion: I’ve bought them plenty of times in the fall but I’m just not a huge fan of mums. Did you know zinnias will also bloom until the first frost? I was really excited to see these and may have bought a few more than I really needed).
Quote For The Week
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27)
Since it’s wordless Wednesday (also, red Wednesday here in KC, go Chiefs!), I’m going to just show mainly photos of our first day in Nashville.
Centennial Park
The Parthenon (located within the park)
Inside, the statue of Athena:
Marathon Motor Works
(Note: this was building also contained several shops including Antique Archeology, made famous from the show American Pickers)
Downtown Nashville Pedestrian Bridge
View of football stadium though not once did I see anyone in Titans attire. Unheard of in these parts, dare you to come to KC and try to go an hour without spotting someone wearing Chiefs attire, especially during football season. That said, I think hockey must be the thing there as I spotted lots of Predators hats and shirts to the point I had to look it up (no pro hockey here).
Country Music Hall of Fame
Other places we went not pictured
I should first mention that the inside of the Parthenon ($10 to get inside) also contained a really interesting little art gallery.
We did go inside and look around Antique Archeology which was to me just an antique store but probably worth a look if you like that sort of thing.
While downtown, we ate lunch at Jack’s Bar-B-Que. Husband loved it, I did not and found their KC sauce insulting. For the record, we had different things and he liked the spicy sauce they offered. We also visited the Johnny Cash museum which was neat but oh so crowded when visited. I think we might have been a bit too old for the whole Broadway strip thing with the bars and country music blasting out of them. However, I’m glad we were able to see it.
For dinner, we went to the Rock’n Dough Pizza and Brewery where I was a fan of the angry Hawaiian pizza and my ale. Husband thought it was okay. After dinner, we went to, wait for it, a Trader Joe’s (for a few snacks and fruit, the hotel breakfast was honestly, a bit subpar). And then, a local Target, can’t even remember why. Probably for something we forgot to pack.
Yesterday was a holiday so I chose to spend it away from the computer and around my family. We had a nice long weekend.
Saturday morning I ran to a couple farmer markets. Early in the afternoon, J and I walked to a local festival (it’s only a little over a mile from our home) to get some kettle corn and other goodies. On Sunday, we made my husband drive us back for funnel cakes and then, we watched a band called Styx Illusion on one of the stages for a few songs. Yesterday was just a nice slow day without much happening. My husband cooked a brisket on the smoker while I read my book and watched tv. Basically, I just had a lazy day though I did do a tiny bit of outside stuff.
Well, shall we get on with planning this four day week? Joining in as usual with Sandra over at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.
The Weather
Near the end of last week and especially yesterday it was HOT but not over 100 degrees hot. A small rain “sprinkle” not sure you’d call it a shower came through this morning. Cooled things down a bit. Right now it’s 85 degrees and partly cloudy. Still shows were supposed to be in the upper 90’s later today and tomorrow, mid to high 80’s for the rest of the week.
As I Look Outside My Window
I see lots of yard work and flower tending I’ve been avoiding.
Right Now
Trying to see how far I get on this post before I need to run and pick J up from his class.
Thinking And Pondering
Just thinking about the stuff I want to get done around here this week. I ended up getting called into work twice last week and am hoping for a full 4 days at home (between running around for J).
How I Am Feeling
Not too bad, slept decent.
On The Breakfast Plate
Coffee, cinnamon sugar bagel, and vitamins
On The Lunch Plate
Not entirely sure, maybe just a sandwich *UPDATE-I made a frittata*
On The Dinner Plate
Chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes
What I’m Wearing Today
Striped shirt with teal flowers, navy blue shorts, socks, and tennis shoes
On My Reading Pile
Currently between books, a trip to the library is on my list for today. Finished reading Raising Lazarus: Hope, Justice, and the Future of America’s Overdose Crisis by Beth Macy. It was a bit depressing but gave good insights. Then, needing something light I chose Penelope in Retrograde by Brooke Adams for my Prime First reading choice. Read it in a day, really enjoyed it!
On My TV This Week
Well, Thursday, quite a few of us will be saying: How ‘Bout Them Chiefs!!?? Otherwise, last week G got me to watch Abbott Elementary which I loved and pretty much binge-watched the entire series, so funny! And I watched yet another documentary on the opioid crisis called Crime of the Century over on HBO Max, I joked that I was finally ready to write my research paper but really there are no words for the disgust I had at all the ways those with money and influence bent rules for these drugs (and are probably still doing it). While waiting for the Chiefs, I might watch a Dr. Who episode or two this week.
On The Menu
strawberry summer cake
Everyone everywhere is screaming fall. Meanwhile, our weather still says summer. Plus, still lots of back and forth driving for J’s schedule.
MONDAY: brisket, watermelon, brownies
TUESDAY: chicken and noodles
WEDNESDAY: leaning toward ham steak, sweet potatoes
THURSDAY: taco soup (requested) *Go Chiefs!*
FRIDAY: No idea, leftovers? J has a driving lesson at noon.
Looking Around The House
Ever feel like you just can’t get caught up on things?
On My To Do List
Grocery store *Done, almost, forgot a few things*
Target at some point
Library
Laundry
Outside stuff
Clean the house/get it ready for fall/winter
From The Camera
J’s college classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays are close to a local nature center so I’ve been walking the paved trail there after dropping him off. Most of the photos in the post are from those walks.
Quote For The Week
Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back and reasons to stay.(Dalai Lama)
I’ll get back to posting my trip report tomorrow. Today, I wanted to take a minute and join in the Share Four Somethings link up hosted by Jennifer over at Overflowing With Thankfulness.
I like how it keeps me somewhat mindful and paying attention during each month. My four somethings for August are listed below.
LOVED
Taking an anniversary trip with my husband to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary.
J starting college courses (He’s loving it so far).
Going out with friends. We went to a local brewery where they do a karaoke night two times in August.
And going to see the Barbie movie with other friends.
A brand new preschool student telling me his favorite color was teal. (I just happened to have on teal capri pants that matched his socks). And then later, looking at me and going, “I like you” Things like that are what I love about my job.
Watching our hummingbirds and those at a local nature center.
LEARNED
How to use an ant moat on a hummingbird feeder, what it actually was and that our hummingbird feeder had one. It somewhat helped with keeping the ants out of it.
I’m a bit more of a fair weather gardener than I care to admit. Pretty lettuce flowers pictured below:
More about the opioid crisis than I really needed to know, still learning. (This relates to my reading choices not anything happening personally in my life)
READ
Dopesick and now I’m reading Raizing Lazarus by Beth Macy. All because I watched a documentary on Netflix and then someone told me it didn’t get great reviews. So, I looked it up and found there was another one on Hulu and then, watched it. Decided to read the book. Down the rabbit hole I fell.
I didn’t just read super serious (and rather depressing) non-fiction. Some fiction titles I read in August:
The Wedding Planner by Danielle Steel
This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar
The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont
Ate
We ate lots of good food and yet, I managed not to take a picture of any of it! How is that possible? I’m sharing the fun food items in random order as they pop into my mind.
Last year in St. Louis, my husband discovered a bakery/cafe called The Sweet Spot that offered up these fried croissant donuts that were amazing. Amazing enough that we went out of our way (just a bit) to get some on our way to Nashville. I was a bigger fan of the cannoli, so I got those.
As hot as it’s been, I should mention ice cream. With the heat, of course, we had ice cream a few times. We didn’t go out anywhere fancy. However, I did one night buy these fun Klondike cones that we all liked so much they’ve been in the freezer more than once this month. The unicorn ones were a bit interesting but the vanilla and chocolate flavors, huge hits!
An amazingly good flatbread pizza at the karaoke place.
Food we ate in Nashville: I loved the angry Hawaiian pizza at the Rock’n Dough Pizza & Brewery. We loved breakfast at the Nashville Biscuit House so much we ate there twice! I’d go back again if it were closer. And yes, I did have a hot chicken sandwich at the Germantown Pub and enjoyed it. Timing wasn’t on our side for the lines at the two famous places.
Pizza again for our anniversary from a local place. Schedules and all that though it was nice not to be attending any back to school open houses on our anniversary, we’ve done that many times.
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So that concludes my 4 things for August. Soon it’ll be time to start loving and learning in September. And maybe remembering to take a food picture now and then.
And the sun took a step back, the leaves lulled themselves to sleep and Autumn was awakened. (Raquel Franco)
