Embracing Autumn

I don't have bucket lists, but this year I decided to slow down and embrace my favorite season of the year. Some years December hits and realize I didn't even make a pumpkin pie! Here are the ways I am going to embrace autumn this year:

Drive to the cemetery, drive up the river, and walk the bike trail to take autumn leaf pictures.

Bake a pumpkin pie and serve it for Family Dinner.

Capture photos of autumn sunsets.

Eat a caramel apple.

Snuggle in a warm sweater while reading a book and sipping strong coffee in front of the fireplace.

Light my Sweater Weather candle. (my favorite fall scent from Bath and Body Works)

Build a fire in the fire pit, sit and warm up while drinking hot apple cider.

Mix up a pitcher of autumn sangria to share with friends.

Pick apples, then make autumn apple bread and cake.

Make chili in the slow cooker.

Put mums on the porch and the window box.

Feed the mourning doves.

Count my blessings.

This list is a start. What do you love to do in autumn?

Another Obsession: Autumn Leaves

 I don't know why, but ever since I was a little girl I have loved autumn leaves. I love watching them change on the tree, I also love walking on them and listening to them crunch. Most of all, I love photographing them. Here are a few photo captures from the last few years. I think I need to get a few of these printed and framed.  Enjoy!

“There is something incredibly nostalgic and significant about the annual cascade of Autumn leaves.”

— Joe. L. Wheeler

"That Girl" Obsession

 I follow Marlo Thomas on Instagram. She shared on a TBT post that Wednesday marked fifty five years since "That Girl"  premiered. I was obsessed with Marlo Thomas and "That Girl". I loved the theme song, her character's personality and all the supporting cast. I always looked forward to what mishaps would happen as she tried once again to get a part in a commercial or on stage.

I didn't realize when I was watching the show that she broke barriers having a sitcom with a single woman as the star. She wanted to be a role model to women. She felt women could have a career and be independent. I was inspired by her because she was determined and she took risks. Plus she was funny. Oh.... and I loved her hair. I liked all her clothes too. See? Obsessed. 

.Later in the 80s I discovered "That Girl" again on reruns. I remember one summer binge watching the whole series before we knew what binge watching really was. I have a feeling I am going to be doing some searching for "That Girl " soon and planning another binge watch.

So after all this time I am still obsessed with Marlo Thomas. As I mentioned I follow her on Instagram and Facebook and I am enjoying every minute of it. I just learned she has a podcast. Hummmm.... I may have to take a  listen. 

This video will take you back to all the versions of that perfect theme song. There is a repeat, so just fast forward or listen to it again. I loved it for the last season when they added lyrics to the song.

Riley and His Safe Place

 

Thank you to all of you that responded to my recent blog post about Riley's behavior when he got scared by something. Through discussions I learned that there have been cougars and mountain lions in that area before.

Today we went to a safe place for Riley. Riley loved it. He ran on the dirty bike trail, explored the trees, and got worn out. It was a beautiful day for a run and Riley wasn't spooked by anything.

Happy National Read a Book Day

 

I love that there is a day set aside to celebrate reading a book.When I read about this special day it is simply a day designated to relax and read a book. I carved out some time today. This is what I read:

I borrowed this cookbook from my brother today. When we had a Mediterranean family dinner a few weeks ago I loved all the healthy recipes. This cookbook is full of those healthy recipes.

Instead of family dinner this week we did "bring your own family lunch" today. After catching up on the news of the week, events, and travel plans Paul and Carol stayed and did some garden planning with me. I have an area in the back corner of the yard that needs a makeover, there is a corner by  the table that needs a bit more TLC and we moved the ladder shelves Everett had built to a more efficient place. I dusted off my favorite gardening book and starting reading about landscaping.

I am continuing to read this book I wrote about last week on this blog. As I begin planning for seed purchases and flower beds for next year, this book is an inspiration. 

Most of us don't need a special day to relax and read a book, but in case you haven't carved out time lately to do it, stop, grab a book, and read.

Do LIfe Hacks Make Life Easier? Sometimes.

When I am scanning my news feeds each day  I often see articles about life hacks. While reading some of  these life hacks I shake my head and ask myself, "Why didn't I think of that?" There are also life hacks that I read and think ," I don't think that would work for me."

 According to Wikipedia a life hack (or life hacking) is any trick, shortcut, skill, or novelty method that increases productivity and efficiency in all walks of life.

While watching a cooking show last night a woman showed a life hack that would not work for me. The life hack was an idea of what to do with leftover red wine. She showed how to make red wine popsicles. When I think of red wine I am always concerned about staining my shirt or spilled wine on furniture or a rug. A wine popsicle? When I eat a popsicle it always falls apart before I finish. I picture myself with wine stains on my mouth, melted wine on my shirt, and a brain freeze to top it off. Not a life hack for me.

This is a new life hack I am going to try. Take the sticky part of a Post-It note along your keyboard and it will remove bits of food, pieces of grime, etc. Who knew?

Who has used duct tape to open a tough lid? I am trying it tomorrow. 

Did  you know if you sprinkle salt in the ice in a cooler it will stay frozen for much longer? Have you tried this?

Once I discovered Wrinkle Release spray I hardly use my iron anymore. It is perfect while traveling. There are lots of brands that are effective.

Have you ever used a straw to remove the stem from a strawberry? I haven't.

Where do you carry cash when you don't want to carry your wallet or purse, like when you are at the beach? This is new to me. Roll you money and place it in an empty lip balm tube. I don't think this would work for me. I can't imagine being able to roll the money tight enough to fit in a tube.  I would also be the person that tosses the lip balm tube, forgetting it had cash in it.

What is your favorite life hack?