Signs That Autumn is In The Air

People either can't wait for autumn to come or they love summer so much they aren't ready for autumn. There doesn't seem to be a group in the middle. I love it when signs of autumn are in the air.

First sign is that the nights are cooler and I don't have to spend hours watering every day. I love that.

Another sign is leaves are turning. Part of this is the dry conditions, but there are some 

pretty fall leaves already.

The cats are coming in more in the evening instead of doing whatever it is they do outside all night.

I feel like turning on my oven and baking again.

The sunrise is later and the sunset is earlier.

Apples are getting ready to pick.

It is craft time with friends. We always find so many fun crafts to do in autumn.

I need a blanket when going outside to drink my coffee.

Pumpkin flavors are everywhere. People are ready for pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin bread, pumpkins for autumn decor, pumpkin cream cold brew, pumpkin beer, and pumpkin pie.

For those of us that are retired teachers the signs of autumn in the air are no first day of school nightmares, no busting the budget on school supplies for the classroom, but a quieter, slower season to sit in the garden, sip a hot beverages, and watch the leaves turn.

Random Facts About Me

Here are some random facts about me. I don't think I am a mysterious person,but there may be random facts others may not know.

When I feel stressed, I organize my calendar. I don't have that many events on my calendar these days, but it makes me feel grounded to have everything in the little squares on my paper calendar and phone calendar.

I love polka dot everything. I love polka dot socks, blouses, bags, and decor for the garden. It always cheers me up.

I can't kill slugs. I just move them to safety if they are causing damage in the garden.

When I get ready to paint rooms in the house I have a terrible time making a decision on color. Everett always knew he wouldn't be painting for at least three weeks, because it always took me about that long to decide.

I love to shop for greeting cards and I love to mail them to friends and family.

I have never mastered the perfect way to get ice cubes out of a tray without spraining my wrist, cracking the tray, or spilling half of them on the floor.

When fall comes and the nights get cooler I love to buy warm socks. I don't need them, but I find comfort in having a drawer full of warm socks.

I never take time to delete pictures off of Google Photos. I might have five copies of the same picture and I just leave it . I have blurry pictures and just plain bad pictures. They are all still there. I think I see a big project in the future.

I always forget to drink water. Always. I think I need to set a goal for my healthier self!

 

The Best Time of Summer

 After all the hot, hot temperatures, the smoky skies, and the dry air I never thought we would arrive at what I call the best time of summer. For me the best time of summer is when the nights cool a bit, the air has more moisture, and the days below eighty degrees.are. It is the best time of summer because the flowers love it. They can recover during the night and then show their beautiful blooms in the sunshine during the day. The weed growth has slowed down. Everything in the garden doesn't need as much water. You can sit outside during the day and enjoy it!

The birds have come back to help themselves to food at the feeders. The butterflies are back out. I haven't seen as many flies or yellow jackets. Even Riley will stay outside while I putter in the garden. A few weeks ago it was even too hot for him. Now my wish is that frost stays away until October. Let us have at least five weeks of the best time of summer. 

8760 Days

The driveway from my house to the road where we would first meet.

 

Today is my wedding anniversary. We would have celebrated 24 years of marriage. We met September 1996, we were married  August 1997, and I kissed Everett good-bye for the last time November 30, 2020.  Our 8760 days knowing each other began on the road between our houses when I was out walking the dogs and he came out of his house to say hello.

Enjoying a fire in the gazebo sitting in his favorite chair.

Those days were filled with happiness and sadness, We had good times and bad times. We celebrated new life and mourned death too many times. Fortunately for us the good times far outweighed the bad times. We enjoyed one day road trips, and we planted flowers and vegetables. We raised cats and dogs, rabbits, and chickens. We loved to sit by the fire in the gazebo and enjoy our gardens. We held each close and cried when we lost loved ones and friends. One of  Everett's favorite sayings was, " If Christy is happy, I am tickled pink." He was tickled pink most of the time because he made me very happy.

a bouquet from the garden

Our anniversaries were special for the two of us.We didn't plan elaborate trips far away, or buy each other expensive gifts.  I may have gotten a pretty bouquet right from our own garden. Sometimes I got him his favorite kind of wine. A few years we even got the day mixed up. Often we had a quiet dinner together, or camped at our favorite camp site. 

Those 8760 days are filled with memories I will have the rest of my life. For that I am grateful. I miss him, but I am trying to continue to live a full life because that is what he wanted me to do. He would be happy to know I have learned how to use a drill and prepare for an evacuation. I may even get that garage organized so I can use it for the car. That was next on our list when he fell ill.

Our 8760 days ended with me holding his hand and praying with him. Rest in peace sweet Everett.

A Special Friend Tweety

Her BFF Diane surprising her on her birthday.

On the first day of school in sixth grade at Sunnyside School I met Tweety. That was a nickname she had. From that day on we have been friends. Our paths went separate ways, we lived in different places, but when we both retired at the same time we both ended up back in Kellogg. 

Tweety is away from home recovering from surgery. I look forward to the day we can laugh until we can't stop again. I spent some time remembering many fun memories this evening. I can't wait for her to read this post. I love ya girl.

Chris hosted a special birthday party with a special guest Diane.

                                                We hope to celebrate her birthday again soon.

We will miss her at our book club this week.

I am ready to recreate this photo on my front porch. We both love decorating for fall.

This was a really fun craft day at Tweety's house.

;

Teresa and I are ready for another Craft Hag day.

My dog Riley can't wait for her to visit again.

It's Raining, It's Pouring!

 After all the hot, dry weather and smoky skies it was such a treat to have rain this evening. I loved the sound and smell of the rain. I even enjoyed getting soaked as I ran to my car. What I didn't like was the sound of thunder and the sight of lightning

When I got home I dried off, grabbed a blanket, and sat and listened to the rain. It has been a long time since I enjoyed a good rainstorm. I started remembering what I love to do during a rainstorm.

Like a child I love to jump through puddles with rain boots while holding a polka dot umbrella.

In a rainstorm I love a hot cup of strong coffee, soft music, a good book, Riley, me, and a soft blanket in a chair in the She Shed.

I always love to walk on an ocean beach in a rainstorm.

I loved to take my first selfie with my sweetie while getting soaked with those grocery store rain ponchos.

While camping I loved sitting inside the RV, listening to the rain on the roof while playing Phase 10 and drinking red beers.

What do you like to do during a rainstorm?

 

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