October, 2024

October has been a crazy month. Just like the weather, which has been up and down and all around, so has life.

I did manage to get away for a short trip to Tennessee to see my sister and her family. No matter how long or short, it’s never enough time. There’s always so much I want to share with them. Cook for them. Make for them. Show them. And it’s never enough of anything. I always leave feeling fulfilled and yet wanting more.

Tennessee was beautiful and I loved seeing my sisters’ house. The weather was perfect, and I really enjoyed sitting in her enclosed back patio watching the dogs play. Always such a treat and a very relaxing mini getaway.

The drive down and back was actually quite delightful. I’m not a fan of long drives but my sister blessed me by letting me take her Tucson. I must admit, it’s a sweet ride. There was plenty of room for Shelby and I and all our stuff. All the hum dings and doo dads a car can have. I chose an audio book for the drive there and back since I knew Shelby would immerse herself in Shelbyville via her ear buds.

In other news, I turned 56 this month so happy birthday to me!

It’s still very weird being on this side of 50 years old. I don’t feel like I’m in my 50s most days. I still feel young. I still dream about the future and what I want to be when I grow up. I still make big plans at a time when most people are settling into what will be for the rest of their lives. That’s just not me. I’m still perusing the college websites in the off chance I want to finish my associate degree. I still feel like I have my whole life ahead of me.

My first born also celebrated turning 27 years old.

We went to Olive Garden for dinner the following Friday where she ate her fill of salad and pasta. I love this girl beyond words. I love her fierce loyalty to her family. I love the way she does anything her aunts ask her to do. I love the relationship she has with them. She does well with her little life. She doesn’t desire to do anything other than work and play any one of her video games. She’s one of the smartest people I know and mixes wisdom with common sense easily. She makes my life sparkle.

Autumn has finally arrived with all it’s wonder and vibrant colors! This is my favorite time of the year! The first frost. The chill. The crispness. The smell of fireplaces. Pulling out the sweaters and leggings and other comfy clothing. It’s all so very magical. I love getting the blankets out, giving them a good wash, and laying them out on the sofa. Books full of magic and folklore appear on coffee tables and the most common indoor smell is cinnamon. I love it all!

Two other important events happened.

The first one is Shelby and I were able to get out early to vote. I’m so ridiculous because it is just voting but I always leave the polling place feeling proud and hopeful. If my choice doesn’t win, I’ll not despair. It’s not about Trump or Harris anyway; it’s all about Jesus and no president-elect can change or affect the plans God has for me. Jesus is still King and His Kingdom has no end.

The other event was substantially less nationally important however, to Shelby, it was critical to the success of the Halloween season. And that was pumpkin carving! I haven’t carved a pumpkin since the girls were little and my mom was alive. She made those times so special, making her wonderful vegetable soup and homemade biscuit rolls. There would be apple tarts for dessert, and she would help Shelby clean and roast the pumpkin seeds for a snack later on.

Here’s how it started….

….and here’s how it went…

We knew the second we put them outside that they would become food for the local squirrel council and the chipmunk population of Orland Park. We weren’t disappointed.

As for my monthly goals, I did pretty well. I lost another 6 lbs., bringing my total to 14, which isn’t too bad. I also did the majority of my Christmas shopping and came in way under budget. I’ve planned out the rest of the year crochet-wise, including finishing this huge monster of a blanket that’s now on my bed.

Yes, October, you were wonderful, and I thank you!